8 Chapter 8 - To Nothing Again

As I wandered through the city streets I thought about the next course of action to take. I was disillusioned with everything but I held a newfound determination. I'd destroy this kingdom, no matter what it took. But, for now, I needed to focus on survival.

As I was walking through this disgusting city I heard the people talk about me. News spreads fast here, huh? All I could hear were insults with people calling me a demon, a killer, a monster. Even worse than that I could still see the rampant slavery, as obvious as ever. As I progressed through the middle and lower level the corruption became even more perversive.

How I pitied them. I thought I had lost everything, but at least I had the strength to fight and the freedom to walk. These creatures truly have lost it all. I'd make sure no one suffers like that ever again. That this suffering, perpetuated by this kingdom, no longer existed.

Right now, however, I had to get back to the plains. The only way I could survive was by making money, and I could probably make small amounts from slaying monsters and selling their corpses. It would probably take me several hours to kill even a few Treelets, so those damn plains will probably be my home for a good while.

As I was about to exit the city gates I passed by a group of heavily armed soldiers making their way into the city. The man leading them was a heavily bearded old man with a face riddled with scars, however, his demeanour was a friendly one. His uniform was a dark blue and the top half of his uniform were filled with medals and accolades. He stared at me with bright yellow eyes. His gaze felt like it pierced through my very soul.

"Oh, the Master of Defence? It is a great pleasure to meet you." He greeted me with a smile. News really does spread quickly.

"A pleasure? I think you've got things mixed up, old man." I spat in his direction. If he thinks he can make fun of me as he pleases, he's sorely mistaken.

"Don't act like that now. I really do hope we develop a good relationship. We have so much in common, you and I. We are both bloodthirsty killers...one soul. I can't wait to see what you become." His voice suddenly turned quiet and cold.

What does he mean by that? I'm not a killer. I'm a dealer of justice, one that'll save the weak, unlike this bastard. He just looked like a stereotypical dog of the state, obeying each and every command without thought.

"I'm not out for blood. I'm out for justice."

"Keep on believing your own lie then. You can't hide from yourself forever. A dog of the state, that's what you thought of me, right? Well, you are only half right. We are both dogs of the state. Field Marshal Wilhelm, commander of the Third Army. Remember that name, Nayasuki."

"What? How do you-"

"A good day to you, my friend!" He quickly spoke with a friendly voice.

As soon as he finished speaking the Field Marshal and his entourage quickly raced off to the distance. How did a Field Marshal of the state know my name? What did he mean by all of that? I had far too many questions. For now, I just had to focus on getting stronger. I need power, the power to fight the bastards in the royal family.

I made my way out into the plains to begin slaying Treelets. It was tedious work, to say the very least. Each Treelet took around fifteen minutes to kill with good effort. While it wasn't a very difficult task due to my extremely high defensive stat, it was a boring one which proved to be a heavy time sink.

"Damnit...not even level three. This is taking longer than I thought it would." I muttered to myself.

Barely halfway through my second level. That's all I had to show after nearly an entire day of fighting. I couldn't advance like this, and with barely any money made I could survive like this either. I'd need to resort to more...underhanded methods to survive.

My best bet for tonight was to sneak into Athenia once the darkness set in a bit more. I'll sneak in to see what I can steal and who I can threaten. At this point, this option was the only feasible one. My priority was food and water, once I've secured both I can turn the focus on gathering less vital equipment. Once I've finished with that I can rest and get ready for another day of fighting tomorrow.

But for now, I had to wait. Once the time was right I'd see how much I could get from the city. I can only hope that luck is on my side, especially with the Field Marshall residing in this city. He had an aura of great power...no, something more than that. Something more sinister. I have to be sure to avoid him and his men at all costs.

I hate having to do this but there is no other choice. This is for the greater good and the ends would justify the means. I'd be stealing the people's possessions but soon I'd be granting them their freedom. That's how I had to think if I wanted to survive. This is all for the greater good, after all.