A Single Word and We Clash

Outside the city, walking along the main road, Ronald glanced at the scenery while deep in thought.

Suddenly, a sharp shout broke his train of thought.

"Stop right there! What do you think you're doing? Don't you know the rules?"

Ronald paused for a moment, then looked at the towering Behemoth holding a large sword in front of him. "What rules?"

"The rules?" The Behemoth sneered. "Look at what the others are doing."

Ronald glanced around and saw many Behemoths with pig-like faces collecting tolls. It seemed like everyone was quietly paying and moving along without a word.

They were paying tolls, it seemed.

Slightly exasperated, Ronald asked, "How much?"

"Ten gold coins. If you don't pay it, you're not getting in!" the Behemoth growled.

"Ten gold coins?" Ronald raised an eyebrow. "But I saw them only pay one gold coin."

The Behemoth chuckled coldly. "For other races, it's one gold coin. But for you humans, it's ten times that! You lot are infamous."

Ronald's expression shifted. He remembered the battle half a month ago, when the Yun Qin Empire had launched an attack on the Iron Wolf Clan, spilling rivers of blood. The Behemoths, who had good relations with the Iron Wolves, sent military support. But on their way, they were ambushed. It was said that 50,000 troops had been wiped out in one fell swoop.

No wonder they were so bitter.

With a smile, Ronald said calmly, "Don't talk to me about ten gold coins. I won't pay a single one. What are you going to do about it?"

A blatant provocation—unmistakably clear.

The Behemoth paused, taken aback. As the largest force outside Chaos City, they had always collected tolls from the human race without issue. The image of humans being weak and easily bullied was well established. But with the recent display of strength from the Yun Qin Empire, many factions were thrown off balance. The toll was increased by ten times as part of a coordinated effort to intimidate the humans.

The other human travelers had complained but still paid. But now, they had met their match.

"You human scum clearly don't understand the situation. I advise you to think carefully before speaking!" the Behemoth sneered.

Ronald remained unfazed, his expression one of calm indifference.

The tension in the air grew thick, almost palpable.

"What's going on here? Who dares to refuse the toll?!"

A booming shout came from not far off. A tall Behemoth in armor, leading a group, marched over, his massive sword in hand. He glared at Ronald, bellowing, "Human, what do you think you're doing?! Let me make this clear—this is Chaos Land, not Yun Qin! You pay ten gold coins to pass. If you dare utter another word, I'll cut you down where you stand!"

Ronald was already beyond irritated. He roared, "Enough of this nonsense!"

"Kill!"

With that, a flash of steel cut through the air, and the Behemoth leading the charge was cleaved in two. Before anyone could react, Ronald spun and slashed again, ending another Behemoth's life with one swift stroke.

The travelers on the road were frozen in shock.

This human was ruthless! One word and he started slaughtering without hesitation!

"Kill! Kill! Someone's killed the captain's son! Humans are…"

A Behemoth screamed in horror, but his words were cut short as a cold, gleaming crossbow bolt pierced his throat.

The remaining Behemoths finally reacted, their battle cries echoing as they charged toward Ronald.

But the Hunter team responded faster. A flurry of crossbow bolts rang out, and a dozen Behemoths fell to the ground, dead on the spot.

Without needing to issue a command, the Hunters swiftly reloaded their crossbows. Within moments, another volley of bolts was released.

"Aaaahh!"

The screams echoed as another wave of Behemoths fell to the ground, their lives snuffed out in an instant.