Chapter 224 - 109: Shock! That Bastard Lynch, Committed Treason!?

Chapter 224: Chapter 109: Shock! That Bastard Lynch, Committed Treason!?

...

Lynch’s voice was like a knife scraping bone, methodically carving away the last sliver of hope in Angus’s heart.

Although this was the first time he had seen this "neighbor" in person.

But Angus was absolutely certain this was Lynch Blackwood. The young man who had arrived in Lakefront Town as a mere Tier One Necromancer apprentice, yet had managed to build it into a thriving domain in just over half a year.

This was the very man who had played his twelve-hundred-strong army like a fiddle, driving him into utter desperation.

From his initial anger, indignation, and struggle, to this very moment, it was as if all his emotions had been drained away, leaving only a near-numb sense of release.

’All right, then.’

’To be freed from it all like this... it might not be so bad.’

’It’s just that...’

For so many years, even though he knew the chances were slim, a faint hope of finding his missing daughter had always lingered in the deepest corner of his heart.

But now... A wave of bitterness washed over him.

’It’s been ten years, and in such chaotic times... She must have... passed away long ago.’

He dropped the cavalry lance that had accompanied him in battle for many years, followed by the one-handed heavy sword at his waist, and the kite shield on his back.

Amidst the CLANG of metal striking rock.

Angus knelt on one knee and bowed his head.

"Lord Lynch," he said, his voice hoarse, "I, Angus Fisher, am willing to lead my men... to surrender."

He paused, then pleaded, "You can do with me as you please, my lord. I only ask that you spare my brothers-in-arms. Most of them are old subordinates who have followed me for years. Under my command, they have... at the very least, never senselessly shed the blood of civilians."

"They are all desperate men, many of them former Imperial Soldiers... They can still be of use to you."

"My lord!"

"Commander! You can’t!"

"We’ll fight our way out with you! If we die, we die!"

"That’s right, we can’t surrender!"

Seeing this, the surviving officers and Soldiers erupted into chaos. For a moment, a chorus of aggrieved and anxious cries filled the air.

"Enough!"

Angus roared, his bloodshot eyes sweeping over the agitated faces.

"All of you, lay down your weapons! That’s an order!"

His gaze swept over each familiar face—Personal Guard Captain Barton, John, the Javelin thrower Matt... Behind every name was a memory of shared life and death.

"Listen to me," he said, his voice low, yet still steady and powerful even at this moment. "This battle... we’ve lost. Utterly and completely. To keep fighting now is meaningless, aside from throwing away your lives."

His men fell silent.

Seeing this, Angus turned back to Lynch and bowed his head again. "My lord, these men of mine... I beg you."

On the cliff, Lynch had simply watched and listened in silence from start to finish. Only now did he speak, his tone cold. "You, come over here. I’ll have a word with you."

Angus flinched slightly, but he immediately replied with respect, "Yes, my lord."

He stood and spoke in a low voice to his men, who looked as if they wanted to protest, "Everyone, hold your positions. Without my order, no one is to make a move. Wait for my return."

With that, he walked toward Lynch alone.

Lynch, for his part, did not let his guard down.

After all, even though Angus had disarmed, he was still a Tier Three Peak Knight. His close-combat abilities were not to be underestimated.

With a flicker of thought, two of his Purple Zombie generals, Corpse Demon and Bloodfang, immediately stepped out from the ranks. They moved to Angus’s left and right, flanking him like escorts.

At the same time, the young Vampire, Esther, quietly materialized from nowhere and positioned herself at Lynch’s side.

Bone Shield also led a squad of elite Skeleton Guards out of formation, swiftly forming an encirclement around Angus.

Soon, under heavy guard, Angus was brought to a hollow sheltered from the wind.

Lynch walked over slowly as well, but beneath his Mage Robe, his body was now covered in a form-fitting armor made of dense bone. Even his face and head were protected by a menacing skeletal helmet.

This was the Necromancer’s defensive skill—the [Skeleton Armor Skill].

Meanwhile, the guards led by Bone Shield changed their formation, creating a curved Skeleton Shield Wall in front of Lynch, heavily protecting him within it.

When Angus saw Lynch’s extreme caution, he couldn’t help but sigh inwardly.

’To lose to a man like this...’

’It was a fair loss!’

He knelt on one knee again, his head bowed, awaiting Lynch’s judgment.

Lynch’s gaze stared intently at Angus through the eye slits of his skeletal mask before he finally spoke. "Angus Fisher, former Imperial Knight from Basu Village, Rur County, Sardinia Province... correct?"

Over the past half-year, although Lynch had not engaged in any major battles with Rock Fortress, he had still managed to gather detailed intelligence on its leader, his "neighbor" so close at hand.

Just as Angus knew his origins.

Angus bowed his head even lower. "...Yes."

"Originally, according to my temperament," Lynch continued, his voice betraying no emotion, "I would have just killed all of you and turned you into part of my Undead Army. It’s simple, effortless, and would increase my strength."

Angus’s heart sank.

"However..." Lynch’s tone shifted. "Aus advised me that perhaps we could talk."

’Aus?’

Angus was momentarily stunned, but then he remembered.

The intelligence reports did mention that Lynch had a capable young deputy who managed his rear-area affairs. His name, it seemed, was Aus.

Just then, a figure walked out from behind a rock.