“He was wrong to strike the man, but that doesn’t mean he should be forced to kneel simply because Cassius is angry,” Ria Voss said. Several heads turned toward her. Ria stood among the guests with her arms folded, her expression composed as she regarded Aeron and the injured man in turn. She made no attempt to defend the slap, nor did she pretend Aeron was innocent, but she clearly refused to join the crowd demanding his submission. “If he broke the rules, punish him according to the rules,” she continued. “But if the only offence that matters tonight is making the host look bad, then we should stop pretending this is a fair judgment.” Cassius stared at her, visibly displeased by her intervention. Ria was his cousin and openly arguing with her would only draw more attention to the weakness in his position. He forced a smile, but Aeron noticed the anger behind it. His father, however, had reached the end of his patience. “Enough!” he shouted, turning on Aeron with a fury that ma

The next dsy, at morning , Aeron entered the underground arena beside Jace, determined to earn money before his limited resources disappeared completely.The noise inside struck him immediately. Fighters moved between training areas, gamblers crowded around the betting counters, and arena attendants shouted names as they organised the day’s matches. The place offered opportunities, but it also devoured people who entered without understanding the risks.Jace caught Aeron’s arm before he could approach the registration desk.“Before you put your name down, remember that losing here costs money,” he warned. “You pay to enter, and nobody returns your fee because your opponent hits harder than you expected. Some of these fighters have spent years training, so don’t assume reading their movements will be enough.”Aeron glanced at him. “I know what losing costs, Jace.” “Jace replied, releasing his arm. “Okay, just use your head. Choose an opponent you can handle instead of rushing int

The elderly repairman’s warning stayed in Aeron’s mind long after he finished reading the note. Someone was already asking questions about him, his location, his Guardian Beast, and Aeron doubted those men would stop until they found what they wanted. “We should visit the old man,” Aeron told Jace, folding the note and slipping it into his pocket. “If those men returned to question him, he might know something useful. I don’t want him suffering because he helped me.” Jace nodded, though concern crossed his face. “I agree, but we need to be careful. You defeated those men once, and they probably won’t make the same mistake again. If they’re connected to something bigger, charging straight into their business could get both of us killed.” “Good thing I’m not planning to charge anywhere,” Aeron replied, grabbing his coat. “Let’s hear what he knows before we decide our next move.”…… The elderly repairman welcomed them into his small workshop, but his usual cheerful expression was mis

That night, Aeron left the city streets behind and entered a secluded stretch of woodland beyond the lower district. He chose a clearing surrounded by thick trees, far enough from the roads that curious eyes were unlikely to notice him. His body still ach e from the arena and his earlier training, but he refused to let frustration dictate his progress. He began with balance exercises, moving between marked points on the ground before repeating short bursts of movement. Each time his breathing became uneven, he slowed down and corrected his posture. ‘ You’re trying to force your body to improve overnight,’ Valeor said from the branch beside him. ‘Your muscles are weak, and your control is still poor. If you keep pushing without discipline, you’ll injure yourself before you become useful.’ Aeron wiped sweat from his forehead. “I know I’m weak. You don’t need to remind me every time I struggle. I’m trying to change that, but it feels like I’m moving too slowly while everyone else g

“Everyone, step aside. Aeron is to be given the respect he deserves.” Elara’s smile froze. A moment ago, she was certain Aeron would leave the marketplace in disgrace, but now the same merchant who dismissed him was treating him like an important guest. She recovered quickly, lowering her eyes with an expression of gentle concern. “Sir, I think you’re misunderstanding the situation. We only wanted to protect your business. There are rumours that Aeron uses forbidden methods in the underground arena, and I would hate to see an honest merchant suffer because he trusted the wrong person.” Her words sounded considerate, but Aeron noticed the satisfaction hiding behind her eyes. The merchant’s expression hardened. “I’m capable of deciding whom I trust, Miss Blackwood. I suggest you leave that decision to me.” Elara’s cheeks flushed. Her friends exchanged uncertain glances, and one of them quickly stepped forward. “How convenient,” the woman sneered. “A disgraced Beast Master