CHAPTER 38: CHAPTER 38

The atmosphere grew thick with dread. Bravus began chanting his spell, his eyes brimming with cruelty. Faint, mesmerizing lights swirled around him, casting an ominous glow across the battlefield.

The spectators fell into a stunned silence. The ritualistic chant alone was terrifying—it was easy to imagine the devastation the spell would unleash.

The spell was so powerful, the incantation itself took time to complete. Quiet murmurs of fear began to spread—not just because Bravus was about to kill Clayton, but because it seemed like he intended to erase him completely. Not even a corpse would remain.

Clayton, barely conscious, could only stare blankly. His thoughts were scattered, slipping away like water through his fingers.

Moments later, the spell reached its peak.

Bravus felt it—the moment of triumph. With pride, malice, and satisfaction burning in his eyes, he unleashed the spell.

"Bo—"

Boom!

An explosion rocked the area. The ground trembled, and debris flew in every direction. But instead of triumph, Bravus cursed under his breath. The spell had been intercepted. Someone had stepped in at the last second.

Eyes blazing with fury, Bravus turned toward the source of the interference.

"Arthur!? W-What are you doing here!?"

Arthur’s gaze was sharp. "Why I’m here doesn’t matter. What does matter is—why are you trying to kill Clayton? He’s your friend. Your neighbor."

Bravus was speechless. For a moment, his mind went blank.

Then, from behind Arthur, a group of strong figures emerged—the Tiger brothers’ group, usually deployed for serious threats.

They froze at the scene before them. No explanation was needed. They could feel something major had happened.

Panic crept into Bravus’s chest. He’d been caught red-handed.

And this wasn’t a minor offense—it was attempted murder.

But just as he prepared for the worst, he caught the indifferent expression on one of the Tiger brothers. Cold. Uninterested. Glancing away, as if none of this mattered.

Bravus’s confusion didn’t last long. He remembered.

Clayton had once clashed with the Tiger brothers.

Relief washed over him. A dangerous idea took root.

He began plotting his escape.

Then he smiled faintly and shook his head. What a pity, Clayton. You could’ve been saved today. But with so many enemies... this is how it ends.

Loudly, he declared, "Who said I was ever friends with him!? I’d never stoop so low! He’s a scumbag!"

Silence.

Arthur was stunned. The farmers watching nearby were dumbfounded.

Arthur asked, uncertain, "What do you mean by that?"

"I mean exactly what I said!" Bravus snapped, his voice rising with fake outrage.

"He’s selfish, arrogant, always causing trouble during hunts! Out of jealousy, he tried to steal my perfume and spilled it, attracting wild beasts! The scent soaked into his clothes—that’s why the boar chased him! People tried to help, but he used them as shields! Even Xylas... died because of him!"

He spoke with a hoarse, anguished voice, as though he were the victim.

A few people seemed swayed. But Arthur remained silent. To him, Bravus’s story sounded like projection—he was describing himself.

So did the farmers who had lived alongside Clayton. They knew who was genuine and who was all talk. The story was heartbreaking, yes—but the villain wasn’t Clayton. It was Bravus.

Murmurs began to spread. People looked at Bravus with growing disgust.

Deceitful. Cruel. Shameless.

Bravus glared at them. His eyes carried an unspoken threat.

They understood—and lowered their heads. None dared speak. No one wanted to be next.

Meanwhile, Clayton, barely regaining awareness, heard Bravus’s slander. Rage boiled within him. But his body was too weak—he couldn’t even open his mouth.

The Tiger brothe stayed silent, but deep inside, he felt a dark satisfaction. The boy who once dared rebel against him was now broken—and someone else had done the dirty work.

Bravus grew more confident. The worst had passed.

But then—a faint rumble came from Clayton.

He stirred. He was trying to speak.

Bravus froze. If Clayton said even a few words, everything would unravel.

He had to end it now.

"Because this man is a danger to society," Bravus declared, feigning righteousness, "I’ll do the city a favor and eliminate him!"

He began chanting again—faster, deadlier. No hesitation this time.

But before the spell could finish, Arthur stepped forward again.

Frustrated, Bravus shouted, "Arthur! What are you doing!? Are you defying the law to protect a criminal!?"

Arthur shot back, "No! But we have laws for a reason! You can’t just decide who lives or dies!"

Bravus laughed maniacally. "So you’re defending him!? Because you’re both criminals!? Fine! I’ll report you too—you’re resisting the city’s authority! Get ready to be banished!"

Arthur hesitated. He was just an apprentice mage. If banished... he might not survive.

Bravus saw the hesitation. He sneered inwardly. He was going to crush Arthur too.

But suddenly—

"I want to testify that everything Bravus said is a lie!"

All heads turned. The voice was clear.

It was Equus.

Bravus’s eyes widened. "Equus, you—!"

"Enough, Bravus!" Arthur snapped, truly angry now.

"Alright, Equus. Speak."

Equus nodded, then calmly laid out the truth—everything.

The longer he spoke, the darker everyone’s expressions became.

The Tiger brother and their men listened in disbelief.

Bravus’s face paled. His scalp prickled with panic.

"No! He’s lying! He and Clayton are conspiring to frame me!" Bravus shrieked.

But Equus sneered. "Then interrogate the witnesses. Every one of them. The truth will come out."

Arthur and the Tiger brother looked to the others.

No one spoke—but no one defended Bravus either.

The silence was damning.

Realizing he was cornered, Bravus turned to flee.

But the Tiger brothers’ men seized him instantly. There was no escape.

Tiger brother studied Clayton for a long moment.

What was it about this boy that made people risk everything for him?

All he saw was a pale, broken figure. He lost interest quickly and gave the order: "Take Bravus away."

Bravus struggled, but it was futile. The guards were too strong.

Just as they were about to leave, a weak voice rang out.

"Wait."

Everyone turned.

It was Clayton.

The Tiger brother narrowed his eyes, clearly displeased.