Chapter 114: Alex Seeks Assistance

Following the death of Town Guard Captain Brent and the crushing defeat of the town guards, Alex wasted no time. He gathered those willing to follow him and set off day and night for the City of Light.

After half a month of traversing mountains and rivers, they finally arrived at their destination.

The City of Light was one of the four major cities of the Xiongfeng Empire. It earned its name because over eighty percent of its inhabitants were followers of the Church of Light, and its City Lord served as the honorary spokesperson for the Church.

The most iconic feature of the City of Light was the colossal statue of the God of Light standing at the very center of the city. Legend had it that this statue was not carved by human hands but had descended from the heavens as a miracle, standing in place of the God of Light to proclaim divine power to the world.

"Halt!" No sooner had they reached the city gates than Alex’s party was intercepted by the guards. "Where are you from?"

Alex rode forward, looking at the guard with an air of defiance. "We are the town guards of Blackwater Town!"

"Town guards? If you’re supposed to be in Blackwater Town, what are you doing in the City of Light?" the sentry asked sternly.

"Blackwater Town has been attacked by foreign forces. Our Captain and many of my colleagues have died heroically in the line of duty!" A trace of sorrow flickered across Alex’s face. "As the deputy captain, I have come to request reinforcements from the City Lord to expel these foreign invaders from our Xiongfeng Empire!"

"What?!" Upon hearing of a foreign incursion, the guard’s expression shifted instantly. "Follow me at once!"

The guard signaled for the gates to be opened to let Alex and his men in. Temporarily handing over his post to others, he led them at a brisk pace toward the City Lord’s manor.

Upon arriving at the gates of the manor, city guards immediately approached, ordering Alex and his men to dismount and surrender all their weapons.

The sentry entered first to report to the City Lord: "My Lord! The Blackwater Town guards are here seeking help; foreign forces have invaded!"

"Bring them to me immediately!" Upon hearing of the foreign invasion, the City Lord’s expression turned grave. "Also, summon Master Leo to deliberate!"

"Yes, sir!"

When the sentry emerged, he announced in a loud voice, "Deputy Captain of the Town Guards, the City Lord commands you to report the military situation! The rest of the men are to wait outside!"

The guards immediately found an open space and sat down. Alex nervously straightened his clothes, cleared his throat, and strode into the City Lord’s manor.

The manor was a magnificent fortress, heavily guarded and breathtakingly opulent within. A red carpet stretched from the entrance all the way to the council hall; walking upon it, Alex felt a strange sense of pride.

He entered the hall with proper decorum, finding two rows of city guards in fine leather armor, exuding a murderous aura, standing watch on either side.

In the vast hall, there was a massive dais. Atop it sat an ornate stone throne covered in the hides of precious magical beasts. Seated upon the throne was a middle-aged man with a thick beard, wearing noble regalia and golden armor, sitting with his legs spread wide.

Below the dais, rows of tables and chairs were filled with various officials.

Feeling a surge of nervousness, Alex hurried to the foot of the dais and knelt on one knee. "Deputy Captain of the Blackwater Town guards, Alex, pays his respects to the City Lord!"

"Deputy Captain? What of Captain Brent?" the City Lord asked in a deep, booming voice.

"My Lord," Alex said, his face etched with grief, "the Captain... he has died heroically in battle!"

"Explain exactly what happened!" The City Lord struck the stone armrest with his right hand, his eyes wide.

Just as Alex was about to speak, a messenger called out from outside: "Master Leo has arrived!"

The City Lord immediately rose to his feet. As he stood, all the officials followed suit in a flurry.

Alex looked back, feeling immense tension. This was Devara Leo, the most powerful priest in the City of Light—a legendary figure to whom even the City Lord bowed with respect. Yet, to the eye, this legendary powerhouse looked no different from an ordinary old man. Wearing worn-out robes, he looked more like a destitute beggar than the city’s greatest master.

Still, Alex did not dare show disrespect, for he was in the presence of a legend.

He was trembling with excitement; he had never imagined he would see the City of Light's most powerful priest in person.

"Master Leo," the City Lord nodded at the old man.

"Greetings, City Lord," Leo walked to the center of the hall. He neither knelt nor bowed, merely nodding back. "May the God of Light bless you."

"May the God of Light bless you," the City Lord returned the greeting.

"May the God of Light bless you, Master Leo," Alex added, quickly offering his own respects.

Devara Leo glanced at Alex and gave a slight nod. However, a young girl in purple priest robes emerged from behind him and said politely to Alex, "May the God of Light bless you!"

The girl had thick, jet-black hair that fell to her shoulders, long, slender eyebrows, and bright, dark eyes with dense lashes. But what was most captivating was the glossy, cherry-like mouth. Her presence alone, pure yet subtly tinged with a unique, stunning allure, made it impossible to look away, especially when paired with her holy vestments.

For a moment, Alex was transfixed, but he quickly regained his composure.

"Master Leo, Christina, please take your seats," the City Lord said.

Master Leo nodded without a word and sat in the empty seat closest to the dais. The girl in purple followed him and stood quietly behind him.

"Deputy Captain!" the City Lord said, looking at Alex once the others were seated. "Give me the details of this foreign invasion, every single point!"

"Yes!" Alex felt the pressure as the surrounding officials turned their solemn gazes toward him. But then, his eyes met those of the girl in purple, and she gave him a sweet smile. The tension in his heart vanished. "My Lord, it began with my father. He was the village chief of Hake Village in Blackwater Town. He worked diligently his entire life and was beloved by the villagers. My mother, unfortunately, passed away from illness not long ago. My father was heartbroken, weeping day and night. To comfort him, the villagers decided he should remarry. A man named Bolint in the village volunteered his daughter’s hand. Both of the girl’s parents agreed to the union, but unexpectedly, the girl herself refused! Had she simply refused, it might have ended there, but she shamelessly used her beauty to seduce a foreign nobleman, inciting him to lead his men to murder my innocent father..."

At this point, tears welled up in Alex’s eyes.