CHAPTER 38 -A Path Through Fear

"You are so noisy, you lowlives. If they still don't know who I am after two years of ruling through fear, then my work has been in vain, don't you think?"

His voice was deep, laced with a confidence that sent shivers down spines. He rose from his throne, his steps slow and deliberate as he approached the group. Each movement carried an air of supremacy, as if the very ground beneath him acknowledged his power.

"I assume introductions aren't necessary," he mused, his voice dripping with arrogance. "You already know who I am."

A single name slipped past trembling lips.

"Kuroyami…" Hena whispered, her voice barely audible, but the weight of it sent waves of dread through the group.

A low, dark chuckle escaped Kuroyami's lips. "Right answer."

The squad exchanged quick glances. They had no illusions about who they were facing. If there was any possible way to escape—if there was even the smallest window to get Hena and Souta out of here they would take it without hesitation.

Ginrou, trying to keep his composure, stepped forward. "So, are you the so-called village speaker the people fear? Aren't you misusing the authority you have?"

Before he could process what was happening, a cold sensation ran through his leg. He staggered, expecting to see a wound, but there was nothing no blood, no injury, yet his body screamed in pain. His breath hitched.

"What… what is this feeling?" he thought, sweat forming on his brow. His instincts screamed at him—this wasn't just intimidation. It was something else. Something sinister.

Kuroyami tilted his head slightly, his amusement evident. "You can all call me Yami. And I'm sorry if you're mistaken—fear is necessary to command, to control, to rule. I am merely utilizing it in the most efficient way possible. Don't mistake my methods for cruelty."

Ken clenched his fists. His stomach churned at Yami's words. "Efficient?" he thought bitterly. "You think ruling through fear is efficient? Don't make me laugh."

Steeling himself, Ken spoke. "In my opinion, ruling with fear is not as effective as you believe. People need trust in their leader. They need to believe that their ruler can bring them a better life. That's what true leadership is."

A deep, menacing laugh erupted from Yami. His eyes gleamed with mockery. "Oh? And what makes you think you have the right to lecture me on leadership? Are you an ideal ruler yourself?" He took a step closer, his aura suffocating. "A parent disciplines their child when they misbehave, don't they? That fear ensures the child doesn't repeat their mistakes. I am merely a parent to these three villages. The ones who disobey… must be punished."

Kaito's stomach twisted at his words. He gritted his teeth. "But you've taken it too far! You've beaten innocent villagers, people who have done nothing to deserve such cruelty! I've seen the victims, the blood, the wounds from your nailed whip… They could have died!"

Yami's expression remained unchanged. "Then let them die."

A chilling silence filled the hall.

Kaito's breath hitched. "What… did you just say?"

"You heard me." Yami's voice was unwavering. "This morning, I heard troubling news. The people from the coastal village, those weaklings have begun to entertain hope. They whisper of a man who might defeat me in the upcoming tournament. Hope is a dangerous thing. It breeds rebellion. I need to correct that mistake." He folded his arms. "Fear is the ultimate weapon. The weak exist to serve the strong, to obey the strong, and if necessary, to die for the strong."

Hataki narrowed his eyes. "Enough. Why did you bring us here?"

Yami smirked. "As I said, a misbehaved child must be punished."

With a snap of his fingers, armored guards flooded the room, their spears aimed at the squad. The air grew thick with malice. Yami inhaled deeply, a twisted grin forming on his lips.

"I can smell it. The fear. It's intoxicating. Fear me more. Fear me more."

A guard moved to strike Hena, but in an instant, his body flew across the hall, crashing into the stone wall with a sickening crack. The squad turned sharply.

Yoto stood in front of Hena, his stance unwavering, his eyes filled with a quiet, deadly resolve.

Kaito's breath hitched. "When did he...? I didn't even see him move! He's… faster than before."

Hataki stared in stunned silence, his body momentarily frozen in surprise.

Ginrou clenched his jaw. "Sir Yoto… you're just like him. You can't abandon the weak, can you?"

Yami's eyes gleamed with intrigue. "Hoh? We have a fighter here."

Yoto's voice was low, filled with unyielding fury. "If you dare lay a finger on my people… I swear, I will behead you in the most painful way possible."

A roaring laugh erupted from Yami. "Behead me? Hah! If you're that confident, why don't you prove it in the tournament?"

Yoto's eyes narrowed. "What tournament?"

"A grand event, held to determine the strongest. If you win, I will relinquish my position as village speaker. But if I win… I will take the two girls from your team and do as I please. And you? You will watch as I make you suffer before your own demise."

Disgust and rage twisted Akemi and Yushin's faces. The squad felt their blood run cold at Yami's vile words.

Yoto didn't hesitate. "Don't dream too much. I accept your challenge."

Kaito's eyes widened in shock. "Wait..."

Hataki placed a firm hand on Kaito's shoulder, silencing him.

Yami grinned, his amusement evident. "And your name?"

"Yoto."

Yami let out a slow, menacing chuckle. "Then in two days, the tournament begins. Guards, escort them to their residence. I promise on my name, I will not strike from the shadows. in front of everyone while, all those eyes are watching I will squish your head."

With that, Yoto led his team out of the manor. The moment they stepped outside, the suffocating atmosphere lifted slightly. Yet, as they walked in silence, each of them knew this was only the beginning.

Back in the manor, Yami leaned back against his throne, his excitement barely contained.

"Yoto… I will show you what true fear is." His grin widened. "I can't wait to pulverize you."