"Are you really going to rip his arms off just because he hit your friend? Isn't that a bit irrational?" Maria asked, indignant.
"Yes, it is," Zacarias replied.
"Then why do it?" Fátima pressed.
"Because the world has changed, the rules have changed, and because I can. I want to show this brat how pathetic it is to die protecting women he's obviously never going to fuck. Honestly, I'm being considerate toward him. And toward all men who are willing to die for women who only treat them as tools, discard them afterward, and never give them anything in return."
The group behind him burst into laughter.
"This kid is really pathetic. What do you think, brat? That if you fight for them, one of them is going to spread her legs for you later?"
Once again, an explosion of laughter followed.
"You're all such idiots," Augusta said angrily.
"Ladies, ladies, be quiet. After we deal with this trash, it will be your turn," Zacarias sneered.
All the women grew tense.
"Can we please calm down?" Esperança spoke up. "I apologize for my son's actions. He was a bit impulsive. As compensation—"
"Mother, stop." Danilo cut her off, afraid that if she revealed their current wealth, they would be blackmailed to death.
These men had obviously come looking for trouble. Their insults were deliberate, meant to provoke a reaction from the other side and give them an excuse to act.
"Your son?" one of them asked, incredulous. "Doesn't look like it. The five of you look like sisters. More like he's some simp you tricked with your beauty to make him work for free."
Another wave of laughter echoed.
"How is it possible for you to be so beautiful and have such an ordinary son? His father must be rich."
The laughter continued.
"Your son," Zacarias said, the gears of his mind clearly turning. "Your son offended me. What can you, as his mother, do to compensate me?"
"I have crystals here."
"How many?"
"Twenty."
"Not enough."
"That's all I have."
"Then I want more."
"I'll give you my staff. And equipment. And we'll prove—"
"Like that? Do I look like some beggar to you? Equipment as compensation?"
"I have nothing else. What more do you want?" Esperança snapped, irritated.
Zacarias smiled at her reaction.
"We're adults. And you know, deep down, what I want."
"Alright, that's enough!" Danilo shouted, charging toward Zacarias.
He kicked him in the stomach, but Zacarias didn't fall. He only staggered back a few steps, clutching his abdomen. He glared at Danilo with fury.
"You just made a big mistake, brat. The price of that kick is losing both your arms and your legs. And before you die, you'll watch: we'll take turns with your mother and your sisters. After that, they'll die in front of you. Only then will it be your turn."
Hearing that, a blinding rage consumed Danilo. He activated the Sacred Barrier, and with a swift motion, closed the distance to the nearest man, raised his sword, and slashed toward his throat.
Everyone froze in shock. The man clutched at his bleeding neck in horror, his eyes filled with terror. Then, the light in his eyes faded away.
---