Rising Shadows: The Fight for Freedom I

Chapter 86: The Desire for Slaughter

This kid is asking for it! How dare he insult me in my own home!? Hehe, it seems today I have the chance to wield the righteous fist and become a knight of justice punishing evil!

Fixated on the bewildered Baron Obia, Dahn recalled their previous encounters and, based on experience, sensed another excellent opportunity to collect a fine.

Thinking of the magic crystal card he had once possessed and the few 'fines' he had collected, the tipsy youth intensified his glare at Baron Obia. Before the baron could devise a response to the situation, Dahn suddenly lifted his leg and staggered toward him.

"What are you doing?!" Baron Obia immediately noticed Dahn's movement, and recalling past events, his expression shifted dramatically.

"What am I doing? Collecting a fine! For uncivilized language, a fine of one hundred gold coins; for tarnishing noble status, a fine of one hundred gold coins; for remaining silent in the face of questioning, a fine of one hundred gold coins; and in a public setting, um, whatever that is, a fine of one hundred gold coins!"

What? What is that 'whatever'?! Baron Obia shot his head up, incredulous as he looked at Dahn. Meanwhile, the guests, who had been lively just moments ago, suddenly fell silent, each one gazing in astonishment and curiosity at the two adversaries.

Robbing in the duke's residence!? Although this is your territory, and that imposing old man is your grandfather, still... Stealing a glance at Marshal Bakasi, who suddenly wore a bemused expression, Baron Obia realized he could not back down or yield in front of the gathered nobles. Thus...

"Knight Dahn, please conduct yourself with dignity. This is a solemn and grand banquet, and the nobles are watching us. Please... mind your words and actions!" Baron Obia declared with feigned righteousness, as if he had never uttered any insults and that all the trouble was instigated by Dahn.

Hmm, well said! This kid actually knows how to leverage the situation-he's improving! Dahn thought, somewhat surprised, as his eyes narrowed dangerously.

Reason told Dahn that he should not act out of line at this moment, but the alcohol he had consumed whispered another voice.

So you won't admit your mistake or apologize, huh? Fine, then let this little brat taste your wrath! Beat him into a pulp, or better yet, turn him to ashes!

Amidst the intoxicating haze that made Dahn feel superhuman, his gaze grew increasingly perilous. Upon closer inspection, it seemed as though two flames flickered within his pupils, and as Dahn's consciousness blurred, those flames began to blaze fiercely!

A sense of danger quietly emanated from Dahn's body. Within mere seconds, everyone nearby sensed something was amiss. However? Aside from Baron Obia, who was fixated on Dahn's fiery gaze, no one, including the two imperial marshals seated several meters away, realized that the boy's heart was breeding an ever-growing frenzy and a desire for destruction!

Having experienced countless battles and witnessed life and death, Duke Yohan and Marshal Bakasi instinctively sensed Dahn's murderous intent. After exchanging a glance, the two astonished kingdom dignitaries immediately reached a silent agreement.

"Dahn!" Duke Yohan called out, his voice not loud yet crystal clear to Dahn's ears. While this call seemed unremarkable to the surrounding noble guests, it struck Dahn like a thunderous summons, causing him to shudder. His bloodshot eyes gradually regained clarity.

Uh, what just happened? Dahn turned back to glance at his grandfather, receiving a warm smile in return. When he turned back, he found Baron Obia's face had turned as pale as a ghost, and a sudden shock gripped Dahn's heart.