Dominic's body shuddered as unrestrained anger erupted from his chest. "How dare you treat me like this!... Let go of me this instant!"
Garth directly ignored him as he turned to face Storm Rider, the latter regaining itself as it slowly got back to its feet.
It stared at Garth before switching its attention to its useless contractor that still ended up in the enemy's hands. Pathetic.
That was Storm Rider's real thoughts. It did not pity Dominic one bit. Even if he died, it would only result in a little backlash that can be easily taken care of with a little meditation and rest.
"Storm, help me out!... Get me out of here!" Dominic yelled out but Storm Rider did not respond, instead, Dominic could just about make out the disdainful tint in its eyes as it stared at him.
Storm Rider snorted and turned its attention from Dominic.
Dominic on the other end felt a sense of foreboding and for some reason, dreaded what was about to happen next.
Garth and Storm Rider exchanged looks with one another for almost a minute before the latter made the first move.
It took a step forward and Garth clenched his fist with several sand fists appearing around Storm Rider.
The slightest misstep and he would be sent back to Alfheim, but he couldn't afford to do so now, especially with such a precious talent before him.
Thus he did what any sensible dimensional being would do and that was… to bend the knee.
Garth was about to comment but Storm Rider's words caused the words to remain stuck in his throat as he stared at the giant bird that was kneeling before him.
"You are worthy of my respect, human."
This drew gasps from the crowd and several were left impressed. At this point, they were aware of what was to happen next but they couldn't believe it… at least, not yet.
Meanwhile, Dominic watched his precious summon kneel to another. He frantically sent telepathic messages to Storm Rider.
"This is a game right?"
"You are messing around right?"
"Come on, answer me!... Why are you ignoring me?"
Just as the latter kept bombarding Storm Rider with questions, the latter suddenly gazed at him with an angered look on his face.
"You don't have the right to be the contractor of the great me. If I could sever my ties with you, I would have done so already!"
Those words were like a thunderclap that echoed as Dominic came to a realization thus he kept quiet with his head down.
His defeat was inching closer by the second and by the looks of it, it would be a story to tell the younger generation.
On the other side, Garth questioned Storm Rider. "What is the meaning of this?... Why are you bowing to me?"
Storm Rider quickly responded. "You have earned my respect human, thus I must acknowledge you."
"Is that it?" Garth asked.
Storm Rider paused before slowly shaking its head. "Unfortunately not, there is another thing that I would like to ask of you, young Magician."
"…What is it?"
"Please take me as your companion. Let us forge a contract between us."
Garth was stunned but did not let it show on his face. He merely stared blankly at Storm Rider but currently, his mind was a mess as he understood the implications of what he just heard.
Just then, a pained howl reverberated through the arena. "No!... Storm Rider you cannot do this!... Please, just trust me!" It was Dominic and he was slowly losing his mind as he watched his so-called precious comrade swear allegiance to another person.
What's more, that other person just gave both of them a thrashing.
"If you do not stop talking, then I will help the honorable gentleman to finish you off myself." Storm Rider said without a hint of shame.
At this point, newcomers would think that Storm Rider belonged to Garth and not the pitiful teen that couldn't do anything but watch as his years of work was about to be taken from him.
Garth asked to confirm. "You want me to become your Sire?"
"Yes." Storm Rider replied in a heartbeat.
"Why?" came the obvious question. This was the first time that he had seen a summon disagree with its master and even swear allegiance to another.
It made him feel wary.
Storm Rider was prepared as he responded. "I believe that only the strong should have the right to make a name for themselves and as far as I'm concerned, you are indeed strong. Indeed even if it's to become your mount, then I will cherish the honor."
Garth nodded in understanding. "I see. So that's the case."
Storm Rider felt hopeful as it could already see itself holding onto Garth's golden thighs for as long as possible.
"Will you take me?"
Garth pursed his lips as he slowly responded. "I would… be a fool to listen to anything you have to say!"
!!!
Storm Rider felt tremors around it and before it had a chance to make a run for it, sand erupted from the area around it and grabbed onto its body before proceeding to build a structure with the bird at the center.
"Reign of the Pyramid."
Just then, Storm Rider's pained voice came through the structure. "Why are you doing this?... I have already surrendered and sworn my allegiance to you. Why are you treating me like this?"
Garth smirked coldly. "Did you think that I would agree to your request so easily?... Take this as your test, little Birdy."
Storm Rider slightly shuddered. "What test is this?"
Garth did not immediately respond as he slowly made his way to the pyramid and placed his right palm on it.
In a voice laced with arrogance, Garth muttered. "I want you to die for me."
Storm Rider was about to respond but Garth gave no room for negotiation. He pushed his fingers into the pyramid and clenched his fist.
What followed next was the sound of bones cracking, flesh turning to meat paste, and a pained scream that reverberated across the entire arena.
"Eaaaahh!!!"