The Phoenix flames flickered in Alex's hands, casting an eerie, deep red glow around him.
The Awakened and the massive Rhinoceros beast had their attention wholly focused on Alex by this point, feeling the intensity of the heat emanating from the flames.
The beast snorted and snarled, pawing at the ground, while the mercenaries and students eyed Alex with a mix of curiosity and irritation.
"Fuck off-" Another one of the mercenaries, a burly man with a scar running down his cheek, stepped forward, ready to confront Alex.
It was obvious that he was probably the leader of this ragtag group of awakened.
Alex ignored the mercenary, his eyes locked onto the beast's.
"Back off if you don't want to end up dead," Alex commanded, his voice firm.
