In the final moment, Ruel had tried to surrender.
His lips had moved. His throat had strained. But no sound came out.
A thin, almost invisible spell had wrapped around the space, sealing voices. No matter what he said, it could not be heard.
It was not that he did not want to surrender. It was that he was not allowed to.
By doing this, Ethan had forced the situation to go further. He had pushed Ruel to the edge and made him step fully into the fight. Ethan had been sure of one thing. He would not kill Ruel. But this was enough. More than enough to establish his prestige in front of everyone.
Some dissatisfaction rose among a few imperial knights, but none spoke. What had happened was clear. Strength spoke louder than complaints.
Kane, however, looked at Ethan with a different gaze now.
Before coming here, he had been given clear instructions.
Test Ethan's strength and his power.Alongside this also test his character.
