Chapter 28: no mercy

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Raphtalia gripped the long sword firmly, staring down the leading gangster. This sword, left behind by the adventurers Jason had encountered on their journey, was now battered and worn, riddled with gaps and stained with hardened black blood. Despite its tattered condition, Raphtalia's cold, fierce gaze and the aura radiating from her evoked genuine fear among the thugs surrounding her. This was not merely an innocent child; this was a warrior shaped by the harsh realities of life and death, carrying the faint scent of blood that lingered in the air.

"Who allowed you to touch Master Jason with those dirty hands?" she demanded, her voice low and filled with authority.

At her words, the gangsters trembled. They shifted their gazes nervously between Raphtalia and Jason.

Jason, burdened by a large pack, stood before them. The storage shield on his back had a capacity of ten cubic meters, but after their relentless battles and the numerous monster drops they had accumulated, it was overflowing, making it challenging to carry in the usual way. He wore only a simple shirt and trousers that, while clean, were tattered and dotted with small rips. With the escalating threat level of the monsters they faced, his clothing suffered considerable wear and tear during their encounters.

In that moment, he looked less like an adventurer and more like a refugee fleeing with his family, disheveled and dusty.

The gangsters turned their attention back to their boss, who wore a flashy outfit that contrasted sharply with Jason's worn appearance. His hands were visibly cleaner than Raphtalia had claimed, but the fear in the air was palpable.

"Boom!"

As the leader's severed arm dropped to the ground, fear silenced any complaints from the gangsters.

"Ah! My hand!"

Realizing the severity of his injury, the disoriented leader suddenly screamed in terror and crumpled to the ground, his face paling significantly.

"You... do you know where this is? How dare you attack us here!" A gangster in the back stuttered, gripping his dagger with trembling hands.

"Why not? Do you think my absence means I've lost my reputation?" Jason replied, wiping some dust from his face, revealing a confident grin that displayed his white teeth.

"Shield... Shield Hero!"

"It's really him! The Lord Shield Hero!"

"Run, quickly!"

The gangsters recoiled in shock at Jason's face and turned to flee without a thought. The leader gangster didn't even bother to retrieve his severed arm, viewing Jason as a demon or a horror that would consume him if he lingered.

But Raphtalia was quicker, blocking their escape in an instant.

They had nowhere to run in the narrow alley.

"Lord Shield Hero, please let us go! We didn't know it was you!"

"That's right! If we had known, we wouldn't have had the courage to approach you!"

"Please, grant us a chance!"

Seeing no hope and imminent danger, the thugs sank to their knees, desperately pleading for mercy.

"Anyone who offends Lord Jason will be dealt with mercilessly!" Raphtalia declared, raising her long sword threateningly, causing one gangster to faint from sheer fear, a yellowish liquid pooling beneath him.

"Raphtalia... wait! I have questions for them first."

Hearing Jason's command, Raphtalia reluctantly lowered her sword, nodding in understanding. "Understood, Master Jason."

"Please, Lord Shield Hero, ask away! We'll tell you everything—we won't hold back!"

The thugs, sensing a glimmer of hope, pled with tears streaming down their faces.

"Very well. First of all, while I am somewhat known in this city, it shouldn't frighten you like this. Why is that?" Jason inquired, frustration creeping into his voice. He felt their fear had escalated beyond reason.

The thugs exchanged nervous glances, and one stepped forward hesitantly. "Master Shield, don't you know? Your exploits have spread throughout the city."

"If I knew, would I be asking you? Speak quickly! If you dare waste my time, I will end you right here!" Jason warned, his tone threatening.

"Yes, yes! You slapped a clerk in a restaurant, which made the baron embarrass himself in fear. Everyone in the city knows about it, and it's become common knowledge that among the four heroes, only you, Master Shield Hero, cannot be provoked."

The gangster shrunk back slightly, but gathered his courage to continue.

"It's not just that, is it?" Jason pressed.

"Actually, I have some brothers who work in the palace. I heard from one of them that after the incident, the baron went to the king, seeking revenge, but the king refused. It's said that even the king fears you, Shield Hero-sama."

The gangster paused for effect, then added with a hint of self-deprecation, "If even the king is afraid of you, how could we possibly think of provoking you?"

Judging by the gangster's expression, it was clear he wasn't lying—fear gripped him, and he lacked the courage to fabricate a story.

However, when they mentioned that the king was afraid of him, Jason couldn't bring himself to believe it. That man hated him too much to be intimidated. Unresponsive silence indicated that the king was likely plotting a larger conspiracy against him.

"By the way... you said you have some brothers working in the palace, right? Your only chance for survival now is to cooperate with me. You understand what I mean, don't you?" Jason said, his gaze piercing down at the thug.

"You mean... you want me to bring you news from the palace?" the gangster stammered, his lips twitching slightly as he tried to gauge Jason's intent.

"You're quite perceptive. That's exactly right. I want to know about any trouble brewing in the palace. Can you do that for me?" Jason clarified, leaning in closer.

"Y-yes! Of course... I can do it," the gangster hastily nodded, fear driving his eagerness to comply.

"Good. Now, how about the trustworthiness of the people in your circle? Are they reliable? Remember... I want the truth," Jason's tone turned icy, instilling further dread into the thug.

The gangster hesitated, glancing back nervously at the other members of his crew before shaking his head. "To be honest, I just joined them recently, so I'm not very familiar with them."

"Well then... kill them."

Before the gangsters could process Jason's command, Raphtalia moved with swift efficiency. Her sword sliced through the air, cleanly severing the necks of her comrades with a precision that left no room for doubt or hesitation.

With blood splattering across the ground, Jason's cold gaze turned back to the only surviving thug.

"So... what's your name?" he inquired, his voice steady yet firm.

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