Chapter 78: Discovery

Robin stood before the Blacksmith Shop's forging table, rhythmically hammering the red‑hot iron block with his iron hammer, sparks flying everywhere.

His mood had been fairly calm, after all the past two months of cultivation and forging had left him feeling fulfilled and satisfied.

Just as he was about to finish today's final Knight Short Sword, a clamor erupted outside the Blacksmith Shop.

"Did you hear? Two months ago, the Brot Viscount's Domain was annihilated! The mastermind behind the near‑total slaughter of the whole family has been uncovered."

"Is it true? Who did it?"

"They say it was the Black Bear Thieves Guild, but there's an insider! Supposedly two key figures—a Luobin Gabriel and a Ma Li Qi Ha Er—collaborated from inside and breached Winston City!"

Robin's hand jerked violently, and the hammer nearly missed. His heartbeat surged, his mind went blank.

"Luobin Gabriel? Isn't that—" Men Luo's voice came from beside him, tinged with disbelief.

Robin looked up and saw everyone in the Blacksmith Shop had halted their work, eyes all fixed on him.

Damus frowned as he walked over, holding a notice that had just arrived from outside.

"Robin, what's going on?" Damus handed the notice to him, his tone edged with seriousness.

Robin scanned the notice quickly. It detailed the massacre of the Brot Viscount's Domain and named him and Ma Li Qi Ha Er as wanted, accused of "colluding with the Black Bear Thieves Guild, betraying the Brot Viscount, and breaching Winston City."

Robin was at a loss for words.

In the nobles' eyes, he was almost indistinguishable from a traitor.

But if he didn't betray the Brot lord, he would have to die.

Damus stared into Robin's eyes, as if gauging whether he was lying. After a moment, he sighed, "Robin, I believe you're not that kind of person. But the whole kingdom is now after you; you must quickly find a way to prove your innocence."

Men Luo also came over, patting Robin's shoulder. "Robin, I trust you. But the situation is now extremely unfavorable for you; you need to leave immediately."

Robin nodded, his heart filled with anxiety and anger.

He knew he had been framed, but who would set up this lowly little Knight?

"Damus, Men Luo, thank you for your trust," Robin said softly. "I'll find a way to prove my innocence."

Damus nodded, pulled a bag of Gold Coins from his coat and handed it to Robin. "Take this; you'll need it on the road. Remember, don't trust anyone lightly."

Robin took the Gold Coins, gratefully nodding. "Thanks, boss."

At that moment, hurried footsteps rang outside the Blacksmith Shop, accompanied by a soldier's shout: "Search for the wanted Luobin Gabriel! No one may leave!"

Robin's complexion changed; he quickly tucked the Gold Coins away, grabbed the nearby Quiver, and said to Damus and Men Luo, "I have to go, take care!"

Damus nodded, pointing to the Blacksmith Shop's back door. "Exit there, be careful."

Robin didn't hesitate, sprinting out the back door.

Just as Robin stepped through the back door, a peripheral glance caught a massive net draped over the sky.

Fortunately, the system had issued a timely warning before he left; he reacted instantly, rolling on the spot and narrowly evading the sudden giant net.

"As expected, a traitor—don't let Luobin Gabriel escape," a cacophonous shout rang as a crowd surged from all directions.

They brandished weapons, eyes fierce as they stared at Robin, as if he were a mortal enemy.

Robin was startled, never having expected to be labeled a "traitor" and face such a force.

He sprang to his feet, cautiously scanning his surroundings, trying to discern what was happening.

The people wore uniform attire, looking like members of some organization, yet he could not recall ever offending such a group.

"What are you saying? How did I become a traitor?" Robin demanded loudly, his voice tinged with anger and confusion.

He hoped to get an explanation from them, but only harsher shouts and relentless footfalls answered him.

"Enough chatter, come with us; you'll see soon enough!" the leading burly man brandished his long blade, snarling.

His gaze brimmed with hostility, clearly treating Robin as a heinous traitor.

Robin's heart sank, knowing further words were useless. These men were clearly prepared and would not listen to his explanations.

He had to devise an escape quickly, lest capture bring dire consequences.

His eyes darted around, his mind rapidly calculating a way out.

The back‑alley space behind the Blacksmith Shop was cramped, enemies all around, making a breakout far from easy.

But he could not wait to die; he had to find a chance to charge out.

Robin pulled the two satchels of Gold Coins from his chest and tossed them into the air; over a hundred coins rained down, sparking a scramble among the pursuers.

Seizing the chance, Robin used two unarmed moves to topple two Knights, then sprinted toward the Hongguo District.

"Don't let him get away!" the burly man shouted, brandishing his long blade as he gave chase.

Robin's speed was extraordinary; within a few strides he reached the Hongguo District. The street bustled with people, and Robin blended into the crowd, trying to use the flow of pedestrians as cover to escape.

However, the enemies clearly weren't about to let him go easily. The burly man led a relentless pursuit, and pedestrians on the street scattered in fear.

"Damn, these people are relentless!" Robin muttered under his breath, his steps never ceasing as he kept running forward.

He couldn't keep running forever; he needed a place to hide. At that moment, he spotted a narrow alley ahead and turned into it.

The alley was piled with junk, dimly lit—a perfect hiding spot.

Robin slipped behind an abandoned wooden crate, held his breath, and waited silently.

A few seconds later, the burly man and his men burst into the alley, looking around, evidently not spotting Robin.

"Where are they? How did they disappear?" the burly man roared angrily.

"Boss, he may have run far; let's keep chasing!" a subordinate suggested.

The burly man nodded, leading his men onward in pursuit.

Robin exhaled a sigh of relief, but knew he couldn't linger here.

Hidden behind the crate, Robin listened to the burly man and his subordinates' footsteps receding, feeling a slight ease.

He cautiously peeked out, confirming the alley was empty, then darted out from behind the crate.

The alley's end led to another street; Robin decided to forgo the main road, opting to continue threading through alleys to stay hidden.

He moved silently through the alleys, occasionally glancing back to ensure no one was tailing him.

(End of chapter)