Chapter 327: Escaped

Leon rushed through a backwater alley, holding his injured arm as droplets of blood left a trail behind him.

He glanced back occasionally, making sure he wasn’t being followed.

’What a fucking monster. I really underestimated Tier Three, didn’t I?’

Clicking his tongue, he paused when a group of patrol guards passed the street ahead of him.

’Should I go back to the inn?’

He frowned, remembering the receptionist. Sure, she had been nice, but once she knew he wasn’t a Vaelari, she would react the same.

’Wait. The underground drainage...!’

He quickly spread out his Shadow Sense, going deep underground until he reached the drainage.

Just as he expected, there was an underground network connecting the sewer system of the whole city.

Still, the place wasn’t nearly as clean as the drainage system beneath the castle. Leon didn’t care, though.

He quickly stepped through the shadows, appearing deep underground. He immediately held his nose and retched, triggered by the foul smell coming from the dark waters.

’How many centuries of waste is pooled here?!’

Gagging, he glanced around. The place was dimly lit by glowing blue crystals, allowing him to see properly.

Leon clicked his tongue and began running, using his Shadow Sense to map his direction towards the outer walls of the city.

Meanwhile, on the surface, King Jared fumed as he scanned the whole city with a special skill, yet found nothing.

’How is this possible?!’

He couldn’t believe that the human had somehow managed to escape. Gritting his teeth, he activated the skill again.

Blood poured from his nose as his head throbbed painfully. A few minutes passed, and he finally confirmed that Leon had indeed escaped.

After all, no concealment ability below Tier Three could evade his detection.

His expression turned cold, and he wiped the blood around his nose.

He turned back and flew toward the castle. With heavy steps filled with restrained anger, he walked into the throne room.

The council members were already present, lining up on both sides of the throne with their heads bowed.

King Jared ignored them until he sat upon his throne. Several golden crescent marks lit up on the throne, and the king’s rage cooled slightly.

He opened his eyes and looked at the seven council members.

"How did an alien sneak into our city?"

The council member responsible for the Dome’s security immediately dropped to his knees.

"I have no idea, my King. However, it is obvious that this alien came with the intention to infiltrate our ranks, so he must have prepared well, even disguising as one of us."

The king felt a flash of anger, but it was quickly suppressed by his throne.

Turning to another council member, he asked, "Where are the three Royal Guards you sent to kill the aliens reported days ago?"

The old lady shivered. "I have already called them, and they are on their way."

The king nodded, and before he could say anything, four figures walked into the throne room with their heads bowed.

They were the three black-armored Vaelari warriors that had attacked Selene, with Mahir accompanying them.

They stepped closer to the throne and immediately fell to their knees.

"Greetings, my King."

King Jared’s heavy gaze fell on them. "I will be asking you questions and you must not lie even once."

They all stiffened, but still nodded.

"Good." The king’s eyes narrowed. "Did you confirm that the humans were dead before leaving?"

The three knights froze and glanced at each other.

Finally, Awan decided to answer. "We did not confirm that because there was an emergency. However, one of them was already heavily injured, and we had infected the other with a parasite. We also lured several thousands of parasites to surround them. I doubt they would have been able to survive that."

Hearing that, King Jared sneered. "You think so? Then how did one of them—the male one—sneak into the city, enter the palace, and harm my daughter today?"

Awan froze, shocked. "Was he... was he the intruder you were chasing?"

King Jared nodded, his expression grim. "Those humans are not dead. Perhaps one of them is since you used the parasite, but it is undeniable that they are still alive."

Awan’s jaw clenched tightly. He turned to Mahir and asked, "Do you have something to say about this?"

Mahir kept his head lowered as he answered calmly.

"I already warned you not to treat them differently from us. Those... humans are just as smart and cunning. I dare bet that if that male human—Leon—is still alive, then the female one—Selene—is also fine."

King Jared’s eyes widened. "They have a cure for parasites?"

Mahir shook his head. "I do not know, my King. However, I am sure that they must have an ability or a means to cure or kill the parasite. Also, it is inevitable that we have become enemies. It is better to kill them early before they roam our lands and grow strong. If Leon or the lady reaches Tier Three, then we would have a difficult future ahead of us."

King Jared hummed, the sound reverberating through the large throne room.

"In that case, send out search teams to find them. If you find them together, kill them. However, if they are separated, bring the one you find to the city."

One of the council members blinked. "Why, my King?"

King Jared turned to him. "We will use one to lure the other. A public execution will be held and the captive will be stripped and butchered slowly. If they’re really as intelligent as you claim..."

His gaze rested on Mahir, causing the man to lower himself further.

"...They will come." Mahir finished.

"Good," King Jared said with a pleased expression. "Now, prepare the search teams and head out. The city remains under lockdown."

The council members nodded before walking out of the throne room one after the other. Mahir and the three knights also followed, leaving the gaunt king seated alone.

He rubbed his beard and thought, ’In a few years, I’ll push through to Tier Four and slay that serpent underground. However, the Heart is still the most important priority. I cannot let anyone come close. Those humans must die.’