The scene unfolded with a cacophony of pain and chaos.
Stan's agonizing scream filled the air as his body became engulfed in purplish flames, indicating that this was no ordinary fire—it was mana-induced, a result of a powerful spell he had unleashed. His subconscious mind had instinctively tapped into his mana reserves, causing the manifestation of these ominous flames.
The excruciating sensation caused Stan to double over, retching and vomiting, his body convulsing from the overwhelming pain. The world seemed to spin around him as he expelled blood, mixing it with his vomit. His face contorted with torment, his mind struggling to comprehend what had just occurred.
Jayce, the first to react, swiftly executed a movement spell, appearing beside Stan in an instant. He extended his arm and supported Stan, helping him sit up on the ground, concern etched across his face.
Meanwhile, Bryce focused his attention on Eren, who appeared on the verge of collapse. Observing the aftermath of Eren's powerful punch, Bryce noticed that Eren had exerted himself to the point of injury. Blood began to seep from his knuckles, stripping away the skin to reveal a raw, red layer beneath.
Drip. Drip. Drip.
Eren's body struggled to retain its composure as blood steadily dripped from his wounds, forming a small puddle on the ground. His sheer willpower and unwavering determination were the only things keeping him on his feet.
The punch he had unleashed had exceeded the limits of his unranked body. While he could channel his mana, he lacked a mana core, limiting him to utilizing the natural mana stored within his circuits. It meant he couldn't execute the same devastating move repeatedly.
Amidst the chaos, a singular thought resonated within Eren's mind, the words "Seek and ye shall find." He repeated this mantra, unaware of its profound impact on his psyche.
Stan's screams of pain persisted as his body fought to expel Eren's foreign mana from his weakened solar plexus. Jayce watched over him with a mix of astonishment and wonder, unsure of how to help alleviate his suffering.
Ralph, on the other hand, felt an inexplicable sense of danger emanating from the battered non-ranker. He chided himself for being intimidated by someone outside the ranks.
"Aaaaargh… Fear not, Ralph and Jayce. Kill… uh… kill this motherfokin Eren. Kill him now, and you shall be greatly rewarded," Stan commanded, his face contorted by pain, hate, and fear. He yearned for respite and believed that eliminating Eren would finally grant him peace of mind. Moreover, he couldn't fathom the consequences if a formidable individual like Eren were to ascend the ranks and seek revenge.
Jayce and Ralph locked eyes upon hearing Stan's offer, fully aware of the wealth and opportunities at stake. Their experiences in the Numbered Oasis had hardened them, making the act of killing for personal gain seem commonplace.
Jayce began to move back to his original position, standing beside Ralph. A sigh escaped his lips as he regarded Eren's sorry state, prompting him to speak.
"Eren, we tormented you, mocked you all this time, and you fought back. I understand that, at least to some extent," Jayce began, his voice tinged with a mix of empathy and frustration. "But sometimes, we must choose our battles wisely and consider the repercussions of our actions."
Ralph raised an eyebrow, intrigued by Jayce's unexpected monologue. However, he remained a man of few words, opting for action over speech. Observing his companion's words, Jayce continued, hoping to convey his sentiments, however unfairly they might sound.
"I don't blame you for fighting back, Eren. I blame you for choosing the wrong person to challenge, especially when you aren't even an official ranker yet," Jayce asserted, his tone carrying a hint of regret. "Your time has run out, and regrets are bitter pills to swallow. This will be over swiftly. I hope you forgive me for liberating you from your suffering."
Jayce believed his words to be rational, despite their potential unfairness. However, instead of anger or agreement, Eren burst into laughter, his bloodied teeth on full display.
"Hahahahahahaha!" Eren's maniacal laughter filled the air.
"I never knew you were a philosopher, Jayce—a philosopher of bullshittery! I thought that it was the title for me. But you are indeed a better contender." Eren chuckled, his laughter tinged with defiance. "If you wish to come at me, there's no need for justification or reason. The reward you'll receive as Stan's lapdog should be motivation enough, right?"
Eren wiped the blood from his mouth with the back of his left hand, a dark smirk gracing his face. He spat out a mixture of saliva and blood before continuing his retort.
"That speech was for your own satisfaction, not mine. Don't assume you can understand my life, my choices, or my struggles based on your own narrow perspective. It doesn't work that way," Eren proclaimed, his voice laced with conviction.
"In order to taste my cup of water, you must first empty your own."