Felix tossed and turned the entire night as he waited patiently for Dyara to come for him.
After Nathan's warning, he couldn't help but ponder on what her test would be.
If it was too much for him to handle, it would cost his life.
His fear of death albeit restrained remained.
"She wouldn't make me do something crazy, right?" Felix muttered. "What am I saying?... It's wishful thinking not to expect something messed up."
[Notice. I advise host adjusts his mental state to be in peak condition for whatever test your new owner would give]
"Can you cut it with the whole new owner?" Felix sighed. "Her name is Dyara and nothing would happen if you say it like that."
[Notice. Please do not tell me what to do]
Felix's eyebrow twitched but he ultimately remained silent.
At some point, he managed to drift off to sleep but this didn't last long as he was soon jolted awake by a sharp pain in his side.
"Ugh." He groaned as he opened his eyes to find himself in a large hall.
Unlike the sci-fi cell he was kept in, this looked more like a room a noble would use to host a party with enough space to fit over 200 people at a go.
The hall was empty with a large two-way door on the Southern axis.
A balcony overlooking the hall was at the Northern axis and it was currently occupied by Dyara and Nathan.
"How did I get here?" Felix asked as he got to his feet but received no response.
Naturally, Aya stayed silent leaving Felix to deal with whatever was happening.
"A week ago, you dared to ask for your freedom," Dyara spoke calmly. "And I gave you an ultimatum… prove yourself or die like the dog you are."
Felix pursed his lips as his heart palpitated softly.
For some reason, the hall's temperature rose to cause perspiration to appear on his forehead.
"It's time to prove yourself." At some point, a faint smile appeared on Dyara's lips. "I hope you can entertain me enough."
As she finished speaking, the doors in the hall flung open, and chained men and women, numbering 20, walked into the hall.
They looked partially deranged as their eyes were bloodshot, their hair scattered, and their skin with different marks.
Their clothes were tattered and some even had their mouths sealed shut.
That wasn't the end though as a young girl appeared in their midst.
Her fragile frame was reflected in Felix's vision.
She looked to be no more than 13 yet…
Felix felt his heart run cold.
These were humans just like him, people that had suffered under the Demirs as slaves.
"…What is this?" Felix forgot the fear in his heart as he asked aggressively.
Dyara beamed. "This is the chance to prove yourself!... Prove that you will do anything to gain my favor."
"What does this have to do with them?" Felix questioned.
"Kill them."
Felix turned wide-eyed.
Momentarily, he remained silent as his head buzzed.
At the side, Nathan had his hands behind him as he subconsciously formed a fist before releasing his palm.
"Kill them and I will accept your request to become my retainer." Dyara continued. "What?... Why do you hesitate?... You cannot do it?"
Felix tried to speak but found that he had no words.
This was… too much.
No matter how much he wanted revenge, how could he bring himself down to such a level?
He unknowingly took a step back.
Dyara sighed. "As I thought, you can't do it."
"…Anything." Felix suddenly spoke up, his voice trembled as he tried to control his emotions.
"What did you say?" Dyara feigned bad hearing as she cupped her right ear.
Felix's lips quivered. "… I'll do anything you want but please… don't do this."
Dyara slowly retracted her hand. "Hmm, a pity. Even now, when faced with an opportunity of a lifetime, you still show mercy. You'd rather remain a slave than kill your kind?"
"Please don't do this. I'll do anything!" Felix could only repeat himself as he dropped to his knees.
"Puhahahaha." Dyara belly laughed. "Pathetic. Do you think I would show you mercy?... It's either you or them."
"This…" Felix's expression froze.
"What?... Did you think that I'd allow you to go Scot free for trying to bargain with me?... You, a mere dog?... You brought this upon yourself and them!"
"No!" Felix exclaimed in disbelief.
He was only trying to make a way for himself.
It only involved him, so why bring in these poor people?
What had they done wrong?
"Punish me!" Felix tried to convince Dyara.
Dyara snorted. "Didn't you hear me?"
"What?"
Dyara directly ignored Felix as she glanced at the slaves. "You crave freedom, don't you?... Here is your chance at freedom."
No, what is she doing?... Felix turned around, capturing the gazes of every single one of them.
Their ears pricked up at the mention of the word, 'freedom'.
Their eyes glazed over as their imagination ran wild.
Just how beautiful would it be to be free again?
Once again, Nathan formed a fist at the side as his breathing sped up.
"Kill that man," Dyara remarked while pointing at Felix. "… And you will be able to walk free."
At the same time, the chains that bound the slaves fell off.
For the first time, they were able to move without the clanging of metals.
Their limbs were no longer constrained and they could move freely.
… and all this would be permanent as long as they killed one man.
Their gaze fell on Felix and the latter couldn't help but flinch at the coldness that accompanied it.
"No, she's lying!... She's manipulating us!... Don't do this!" Felix didn't want to fight them.
His grudge was with the Demirs and humans that treated their comrades as trash just to get into Demir society.
He never planned on harming those that had suffered as much as he had.
But now, it seemed like he didn't have a choice.
Dyara had said it plainly.
It was either him… or them.
Felix glanced at the balcony. "Nathan!... Don't let her do this!"
Their eyes met for a moment before Nathan looked away.
His eyes teared up as he struggled to contain his emotions.
"I'm sorry… my family."
Felix moved to Dyara but the latter had excitement written over her face.
There was no hope.
Felix dropped his head in despair.
"I thought I was smart but it seemed I was wrong, after all." He muttered self-deprecatingly. "In the end, I harmed innocents that had no reason to be involved."
As he heard the first footstep approach him, Felix's expression turned abnormally cold.
He raised his head and glared at Dyara. "I hope you enjoy the show."
"Oh, I will," Dyara replied with no qualms.