Chapter 415: Short “Fight”
Like the operator of the teleportation station in Caritas said, once Aldrian and Old Man York came out, they encountered a heavily guarded checkpoint. If a traveler arrived from a territory believed to still be under rebel control, they would be taken elsewhere for interrogation.
Aldrian and Old Man York had to wait in line for their turn. When Aldrian’s turn came, a soldier asked,
"Where are you from?"
"Caritas," Aldrian replied.
The soldier tasked with writing the note paused for a moment and looked at Aldrian. He could only see Aldrian’s eyes, as his hood and mask concealed his features. He frowned at the mention of Caritas—right now, that place was drawing a lot of attention, and this was the first time someone had traveled from there to this location. Usually, people went to Caritas, but this one had come from there instead.
"Step aside. You will be guided to a separate room for further investigation," the soldier said.
"Can we not make this more difficult? I have business to attend to, and I’m in a rush. Can you make an exception just this once?" Aldrian said in a calm voice.
The soldier’s expression darkened. "Are you challenging me?" he asked, then released his aura at the viscount stage, trying to pressure Aldrian. "You will obey the rules here, or you will be instantly apprehended for disobedience to authority."
The commotion was already drawing attention, and people began to distance themselves from Aldrian and Old Man York, afraid of getting caught up in the situation. Nearby soldiers also turned their attention to the scene and started approaching Aldrian. Even a duke-stage cultivator, whom Aldrian assumed to be their commander, was making his way toward him.
"You, surrender yourself and follow us to our designated location," the commander shouted at Aldrian and Old Man York. He approached Aldrian with an intimidating posture and firm strides. Once he stood in front of Aldrian, he grabbed his shoulder, attempting to drag him away—but to his shock, he couldn’t move Aldrian’s body even an inch!
Seeing that the soldiers were also starting to approach him, Aldrian remained calm.