To simplify the expression \( a^2 - ax - 1 + x \), we can regroup the terms.
We can write it as:
\[ a^2 - ax + x - 1 \]
Now, let's reorder the terms slightly for clarity:
\[ a^2 - ax + (x - 1) \]
The expression does not simplify further without additional context or specific values for \( a \) and \( x \).
If you are looking for something specific, please provide more details!