The Stonehearted Knight
Chapter 369: Facing the Council (3)

Chapter 369: Facing the Council (3)

’Seriously? Don’t these people have other things to do?’

Hex almost facepalmed when he heard the person’s purpose of visit. Even an idiot could guess they were here to create some trouble. He didn’t know whether they were sent under orders of their families or did they come on their own.

’They saw a bunch of women and girls with unassuming backgrounds and negligible power and came to release some stress?’

Their strength reflected their background. All these youngsters were at the Refined Knight Stage. Aside from a few geniuses, only those with an abundance of resources could achieve something like this. And none of these idiots seemed like a genius.

"Could we keep things civil...my Lords? Hex asked, trying to sound like he was requesting it politely.

"Did you hear that guys? This tramp is talking about being civil," the person at the front snickered.

’Idiots indeed,’ Hex concluded inwardly. He could tell things would not remain peaceful.

"I don’t think I need to remind you highborns that this is the place of the Council. Violence in here wouldn’t be wise." He still tried.

"You are right," another of the haughty brats said, giving Hex hope. "We can’t have violence in here. How about a spar in the combat room?"

"Combat room? In here?" Hex asked, genuinely confused. What use did a combat room have inside a building housing the members of a Council? Or did the Wrixian Council decide the fate of the nation based on sparring sessions.

"Truly a frog in a well," a girl amidst the group sneered. "The Council has combat rooms on each floor. When things get heated up or when we have visitors, they serve as an excellent place to let some steam off or get some entertainment. Council work, even for us non-Elders, can be boring most of the time."

Hex’s hope disappeared. After a glance at Medina, who nodded almost without moving her head, he stood up and approached the group. He didn’t reel in the power his body radiated.

The group frowned when they sensed his strength. Although there were many ways to retain a youthful appearance, these youngsters still became wary. Hex looked about their age. And he was at their strength level.

They knew he wasn’t from one of the most prominent families. So, the only two explanations that remained were that the young man in front of them was a genius or lucky. Or both. And neither kind could be taken lightly.

"Let’s have a bout. But let’s keep this between us. No need to involve the Elders, who are already dealing with Miss Elize, or these regular folk, right?" Hex asked with a smile. He could tell these people hadn’t thought through when coming over. His age and strength forced them to take him seriously. He even made sure to throw Elize’s name in the mix. It worked wonders. They all looked a bit nervous.

’The human brain is amazing. It conjures possibilities and risks without limit. If I threatened them with Elize’s name or tried to spin a tale about my relationship they would most likely be agitated or retaliate. Right now, my relationship with Elize, the extent of my powers, and the truth of my background are shrouded in mystery. And they are unable to decide how to deal with that.’

Hex had learnt to play mental games to compensate for his weaknesses. This, in order to survive. Contrary to him, these brats had lived and grown in controlled and secure environments. Their biggest threat was offending someone who shouldn’t be offended.

The group agreed after a brief moment of hesitation.

...

"You can choose your opponent."

Standing in the middle of the combat room, the group offered Hex the choice. They were trying to appear magnanimous, probably to use as an excuse if things went south.

’I can take them all at once but that will draw more attention to me than I want at the moment. But at the same time I am not sure how much Elize has learnt about me and how much she will tell the Elders.’

Hex pondered his choice. His hesitation regarding choice of action boosted the confidence of the group. They, self-absorbed as they were, believed that they had intimidated Hex already. In their eyes, someone who couldn’t decide his opponent or even cared about the choice of opponent, wasn’t a worthy foe.

"Don’t worry. We are all similar in strength."

"Yes. And we know our limit."

"Exactly. We won’t give you any great injury."

"We are in Wrixia. Healers can be found in every nook and cranny, not to mention our families can provide the better ones among them to you."

The group sniggered and tried to egg Hex on.

"You guys are right," Hex said to the delight of the group. No matter what the background or relationship of his was, once he agreed, the others couldn’t be blamed for the outcome. A battle, friendly or not, could always spin out of control in the heat of the moment.

"A few injuries won’t matter." Hex continued.

"Indeed. We–"

Before the person could finish, he was slammed into the ground. A huge pathom of a bear stood before him.

"What are you doin–"

The sudden attack rendered the group speechless. The first one to regain his bearing tried to protest. But he froze mid sentence, encased in an ice block.

"Please spare me."

The young woman who had spoken each time, tried to retreat but stumbled and fell. Her dress fell apart, revealing a lot of fair skin. Instead of hurrying to cover herself, she clasped her hands, pressing her voluminous breasts forward, and pleaded.

It wasn’t a bad sight. Hex had to give it to her. Her beauty could be fatal. Sadly, for her, he had seen beauties that surpassed hers by leaps and bounds.

Blink Step.

He appeared behind her and before she could react, he hit her nape, knocking her unconscious.

In less than a minute he had knocked them out and wrapped them in ice.