Consequences

The room fell into an icy silence as Yumiko and Alexia locked eyes, their tension palpable. Suzune's heart pounded, fearing the outcome of her mother's furious anger. She knew an apology alone wouldn't be enough to quell the storm that had been unleashed.

"Alexia-sama, I ask a thousand pardons for what I did." Suzune finally spoke, trying to mend the situation.

However, Alexia remained resolute, rejecting the apology outright. She believed that Suzune's actions had been an attempt to tarnish her son's reputation and the anger in the room continued to escalate.

Suzune's mother, Yumiko, tried to defend her daughter, acknowledging her wrongdoing but pleading for understanding due to her youth. However, Alexia wasn't swayed by the excuse.

"Request declined... you wanted to tarnish my son's reputation!" Alexia's words cut through the air like a frigid wind, making the room feel even colder.

Yumiko's attempt to reason with Alexia only seemed to intensify her fury. The two mothers faced each other like ice and fire queens, their emotions reaching a boiling point.

"And you think that's an excuse? If my son entered your sect and accused your daughter of something serious, what would you do? I want a sincere answer." Alexia's voice was laced with anger right then.

The room seemed to freeze over, a visual allegory of the chilling atmosphere created by their clash of wills. Suzune could only watch, feeling a mix of fear and concern for her mother and herself.

Suzune's mother hesitated for a moment, then responded, "Hmmm, I would want the highest punishment for sure."

Suzune tried to interject, but Yumiko silenced her, telling her to stay still.

"Indeed, the punishment should be severe."

Suzune's worries deepened, fearing the worst for her future. However, Alexia surprised everyone with a sudden change in her approach.

"However, why not do better? This is the chance for us to unite our families as one. If Suzune is punished, we will lose one of the greatest prodigies. So, I will give her to your son as a wife."

The tension in the room reached its peak as Alexia responded to Yumiko's proposal. "Maybe I misunderstood you… Do you want my son to marry your daughter?"

"Yes."

Yumiko's expression remained serious and unwavering as she replied, "You really think I'm kidding? I want your daughter to be punished and not rewarded."

As she spoke, the ground around her began to freeze, the ice spreading in intricate patterns, symbolizing the frostiness of her emotions.

"No, I would never joke about something so serious," Yumiko responded firmly, her demeanor unyielding.

Suzune tried to protest, not wanting to be forced into a marriage she didn't desire, but her objections were ignored.

Alexia continued to press the matter, questioning the benefits of such a union for her son and her sect. She also sought clarity on what would become of Suzune's punishment in this proposed arrangement.

"Think, the two greatest prodigies having a wonderful relationship would bring prosperity to our sects! As for Suzune's punishment, I'll leave it up to you as long as you don't seriously injure and kill her."

The room fell silent once more, the weight of Alexia's proposition lingering in the air. Suzune couldn't believe what she was hearing. The idea of marrying someone she didn't love and facing such a cruel punishment was unbearable.

"I already said I don't want to!" Suzune protested again, her emotions overflowing.

Alexia appeared to reconsider, her fury gradually subsiding. "Hmmm... I'll try," she finally uttered, and as if mirroring her change of heart, the room's temperature returned to normal. The ice that had formed around Alexia began to melt, symbolizing a thawing in her anger.

Suzune let out a sigh of relief, grateful that Alexia had seemed to back down from the harsh punishment. However, the idea of being forced into a marriage against her will still loomed over her like a dark cloud.

The web novel "Regressor Survival" continued to delve into the complexities of human emotions and relationships. The story explored the price of power, the sacrifices one makes for their sect, and the struggles of the young protagonists as they navigated a world filled with unexpected challenges and alliances. As the tale unfolded, the paths of Yumiko, Alexia, Suzune, Pedro, and Ryujin intertwined in a mesmerizing dance of intrigue and emotion, captivating the readers with each chapter's thrilling twists and turns.

***

While Alexia was busy handling sect matters, Ryujin found himself in the confines of the gym with Amanda.

Ryujin had transformed the gym into a replica of the one from his previous life, using all his knowledge and expertise to make it feel just like home.

"Ryujin-sama, please take a break," Amanda pleaded, concern evident in her voice as she watched him tirelessly run on the treadmill for hours.

"No... Tim could run twice as fast."

"But Ryujin-sama, you'll make yourself sick if you continue like this."

"No, Amanda, I need this," Ryujin responded, sweat dripping down his brow.

'It's incredible how focused he is on training... but I wonder why he pushes himself so hard?' Amanda thought to herself.

"Amanda, when you have a dream, you have to pursue it with all your heart. Remember that. My dream is to become as strong as Tim... but what about yours?" Ryujin asked, turning the question back on her.

"My dream... is to follow you, Ryujin-sama," Amanda replied, her heart pounding nervously.

'It would be awkward for me to say that my dream is to marry him…'

"No, that's not what I want to hear." Ryujin took Amanda's hand gently.

"Ryujin-sama..." Amanda's cheeks flushed pink, feeling a mix of excitement and nervousness.

"If you want to be like Tim, I'm available."

"A-Ah... no, thanks," Amanda stammered, feeling flustered as she quickly left the room.

'Ryujin-sama, you big oaf!' Amanda couldn't help but yell inwardly.