Chapter 19: Ch 19: Real Power at Work- Part 1
Kyle stood with his hands in his pockets, watching the slave with keen interest.
Her ragged breathing had evened out, but her expression remained fierce.
She had already proven she was willing to go to great lengths for her freedom, and now, he wanted to know what that freedom meant to her.
"Tell me. What is your wish? You have proven yourself enough to get this response from me."
He said, his voice calm but firm.
The slave's body tensed as if she hadn't expected the question.
She hesitated for a brief moment, as if debating whether she could truly trust him, before she lifted her chin and met his gaze with burning determination.
"I want this place annihilated. And I want every slave here to be set free. No part of this cursed place should survive another day."
She said, her voice steady.
Kyle arched an eyebrow, surprised by her decisiveness.
He had expected something personal—revenge, escape, or even power. But her answer was selfless in a way he found intriguing.
"I can do that. But are you sure about your choice?"
He said without hesitation.
She narrowed her eyes.
"Of course I'm sure."
"Then you should know something. Most of these people won't be able to survive alone. Many of them will be captured and resold, and some will willingly return to this kind of life. The drugs they've been given have already damaged them. Without a master, many will seek out new ones to avoid starvation or withdrawal."
Kyle continued, his voice turning cold. It was a warning for the slave to rethink her choice.
The girl visibly flinched at his words, but her resolve did not waver. Instead, she clenched her fists, her nails digging into her palms as she exhaled slowly.
"That's fine. I'm not doing this because I think they'll all live happily ever after. I'm doing this because it's my duty. Once I free them, my debt to them is paid."
She finally said.
Kyle studied her face, and then, without warning, he let out a low chuckle.
"You're a very interesting one, indeed."
Satisfied with her response, he turned toward the door and called out.
"Bernard. Bring the owner back."
The butler, who had been lingering outside with an anxious expression, quickly stepped back in.
The slave owner followed, his face still carrying an air of confidence as he rubbed his hands together eagerly.
"Young master Armstrong, have you come to a decision?"
The owner asked, grinning greedily.
Kyle nodded and gestured toward the girl.
"I'll be taking this one."
The owner's grin widened, and he wasted no time in pulling out the necessary papers. He eagerly presented them to Kyle, who signed them without a second thought.
The deal was sealed.
As soon as the transaction was complete, Kyle's entire demeanor shifted. His usual lazy smirk faded into something colder, something dangerous.
"Now then…it's time. Call the soldiers. Have this place investigated for illegal drug usage and human trafficking."
He said, turning to his butler.
The slave owner froze.
"Excuse me?"
He asked, blinking in disbelief.
Kyle met his gaze with a blank stare.
"This place stinks, and I find it a health hazard to the surrounding areas. That's reason enough to have it shut down and everyone inside dismissed."
The butler looked like he had just swallowed poison. He took a hesitant step forward.
"Young master, this is—this is not a wise move. Making an enemy of this man could bring unnecessary trouble."
Kyle ignored him.
The owner, however, was not as calm. His grin twisted into a furious sneer, and he slammed his hands on the desk.
"You little bastard. Do you think you can just betray me like this? I made a deal with you in good faith! I gave you a second change because I thought you came to your senses, but this is how you betray me?"
He spat.
Kyle tilted his head.
"And I upheld my end of the deal. I paid for the girl. But now that our business is concluded, I see no reason why I shouldn't clean up this filth."
The owner's face darkened with rage.
"You think you can just waltz in here and dictate how I run my business? Do you have any idea who you're dealing with?"
He snapped his fingers, and immediately, several guards poured into the room.
The butler took an uneasy step back, his face paling.
"Young master, we're outnumbered."
He muttered.
Kyle, however, didn't look the least bit concerned. He casually dusted off his sleeve before locking eyes with the slave owner.
"You still have time to back down. Apologize, and we can pretend this little… misunderstanding never happened."
The owner sneered, crossing his arms.
Kyle smirked.
"Back down? Now why would I do that?"
He repeated.
Before the owner could respond, a suffocating pressure filled the room.
Kyle let his mana seep into the air, heavier this time, more controlled.
The torches lining the walls flickered as the pressure made the weaker men tremble. Some of the guards visibly flinched, their hands gripping their weapons tighter.
The slave beside Kyle tensed as she felt the overwhelming presence. Even though she wasn't directly targeted, she could feel how terrifyingly powerful it was.
Kyle took a slow step forward, his eyes gleaming with amusement.
"I was being polite. But I don't mind using force if you insist."
He said casually.
The owner's arrogance faltered, beads of sweat forming on his forehead. He had underestimated Kyle Armstrong.
"W-Wait, let's talk about this—"
Kyle's smirk widened.
"No need. I've already made my decision."
He said smoothly.
With a snap of his fingers, the butler finally snapped out of his daze and rushed outside, calling for the guards. The city's soldiers would be here soon.
The owner gritted his teeth. His guards hesitated, unsure if they wanted to go against a noble with clear authority.
Kyle turned his attention to the slave beside him.
"You wanted this place destroyed, didn't you?"
She met his gaze, and despite the overwhelming pressure in the air, she nodded firmly.
"Then watch carefully because you're about to witness how real power works."
Kyle murmured.