The Ten Tyrants - The Opening Act

It was quite dusty as Aavesh walked across the desert with his sword unsheathed.

'Coral be ready to switch positions from my glove- they can't know you exist, hide in my Heart Augmentation if I am attacked, Be Prepared to flee', Aavesh immediately communicated mentally as his danger instinct was slightly active.

He wasn't going to take risks - Devils were notorious for exploiting any loopholes in any situation.

But then, A voice belllowed,

"HELLO CHILD!"

*BAM

A Punch smacked into his face, instantly throwing him into the ground.

'So - So Fast', Aavesh was shocked- this was beyond Stage 7.

He couldn't even see it coming, even his danger instinct which had only been slightly tingling- could not even warn him that fast.

As blood indiscriminately spewed out from his broken mouth, he felt the impact throughout his skull and neck.

Even his enhanced macimeized Physique stood no chance when it came to beings of higher Cultivation.

Despite the sudden shock, Aavesh did not let go of his Sword and immediately used Underworld Shadow to go into stealth.

But before he could even blend into his surrounding with his hand sign- A large Metallic Glove captured his left hand.

"Ohhhh trying a little trick are we? You haven't even reached Stage 1.0 but you already know some tricks", A cackling voice spoke and Aavesh swore he saw the most fucked up face he'd ever seen.

A thoroughly flayed person with Black Iron Melted onto their skin- the mouth covered with Black Metal spikes - the Iron had been laced in a strangely grotesque manner yet done with a deep sense of artistry around the flesh.

'This monster- the metal on his flesh- they are Runes - Infernal Runes', Aavesh immediately recognised the Rune Script from the metal design as he observed the man who caught his finger.

*SNAP

*Crunch

Aavesh saw the Flayed man crush all the bones in his left hand.

* Light Grunt

That was the only reaction that came out of Aavesh's Eyes.

"Not Painful?", The Flayed man asked curiously to Aavesh's cold Eyes, while trying to turn his left hand into a bloody mess.

*Slice

In split second Aavesh sliced pierced the throat of the Flayed man with his sword while imbuing it with Blood Rend Energy.

Blood did not spew out, as Aavesh stared with a surprised look.

*Slice

The Flayed man grinned maniacally as he let go of the crumpled hand and pushed the sword deeper into him.

"Ahhhh!"

The Flesh around his Throat bubbled briefly as he moaned out loud in pleasure.

Meanwhile the People staring at the screen were just horrified- they were familiar with the Flayed Dude, but the kid - He had a calm expression even when having his hand crumpled into a bloody unrecognisable mess.

The Hidden Forces whether friend or Foe stared in Astonishment at the Kid's Reaction.

The kid was calm- Even when faced with disturbing visuals.

The Flayed man then spoke with a slightly distorted voice," You are still unfazed - you think you can beat me?"

"No- But I will be the last one standing ", Aavesh replied back calmly.

Such Visuals - were child's play to someone like him who had once been tortured for years and years.

Silence followed briefly.

But then the Flayed man immediately grabbed Aavesh with an insane speed and threw him across the desert while taking the sword from his throat like a Toothpick.

*Boom

Aavesh crashed on the hardened ground on his back, with cracks forming around him, showing the impact of the force applied in that throw.

*Puchi

*Stchk

In the next moment - his own sword had impaled him- But the Flayed Man jumped and cup his fists like a hammer before bringing it down on the hilt of the sword.

*BOOOM

The dry ground sank even further as blood splashed around.

Such barbaric cruelty - but everyone had expected it, because similar things had been done before in the initiation.

The Real Torture would begin with the Cursed healing fluid they would soon sprinkle down on Aavesh.

It was why Neither Vishwa, Eitra or the Empyrean King had intervened.

The Azatan War Chief was currently being restrained by the Empyrean King as she could place Aavesh in grave danger if she acted now.

It was not the opportune moment-

Not yet, or it would allow Khorramzadeh to immediately intervene and Aavesh would die.

'Sorry kid- you got to hold on for just a while longer', they all thought while the others from Evil Factions were merely lying in wait to see if the waters could get muddy enough- well only the Devils and the Lichs were being patient while holding the demon forces back before they ruined e

As Dust kicked up , Aavesh lay down there as the sword had pinned him to the Ground.

His expression did not change much, it was like a nuisance to him now really.

' Aavesh - I'm sorry about this', Coral mentally spoke with grief. The Weapon she had forged for Aavesh thinking it would be used before his Fight had now hurt him- she felt miserable.

'It's not your fault - I couldn't do research on our Opponents all this while became we were held in a remote location, this one's mine to bear - I truly should avoid winging things when I Can Prepare in advance- The Ten Tyrants have taught me an unforgettable lesson in this regard', Aavesh comforted Coral and Didn't blame her.

His Armor was rendered useless when it came to overwhelming Powerhouses.

Ah well it can't be helped when all the Demons and God Like Beings are after your life.

This shit is too tiring.

"Why aren't you in Pain? Though- seeing your blank look- it seems you didn't know about us? Did you not research? Pfft hahahahaha look at his blank look- He didn't research at all- Oh My! The Rathiel Republic truly loved up to their Promise!", The Flayed was immediately amused and started laughing out aloud while Aavesh could not see the others, he could hear laughter from them as well.

"Tch we only said if you want to keep your place safe keep our existence a surprise - We never said anything else about hurting anyone else in Rathiel Republic - They are so foolish and backward it makes one cry in pity!", He then revealed the truth with swagger.

The audience of the livestream however felt a chill in their hearts as most understood this so called ambiguous threat of a statement, but at the same time they could not help but feel Rathiel was Trash- Even the citizens of Rathiel felt a bit cold at this act.

Corvus clenched his fist with gritted Teeth as he remembered how he and Sabine argued heavily with chief Manek on this - indirect Training could have been used but Chief Manek did not dare to disobey the Tyrants as this was a sensitive time, if anything went wrong- Billions could perish.

So they kept their mouths shut and even more so when Calvin had been returned to them.

They really couldn't assist Aavesh when he needed it.

'Hahaha, It seems I had become a bit too comfortable- Overreliance and Hubris - of all the mistakes I could have made in this life- it had to be these two because only they can hurt deep in the balls',Aavesh briefly introspected for a second.

'I don't hate Manek for this, I actually Empathize with him- after all the needs of the many outweigh the needs of the few- this always comes in any Normal organisation, this must always be expected and so it seems that now I must become more independent- because a Group can always betray you for saving itself, so one must find a way to save themselves - isn't that right Eon? I want to live- and on my own terms!', Aavesh immediately grabbed the hilt of his sword with his functional right hand while ignoring the Flayed Man's taunts.

"Oi What fuck are you doing? you will kill yourself if you remove the sword- now stay still and show me pain! After that I will give you this healing tablet - look! it's a completely perfect healing tablet - Hey are you even listening?!", The Flayed Man's expression slowly changed as the others noticed the surprise and shock in his eyes as he stopped speaking .

The Audience gasped as Aavesh removed the Sword effortlessly from his Abdomen without even wincing apart from a few grunts.

Blood spewed for a few seconds but it then stopped - Aavesh's regenerative ability kicked in as his Bio Nano Cells began to stabilize and repair his injuries.

Aavesh slowly got up and then gazed at his left hand- it wouldn't heal immediately and in this fight it was useless.

The Glove had been crushed in as well and he could feel minor shrapnel mixed in- Most of the Nanobots have been rendered useless in that attack.

'Coral I need to cauterize and amputate', Aavesh immediately spoke upon which Coral heated up the sword in his right hand - She naturally understood what Aavesh was about to do.

Well Time to chop it off for now.

So he took his sword and chopped it off much to Everyone's Horror.

He then used the interspatial ring on his right hand to store the hand .

The Flayed Man's expression turned very strange.

The Audience in the livestream had only one word for the kid, "Hardcore"

He was too hardcore and unlike the previous Mindbreakers, he didn't even show Emotions upon the pain inflicted.

Aavesh then turned to the Flayed man and spoke," Anything Else?"

The Flayed Man snapped out of his daze and looked at Aavesh even more carefully.

He now noticed the weirdness in them - This wasn't a Newborn Calf's eyes, they didn't have fear, or hatred.

They were cold and analytical.

Plus his regenerative abilities had augmented his tolerance for pain.

His Ruthlessness at chopping his own hand off had been observed.

Perfectly Logical and Emotionally Balanced- not emotionless but in complete sync with them.

This was a rare monster- how interesting.

His Assessment of Aavesh was done before he could even truly begin.

Aavesh completed his Assessment criteria of Pain and Survival perfectly.

The Other Tyrants would now be the next Assessors.

The Flayed man smiled at Aavesh and simply floated back out of the pit.

"You passed the Test of the Flayed Tyrant", Another with abnormally big Armored hands arrived before him and stood on top of the pit.

This Person has scalded skin while wearing Light Armor that covered only the most essential Areas.

"You are the Hand Tyrant?", Aavesh asked sarcastically.

"OH No No No- I am the Punch Tyrant!"

'Same shit though ', Aavesh suddenly felt he was dealing with highly intelligent Psychopaths.

"Before we go ahead- Why don't you give me a run down on what we are doing here and tell me where's the Streaming CAM?", Aavesh immediately interrupted the Punch Tyrant.

"Oh Sure- The Ten of us will test you- Pass them we will release a Locator Restriction tied to your identity - Don't Pass them then", The Punch made a throat slicing gesture.

"The stream CAM will follow you until the Tests Conclude- besides it's in the sky, Taking every second of your action in Perfect Definition-", he spoke but saw Aavesh immediately raised a middle Finger to the Sky.

" KHORRAMZADEH!", Aavesh yelled out with ferocity.

"SHOW YOURSELF IF YOU'RE NOT A BITCH!"

At this everyone gasped and widened their eyes- What the fuck did they witness.

All the hidden forces became restless as soon as Aavesh did this.

"KHORRAMZADEH YOU PIECE OF SHIT- SHITTY BRANCH CLAN MILK DRINKING FUCK", Aavesh Yelled again shocking his Audience.

Silence ensued as the smiles wiped off the Tyrants.

For a moment the world became silent.

Then a Powerful Chuckle followed resounding in the world.

A shadow man with Burning Orange Eyes appeared infront of Aavesh.

"Hahaha- You are quite amusing child- Nevertheless I won't spoil things, So tell me what's the point of speaking to me now- I was going to come anyway to chat should you pass the Tests-", The Shadow was none other than Khorramzadeh's Incarnation.

"I want unrestricted Access to Galactic Travel", Aavesh spoke out.

"Interesting - what do you want to offer? I am open to Negotiation", Surprisingly Khorramzadeh simply shrugged and spoke professionally - like a RegularBusinessman.

But this was just a facade, if there was one thing Aavesh knew about Devil Mythic Power Users, it was that the more stronger they were - the calmer they were.

Currently, Khorramzadeh was Patiently observing Aavesh as Prey, unfazed and indifferent to most of the earlier insults.

Aavesh then smiled," Are your Tyrants allowed to threaten Star Countries where I train and Cultivate?"

"If they are hiding you", Khorramzadeh spoke back.

"From you"

"Exactly "

"But Rathiel Wasn't hiding me from you", Aavesh continued.

"So?"

"The Tyrants Threatened them anyway - leaving me unprepared unlike my Predecessors",Aavesh points toward his severed arm.

"I see- but why should I care?", the dark shadow shrugged nonchalantly.

"You are a Devil- Your Subordinates stepped out of line, broke YOUR Word", Aavesh pointed out at the Figures of the Tyrants veiled in the desert.

Khorramzadeh looked at Aavesh with a more scrutinizing gaze, this he could not ignore - Disobedience was Taboo for Devils, A Disobedient Slave showed the incompetence of the Master.

"How intrigueing - It seems you have done me a favor", Khorramzadeh spoke in a pleasant tone but Aavesh felt a subtle overpowering killing intent coil around his neck.

Blood dripped slightly from his nose and mouth as he endured the Killing Intent, awaiting Khorramzadeh's next words.

"You are clever- you chose something so apt, that I didn't need to choose anything else"

Aavesh felt an invisible force Tighten around his neck.

But he didn't flinch stared into the Burning Orange Eyes that were attempting to intimidate him.

*Thup

The invisible force disappeared and he was able to breathe again.

Khorramzadeh's killing intent also dropped.

"Very Well- I'll give you a new condition for your favor- You are a Survivor right- My Gift will come once you clear all ten Tests, if you Survive through that, No more Tests and Programs you can travel and hide anywhere in this Universe, I won't hunt you or send people after you, unless you decide to Oppose me, after which - well you know what happens, Now place your Palm on this Infernal Rune ", Khorramzadeh's shadowy palm opened and an an familiar Burning Orange Rune formed.

"Rune Mark of Asmodeus - Punisher of Pact Breakers- Guarantors of Most Infernals, Bestowed to the Heirs of Naraka", Aavesh spoke out which surprised everyone watching this scene.

"Stop kid - Don't do it, you don't know whether you can survive whatever Gift he's got Planned! Pacts with Devils - Harsh or not are always doomed to fail- He will win and You will Lose!", Vishwa's Voice sounded out as he and Three Other Figures arrived onto the world.

"Vishwa- You unfilial Descendant! Eitra, Rachael and Markus Madesh! Looks at this Line Up, You've all come to interfere in this Plan? Or have you come to destroy my hidden Cards? The Rest of You- Come Out, Don't make me kill you- It's too tiresome", Khorramzadeh spoke with a Terrifying calmness, as if he had long expected this.

Aavesh turned his head to see other figures come out as well.

"Prince Longinus, Profane Child Vionne and Dark Specter Gathin! I expected your Predecessors to come- How unentertaining, I would have loved to kill them today! Tch It seems fate has other Plans for them, as for you three - I wil deal with you in the future, you three are of some use to me", Khorramzadeh waved his hands dismissively at them.

"Now- Vishwa, your bleeding heart will do you no good here- after all don't you have a wife and Son to look after- I admit I was the one who sent that Archduke after your son when he entered the Naraka Dimensions - Too bad your son lived, Causality is hard to master , one can't be successful twice- after all you remember what happened to your wife right?", on hearing this Vishwa's fist clenched with immense killing intent surging out.

Eitra immediately placed his palm to calm Vishwa as Rachael spoke," You - Me - We fight now and you won't do anything to the Kid"

"Azatans are a pain to explain, you don't listen to reason and I simply won't fight you- I'll do something much better, see Azatan - one more word here where you do not belong, I will Sell 12 Billion Souls to Naraka-"

"Your Choice Sweetheart- Interfere in my business today and you can forget your Precious Azatan Mythic Power, you know the Causality of today's matter is special and if you DARE TO MESS THINGS AROUND HERE- I WILL MAKE SURE RACHAEL IS THE ONE WHO SOLD 12 BILLION SOULS TO AVERNUS!", Khorramzadeh Bellowed out causing people to shudder as Rachael turned silent, But her expression was full of unwillingness and defiance.

"Child, think carefully - Khorramzadeh's Pacts are infamous because - no one has been able to survive them, the choice is yours", Eitra spoke out to Aavesh instead, trying to warn him.

"I understand your pain of being hounded and hunted down continuously - but if you accept this pact- it may not bode well for you, do reconsider ", Markus Madesh spoke out as well.

'Aavesh make your choice, I will go along with it', Coral reaffirmed her support to him which warmed his heart.

---' Psst Aavesh'---

Suddenly, Aavesh heard Master Mirror's Voice in his head.

---'That Weapon I was talking about- Khorramzadeh's Gift will take you there, I did say I would inform you if you came close to such an opportunity - Anyways this is the closest opportunity to get the Weapon to kill Konrad- What Say?'---

Upon hearing this, Aavesh faintly smiled, things were not simple at all- A Crazy Journey was going to start.

All he had to do was say yes.

But if he said no, he was sure Khorramzadeh would force the gift upon him and everyone would get involved.

A civil war would start here, A new Civil War within the human race.

He understood what kind of carnage would spread across the star sectors.

A Civil War because of him? He was flattered - But no, No way was he going to let it happen.

Plus Killing Conrad was of a higher priority to him now hah!

He looked at Vishwa and the others, he spoke," Thanks for trying to save my life here- But I can't have you all get embroiled in a New Civil War because of me- Life is Precious here- So don't worry, it's my choice"

As soon as this was said, a bad feeling crept into Vishwa and the other's hearts. Out instinct Vishwa suddenly saw His granddaughter Nalini overlap with Aavesh's image and he YELLED!

"NO! DON'T!"

"I accept"

Aavesh immediately placed his Palm on the Infernal Rune.

A Sinister Orange Ring Surrounded them both as Khorramzadeh smiled at Aavesh," You win I hold up my end of the Bargain - You lose I get your Soul! You don't regret it do you?"

"No", Aavesh calmly replied back.

Vishwa's hair turned white and he himself was surprised at this emotional outburst.

He didn't know why he reacted like that- Maybe because the kid and Nalini were of the same age? Whatever he had no Right to dictate the choices of an orphan who did not even know much.

The Others were a bit taken aback by the outburst but they understood his grief- he was the one who lost so much to Khorramzadeh.

So they didn't think too much of it.

Even Aavesh was a bit surprised but now and here he could not recognise Vishwa as he had suppressed his own Memories.

It was a sad irony of life.

But Khorramzadeh gazed at Aavesh more intensely and suddenly spoke.

"Sure Enough - Blood Doesn't lie"

Aavesh immediately turned his head with a dark expression. What was this Bastard insinuating? He hid everyone dear to him with Master Mirror's help so what was that bullshit earlier?

"Hehehe It's all Causality! So you are still not aware - I take it?", He teased Aavesh smugly until he saw Aavesh's eyes glowing dangerous.

" Aware of what?"

"Aware of why I will win in the End?"

"Do Enlighten me you Piece of shit", Aavesh spoke with blood lust seeping out.

" But I don't want to", Khorramzadeh's smugness grew as he could see Aavesh's nerves popping.

"Isn't that much better - an ambiguous mystery, hehehehehe", Khorramzadeh then disappeared in a puff of smoke.

'Someday I will rip you Apart!', Aavesh mentally roared at the disappeared Khorramzadeh as the Audience became scared at watching this.

Even the Xeno Races were terrified - Like what the fuck just happened! No one had seen such tumultuous scenes in the Ten Tyrants Program in a long time.

The Kid Was Brutal, Khorramzadeh was terrifying, the Reveal of all Major Faction's Representatives was especially scary and Shocking - The Threat of a New Human Civil War- Everything was too dramatic!

But it was only going to be more intense from now on.

The Audience couldn't wait to watch how it would play out!

----------------------------------------------

Vishwa got up and then spoke," We can't help the kid- But the Reserve Forces hidden here are fair game"

Killing Intent immediately seeped into the Air from all of the representatives!

A full fledged civil war might not happen, but an all out Massacre of Khorramzadeh's Reserve Forces here was definitely going to happen.

This time he had officially offended all sides in one go!

This Time it was going to be Brutal!