Chapter 384: [382] Power Revealed
August's indifferent expression, as he lounged without a care, seemed to ignite Seryu's fury. Justice was her life's pursuit, her unwavering faith. The very idea of anyone mocking or disregarding it filled her with anger.
Yet, it was precisely August's nonchalant attitude that enraged her the most. For all her righteous fervor, she couldn't help but feel powerless in the face of his dismissiveness. Even Koro, her loyal Teigu, seemed unnervingly subdued. Usually quick to lash out at threats, Koro instead shrank back, his instinctual fear of August overriding his usual aggression.
Dr. Stylish, observing this from the side, noted the odd behavior with fascination. "For a biological-type Teigu to show such fear... Who is this man?" he mused. August didn't look particularly imposing; his sharp features and calm demeanor betrayed no obvious danger. Yet, the reactions of those around him—especially figures like Esdeath and her Three Beasts—made it clear he was anything but ordinary.
Standing, August stretched lazily. He seemed bored, detached from the tension in the room. "I'm heading back," he announced. He had little interest in these petty dramas and was far more focused on regaining his full strength. Being in a weakened state grated on him, and he loathed the lingering sense of limitation.
"Where do you think you're going?" Seryu demanded, her tone sharp and accusatory. "We're not finished talking!"
August's gaze shifted to her, cool and piercing. "Little girl, learn your limits."
In that instant, an overwhelming aura crashed down upon the room. The pressure was suffocating, a manifestation of pure dominance. Seryu's legs buckled, and she collapsed to the ground. Her Teigu, Koro, rushed to her side, whimpering as if struck by an unseen force.
To the others in the room, the source of the oppression was imperceptible. This wasn't a physical force or even a display of killing intent; it was a direct assault on the soul.
Dr. Stylish's curiosity only deepened. Though he couldn't fully grasp what had happened, Seryu's reaction—her trembling form and tear-streaked face—was evidence enough of the power August wielded. "Fascinating," Stylish muttered under his breath.
"Y-You..." Seryu stammered, struggling to find her voice. Tears streamed down her cheeks, her earlier bravado shattered. The atmosphere, once tense, now felt awkwardly subdued. Even Esdeath frowned, displeased by the sight.
"She's just a child," Esdeath admonished August. Her tone wasn't harsh, but there was an unmistakable edge to her words.
August sighed, realizing he might have overdone it. "It was just a scare," he said, waving it off. "Didn't think she'd cry. Guess she really is just a kid."
From the side, Kurome's soft voice interjected. "Pervert..."
August turned to look at her. Kurome sat calmly, her eyes filled with quiet disdain as she nibbled on a snack. In her lap was a bag labeled "Kurome's Treats," which August knew were laced with special drugs to suppress her deteriorating condition.
"Kurome, isn't it?" he asked casually.
"Oh no," she muttered dryly, "the pervert knows my name."
August's lips twitched. "Yesterday, I met someone who reminded me of you," he said. "She had striking red eyes. You wouldn't happen to know her, would you?"
Kurome's demeanor shifted instantly. The casual disdain vanished, replaced by a sharp, predatory focus. "Where is she?" she demanded, her voice cold and commanding.
"So, you do know her. Why the sudden interest?" August teased.
"Tell me where she is!" Kurome's hand went to her Teigu, Yatsufusa. In one fluid motion, she drew the blade and pressed it against August's neck.
Her reaction amused him. "What an aggressive little sister you are. But your attitude needs work."
Without warning, August struck. His palm landed on Kurome's shoulder with enough force to send her flying across the room. She slammed into the wall, the impact cracking the surface, and coughed up blood as her frail body crumpled to the floor.
The room fell silent. The others stared at August, their expressions a mix of shock and wariness. Even Esdeath, usually unbothered by violence, narrowed her eyes. "August, she's one of my subordinates. Injuring her is unacceptable."
"Relax," August replied, pulling out a vial of shimmering liquid. "Here."
It was a bottle of Life Potion, one of many he had acquired through his abilities. Though not as potent as higher-grade versions, it was more than sufficient to heal Kurome's injuries.
He knelt by Kurome and poured the potion into her mouth. The effects were immediate. Her wounds healed, her breathing steadied, and even her complexion improved.
"What... is this?" Kurome asked weakly, her voice tinged with disbelief.
"A Life Potion," August explained. "Not only does it heal injuries, but it can also restore some of your vitality. Keep it. You'll need it."
He handed out additional vials to everyone present, including Esdeath and her Three Beasts. The room's tension eased slightly as the Jaegers realized the value of the gift.
Dr. Stylish examined his vial with fascination. "Incredible! Is this an Imperial research product? Its composition is unlike anything I've seen before."
"Let's just say it's beyond your understanding," August replied with a smirk.
Kurome stared at the vial in her hand. For someone like her, whose body was ravaged daily by the drugs she depended on, the potion's effects were nothing short of miraculous. For the first time in years, she felt a glimmer of relief from her constant suffering.
Her curiosity about August deepened. He knew about her sister, possessed miraculous potions, and wielded terrifying power. Who was he, really?
___
If you're interested in reading more, feel free to visit my pat reon,
https , // www .pat reon. com /XElenea