Chapter 275: Back to the Empire (4)
Chapter 275: Back to the Empire (4)
The other thugs, who had collapsed earlier, began to rise one by one. Grotesque groans escaped their lips as they started moving their limbs again—but their movements were awkward and unnatural. It wasn't their own strength lifting them up, but something closer to a shadow dragging them by the scruff of the neck and forcing them upright.Milia's expression turned tense as she glared at the men cloaked in dark energy. There was no sign of this before...
It wasn't like she'd been careless. She had focused, observed them closely, and confirmed that there was no trace of necromancy involved. Which could only mean that whatever spell was affecting them now had successfully deceived the senses of a seasoned priest.
Can cultists really hide dark energy this thoroughly? she wondered.
The thugs lunged again, screaming. They charged like madmen while exposing every opening in their bodies, like berserkers from ancient legends.
"Hmph!" With a short breath, Lapicel twisted her body and reached out. She pushed the back of the charging dark thug's hand.
Just like before, she was attempting to use a technique to throw him off balance. But this time, it didn't work. He stumbled momentarily, then snapped his head around, baring his filthy teeth as he lunged again.
Earlier, they'd been moving with human strength. Thus, shifting their balance was enough to take them down. But now? They were no longer operating under muscle and sinew.
Do I need to draw my sword? Lapicel hesitated for a moment, then shook her head.
Their eyes were unfocused and dull. Anyone could see they were under someone's control. Which meant the real cultists were hiding somewhere else. These were just puppets.
Then I can't kill them.
Running amok as local thugs wasn't nearly enough to warrant execution. She bent her knees lightly, and with a burst of energy, launched herself forward.