Blood Knight(7)

"Where are the individuals you and your group kidnapped? Have they already been sold to Siltvelt?"

"No, we didn't sell them off yet. We put them in underground prisons we created specifically for this illegal human trafficking."

Chreg responded to all of Morsan's inquiries without hesitation, maintaining a consistent monotone throughout. It appeared that Vigeil, Morsan's sister, had also been confined in the same underground dungeon, as she was among the commoners advocating for fair treatment of demi-humans.

A month before her abduction, she had assisted a specific demi-human family in safely relocating to Lurolona Village, with the aid of a particular merchant. This action provoked the ire of the Black faction within the church, ultimately leading to her kidnapping.

As Chreg continued to speak, his comrades grew increasingly fearful, realizing their dire circumstances and the information they were divulging.

Chreg meticulously recounted every aspect of their involvement in this illicit trafficking operation.

Under the laws of Melromarc, their acts of violence against women alone warranted execution without the need for further questioning.

A painless death was the most lenient punishment they could hope for given the gravity of their crimes.

Furthermore, it was discovered that Lord Erifin had no involvement in the crime above, as he was diligently occupied with safeguarding the Border Town. However, it is worth noting that he did neglect his responsibility to oversee his subordinates and let them use his name freely. Consequently, he will face appropriate consequences for his inability to manage his personnel effectively.

It's possible he also would be executed for the crimes of his subordinates because of how dire the situation has become.

Morsan took out his magic crystal ball and infused it with his magic power. The crystal also functioned as a communication device, linked directly to a specific magical frequency. He relayed the details of the situation and the whereabouts of the hostages to Lelin, the werewolf captain of the shadow squad, who served exclusively under Prince Egone. He also informed him about the location of the soldiers and their shadow group. 

Vigeil's expression brightened slightly as a glimmer of hope flickered in his eyes upon learning that his sister was alive and could be rescued.

However, his gaze toward the people around them was filled with an intense loathing.

While Morsan gathered information, Vigeil's anger boiled over, prompting him to attempt to attack some of the soldiers, only to be restrained by Morsan. Assuring him, Morsan promised that they would face a punishment far more severe than death.

"Lead me to that underground you mentioned... huh? wait did I miss something? hmm..." He halted his moments while ordering Chreg who had completely become his puppet, as he looked around at the people who remained standing. They are the people who obeyed Morsan and managed to escape unscathed. They didn't even move an inch in this whole time.

"Yeah!! I nearly forgot about you guys!! you all did exactly as I said, I was pleased about the reaction. It's time to give you guys a gift you deserve." Seeing Morsan's genuinely happy expression, their body started to tremble in fear. Some of them showed some hope as Morsan mentioned something like a 'gift.

"Hu-"

"Wa-"

"N-"

Before a single word could escape their lips, they burst like a balloon when pricked by needles, one by one. Their blood and organs splattered across the area, their armor and clothes torn to shreds.

The people pinned to the ground watched helplessly as their comrades met a gruesome end, like pigs in a slaughterhouse. "Rest in peace," Morsan's calm voice echoed in their ears.

"I gave you a painless and swift death. Your families are innocent, as no one can identify your faces anymore. May you find a better place in your next life."

As they looked up at him, Morsan gestured himself in the same position as their pope when he prayed to the gods, further deepening their despair.

"But you won't die peacefully like your comrades. You will suffer endlessly before your demise. Be prepared... the shadows of the prince will arrive shortly. Best of luck," Morsan said playfully, his gaze fixed on the desperate eyes of the soldiers and hooded figures.

Vigeil, filled with disgust, looked upon the remaining individuals. There was no mercy in his eyes. "They got what they deserved," he cursed silently, turning his gaze away.

After instructing Chreg, Morsan, and Vigeil accompanied him toward the underground dungeon. As they approached their destination, they noticed a multitude of individuals guarding the area, donning similar armor and wielding weapons akin to the bandits Morsan had previously eliminated.

Upon catching sight of Morsan and Vigeil, the guards attempted to impede their progress, only to meet the same fate as the soldiers before them, reduced to mere minced meat.

Vigeil had grown accustomed to witnessing Morsan's lethal prowess. Guided by Chreg, they reached the basement chamber, finding the door securely locked.

However, Morsan's powerful legs swiftly kicked the door open.

The second they walked in, they were overcome by a powerful stench.

It was the same smell that came from the slave trader's tent where countless lives were imprisoned.

It was that smell of death and decay that told anyone getting near to keep their distance. 'This wasn't good... I have a bad feeling about this…' Morsan looked worried.

Vigeil was shaking, obviously scared. After being reassured by Morsan he settled himself and seemed ready to accept whatever we found.

"It's a little further." Chreg continued to lead them.

As they walked down the stairs in the dark and came to the basement. It was filled with various torture instruments. They saw a skeleton in the corner.

'How many people had met their ends here?' Morsan couldn't help but think as he watched his surroundings.

When he asked Chreg about it, he said they were the people who tried to resist all the way and had met their end. They killed by torturing them to scare others to obediently accept their fate.