Chapter 80: The Ten Commandments 2
"And who do you think you are?" Jack asked, his tone dripping with disdain. The question hung in the air, a challenge in itself, as Jack prepared to make it clear that no one, not even a figure as imposing as Gareth, could stand against them.
Gareth strode past Jack without a second glance, his eyes fixed ahead as if Jack were nothing more than an afterthought. The blatant disregard sent a flash of anger through Jack, his usual easygoing demeanor evaporating in an instant. His hand clenched around the staff he summoned, the weapon appearing with a crackle of energy as he swiftly turned to strike.
But as Jack spun around, his anger was abruptly replaced with surprise, and then, oddly, amusement. The sight that greeted him was not what he expected.
Gareth, the imposing figure who had so boldly entered the arena, was now bowing deeply before Adams. The powerful aura that had marked Gareth as a threat was now one of reverence, his head lowered in submission.
Jack chuckled, lowering his staff slightly as he observed the scene. "Well, I'll be damned," he muttered under his breath, a smirk tugging at the corners of his lips. The tension that had filled the air moments ago seemed to dissipate, replaced by a curious mixture of respect and humor as Jack watched this unexpected turn of events unfold.
"You asked for my name, didn't you, monkey?" Gareth's voice cut through the silence as he turned to face Jack. The casual insult hit its mark, and Jack's expression shifted from surprise to irritation, his jaw tightening as he bristled at the term.
Gareth didn't seem to care. With an air of casual indifference, he continued, "The name's Gareth Bunch, the Horseman of Conquest. And I only answer to the boss." His tone was steady, his confidence unwavering as he walked past Jack, heading straight toward the celestial.
The arrogance in Gareth's voice was palpable, and it was clear he had no intention of showing deference to anyone but Adams.
Gareth walked past Jack without another glance, his focus now squarely on the celestial who had moments ago been brimming with false bravado. The air grew heavy with anticipation as Gareth approached, his presence commanding the attention of everyone in the arena.
He stopped just a few steps away from the trembling celestial, his eyes narrowing as he looked down at the man. The power dynamic had shifted so drastically that the celestial, who had once invoked the name of the Ten Commandments with such confidence, now appeared as nothing more than a cowering figure before the Horseman of Conquest.
"So," Gareth began, his voice low and menacing, "you mentioned something about the Ten Commandments, didn't you?" There was an unmistakable edge to his words, a mix of curiosity and disdain as he probed for information. His question hung in the air, laced with an unspoken threat.
The celestial, who had been desperately trying to regain his composure, felt the weight of Gareth's gaze on him and swallowed hard. The name of the Ten Commandments, which had once given him a sense of security, now seemed to offer no protection. He hesitated, his mind racing as he tried to determine how much to reveal—or whether to say anything at all.
The celestial, his face pale and trembling, met Gareth's unrelenting gaze with a mixture of fear and desperation. The power and authority emanating from Gareth were overwhelming, leaving him no choice but to answer, albeit shakily.
"I... I said what I did because—because you shouldn't do anything you'd regret," the celestial stammered, his voice quavering. "I... I mentioned the Ten Commandments to warn you. If you harm me, it could provoke their wrath. I only hoped it would make you think twice."
He swallowed hard, the weight of Gareth's scrutinizing stare making it difficult to breathe. "Please," he continued, his tone pleading, "I didn't mean to offend or challenge your strength. I was just trying to protect myself. If you value your own safety and your sect's well-being, you should reconsider your actions."
The arena was silent, the air thick with tension as the celestial's words echoed through the space. Every disciple held their breath, watching intently to see how Gareth would respond to the celestial's desperate plea.
Gareth's expression remained stern, though his eyes held a glint of amusement. "You think invoking the Ten Commandments will save you now?" he asked, his tone cold. "If you were truly aware of their power, you would understand that their name holds no sway here.."
"Hey, I'm getting really fed up with everyone ignoring me!" Jack's frustration was palpable as he shouted across the arena. "I asked who the hell these Ten Commandments are that gives this guy the nerve to threaten us!"
His outburst was abruptly cut off when Linda descended from her position and, with a swift motion, delivered a heavy knock to Jack's head. The force of the blow made Jack wince, and he turned to face Linda with a mix of surprise and irritation.
"Calm down, brat," Linda scolded him, her voice firm and unyielding. "I've told you countless times that you're a Valley Master now. Start acting like one and show some decorum."
This caused Janice who was not far away from her mother to chuckle at her brother's predicament causing Jack to glared at her.
"The Ten Commandments, or more simply, the Ten Law Enforcements of the Ruler of the Ethereal Sovereignty Realm."