Chapter 18: Realization —— The Victors Rule, the Losers Are Outlaws

Night gradually descended over the land, the last rays of the sun fading away. The earth, once wrapped in a faint glow, grew dimmer as darkness settled in. The moon rose above the willow branches, casting a soft silver light—creating a truly beautiful scene.

A day of training was no less exhausting than battle. At this moment, the members of the Death Scythe Squad lay sprawled across their beds, fast asleep. In less than two minutes since they returned, not a single person in the room was awake—except for Rod, of course! How could anyone else compare to him? His physique was beyond what humans could achieve.

Even Rod couldn’t help but marvel inwardly. Though he felt a bit tired, he wasn’t completely exhausted. Once again, he realized the strength of the demon race. He even found himself starting to like them a little.

A faint bitter smile appeared on his lips. Once, in the City of Flames, he and his brothers had only a vague understanding of demons, filled with fear and hatred. When faced with the topic of demons for the first time, he was filled with fear, anger, and disgust, resenting the bloodshed they had caused thousands of years ago. It wasn’t until he was labeled a demon and hunted that he realized just how much he hated that label and despised that identity.

There were times when he longed to return to his old life, to become a normal person and live a simple life. He was even willing to give up his dreams and pursuits.

But after going through countless hardships, it was only today that he realized demons weren’t so hateful after all. His previous prejudice and disgust toward them had vanished, replaced by complex feelings—even a faint liking for that identity.

What about demons? What about humans? What about magical beasts? Vampires and werewolves were no different! As long as one lived well, happily, or strived toward their dreams, it was enough. There was no need to look up to the heavens or bow to the earth—everything was the same. It was just a journey of struggle. At least it was much better than the world he used to live in. Here, though the rank system was strict, it was true that as long as you had strength, you could succeed. Unlike before, when he had seen so many talented people buried, so many gifted individuals suffering in obscurity, and so many weaklings bullying others! Here, things seemed a bit fairer.

What about when the demons invaded a thousand years ago? What about when they occupied the land? Everyone was just trying to survive; they had their own way of life and needed space to live! It was an inevitable part of history. Is it really right that they are now driven to the Source of Darkness, while vampires and werewolves can only hide in the light and live there?

It’s all nonsense—just excuses for the victors. Could living deep in the Source of Darkness really be better? Everyone knows what’s there; there’s no need to say more!

As the saying goes, “The winner takes all.” If it weren’t the demons but humans who were driven away a thousand years ago, everyone knows what would happen now.

For a moment, Rod felt indignant. History—history is the same everywhere! He began to feel pity and sympathy for the demons, vampires, and werewolves. Lost in these complex thoughts, Rod didn’t realize when he had ended up alone in the training ground!

“Damn it, what am I thinking!!” A cool breeze snapped him out of his thoughts. Looking around, he saw no one. The area was pitch black, and faint sounds of fighting could be heard in the distance. He muttered to himself.

Another silence followed, and then he realized that deep down, he had gradually accepted the existence of the demons, accepted the truth of his own identity, and even begun to side with them, feeling sympathy for them.

“Enough!” Shaking his head, he smiled bitterly and headed back. Thinking more was useless—just delusions. He couldn’t do anything! He didn’t want to see the demons invade again. Since it had been resolved a thousand years ago, there was no need to plunge the continent back into chaos. The population of the continent today was much larger than it had been then. Maybe there were fewer strong warriors, but many ants could still kill an elephant. Even if the demons broke through the barriers and invaded the continent, they wouldn’t gain much—only defeat in the end. Rod knew this well. He didn’t want to see war descend upon the entire continent once more, turning it into another hell.

Back in the camp, everyone was resting. Rod had no plans to participate in the night battles. He sat cross-legged on his bed and began his training. He hadn’t practiced properly after last night’s battle and still hadn’t recovered. He decided to make use of this night to train thoroughly.

……

The following days passed peacefully. As their tactical skills improved, they gradually integrated and started joining the battles once again.

The appearance of the Death Scythe Squad once again shocked everyone, sparking a wave of destruction that claimed the lives of countless monsters! After a brief period of silence, the squad shone with dazzling brilliance, stunning the entire Iron Bar Town.

For three days, the members of the Death Scythe Squad fought at night and rested during the day, training in the afternoons—leading to a life that was both fulfilling and intense. As their tactics improved, casualties dropped significantly. The three days of combat only left a few members seriously injured, with only six members dying across the three squads. With the return of those who were previously injured, the squad’s strength not only didn’t decline but actually increased, which filled everyone with excitement. At that time, the unity within the Death Scythe Squad reached an unprecedented level.

With everyone so enthusiastic and confident, Rod naturally wouldn’t be so careless or optimistic. There were also Nightingale and Skora, who, like Rod, began to feel worried.

The most concerned was Emio. Over those three days, the attacks by the monsters had greatly eased, with not even a few dragons appearing—no major battles took place! To outsiders, this might seem like signs that the beast invasion was coming to an end, but only they knew it was merely calm before the storm. After this brief peace, the storm would strike. Things weren’t going to end so simply! Although this beast invasion was as severe as any before, the true climax had yet to arrive. This time, it would be even more extreme and terrifying.

The vampires, werewolves, and the unseen demons, who had disappeared for days, might be brewing a massive storm.

During this time, Rod went to see Emio, hoping he would make a decision quickly as a responsibility to everyone and to the entire continent. Yet Emio’s final reply disappointed Rod—he said the empire’s higher-ups wouldn’t allow it. Though he wanted to, the empire had clearly ordered them to hold the First Wall until new reinforcements arrived!

It was said that the new reinforcements totaled 30,000 men—absolute elite troops sent from the entire continent, almost all of them at the Golden Warrior level or above, with even fewer being Silver Warriors! This really surprised Rod; such a force was indeed terrifying—almost 30,000 Golden Warriors! It was said there were over a hundred Holy-level warriors, two Divine-level warriors, and ten Quasi-Divine-level warriors. Such an army was truly formidable! If they arrived, it was possible that Iron Bar Town could indeed hold its ground!

Although Rod still strongly advocated withdrawing immediately, since Emio and the empire had spoken, his words seemed powerless. Though Emio claimed he wanted to do so, he didn’t dare defy higher orders—after all, the consequences were beyond what he or the Black Tooth Legion could bear, with the entire continent watching.

Despite his disappointment, Rod was also secretly puzzled—how could the empire know his thoughts so quickly? How did Emio manage it? He didn’t doubt Emio; he knew Emio would never deceive him. Perhaps there really was some means of communication, though very rare—just like that magic stone, which he had yet to see.

Everything in Iron Bar Town seemed to be on track, and smiles gradually appeared on people’s faces! With the battle coming to an end, how could anyone not be happy? But in reality, turmoil was brewing. As the fighting eased, many issues that had been hidden deep down began to surface, some even coming to light.

There were warriors, mercenaries, adventurers, and soldiers from all over, including some scoundrels, shameless individuals, and those looking to take advantage of the situation! Conflicts gradually emerged, causing Iron Bar Town to become unstable once again, casting a shadow of gloom over it.

That’s how people are—in times of life and death, enemies can become friends or even brothers, uniting to defend their homeland. But once things get comfortable, all conflicts surface—rebellion, infighting, and the worst behaviors of the younger generation become evident. This is the greatest tragedy, and the biggest flaw left by God’s creation.

……

“Boss, something bad has happened… a serious problem…”

That day, while training in the arena, Rod heard a call coming from afar. It sounded urgent. Turning around, he saw several figures rushing toward him from a distance, clearly in a state of panic! Something bad must have happened. Rod’s first reaction was that a storm was approaching. His expression darkened instantly, and he quickly summoned his Dark Dragon to rush over there.