As they were waiting there for [Servants] to arrive Aron finally had some time, to think about things that just happened. The more he did... the more he felt that he was way above his head here... and the way that they were actually treated. They received food... basically brought to them, they had a bath? And even got clothes... it all felt too good, do slaves actually have so much worth?

They were offered more than they ever had... but somehow it felt like a trap? Like using crumbs to lure small animals. Aron whenever he hunted he never went on shouting... expecting animals to appear. So from that perspective... were they just getting baited? Going down the hole, technically they were already underground. And if they were already stuck in a fast current? They couldn’t go against it... and one who managed to follow it. Usually would make it out.

So Aron needed a plan, a way to influence the decisions that were leading their group. Slight things, things they wouldn't notice.

Aron had no idea how to start... or attempt that. Still, he was uncertain, the [Servants] haven’t told them what was their job, or how the whole group thing would do with the challenges that Clark briefly mentioned.

If their group was doing well, winning? Did he really need to try and influence them? What would that even bring to the table for him?

A voice broke Aron out of his thoughts.

"Good, you are all ready. Seeing that you managed to get dressed... it makes things faster, follow me."

Looking at the side, Aron saw a man who was almost the same height as them, he had short hair and somewhat longer arms... that looked disproportionate to his body. Aron didn't even manage to see his face as the [Servant] already turned and went on his way. Which was apparently a sign for them to follow.

Traveling through these hallways... every time they were ordered to go somewhere, Aron noticed that they always ended up taking different routes. He couldn't judge where these tunnels started or even ended.

Maybe the way that they came in... wasn't the only entrance? Aron doubted that even if he managed to find the exit, with those magical doors that opened by themself... he doubted that he would even manage to open them. But at least knowing the basic map of this place would be nice.

After ten or so minutes of walking, they came to a door. The [Servant] that was leading them turned, looked if they all arrived. Nodding once, he spoke.

“One by one, inside. Remember to learn how to do it. Now go.”

His voice was deep, It surprised Aron looking at his height… he didn’t imagine someone like him to have such a voice. But it seemed like they had to go in. And the [Servant] didn’t look like a patient type.

Aron looked around seeing how everyone was somewhat hesitant... afraid? He just volunteered. It might get him closer to the position that he somewhat wanted, and if Ron wanted to kill them... would he really bother with all this?

As Aron entered, the first thing that he saw... was a mountain of a man.

The Mountain looked like he had two meters probably even a bit more, he was jacked. His arms had more girth to them than Arons head. Aron actually had to look up to see his face... and it matched his body. Strong jaw, short hair, piercing blue eyes with a scar running across his left side of the face, from the side of his eye all the way down to his jaw.

It took Aron a second to notice the response of his body... he already shrank, followed by looking down. Seeing that The Mountain wasn't going to talk... Aron just stuck with his thought of this... not being an execution, against all of his instincts telling him to run, he tried not to. He just stood there frozen.

After a minute or so of silence, seeing that The Mountain wasn’t going to speak, Aron forced himself to open his mouth.

"Er...sir... I think I have the wrong room---I, I am sorry to disturb you... I'll be leaving... please forgive me."

Aron didn't have it in him to look up, see if he could tell what The Mountain was thinking. Or the look on his face. The only thing that Aron noticed was that The Mountain didn't move a bit since he entered.

As he slowly and deliberately turned away and tried to reach for the door. The Mountain spoke.

"Sit."

His voice was deep, with underlined power to it. But somehow Aron felt like The Mountain was restricting himself? He didn't even talk loudly... and Aron could swear that he could have heard The Mountain even if twenty people were shouting around him.

Aron experienced three people who he assumed had strength, The [Soldier]... who Aron couldn't follow when he... killed a person, his aura. Shadow, killing three beasts and a [Guard] in seconds. Ron the [Slaver] when he spoke to them. But that all felt like them showing off? Using their power to a certain extent.

And This Mountain of a man... he seemed to do that without even trying? Aron felt like this person standing in front of him could kill hundreds of [Soldiers] without even struggling.

It was weird, nothing except his voice even showed power.

And yet Aron was certain... that he couldn't comprehend it. Or if he did… he felt like he would go crazy.

As Aron came back to his senses, seeing that he was still standing... making The Mountain wait, even a second seemed like too much.

Aron no longer thought. He just sat there on the floor. Not daring to look around, and see if there was a chair for him to sit in.

There was a pause. Aron was sweating. Having no idea why someone like The Mountain would appear here, could that [Servant] be wrong? Has he missed a turn? But how could a [Servant] mistake a turn and go here? Aron doubted that even the [Slaver] dared to knock on this door... without permission to do so. So a [Servant] making a mistake and coming here?

"Kid, I told you to sit... and you pick the floor?" The voice was still the same... It gave Aron chills.

"Sit in the chair, It'll make my job easier."

Remembering the words of the [Slaver]... obedience. And there was no question here... on what to do. And seeing how the voice even said the chair... people like The Mountain shouldn't make simple mistakes. So everything he said was right.

Stolen from its rightful place, this narrative is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings.

And did Aron dare to make his job harder? Fuckk no. He lifted his head a bit, looking for the chair... making sure he avoided looking at The Mountain. Noticing the chair, he slowly made his way to it... and sat--- waiting.

"Good seems like kids these days know how to listen... this will end quickly then." Again the same voice, no change of intonation... and he--- he is going to make it quick?

As Arons mind raced, his past going through his head. Thinking of regrets that he had? A thought of escape... but as soon as it came, it was squished.

"All done." As the voice announced, Aron was surprised. What was done? Checking himself, he was still breathing. So the first thing that Aron had to do was... thank The Mountain... for whatever that he did, and well spared him?

"Thank you, Sir Mountain." Aron stammered out. "Is there anything else that I could do for you... making your jobs easier?"

"No, you should look to the wall in front of you, and be on your way." This time the voice seemed... somewhat amused?

As Aron rose his head, there was a picture of a young kid... sitting in a chair? As Aron moved his head, so did it move.

Realizing that this was his first time seeing himself... it felt strange? Aron took his appearance in, this was an opportunity. Looking at himself, Aron looked like... well a starved kid. He already knew that he was thin. But seeing it was a whole different story. As he looked at his face... the first thing that stood out to him... was his eyes... and his now short and neatly cut hair?

Aron didn't even feel it being cut? And they wanted them to learn how to do that? Ignoring that though, Aron looked at himself again. To Aron, well he looked nothing special. The only thing that somewhat stood out to him was deep, green eyes. His face was symmetrical. Was that how most people felt while looking at themselves?

Being done, Aron thought to himself debating if he should thank The Mountain again? Before I leave? Concluding that well, thanking someone couldn’t hurt. He did it again.

"Thank you, Sir."

Standing up, and being ready to leave. The Mountain spoke again.

"Kid, do you have a name?"

Aron was surprised, why would he want his name? And which one… he had two. Not wanting to lie, he decided on telling both.

"Yes, Sir... I was given a name by Master Ron--- Seventeen... but before that, I had chosen a name for myself... Aron."

"Aron... not a bad name kid." The Mountain mused... "Even though Mountain sounds nice, mine is Kuzyg."

Aron felt his cheeks turn red, he felt somewhat ashamed naming someone like the person in front of him, but somehow he still thought that The Mountain wasn't incorrect.

"I...I am honored to meet you Sir Kuzyg, thank you again for sparing your time on someone like me." Copying the way that [Servants] bowed, somewhat clumsily. Aron hoped it carried his intent through.

"Young kids these days, never mind... you can be on your way." Even though Kuzyg... from what Aron saw, hadn't moved a single inch since he came in. Somehow Aron felt that he gestured for him towards the door.

"Yes Sir Kuzyg" Still not looking at his face, Aron bowed his head. And went out.

Somehow Aron managed to get to the spot, where he was previously. Before he just collapsed on his ass.

Not having the mental awareness, to pay attention to people around him. Only hearing voices, some questions... if he was alright?

But soon seeing that Aron was breathing. The next person in their group went in.

________

Kuzyg didn't know why he let that kid see him... but living as long as he did.

Kuzyg learned that sometimes the world had its own ways... of making some meetings happen. And usually, when they did happen, there was some meaning to it. Usually, nothing would come of them in the end. But why not have some fun.

As he was able to sense what was happening within this whole area... even though he saw it coming. Kuzyg just stayed there. Deciding not to leave. After all, he came here to see, what was calling him.

At least the kid... Aron didn't waste his time. Bright young kid, nice instincts. But he wasn't unique enough for Kuzyg to act... If he survived? Maybe once he got through that boy’s training... maybe.

And seeing how those [Noble] brats found out about this place... Kuzyg would give it three or four years. Enough for that [Captain] to earn his promotion.

Hmm... that could actually work out.

"Zokre, order that Shadow kid to personally train him. Give him some potions for the kid, and let him understand... that if the kid doesn't drink every single one that was given... " Kuzyg spoke to the air.

"Yes Sir Mountain! Is there anything else?" The voice came through a nearby shadow.

"You slimy geezer, have your laugh while you still can!" If he wasn't his friend... Kuzyg would chase that damned geezer down.

"Now that I think about it... Order one of the higher-ranked Shadows to keep an eye on the kid, and that boy. If he steals the potions, get rid of him... tell Shadow to take his place. And if his training is lacking, let the Shadow assist. If the kid gets a breath from death... let him step in, and bring him to us." Kuzyg finished.

"Did you just go soft for a kid... damn Kuzyg don't go soft on me! Where's The Mighty Mountain now."

Kuzyg glared at the shadow, from where the voice came. He narrowed his eyes the damned geezer was even cackling.

"Whatever, get on with it. We have places to be... once you are done come and meet me at the Capital."

"Yes Sir Mountain."

Kuzyg was certain now, that Zokre wasn’t going to drop this... at least for the next few years.

He sighed, well it wasn't that bad, sounded somewhat nice.

Within the next second, he disappeared. Like he was never there.

______

Before Zokre could have more fun... he looked at the place where Kuzyg was.

He laughed, The Mighty Kuzyg actually ran away. Nobody would believe that. Zokre sighed.

Damn him... finishing this shouldn't take long, he should hurry it up... leaving such a good opportunity to waste. Zokre couldn't let that happen.

Activating a ring, I spoke.

"Shadow Two, answer."

As soon as his words finished, a reply came.

"Shadow Two is here, Master Zokre what are my orders?"

"Guild Master has an order for you. You shall go to my current location. Give the little Shadow my answer, have him train [Slave] shortest one of the bunch name Seventeen. Skin and bones, short hair green eyes, meter and fifty-two tall, bring the special potions with you. Enough to last up to four years, if the kid doesn't drink a single one... I will know. If the little Shadow... fails, attempts to steal the potions replace him. If his training methods are lacking, instruct him. If he can't follow the instructions... send him back for more training. The main priority is the kid… Seventeen, if he's a breath from death. Heal him, and get him to our headquarters. No mistakes allowed."

"Yes Master Zokre, I shall arrive in a day, two at most."

"Dismissed."

Zokre was proud of them, they have grown well. he just hoped that the kid... Aron wouldn’t end up disappointing him. It has been a long time since Kuzyg showed any interest.

Now that serious stuff was done, time to annoy the hell out of him.

Using one of his skills. [Shadow World: Space Manipulation].

Zokre and the whole room disappeared like they were never there. And the previous one took its place.