Under the Iron Fist

Chapter 3: Welcome to the Sanctuary Part 2

Magnus led Jax to a large, circular arena near the heart of the Sanctuary. The space was surrounded by tiered seating, most of which was filled with onlookers. Their eager faces told Jax this was a common form of entertainment here.

"Before we discuss your place in our society," Magnus said, his voice carrying across the arena, "we need to see what you're truly capable of."

Jax tensed, sensing the trap. "And if I refuse?"

Magnus's smile was ice. "That's not an option."

Suddenly, four individuals leapt into the arena from different directions. They were a diverse group - a woman with what looked to be fish scales instead of skin, a man whose hands crackled with electricity, another whose body seemed to shift and blur, and a fourth with arms like tree trunks.

Jax barely had time to react before they were upon him. He ducked under a swing from Tree Arms, using his momentum to throw the man into Scales. Electricity Man shot a bolt at Jax, but he absorbed it, redirecting it at the Shifter who was trying to flank him.

For a moment, Jax felt in control. His power hummed through him, his combat instincts taking over. But then Magnus raised his hand, and six more powered individuals joined the fray.

A woman with what he assumed was telekinesis sent a barrage of sharp objects flying at Jax. He deflected most but cried out as one sliced his arm. A man who could multiply himself suddenly surrounded Jax, each copy throwing punches from all directions.

Jax fought desperately, his energy manipulation allowing him to hold his own, but he was slowly being overwhelmed. Every time he gained an advantage, Magnus would add more opponents.

Through the chaos, Jax caught sight of Magnus watching intently, assessing every move, every decision. This wasn't just a fight - it was an evaluation.

As exhaustion began to set in, Jax made a split-second decision. He stopped fighting defensively and instead gathered all the energy he could muster - from the attacks aimed at him, from the very air around him. The arena crackled with power.

With a roar of defiance, Jax released it all in a massive shockwave that sent his attackers flying backward. The force of it shook the entire arena, leaving Jax standing alone in the center, panting heavily.

For a moment, silence reigned. Then Magnus began to clap, slowly and deliberately.

"Impressive," he called out, descending into the arena. "Very impressive indeed."

Jax stood his ground as Magnus approached, every muscle in his body screaming with exhaustion.

"You'll do well here, Jax," Magnus said, his eyes gleaming with something between approval and hunger. "Very well indeed. Rest up. Tomorrow, we'll discuss your new role in my Sanctuary."

As Magnus turned to leave, Jax caught sight of a woman at the edge of the arena. Unlike the others, she wasn't looking at him with fear or awe, but with a mix of concern and... hope? Their eyes met for a brief moment before she disappeared into the crowd.

*****

As the crowd dispersed, a tall, muscular man with a severe expression approached Jax. His right eye was cybernetic, glowing faintly blue.

"I'm Vex, Magnus's second-in-command," he said curtly. "Follow me."

Jax, still catching his breath, fell into step behind Vex. They walked back through the winding streets Magnus had lead him though, passing some dilapidated buildings and groups of wary-eyed residents. The contrast between the squalor around them and the opulence of Magnus's headquarters was stark.

After a while, they reached a the towering complex at the center of the city. It stood out from its surroundings. It was well-maintained, with actual greenery adorning some of its balconies.

"This is where the elite live and work" Vex explained as they entered. "Those Magnus deems... valuable."

They took an elevator to one of the top floors. Vex led Jax to a door and pressed his hand against a scanner. The door slid open, revealing a spacious, luxurious apartment.

"This is yours," Vex said, gesturing Jax inside.

Jax stepped in, taking in the sight. The main room was open-plan, with floor-to-ceiling windows offering a panoramic view of the Sanctuary. Plush furniture, an entertainment system, and even some artwork adorned the space. A fully-stocked kitchen gleamed to one side, and Jax could see a large bedroom through an open door.

"This is... unexpected," Jax said, unable to hide his surprise.

Vex's expression remained neutral. "Magnus rewards power. But make no mistake, this isn't charity. He'll expect you to earn your keep."

Jax turned to face Vex. "And what exactly will that entail?"

"You'll find out tomorrow," Vex replied. He pointed out a panel near the door. "This controls everything in the apartment. It also connects to the Sanctuary's information network. You have clearance for most areas, but try to access restricted zones or leave Sanctuary itself and... well, you know what's in your head."

Jax unconsciously touched the back of his skull where the implant resided.

"Rest up," Vex continued. "Someone will come for you in the morning."

As Vex turned to leave, Jax called out, "Wait. The woman I saw in the arena. Dark hair, blue eyes. Who is she?"

Vex paused, his cybernetic eye whirring as it focused on Jax. "Almost everyone has blue or green eyes here but I bet you mean Elina. The healer. Word of advice: stay away from her. Magnus considers her... his personal property."

With that ominous warning, Vex left, the door sliding shut behind him.

Alone in his new "home," Jax sank onto the plush couch, his mind reeling. The luxury around him felt like a gilded cage. He thought of the squalor he'd seen, of Elina's hopeful gaze, of Magnus's cunning smile.

As he looked out over the Sanctuary, Jax knew one thing for certain: whatever game Magnus was playing, he did not want to play. But for now he needed to understand the rules of this new, dangerous world he found himself in.