Is this destiny?

Sarah and Aiden were ready to head for Aiden's next match. Since the two of them relaxed, Hong checked the schedule and he told them that he will pick them up when the time comes.

Hong didn't like the update from Igor, that some bases formed an alliance with a deal to monopolize top spots, but it was not outside of Hong's expectations.

"The Voronins work on a policy that strong ones can climb up. That works great in the top layer, but the bottom and middle are hostile environments. It does not matter if someone is born here, or he came later, everyone feels restless because they can lose their positions when someone from under them manages to climb up, and the ones without much to lose are the most dangerous.", Hong said dejectedly.

Sarah didn't think it's a big deal. "Aren't all organizations like that?"

"The Army of Chaos is not.", Hong voiced his thoughts.

Aiden looked at Sarah with pride obvious in his eyes. "That is because Sarah gave everyone their prizes in advance, while making sure they understand that progress is made only if they work together. Also, even the cleaners have their dignity, and bullying is not tolerated. Troublemakers are severely punished and who does not like it, is free to leave."

Identifying troublemakers was super-easy because Eve always listened and she would provide information on the ones who are expressing their displeasure or are acting against orders.

Hong bobbed his head. "You make it sound so strict. I saw all the accommodations and jobs you provide not only for your soldiers but for their families as well. They are with you out of gratitude and loyalty, because you take care of them."

Sarah raised her hand, interrupting Aiden from responding. "Enough about that. Let's focus on our current situation… We knew that we will be watched and targeted. Igor only reinforced that, with an addition that some of the so-called bigshots decided to team up against us. It seems that someone will act today."

Hong agreed. "Aiden, do not fight recklessly. In the ring, make sure you double-check for any hidden weapons or poison. Anything goes if they are at the point of sacrificing their own only to get you eliminated. Outside of the ring, I need you to stay clearheaded. I know that you want to protect Sarah but let me handle it."

"No need.", Sarah said. "Hong, you need to keep a low profile. If any of us gets exposed, we are not only disqualified, but in deep trouble. Aiden will not fight. I will take care of any problems. If they don't mind sacrificing their own people, we can take advantage of that and send them a message."

Hong's expression showed disapproval. Sarah should stay out of trouble... but Hong saw that Aiden didn't object. Knowing that Aiden will not put Sarah in danger, Hong guessed that the two of them have a plan. Hong wanted to ask what Aiden and Sarah are up to but decided against it. It's probably better not to know. He is already over-stressed.

…

Sarah and Aiden were not surprised when someone blocked their way to the training grounds.

"We are on our way to a fight.", Hong said from behind Sarah and Aiden.

When the group didn't move, Hong added: "Causing trouble will not be beneficial for anyone."

"Don't waste your breath on this nobody who lost his right to participate…", Aiden stopped Hong from trying to get a peaceful solution. Aiden recognized the guy in front as the one who was eliminated on the previous day. Also, behind the guy were several other people, Iskra and Igor included, and the two-step distance showed that the guy in front is the sacrificial lamb they prepared.

Sarah frowned when she saw that Igor has a big bruise on his face and she assumed that he received punishment in order to stay in Iskra's camp. Sarah wondered if Igor really returned to Iskra or not, but then… it didn't matter. None of their plans are relying on Igor, but she would be sad to let go of a promising guy. With his muscular physique, he would be valuable to the Army of Chaos. The fact that Igor didn't avoid Sarah's gaze told her that he does not feel guilty, so he is probably still on board. That's good news.

The man in front glared at Aiden. "At least you understand that I'm not here to talk."

Sarah stifled a laugh. "You are not very smart, allowing them to use you… who is your camp leader? Even if you are out of the competition, you saw my man fight and you should be aware that if you come any closer, you will be in a lot of pain and some of the injuries coming your way will have permanent consequences, no matter how good doctor awaits for you. But then… your goal is not to fight; you want to enrage him enough so that he gets disqualified. I need to inform you that you are so insignificant, that I will handle you. Let's wait ten more seconds so that people can gather… we should have more audience."

The man sneered. "Get lost, slut..."

Sarah's eyes flashed in madness and the only thing preventing her from snapping his neck was the iciness hitting her from behind that told her Aiden is enraged. 

Sarah took a deep breath and started shouting: "What!? You are not feeling well? You should see a doctor for those veins bulging on your neck and forehead and your eyes are red…"

The man was visibly confused, more than the group behind him.

The people started gathering and trying to see the commotion. Everyone is hungry for some gossip.

Sarah shouted louder: "Are there any medics around!? He does not look well!"

The man gasped and fell on the ground, like a ragdoll.

"What have you done?", Darko (one of the base leaders who is in cahoots with Iskra) hissed at Sarah and his panicked expression betrayed how he feels.

Sarah hid behind Aiden and peeked on the side. "Me? Why do you think I did anything? I didn't touch him, all these people can witness…"

Before she finished, two men from the organization were squatting next to the man on the ground and one spoke into a device in his hand, calling for a stretcher and a medic.

"She did it!", Iskra said.

Sarah met her gaze and sneered. "Careful… Do you have any evidence? All these people are my witnesses that I didn't touch that man or threw anything his way. And I'm confident that can be confirmed by reviewing the security footage. Do you believe that I can kill a person just by looking at him, it will seem that I have some superpowers..."

Iskra felt her stomach sinking. "Kill a person?" She lowered her gaze and saw that two men are performing CPR on the man who fell only a few seconds ago.

Sarah tugged Aiden's hand. "We should go. You don't want to be disqualified for being late; that would be a lame way to end this competition." 

Aiden hummed in confirmation and wrapped his arm around Sarah's shoulders before walking away with Hong trailing them.

Aiden breezed through his fight and Hong's guess that the fights will move to a different location, came true.

Before dinner, the remaining contestants were notified that the next stage will continue in two days. This delay was mostly so that the base leaders and other high-ranking personnel have enough time to go to their bases and handle any urgent matters.

Sarah notified Ron and Zula to pick them up with a helicopter at a nearby remote location, because they don't want to waste time in a jeep. She could not wait to get out of here and finally relax a bit. She was missing friendly faces and their fur-babies.

No one dared to provoke Aiden anymore. The thing that happened that afternoon was too mystical. Of course, that is only because no one knew that Sarah used a drone to deliver the deadly concoction that came from JoAnna's lab.

At first, Sarah wanted to spare his life and only knock him out, but she knows that every life she spares will be an enemy one day. And they can't afford more enemies, not now with a baby on the way. If these people are willing to use underhanded methods against them, she will do the same. The only thing that contributed to Iskra and other people in that group walking away with their lives was that Sarah didn't want to attract unwanted attention. But their inevitable ending is only postponed.

Sarah knows that Aiden supports her. Neither of them is a saint, they will not attack and kill unless they are defending or seeking revenge, but who makes a move on them will face his ending.

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