Chapter 56: Chapter 56: The Parasites of Humanity

They passed by an emergency infirmary where healers and medics worked tirelessly to tend to the wounded and sick. The tent was large, with rows of cots occupied by people in various states of distress. Some groaned in pain, while others lay motionless, their eyes closed as they fought off fever or exhaustion.

Iris glanced at the infirmary, her expression filled with concern. "There are so many people in need of treatment," she murmured. "It's heartbreaking to see them like this."

"You can help them later on, Iris. Right now, you need to get your family settled in, and then we can focus on everything else," Ethan said calming her nerves. He understood her mentality a little.

Sir Gerald led them to a quieter section of the camp, with fewer tents and a bit more space. The area was near the edge of the camp, where the forest began to encroach on the makeshift settlement. It was still within the camp's perimeter, but the trees offered a sense of seclusion and calm.

"This should suit your needs, young man," Sir Gerald said, pointing to an empty tent. "It's not much, but it's safe, and you'll have some privacy here."

Ethan nodded in gratitude. "Thank you, Sir Gerald. This is perfect."

The knight inclined his head. "If you need anything, don't hesitate to ask. The officials are making rounds to distribute food and supplies, so someone will be by shortly."

With that, Sir Gerald turned and left.

After settling them inside, Ethan turned to leave, but Iris called out from behind.

Ethan looked at her curiously, wondering what he might have missed.

"Ethan, I told you about my boyfriend, right? I didn't see him anywhere. Can you find him if possible?" Iris asked hesitantly.

Ethan sighed. "Alright. What's his name again?"

"His name is Allen. He's a bit tanned and also a commoner like me. I'm worried about him. You're going to the central area, right? If you recognize anyone by that name there, please tell him to come here. I'll try my best to find him here."

Emily, though young and fragile, fought with every ounce of strength she had. But against the large, muscular thugs, her efforts were futile. Her small hands slapped at the man's arm, but it was like striking a stone wall. Tears streamed down her face, her voice breaking with despair as she pleaded for her mother's release.

Surrounding them were a group of hooligans, their faces twisted with sadistic glee as they watched the girl's futile struggle. They were scums, reveling in the fear and helplessness of the innocent people, even in these tough times.

"Haha, let go of such a juicy meat? We're definitely going to enjoy her tonight," the leader of the group jeered, his voice dripping with lewdness. His eyes roamed over Innkeeper Greta's unconscious body, lingering on her voluptuous figure. She lay motionless, blood pooling beneath her where her right arm had been severed at the shoulder, the wound still fresh and seeping.

The man's underlings chuckled darkly, their eyes glinting with perverse anticipation as they envisioned the night's horrific plans in bed. The stench of alcohol and sweat clung to them, mixing with the iron scent of blood in the air.

"Yes, boss. Let's move quickly. If other city officials see us, we'll be in big trouble. Even bribes might not save us then," one of the underlings warned cautiously, glancing around nervously.

"Hmph, let them come. I'm not afraid of them," the leader spat, arrogance seeping from every cell. "First, get this stupid child out of my sight. Kill her or whatever, just get it done."

"Okay, Boss!"

The thugs grinned wickedly, one of them stepping forward and grabbing Emily by her hair. He yanked her up roughly, lifting her small body off the ground as she screamed in agony.

"Ahh...!" Emily's cry was a piercing wail of pain, the sensation of her hair being torn from her scalp was unbearable.

"Let go..." Her voice was strained, her throat raw from screaming. But her words were cut off as another thug wrapped his hand around her throat, squeezing tightly. Her breath hitched, her vision blurring as the pressure increased. She clawed at his hand, her small fingers struggling to pry it away, but her strength was fading fast.

As the world around her began to dim, Emily's thoughts drifted to the one person she had always believed would protect her—Ethan. "Big brother, where are you?

Ethan's timing could not have been more critical. The moment he arrived at the scene, his heart turned to ice. He saw Emily dangling helplessly, her life hanging by a thread as the thug's grip tightened around her throat.

His blood boiled with rage as he witnessed the depths of cruelty these so-called humans could sink to. They were worse than demons, the parasites of humanity.