'Zakriel?
The Knight of Judgment? '
In Black Prison, Thales' eyebrows twitched. 'Who is this?
'He sounds familiar.'
Light flickered in the prison. Shadows swayed, but there was no sound.
Then, a languid voice rose slowly.
"He was imprisoned separately from us. The Knight of Judgment feared by all."
These words caused the prisoners' expressions to change.
Samel turned to Nalgi, who had spoken.
"Nalgi!" Barney Junior reprimanded Nalgi, who did not agree with his companions.
But Nalgi only shook his head. "He should know … Even if he has already parted ways with us, he must know."
Barney Junior's words came to a halt.
Nalgi exhaled deeply, as though he was looking at the past. "Do you remember the day you broke free of your chains and escaped from being escorted, Samel?"
Samel was stunned. "Me?"
Nalgi nodded. He was unhappy.
"That day, in the absence of a higher commander, Zakriel endured the wrath of his superiors. He stood up and confessed that he helped you escape, even though we all knew that it was impossible. The place where he was escorted was a hundred meters away from you." Thales' eyes widened.
"But the higher-ups did not care about that. Angry and humiliated, they only needed an example to warn us, and the higher the status of this example, the better."
Samel moved. He looked a little dazed.
"As punishment, Zakriel was locked down there," Nalgi said dejectedly.
"In the lowest level of the Prison of Bones.
Solitary confinement. "
Nalgi said bitterly.
"You know, when we are in the same level, at least we have someone to talk to. As for him, Zakriel?
He has no roommates, no conversations, no light, nothing. "
Samel stared at Nalgi from afar. He did not say a word.
"That's right. The most powerful elite in the Royal Guards, a star with a bright future, and the next commander of the guards …"
Nalgi shook his head. His voice was mournful.
"Just like that, in the bottomless darkness, he did not hear the outside world, did not know time, and did not see anyone else. He endured for eighteen years alone.
"His life and death are unknown."
Solitary confinement.
Eighteen years.
Josef frowned a little in the Disaster Swords.
Thales could not help but recall the Disaster Swordsman's evaluation of the prison cell, who was very experienced in prison.
"Because of this, Zakriel saved the brothers who were escorted with you." Nalgi chuckled. "Because of your cowardice, they should have been punished because of you, including Tardin and Bruley."
Samel's breathing quickened.
"Ugh — Ugh, ugh, ugh!" Bruley, who was on the other side, yelled angrily.
"I can translate for him," Naer said sarcastically.
"Bree said, 'Samir, you're a f * cking coward.' That's probably it."
Barney Junior, who had the highest status, snorted angrily, as if he felt it was beneath him to say anything else.
Silence reigned in the prison cell.
Samel closed his eyes. His breathing was extremely chaotic.
A few seconds later, Samel sucked in a deep breath and turned around to face the Disaster Swords.
"Come on, we're done here."
His figure looked tired and humble, and his voice was inexplicably cold and gloomy. "Let's go find our target."
Ricky snorted softly and waved his hand.
The Disaster Swords cast a glance at the dark prison cell with complicated emotions before they turned around. Thales wanted to take a few more glances, but Marina rudely pushed him out of the cell.
As the number of light sources decreased, the field of vision in the prison cell became darker.
"By the way, Samel."
Samel stopped moving.
Nalgi's voice came from behind him. It was slow and dazed. "I'm sorry to say this, but …
"But I hope, I really hope that Zakriel has gone mad beyond recognition."
Everyone was stunned.
"I hope that he will tear you to pieces the moment he sees you, Samel." Nalgi's voice slowly became cold, and it sent chills down their spines. "Then, you can rest in peace."
"Traitor," he hissed.
The other prisoners either sneered faintly or snorted indignantly.
Samel had his back to them. He did not speak for a while.
Then, he sighed faintly.
"You know, I really want to let you out," Samel said softly.
There was a hint of melancholy in his voice.
But in the next second, Samel raised his head resolutely and walked out of the hall.
Behind him, the faint light in Nalgi's prison cell could no longer withstand the long period of time. It was extinguished.
The Black Prison, which had once imprisoned forty-five Royal Guards, was once again sent into the bottomless, dark abyss.
After experiencing the scene just now, the Disaster Swords seemed to have been affected by it. Everyone was silent.
Only Thales' heart was in turmoil.
"Thank you, Ricky."
Samel, who was walking in front, suddenly said these words in the darkness. Thales, who was listening attentively, heard them.
Ricky chuckled softly. "For what?"
Samel's words were mixed with the sound of footsteps, but hell's senses allowed Thales to hear them clearly.
"For you to agree with my selfishness."
"Selfishness? No. "
Ricky did not seem to care. "You think this is just your selfishness."
Ricky's next sentence was laced with a hint of sentimentality.
"But in ancient times, this was one of the legacies of knights. It was the greatest and most important test for every knight."
Samel did not speak.
"Including you, many of us are covered in wounds. We are shrouded in the shadows of the past. We are cursed by the ghosts of the past, and we are muddle-headed and unable to free ourselves.
"Revenge, injustice, anger, pain, guilt, indignation, torture, and so on. These are the reasons why we gathered together. It is also the common ground of the scions outside the tower over the past hundred years."
Ricky's voice became softer, and Thales had to use all his strength to hear him clearly.
"But no matter how terrifying the past is, no matter how unbearable the shadow it casts and the curse it leaves behind are, we must face it, accept it, and overcome it. Only then can we finally understand ourselves."
Klein's voice came from the other side. There was a hint of emotion in his voice.
"Since the first Crassus, almost every qualified scion outside the tower has to go through this journey, sooner or later, for a long or short period of time, to understand the meaning of our existence.
"To truly become a qualified swordsman, to master the most difficult and terrifying power to tame."
The middle-aged swordsman from Northland said faintly, "It is unavoidable.
"Just like the ancient knights during the Age of the Empire, they must pass a test that goes straight to their heart. Only then can they finally surpass the limits of skills, power, and willpower, and advance further on the path of knights."
Klein chuckled softly and said, "This is what those scholars in the Tower of Eradication call the 'heart of the sword'. Of course, since we are scions outside the tower, you can call it whatever you want."
Samel snorted softly. His emotions were unclear.
Ricky's steady voice came again, "Do not underestimate this. At least, this is what the previous Crassus told me …
"He always believed that, compared to sword styles, tactics, ancient books, weapons, treasures, honor, reputation, precepts, the glory of wielding swords for humans in the past, and even the supernatural powers and the Power of Eradication that had a far-reaching impact …
Ricky's voice seemed to contain a faint firmness.
"This is the greatest legacy left to us by the Temple of Knights that perished a thousand years ago."
'Temple of Knights.'
Thales fell into deep thought when he heard this term.
Samel's breathing slowly calmed down.
"Only after experiencing it will we finally understand that the past cannot be the reason for us to live.
"We stand together precisely to surpass the irreparable past." Ricky's tone slowly became fierce and resolute.
"We tear apart the hypocritical present, break the curse of the old world, and create a new future."
Samel, who had been silent all this while, could not help but speak.
"Is this possible?"
Samel said hesitantly, "The first Crassus's goal is really too …"
Klein's laughter came from the darkness.
"Is it possible?
"My brother from the south, there is a saying in Northland that I would like to pass on to you." Klein's tone revealed a unique pride that Thales was very familiar with. He had sensed it countless times from countless people.
"Northlanders never ask whether it is possible or not …
"We only ask whether we will do it or not."
The group continued to move forward. Samel was silent for a while.
"Yes.
As your guide, Samel, it is also my duty to let you walk through today's journey, "Ricky said faintly.
Marina noticed that the boy in front of her, who looked very obedient, suddenly trembled violently!
Thales' heart wavered slightly.
'Guide?
'Wait a minute.'
He raised his head in disbelief and looked at Ricky's back in front of him.
'Guide.
Is this word … a coincidence? '
"Samel, remember."
"Since you have chosen to be reborn, there are many times when you have to say goodbye to your past," Ricky said with a chuckle.
"No matter how tempting it is and how reluctant it is."
Thales' heart skipped a beat again.
'Say goodbye to my past?'
He felt like … he had heard this sentence somewhere before.
'Where?'
"Remember, you chose to be stubborn and never turn back," Ricky said coldly.
"It's not a moving confession."
"Misunderstanding, framing, stigmatization, and injustice are but the mildest storms on this path."
Samel did not speak, but his breathing became steadier and firmer.
"Compared to the Tower of Eradication that hides itself in the castle and the greenhouse to shelter from the wind and rain, cherishes its wings, and remains stuck in its old ways," Ricky sighed softly.
"The scions outside the Tower of Eradication are persistent. They never hesitate or hesitate because of the vastness of the road, and they never become overcautious and indecisive to avoid the past."
Thales stared at their backs in a daze.
He suddenly remembered the strange origins of this group of people, as well as the other people's even stranger but thought-provoking names for them.
"Because this is who we are," Ricky said resolutely. There was a hint of resolution in his tone, as well as a hint of fearless pride.
"This is who we are, even though we have experienced many things along the way, we still have no regrets …
"Disaster Swords."
At this moment, Thales' eyebrows were arched deeper than ever.
His thoughts were soon interrupted.
The Disaster Swords did not stop. Instead, they went straight to the bottom of Black Prison according to Nalgi's instructions.
However, when the Disaster Swords stopped abruptly at a rather large corner, Thales sensed that something unexpected had happened.
'No, to be exact, this is not an accident.'
"What does this mean, Stake?"
Thales stood on his tiptoes and moved past a few figures. With the help of the torch in Klein's hand, he saw the hooded man standing in front of the group.
'Stake.'
He still had a smile on his face. He rubbed his hands together and stood in front of the dim firelight. Everything around him was dark.
"Didn't I say that I'll wait for you outside, and …"
Ricky took a step forward and said coldly, "You know that's not what I'm talking about."
Ricky waved his hand gently.
Almost in the span of a breath, Thales sensed that the atmosphere around him had changed. The Disaster Swords turned sideways and bent their knees. They pressed down on their weapons and switched to the most suitable position to attack.
Marina did not forget to grab his shoulder with one hand to prevent any changes from happening.
At this moment, everyone was like a soldier at the frontlines. They instantly entered a battle-ready state.
Thales carefully held his breath and paid attention to every slight change around him.
'It's here.'
"I can feel it." Ricky stared at Stake, whose smile froze in front of him. His gaze swept across the man's surroundings, and he cast it into the seemingly empty darkness.
"The cold air in the darkness.
It's like an unsheathed sword. "
Stake's smile slowly disappeared.
He rubbed his forehead, as if he was wiping off sweat.
Baron Lasalle saw that the situation was not good, and he quickly said, "Everyone …"
But at this moment, no one gave this spokesperson of King Chapman any face. Ricky's aggressive words were still going on.
"Stake, you went out for a while. Did you summon all the people from Shadow Shield on the ground?"
Then, you blocked our path here and waited for us? "
There was silence.
Even Lasalle looked at the assassin in front of him in surprise.
Thales noticed that the Disaster Swords, be it Klein or Samel, were staring at the dark corners around them warily and fearfully, as if someone would suddenly appear in the darkness.
Soon, the prince was no longer puzzled. Through hell's senses, he received multiple breathing sounds. They came from the ominous darkness where the light from the fire could not illuminate in a regular and rhythmic manner.
It was steady, drawn-out, and frightening.
This scene was divided into two sides.
One side was filled with Disaster Swords. Their gazes were fierce, and they were filled with murderous intent. With Ricky at the center, they were as fierce as a cold wind.
On the other side was Stake, who was alone. He stood in the darkness. Only his silhouette could be seen in the firelight, but he seemed to be ruling over the darkness that did not allow any light to pass through.
Thales felt that the "cold air" Ricky mentioned seemed to have materialized, and it slowly froze the two sides, who had been working together happily just now.
Stake's expression was indifferent. He coughed softly.
"What keen senses you have."
He sighed.
"Then I'll be straightforward."
In the next second, Stake's smile disappeared. His movements tensed up, and even his tone became flat and emotionless.
"Honorable Crassus, and everyone else … Can you please hand the prince over to me right now?"
Stake asked expressionlessly.
Thales exhaled softly.
'Here it comes.'
The prince could not help but frown when he saw Stake like this.
Ricky's lips curled up.
"Hmph." Klein snorted coldly to express their attitude.
Baron Lasalle sensed that something was amiss.
"Stake, for His Majesty's sake, I can feel that this … Crassus is only one step away from his goal. So, perhaps we should not turn hostile at this time …"
But this time, even Stake, who had always been polite, interrupted him rudely.
"It is precisely because he is only one step away that I cannot ignore him, Your Grace."
Lasalle's eyebrows twitched. He looked at the mercenaries.
"What do you mean?"
Beside the Disaster Swords, Ricky's expression did not change. Klein exhaled. Samel tightened his grip on his sword hilt. Josef bared his teeth and revealed a malicious smile.
"I understand your kindness, Baron." Under the dim firelight, Stake's figure under his robe became cold and forlorn, just like his voice, which was slowly returning to its original form.
"But the honorable Crassus might not."
Ricky and Stake's gazes met in the air. One of them was cold and calm, while the other was as sharp as a needle.
"I originally thought that it would be harmless and foolproof to leave the prince in your hands for the time being," Stake said expressionlessly, "Because in Blade Fangs Camp, our wariness toward each other and our balance are the best guarantees until we complete our cooperation."
His voice did not fluctuate. However, compared to his amiable words and his rhythmic rebuke, these flat and unchanging sentences were filled with an inexplicable chill.
"That is why Shadow Shield is eager to help and selflessly contribute."
He sounded like the worst actor reciting lines from a script.
Completely emotionless.
When he heard this, Klein snickered without showing Stake any respect.
"Why do these words sound so awkward?"
Stake raised his hand gently and pulled down his hood, revealing his fair face under the shadows.
But his expression made Thales' heart turn even colder.
"You trusted me with the matters above, regardless of whether it was breaking through the defenses or guarding the ground. I originally thought that you did it to gain my trust.
"I also thought that you would not turn against me. After all, the people guarding the ground are mine. If things change, we might both die here."
Stake continued speaking steadily. His gaze never left Ricky.
"But it wasn't until I saw such a breathtaking building that I understood something."
You must have been prepared a long time ago to know the wizards' territory like the back of your hand, am I right? "
The leader of the Disaster Swords did not answer. He only twitched the corners of his lips.
Stake continued, "I was wondering why you didn't care even though it was clearly a suicide mission. You made up your mind to barge in from the beginning, and you didn't worry about your path of retreat. You even handed over the defense on the ground to us, the Shadow Shield that you all distrust."
Klein cut him off impatiently, "What are you trying to say?"
Stake smiled.
But this smile made Thales' skin crawl.
Because he did not look like he was smiling. Instead, he looked like he was passively twitching his face. There was no life in him.
He was like a puppet.
And Stake looked at Thales. His smile was terrifying.
"I was just chatting with Prince Thales …"
Stake's words made the prince the center of attention again.
"We all agreed that the ventilation in this place is too good. Not only is it not stuffy, you can even light a torch without hesitation."
The Disaster Swords were stunned.
"There is only one possibility."
Stake still stared at Thales, but his words slowly turned cold. "This place, the Prison of Bones, the Alchemy Tower, the Confinement Research Institute, or whatever the hell it is …
"There must be another exit.
"Isn't there?"
Once he said this, the entire place fell silent.
Baron Lasalle, who was watching the situation from the side, understood something. His face immediately turned pale.
"What?"
The silence in Black Prison lasted for a few seconds.
The Disaster Swords looked at each other, but none of them made a sound.
Then, Ricky slowly turned his head around and cast Thales a profound glance.
It made the latter feel a chill run down his spine.
'Sh * t.'
"I was just making small talk," Thales said awkwardly. "You know, when I was in Dragon Clouds City, the tunnels of the Northlanders were also like this … Because the exit was made, it was ventilated …"
But his voice became softer, and in the end, he quietly retreated in defeat under Crassus' gaze.
"Maybe I should have listened to you just now," Ricky said with a chuckle, "Marina."
Just as Marina frowned, Thales felt a chill in his heart, and both of them thought about the meaning of this sentence, Ricky turned his gaze around and looked at Stake again.
In front of him, the person in charge of Shadow Shield shook his head in a seemingly regretful manner. His gaze was as cold as ice.
"Just now, my people searched around. Even though they did not find the exit, judging from your reaction at this moment … it should be right."
Stake's gaze became sharper.
"So, you are not willing to let go of the prince in your hands, nor are you worried about your retreat on the surface.
"Because you did not intend to abide by our agreement from the beginning, my honorable Crassus."
Stake gritted his teeth coldly.
Ricky snorted, his intentions unclear. "Why do you have to go through so many twists and turns?"
"I am not a fool." Stake sighed and said, "In the tavern, our troublesome prince must have given you some bargaining chip, and that changed your attitude."
When Thales heard this, his eyebrows twitched. He lowered his head quietly.
Stake slowly narrowed his eyes, and a cold glint shone from between his eyes.
"You did not intend to go out the way you came. Instead, you planned to disappear from another exit after you completed your goal — with your spoils of war."
Stake said softly, "And our prince."
Perhaps, while you were at it, you killed us here and left us in Blade Fangs Camp for the furious Constellatiates? "
Lasalle stared at the Disaster Swords in disbelief. He subconsciously took two steps back and left the team with their swords drawn.
One second, two seconds, three seconds passed.
Ricky took a slow breath.
He laughed faintly.
"You are not Teng, after all." Ricky sighed, as if he was regretful.
"If it were him, he would have done everything he could to take action when we were in the Prison of Bones, and when we were in a dilemma."
Ricky did not answer Stake's question, but Stake did not pursue the matter.
"I will not repeat myself, Disaster Swords."
Stake retreated slowly in the darkness. His face became more and more blurry, and his gaze on Thales became colder and fiercer.
"Give him to me immediately, and we will be safe."
Ricky shook his head and laughed.
"Or else?"
Stake sneered.
"Or else …
"Maybe you know the Magic Tower better than all of you, but …"
Stake clicked his tongue and chuckled. He disappeared into the darkness and only left behind a sentence that made people uneasy.
"Darkness, however, is our home ground."
In the next second, before Ricky could respond, an incredibly clear scream of pain rose from the back of the Disaster Swords.
"Ah!"
Almost at the same time, without waiting for anyone's reminder, the battle-hardened mercenaries drew their weapons without hesitation!
* Whoosh! Clang! Clang … *
Countless sounds of metal rubbing against leather, and metal rubbing against metal rose in unison.
Thales felt as if he had experienced another black storm in the desert, and he had to cover his ears with his hands!
However, in the next moment …
* Thud! Bang! Bang! *
With a few shrill sounds of wind being torn apart, almost everyone's torches were extinguished in an instant!
All the light in the field disappeared, and Thales' vision instantly turned dark.
"Ah!
They're here! "
* Shick — *
"Be careful of ambush!
"By your feet!"
* Clang!
"Kill him —"
In just the span of a breath, weapons clashed, flesh was torn, screams of pain, angry shouts, and countless sounds of intense fighting rose in the deep darkness, and they intersected with each other!
At the same time, they rang in Thales' ears.
Disaster Swords.
Shadow Shield.
Both sides, who had their own ulterior motives and had been feigning civility, finally tore off their pretense at this moment and broke off completely.
— —
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