Jayden couldn't help but think back to what led to this scenario.
After being roughed up by the gang of thugs, he was ready to talk. He described Morningstar's sly, cunning nature, and the ability that allowed him to gain knowledge regarding beasts or how to survive. He even spilt the beans on Li Xi, telling them all about her powers and abilities plus how beautiful she looks. His fear of the thugs was so great, that he would have said anything to get them off his back even if it meant telling them the exact amount he had in his bank. At that moment he didn't even care about keeping Li Xi for himself, and he was willing to betray them all just to save himself.
If he dies he won't have a chance to even smell her talk less of tasting her right?
Thinking about it, Jayden looked over at Morningstar, who was seemingly unfazed by the thugs' presence, he thought to himself, _Just wait. I can't wait to see that calm façade of yours crumble when you get a taste of their violence._ Jayden was full of resentment and anger, and he was eager to see the tables turned on Morningstar. He was confident that the thugs would bring the arrogant son of a bitch to his knees, and he couldn't wait to see it happen.
_Where the hell is the other son of a betrayal ?_ Jayden thought as his eyes darted around, trying to spot Jace. Unknowingly Jace has already run far away. His timid nature won't allow him to face off against these numbers. Thankfully the moon was shining on each and everyone so he was able to spot the 20+ people coming towards their direction and without hesitation, he abandoned both Li Xi and Morningstar.
"Morningstar, if you know what's good for you get up and follow us. From now henceforth you will only listen to the boss, Jack's order! But before we move, cut off one of your arms!" Jayden said with his swollen chin held high.
Meanwhile, Jack who was responsible for controlling the hooligans chuckled and stepped forward.
"Hey, kid," Jack, the leader of the thugs said, fixing his gaze on Morningstar. "You seem to know your way around such an environment. Why don't you join us?"
"Sorry, but I'm not really a people person," Morningstar replied, nonchalantly chewing on a piece of bloody meat. He didn't seem at all fazed by the dangerous situation he was in.
The leader's eyes narrowed, and with a cold gaze, he let out.
"Listen, kiddo," the leader of the thugs said, his voice low and threatening. "You shouldn't be fool thinking the society rules exist here. I'm trying to be reasonable, but if you don't cooperate, my men are going to make things very unpleasant for you. Do yourself a favour and follow us quietly?"
Morningstar continued to eat his food, seemingly oblivious to the danger he was in. He seemed completely at ease, which only served to frustrate the leader even more.
"Why aren't you taking this seriously?" he growled.
[This is Frustrating! Morningstar, you have to fight these guys or you won't have a moment of peace! Show them power!] Abyssal's voice sounded exasperated.
_I can't fight them goddamit, it's not possible! I'm only pretending to be a tough guy, even with the little knowledge I got I haven't gotten the chance to practice it! Why don't you take over?_
[You do know that it will cost you your soul if I take over frequently? If I take control, I'll replace you sooner or later.]
_Then what the hell do you want me to do?_
[It's simple, they're not super humans, they're just ordinary humans, or at best, peak humans. As a pseudo-superhuman, you have the strength to take on multiple of them at the same time! Just throw a punch, kick them in the chest, or sweep their legs. You'll be surprised at how much you can take them out with minimal effort. Come on, give it a try and use this chance to perfect your techniques!]
_I don't know, it's still risky. I'm not confident in my abilities._
[I'll be there to back you up. You're not going to be in any real danger.]
_Really? You? How can I trust someone with the name Abyssal?_ Morningstar questioned
[I promise on my hellish soul. Kid this is the most holy promise from hell, hmph be grateful I use it.]
_Okay..._
****
Frustrated, Jack gave a signal to some of his thugs to move in on Morningstar. Three big men stepped forward, approaching him with hostile intent. Li Xi watched in terror, she could feel her heart pounding in her chest. She even considered running away, but she knew it would only be a temporary escape.
_Even if I die, I want to die whole. I can't let them take me as a sex toy._ She gripped her knife tightly, waiting for the right moment to strike.
As one of the thugs reached out to punch Morningstar, who was still sitting casually on the ground, Morningstar finally made his move. With lightning speed, he grabbed the man's fist and squeezed it tightly.
CRACK!
The man let out a bloodcurdling scream as he collapsed to the ground, writhing in agony. His fist was bent at an unnatural angle, and he could no longer move it.
The other thugs were stunned. They didn't expect Morningstar to be so fast, strong and most importantly brutal to a fellow human. They hesitated, unsure of what to do next.
As Jayden watched the scene unfold before him, his heart suddenly turned chill from fear. Just then, he heard a whisper in his mind.
[Rile up the thugs and use this opportunity to run for it.]
It was a voice of reason, and Jayden listened. With a surge of adrenaline, he yelled at the thugs. "What are you waiting for? Don't tell me you're scared of one man! If he was truly as strong as he seems, he wouldn't be sitting there, we would have been dead by now! He is just putting on a facade!"
Jayden's words seemed to have an effect on the thugs. They looked at each other and nodded as if reaching a silent agreement. One of them yelled, "The new guy is right! Let's take him down!"
The other thugs let out a war cry and rushed forward some held sticks, knives or bare hands. Jayden saw no one paying close attention to him, suddenly saw his chance and took off running in the opposite direction. He sprinted as fast as he could, his feet pounding against the ground. He didn't dare look back, knowing that if he did, he might slow down or trip and fall. He just had to keep running.
_Just you wait, you son of a gun! Once I become strong, I'll come back for you. I'll tear you apart, piece by piece! And you, Li Xi, I'll make you my slave. You'll do whatever I say. You'll be my plaything. You'll regret ever leaving me for that scum!_
The words came tumbling out of Jayden's mind, full of rage and hatred. He was consumed by a desire for power.
Meanwhile, Morningstar, who witnessed everyone rushing towards him, cursed inwardly before quickly peeking at his surroundings. Without wasting any time, he instinctively swung his weapon sideways, striking the person closest to him.
Crack!
The individual could feel the bones in his chest breaking as he was sent tumbling to the floor, his condition unknown.
The second person saw it but did not retreat. Instead, he lifted his long wooden stick and took advantage of Morningstar's lack of awareness to strike. With a whoosh! The stick landed a powerful blow on Morningstar's back, causing it to break apart.
"This doesn't even hurt!" Morningstar exclaimed in surprise as he twisted his waist and forcefully thrust his spear into the person's head. Trembling for the first time due to his monstrous strength, Morningstar witnessed brain matter and blood splattering from the guy's head, he couldn't help but feel his grip on the spear shake from the shock, even though his emotions were a bit numb but seeing himself killing a human made him feel excited but scared, confused and daze at the same time.
[Morningstar! Do not get distracted, or you will die in this situation!] Abyssal voice snapped him out of his thoughts. Unfortunately, at that very moment, someone had already reached him with a knife in hand! Just as the person was about to stab Morningstar, Li Xi, who was nearby, lunged at the man. Thanks to her superpower, she easily reached him and, with a determined heart, stabbed him in the chest.
"Thank you..." Morningstar subconsciously said he didn't even get a chance to properly adjust his mental state as more people rushed at him. Feeling their ill intent forced him to swing his spear around in a disorganised manner, all thanks to his inhumane strength no one could get close to him and whoever did would only receive some broken bones or worse case die.
"Fuck! Where's the new guy?" Suddenly one of the thugs yelled. It was at this moment they realised Jayden had used Morningstar to keep them busy and escaped.
"Dammit!" Jack felt furious, he was at the back but all his attention had been on Morningstar throughout which made it good for Jayden to escape.
"Everyone, retreat!" Jack shouted. He knew most of them were ordinary people and the few with superpowers wouldn't be able to match Morningstar, let's not add Li Xi. Also although they have a magical artifact here but Jack didn't want to use it unless when pushed into a desperate situation.
With his words, everyone quickly retreated while letting out a sigh of relief, facing Morningstar made them feel helpless.
But just then, Morningstar's half-golden eyes suddenly change color to pure red. Then a cold voice which made everyone subconsciously stop breathing spoke.
"I didn't remember letting anyone leave do I?"
(•‿•)