The Man's Decree

Meanwhile, Jared and his beleaguered companions were ensnared within the clutches of the Five Great Sects.

Their allies, Montane Daemon, Igor, the valiant Catina, and the resourceful Tyler, all bore the brunt of grievous wounds.

They were ringed by the covetous eyes of the Celestial Darkmore Sect, Celestial Moon Sect, and Celestial Sun Sect, whose disciples encircled them with avarice gleaming in their eyes.

The Demon Seal Alliance’s century-long promises were a lure too seductive to ignore.

Heinrik, Edward, and Stuart couldn’t help but exchange knowing looks and burst into mirthful laughter.

Despite Lauden’s express prohibition, the temptation of the Demon Seal Alliance’s offerings was too strong to resist.

Everyone had their schemes, their secret desires, and now, they were all here, with Jared unwittingly cast as their prey, a fish laid bare upon the board, awaiting their will to carve.

you surrender your life willingly, or must we wrest it from you ourselves?” Heinrik asked, his smirk

the relentless fire in his eyes

with defiance. Facing the inevitable, Jared’s resolve hardened; he would go down fighting, determined to drag

overestimate yourself,

sudden, icy rebuke sliced through the air, a powerful

did you just disregard

emerging alongside Keelan, leading a cadre of their own swiftly to

surely even you cannot disdain the Demon Seal Alliance’s century of offerings. You won’t stop us, will

might of three of the Five Great Sects

first to get to him,” Lauden

your stake in this young man’s fate?”

to anyone. Should he step beyond our sects’ bounds, his fate is his own to meet. But within the Five Great Sects, such wanton violence will not stand. Our forebears founded these sects on principles of justice, to combat evil. Even in these degraded times, should we not honor their memory? Should we not hold fast to the last vestiges of our integrity? We are not butchers, to kill at whim for personal gain. And let’s not forget, the Demon Sealing Alliance has their own dark history. Have we forgotten their

thundered with righteous

allure of the Demon Seal Alliance’s promises too potent