"Hahahaha"

The room had been silent after Gavin's proclamation and it was the Sheik who made the first sound with a booming laugh that made everyone turn towards him with expressions that showed they really feared for his sanity.

The Sheik seemed completely oblivious to their expressions as he pointed towards Gavin,

"My goodness Gavin, your jokes are always strange sounding. 'He dies', that's really so dramatic." He said and Hal could not help but roll his eyes at him.

He could understand what was wrong with the Sheik which was simply that he was in denial.

"A joke? Of course, you would think that, you idiot. Well, let me clarify in case there was a misunderstanding somewhere. This is me announcing that I will kill you today and thus become Sheik!"

The smile slowly slipped off the Sheik's face and he paused before his expression turned incredulous,

"You're serious? Why?" He asked with an undertone of anger in his voice.

Gavin chuckled,

"Is that not obvious? I want to be Sheik. I'm tired of being second best, Wade, I... want... your... seat."

Hal narrowed his eyes and although the situation was shaping up to be really serious, he could not help but feel like he was not really part of this and was simply watching a movie unfold.

This was shaping up to be filled with drama.

Also, once the Sheik's name was revealed, it was as if his presence was no longer as mystifying as it once was.

Of course, that assessment was mostly in relation to the others in the crowd as Hal had never been mystified by the Sheik, even though he did admit he was a powerful expert.

"You are that greedy? I shared everything with you. I called you a friend." Wade said.

Gavin burst out laughing,

"Greed? Have you forgotten who it was that assisted you in killing the former Sheik and securing his seat? You really want to call me greedy? Maybe we were friends but then again, friends have conflict. They argue, they fight.

Consider this our argument, except that at the end of it, you will be dead and I will be the new Sheik."

Hal shook his head,

'His logic of friendship is really so screwed but what do I know. The one friend I had on earth tried to kill me and steal my lamp.'

'Why not make new friends?' Grimoire asked.

'Males friends I mean' it clarified.

'Nah, it's too much of a hassle and I quite prefer female company' Hal said.

'So what's your plan? You're just going to attempt to kill me in front of all these witnesses?"

Gavin's eyes widened,

"Witnesses? These guys? None of them cares what happens to you. Besides, this is the way of the Lagoon. The old Sheik gets killed when he gets complacent and another takes the seat. It's our circle of life. Circle of power if you will."

Sure enough, even the Butt kissing gang took several steps back and away from the Sheik who was soon to be a dead man.

Then Gavin turned away from Wade whose fists were now clenched out of anger, and he looked out to the crowd and stretched out his hand to the one who had purchased the mutating Technique from Beldar,

"Come over here son" he called and the young man stepped onto the platform to stand beside him, looking at the crowd sourly,

"Knowing that you would not allow me to bid for the technique and also so that I could remain unsuspicious, I gave a million Blue gems to Trey here and was also ready to add more to it in the case where more was needed.

Anything it takes to have it.

When I heard of the descriptions with you from Beldar, I knew this was the miracle I have been waiting for. You see, I've been planning this for years but you were too talented and lucky.

Somehow you avoided getting poisoned and were always ahead of me in cultivation.

But those are really just excuses because if I have been ambitious enough, I would have found a way. My future, after all, depended on it.

Oh well, better late than never."

*Boomm!!*

Wade finally lost it and unleashed a cosmic attack infused with a Cosmic aurora upon the stage and it exploded... upon contact with an array barrier.

Gavin chuckled having planned for such a scenario and never actually expecting Wade to simply remain irresponsive after the taunts and talks of killing him.

The stage had been fitted with an array beforehand, one that Gavin activated but would not hold for long. It was sure to crumble after three more strikes like that.

But Wade did not fire follow-ups. Only stared at Gavin through the array while breathing deeply,

Gavin smiled because although the array could not hold on for much longer, he would have the technique soon enough and it would all be for naught anyway.

"Guards!" Wade yelled and they all dashed into the mansion and were clearly the only fighting force the Sheik had. Although they were still impressive and enough to probably keep things in order.

Except for a case of a large-scale attack. Namely war. In which case Hal was willing to bet they would just surrender as quickly as they possibly could.

"Bring down that Array at all costs and capture Gavin!" He yelled at the guards who remained in place.

"Oh come on Wade, give me some credit. Did you really think I would be so bold to make my declaration if I was not sure you would be without any form the backup?

Also, the city has been boarded up. In a sense.

I was able to use your search, especially the most recently ordered manhunt for that nuisance at the auction, to completely lock down any exit you could attempt in this city.

It's over for you."

Suddenly a hand shot upward from behind Wade and a voice spoke out to garner all attention,

"I have a question. When you say you locked down all exits, does that mean I can't leave this place or is there some sort of leeway?" Hal asked.

"Ah yes, Master Hal Klint. You are a special case you see. Everyone else can leave but you can't because I want you dead too. I am almost completely certain you are involved with that nuisance.

Also, I really don't like you."

Hal shrugged,

"I really don't like you too. Also, could you rephrase your words, 'involved' sounds too flirty for my liking"

"Gavin! None of these guards can possibly contend with me and once I get past them, I'll make sure I get to you before you use the technique."

Gavin nodded,

"Yes, I believe they can't but they should be able to once I mutate them" then he turned to Lucile,

"Lady Lucile, this bastard has denied your request for investment just because you denied his advances. I promise I will invest as much as you want me to. You have nothing to worry about." He told her with a smile.

Lucile looked from Hal to him and then took a deep breath to say something that quite frankly shocked the Sheik.

"If you plan to kill Hal, then I don't see how we can go into business together"

Then she moved closer to where Hal and Wade were while Hal rejoiced,

"Ah-ha, I knew you were warming up to me" he said.

Lucile frowned even though a bit of pinkness was now clear on her cheek,

"Shut up!"

Wade looked mighty confused,

"What is going on?"

Hal turned a fraction in his direction,

"What is going on in is we are going to leave now. Without a proper plan, all he will need to do is activate the technique and mutate the guards to put this to an end."

He neglected to say, there was no way he could make use of his Devil bloodline with all those present. Not to mention that Gavin's base strength surpassed Beldar's by being at the late stage of the Cosmic Aurora realm.

Wade swallowed his petty questions that were slowly building up,

"I know where we can go. It has a Teleportation circle that is hardly ever in use, but it won't be safe for long." He said.

"Okay then, I'll give us cover." Hal said.

Gavin turned to Fenrir,

"What about you? Your employer is almost dead, surely you see what the wise choice is." He said.

Fenrir nodded,

"Of course I do" he said and walked over to the Array to walk right through it.

A sure sign that he had been the one to draw it and also showed on which side he was on.

"Well then, let's end this" Gavin said and stretched his hand towards Trey who hesitated but was about to bring out the technique,

"Hey Gavin" Hal called and all eyes turned towards him while Wade and Lucile closed their eyes.

Hal projected a Rune right in front of him and it expanded in a second before...

*FLASH!*

... It produced a bright light that blinded them all including Gavin behind the Array.

When they were able to see again after the stun, Hal, Lucile, and Wade were gone.