Rising Shadows: The Fight for Freedom I

Chapter 110: Challenge II

Darn grew up in the governor's residence of Ruthtania, receiving meticulous care and affection from his parents, respected and honored by the people of the governor's office and the province. However, in the simple and honest capital of the border province, Darn did not adopt the vile habits of many noble descendants from the Kingdom of Bylins.

Though he could be mischievous and playful, Darn maintained a sense of propriety. Years of strict education and the straightforward character of the Ruthtania people kept him fundamentally kind-hearted, embodying the unique simplicity of the border province.

Respecting the strong, not bullying the weak, treating friends sincerely, and being polite and gentle to strangers, but when it comes to enemies...

To enemies, one must be ruthless and strike them down! Reflecting on the Ruthtania people's attitude when facing the invasion of the prairie beastmen, Darn suddenly stood up.

Politeness and gentleness do not equate to a lack of principles; it does not mean enduring humiliation when others come to bully you! In just a few months of military life, the pride and honor of being a member of the Wild Lion Legion, along with the camaraderie shared with General Matteus and other survivors, formed an unassailable bottom line in Darn's heart!

"You insolent fool! What did you just say? Have the courage to say it again!" With his hand resting on the hilt of his sword, an icy killing intent radiated from Darn as he stepped forward, approaching Salius, who had just stopped and was revealing a smirk of triumph.

"What did I just say? I said nothing!" Salius grinned, his smile dripping with insincerity, showing no shame for his lies.

Coldly staring into Salius's eyes, which resembled the darkest crevices of hell, Darn remained silent, merely fixing his gaze upon him...

Under Darn's scrutiny, Salius gradually found it hard to maintain his smile, while the people in the Summer Palace hushed, attentively observing the standoff between the two.

"Hmph, you just questioned my courage, doubted the achievements of my comrades, and cast aspersions on the honor of the Wild Lion Legion. Why do you suddenly hesitate to admit it? Do you dare to act but not to take responsibility? Have you thrown the knightly virtue of honesty to the dogs?"

Darn finally spoke again, his voice resonant and proud, filled with immense pride.

"You..."

"I do not know what you did during the recent war against the beastmen, but I can stand in the omnipresent light of the Supreme God and declare to all without shame that I have fought against the beastmen, that I have slain those barbaric invaders of the Kingdom of Bylins, and that I have seen the sacred mountain of the beastmen! And you, do you dare swear in the name of the Supreme God that you have not slandered the honor of the Wild Lion Legion?"

Ignoring the young man before him, Darn focused on Salius's eyes, which were filled with shame and anger, articulating each word with precision.

"Each person is born alone, dies alone, bears the fruits of their good deeds alone, and suffers the consequences of their evil deeds alone... Those who are unfaithful, hypocritical, and deceitful will fall into the darkest depths of hell due to their numerous sins..."

Suddenly withdrawing his gaze, Darn took a few steps back and began to recite softly. His voice was low, yet every word resonated clearly throughout the Summer Palace. As some reacted with anger, others with surprise, and some with contemplation, Darn drew his sword-the Horgni Sword.

"Since you question my courage, I shall show you! Since you doubt my comrades and my legion, I will let you know how a true knight fights! Draw your sword!"