Chapter 60: Underground
Chapter 60: Underground
"Since you're already here, why the rush to leave?"
In the darkness, a figure approached with slow, deliberate steps.
The newcomer was clad in armor, their entire body, except for their cheeks, covered in plates of refined iron.
They resembled a heavy iron statue!
This armor weighed no less than several dozen pounds, and combined with the person's body weight, it totaled around two to three hundred pounds.
Yet, the person walked with ease, appearing no different from an ordinary person, perhaps even more agile.
"Not bad."
As he gazed at Karl, he nodded, his voice carrying satisfaction:
"Vibrant life force, already at the peak of a Knight's advancement, no wonder you seek the Life Elixir. This group finally seems capable."
"Captain Bernard!" Xiaonan recognized the man and hurriedly spoke up:
"We're here to exchange supplies. What are you up to?"
"Slap!"
Before he could finish, a whip lashed out from the darkness, knocking him to the ground.
The soldier retracted the whip and coldly grunted:
"Did I say you could speak?"
Karl's expression darkened, and his eyes swiftly scanned the entire area.
There were thirteen soldiers, most wearing half-body armor, and being part of the City Guard meant they were either Knight Attendants or at least of comparable strength.
Four Black Hounds.
These were a fierce breed trained by the City Guard.
Their size rivaled that of leopards, with stiff fur like needles, incredible strength and speed, and a vicious temperament. A few of them could besiege a full-fledged Knight.
And...
Captain Bernard.
He was a Knight, and had been one for many years.
Suddenly surrounded by a large force, despite his strength, he was powerless to resist, and his eyelids twitched uncontrollably.
The City Guard...
If they weren't going to provide the supplies, they should have just said so. But seeing the current situation, they were even detaining those who came to exchange goods!
"Take them away!"
Bernard waved his hand:
"Karl, if you survive, you can apply to join the City Guard. We'll provide all the Life Elixir you need."
"Clatter!"
A group of soldiers surrounded them, and one soldier pointed forward with a long spear:
"Move!"
"What are you doing?" Xiaonan struggled to his feet, shouting indignantly again.
"Slap!"
The whip struck again.
"If I say move, you move. No need for so many words."
Karl helped Xiaonan up, shaking his head to signal that they should temporarily refrain from resisting. They proceeded forward along the passage.
Strangely, the City Guard didn't confiscate their weapons or conduct a body search, only urging them to move forward.
"Uncle."
Lyon, with his Shadow Energy Seal, could see in the dark as if it were daylight and was familiar with the underground tunnel's layout. He whispered:
"This is the way to Pit Three."
"Slap!"
In the darkness, the whip struck again with precision, landing on Lyon's back and accompanied by a cold rebuke.
"Silence!"
"Hmm!"
Lyon grunted, beads of sweat forming on his forehead.
Pit Three? Karl's heart stirred. The recent turmoil in Black City was due to the outbreak of Shadow Energy in Pit Three. Could their detention be related to this?
The mine tunnel was pitch-black, and they could only vaguely see the figures ahead.
At regular intervals, torches were embedded in the stone walls, illuminating small areas and indicating the path.
Thanks to his powerful psychic energy, Karl could remember the route even with his eyes closed.
'They changed directions seven times, passing by three inhabited caves, one of which stored various supplies.'
'Two to three guards were stationed at each intersection.'
'What is the City Guard up to?'
"We're here!"
The soldier's voice rose, and they shoved the three of them into a spacious area where dozens of busy miners came into view.
"Ding-dong!"
"Clang!"
The miners wielded pickaxes, swinging them at the walls, occasionally sparking small embers. Some miners squatted on the ground, taking a break.
Upon seeing the newcomers, they all turned their gazes towards them.
"More people?"
"Let them go first."
"I wonder how long this batch will last?"
"..."
The miners whispered among themselves, their gazes fixed on Karl and his companions with cold detachment, as if they were looking at the dead.
"Your task is simple," the leading soldier barked. "Scout and dig!"
He pointed ahead to the narrow passage, "When you reach the end, you can leave."
So, they were going to treat us like miners.
No! Not miners, but mine slaves!
The passage was narrow, allowing only one person to pass through at some points, while other areas were more spacious. Ironically, the most dangerous spots were the widest ones.
Lyon held a torch high for illumination, while Xiaonan led the way with a shield in each hand. Karl followed closely behind.
"Are we just going to scout like this?" Xiaonan muttered, "They didn't even warn us about any dangers!"
"Be careful," Lyon cautioned.
6◇9◇Book◇Bar
Karl's eyelids twitched, and his broadsword slashed from the side, accompanied by a piercing sound as something was pinned to the stone wall.
After modifying the Titan Breath Technique, the heightened senses from the Poison Wolf Breath Technique remained, even becoming more acute.
Or perhaps...
The Titan Breath Technique enhanced all aspects of the body, including danger perception.
"Black Lizard?" Xiaonan asked, looking at the corpse on the stone wall, her face darkening. "It's actually this thing!"
"Uncle," Lyon explained, "The Black Lizard is a venomous insect. It's not very strong, but its poison is deadly. If its tongue touches you, even a knight would suffer. Without an antidote, death is certain."
"Mhm."
Karl nodded, "Take your time, no rush."
"Yes."
Xiaonan swallowed, proceeding with utmost caution.
Behind the trio.
"Interesting."
A burly woman with a scar on her face held a large cleaver and squinted at Karl, "This person is very strong. Their sword speed just now was almost on par with a formal knight's."
"Yes."
The scarred woman nodded, "With another expert like this, scouting ahead will be safer."
"Hmph!"
Someone scoffed, "So what if they're strong? They're still being used as dogs by the city guard, and in the end, they'll all die the same!"
The group fell silent.
Everyone's eyes showed a hint of helplessness.
"It's better to die late than early. Each day lived is a blessing. If you're tired of living, you can always rebel against the city guard."
Someone spoke with disdain, "If you dare, I'd admire your courage!"
"When..."
A loud collision interrupted their voices, and shadows swayed in the distance. A flash of sword light suddenly intensified.
"Pfft!"
"Pfft!"
A series of sharp weapons cutting through flesh and blood echoed.
By the time everyone arrived, they saw over ten corpses of Red-Eyed Giant Rats scattered on the ground.
Red-Eyed Giant Rats were a vicious pack animal, their size comparable to small wild rats, and their strength far exceeded the rat swarm controlled by Rat Lady.
Yet today, they were powerless before Karl.
"Crack!"
Karl sheathed his sword and turned to the group behind him, "Now it's your turn."
"Yes." The scarred woman nodded and urged, "Sandy, it's your turn."
She stepped forward with enthusiasm, "Brother Karl, I'm Jacqueline of the Whisperers of the Wind."
"Whisperers of the Wind?"
Karl's eyes flickered, "Are there still people alive in this organization?"
The base of the Whisperers of the Wind was near Pit Two, and during the Shadow Energy outbreak, it was rumored that everyone was swept away.
Outside, it was said that none survived.
"Yes."
Jacqueline unconsciously clenched her fists and smiled bitterly, "We were indeed affected by the Shadow Energy, but not to the point of extinction. But if the city guard takes advantage of the situation..."
"Then it's not certain."
(End of Chapter)
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