Chapter Thirty Eight: Bloodstained Path

I walked through the town, my clothes, hands, and face covered in blood. The townspeople looked at me, whispering among themselves, but not a single one dared to speak or approach. Their fearful glances trailed behind me like shadows, yet none had the courage to step forward.

Then, a city guard approached, his armor glinting under the dim torchlight.

"You there!"

I stopped, turning my bloodstained face toward him.

"What is it you want?"

He drew his sword, its steel catching the faint moonlight, and pointed it directly at me.

"You are under arrest for murder."

I tilted my head, a slow smile creeping onto my lips.

"Murder...? Murder, you say?" I spoke loudly, ensuring that every bystander heard my words. "You accuse me of murder after letting these gangs and criminals run unchecked? The same gangs that steal, harm, and terrorize this city? The same groups that punish the weak and violate the innocent while you stand idle? You let them fester, let them thrive, and yet you accuse me of murder?"

The murmurs of the crowd grew louder, their eyes shifting from me to the guard. Whispers turned to muttered agreements. A tension settled over the street like a thick fog.

The guard hesitated, his grip on his sword tightening, then loosening. Finally, with a sigh, he sheathed his weapon and muttered under his breath, "I'm not paid enough for this."

The people stepped aside, letting me pass without another word. I walked to the entrance of the town, where Tory stood waiting, holding a fresh set of clothes.

His gaze locked onto the blood on my skin and garments. He didn't ask, he didn't need to. He knew. Quietly, almost in a whisper, he said, "Thank you."

For the first time in a long while... I felt good.

"I owe you my life."

"No, really, it's fine."

But in reality, even if he hadn't asked, I would have slaughtered them anyway. It was inevitable.

Tory looked at me, determination burning behind his eyes. "Whether you want me to or not, I will come with you. I will help you."

I could freeze him right here, leave him, or insist on going alone... but deep down, I knew I needed all the help I could get. If I was truly going to seal the Horseman, I couldn't do it alone. Besides, some company wouldn't be the worst thing.

"Fine. But no talking while we travel."

A small flicker of relief passed over his face.

Then his expression shifted, a hint of curiosity behind his features. "But wait... who are you, really?"

I narrowed my eyes. "What do you mean?"

"Come on. You were powerful enough to destroy that entire gang by yourself. You're no novice. I don't even think you're part of the Order at all."

Ah... so my lies unraveled sooner than expected. It was a temporary solution, but now that he was traveling with me...

"You're right. I'm not in the Order. Lia isn't even my real name."

I paused before muttering, "████ Crowly. But in public, I am Lia. My family is infamous. I can't have people knowing who I am.**"

Tory nodded, accepting my answer, though the weight of curiosity still lingered in his eyes.

"Well then, ████, where do we go next?"

I glanced at the horizon, where the distant empire loomed like a titan in the dark.

"The Dashin Empire capital."