Mariam forced her anger down, taking a subtle, defensive step backward toward the obsidian bar.The only shield standing between her and complete destruction was the girl locked in the depths below.But even then, she knew better than to stupidly use Sara Connor as a hostage—threatening Alistair's leverage directly would only ensure her immediate, agonizing execution."You reject a crown to play the righteous savior," Mariam hissed softly, her voice dripping with suppressed poison. "How touchingly noble. But do not mistake my willingness to negotiate for weakness, Alistair Reid."Alistair didn't bother to reply, merely watching her with passive detachment.Mariam crossed her arms, smoothing down the oversized silk shirt as her composure slowly returned, though her eyes burned with dark resentment. "Fine. Have it your way. But if you think you can simply walk in here and slaughter your way out with your prize, you are sorely mistaken. You are not the only powerhouse on this island.""I

Shaman Ali had planned to purchase any items that could help him grow further in his mystical arts but who would have thought that Alistair would fight him over something like this?“I'll remember you.” He remarked with Alistair replying.“It would be an honor.”With that, everyone understood that Shaman Ali had lost causing several to be shaken.Who was this newcomer that dared to be so presumptuous on his first day?Just like that, their interest in Alistair went up a notch.“Going once, going twice… sold to the strange cloaked figure.” the auctioneer remarked.Alistair watched as the items were delicately placed in a metal box before being carried over and placed next to him.Even a fool could see that this was a blatant attempt at placing a target on his back yet despite this, Alistair remained seated and even seemed relaxed causing many to wonder just what he was made of.Several of those present, especially Shaman Ali had already sent their men to guard the entrances in order to

At this point, the items Shaman Ali had fought Alistair for were completely normal, but how come?... He had clearly sensed that they had a powerful aura, yet now, they were completely normal.Maybe that was why Alistair had tossed it to him.Since they were ordinary items, they had no use for a powerful figure like him, but that also meant that Shaman Ali had no use for them as well.He clicked his tongue in annoyance as he closed the metal box before he ordered the last remaining subordinate to take the metal box and follow him.Meanwhile, Alistair made his way back into the main hall with the contract in his hand.He quickly arrived in the room where Sara was kept.He opened the door and entered inside to find that it was a somewhat luxury room she was kept in and she hadn't been harmed but that didn't mean she was happy as he could tell that she was terrified.She raised her head to meet his gaze only to be shocked by his presence.“Alistair, is that you?”Alistair nodded as he wal

“It would seem you are quite skilled.” He intoned once Alistair had dealt with his last subordinate.Alistair gave no response and merely gestured for Lorenzo to attack.Snorting derisively, Lorenzo suddenly remarked. “Fire!” Before Alistair could react, Lorenzo's ship utilized its cannons to rip the ship to shreds in a matter of seconds.If not for him conjuring a barrier that deviated the trajectory of the cannonball, they would have ended up dead, which was the unfortunate case for Caleb, who was struck by a cannon.Alistair took Sara and leaped into the ocean, letting the boat sink.Once far enough, they surfaced once again only to find Lorenzo's ship sailing away from the sight at full throttle.“Not so fast,” Alistair remarked as he took out a mirror from his pocket and wove some hand signs.Before Sara could figure out what Alistair was up to, she suddenly felt a suction force on her body, after which she and Alistair were sucked into the mirror, which then disappeared in a pu

Catching her effortlessly, Alistair scooped Sara up bridal-style.He carried her down the winding metal corridors of the ship until he found a clean, quiet guest cabin, laying her gently down on the pristine white bed and pulling the blanket over her shoulders.Leaving her to rest in safety, Alistair walked briskly up to the bridge of the ship.The helmsman—the surviving second-in-command who had surrendered earlier—quailed and hastily stood at attention the moment Alistair stepped through the hatch, terrified of provoking the silent god standing before him."Turn the ship around," Alistair ordered, his voice carrying an unquestionable, absolute authority. "Set a direct course for Davenport Harbor. Do not stop for anything.""Y-Yes, sir! Right away!" the helmsman stammered, frantically spinning the wheel and punching the coordinates into the navigation array.Standing by the window as the vessel swung around, Alistair pulled out his secure satellite communicator and dialed a long-dist