Blood Knight(2)

The leader of the bandits once again heard the same emotionless monotone voice, causing his body to tremble uncontrollably.

The blood veins throughout his body seemed on the verge of bursting as he violently coughed up blood. Blood began to flow from his nose and eyes. It felt as though someone was strangling his throat, making it difficult for him to breathe. As he struggled for air, he witnessed his surroundings crumbling before him, unable to comprehend the events unfolding.

"This is one of the spells from my blood magic known as [Blood Poisoning]. It utilizes my blood as a medium to poison its victims. It is a slow-acting poison that inflicts 16 different negative debuffs, reducing their pain tolerance and subjecting them to a living hell. It is the perfect magic for torture, wouldn't you agree?"

Blood Knight spoke in a calm and soothing voice, even the Vigeil who was on the same side as Blood Knight couldn't help but tremble in fear as he saw the condition of the bandit leader. All other bandits also get scared and unrest.

"B-blood Poisoning?..."

The more he listened to the Blood Knight, the more fear consumed him. He wanted to question how this blood magic could be anything but evil sorcery. Why would they allow such a dangerous individual to roam freely? He couldn't help but curse the church of three cardinal heroes for accepting blood magic. Now, he doubted whether the church's people were truly as virtuous as they claimed to be. He could already feel the poison spreading throughout his entire body.

"It is not too late. Even now, I can neutralize the poison within you if you tell me where that girl is... Is she worth more to you than your own life?"

The leader of the bandits stared at the Blood Knight with a menacing glare, as though he intended to impale him with a sword through his eyes.

"How can I be certain that you will give the antidote once I reveal the truth? Why should I trust your words?"

"I am a person of my word, and I take my promises seriously. If you disclose the truth, I will indeed save you from the poison, just as I have pledged. You may choose not to believe me, but remember that there are others from whom I can extract information."

The Blood Knight calmly surveyed the remaining bandits, causing them all to retreat slightly while trembling.

After a brief period of silence, the leader of the bandits reluctantly opened his mouth, his teeth clenched tightly.

"I am indeed the one who kidnapped her, but I did not do so willingly. Someone from the soldiers of Border Town, who was under the command of Lord Erfin, instructed me to kidnap her. After I had taken her, he snatched her away from me. His name is Chreg."

Vigeil's face contorted with anger upon hearing the name of the soldier responsible for his sister's abduction.

"N-no, you're lying... there's no way. Sir Chreg wouldn't do such a thing. Please, tell me where my sister is..."

The bandit leader sneered at Vigeil upon hearing his words.

Blood Knight, speaking calmly, asked Vigeil, "Do you know this Chreg?"

Vigeil replied, his voice filled with disbelief, "Yes, not only me, everyone knows him. He's a good man and an exemplary soldier. My sister even has feelings for him. There's no way he would do something like this..."

Blood Knight looked at him with a sympathetic gaze. "But he isn't lying..."

"W-what?!"

Vigeil looked bewildered upon hearing Blood Knight's words. His eyes lost focus, and it was evident to anyone observing him that he was on the brink of madness. Blood Knight placed his arm on the boy's shoulder and cast his Enhancement magic spell, [Iron Heart], which temporarily helped him control his emotions and forced him to calm down.

"Vigeil, leave this cave and get some fresh air. I will join you once I gather the necessary information and evidence."

"H-how?!.. Why?!" Vigeil moved as Blood Knight instructed, muttering softly to himself. He moved slowly, resembling a lifeless zombie.

Blood Knight let out a weary sigh, regret evident in his voice as he muttered to himself, "This is precisely why I advised him not to accompany me."

His gaze turned icy as he locked eyes with the bandit leader, demanding, "Tell me everything, leaving no detail behind. How many individuals have you kidnapped and sold to these soldiers before?" The bandit leader stammered,

"W-wait! You came here for just one girl, right? Why do you inquire about the others?"

Ignoring the question, Blood Knight remained composed and cold, observing the poison slowly spreading through the bandit leader's body.

Realizing that his silence would not save him, the bandit leader reluctantly opened his mouth, accepting his fate.

"Tsk... Fine... I will divulge all that I know... but don't hold me responsible for any consequences that may befall you once you learn the truth... I used to be a soldier who fought against Siltvelt in the war..."

It appeared that the bandit leader's real name was Afel, a war veteran. After the war ended and peace was established, Melromarc's military underwent restructuring, resulting in the dismissal of numerous foot soldiers who received compensation to start anew. However, instead of utilizing the money to rebuild his life, Afel squandered it on gambling and brothels, eventually finding himself destitute and abandoned on the streets.

In his desperate state, he was approached by a soldier named Chreg, working under a noble named Erfin, who offered him the opportunity to become a bandit involved in the kidnapping. For the past three years, Afel had been abducting and selling individuals lacking strong backgrounds or support to Erfin's soldiers. Whenever someone sought retribution, the soldiers would always inform Afel with detailed information about their targets.

Afel remained oblivious to the soldiers' motives or the destination of the captives. Blood Knight meticulously recorded every word spoken by Afel using a magical crystal ball.

"Do you possess any evidence to substantiate your claims?"