Roy slowly rose, his muscles rippling under the flickering light of the cavern, and approached his two new guests. His piercing gaze swept over them, measuring courage, weakness, and, most importantly, their willpower.
Ryuji stared at him, a mix of suspicion and curiosity in his eyes. His fingers tightened around his belt, ready to react at the slightest threat.
— "Very funny. And what proves you're not Marcellus' men?" he said coldly, each word sharp as a blade.
Roy smirked slightly, amused by the defiance, but his gaze remained as impenetrable as a stone wall.
— "I thought the same about you. But seeing how weak you were, I decided it was impossible. Marcellus would've at least sent men capable of killing us if he had the chance to find you."
Ryuji narrowed his eyes, his mind racing.
— "Weak, huh."
A heavy silence fell. Aeryn felt the tension rise instantly. She could clearly sense in Ryuji that spark… that sudden urge to kill, to explode with rage, rarely seen.
— "And what makes you think we're weak?" she asked, her voice icy, her eyes blazing in the dim light.
Roy pointed a finger at Ryuji, slowly, emphasizing each word.
— "Like him, I am a slave who survived the dungeon. But not only that. I spent a full week there. So naturally, someone who only spent three days, facing the law… is weak."
Ryuji froze for a moment, surprised by the man's assurance and experience.
— "Do you know the Golem?" he asked with a sly smile, trying to gauge Roy's reaction.
Roy looked puzzled, as if the name meant nothing to him. A tense silence followed.
Ryuji realized he hadn't reached the Golem's chamber. A mix of frustration and satisfaction crossed his mind. He smiled coldly and determinedly.
— "Okay. We'll join you. But we'll be in charge."
Roy's smile vanished immediately. He stood abruptly, his imposing stature intensified by his agitation.
— "No. I am clearly the king among you. I cannot let a mere soldier lead."
Before he could finish, Aeryn moved. Her chains, kept around her wrists as a precaution, whipped around Roy's neck in an instant. With a precise, powerful motion, she threw him to the ground in front of his men. The thud echoed through the cavern.
All the rebels froze, mouths agape, unable to react, including Ryuji. Despite everything, he stayed calm, analyzing the situation, his mind already weighing the consequences.
Aeryn straightened, her eyes blazing with dangerous fire.
— "Anyone else want to play leader here?" she shouted, her voice echoing in the cavern.
Silence stretched. Every man and woman scanned their companions. Fear mixed with admiration and respect. Some averted their eyes, others clenched their fists, hesitating to challenge this new authority.
Ryuji placed a hand on Aeryn's shoulder, a subtle gesture to show his support.
— "Good," he said calmly, his eyes sweeping over the group. "Now that's clear… we have work to do. Those who want to follow, follow. Those who don't… stay where you are."
The rebels exchanged glances. Some still hesitated, but slowly, a mixture of respect and fear settled in. They understood they weren't just facing Roy, but an unexpected and relentless force: these two newcomers.
Aeryn finally released Roy, who slowly got to his feet, breathless but eyes burning with defiance.
— "You really think that's enough to convince me to follow your orders?" he asked, his rough voice challenging.
— "No," Ryuji replied with unwavering calm. "But it's enough to show that the chain of command is not a privilege. It's a responsibility. And it's up to the two of us to decide who can bear it."
The rest of the night passed with whispers, rustling chains, and determined glances marking the conversations. They discussed roles, patrols to avoid, guards to watch, and strategies to test future allies' loyalty. The fire in the center crackled, casting moving shadows on the walls, giving each face an eerie and imposing look.
Ryuji could feel the tension among Roy's men. Some watched Aeryn with suspicion, others sized up Ryuji with a hint of challenge. But as the minutes passed, each one realized they faced not just Roy, but a pair imposing order not through fear, but through conviction and capability.
Every word, every gesture, every decision reinforced the notion that this improbable, fragile alliance finally had solid foundations. Ryuji understood it wasn't just physical strength that mattered: courage, strategy, and the ability to command instant respect were equally vital to survive in this world of chains and blood.
---
Elsewhere, in the shadows
In a richly decorated office, a heavy door slammed open.
— "What—"
Marcellus looked up, visibly irritated by the interruption, but his gaze betrayed curiosity.
— "I hope you bring good news, or you won't even be allowed in this office."
A slave, breathless and trembling, bowed.
— "Well… the two slaves… the survivor and the young woman with scarlet hair…" He hesitated, his voice shaking. "…they are preparing a rebellion."
A heavy silence fell. Marcellus remained still for several seconds, his eyes scanning the man who had delivered the news. He furrowed his brows, then a faint smile appeared. Not a cold smile. Not a mocking smile. A smile… almost admiring.
— "…really?" he said, low and rough, yet filled with astonishment.
— "Brave souls," he murmured, almost to himself, fingers tracing the edge of his desk.
The door opened again. Lucien entered, followed by Selara, their eyes a mixture of concern and curiosity.
— "What should we do?" Lucien asked, tension clear in his voice.
Marcellus stayed silent for a moment. His eyes scanned them, combining gravity with a contained excitement. Then he tilted his head slightly.
— "Let them do it."
Lucien blinked, surprised.
— "…are you sure?"
Marcellus' smile widened, a smile that seemed to hide as much as it revealed.
— "I need to verify something." His gaze darkened, almost piercing. "…and they will help me."
Selara shivered. She had known Marcellus for years, and this mixture of enthusiasm and calculation unnerved and intrigued her.
In the mine… unknowingly… the rebellion had just been authorized.
By the worst possible person.