Chapter 452: Tense Situation
Aldrian swept his gaze over the city below and saw widespread destruction. The situation here was far worse than when he had first stepped into Caritas—there were signs of ruin everywhere, and the lingering death laws across the city made it clear that many lives had been lost.
When Aldrian entered the city, he didn’t bother with a disguise or attempt to hide himself from the public eye. The moment he stepped out of the teleportation portal, some guards began to approach him due to his suspicious appearance. Since the city was under the strict control of the second prince’s faction, every suspicious individual had to be thoroughly inspected.
However, before they could check him, news finally arrived that the mysterious swordsman was coming to the city. Judging by the timing and the description of the masked man, the entire force in Bermin was immediately placed on high alert and moved toward the teleportation station.
The strongest soldier here, a peak Duke-stage knight stood in front of his many troops, looking up at Aldrian from the ground. However, it was clear to everyone that he was afraid. His slightly pale complexion and rigid expression betrayed the fear and tension he tried to suppress.
Although the man was frightened, having already heard of Aldrian’s reputation and strength, he still tried to put on a strong front. He had a duty to uphold. This city was under his jurisdiction, and he would fulfill his role, knowing that the faction trusted him to guard this place.
Before the civil war, he had served as a commander of one of the knight orders under a high-ranking noble family. When the conflict broke out, he demonstrated his prowess and accomplishments, which led to him being entrusted with the defense of this city. To him, this was a true honor—proof that his achievements and strength had been recognized, and that he was deemed worthy of such responsibility.
But as a human, he couldn’t ignore his natural instinct to survive. When he received the report that the "monster" had come to his city, his first thought was to escape. However, the idea of running away like a coward and abandoning his duty left a bitter taste in his mouth. Gritting his teeth, he decided to face the "monster" and try to hold him here for as long as he could.
He knew that neither he nor the entire force stationed in this city would be enough to stop the mysterious swordsman—but he still tried.
"Don’t move, and land slowly! If you try to leave this city, we’ll do everything we can to stop you, even if I have to wager everything I have!" he shouted, his voice trembling.
He knew how ridiculous he sounded, and that his threat might seem like a joke in many eras—but he still made it.
Aldrian looked at the man and couldn’t help but smile behind his mask.