Arthur finally entered the alley.
'The same fucking alley, and this time I'm willingly walking into a trap hah'
There he finally spotted Isolde, who was on her knees. Her expression was of pure terror and helplessness. She was a 12-year-old kid after all. One masked man was holding her tightly, almost squeezing the back of her neck with one arm, and with the other he held a sword right at her neck.
The rest of them, about ten, stood a bit far from them, now having surrounded Arthur from all sides.
"You shameless cunts, involving a 12 year old kid just because you're too scared to fight me fairly?"
"My apologize, I assure you that after killing you the girl will be returned unharmed"
"Now drop your sword will you"
'Should I take the risk and attack that guy holding Isolde?'
Arthur quickly dropped this idea, especially for now as a kid's life was on the line. Even though Arthur was selfish, having a kid killed or tortured because of him was something he wouldn't accept. Even if he used a spell targeting everyone, it would take a few seconds to act, which is enough time for the man to kill Isolde.
Arthur took out Solvyrion and dropped it on the ground.
"Good, now quit resisting an-"
Another masked man who was surveying the royal palace before came running.
"The others have been killed, by Seraphina"
"Oh? I see"
"Still this won't be a loss as Arthur won't escape alive"
"About that…"
"What now?"
"T-The twins warned me to not kill Arthur"
"What??"
"They have taken a liking to him, and want his death to be postponed for a while so they can have… fun"
"Those sadistic bastards, nevermind them, they aren't our leaders, they're only partners, so refusing their request won't be a big deal"
"They told me that if we kill Arthur today, then they won't fund the rebellion or help us with devices anymore… Our main target is Caelus, not Arthur and he got out alive today… Think about it"
"So you're telling me to let him go alive unscathed with his sister?"
"Of course not, they requested Arthur be tortured the whole night, and the footage recorded and sent to them. After torturing him for a while, we are allowed to cripple him and destroy his mana core"
"Hmm then that should be acceptable"
'Twins? They had a liking to me and want me tortured huh? What the hell am I even hearing?'
"Arthur it must be your lucky day, but don't try anything reckless"
Arthur kept staring at the masked man intently.
Then suddenly—
PLUNGE
He plucked out a nail in one go.
"Aaghhhhh!"
"To have a Drakenhart suffer like this truly brings me pleasure"
He then twisted his finger, making him growl in pain.
Isolde saw her own brother getting tortured in front of her. She knew it was all because of her that Arthur wasn't fighting back. Tears filled her eyes. The same brother who never glanced at her or talked to her, the one who ignored her since birth… actually cared about her? And was even suffering so that she remained safe?
The masked man made a cut on Arthur's wrist and started pulling his skin upwards, making Arthur scream. At this point he was almost immune to pain, but still this was too much.
But then something changed.
Solvyrion plunged at an incredible speed from behind and went straight inside the back of the head of the masked man holding Isolde, who didn't even learn the cause of his death.
Of course, Arthur had a plan. Ever since he kept Solvyrion on the ground, he started waiting for the perfect opportunity. Solvyrion possessed its own spirit and thus could move on its own when commanded. In the beginning everyone was cautious, but gradually while Arthur was being tortured, no one noticed the sword disappearing. When the right moment came, Arthur commanded it to move.
Now that the only person near Isolde was killed, Arthur could unleash his powers before they reached her.
"Umbra"
Before the masked men could think of another plan, their movements slowed down rapidly.
An identical version of themselves crept out of their shadows, slowly rising and staring at their souls. Their doppelgangers faced them directly, and they could feel it.
The hosts started losing abilities one by one. The ability to talk, walk, speak, hear… everything began fading. Their shadows started stealing everything as they helplessly watched.
Until their shadows even stole their existence.
WOOSH WOOSH
Their body parts started disappearing one by one as if erased by a rubber. Soon they completely disappeared, leaving behind their shadows, which were now nothing but mindless, loyal entities under Arthur.
'Damn this spell is crazy, unfortunately the shadows don't inherit memories, otherwise I would've gotten all the information I wanted. Regardless, the original Arthur was a real genius. To be able to create such spells'
Arthur intentionally left the one guy who was torturing him alive. He was now trembling in fear. Arthur approached him.
"My why does each and every one of you want to torture me so badly? What have I ever done to you?"
Arthur raised his index and middle finger and shoved them into the man's eyes without hesitation, as he let out a loud scream in excruciating pain.
"Tell me, who is your leader? Who are the twins? What is your purpose?"
"Torture me all you want but I" he gasped for breath
"But I won't speak, the twins are people way beyond your reach and as for our purpose? Ask your father"
'My father?'
Arthur knew torturing these loyal men wouldn't help, so he simply crushed his head and killed the remaining one. Only the loyal shadows remained.
'Damn it, why did I act so brutally in front of Isolde?'
Isolde rushed and hugged his legs tightly, clearly traumatized.
"I-I was so scared big bro"
"It's alright, no one will harm you now"
"I'm sorry"
"It's not your fault"
He patted her head.
Her opinion regarding Arthur completely changed that day.