Chapter 220: Meeting in Iron Bar Town

This really left Rod utterly confused. First, this guy suddenly appeared in front of him, claiming to be his friend and arranging to meet here. Then there were talks of reinforcements and an army of beasts—in short, aside from sheer bewilderment, Rod also felt secretly relieved.

Regardless of who this guy was, seeing the soldiers retreating around him, he breathed a sigh of relief. It seemed they had managed to slip through unscathed and avoid potential danger.

As the suddenly appeared man pulled him toward the city, Rod finally took a deep breath once inside. Seeing Iron Bar Town still bustling and lively, he felt a sense of familiarity. It was just as busy as before, with mercenaries everywhere, and the streets filled with lights, music, and celebration.

“Oh, great Light God, praise your wisdom and glory. Brado, I really owe you a lot for your friend’s help. Otherwise, we would have been in big trouble—those damned soldiers would have prevented us from leaving safely! Well, besides that… hey… never mind. Anyway, I, Domir, owe you a favor!” After walking for a while, the man who had caused trouble outside the city expressed his gratitude to Rod, though he also seemed hesitant to say more.

Seeing this, Rod knew he hadn’t guessed wrong. This guy was indeed unusual and must be hiding something. Otherwise, he wouldn’t have tried to get close to Rod so eagerly. He probably wasn’t a good person either.

“It doesn’t matter,” Rod replied with a faint sigh. Although it had caused quite a bit of trouble, it could also be seen as a stroke of luck that helped him. When entering the city, he had seen his own warrant on the city walls, featuring two portraits of him—one in his true appearance and the other with a disguise and a human mask. If nothing had happened and they had checked him thoroughly, Rod was worried he might have been recognized and trapped outside. Fortunately, Domir had created a disturbance, distracting everyone. Then this mysterious man appeared—luck had been on his side after all.

“By the way, Brado, are you part of the reinforcements? Oh, wonderful! It’s an honor to meet you, a member of the reinforcements! By the way, why did you arrive so late? I heard the reinforcements arrived seven days ago. You’re coming now, but it’s not too late. If my guess is right, the beast horde won’t start until tomorrow at dusk. Hehe, you’ve come at just the right time!” Suddenly, as if remembering something, Domir grabbed Knightrod’s hand and exclaimed excitedly, his eyes filled with enthusiasm and curiosity. Even Rod could sense a hint of admiration in him.

This situation left Rod at a loss, not knowing how to react. He had no idea what these reinforcements were. If this guy knew he was Knightrod, the demon being hunted across the entire continent, would he still act like this? What would happen then? Would they chase him together or flee in fear? The thought made him laugh.

At the same time, Rod grew even more puzzled and curious about those reinforcements. Judging from Domir’s expression, they must be a very powerful force, one highly respected by people. What kind of group could reach such a status?

“If you’re done, you can go. We still have things to do!” A cold voice interrupted the slightly harmonious atmosphere, plunging it back into awkwardness. Looking at the man ahead, his cold demeanor was completely different from the person he had seen outside the city. If they hadn’t come together, Rod would have thought this guy wasn’t the same person—his change was too drastic. That coldness made one feel as if they were in winter, shivering with cold.

“N-no… Hehe, it’s fine. I’ll… I’ll leave first. Remember my name is Domir. I’ll find a chance to repay your kindness. See you later!” Hearing the man’s cold tone, Domir forced a awkward smile before turning and walking in the opposite direction.

“Who are you? Why help me?” Only after Domir left did Rod turn his attention to the strange man in front of him and ask in a low voice.

“This isn’t the place. If you want others to know your identity, I don’t mind. Hurry up and leave. We’ll be there soon. You’ll understand everything then!” Instead of answering Rod’s question, the man replied coldly and continued walking ahead without even looking back, showing no concern for Knightrod behind him.

Frowning slightly, Rod felt uncomfortable with the other man’s attitude—as if he owed him millions. That deathly tone… If not for the help he had received before, Rod might have turned around and left long ago. Why stay?

In silence, the two walked side by side toward the west side of Iron Bar Town, under the setting sun, their long shadows stretching out in the remaining light.

“Hehe, interesting. I believe we’ll meet soon. I hope you won’t disappoint me then!” Unbeknownst to Rod and the man, not long after they set off, Domir appeared at the same spot, standing quietly and watching Rod’s retreating figure, a playful smile on his lips. His earlier expression had vanished, replaced by an enigmatic look. He hadn’t left earlier—if Knight Rod had seen this, he probably wouldn’t have stayed so calmly in Iron Bar Town. This guy was definitely suspicious. After speaking, Domir turned and headed south!

Meanwhile, unaware of anything, Rod followed the man ahead, winding through countless alleys until they finally stopped.

Night had fallen, and the sky was pitch black. Before them stood a large mansion, clearly belonging to someone wealthy—something the average person could never afford.

Everything was quiet, with no signs of people, in stark contrast to the bustling streets. A few guards stood at the entrance, looking very solemn.

Rod became wary. One must be cautious—never trust anyone, even the man who had saved him before. Who knew what kind of person he was and what he might do? Still, Rod followed him cautiously into the mansion.

Upon entering, the first thing that caught his eye was a large courtyard, similar to a training ground. There were two huge weapon racks filled with every kind of weapon. The open space in the middle showed signs of chaos—clearly, it had been the scene of many brutal battles, with unknown suffering endured before reaching this day.

“Hehe, Knight Rod, you really came. I thought you wouldn’t show up!” A familiar voice came through. Rod quickly looked in the direction of the voice.

Suddenly, a man in black stood behind him—unknown when he had arrived. Wearing a silver mask, his true face was hidden. The appearance seemed familiar, and Rod frowned in thought upon seeing him.
“It’s you!” Rod said in a deep voice the next moment.
It was that man in black—the one he had seen at the academy, the master mentioned by Hori, the mysterious figure in disguise. It was indeed him. He had been waiting for Rod in Iron Bar Town and had even managed to find him as soon as he arrived here and bring him here.
What astonishing network of informants and timely information was this? Rod felt ashamed. Had his every move really been under that person’s watch? At the thought, he shuddered, a chill spreading throughout his body.
“Don’t worry. I won’t harm you. If I wanted to kill you, do you think you’d still be alive today? A reward of half a million won’t bother me enough to force me to take action! Come with me. I think you have many questions, don’t you?” After sensing a slight smile from the man in black, Rod felt helpless. In front of him, he was like a naked girl, completely exposed with no secrets left.
“Nio, go down first! Guard the outside. Your whereabouts have been exposed!” Seeing Rod’s expression, the man in black smiled faintly, turned to the man in front of Rod, and spoke in an authoritative tone.
Hearing the man in black’s words, the man named Nio bowed respectfully before slowly retreating outside, his face showing a hint of shame. Was it because of what the man in black said? Because their arrival here had been discovered? Who could it be? Why didn’t he know? Everything was confusing in Rod’s mind.
“Let’s go. I don’t want to stand here in the wind! My old bones can’t take it!” With a self-mocking laugh, the man in black passed by Rod and walked slowly forward into the hall ahead. Watching him walk as if floating above the ground, without the slightest trace of movement, Rod was shocked and hurriedly followed.
After entering the hall and passing through a small door, the two arrived in a secluded study. The man in black sat down at the main seat without hesitation, exuding an air of superiority, his eyes filled with curiosity and interest as he looked at Rod.
“Don’t worry. I said it—if I really wanted to harm you, a hundred of you wouldn’t be enough to kill me!” The man in black said calmly, looking at Rod’s skeptical expression.

“Who are you, and where are Hori and the others? Why are you doing this? You must know who I am!” Taking a deep breath, Rod sat down on the chair beside him and asked in a low voice.