The foreman only realized it was a human who had grabbed him after Lina let go. His throat bobbed as he finally managed to speak.
“Our Lord Bitan received information from an informer a month ago, saying Old Humanity’s Treasure was buried here. He summoned us to dig. As for what exactly it is, I don’t know. I’m just following orders.”
The foreman’s voice trembled as he sneaked a glance at Lina, then continued.
Lina frowned and pressed further, “And who is this informer?”
“I don’t know. I wouldn’t have the right to ask about things like that,” the foreman shook his head repeatedly. “All I know is, they’re also human.”
Hearing this, Lina’s anger flared. If this so-called informer really existed, then they could well be considered a traitor. Such a thing could get one beheaded.
Lina pondered for a moment, deciding to report the matter later. As for capturing the traitor, she would have to discuss that with Karen.
“All right, there’s no need for you to stay alive.” Lina hadn’t even finished her sentence before her sword was drawn. In a flash of cold light, the foreman’s head rolled to the ground.
The foreman’s eyes bulged in death, his face full of resentment as he collapsed.
The remaining Dragonkin were scared out of their wits, muttering, “Don’t kill me…”
“Pa, pa, pa!”
Suddenly, three crisp claps rang out, followed by a deep voice praising, “Impressive. Decisive and ruthless—just what I’d expect from a Holy Knight.”
Lina looked up. At the upper level stood a burly Dragonkin, with a group of Dragonkin behind him.
The burly Dragonkin leaped down, a cold smile on his face as he said casually, “First time meeting, but I imagine you’ve already heard my name from my men. I am the King of the Dragonborn, Bitan.”
“So you call yourself king? Looks like you really take yourself seriously.” Though her face was grim, Lina still couldn’t resist a taunt.
“Woman, your tongue is sharp,” Bitan sneered, saying no more.
“My fists are even sharper,” Lina replied with a smirk.
“To think, even now, you—Commander of the First Army among the Holy Knights—are still tossing quips?” Bitan shrugged. “All your subordinates above have been subdued by us. Their lives are hanging by a thread.”
Lina’s eyes darkened at his words. She asked, “So you’ve confirmed this tunnel then?”
“Of course.” Bitan chuckled. “That legendary story about your humans’ Artifact—I’ve figured it out in detail. I’ve searched this place for a long time and finally have a rough idea of its location.”
“Who is this informer?” Lina’s expression turned stormy.
“Sorry, betrayal isn’t my style,” Bitan spread his hands, then flashed a wicked smile.
“However, if this beautiful knight is willing to spend the night with me, maybe—just maybe—I’ll be in a good enough mood to tell you who the informer is.”
“You dare insult the Saintly Knight Commander like that—are you looking for death!” Someone finally couldn’t hold back and rushed forward, intent on beating Bitan.
Lina quickly held him back. “Don’t be reckless. He’s Fifth Tier, only I can deal with him. Don’t throw your life away.”
“What’s this? Not letting your men attack—does that mean you’re considering my offer?” Bitan burst out laughing.
“I have to say, you’re even more annoying than that Camilla fellow,” Lina drew her greatsword, the tip aimed squarely at Bitan.
“So you’ve met Camilla, huh,” Bitan sighed theatrically. “That one’s a real stick-in-the-mud. I invited her so graciously and she actually turned me down. Such a shame.”
“Not only did I meet her, I beat her up, too,” Lina chuckled. “And soon, you’ll be next. Ready?”
“Hahaha, interesting!” Bitan threw his head back in laughter, then instantly entered Half-Dragonization. “In that case, let me show you what dragon power really is! Don’t say I bullied you, little knight.”
He called up to the Dragonkin above. “Everyone, watch carefully how I bring this human leader to her knees!”
“Lord Bitan is invincible!” The Dragonkin above all cheered.
“So you know Half-Dragonization too? Looks like this fight will be interesting.” Lina ignored Bitan’s provocations, charging forward as her greatsword whistled through the air toward him.
Bitan casually raised his arm, blocking the greatsword with ease. With a flick, he sent it flying.
“Good speed, but without enough power, it’s useless.” Bitan sneered, lifting his dragon claw. “Now let me show you what real strength is!”
Knowing she’d suffer if she took it head-on, Lina used her speed to dodge out of the way.
“Just going to run like a rat in the street?” Bitan sneered.
“Lord Bitan, there’s a blue-haired human girl over there!” Suddenly, a Dragonkin pointed toward the spot where Anya was disappearing.
Following his gaze, Lina saw that Anya had somehow circled away and vanished.
“Why isn’t Anya with me?” Lina muttered, frustrated, and could only hope Anya would make her way back soon.
“So there’s still a little girl on the loose? Just send someone to grab her,” Bitan waved dismissively.
As the Dragonkin leader above prepared to send a few Dragonkin after Anya, one suddenly stepped forward.
“Milord, let me go,” the Dragonkin said coldly.
“You alone? Allen, are you sure?” The leader raised his eyebrows.
“That little girl is the Auckland Family’s young miss. I won’t be made a fool of again. Alone, I can catch her.” Allen’s eyes glinted viciously.
“Then go. But don’t come back empty-handed, or if Lord Bitan orders punishment, I won’t be able to save you,” the leader snorted.
“Rest assured, milord. Last time that little girl was only Second Rank. I was careless, that’s all. This time, I’ll show her the true power of the Dragonkin.” Allen sneered and set off at once.
……
“Iris, don’t walk so fast, I can’t keep up!” Anya’s pace was no match for Iris, especially since she was carrying a heavy sword on her back, forcing her to save her strength as she walked.
Iris pursed her lips, turning back to wait for Anya. Suddenly, her pupils shrank as she pointed behind Anya. “Anya, looks like trouble’s found us.”
“What is it, Iris?” Anya finally caught up, following Iris’s gaze.
A Dragonkin had somehow caught up to them—and looked all too familiar.
“Long time no see, young lady of the Auckland Family…” The Dragonkin sneered, a murderous aura radiating from him.
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