Zeke didn’t move or otherwise act. Judging solely by the look on his face or body language, one might even think he was completely calm. Yet, inwardly, he was anything but. His mind was racing.

Had he been discovered after all? It all made sense. This situation must have been a trap. Zeke had always felt that the entire thing had gone entirely too smoothly. However, before he could think of what he would do now, Ishaan made his move.

“All of you,” he said menacingly, “I order you to leave the Ritual circle right now.”

At the same time, the Archmage spoke up as well. “I order you to remain where you are.”

Zeke's mind blanked. What was this nonsense?

However, the purpose of the exercise revealed itself in the next moment when a handful of people stumbled out of the Ritual circle. The group of five had terrified expressions on their faces as they tried to fight against the mandate. However, it was no use. The slaves, despite being utterly horrified at their own actions, were unable to do anything to keep themselves from obeying.

Zeke realized the situation at once. Those five had pretended to agree to a transfer of contracts before deliberately messing up the Ritual. He wasn’t quite sure what they had hoped to gain from this small act of rebellion, but from the look in the Archmage’s eyes, they would pay dearly for it.

“Ishaan,” the man said in a low, sinister tone. “You know what to do...”

“Yes, sir!” Ishaan said, the joy clear in his eyes.

The Archmage then turned to the rest of the slaves. “Insubordination… will not be tolerated. If you knowingly disobey the orders of me or my men, there can only be a single punishment.”

Meanwhile, Ishaan had ordered the people in question to kneel. Because they were still contracted to him, they had no choice but to obey. Zeke saw the tears gather in the eyes of the first in line. He was a rough sort, with more than one scar on his face. Yet, at this moment, he looked as frightened as a child. Tears freely fell from his terrified eyes as he heard Ishaan's footsteps come to a halt behind him.