Chapter 173: Occupied Territory and War Slaves
After a long journey, the Borisin beast-ship finally docked on a dark red planet. This was one of the territories of the Eclipse Moon Hunter Pack, a fallen land conquered by the Borisin.
You and Jiang Li were roughly pushed down the gangplank. The air was filled with a nauseating mix of decay and blood. The sky was a sickly dark red. In the distance, massive bone structures stood like skeletons of monsters—Towers of Glory, built from the remains of their conquered foes.
"Hurry up! What are you dawdling for!" A Borisin whipped the captives.
You held Jiang Li's hand tightly. "Brother... it's so scary here..." she whispered.
"Don't be afraid, your brother is here," you whispered back, vigilantly observing your surroundings. Along the way, you saw the "residents"—a large number of Foxian slaves, dressed in rags, their eyes vacant, performing strenuous tasks. Some had iron chains around their necks, led like livestock. Even more chilling were the Foxian overseers, beating their own kind even more ferociously than the Borisin.
Soon, you were herded into a large square. Many Borisin gathered, scrutinizing the new captives like livestock. A burly Borisin leader walked over, his gray fur adorned with trophies. "I need a new battle slave," he said gruffly. "The last one was torn to shreds."
His gaze swept over the captives, quickly landing on your group of children. His gaze fell on Jiang Li. She trembled, instinctively hiding behind you.
"This little fox-cub looks quite clever..." The Borisin stretched out his claw to grab her.
At that very instant—you suddenly lifted your head, staring at him intently! You shielded Jiang Li, your gaze showing no hint of retreat. The black death lines reappeared in your eyes, densely covering his entire body. You knew you could kill him, but you also knew this was their stronghold. So you just stared, telling him with your eyes—if you want to touch my sister, you'll have to kill me first.
"Oh?" The leader was stunned, then a surprised expression appeared. "Interesting... a little fox-cub who dares to glare at me. Quite bold, little brat." He revealed a fierce smile. "I've changed my mind. I'll take you."
"No!" Jiang Li wanted to rush out. "Don't take my brother away! Please..."
You were faster. You reached out, covered her mouth, and held her tightly. "Shh..." you whispered. "Be good."
Jiang Li shook her head desperately, tears streaming down her face. Your mind was made up. Rather than let her become a battle slave, you would go yourself. At least you had a powerful regenerative ability.
"Very good! I like your stubbornness!" the leader burst into laughter. "Bring the reins!"
A Foxian slave tremblingly handed over a set of reins made from creature sinews, embedded with tiny, nerve-stinging barbs. The leader personally put it around your neck. A sense of humiliating restraint welled up in your heart.
"Remember, little brat," he leaned close. "From now on, these reins are your life. I hope you live a little longer than the last one. Take him away!"
You and Jiang Li were escorted towards the prison area. She cried the whole way. "Brother... I'm sorry... it's all my fault..."
"Silly girl," you stroked her head. "It's not your fault. We'll be fine."
Soon, you were pushed into a small, dark cell. As your eyes adjusted, a wary voice spoke. "Who are you?"
Through the faint light, you saw two other figures in the corner. They were two Foxian girls about your age. The one in front had silver hair and fierce green eyes. Behind her was a small-framed girl with black hair, hiding timidly.
"Stop, don't come closer!" the silver-haired girl growled, her voice trembling.
You instinctively shielded Jiang Li, watching them with equal vigilance. The Foxians here, born under the shadow of the Borisin, would do anything to survive. For a moment, a tense atmosphere filled the small cell.
[Inorin Note:
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