The vases were full of golden flowers; they shone brightly, instantly attracting the attention of everyone. "My Lord, I'm sorry for the delay. The golden Garden is here to pay its respect," Neo bowed. "It's fine; at last, you came," the City Lord was delighted but didn't show much expression. Neo brought a vase to their table.

"Wow. They are so pretty," Lyra showed a smile for the first time. "Thank you, miss. You can also have one if you wish," Neo said, not staring them in the eyes. She had been to the golden garden like many, but they all agreed unanimously it was much more beautiful now. The vases looked nothing ordinary either. They had runes that circled on them, popping and disappearing.

Observing her reaction, Agris glanced at Neo. He had tried the whole day to get a smile from her, but it was as if she barely looked at him. Even during his exciting fight against the moon cheetah, her eyes were shining brightly for the few golden flowers.

"What's so special about it?" Agris asked, a little annoyed. "Allow me to recount the legend of the golden flowers," Neo said with a nostalgic smile. "Amarok!" Neo cried out.

The musical notes flowed like waves. Amarok couldn't help but smile, forgetting Agris and everyone present. All he felt was the music; his heart was strangely calm and his mind at ease. What kind of melody was that? He felt like a gentle breeze was caressing him, feeling the urge to dance with it.

"How daring, little brat. Your master is paying respect to the City Lord and his distinguished guests, and you are there daydreaming," Kleid's voice broke through the chatter once more. This time, not only the City Lord but almost all of them were now frowning. What was wrong with this kid?

Hearing his name, Amarok's eyes flashed open. He held an awkward smile; he had been completely submerged by the music and was totally oblivious to what had happened.

"Master, I'm here," he rushed forward. He could see the anger on his master's face; Neo's brows were arched. "He should be executed for such disrespect. Otherwise, the City Lord might lose face," Kleid's words swept through the crowd like a hurricane.

The crowd was shaken; they couldn't believe their ears. Even the senior from Alden Academy frowned. Kleid was going too far. Lyra jolted from her seat, turning to face her uncle Dorn. This time, she did not want to help because of Amarok, but because Kleid was going out of hand. Dorn just held her hand tightly, signaling her to stay quiet. "I haven't seen you pay your respect either," Amarok glared.

"Comparing a lion and an ant. Your stupidity really knows no limit," Kleid shook his head. "Even lions have their nemesis," Amarok's eyes were cold as he stared at Kleid. For the very first time in his life, he felt the urge to kill. His eyes flashed dark red, his aura shifting. In an instant, his aura had turned from a gentle breeze to a wild hurricane.

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"I'm sorry, my Lord. Amarok is still too young and stupid, weak and ignorant. Please don't take it to heart," Neo quickly said. In a flash, he grappled Amarok's head, smashing it to the ground. The sound echoed all over; the two were now bowing to the City Lord. The City Lord stood up. Now that the words had been said, he simply could not act like nothing happened.

"Beg for forgiveness and open your wrist," he said without emotion to Amarok. A devilish smile bloomed on Kleid's face. Many were cursing inside. The City Lord seemed unwilling to let it go this time. Several guards stepped in, their spears shimmering with murderous intention.

Neo was sweating heavily, his mind spinning to find a solution. He had to be fast. Should he fight? There were a lot of people here: Kleid Senior, Dorn, Alden City Lord guard, Agris, and the City Lord.

He was certain they might intervene to save their host's face. Or should he simply cripple Amarok's hands, thereby not only depriving him of his ability to live a normal life but also his chance to ever find a cure. Amarok could feel his master's dilemma. The guards were fast approaching.

"Agris!" Amarok suddenly lifted his head. Agris blinked. "Have you lost your mind?" Agris slapped the table as he stood up.

"You wanted to know the story behind the golden flowers, right?" he stared right in his eyes. "What does that have to do with you slicing your wrist?" Agris looked down as if looking at a mere insect.

"A sword," he cried out, stretching his arm. Was he crazy? Who did he think would give him a sword at this junction? Doing that was the same as going against the City Lord; they would certainly die a horrible death.

"Catch," Kinty threw a simple sword he stole from one of the distracted guards.

"Thank you," Amarok nodded, grabbing the sword in mid-air.

The onlookers were speechless, eager to see what will happen next. "You're not going to mind if I perform a small dance for you, my Lord! Take it as my last wish," Amarok said. He locked eyes with the City Lord. The words he said were nothing disrespectful, but the City Lord could clearly feel they held no hint of respect either.

"Master, let's do it," he said with piercing determination. Neo was startled but nodded.

"Take him down and kill anyone who opposes you," the City Lord's voice fell. The guards bolted towards Amarok like arrows let loose, their long spears piercing towards him.

"Music, please," he shouted. The musical group was unsure of what to do but eventually began playing. At the same time, Neo began recounting the legends of the golden flowers.

"In the forgotten Mountains of Garden," Neo said. Amarok stepped out; the lance slid through the air like cutting butter. A whooshing sound could be heard. His sword moved; a beautiful arc was drawn. In a split of a second, the guard fell to his knees, his tendon sliced.

"The flowers who were said eternal grew," Neo continued. He sidestepped effortlessly, avoiding the lance that pierced through. A whooshing sound could be heard as the spear moved. Neo's body flashed like lightning; two sounds of bones breaking could be heard. The guard cried as he stumbled; one of his legs broken and the hand holding the lance dangling. The crowd was gasping in shock; were they really fighting while recounting the legend.