Chapter 11

Chapter 11

After leaving the forest, they climbed the hill following the path along the Guandu. They stopped walking when they reached the top of the hill. Lou Sola- Philip exclaimed as the group took in the view from the top of the hill. The village below had been turned into ashes.

I didnt expect things to be such a mess. Ian muttered, his gaze sweeping over the village. He saw remnants of burnt or collapsed buildings that used to be part of a small, insignificant village with about a hundred residents.

Could it have been a bandit raid, or perhaps the wolf pack we encountered? Philip asked with a subdued voice.

Ian retorted with a grim tone. The wolves probably didnt start the fire.

Philip looked at him. So, are you suggesting it was the work of the thieves?

If thats the case, its unforgivable. Before Ian could say anything, Maeve interjected. To trample upon the homes of the people like this. She was clearly outraged, her voice carrying evident anger.

Ian glanced at her, realizing just how angry she truly was. Well, she was a knight who earnestly pursued justice and honor, wasnt she? In this dark age, that ultimately meant being tangled in all sorts of dirty situations, just like now. In the game, she probably wasted time on such matters and ultimately couldnt find the dark sorcerer. Ian wondered if there was a quest here.

Despite these thoughts, Ian slightly curled up the corner of his mouth. Do you want to find out what happened?

Before Maeve could respond, Philip urgently interjected. Please hold on a moment, Maeve.

Maeve turned to him with a suspicious expression. What did you say, Philip?

The tragedy that has befallen this village is truly saddening. However, there is a critical issue at hand concerning the well-being of the kingdom. Ians eyebrow involuntarily twitched at Philips words. He sure has a way of digging his own grave. We dont have much time left. If you cannot eradicate the darkness that has infiltrated the kingdom, then next time, it might not just be a single village that turns to ashes but the entire kingdom. Philip managed to finish his speech despite the cold sweat that had formed on his forehead due to the gaze of the two on him.

Those are wise words, Philip. Maeve finally responded after a brief pause, while Ian silently cursed. However, peoples homes have been ravaged like this. Its unacceptable for a knight of the kingdom and an apostle of Tyr En to overlook such a tragedy.Follow current novels at novelhall.com)

Ians brow smoothed out again. Indeed, a knight who knows honor.

On the contrary, Philip, now at a loss for words, lowered his head. Since its your intention, but please do not waste too much time. The sun will set soon.

Understood. Your advice is noted.

Ian chimed in at that moment. Dont worry about time. Just as they went silent, Ian, with an icy gaze, said something unexpected. We might be able to find out soon.

Just as Philips shoulders tensed due to Ians chilling gaze, Maeve asked. Do you have a method in mind?

Its nothing special. Ian replied with a softer tone. Listening directly might be enough.

Listening? Maeves gaze followed his outstretched hand, beyond the ruins and near the path on the opposite side of the village. A desolate land with shapes resembling the color of soil seemed to loom in the distance.

Gazing nonchalantly at the shapes, Ian continued speaking. Three of them are digging into the ground, and one is by the road. Something is spread next to them that appears to be bodies.

Maeve inquired with a cold tone. Trying to bury the corpses, are they? Could they be the culprits?

Im not sure. Ian shrugged his shoulders. But if we catch them and interrogate them properly, we might find out what happened in the village.

I understand. Maeve lowered her visor. Ill leave the interrogation to you. With a flick of her reins, she dashed forward.

Well, I suppose so. Ian replied nonchalantly, watching the departing knight.

Miguel turned his head, belatedly regaining his senses. Stop right there, you stupid b! His shout wasnt even finished. A blue flash appeared from behind. In the blink of an eye, the flash swept over the fleeing persons back and disappeared. All that remained was a severed torso, spewing blood and entrails. A few more steps were taken before only the severed lower body crumpled.

The remaining two subordinates froze, their faces turning pale.

Were screwed, damn it Miguel, who had been muttering to himself, finally managed to speak. He felt no compassion for the dead man. Rather, he wanted to revive him just to kill him personally. Not only did he defy orders and attack, he even tried to flee, abandoning his comrades. Even worse, it was happening next to the pile of bodies that had been a village.

Drop your weapons and kneel! The abstract gibberish hit his ears.

Damn it. Surrender was the only option left now. Miguel quickly knelt down and surreptitiously wrapped his fingers around his ankle. Like many others, he had a trump card to survive. It could only be used once and might not be enough to kill the knight. But at least he could escape.

Miguel listened carefully to the sound of hoofbeats, his breath held. Thankfully, the worst didnt happen. The knights charge slowed down as he came closer to Miguel and eventually stopped completely. One crisis was averted, but he still couldnt even exhale in relief because the knights sword was still in his hand.

A bluish light flickered above his head as a chilling coldness touched his neck. I am aware that this situation might lead to misunderstandings, milord. Miguel managed to open his mouth with great effort. However, we have not committed any crimes. If you give us a little time, we can explain everything.

I will listen to your statement later. The icy voice, devoid of belief, flowed out. Specialists in interrogation will arrive soon.

Miguels head snapped up in surprise. Did you say specialists?

Questions will not be allowed.

Yes. He immediately bowed his head again, closing his eyes. It looked like it was over. Just as Miguels mind was about to go blank, another sound of hoofbeats approached.

Miguel cautiously raised his head. The figure of a Grim Reaper came into view. Beyond the gray cloak and leather armor, finally, his face came into view. Ian? Miguels eyes widened. Ian Hoff?! Is it really you?

Finally, the man, Ian, turned his gaze towards Miguel. They exchanged glances, but that was all. Ian raised an eyebrow slightly in a nonchalant manner and without saying anything, he halted next to Maeve.

Its me! Miguel! The hunter, Miguel! The mercenary, I mean! Miguel added in haste. I used to see you often in Valksi. Especially at the tavern!

At this point, the knights and Maeves attention also turned towards Ian. Is he someone you know? She asked.

Ian shrugged his shoulders. Well, Ive seen his face before. It was a lukewarm response, but it was an acknowledgment, nonetheless.

Oh, fortunately you recognize me. Miguel didnt care. If he wanted to live, he had to do this. Even if it meant being bold. It seemed that Miguels face was etched in his memory, and he was glad about that. He remembered what had happened to those who tried to challenge or provoke him.

With one eyebrow slightly raised, Ian asked with his lips curled.

So, the specialist the knight mentioned is you? Miguel asked as politely as possible.

Ian replied with a deep sigh. Probably.

Its good that things worked out. Miguels gaze at Ian was firm and resolute. Ask whatever you want, and Ill answer truthfully. You can judge for yourself whether its true or not. After all, youre good at reading peoples minds.

Oh? Ians eyes glinted with amusement. Indeed, he was amazed. He had expected Miguel to challenge him or act defiantly. Instead, Miguel was obediently cooperating. Ians lips curled slightly as he asked. What happened to the village?

TL: Selwinkat

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