Rising Shadows: The Fight for Freedom I

Chapter 18: Letting Go

"Absolutely not!" Without a moment's hesitation or reflection, the young man provided his answer. In that instant, as Dahn was momentarily taken aback by the response, a girl, tears streaming down her face, suddenly rushed forward, pleading for her brother's safety.

"No! Please! I beg you, do not harm my brother... I am willing to be your maid! I will do anything you ask, just please do not hurt him!"

"Stop your nonsense! Do not plead for him! Lilith! Do not become a soulless being!" The young man shouted vehemently, and with that cry, more tears flowed from his eyes, mingling with the blood.

Uh, why do I feel like a villain from stories and poems, abducting maidens and harming the innocent? This was not part of my initial plan! This fool! It is all this fool's fault that I find myself in such an embarrassing predicament!

Behind his cold facade, Dahn began to feel weary-not from the physical exertion of the young man, but from the turmoil within his own heart. For the first time, he encountered an ordinary commoner who was unafraid of force and indifferent to authority, and the persistent refusal of the young man to yield left Dahn feeling a deep sense of helplessness.

He longed to turn and leave, yet an inexplicable awkwardness rooted him in place. Gazing at the young man, whose expression conveyed a willingness to fight to the death, the tearful girl, and the sympathetic eyes of the tavern patrons, Dahn felt an overwhelming sense of frustration and agitation.

As Dahn hesitated, unsure of how to proceed, several companions of the young man slowly approached, their expressions grim, seemingly ready to defend their friend!

"Do you wish to duel me as well!?" A glance around revealed to Dahn that his troubles were multiplying! Had he known, he would never have entered this wretched tavern! This young man truly was a hard nut to crack, and his companions appeared equally stubborn! What an unexpected turn of events!

"No! We have no intention of dueling you, for in a one-on-one fight, we would surely be no match for you. However, if we were to join forces... esteemed nobleman, please do not push us too far!"

Ha! What does that mean!? Are they plotting rebellion? Dahn scoffed, then charged at the man who had issued the threat.

With no intention of holding back, Dahn demonstrated through years of training in martial skills and fighting spirit that even as a low-level warrior with only fourth-tier martial skills, he was not someone a group of ordinary individuals without fighting spirit could hope to defeat. The outcome would remain unchanged, even if they banded together!

However, defeating all his opponents did not bring Dahn any joy, for before him, the young man continued to glare defiantly, while the girl remained inconsolable in her tears.

Aside from these two sources of irritation, the several men now lying on the ground, unable to resist, wore expressions that only further vexed Dahn. He recognized the meaning behind their expressions from the young man: a resolute refusal to submit!

He could not comprehend why these individuals, knowing they were outmatched, still bore such defiant expressions! Indeed, the intelligence of the lower-class commoners paled in comparison to that of the nobility! Fools! Idiots! How could I be so caught up in a dispute with such a group?

Casting a glance around at the sympathetic faces, then at his two equally flustered companions, Dahn suddenly felt a deep-seated loathing!

I should never have stepped foot in this dilapidated tavern! This detestable place! This loathsome crowd! To gaze upon them for even a second longer is an affront to my noble status!

With that thought, Dahn abruptly turned and strode toward the exit, swinging the heavy sword he still held in his hand with great force. The resounding clang echoed as the already pockmarked and cracked sword shattered into several pieces.

Is this... the end? Is this noble youth truly leaving!? In an instant, every patron in the tavern was taken aback, while the girl, still weeping, looked up in confusion, unsure if her willingness to become the noble youth's maid had earned his mercy, and whether she should follow him.

"Langiro, Bab, let us depart! This wretched lot makes me want to vomit! I cannot fathom why I came to this cursed place for such an unattractive woman!" As Dahn reached the tavern's entrance, he suddenly halted, muttering in a low voice. When Langiro and Bab caught up, Dahn strode out without a backward glance.

As soon as he stepped outside, a brilliant ray of sunlight bathed Dahn's face-a beam of sunset glow, reflecting a spectrum of colors against the misty horizon. Gazing at the half-risen sun in the distance, Dahn exhaled deeply, and with that breath, the discontent that had plagued him seemed to dissipate into the twilight.

As Dahn, Langiro, and Bab's figures grew increasingly distant, gradually fading into the deepening night, a sudden cheer erupted within the tavern-a low, jubilant cheer. Almost everyone felt relief for the young siblings, and even the tavern owner, amidst his financial woes, genuinely rejoiced for the young man and the girl.

"Wonderful, brother! We are saved... Though that noble boy seemed fierce, perhaps he is not so bad at heart!" Lilith, the girl, said suddenly as she helped her brother to his feet.

"Not so bad? Look at the state I'm in! My sword is ruined by that scoundrel, and you dare say he is not too bad!?" The young man exclaimed, grimacing as he rubbed his aching body, turning to look incredulously at Lilith.

At her brother's remark, Lilith felt at a loss, and upon reflection, she realized her judgment had been somewhat hasty.

Hmph, that scoundrel! He has inflicted so much pain and bloodshed upon my brother, and yet... oh!

A startled gasp escaped her lips as the tavern owner appeared beside them like a ghost.

"Congratulations on escaping this predicament! To have compelled a group of nobles to retreat, you truly are courageous and wise young people! Your futures must be incredibly bright and promising..." The tavern owner said, blinking his narrow eyes earnestly.

"Uh, thank you for your praise..." What is this man trying to imply!? He seems rather insincere! Lilith regarded the tavern owner politely, while inwardly she began to grumble.

"However, compared to your promising futures, I find myself in dire straits. Just look at the fine furniture, so many pieces have been damaged..."

Lilith understood the tavern owner's implication, and her brother grasped it as well.

"The trouble arose because of us; you need not worry. I will compensate you for the damages!" the young man declared.

"Ah! Truly a promising young man! Your demeanor surpasses ours!" The tavern owner stepped back, visibly pleased.

"Brother, must we really compensate for these items? It should be that noble boy who pays! If not for him, none of this would have happened! He should not only cover the damages but also our medical expenses!" Lilith pouted, expressing her concern and indignation.

"Hmph, foolish girl! We are fortunate not to have been imprisoned; do you still wish for him to pay for our medical expenses!?"

Affectionately ruffling his sister's hair, the young man reached into his pocket and pulled out a coin pouch, carefully counting the coins within. Just as he had counted a few silver coins, a shadow suddenly loomed over him and the girl.

"Justice must be served, and evil shall be punished. Suffering souls! Do you wish for the noble who has caused you harm and loss to be punished?" As the young man and girl looked up in surprise, a low voice whispered in their ears, belonging to a figure cloaked in black robes.