Chapter 228: Framed

The few who learned of the outbreak of the beast horde immediately became serious. With anxious expressions, they completed a journey that would normally take over four days in just three, standing outside Iron Bar Town filled with deep emotions.

Finally back in this place, Iron Bar Town had changed greatly compared to a few days ago. There were far fewer people coming in and out—no caravans or travelers, only soldiers, mercenaries, warriors, and mages, all there to assist the defending forces against the beast horde’s attack. The usual hustle and leisure had given way to solemnity and silence.

The checks on those entering the town had also become much stricter. At this time, it was absolutely unacceptable for anyone with ulterior motives to be inside Iron Bar Town. If problems arose within the town, coupled with the attack from the beast horde outside, such internal and external threats could lead to disaster. Someone with malicious intent could exploit the situation and trigger an unprecedented crisis.

“Be careful. If things go wrong, retreat first. I’ll find a way to get you in later!” Upon reaching the city gate and seeing the strict inspections, Horri said in a low voice, glancing at Rod beside him.

Under such scrutiny, he couldn’t help but worry that Rod’s identity might be exposed, which would cause serious trouble.

“Understood!” Rod nodded seriously, also feeling helpless. What else could he do? If these people discovered his identity, who knew what chaos might ensue once the news spread. Being wanted was one thing, but if it prevented them from suppressing the beast horde’s rampage, that would be a real problem.

“Who are you guys? What bring you to Iron Bar Town? Hand over your identity cards if there’s a problem!” As they approached the city gate, they heard the guard officer shouting at them loudly, trying to appear intimidating. Seeing this, Rod smirked disdainfully. Just a dog—why be so arrogant? Look at that self-important attitude; he was practically begging for a beating. If not for the current situation, it might not have been Rod, but Horri and the others who would have given him a cold look first.

“Hehe, sir, the beast horde has erupted. We’re just lowly mercenaries, hoping to contribute our meager strength. Here’s our identity cards—there’s nothing wrong with them. And this is to buy some drinks for the brothers. Please be understanding!” Horri said respectfully to the soldiers. At that moment, he hardly resembled a cold-blooded assassin; it was hard to imagine he had once been a renowned killer.

Satisfied with a smile, the man glanced casually at their identity cards and weighed the money bag in his hand before smiling slightly. “Hmm, that’s fine. Go in, but be careful. The beast horde has started these past two days! Don’t blame me if something happens to you!”

Greed made them more talkative—such was the case with those who relied on others’ fear. Rod’s initial worries vanished instantly, leaving him with a bitter smile. It seemed such unspoken rules existed everywhere. The saying “money can make the devil work” wasn’t enough—Rod couldn’t help but think of another phrase: “Money can make the mill push the devil.” Yet he also marveled at how thoroughly Horri and the others had prepared, even having ready new identity cards for them!

Entering the city, they headed straight toward the small mansion. Soldiers could be seen everywhere in the streets, along with solemn-looking warriors and mages, creating a highly tense atmosphere.

Under such circumstances, Rod’s mood was also affected, becoming somewhat gloomy.

In silence, the group quickly arrived at the mansion. As soon as they entered, led by Horri, they headed straight for the hall.

Upon arriving in the hall, the man in black was already waiting for them. “You’re back. It seems I wasn’t wrong. Knight Rod, there’s still much you need to change. Being kind to enemies is being cruel to yourself. You must always remember that—your kindness could put you in danger at any moment, just like this time! Now, in the eyes of the world, you’ve become a true devil. Isn’t that all because of your kindness?”

Before Rod and the others could speak, the man in black sighed, looked at Rod and Horri, pondered for a moment, then spoke in a somewhat heavy voice.

Hearing these words, Rod’s heart skipped a beat. He sensed something wrong—a ominous premonition spread throughout his body. Something must have happened; otherwise, the man in black wouldn’t have said those things to him.

“What happened?” Rod couldn’t help but ask. Given the events of these past few days, his suspicions grew stronger. Just the outbreak of a beast horde alone wouldn’t be enough to prompt the man in black to order them to return to Iron Bar Town as quickly as possible. After all, the horde had just started to surge, and moreover, though Rod wasn’t sure who the man in black and his group really were, one thing was certain: they weren’t good people. They surely wouldn’t regard the crisis on the continent as so critical. At least there were hundreds of thousands of troops defending Iron Bar Town, along with reinforcements and mercenaries to provide support. Even if a beast horde appeared, they wouldn’t face any danger for a while. Even if those few people were in Iron Bar Town, they likely wouldn’t intervene at this moment.

Even if, hypothetically, the horde broke through the defenses and entered the world inhabited by humans, they still wouldn’t be in danger—their ability to protect themselves was more than sufficient.

“That village has been destroyed! No one survived. Silverwing and Stinger died mysteriously, leaving only their corpses. Nightingale and Crow have disappeared—likely in grave danger. So far, we haven’t received any news about them!” The man in black said in a deep voice after taking a deep breath.

Those words were like a thunderbolt, leaving Rod and the others, including Hori, stunned with wide eyes. The village had been destroyed? The statement had a profound impact on them. No one doubted the man in black’s honesty; if he said it, it must be true.

Thinking of that peaceful village, that utopia, and those simple people, Rod’s breathing became heavier, his eyes reddening slightly. “What exactly happened? Tell me—what happened after we left? Why was that village destroyed so completely? Is there really no one left alive?” Rod shouted angrily. Hadn’t he refrained from killing Nightingale and the others precisely because of that village? Yet, everything had turned out the opposite.

“I’m not sure. On the day you left, the entire village was slaughtered; blood flowed like rivers. By the time we arrived, there wasn’t a single survivor. But word has already spread—that this was done by you, Knightrod, in collusion with dark forces. The news must have reached the entire continent by now. So… you can imagine the consequences!” The man in black looked at Rod complexly and spoke in a low voice, his tone carrying a sense of urgency, as this matter involved their organization, touched upon his most fundamental interests, and even treated him as a pawn.

“Bastard!” Rod gritted his teeth, swallowing hard as he roared in anger.

Being framed was one thing, but it was the innocent people who suffered… The enemy’s strength filled him with worry. A village protected by two imperial-level warriors—Silverwing and Viper—as well as two skilled fighters—Nightingale and Crow—had been utterly wiped out without any resistance. This showed just how powerful the enemy was.

All Rod could do now was silently hope that Nightingale and Crow were safe, find them as soon as possible, and learn from them who the killer was. He had to catch this guy and clear his name; otherwise, he would truly be unable to wash away the stain.

“What should we do?” Hori, on the other hand, remained calm. He looked at the man in black and asked softly.

“Your name has also been exposed. Now, you’re considered part of the dark races, rumored to be subordinates of the demons. For now, stay here. Once we find Nightingale and the others, everything will be easier. I’ve already given orders to use all available resources to track them down. You just wait calmly!

By the way, the beast horde is about to erupt. Rod, it’s time for you to train seriously. This is an opportunity—a trial of life and death that will greatly help your progress. Moreover, I believe you’ll gain unexpected rewards! Get ready, and when the time comes, go to the city walls to assist in defense. I’ll arrange everything for you!” The man in black smiled enigmatically as he looked at Rod.

Yet, at this moment, Rod had no mood to worry about such things. His heart was completely filled with rage—an unprecedented, fierce anger. He clenched his teeth, reminding himself that if he found that guy, he would tear him to pieces. Not to clear his own name or vent his anger, but for those innocent villagers.

Without hesitation, Rod agreed to the black-clad man’s request. Since there was no news yet, practicing cultivation was also a good option. Besides, he wanted to see what a beast horde looked like and just how dangerous it was to make so many people so fearful. After saying goodbye, he headed alone to his room, his mood heavy and making him feel particularly irritable. “What will you do when you meet those old acquaintances? Knight Rod, it’s quite exciting. Hehe, I hope you’ll bring us a surprise!” The black-clad man, who was behind Rod, murmured to himself as Rod walked away, with a smirk on his face. Clearly, he had some things he hadn’t told Knight Rod, some things he was looking forward to.