By the time the barrier faded, the fight was over.

The guards began rounding up all the mages and fighters, binding their hands and escorting them away.

Revol approached Bren’s group, who were still tending to their wounded leader.

“He needs medical attention,” Revol said, his voice softer now. He motioned for a healer, who quickly moved in to assist.

Turning to the captain, Revol said,

“Seal off this area and post a watch. We can’t let this happen again.”

The captain nodded.

As the civilians cautiously emerged from their hiding places, Revol addressed them.

“The situation is under control. Please return to your dorms and report any suspicious activity to the guards.”

The crowd murmured in agreement, their fear slowly giving way to relief.

Revol watched as the market square began to empty.

“I have been in this ship for seven years...”

“This is the first time I am seeing this much chaos all at once.”

Ares walked with silent steps.

The smaller organizations, magical and non-magical alike, had already begun to crumble under the pressure.

“Master Sylas is really a genius...”

“He envisioned all of these...”

As he ascended the passage that connected Level Six to Level Seven, he turned a sharp corner, his boots echoing faintly against the metallic floor. That’s when he saw them.

More than twenty guards, heavily armed and wearing grim expressions, stood blocking his path.

At their center was a figure Ares instantly recognized—Gareth, the guard captain, known for his unyielding adherence to duty.

“I remember some words that Gareth is different than usual.” Ares thought.

He was not scared or taken aback at all. In the end, as a creation of Lord and Master Sylas, he has no fear of death or anything; the only fear he has is dissatisfaction with his lord because of himself.

Gareth stepped forward,

“Ares of the Sylind Family, by order of the second in command aboard the Blue Hope, Revol, you are to be detained and placed under hold for questioning. This is not a request.”

Ares stopped, his expression unreadable.

“I did not expect that.” Ares thought.

The guards shifted slightly, their grips tightening on their weapons, anticipating resistance.

Ares tilted his head, studying Gareth.

“Under hold?” he repeated, his voice devoid of emotion.

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“Yes,” Gareth replied, stepping closer.

“There are accusations and concerns about your involvement in the recent escalations and disturbances. Until the matter is resolved, you’ll be placed under investigation.”

Ares remained still, his sharp mind working quickly.

The situation was far from ideal, but he knew better than to escalate it further.

A fight here would not only jeopardize his plans but also draw the kind of attention he was determined to avoid.

“It would be best to surrender for now and wait for my new orders...”

He nodded slowly.

“Very well,” he said, raising his hands slightly to show he had no intention of resisting.

“I’ll comply. There’s no need for violence.”

The guards exchanged wary glances, seemingly surprised by his cooperation. Gareth, however, remained suspicious.

“Bind his hands,” Gareth said next.

Ares’s smile widened slightly, but he offered no resistance as they tied his wrists with enchanted restraints. The magical bindings hummed faintly, ensuring he wouldn’t be able to use his abilities.

“Efficient,” Ares remarked, glancing at the bindings. “You’ve thought of everything.”

“Move,” Gareth ordered, ignoring the comment.

The guards formed a tight formation around Ares, their weapons drawn and ready as they began escorting him through the corridor.

Ares walked without protest, his posture relaxed despite the tension in the air.

As they made their way toward the designated holding area, Ares couldn’t help but notice the looks he received from passersby.

Gareth remained silent throughout the walk, his focus entirely on ensuring

Ares didn’t try anything. Ares, for his part, seemed more interested in observing his surroundings.

“You seem unusually calm,” Gareth finally said, breaking the silence.

Ares turned his head slightly, meeting Gareth’s gaze.

“And you seem unusually tense,” he replied smoothly.

“Should I be worried?”

Gareth didn’t respond, his jaw tightening.

As they approached the checkpoint leading to Level Ten, Ares suddenly spoke again.

“Tell me, Captain, do you think this investigation will lead anywhere? Or is this simply a show of power to satisfy those above you?”

“You’ll find out soon enough,” Gareth replied curtly.

Ares chuckled softly. “Fair enough.”

When they reached the holding area, Gareth motioned for the guards to secure Ares in one of the reinforced cells.

The magical locks activated with a loud click, and the shimmering barrier that formed over the entrance ensured no unauthorized entry—or exit.

Before leaving, Gareth stood in front of the cell, his arms crossed.

“Don’t mistake this for leniency, Ares. If you’re found guilty of inciting or participating in any of the recent incidents, you’ll face severe consequences.”

Ares leaned casually against the wall of the cell, his expression as composed as ever.

“Guilty or innocent, Captain, I’m sure you’ll do what you think is right.”

Gareth stared at him for a long moment before turning on his heel and walking away, the guards following closely behind.

As the sound of their footsteps faded, Ares sat down on the small bench inside the cell, his smile returning. Despite the setback, he wasn’t concerned.

-

Sylas sat at the center of the room,

“Lord Sylas,” Machivel began, inclining his head slightly in respect.

“There’s news regarding Ares.”

Sylas lifted his gaze, his piercing eyes meeting Machivel’s.

“What news?” he asked, his tone measured and calm, betraying no emotion.

Machivel took a step closer, his voice low.

“Ares has been arrested. Gareth and a contingent of guards apprehended him on Level Seven.”

Sylas’s expression remained unchanged,

“On what grounds?”

Machivel hesitated, choosing his words carefully.

“They claim he was seen interacting with smaller organizations involved in the ongoing skirmishes. Gareth suspects that Ares’s presence in the lower levels, as a Level Ten figure, is indicative of some... ulterior motive.”

Sylas sat back, closing his eyes briefly in thought.

-

Machivel continued.

“The guards claim they have enough justification for detaining him. Gareth is likely acting independently or under subtle pressure from others, trying to exert control over the chaos that’s brewing.”