Chapter 47: Escape

Yet not far away, the sight of the Fitz Knight made hearts feel as if sliced by a knife.

He was pierced by a castle knight with a long spear, his body limp, hanging on the spear tip, blood gushing out, dripping onto the cold ground, spreading a dark stain.

This gruesome scene made everyone present gasp sharply, and also stirred in Robin a surge of sorrow, anger and doubt—what reason could cause the castle's knights to slaughter each other?

"The Fitz Knight and the Malizi Knight conspired to assassinate the Lord, and now the Lord orders that Malizi be exterminated at all costs. Anyone who personally slays Malizi will be rewarded with two bottles of Knight-level Breathing Method Secret Medicine and Malizi's original fief." Barin, the castle's Knight Captain, stood on the castle steps, shouting hoarsely.

Upon hearing such a generous reward, many newly appointed knights instantly reddened their eyes; the lure of profit made them forget fear and doubt.

Leading them was Silvan, who was usually ambitious and eager to make a name for himself; at this moment he could no longer contain his excitement, let out a roar and, like a hungry wolf, charged toward Malizi.

Behind him, a group of knight apprentices surged forward as well, encircling Malizi.

The Malizi Knight scanned the crowd of profit‑driven fools before him, feeling both sorrow and anger, yet also deep helplessness.

In this clamorous situation, he understood that even if he had a thousand words, he could not clear this baseless accusation; he could only grip tightly the long sword that had accompanied him for years, preparing to risk everything to carve a bloody path.

During the heat of the battle, Malizi's gaze inadvertently swept over Robin and Tomson.

That deep look, though it uttered no words, was instantly understood by Robin.

"Take Tomson and run quickly." This silent instruction was full of Malizi's concern and hope for them.

Robin knew the situation was dire and allowed no hesitation.

He spun around abruptly, seized Tomson's arm, and fled desperately toward the opposite side.

Amid the frantic escape, Robin could not stop worrying about Eric.

Since Eric was summoned into the castle last time, he had not seen his friend's figure again.

Seeing Malizi's current tragic state, Robin felt an ominous foreboding; he guessed that Eric was likely doomed.

Silvan originally blocked Malizi with a booming presence, hoping to overwhelm him with numbers and claim the generous reward.

After all, Malizi, a Knight Late Stage master, was not to be underestimated.

He moved like lightning, his long sword swirling densely, and in a few strokes broke through Silvan's and others' encirclement.

Silvan missed with his strike and became enraged.

He shifted his gaze, a sinister smile appearing on his face, and ordered his men to change direction, rushing toward Malizi's family.

He schemed in his mind, planning to seize Malizi's family as hostages to force Malizi to submit.

That ugly visage looked especially ferocious in the moonlight.

Robin dragged Tomson in a frantic sprint, choosing paths haphazardly, and by some uncanny twist collided with Silvan's party near Malizi's home.

In an instant, the air seemed to solidify as their gazes met, filled with hostility and astonishment.

Silvan saw Robin and Tomson, first stunned, then a malicious smile curled his mouth: "Just in time, saves me the trouble of hunting you down. Maybe that old Malizi will even show up for you two little brats."

The knight apprentices behind him also burst into raucous laughter, their shrieks sounding especially harsh in the silent night.

Robin felt a silent alarm in his heart, yet quickly steadied himself.

He kept Tomson protected behind him, his hand instinctively reaching for the Damascus Steel Tang Sword at his waist, and glared at Silvan: "Silvan, you despicable scoundrel, to serve your own selfish gain you have committed such base deeds. Aren't you afraid of retribution?"

Encountering Silvan here, Robin instantly understood what Silvan was scheming.

Silvan sneered disdainfully: "Enough chatter, today you two are my hostages. Once I capture Malizi, the generous reward will be mine. Be sensible and surrender peacefully, or don't blame my sword for being blind." With that, he waved his sword, the cold glint reflecting his greedy, twisted face.

Tomson, hidden behind Robin, trembled slightly but forced a calm tone: "Robin, what should we do?" His voice carried a barely perceptible tremor, standing out in the tense atmosphere.

Robin turned his head slightly, his gaze steady on Tomson, and whispered reassuringly: "Hold them off for a moment; you go back and take the Knight Captain's family away."

Robin's mind was unusually clear; he knew the safety of the Malizi Knight Captain's family was crucial and had to relocate them before Silvan and his men could act.

"How can you alone stop them? Silvan is a Formal Knight." Tomson's eyes widened in disbelief, his voice urgent.

He knew Silvan's strength and understood the huge danger Robin faced with this move.

Robin, burning with urgency, slapped his head hard and said, "Enough talk, go quickly; I'll be looking for you soon."

The slap carried a hint of anxiety and an unmistakable resolve.

He knew there was no time for further explanation; every second mattered for the life and death of the Malizi Knight Captain's family.

Tomson was dazed by the slap, but seeing Robin's resolute gaze, he gritted his teeth, "Take care!" and then sprinted toward the side gate of Malizi's house.

Robin inhaled deeply, then smoothly drew the Damascus Steel Tang Sword from his waist, its blade glinting a cold, forest‑like light in the moonlight. He brandished the sword upright, standing alone against Silvan and the pack of wolf‑like knight apprentices behind him, his eyes showing no fear, his mind fixed on a single thought: he must kill.

Silvan's mouth curled a mocking smile, looking at Robin with utter contempt: "Robin, you think you alone can stop us? That's sheer overconfidence."

Robin's expression hardened, his grip on the Tang Sword steady, "Then you try."

As soon as the words left his mouth, someone in the crowd rushed forward.

Dain had long been unable to contain his inner restlessness, his face full of eager excitement.

"I've never liked this kid, so let me see just how strong he is," he shouted, swinging the chain mace in his hand; the mace whooshed as the iron chain scraped the air, a sharp howl like a awakened beast, heralding the impending attack.

Silvan gave a slight nod; now a Formal Knight, he believed he should display a matching bearing.

He crossed his arms, stepped back a pace, as if savoring a drama about to begin, his gaze leisurely enjoying the spectacle.

Dain said no more, let out a roar, and swung the chain mace toward Robin.

His steps were rapid and heavy, each foot kicking up dust; the chain mace whooshed through the air, carving a fierce arc aimed at Robin's vital points, its momentum so fierce it seemed ready to crush Robin into powder.

(End of Chapter)