Sasha stood before Asuka, her knife shining in the dim light, ready to strike. Her eyes were filled with intense rage.
"Sasha, wait..." Asuka gasped, still sprawled on the ground, his voice weak.
But Sasha was beyond listening. With a swift motion, she slashed down, aiming for his neck.
*Clack! Clank!*
The sharp sound of metal clashing against metal echoed throughout the chamber.
Just at that moment, Sasha's blade was met with an impenetrable barrier. It was Aang, his body transformed into a silver, metallic shield, stopping the knife inches from Asuka's head.
"Aang, why are you stopping me?" Sasha cried out, her voice breaking with the weight of her pain. "That bastard killed Nicolo! He was like your brother, right?"
Tears streamed down her face, mixing with the pain in her eyes as she stared at Aang. But Aang remained silent, his expression indifferent. Even Asuka, lying on the ground, looked up at Aang, bewildered. 'Why is he going that far for me?' Asuka wondered, and many questions rose in his mind.
"Aang, I don't understand why you're doing this," Sasha said, her voice shaking with emotion. "But remember, I'm a C-grade, and you're just a D. There's no way you can stop me."
Aang's face stayed indifferent as he replied, his voice firm. "You're right, Sasha. I can't stop you. But I will give everything I have to try. And I won't go down without a fight. Remember... Your family needs you now more than ever, especially after losing Nicolo. Think of them."
His words struck Sasha like a blow. Her resolve crumbled, and she fell to her knees, sobbing uncontrollably. Her anguished cries filled the dungeon, echoing off the stone walls.
Asuka, barely holding on to consciousness, watched the scene unfold through a haze of pain. The last thing he saw before fainting was Sasha's broken form and Aang's cold, disappointed gaze.
Aang looked down at Asuka, his eyes filled with a mix of disappointment and disgust as if questioning every reason he had to protect him.
.........
In open ground, a large stage stood at the centre, illuminated by an array of colourful lights and magical decorations that shined like enchanted fireflies.
A mirror tower stood at the very front of the stage, providing a perfect view for the VIP members. The tower's reflective surface glinted under the lights, offering views of the fights to those inside.
Around the stage, many masked men cheered and booed at the contestants. The atmosphere was energetic, with the clink of wine glasses and the murmur of parties mixing into the night's soundtrack. Laughter and shouts echoed through the crowd, adding to the festival-like vibe of the whole place.
On the stage, a man with a spear stood alone, his posture radiating arrogance and strength. He was muscular and imposing, the son of a member of the assembly. Pride sparkled in his eyes as he looked over the audience, soaking in their attention.
"First challenger, Sasha Leroy," Cutting through the loud music, the commentator announced into the mic from his position at the side of the stage.
A moment later, a blonde girl walked up from the crowd, her steps deliberate and steady. It was Sasha. Her gaze was cold and unflinching as she fixed her eyes on the bulky man before her. Yet, every so often, she glanced towards the helipad atop the tower, as if waiting for someone.
Then, a wide grin spread across her lips, drawing the attention of the bulky man in front of her. Even the whole crowd fell silent as all eyes turned towards the helicopter descending onto the helipad. The anticipation was noticeable in the air.
When the helicopter landed, the silence broke into a roar of cheers and excitement. The man everyone had been waiting for stepped out.
Ragnar Volford, a towering figure with brown hair and a deep scar etched across his face, looked formidable even in his forties. His crimson eyes gazed over the crowd as he moved forward, exuding an aura of command and confidence.
"Duke Ragnar!"
"Duke Ragnar!"
"Duke Ragnar!"
The chants filled the night, echoing throughout the grounds as Ragnar waved his hand.
"Tomorrow, the auction house will open," Ragnar announced in a loud, clear voice that cut through the noise. "I hope you all are excited! Now, let's start the festival."
His words ignited the crowd further. Smiling, Ragnar moved towards his seat within the tower, surrounded by a group of security.
Sasha's cold grin widened as she looked at Ragnar. 'Great! The Divine Dragon isn't with him,' she thought, her eyes shifting back to the bulky man before her.
"Start!" the commentator's voice rosed, signalling the beginning of the fight.
Sasha was the first to start, launching a swift kick aimed at the man's head. He reacted quickly, catching her foot with both hands. Then He looked up at her with a smug grin, confident in his strength.
But Sasha had a trick up her sleeve. Activating her blessing, she glitched, her body flickering out of sight. In an instant, she reappeared behind him, a knife in her hand ready to strike. But just in time, the man sensed her presence and dodged, spinning around to counter with a punch.
Before his fist could connect, a light laugh escaped Sasha's lips causing the him to stop momentarily.
In a flash, she drew a small gun from her pocket. The weapon suddenly changed into a sniper rifle in her hands. With a calculated movement, she aimed not at her opponent but towards the VIP area where Ragnar was seated.
The bullet tore through the magical barrier protecting Ragnar and struck him directly in the head. His body slumped, lifeless.
"The anti-magic sniper really worked!" Sasha shouted, a joyous smile spreading across her face. "I don't care what happens to me now. I've avenged you finally mother." Her voice echoed with the satisfaction of her victory.
But her joy was short-lived. Confusion spread across her face just after as she realized that everyone around her was laughing, weird it was like they were making fun of her. Even the bulky man she was fighting roared with laughter. Her eyes roamed over the crowd, totally confused. 'What the hell is going on?' she thought, panic rising in her chest.
*Clap! Clap!*
Just then the sound of clapping drew her attention back to Ragnar's body. Her eyes widened in shock as a man walked from the shadows and approached Ragnar's corpse.
Sasha's heart pounded as she stared, unable to comprehend what she was seeing.
The man, now standing beside the fallen body, spoke with a wide, almost mocking smile, "You did a splendid job, Sasha. Just what I'd expect from Olivia's child."
He paused, his gaze piercing as he looked down at her. Then walking forward from shadows revealing his face, he then tore away the face of what she thought was Ragnar with quick hands, revealing an old man underneath the disguise.
Sasha's breath caught in her throat as she looked up, seeing the real Ragnar standing healthy and whole before her.
Then her glance switched towards the corpse, and with a sudden shock Sasha fell to her knees, her mind overloading with intense emotions. "Dad!" she muttered in disbelief, her voice breaking.
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{A/N}
Thanks for reading!