Chapter 132
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A thick layer of killing intent engulfed the backyard, the daughter looked up towards her father with a bit of fear, the lion and lioness both locked their gazes onto the Baron, fearful that he might lose control.
Baron Aaron looked towards the lion. "Listen, someone is coming to visit in a moment, someone I so dearly despise. I would suggest you keep up your guard, it's no coincident that he decided to come and visit when we brought you all in."
The lion nodded before laying back down, he kept his eyes on the children and the door. Baron Aaron dispersed his killing intent, it was a passive battle technique of his, one that gets stronger to more you kill whether that be humans or beasts.
He then returned to the front of the mansion, his walk there was slow and filled with attempts of calming himself down. If the Duke made a move against the lions he would teach him a lesson he would never forget, and if his daughter gets caught in the crossfire; 'Well, I suppose there isn't a need for that Duke to continue living'
Baron Aaron waited outside his house for five minutes or so before he heard the gates open and a large, pearly white carriage came in. The horses pulling it along had snow-white fur, their reins were white and so were their hooves.
The carriage stopped right in front of him and a guard walked from the front of the side and opened the door. To no surprise the Duke inside the carriage was already standing up in his entirely white suit, looking down on him.
"Oh Baron Aaron, did you not like the suit I gave you, or is it too small for you?" Duke Arnon asked in an arrogant and cocky voice, it sounded posh and noble yet also slimy and repulsive.
"Well, you certainly didn't give me much time to get into it, so I can only greet you with the clothes I've been wearing all day," Baron Aaron snarked. The suit Duke was talking about was something he gifted to every noble, he demanded that they wear it should he ever 'grace them with his presence'.
Baron Aaron wanted to shove that suit so far up Duke Arnon's arse but he isn't allowed to due to their difference in nobility. Of course, if the opportunity ever arrived on the battlefield he would gladly chop off the Duke's head.
"Yes, yes, now I've been told you brought in some wonderful pets, I'm just dying to meet them," Duke Arnon said in his annoying voice that made Aaron cringe inside.
"Right this way," Baron Aaron said as he gestured for Duke Arnon to follow. 'Huh, you'll certainly be dead if you try anything when you do meet them, and the killer will either be me or that lion'.
Aaron could clearly feel that the lion was extremely protective of his cubs, to the point where he would abandon their home to live with them so that his cubs are safe, have food and shelter. As for the lioness, although Aaron hasn't seen her make a move or anything he could clearly see that she had her eyes on the cubs at all times.
Aaron led the Duke to the yard with the lions, all three cubs were now playing with his daughter, running around with the toy. The lion and lioness were watching from the hill, cuddling up to each other.
Their heads both turned instantly when the door was opened. Aaron and Arnon both walked through into the yard, Arnon's eyes widened and glowed with amazement and awe. He walked over to one of the cubs and squatted next to it.
He started petting it, feeling the silky smooth and soft fur, his eyes lit up even more. But internally, fury was building up towards Aaron. 'These lions are so beautiful, Baron Aaron doesn't deserve them, I do'.
"Yes, this fur is so soft and beautiful, it would look even better if I make them into boats, socks, maybe even gloves," Duke Arnon muttered under his breath as he picked the cub up and held it close.
The lion's ears were sensitive, it heard and understood all that Duke Arnon said. Its eyes were filled with anger, its muscles tensed as it disappeared from its spot. It reappeared by Arnon, claws out and already striking down onto Arnon's arms.
*Bang!*
The ground shook as dirt flew up, Arnon's butler had appeared in front of him, blocking the attack. Many more people appeared around the yard out of nowhere, some were wearing robes and others were wearing heavy armour.
"Damn beast! To dare attack my master, you deserve death!" The butler lifted the lion up with one arm and slammed it on the ground. Aaron didn't have time to react, he was to shocked by the sudden outburst, he thought everything looked fine.
But he knew Duke Arnon's personality and he frowned. Although he wasn't sure what happened, considering the lion's anger it's obvious that he must have done or said something.
"Hey! Duke Arnon your visit was certainly a pleasure but I believe you should leave now!" Baron Aaron shouted.
"Don't you dare speak like that to a Duke ever again! Know your place peasant!" Duke Arnon shouted furiously back, his face twitching from anger as he looked towards the unconscious lion. "Turn this beast into a new coat for me!"
He then looked towards the others cubs, they were surrounding Aaron's daughter in fear. He pointed to them and shouted, "Take those cubs as well!"
"Yes sir," Two knights replied before walking over to the cubs. Aaron's daughter got defensive and blocked their path, Aaron's expression hardened as the two knights kicked his daughter out of the way. "Don't block the Duke's knights! Know your place!"
A thick killing intent engulfed the yard and surrounding area, it began to press everyone to the ground. The Duke felt a sense of fear overwhelm him, he looked towards the source and noticed it was Aaron, his eyes were red and his hair had suddenly spiked up, his muscles were squirming as they grew larger, tearing the clothes he was wearing.
"Damn Baron! Know your place! You can't harm someone of my status!" Duke Arnon shouted fearfully. The eyes of his butler that was by his side widened in shock and fear, Aaron's body was growing more and more, a red aura encased Aaron's body.
"War God," The butler muttered under his breath, he felt his muscles tense and tighten at the sight. His heartbeat fastened, sweat began to form on his forehead. "The stories were true, when angered, the War God will make his appearance."
"Wasn't that just an exaggerated story made up by some knights; I mean seriously, you expect me to believe that one man can take down an entire kingdom by himself, with his bare fuckin hands. That's ridiculous!" Duke Arnon shouted as the fear increased, he felt his muscles cramp under the pressure and fear.
"All stories have some truth in them, they all have an origin. As for exaggeration, nope, they underexaggerated it. He didn't destroy just one kingdom on his own, but dozens during the time he's been alive," The butler explained with fear and awe in his voice. "To us participating in the war, he was also known as the red hero. Encased in his blood red aura he slaughtered countless enemies, turned entire battlefields on their heads with just his mere presence, he is a living legend. Although, even I thought some of those stories seemed exaggerated; but this aura his giving off, it isn't fake."
"And you didn't think of warning me? You damn peasant butler! You set me up!" Duke Arnon shouted furiously. Although he sounded angry he was also attempting to split the blame between himself and his butler.
"Tsk, I didn't think I was going to have to rely on this during my lifetime," Duke Arnon said as he grit his teeth and pulled out a talisman. It was gold with blood red details on it, Duke's face was clenched hard as he couldn't bring himself to use it.
The main reason Duke Arnon was able to stay a Duke, was partially because of that one piece of paper he was holding. Unlike most nobility, Duke's were there since the beginning of a country, they stood by the first king and supported them. This also meant they have a much large and stronger foundation, let alone the number of treasures they have.
Aaron's only heard about it before, the Duke's talisman that can decide the future of a kingdom. It possesses mighty strength, although no one knew what it did. It hadn't been used in their lifetimes, it hadn't been used in hundreds of years. The only thing they knew about it came from rumours and stories.
Aaron, knowing the dangers of letting anything continue disappeared from his spot. When he reappeared by Arnon, his fist was already at Arnon's stomach. Arnon's eyes constricted as he clenched hard and shouted. "Halt!"
The talisman shone bright and Aaron was stopped in his tracks, ancient runes were gliding across his skin. His fist was at Arnon yet he couldn't move it, he felt his body freeze up; he could feel himself losing control over his body.
Arnon wiped the sweat off his forehead. "You almost got me there Baron, fortunately, I got this Talisman of Heaven's Restriction. It can restrict up to 50000 people instantly and hold them in place for as long as I have this talisman activated."
Arnon then brought his hand up to Aaron's face and flicked him in the head. "But don't worry, I won't keep you there for long. I mean seriously, you attempted to kill me, someone with a much higher nobility ranking; you're going to have to die."
Everyone then noticed someone, although it was only minuscule, with the level of tension and focus of everyone present it was extremely noticeable. Aaron moved. Only ever so slightly, but that single movement shook Arnon to his core.
"Hey now, you shouldn't be able to do that. Butler, get your ass over here and kill him!" Duke Arnon shouted towards his butler. Aside from the talisman that he kept on him at all times, he didn't have a single weapon on him.
"Don't you know?" Aaron asked with a faint voice, it paused and continued between the words, the runes on his skin began to break apart, his motion getting more fluent. "I'm the Red Death, and unlike you who relies on the power of your family's past, I rely on the strength that I've earnt through my battles. You may have the Talisman of Heaven's Restriction, but I have the strength of heaven itself!"
Aaron's punch connected, his fist arched Arnon's body, but as he was punching through he twisted his fist hard, which, in turn, twisted Arnon's guts. He flew into the wall, or what was left of him anyway.
To enemies, Aaron wasn't only known as the Red Death due to his red aura that he emits when he's in such a state. There was only the state of battlefields once he has fought, they were stained and flooded with blood; the corpses would be mangled and torn apart. That was why his enemies referred to him as the Red Death. He would leave a trail of blood in the battlefields he goes to.
The guards were shaken to their core, losing the Duke meant losing their support. They quickly scattered, fleeing the scene before the Red Death comes after them as well. The butler, however, he decided to stay there and await his death.
He would be killed anyway. There were many shady individuals that worked with the Duke in the dark, the butler knew that; he also knew how dangerous they were. Losing one of their financial pillars would set them off in a fury of rage, he would be one of the first to take the blame, he knew that. The least he wanted was to die by the hands of the Red Hero, someone he revered when he was younger when he worked as a normal soldier.
Aaron looked at the butler and sighed deeply. Although the Duke was primarily to blame the butler couldn't be let off either. If he came back for some revenge due to him killing his master, he would be putting his daughter's life at risk. That was just the way of this world; if you're going to kill someone, kill their entire family, all their friends and any business partners.
Aaron walked up to the butler and threw a punch towards the butler's head. When it connected the head was smashed apart, grey brain matter and blood splattered across the wall. The body flopped on the ground.
Aaron breathed deep, he did that a few times and the red aura that was surrounding him began to seep back into his skin. His spike hair began to fall flat and his muscles shrunk. He returned to his normal state.
He looked to his daughter, her eyes were sunken and full of fear. The cubs were hiding behind her, looking towards the Baron as though he was a monster. The lioness was also on guard, it was by the cub's side.
Aaron sighed, unsure of what to do in this situation. He looked to his daughter and held his hand out. "My precious daughter listen, what you just saw is all true, none of it was an illusion. However, I'm still me, still the caring father you've always known and that's always taken care of you."
He sat down, he said what he needed to say. There wasn't much else he could do. However, if he could turn back time he would return to the time when he felt like ripping Duke Arnon's head off after a battle, he had a very viable reason to be furious. Not to mention every soldier there would be on his side.
He suddenly felt something grab hold of his hands. Looking up he smiled, his daughter jumped at him and wrapped his arms around his neck. Tears were pouring out of her eyes from what she's just seen.
"It's alright daddy, I'll love you no matter what," The daughter muttered beneath her breathe by Aaron's ear. He felt someone warm overwhelm his body, his heart calmed as he felt a sense of tranquillity.
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A thick layer of killing intent engulfed the backyard, the daughter looked up towards her father with a bit of fear, the lion and lioness both locked their gazes onto the Baron, fearful that he might lose control.
Baron Aaron looked towards the lion. "Listen, someone is coming to visit in a moment, someone I so dearly despise. I would suggest you keep up your guard, it's no coincident that he decided to come and visit when we brought you all in."
The lion nodded before laying back down, he kept his eyes on the children and the door. Baron Aaron dispersed his killing intent, it was a passive battle technique of his, one that gets stronger to more you kill whether that be humans or beasts.
He then returned to the front of the mansion, his walk there was slow and filled with attempts of calming himself down. If the Duke made a move against the lions he would teach him a lesson he would never forget, and if his daughter gets caught in the crossfire; 'Well, I suppose there isn't a need for that Duke to continue living'
Baron Aaron waited outside his house for five minutes or so before he heard the gates open and a large, pearly white carriage came in. The horses pulling it along had snow-white fur, their reins were white and so were their hooves.
The carriage stopped right in front of him and a guard walked from the front of the side and opened the door. To no surprise the Duke inside the carriage was already standing up in his entirely white suit, looking down on him.
"Oh Baron Aaron, did you not like the suit I gave you, or is it too small for you?" Duke Arnon asked in an arrogant and cocky voice, it sounded posh and noble yet also slimy and repulsive.
"Well, you certainly didn't give me much time to get into it, so I can only greet you with the clothes I've been wearing all day," Baron Aaron snarked. The suit Duke was talking about was something he gifted to every noble, he demanded that they wear it should he ever 'grace them with his presence'.
Baron Aaron wanted to shove that suit so far up Duke Arnon's arse but he isn't allowed to due to their difference in nobility. Of course, if the opportunity ever arrived on the battlefield he would gladly chop off the Duke's head.
"Yes, yes, now I've been told you brought in some wonderful pets, I'm just dying to meet them," Duke Arnon said in his annoying voice that made Aaron cringe inside.
"Right this way," Baron Aaron said as he gestured for Duke Arnon to follow. 'Huh, you'll certainly be dead if you try anything when you do meet them, and the killer will either be me or that lion'.
Aaron could clearly feel that the lion was extremely protective of his cubs, to the point where he would abandon their home to live with them so that his cubs are safe, have food and shelter. As for the lioness, although Aaron hasn't seen her make a move or anything he could clearly see that she had her eyes on the cubs at all times.
Aaron led the Duke to the yard with the lions, all three cubs were now playing with his daughter, running around with the toy. The lion and lioness were watching from the hill, cuddling up to each other.
Their heads both turned instantly when the door was opened. Aaron and Arnon both walked through into the yard, Arnon's eyes widened and glowed with amazement and awe. He walked over to one of the cubs and squatted next to it.
He started petting it, feeling the silky smooth and soft fur, his eyes lit up even more. But internally, fury was building up towards Aaron. 'These lions are so beautiful, Baron Aaron doesn't deserve them, I do'.
"Yes, this fur is so soft and beautiful, it would look even better if I make them into boats, socks, maybe even gloves," Duke Arnon muttered under his breath as he picked the cub up and held it close.
The lion's ears were sensitive, it heard and understood all that Duke Arnon said. Its eyes were filled with anger, its muscles tensed as it disappeared from its spot. It reappeared by Arnon, claws out and already striking down onto Arnon's arms.
*Bang!*
The ground shook as dirt flew up, Arnon's butler had appeared in front of him, blocking the attack. Many more people appeared around the yard out of nowhere, some were wearing robes and others were wearing heavy armour.
"Damn beast! To dare attack my master, you deserve death!" The butler lifted the lion up with one arm and slammed it on the ground. Aaron didn't have time to react, he was to shocked by the sudden outburst, he thought everything looked fine.
But he knew Duke Arnon's personality and he frowned. Although he wasn't sure what happened, considering the lion's anger it's obvious that he must have done or said something.
"Hey! Duke Arnon your visit was certainly a pleasure but I believe you should leave now!" Baron Aaron shouted.
"Don't you dare speak like that to a Duke ever again! Know your place peasant!" Duke Arnon shouted furiously back, his face twitching from anger as he looked towards the unconscious lion. "Turn this beast into a new coat for me!"
He then looked towards the others cubs, they were surrounding Aaron's daughter in fear. He pointed to them and shouted, "Take those cubs as well!"
"Yes sir," Two knights replied before walking over to the cubs. Aaron's daughter got defensive and blocked their path, Aaron's expression hardened as the two knights kicked his daughter out of the way. "Don't block the Duke's knights! Know your place!"
A thick killing intent engulfed the yard and surrounding area, it began to press everyone to the ground. The Duke felt a sense of fear overwhelm him, he looked towards the source and noticed it was Aaron, his eyes were red and his hair had suddenly spiked up, his muscles were squirming as they grew larger, tearing the clothes he was wearing.
"Damn Baron! Know your place! You can't harm someone of my status!" Duke Arnon shouted fearfully. The eyes of his butler that was by his side widened in shock and fear, Aaron's body was growing more and more, a red aura encased Aaron's body.
"War God," The butler muttered under his breath, he felt his muscles tense and tighten at the sight. His heartbeat fastened, sweat began to form on his forehead. "The stories were true, when angered, the War God will make his appearance."
"Wasn't that just an exaggerated story made up by some knights; I mean seriously, you expect me to believe that one man can take down an entire kingdom by himself, with his bare fuckin hands. That's ridiculous!" Duke Arnon shouted as the fear increased, he felt his muscles cramp under the pressure and fear.
"All stories have some truth in them, they all have an origin. As for exaggeration, nope, they underexaggerated it. He didn't destroy just one kingdom on his own, but dozens during the time he's been alive," The butler explained with fear and awe in his voice. "To us participating in the war, he was also known as the red hero. Encased in his blood red aura he slaughtered countless enemies, turned entire battlefields on their heads with just his mere presence, he is a living legend. Although, even I thought some of those stories seemed exaggerated; but this aura his giving off, it isn't fake."
"And you didn't think of warning me? You damn peasant butler! You set me up!" Duke Arnon shouted furiously. Although he sounded angry he was also attempting to split the blame between himself and his butler.
"Tsk, I didn't think I was going to have to rely on this during my lifetime," Duke Arnon said as he grit his teeth and pulled out a talisman. It was gold with blood red details on it, Duke's face was clenched hard as he couldn't bring himself to use it.
The main reason Duke Arnon was able to stay a Duke, was partially because of that one piece of paper he was holding. Unlike most nobility, Duke's were there since the beginning of a country, they stood by the first king and supported them. This also meant they have a much large and stronger foundation, let alone the number of treasures they have.
Aaron's only heard about it before, the Duke's talisman that can decide the future of a kingdom. It possesses mighty strength, although no one knew what it did. It hadn't been used in their lifetimes, it hadn't been used in hundreds of years. The only thing they knew about it came from rumours and stories.
Aaron, knowing the dangers of letting anything continue disappeared from his spot. When he reappeared by Arnon, his fist was already at Arnon's stomach. Arnon's eyes constricted as he clenched hard and shouted. "Halt!"
The talisman shone bright and Aaron was stopped in his tracks, ancient runes were gliding across his skin. His fist was at Arnon yet he couldn't move it, he felt his body freeze up; he could feel himself losing control over his body.
Arnon wiped the sweat off his forehead. "You almost got me there Baron, fortunately, I got this Talisman of Heaven's Restriction. It can restrict up to 50000 people instantly and hold them in place for as long as I have this talisman activated."
Arnon then brought his hand up to Aaron's face and flicked him in the head. "But don't worry, I won't keep you there for long. I mean seriously, you attempted to kill me, someone with a much higher nobility ranking; you're going to have to die."
Everyone then noticed someone, although it was only minuscule, with the level of tension and focus of everyone present it was extremely noticeable. Aaron moved. Only ever so slightly, but that single movement shook Arnon to his core.
"Hey now, you shouldn't be able to do that. Butler, get your ass over here and kill him!" Duke Arnon shouted towards his butler. Aside from the talisman that he kept on him at all times, he didn't have a single weapon on him.
"Don't you know?" Aaron asked with a faint voice, it paused and continued between the words, the runes on his skin began to break apart, his motion getting more fluent. "I'm the Red Death, and unlike you who relies on the power of your family's past, I rely on the strength that I've earnt through my battles. You may have the Talisman of Heaven's Restriction, but I have the strength of heaven itself!"
Aaron's punch connected, his fist arched Arnon's body, but as he was punching through he twisted his fist hard, which, in turn, twisted Arnon's guts. He flew into the wall, or what was left of him anyway.
To enemies, Aaron wasn't only known as the Red Death due to his red aura that he emits when he's in such a state. There was only the state of battlefields once he has fought, they were stained and flooded with blood; the corpses would be mangled and torn apart. That was why his enemies referred to him as the Red Death. He would leave a trail of blood in the battlefields he goes to.
The guards were shaken to their core, losing the Duke meant losing their support. They quickly scattered, fleeing the scene before the Red Death comes after them as well. The butler, however, he decided to stay there and await his death.
He would be killed anyway. There were many shady individuals that worked with the Duke in the dark, the butler knew that; he also knew how dangerous they were. Losing one of their financial pillars would set them off in a fury of rage, he would be one of the first to take the blame, he knew that. The least he wanted was to die by the hands of the Red Hero, someone he revered when he was younger when he worked as a normal soldier.
Aaron looked at the butler and sighed deeply. Although the Duke was primarily to blame the butler couldn't be let off either. If he came back for some revenge due to him killing his master, he would be putting his daughter's life at risk. That was just the way of this world; if you're going to kill someone, kill their entire family, all their friends and any business partners.
Aaron walked up to the butler and threw a punch towards the butler's head. When it connected the head was smashed apart, grey brain matter and blood splattered across the wall. The body flopped on the ground.
Aaron breathed deep, he did that a few times and the red aura that was surrounding him began to seep back into his skin. His spike hair began to fall flat and his muscles shrunk. He returned to his normal state.
He looked to his daughter, her eyes were sunken and full of fear. The cubs were hiding behind her, looking towards the Baron as though he was a monster. The lioness was also on guard, it was by the cub's side.
Aaron sighed, unsure of what to do in this situation. He looked to his daughter and held his hand out. "My precious daughter listen, what you just saw is all true, none of it was an illusion. However, I'm still me, still the caring father you've always known and that's always taken care of you."
He sat down, he said what he needed to say. There wasn't much else he could do. However, if he could turn back time he would return to the time when he felt like ripping Duke Arnon's head off after a battle, he had a very viable reason to be furious. Not to mention every soldier there would be on his side.
He suddenly felt something grab hold of his hands. Looking up he smiled, his daughter jumped at him and wrapped his arms around his neck. Tears were pouring out of her eyes from what she's just seen.
"It's alright daddy, I'll love you no matter what," The daughter muttered beneath her breathe by Aaron's ear. He felt someone warm overwhelm his body, his heart calmed as he felt a sense of tranquillity.
A thick layer of killing intent engulfed the backyard, the daughter looked up towards her father with a bit of fear, the lion and lioness both locked their gazes onto the Baron, fearful that he might lose control.Baron Aaron looked towards the lion. "Listen, someone is coming to visit in a moment, someone I so dearly despise. I would suggest you keep up your guard, it's no coincident that he decided to come and visit when we brought you all in."The lion nodded before laying back down, he kept his eyes on the children and the door. Baron Aaron dispersed his killing intent, it was a passive battle technique of his, one that gets stronger to more you kill whether that be humans or beasts.He then returned to the front of the mansion, his walk there was slow and filled with attempts of calming himself down. If the Duke made a move against the lions he would teach him a lesson he would never forget, and if his daughter gets caught in the crossfire; 'Well, I suppose there isn't a need for that Duke to continue living'Baron Aaron waited outside his house for five minutes or so before he heard the gates open and a large, pearly white carriage came in. The horses pulling it along had snow-white fur, their reins were white and so were their hooves.The carriage stopped right in front of him and a guard walked from the front of the side and opened the door. To no surprise the Duke inside the carriage was already standing up in his entirely white suit, looking down on him."Oh Baron Aaron, did you not like the suit I gave you, or is it too small for you?" Duke Arnon asked in an arrogant and cocky voice, it sounded posh and noble yet also slimy and repulsive."Well, you certainly didn't give me much time to get into it, so I can only greet you with the clothes I've been wearing all day," Baron Aaron snarked. The suit Duke was talking about was something he gifted to every noble, he demanded that they wear it should he ever 'grace them with his presence'.Baron Aaron wanted to shove that suit so far up Duke Arnon's arse but he isn't allowed to due to their difference in nobility. Of course, if the opportunity ever arrived on the battlefield he would gladly chop off the Duke's head."Yes, yes, now I've been told you brought in some wonderful pets, I'm just dying to meet them," Duke Arnon said in his annoying voice that made Aaron cringe inside."Right this way," Baron Aaron said as he gestured for Duke Arnon to follow. 'Huh, you'll certainly be dead if you try anything when you do meet them, and the killer will either be me or that lion'.Aaron could clearly feel that the lion was extremely protective of his cubs, to the point where he would abandon their home to live with them so that his cubs are safe, have food and shelter. As for the lioness, although Aaron hasn't seen her make a move or anything he could clearly see that she had her eyes on the cubs at all times.Aaron led the Duke to the yard with the lions, all three cubs were now playing with his daughter, running around with the toy. The lion and lioness were watching from the hill, cuddling up to each other.Their heads both turned instantly when the door was opened. Aaron and Arnon both walked through into the yard, Arnon's eyes widened and glowed with amazement and awe. He walked over to one of the cubs and squatted next to it.He started petting it, feeling the silky smooth and soft fur, his eyes lit up even more. But internally, fury was building up towards Aaron. 'These lions are so beautiful, Baron Aaron doesn't deserve them, I do'."Yes, this fur is so soft and beautiful, it would look even better if I make them into boats, socks, maybe even gloves," Duke Arnon muttered under his breath as he picked the cub up and held it close.The lion's ears were sensitive, it heard and understood all that Duke Arnon said. Its eyes were filled with anger, its muscles tensed as it disappeared from its spot. It reappeared by Arnon, claws out and already striking down onto Arnon's arms.*Bang!*The ground shook as dirt flew up, Arnon's butler had appeared in front of him, blocking the attack. Many more people appeared around the yard out of nowhere, some were wearing robes and others were wearing heavy armour."Damn beast! To dare attack my master, you deserve death!" The butler lifted the lion up with one arm and slammed it on the ground. Aaron didn't have time to react, he was to shocked by the sudden outburst, he thought everything looked fine.But he knew Duke Arnon's personality and he frowned. Although he wasn't sure what happened, considering the lion's anger it's obvious that he must have done or said something."Hey! Duke Arnon your visit was certainly a pleasure but I believe you should leave now!" Baron Aaron shouted."Don't you dare speak like that to a Duke ever again! Know your place peasant!" Duke Arnon shouted furiously back, his face twitching from anger as he looked towards the unconscious lion. "Turn this beast into a new coat for me!"He then looked towards the others cubs, they were surrounding Aaron's daughter in fear. He pointed to them and shouted, "Take those cubs as well!""Yes sir," Two knights replied before walking over to the cubs. Aaron's daughter got defensive and blocked their path, Aaron's expression hardened as the two knights kicked his daughter out of the way. "Don't block the Duke's knights! Know your place!"A thick killing intent engulfed the yard and surrounding area, it began to press everyone to the ground. The Duke felt a sense of fear overwhelm him, he looked towards the source and noticed it was Aaron, his eyes were red and his hair had suddenly spiked up, his muscles were squirming as they grew larger, tearing the clothes he was wearing."Damn Baron! Know your place! You can't harm someone of my status!" Duke Arnon shouted fearfully. The eyes of his butler that was by his side widened in shock and fear, Aaron's body was growing more and more, a red aura encased Aaron's body."War God," The butler muttered under his breath, he felt his muscles tense and tighten at the sight. His heartbeat fastened, sweat began to form on his forehead. "The stories were true, when angered, the War God will make his appearance.""Wasn't that just an exaggerated story made up by some knights; I mean seriously, you expect me to believe that one man can take down an entire kingdom by himself, with his bare fuckin hands. That's ridiculous!" Duke Arnon shouted as the fear increased, he felt his muscles cramp under the pressure and fear."All stories have some truth in them, they all have an origin. As for exaggeration, nope, they underexaggerated it. He didn't destroy just one kingdom on his own, but dozens during the time he's been alive," The butler explained with fear and awe in his voice. "To us participating in the war, he was also known as the red hero. Encased in his blood red aura he slaughtered countless enemies, turned entire battlefields on their heads with just his mere presence, he is a living legend. Although, even I thought some of those stories seemed exaggerated; but this aura his giving off, it isn't fake.""And you didn't think of warning me? You damn peasant butler! You set me up!" Duke Arnon shouted furiously. Although he sounded angry he was also attempting to split the blame between himself and his butler."Tsk, I didn't think I was going to have to rely on this during my lifetime," Duke Arnon said as he grit his teeth and pulled out a talisman. It was gold with blood red details on it, Duke's face was clenched hard as he couldn't bring himself to use it.The main reason Duke Arnon was able to stay a Duke, was partially because of that one piece of paper he was holding. Unlike most nobility, Duke's were there since the beginning of a country, they stood by the first king and supported them. This also meant they have a much large and stronger foundation, let alone the number of treasures they have.Aaron's only heard about it before, the Duke's talisman that can decide the future of a kingdom. It possesses mighty strength, although no one knew what it did. It hadn't been used in their lifetimes, it hadn't been used in hundreds of years. The only thing they knew about it came from rumours and stories.Aaron, knowing the dangers of letting anything continue disappeared from his spot. When he reappeared by Arnon, his fist was already at Arnon's stomach. Arnon's eyes constricted as he clenched hard and shouted. "Halt!"The talisman shone bright and Aaron was stopped in his tracks, ancient runes were gliding across his skin. His fist was at Arnon yet he couldn't move it, he felt his body freeze up; he could feel himself losing control over his body.Arnon wiped the sweat off his forehead. "You almost got me there Baron, fortunately, I got this Talisman of Heaven's Restriction. It can restrict up to 50000 people instantly and hold them in place for as long as I have this talisman activated."Arnon then brought his hand up to Aaron's face and flicked him in the head. "But don't worry, I won't keep you there for long. I mean seriously, you attempted to kill me, someone with a much higher nobility ranking; you're going to have to die."Everyone then noticed someone, although it was only minuscule, with the level of tension and focus of everyone present it was extremely noticeable. Aaron moved. Only ever so slightly, but that single movement shook Arnon to his core."Hey now, you shouldn't be able to do that. Butler, get your ass over here and kill him!" Duke Arnon shouted towards his butler. Aside from the talisman that he kept on him at all times, he didn't have a single weapon on him."Don't you know?" Aaron asked with a faint voice, it paused and continued between the words, the runes on his skin began to break apart, his motion getting more fluent. "I'm the Red Death, and unlike you who relies on the power of your family's past, I rely on the strength that I've earnt through my battles. You may have the Talisman of Heaven's Restriction, but I have the strength of heaven itself!"Aaron's punch connected, his fist arched Arnon's body, but as he was punching through he twisted his fist hard, which, in turn, twisted Arnon's guts. He flew into the wall, or what was left of him anyway.To enemies, Aaron wasn't only known as the Red Death due to his red aura that he emits when he's in such a state. There was only the state of battlefields once he has fought, they were stained and flooded with blood; the corpses would be mangled and torn apart. That was why his enemies referred to him as the Red Death. He would leave a trail of blood in the battlefields he goes to.The guards were shaken to their core, losing the Duke meant losing their support. They quickly scattered, fleeing the scene before the Red Death comes after them as well. The butler, however, he decided to stay there and await his death.He would be killed anyway. There were many shady individuals that worked with the Duke in the dark, the butler knew that; he also knew how dangerous they were. Losing one of their financial pillars would set them off in a fury of rage, he would be one of the first to take the blame, he knew that. The least he wanted was to die by the hands of the Red Hero, someone he revered when he was younger when he worked as a normal soldier.Aaron looked at the butler and sighed deeply. Although the Duke was primarily to blame the butler couldn't be let off either. If he came back for some revenge due to him killing his master, he would be putting his daughter's life at risk. That was just the way of this world; if you're going to kill someone, kill their entire family, all their friends and any business partners.Aaron walked up to the butler and threw a punch towards the butler's head. When it connected the head was smashed apart, grey brain matter and blood splattered across the wall. The body flopped on the ground.Aaron breathed deep, he did that a few times and the red aura that was surrounding him began to seep back into his skin. His spike hair began to fall flat and his muscles shrunk. He returned to his normal state.He looked to his daughter, her eyes were sunken and full of fear. The cubs were hiding behind her, looking towards the Baron as though he was a monster. The lioness was also on guard, it was by the cub's side.Aaron sighed, unsure of what to do in this situation. He looked to his daughter and held his hand out. "My precious daughter listen, what you just saw is all true, none of it was an illusion. However, I'm still me, still the caring father you've always known and that's always taken care of you."He sat down, he said what he needed to say. There wasn't much else he could do. However, if he could turn back time he would return to the time when he felt like ripping Duke Arnon's head off after a battle, he had a very viable reason to be furious. Not to mention every soldier there would be on his side.He suddenly felt something grab hold of his hands. Looking up he smiled, his daughter jumped at him and wrapped his arms around his neck. Tears were pouring out of her eyes from what she's just seen."It's alright daddy, I'll love you no matter what," The daughter muttered beneath her breathe by Aaron's ear. He felt someone warm overwhelm his body, his heart calmed as he felt a sense of tranquillity.
