Chapter 181: Even in the Mud
Dylan didn’t move right away. He felt the gem beating in his hand, like a heart that wasn’t his, and the white lines on his arm pulsed in unison.
The officer stared at him, mouth slightly open, an expression wavering between fear and outrage. Behind him, the beasts hesitated, their yellow eyes still hypnotized by the silver light.
A dry breath escaped Dylan’s throat, a laugh without joy.
"Another stigmate just like that? Was it always this easy to find one in the wild?"
But he didn’t have time to marvel at it; he needed to deal with the officer first. A pity, but he couldn’t let him live. An awakened fighter appearing out of nowhere? They’d connect the dots too quickly.
The officer tried to push himself up, one knee on the ground, blood dripping from his side.
"Who... who sent you? What are you?!" he spat, his sword trembling as he pointed it at Dylan.
"Me?" Dylan gave a thin smile, almost tender, and stepped forward.
The captain instinctively backed away, as if the light vibrating along Dylan’s arm was a blade ready to cut him down.
"I’m..." Dylan tilted his head, studying the lines pulsing across his skin.
"...just a laborer who had some really bad luck."
Then he struck.