The dense forest parted like a curtain, revealing a towering figure who emerged with an air of supreme confidence. Clad in rugged animal furs that barely contained his massive, muscular frame, the man strode forward with a commanding presence. At an imposing 6'3", his every step seemed to echo authority. His piercing blue eyes, sharp and unyielding, scanned the scene with a chilling coldness, as if calculating every possible outcome.
His buzz cut and rugged beard added to his formidable demeanor, emphasizing his dominance and control. Beside him, the two beastkin slaves, each bearing the powerful ram-like features of seasoned warriors, flanked him with a menacing aura. Their muscles rippled beneath their furred attire, and their eyes were hardened with a blend of fear and defiance.
In stark contrast to the imposing trio, Remy cowered behind Valentinus and Keir, his figure small and trembling. The vulnerable boy seemed dwarfed by the sheer presence of Corvin and his beastkin, his fear palpable in the tense atmosphere.
Keir wasted no time, his eyes narrowing as he activated his Inspect skill. Information rapidly materialized before him, revealing the massive figure's name: Corvin. The data highlighted Corvin's impressive stats, though they were significantly less formidable compared to Valentinus's. What truly drew Keir's concern was Corvin's magical ability: "Beast Tamer." This skill enabled him to control beastkin and monsters, and if he had mastered it sufficiently, he could even harness their powers.
"Looks like we've got a serious problem here," Keir muttered under his breath, eyes darting between the slaves and their master.
The two beastkin beside Corvin tensed, recognizing Valentinus and Keir from their previous encounter. They exchanged uneasy glances, their muscles taut with anxiety. Corvin, however, was oblivious to Valentinus's true identity. He only knew the name of the man who had thwarted his previous plans.
"Remy," Corvin's voice was smooth yet menacing. "Come here. I have no time for games."
Remy's voice quivered as he pleaded, "Please, don't let him take me."
Corvin's expression darkened at Remy's words; his teeth ground together and his fists tightened with anger. However, his mood shifted abruptly as his gaze fell upon Mira. His eyes widened with intrigue as he took in her striking fox-like features, and a twisted smirk played at his lips. "Well, well," he drawled, a hint of amusement in his voice. "What do we have here? That's quite a stunning slave, I must say. Are you open to negotiations? I'm prepared to offer five robust male beastkin, including the one cowering behind you, in exchange for this exquisite creature." His eyes locked onto Valentinus, clearly expecting a response.
Before Valentinus could utter a word, Mira stepped forward with eyes blazing and an aura of fierce defiance. "I am no slave, you bumbling fool!" she declared, her voice ringing with conviction. "I'll give you one chance: turn around and leave now. If you don't, I'll make sure you regret ever laying eyes on me."
Keir observed the exchange with a wry smile, thinking to himself, "Well, the man does have good taste; can't fault him for that. Without his magic power, it'd be a close match. Mira could probably take him down, if it came to it, it'd be a tough fight, but she's tough enough."
Corvin's chuckle echoed ominously, sending a chill down Keir's spine. "A beastkin with spirit, how quaint," he said, his voice laced with cruel amusement. His gaze turned cold and his demeanor darkened as a vein bulged on his forehead and his fist clenched tightly. "Do you really think you're in a position to make demands?" His eyes then locked onto Valentinus. "I'll double my offer! ten beastkin, if you let me break this loudmouth and teach her a lesson. What do you say? It's a generous deal, far more than she's worth!" His words were sharp, laden with a menacing edge that promised suffering.
Mira's fists clenched at her sides, her face flushed with anger. As she moved forward again, Valentinus placed a steadying hand on her shoulder. "Stay back," he commanded gently, his voice laced with authority. "I won't allow this man to take anyone, especially not while I'm here."
Corvin's eyes narrowed, a dangerous glint in them. "And who do you think you are to dictate my actions? I'm here for what I came for, and no one is going to stop me!"
Valentinus turned to Remy, his voice cutting through the tension. "Child, tell me, is this not the man who ordered the attempt on my life?" he said, making sure Corvin could hear every word. It was a clear signal to the man, announcing Valentinus's true identity and making it clear who he was dealing with.
Remy nodded, his eyes brimming with tears of both fear and relief. "Yes, it's him," he confirmed, his voice trembling as he added weight to Valentinus's declaration.
Corvin's face paled slightly as he recognized Valentinus, the same man who had effortlessly taken down Brax the Axe. The realization struck him with a jolt. He had sent assassins after Valentinus, believing the rumors that he was weak and kind. Now, faced with the reality of Valentinus's strength, Corvin's confidence wavered.
Corvin's mind raced as he quickly assessed the situation. With his two beastkin slaves at his side and his formidable magic ability, he calculated he had the advantage. His strategy was clear: with his "Beast Tamer" magic, he could control Mira and Remy, turning them against Valentinus. All he needed was to act swiftly before they could counter his move.
A dark, malevolent aura began to swirl around Corvin, his confidence radiating as he prepared to unleash his power. His eyes gleamed with cold calculation as he sneered, "It's a shame, really. I extended a generous offer, and yet you refuse. Now, I'll take everything you cherish. Starting with your precious little slave and then… your life."
With a commanding gesture, Corvin's magic surged toward Mira and Remy. The force of his aura tried to envelop them, but nothing happened. The barriers around them held firm, repelling the dark energy.
Keir's smirk grew wider. *"Perfect, the barriers are holding. Corvin's Beast Tamer ability must be no higher than level two,"* he thought, satisfaction evident in his eyes.
As Corvin's dark aura collided with the barriers, it fizzled out, failing to penetrate their defenses. His frustration mounted, and his roar of anger echoed through the forest. "What trickery is this?" he thundered.
Valentinus's expression hardened, his voice firm and resolute. "You can't control them. That Beast Tamer magic you're so proud of will have no effect here."
As Corvin's magic collided with the barriers, he seethed with rage. *How does he know about my Beast Tamer magic?* His mind raced, realizing that Remy must have revealed his secrets. *No matter,* he thought, *I still have the upper hand.*
Turning his fierce gaze toward his two slaves, he barked, "Get those other beastkin over here, now!" His voice was unyielding, the command a testament to his unshakable authority.
The slaves hesitated, fear evident in their eyes. Corvin's aura intensified, and their eyes got a slight haze to them as they were forced into action. As they charged forward, Valentinus drew his whip with a swift motion. He lashed it at the ground, sending a sharp crack through the air. The slaves snapped out of it and skidded to a halt, their eyes wide with fear.
"Normally, l'm not one to let anger dictate my actions," Valentinus warned, his voice cold and steely. "But since you've already tried to take my life once before, if you take another step, I won't hesitate to end yours." The intensity in his gaze was palpable, making even Keir shiver. He had never seen this side of Valentinus before.
Corvin's eyes narrowed with frustration as he made a decisive move. He charged forward, fists clenched, aiming to land a blow on Valentinus. But in an instant, Valentinus's whip lashed out, the crack of the weapon slicing through the air with formidable force.
The whip struck Corvin's chest with a resounding thud, the impact sending him sprawling backward. The power of the strike was immense, and Corvin struggled to remain upright, his face contorted with pain and disbelief. The sheer force left him breathless and shaken, underscoring just how outmatched he truly was.
"Retreat!" Corvin barked, his voice laced with defeat and fear. "We're leaving!"
Valentinus took a step forward, his eyes blazing with a mix of anger and resolve. "Oh, no. You're mistaken," he said, his voice edged with steely conviction. "I've already made it clear—there are no slaves here."
Keir, grasping the gravity of the situation, nodded and swiftly erected barriers around the two beastkin slaves Corvin had brought. "You're safe now," he said reassuringly, his tone firm.
Valentinus turned to the two former slaves, his voice softening with genuine compassion. "You're free now. You don't have to follow him anymore."
The two beastkin stood in stunned silence, their eyes widening as they felt the oppressive weight of Corvin's magic vanish. For the first time, they experienced the sensation of true freedom. Tears welled in their eyes, their gratitude and disbelief clear as day.
As Corvin's frustration reached a boiling point, he roared at his two former slaves, "Get over here! You belong to me!" His voice crackled with anger and desperation.
The beastkin, still reeling from the shock of being freed from Corvin's magic, exchanged uncertain glances. With their eyes filled with a mix of relief and newfound resolve, they looked back at Valentinus. Understanding the gravity of their situation, they nodded gratefully. Without another word, they turned and walked away, disappearing into the depths of the forest, leaving Corvin's rage behind them.
Enraged by the loss of his slaves and his thwarted plans, Corvin drew a massive blade from his back and charged at Valentinus. His fury was palpable as he swung the blade with lethal intent.
Keir reacted instantly, summoning a barrier to intercept the attack. The massive blade sliced through the shield with a shudder, its edge grazing the barrier's surface. Despite the force of the blow, the shield held firm, protecting Valentinus from the worst of the strike.
Valentinus nodded in approval at Keir's swift response. Corvin struggled to free his blade from the barrier, his face contorted in fury.
"You may have thwarted me today," Corvin snarled, "but this isn't over."
With a final, venomous glare, Corvin retreated, disappearing into the forest. Valentinus turned to Remy and Mira, his expression softening.
"You're safe now," he said gently. "Remy, you're free. You don't have to worry about him anymore."
Remy's eyes filled with tears of relief as he threw his arms around Valentinus. "Thank you," he choked out, his voice breaking with emotion.
Valentinus patted his back reassuringly. "You're welcome," he replied warmly. "You're safe now."