"Oh, well then, since it was a cheap shot, you wouldn't mind if I did it again, would you, Zinc? Or should I ease my hand and allow you to regain some dignity… since this brat nearly sent you to an early grave?" Rin asked sarcastically with a grin as he chuckled menacingly.
"Ptui. Sure, but only if you are willing to make the warden the overseer of our fight to the death. Where both parties can use whatever means to win, and there aren't restrictions on our abilities or the usage of weapons." Zinc said as he spat out some blood and smirked while giving a nod to a cloaked figure, who was looking down at the commotion going on in his prison from his office.
Swoosh. Crackle.
Clap. Clap. Clap.
"Splendid, what a way to drag an old timer into a landmine of trouble, cousin," The Warden of Obsidian Vault sighed after disappearing from his office and appearing between Rin and Zinc in a flash of lightning as the crackle of thunder rang throughout the cafeteria.
As he applauded his troublemaker of a cousin for his unexpected chess move, which forced him, the Warden of Obsidian Vault, to oblige to a one-time request. Due to a promise he made in the past with him when they were kids, which was going to be used to prove a point to a kid.
However, a promise was a promise, so no matter how troublesome, trivial, and irritating Zinc's request may be, he had to honor his word. But with that, he not only became his cousin's bodyguard, but also the overseer of their fight.
And with that, the Kurama Family, or anyone for that matter, couldn't stop this fight from happening, since while Zinc's cousin was the Warden of Obsidian Vault, he was also the only son of the World Spirit, and a Quasi-King cultivator.
Granting him both the power and authority to do whatever he likes, as long as it does not lead to the destruction of Earth.
"I had to, cousin, he nearly killed me, and it didn't seem like you were going to step in, unless I said something. Sorry, but not sorry, as I'm sure you and your father would love to gain more information on the Kurama Family and Rin's power."
"Fair point, but still tell me ahead of schedule next time, as I could've moved some things around to make this more interesting," The Warden said before scrutinizing Rin, 'Hmm, strange... no destiny nor fate yet loved by the maidens of Supremacy. Honestly, just what are you, Rin Jasper Kurama, that my father would take such interest in you?'
He wondered with fascination as ancient truths unraveled in his mind as he peeked at Rin's Soul, before having to stop as he sensed danger from an outworldly presence.
"Welp, it seems only time will tell," The Warden muttered with a sigh as he slumped his shoulders before winking at Rin and disappearing as he left a sentence behind. "Good luck, kid, as you'll need it tomorrow."
'Was I just reduced to fucking a bystander?' Rin wondered with frustration, even though he could do nothing about it, unless he wanted to suffer an unimaginable amount of pain to make a statement and prove his worth.
But with things already going the way they are, there was no point in making a scene, as tomorrow will be enough to show everyone he wasn't all talk and no bark.
***
Later that day...
After eating breakfast and returning to his cell to finalize the design of the array to be used in the creation of his first Celestial Star, Rin was swiftly taken to one of the interrogation rooms within Obsidian Vault.
To meet with a couple who wanted to ask him some questions about the incident that happened during his fight with a student.
Click. Thud. Ding.
"So, what can I do for the parents of Isaac Ulysses Newton?" Rin immediately asked as he was escorted into a gray room with a singular window by a guard.
This allowed people to see into the room but not hear what was being discussed, due to the sigils engraved on the window when it was crafted.
Additionally, once Rin stepped in, he noticed a man and woman seated across from an empty chair with a table between them.
"Not much, but could you please lend us your cooperation and honesty, Rin Jasper Kurama?" The man asked politely, even though he added emphasis to Rin's last name, while ignoring his capability to identify them based on a few clues.
"Not sure... however, I'm open to cooperation if there's an incentive to be earned," Rin replied with a smile as he slumped into his seat and tapped his foot in boredom.
"That's possible, but do you have the answers we seek, Rin?" The woman asked with a glimmer of hope in her eyes before her partner could say anything.
"Maybe, but only if you are guys are willing to pay," Rin said as he sat up and gazed at who was most likely Isaac's Mom with intrigue.
"Tsk, you sure are one greedy kid, to be acting as if you hold all the cards in this exchange," James said with annoyance as his wife pinched his thigh.
"Shut up, James, and listen to Mr. Kurama before saying anything, for he does hold all the cards in this circumstance. Considering that we came to him, not the other way around, so for now shut up and let Mr. Kurama talk."
"But, Sabrina... sigh, okay," James was about to say before quieting down and allowing his wife to do the talking for now.
"Thank you, James. Now, continue, Mr. Kurama."
"It'd be my pleasure, however, before I state my terms, what it is that you seek to learn?" Rin asked with curiosity.