The Gods' Decree 200 A Perspective of Equality - Exceptions

The truth of the matter was if Doan had been on the mission to Starlight City he alone would have been able to handle the three mercenary squads. 

He then casually got to his feet and as he rose the other three members of his squad readied to join.

As a matter of impulse, all the squads subconsciously took three steps back. Yet with a smile, Darwin motioned them to regain their previous position. He then addressed Selena.

"My apologies on Doan's behalf. You see currently I have a few small chinks in my armoury that are in need of remedying.

As you so rightfully stated there is a training area design for persons of our ranking. Yet if I were to do such a thing with all those prying eyes of my rivals. Well, you can just imagine there wouldn't be much sense to my training, right?"

Though his words sounded sincere all felt the underline tone in his phrasing. What was the point of all congregating at the training grounds?

Wasn't it for the same purpose to iron out their flaws before the tournament?

"All I ask is for some face and I'll be out of your way in no time." He humbly requested of the sisters.

Ava and Selena then glanced behind them at squad Malgrey and Malnor. There was evident threat in the words of Darwin.

If things were to get out of hands they might not be the only ones to face the consequence of their actions if they dare to refuse.

There was always a chance of a meeting in the tournament. All the ninth stages might be able to save themselves from being crippled but what about Luke, Lovren and Cameron.

"Doan isn't there something you would like to say?" Darwin with a suggestive gaze questioned. Knowing his meaning Doan gave a courtesy smile uttering,

"My apologies."

Though all within the area could sense the loathing in his voice as the words were stretched from his tongue. It could be seen there was no meaning in his so-called apology.

Yet Darwin seemingly brushed it off before once more addressing the sisters, 

"Hopefully all is now to your liking." He uttered.

Still, there was a bit of reluctance by the two before Malnor placed his hands on the shoulder of Ava who then dejectedly responded,

" It is yours."

What other option did she have at this point than to give in the request?

"Then it is settled and all parties are in agreement." With Darwin's request, he didn't garner any favorable opinion. In fact was he any different than his underling?

This Darwin and Doan were one and the same, bullies. One acted overbearing while the other a deceptive serpent.

Yet what could be done, in terms of status and strength they were all at a disadvantage.

If anyone in the area wanted a voice then well there was a need to earn it. Soon all third-ranked squads devoid of spirit readied to take their leave. This included squad Malgrey, Malnor, and the sisters.

Though Darwin stated they would be through in quick time. They all knew there was no truth to this as their would-be an all-day affair.

Who knew, tomorrow they might show up with the same argument arriving at the same result.

This meant that of the seven days remaining before the tournament all might become wasted. Apart from Darwin, there was a cheeky smile on the faces of his squad members Doan included.

Seems these low levels had forgotten their places. What was even the point of training when none had hopes of arriving within the top one hundred.

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"Now see this will not do."

A young teenage voice could be heard coming from the dejected masses. Who would dare speak at a time like this? 

When all looked they saw a teen with dreads indifferently walking with his hands held behind his head. 

"It's him! Sir Mouse!"

A person exclaimed when seeing what was embroidered on the back of Taf's shirt. This brought a sudden halt to the exodus. Who among the third-star squads did not hear the rumors of this fellow?

It seemed the stories were true indeed as only a psychopath would dare to meddle at this juncture.

Yet the Barker brothers were by no means in the league of any member of Squad Darwin. Therefore if that defeat was the precedence by which Sir Mouse spoke he was sincerely lacking. 

Despite this, there was a group of eight who knew how absurd the masses' thoughts were.

If Darwin identified the type of character he was dealing with he would know it best to hightail it off immediately without taking a second glance.

Yet Taf was not known for playing the hero unless convenient so they were puzzled as to his reasons behind intervening.

They were right indeed. Seeing the whole ordeal previously Taf had no intentions of interfering. 

Not that he didn't care about the well being of his squadmates, but his conversation with Old Perth allowed him to see things differently.

This was a matter between fellow disciples. Perhaps taking the back seat at times might be best for their well being. 

If he were to fight their battles at every juncture would he not stifle any chance of growth? Especially Lovren, Luke and Cameron.

Yet his time was precious at the moment. There were far too many things on his calendar for which he currently hadn't any accomplishments. Therefore time was a commodity that could not be wasted.

He had a lecture which he chose instead of mentorship for which as of yet he had not determined a topic which he felt comfortable.

There was also the matter of learning the new arts he obtained from Marco and Benzalo seeing if they were worthy of his arsenal while also training his current element.

His whole reason for seeking Squad Malgrey out was due to May requesting a favour of him. Why should he postpone his plans due to the theatrics of others? Therefore, he saw the need to intervene. 

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Seeing the newcomer Doan readied to shoo the teen yet Darwin once more nonchalantly beckoned for him to regain his previous seating. Still, Darwin noticed something odd from the reaction of the persons behind this youth. 

EAch started speaking in hushed tones and most ensured to give him a clear passage through. This was what made him somewhat interested in this youth.

"You have an objection?"

He uttered as this youth was approximately half his age looking no more than fifteen. So he spoke to him like a junior.

"Currently I too am burdened with the hassle of some kinks within my armoury which are in need of remedying with my squad. 

How about giving me a few hours before proceeding? All I ask is for some face and I'll be out of your way in no time."

Taf uttered with a pleasant smile while he nonchalantly requested. Hearing His own words being thrown back at him this was the first Darwin.

Yet it was by a mere knew recruit he has never seen. In his mind, he thought it laughable but it seemed this teen had some fame to his name by the way others treated.

In his ear, he heard Doan's voice, "Squad captain this is the popular rodent that was mentioned earlier."

Having been enlightened Darwin cheekily smiled. So this is the one who had caused a big fuss previously. 

"So you are that vermin. It seemed the rumours weren't overexaggerated. Nonetheless, I am afraid you'll have to go elsewhere. All persons are created equally, well it's just that some are more equal than others.[1]"

Evident in Darwin words was his total disregard for these rumours and Taf was not with his eyes.

"I see. Well isn't that a bit disappointing?" Taf sighed in response as he saw Doan making his way over excitedly. Why was violence always the preferred option whenever he opened his mouth?

'Perhaps I am not as charming as I thought.' He questioned himself watching as Doan came too close within his personal space. Seeing Taf as a minimal threat Doan didn't even bother to ignite his qi.

"I would caution against anything that small mind of yours has conjured."

Taf sought to reason with Doan against doing something stupid. Yet his attempts only goaded him into action instead.

"Kid it seems your victory over the waste twins has somehow inflated your ego. I have a feeling you are not as stupid as it seems, realizing within the training area no blood can be drawn."

His words were an eye-opener for the masses. This was correct, if anyone was to draw blood within these grounds they would be highly penalized.

This was the deterrent against any lethal action. No wonder this Mouse has stepped out when he did. Wasn't the rules his perfect protection? 

"Did you perhaps know of an exception?"

He grinned as a dagger was summoned to his hand. All became curious as to his intentions. Didn't he just state the obvious rules? Why then would you do the same thing to which you referred?

Yet soon all became stunned into silence as instead of attacking Taf with the dagger Doan rubbed its blade against his own upper forearm inflicting a ghastly wound. The ground below was now moistened by the flow of warm blood.

A wicked smirk could be seen as he then threw the dagger beside Taf while uttering,

"You truly are insane attacking me as you have done with all these witnesses present. I guess there are now grounds for my retaliation."

Unedited Version

To be continued...

[1] I just wanted to fit that in somehow lol

Chapter end