Chapter 378: [376] Murasame
The slums—a place buried beneath the grandeur of the Empire, representing the lowest rung of its hierarchy.
This was a land devoid of light, as dark as the corruption festering among the nobility. In this place, there was only one rule: survive. Stealing, robbing, murdering, deceiving—it didn't matter the means, so long as you lived. Even the lowest worm would struggle to stay alive, for no one wanted to die.
August stepped into this desolate place, his presence marked by the elegance of his fine clothing. Instantly, he became the target of watchful, opportunistic eyes.
He noticed them, of course, but paid no heed. Why would a dragon care about the intentions of ants?
Today's journey reinforced one undeniable truth for August—there were no good people in this capital city. From the highest nobles to the lowest beggars, the city was steeped in sin.
Goodness could not survive here, not in a land ruled by cruelty and greed. Even those claiming to champion justice carried bloodstains on their hands.
Clack.
A sound broke the silence.
"Hey, you! Hand over your money!"
At the end of the alley, a man dressed in ragged clothing emerged, brandishing a knife.
Around him, a dozen other ruffians revealed themselves from the shadows, each armed and leering hungrily at August.