Chapter 219: Inspiring Spirits
“A bunch of worthless fools who only know how to eat and drink! Several squads have actually been bested by a lower-tiered race! Have you wasted all your energy on women?! I’m utterly ashamed to be the same race as you!” His beer mug shattering into pieces, the governor of Nolan City, Kamron contorted his nose in anger upon receiving the battle report. Seething with limitless anger, he unleashed his tirade upon the retreating army that had managed to escape back into the inner city.
“Where’s your leader? Where’s the one who’s supposed to be in charge of all of you? What sort of man hides behind his soldiers? Get him here to meet me!”
The only response he received was the silence of the soldiers below.
“Where is he?? Did you not hear my order?!”
“Captain, h-he was decapitated by the masked man, and his body and head are... scattered...” No one was sure who uttered those words.Gét latest novel chapters on nov(e)lbj/n(.)c/om
“...Someone, bring me my ax!” Kamron slammed his hand onto the armrest of his throne and abruptly stood up.
“I’m truly curious to see how many limbs and heads that jerk has to have the audacity to stand up for those insignificant people!” Kamron’s complexion turned a fiery red, resembling a piece of flatbread fresh out of the pan, as he received his ax from a troll soldier who had presented it to him with both hands.
“Sir Governor, could the Restoration Society be responsible for this turmoil?” The Governor’s assistant stepped forward to provide him with an explanation.
“Yes, it’s likely the work of those slaves. Hmph! Just as well, I was just lamenting that there’s no one I can take my anger out on these days. Just when I was in the mood to execute someone, they come along and offer their head on a platter. Since they seem so eager to die, I’ll happily grant their wish,” Kamron said with a cold snort.
“Listen up, soldiers from all divisions, except those on city guard duty! Follow my orders! Charge into the city with me! Let’s unleash the same marauding ferocity we displayed when we invaded the Asiatic Cat Kingdom! We’ll reorganize and cleanse this entire city... And by that, I mean exactly what I said!”
“Understood!”
Grasping his warhammer, Kamron wasted no time and left the castle. A formation of troll soldiers followed in a dignified procession, advancing toward the checkpoint of the inner city.
When it came to their drive and determination, the trolls’ swift and resolute approach to problems put them on par as any other race.
As governor, Kamron was acutely aware that his days were numbered. According to his rough estimation, the main vampire army was about to descend upon the city.
Since he had to abandon it, he would drain the pond of every last fish and extract every remaining ounce of value without any reservation.
一一一一一一一一
“Are you afraid?” A low, muffled voice, carrying a flat and emotionless tone, resounded through the seams of a helmet.
Initially, the young Asiatic Cat children before him had responded by tilting their head in bewilderment and curiosity. Yet, as soon as they caught sight of his grim helmet within their reach, they shook their heads.
Stained with blood and mud, the armor’s pungent odor caused the two young children to slightly wrinkle their noses. Even so, they had surprisingly exhibited no fear towards the figure standing in front of them.
Kids were remarkably perceptive when it came to detecting invisible and intangible emotions.
This was true for the armored individual before them; They sensed no malice in him.
“Are you in pain anywhere?”
“Hm, Mmhn...” The two children shook their heads in unison.
“Mhm.” The armored man did not speak any further. Using his relatively clean robes as a makeshift swaddle, he enveloped the two young children and descended from the elevated platform.
“Lil’ Rain, Lil’ Ran! Sob, Thank you, Mister! Thank you! I’ll remember your kindness for the rest of my life!” As she received the children from the armored man’s embrace, the Asiatic Cat mother’s heart finally felt a release from all worries. Tears of joy cascaded down her face as she profusely expressed her gratitude to the armored man in front of her.
Ji Bai did not speak and maintained his silence, his gaze fixed on the mother and daughters embracing each other and crying.
“Um... Sir, if I may be so bold as to ask, who are you...?”
Even those with the calmest demeanor had a touch of temper in them. After enduring years of colonial rule, the Asiatic Cats had accumulated deep-seated grievances in their hearts. What he needed to do was to help them channel their resentment outwards.
“Engrave the feelings of that moment into your mind. Stop waiting until you’ve lost something to learn how to cherish what’s right in front of you. Today, we won’t talk about lofty notions like building a country, or rejuvenating your race. Instead, let’s focus on what’s closest to you; Safeguarding your loved ones.”
“Everyone should be well-aware that trolls are a race that doesn’t take things lying down. I can assure you that they’re currently regrouping their forces, intending to massacre all the inhabitants of this city as a tribute to their fallen comrades. Now, what’s your plan?”
“Because of the bonds you hold dear, you have endured their abuse and humiliation, even making concessions to keep the peace. But now, the trolls won’t give you that opportunity. They aim to eradicate all life from this city, including the people you cherish and hold dear. Will you still continue to hesitate?”
The hearts of the Asiatic Cats were already beginning to stir. Shooting a glance at their loved ones beside them, they tightened their fists one after the other.
“If you wish to protect your loved ones, then pick up the weapons scattered on the ground and repay the invaders for the years of humiliation you’ve endured!”
As he spoke, white sacred particles enveloped Ji Bai’s figure before swiftly dissipating like fleeting fireflies.
As the crowd gazed on with a mix of astonishment and confusion, a heavy and dark-silvery armor which was tinged with a hint of dark aura, had materialized and enveloped his entire body.
“I will do my best to assist you. Therefore, I implore each and every one of you to fight for yourselves and your families!”
“Well said! Even our esteemed human friend here is on board with us. Don’t forget, we’re also a second-tier species; It’s still unknown who will win in the end!” Shouted a robust Asiatic Cat teenager as he picked up a troll’s spiked club from the weapons scattered on the ground.
“I don’t care anymore. I’m going all in! Since death is inevitable, I’d rather face it heroically than continue living out my days in fear and cowardice!”
“That’s right! These folks not only skipped the bill but also injured my daughter! I’m going to teach them a lesson!” Shouted the owner of a ramen restaurant, a middle-aged man, as he raised a skimmer.
“Bring it then! The signs of their demise are evident...”
Observing the Asiatic Cats below who were using all sorts of foul language to bolster their morale, Ji Bai gave a subtle nod.
At the very least, their spirits seemed to have been lifted.
But was Ji Bai really thinking of utilizing them as his helpers? No, a group of second-tier creatures lacking training and the capability to wield ‘Magic’ was essentially no different than a crowd of unarmed humans.
It could already be considered a win if they did not obstruct his actions.
When the time for battle arrived, he would still be fighting alone.
His intention was simple: To make them realize that a race’s advancement was born out of self-improvement, and that it was not feasible to rely on external support.
一一一一一一一一
In the underground passages of Nolan City.
“Are you back from patrol? ...Where did Mr. Ji Bai go?” Seeing Fishbone return alone, Nael couldn’t help but voice her suspicions.
“No idea. That guy said he wanted to check out the inner city, so I came back first.” Spoke Fishbone in a completely nonchalant tone.
“Nothing happened, right?”
“What could happen? Things are still the same mess up there.”
“That’s a relief... Especially since our counterattack is right around the corner. We really can’t afford any errors at this point.” Nael heaved a sigh.
Fishbone remained silent and walked past her.