Chapter 322: New Discovery
Led by the Soldier, I arrived at the Dungeon located on the edge of Lut Gholein's North District. Perhaps because I've read too many Novels, my impression of a Dungeon was that it should be a dark, damp, and filthy place, but this one gave me a rather clean and refreshing Feeling.
After all, it didn't just hold Prisoners; many Soldiers also had to guard and patrol inside, so everyone would consciously clean it regularly. Soldier A, who brought me here, explained to me while showing his pass.
This Dungeon is divided into three levels. The uppermost level holds ordinary Prisoners. They were arrested for relatively minor offenses, such as pickpocketing, public brawling, etc., and most are only held for a few months or a year or two. The management is relatively lax. In fact, some Beggars who can't find food will even intentionally commit offenses to get arrested, at least they can get by in the Dungeon. However, these Prisoners can't just eat for free. Do you know why the Dungeon was built on the edge of the North District? It's to make it convenient for these Prisoners to repair the Wall. Besides this, the South District, West District, and East District each have a Dungeon, all utilizing the Prisoners' Labor to repair the Wall and clear the Waterway, saving the Kingdom a large sum of money.
The second level holds Serious Offenders, such as those guilty of corruption, robbery, etc. Anyone whose crime doesn't warrant the death penalty but cannot be easily forgiven is held on the second level. These Prisoners generally have sentences of ten years or more and perform a certain amount of labor daily under the strict supervision of Soldiers.
And the third level is for the so-called Archfiends who deserve death ten thousand times over, such as Bandit Leaders who kill like mowing grass, those who betray and treason against the Kingdom, assassinate the King, etc. For these people, death is simply too cheap.
That fat guy Az was quite loyal; he locked up that certain Count, along with over a dozen important figures from his Organization and the personnel who participated in the village massacre, a total of 152 people, all on the third level of the Dungeon. The remaining 300-plus Members were also locked up on the second level—there was no other way, the third level simply couldn't fit any more.
When the heavily guarded Door to the third level opened, a dark and damp atmosphere rushed out, finally letting me feel a trace of the Prison's atmosphere. From within the dim, flickering Torches, a heavy smell of blood was revealed. From the depths came the shouts of Soldiers and the painful groans of Prisoners. It made one feel the most real darkness and cruelty within the Prison.
Led by the Soldier, I finally met this Count Lord whom I had "longed" to see. Speaking of this Count Lord, I must express a little respect, because he was not only the first Commoner to anger me, but also quite possibly the fattest Lolicon in the entire Sanctuary.
This certain Count before me, huh, what was his Name? I forgot. Alright, for now, let's call him Swine Count. This Swine Count was trembling with a Body so fat it would make even the Fat Pig Az feel ashamed. His short limbs were almost completely retracted into his spherical Body. I'm sure if he were to lie face down on the ground, his round belly would prevent his hands and feet from reaching the ground.
At this moment, this Swine Count was tied up. More accurately, he was locked in a 'spread-eagle' shape with chains—presumably, the Soldiers who locked him had quite a bit of trouble finding his wrists and ankles; they must have worked hard. A Soldier stood beside him, fiercely whipping him. The Strength and angle were professional; every time the Whip cracked, it made the Swine Count let out Screams more tragic than a pig being slaughtered. Looking across the entire third level of the Dungeon, although other Prisoners also had Soldiers specifically "serving" them, the Swine Count's Voice completely overpowered the others, standing out alone.
"Lord."
The Prison Cell Door was opened. The Soldier administering the punishment put away his Whip, bowed respectfully to me, and tactfully left with the guiding Soldier and the Soldiers guarding the Prison Cell Door. Before leaving, this Soldier even ingratiatingly placed the Whip in front of me. He told me this Whip was specially made, marinated for three full months with loving materials like salt and chili oil. If the Technique was professional enough, it could whip someone without drawing blood, yet cause pain deep into the bone marrow. No wonder the Swine Count, despite all his fat, was screaming so loudly; at first, I thought he was just putting on an act.
Turning back, the Swine Count weakly raised his Head. From his eyes, squeezed into slits, a Gaze mixed with Fear and Hatred was revealed.
"You... who exactly are you? I have no feud or grievance with you, why would you..." He quickly suppressed the Hatred in his eyes and asked weakly.
Oh my, it seems Az didn't tell him anything. Being arrested so inexplicably, and having his Organization wiped out in one go, he must be quite puzzled.
"You don't know? Alright, I'll be merciful and give you a hint. Do you remember those Twins from a few months ago?" I took down the Whip hanging on the rack, folded it a few times, and tugged it slightly, hesitating whether I should also give him a few lashes.
The Swine Count's eyes first showed terror, then instantly revealed a look of Realization. As expected of a Leader, his Brain worked quite fast. He probably considered this possibility even before I arrived.
At this moment, the Swine Count was filled with regret. A few months ago, he occasionally poked his Head out of his Carriage to get some air and caught sight of a pair of Twins passing by. He was instantly stunned by their beauty. Imagining the scene of these Twins being tormented by him in bed until their eyes were teary, he immediately felt his "little" brother, which hadn't stirred for years, begin to become restless. After finding out that the old woman and the two young girls were just ordinary Villagers with no Backing, he immediately took action. But he didn't expect that stubborn old woman accompanying them to be so tough; she actually managed to protect the Twins from his tall and strong henchmen. A few days later, the old woman and the two young girls disappeared from Lut Gholein City. He was almost driven mad. He mobilized all his subordinates and, after nearly two months of searching, finally learned the Village where these three people were living. The impatient Count Lord gathered over a hundred Thugs and went there that very night to kill them...
"It seems you've finally figured it out. How about it, you weren't wrongly arrested, were you?" I tugged the Whip, narrowed my Eyes, and Smiled.
"I'm a wretch, I deserve to die, I was blind as a dog! I didn't know those Twins were your property, Lord. Please be merciful, Lord, and spare this dog's life, this Lowly Person's life."
If the Swine Count's hands could move, there would likely be a more dramatic scene—slapping his own face while begging for mercy.
"Not 'property', they are..." A flicker of anger crossed my heart. What did he think Ai Ke Lu and Xi Lu Si were? Property?!!!
"They are Younger Sisters."
I sneered and flicked the Whip. The immense Strength made the sound of the Whip cutting through the Air echo throughout the entire Prison Cell. A crack instantly appeared on the hard Bluestone floor. In that instant, all the shouting and Screams inside the Prison Cell seemed to be startled by this thunderous sound and fell silent.
"Just make it quick, kill me, Lord. As a Class Changer, you surely wouldn't bother to Torment a Small Fry like me." The Swine Count, scared shitless by this whip, emitted a foul, fishy Foul Smell from his pants. His face was pale, and his lips trembled for a long time before he finally mumbled his plea.
"Of course, I wouldn't dirty my hands for scum like you. However, someone will naturally take your dog life. I can reveal a little to you: that person was the only survivor at the time, named Gaia. I'm sure he'll really look forward to his Encounter with you, tsk tsk. Don't look at me with that Gaze, otherwise I'll..."
I gleefully enjoyed the expression of mixed terror and panic on the Swine Count's face. When I mentioned Gaia, the Swine Count's face turned green. He finally knew he wouldn't have a good death. He could no longer hide the maliciousness and Hatred in his eyes.
"Otherwise, I'll treat you like a Monster."
In the Swine Count's terrified Gaze, I stabbed a Dagger into his arm, through to the other side, and straight into the Wall. It wasn't that I didn't want to use the Whip; as you just saw, I'm not good at wielding that thing. If I accidentally didn't control the Strength properly and whipped the Swine Count in half, Gaia would surely be quite conflicted.
"Oh, doesn't it hurt?"
Seeing the Swine Count's face, although filled with terror, showed no sign of distortion from Pain, I realized. It turned out my Strength was too great and my Speed was too fast, which actually prevented this stab from having its intended effect. Sometimes being too Powerful is also troublesome, but it doesn't matter.
I Smiled slightly and gently twisted the handle of the Dagger in my hand. The sound of bones shattering instantly rang out, but was immediately drowned out by the Swine Count's Screams.
"It hurts a lot, right? You really want me to let you go, right? But tell me, when did the Villagers' Screams ever make you feel soft-hearted?"
I pulled out the Dagger along with the Blood and Crushed Bones, and casually applied a dollop of the Prison's special salve to plug the bleeding hole. It's said this salve also contains a large amount of salt and chili.
In the Swine Count's Fearful Gaze, I moved the Dagger to his belly, slowly traced lines on it, then slightly stabbed in. With a pull, white fat spilled out. One cut, two cuts, three cuts... The constantly rolling fat provided a visual effect far more stimulating than the Pain. Finally, the Swine Count couldn't bear it anymore. His eyes rolled back, and he fainted.
"Is that all?" I shook my Head with some regret. My own kind, I've killed them, and quite a few too, at least a thousand by my count. As for Methods, I've even tortured and killed Monsters using methods several times more brutal than this. So, I had no psychological burden whatsoever in dealing with the Swine Count like this. After torturing him, I could still eat with great relish and sleep soundly.
I casually tossed the Dagger away; I didn't want anything that had touched the Swine Count. Afterwards, I used a Healing Spell to heal the Wounds on the Swine Count's Body. I splashed a bucket of ice water over him, and the Swine Count slowly woke up.
The first thing he did was quickly examine his Body. He really was a cowardly sort. After finding himself completely unharmed, a look of confusion was revealed in his Eyes. It was obvious he thought it had just been a dream, a Nightmare. I couldn't help but wave my hand in front of his Eyes. Only then did he realize my Existence. His Gaze then inadvertently fell upon the Dagger lying on the ground, still stained with Blood, and his face began to contort again.
"My apologies, I forgot to introduce myself. My Class is Cleric, yes, a Cleric. You know what that is, right?" I Smiled and took a few steps back, elegantly performing a standard Cleric's bow towards the Swine Count.
"Demon, you are a Demon..."
The Swine Count's mournful roar sounded behind me. I didn't mind at all. I dismissed the Soldiers and performed Healing on all the Prisoners in the Prison Cell. Tormenting the Body was too boring; destroying the Spirit was the true way.
After I left, the Soldiers picked up their Whips again. They found that after that Mysterious Lord visited, although the Prisoners' Spirits were utterly broken, their Bodies were much better. They couldn't help but swing their Whips with even more vigor.
And at this moment, I had already appeared in the Fat Pig Az's Study Room.
"Your Majesty, are the Prison Cells still sufficient? If not, please don't hesitate. I can pay to build one myself. Of course, I'll still have to trouble Your Majesty with the guarding Soldiers; I will provide appropriate payment."
Seeing the Prison Cells in the North District completely filled because of my personal matters, I couldn't help but feel a little apologetic.
"Elder, please rest assured. There are three other Dungeons. Although they are much smaller than the Dungeon in the North District, they are sufficient for holding Prisoners," the Fat Pig Az laughed. He then asked.
"Oh, right, Elder, how do you think we should deal with those Prisoners on the second level?"
Those Prisoners held on the second level were all Members of the Swine Count's Organization, but they did not participate in the village massacre.
"Your Majesty, I once read a story," I said, carefully choosing my words, tapping the desk with my finger.
"A long time ago, there was a Hunter with formidable Skills. He heard there was a Wolf Pack in the Forest that committed all sorts of evil deeds, often coming out to Sneak attack people and livestock. So, he vowed to exterminate this pack of hungry Wolves. Relying on his formidable Skills, he easily wiped out the entire Wolf Pack. When only a dozen weak Young Wolves and Old Wolves remained, the Hunter felt pity and spared them. Afterwards, these dozen Wolves followed the Hunter's Scent to his Home and ate his beautiful Wife and young Daughter."
"Elder, that's quite a Method. I know what to do now."
The Fat Pig Az nodded, his gaze filled with the Praise of a kindred spirit. Who would have thought, this guy is also someone who likes to cut the grass and pull up the roots.
"Little one, do you think I'm very cruel?"
On the way in the Carriage, I mumbled to the Little Ghost who had just woken up. A sudden decision had harvested three hundred lives. If it were me four years ago, I would definitely have been scared shitless by such a ruthless personality. I never would have imagined that one day I would become this kind of person.
"Mmm-hmm~~" The Little Ghost gently shook her Head and leaned into my arms.
"Xiao Fan, you just need to know that in this world, the only person I care about is you. As for the lives of others, I don't care at all..." the Little Ghost mumbled, her eyelids drooping.
"Little one, look at what you're saying. You should at least consider Velas and the others," my heart warmed, and I held the delicate body in my arms tightly.
"Mmm... mmm-hmm... if Xiao Fan likes them, then I..."
Halfway through speaking, the Little Ghost's Body sank, and she fell back asleep. Really, she had just woken up.
I sighed with Helplessness and gently stroked her beautiful moon-colored Long Hair. Compared to a few days ago, I'm not so worried about the Little Ghost's sleepy condition now. The first reason is that when she's awake, her Spirit is very good, and there's no sign of anything wrong. Another important reason is the Glow on the Little Ghost's Body. When her Body is in good condition, the pure white Glow is brighter; conversely, it becomes dimmer. At this point, she needs to replenish Diamonds. It's clear, judging by the intensity of the Glow currently emanating from the Little Ghost, that her condition is excessively good.
But then again, is she a light bulb?
The next day at noon, a grand collective punishment ceremony was performed at Lut Gholein's Execution Ground. Over three hundred Prisoners, tied up, knelt there and were pushed onto the chopping block one by one, providing a spectacle that the onlookers watched with great interest, cheering for more. Afterwards, these over three hundred Heads were hung on the four City Gates as a warning to others. As for the remaining Prisoners held on the third level, I kept them all. I don't know how big Gaia's appetite is, so it's better to leave him a bit more. I had already bribed the Soldiers inside. After receiving a sum of money sufficient to keep them comfortable for a lifetime, they solemnly promised to "take good care" of the Prisoners inside. Even if the King ordered these Prisoners to be secretly executed, they would... uh, dare to give me a small Report.
This matter seems to be coming to an end, much faster than I expected. I originally thought it would take at least half a month, but now, besides occasionally visiting the Swine Count in Prison, I've started to feel bored again.
Of course, there are still things to do. For example, I just realized that when the village was destroyed, the Technique I used to kill those Hyenas and Vultures—splitting one Ice Arrow into three... wasn't that Tia's signature Attack Method? For me, a Magic Idiot, to use it so naturally, didn't anyone find it strange? Anyway, recalling it now, I find it quite strange, so I've been analyzing it during this time.
According to the preliminary Inference I've made, there are three points. The first point is that I already have the Ability to use this Technique. That's Nonsense. The second point is because I had seen Tia use this Technique before. Otherwise, even if I had the Ability, I wouldn't have been able to imagine it. In other words, if Tia had split a Fire Bolt into three at that time, then what I would have shot out wouldn't have been an Ice Arrow but a Fire Bolt.
Third, and this is a more important point, it has a somewhat mystical flavor when explained. I can describe my Feeling at that time using terms like Ethereal State, a mind filled with clear-mindedness, no distracting thoughts, "sword" following the heart's intent, and so on. That is to say, when I try to do it intentionally now, I can't use it.
When I shot out the Ice Arrow crookedly for the nth time, I finally collapsed powerlessly. That Feeling, I need that Feeling from back then! Jesus, Buddha, Lao Jun, Great Moe God, grant me the feel!
Besides unintentionally using this Technique, there's another place that makes me exclaim how incredible it is when recalling it. At that time, when I transformed into Blood Bear to vent my Emotions, I actually cast Flame! I had no idea the Blood Bear Form could cast Magic! Because after transforming into Blood Bear, the "Rules" are already broken. Things within these Rules, like Life, Mana, Skills, Stats, etc., all disappear. Therefore, I always thought the Blood Bear Form only had that one move, Cramp... wait, I mean Essence Cannon.
It seems the Blood Bear Transformation still has a lot of Potential to be unearthed! I was really too careless; I only realized this now.
Just as I was happily practicing the Technique of Splitting Magic and fantasizing about my future state after transforming into Blood Bear—grabbing Lightning with my left hand, holding an Ice Hammer in my right, stepping on Wind Fire Wheels, shooting Lasers from my Eyes, firing Rockets from my Chest, hiding a Nuclear Weapon in my anus, and making the entire Sanctuary tremble with a single roar—I suddenly realized a more urgent problem that needed to be solved.
What if Gaia and the Twins meet at the Camp?
Of course, after Gaia arrives at the Camp, he will definitely train desperately, and the Twins don't have much time to wander around outside. But I'm talking about a 'what if'. There's definitely this possibility, right? God always loves to play tricks on people.
Although I learned from Gaia that he didn't direct his anger towards the Twins, there was still some resentment in his words. If it weren't for them, the village wouldn't have suffered such a devastating disaster. Therefore, I have no doubt that he would tell the Twins everything, and likely in a rather extreme tone.
Damn it, I really was careless! Thinking of this, I immediately packed my things and hurried towards the Mage Guild, not noticing the little Tail following behind me.
After waiting for several hours at the Mage Guild and finally getting the Remote Teleportation ready, I eagerly stepped in. Not long after I left, Marissa rushed in, Wheezing.
"Master, the item you wanted, huh...?"
She held up the item in her hand and gave a stiff exclamation of "surprise." Because she always had a poker face, it was hard to tell that she was lying through her teeth.
"He's already left."
Talen immediately fell for it, not noticing the Three-No Princess's small hand hidden behind her back, making a victory V-sign.
"This is a very important item."
The Three-No Princess emphasized by raising the Package in her hand, deepening her tone as she continued bluffing.
"This..."
Talen was a bit hesitant. According to the rule, others couldn't use Remote Teleportation without the Elder's permission, and...
"Oh, right, the Money Master left for me..."
The Three-No Princess handed over twenty Chipped Gems.
"Alright... alright. The mage over there should still be here. I'll go inform them."
As the saying goes, Money makes things happen. After hesitating for a moment, Talen finally agreed. In his mind, how could a mere Maid have so much Money? It must have been given to her by Wu Fan, so that if she couldn't catch up, she could use the Teleportation Array herself.
Arbitrarily completing the Three-No Princess's lie in his mind, Talen was thus splendidly played with his feelings by a little Maid not yet seventeen.
Walking out of the Waypoint, I headed straight for Fara's Tent and learned Gaia's whereabouts from him—sure enough, it was the Paladin Training Camp. It seems he's still quite persistent about his dream and didn't choose Assassin or Necromancer because of his drastic change in personality.
Led by a Teacher from the Knight Training Camp, I quickly found Gaia sweating through physical Training on the Training Ground.
"Priest Uncle?!" Seeing it was me, Gaia looked very surprised.
"Little Gaia, are you getting used to the Training Camp?" I affectionately patted his Head.
"Mm, it's alright."
He silently nodded his Head.
After chatting for a while, I finally got to the main point.
"Oh, right, Gaia, have you met Ai Ke Lu and the others these past few days?"
Gaia's expression clearly changed. He probably thought of that terrifying scene again. He clenched his Fist tightly for a while before shaking his Head.
"No, I haven't seen them."
"Can I ask you for a favor?" I breathed a sigh of relief.
"Mm, I'll listen to Priest Uncle."
"Could you please not tell them about this for now?"
After hesitating for a moment, Gaia nodded.
"Are you still blaming them?" I sighed softly.
"I know it wasn't their fault, but I..." Gaia wiped his red Eyes.
"Priest Uncle, right now, I really don't know how to face them. I don't want to see them. Do you think I'm being too petty?"
"Good child, you've done very well. Time will dilute everything." I patted Gaia's shoulder, chatted with him for a bit, promised to visit him when I had time, and then let him go back to the Training Ground.
"How has Gaia been performing recently?"
After Gaia left, I found the Teacher at the Training Camp and asked him.
"Although his Aptitude isn't outstanding, he practices very hard. If he can persevere, changing class to become a Paladin won't be difficult."
"Is that so? That's good. Oh, right, could I trouble you to keep an eye on him? Don't let him overwork himself. If he refuses, just tell him, 'The village is still waiting for you to rebuild it. If you collapse from exhaustion, everything will be lost.' I'm sure he'll listen to that to some extent."