Kingdom Bloodline

Chapter 395 Shadow and Sword

Thales had never heard of Crassus, nor could he understand why the man named Chisel had suddenly changed color.

But he knew who the chisel was.

Six years ago, on the Night of Dragon's Blood, it was this man who stood before the Black Sand Grand Duke with a beaming smile, negotiating back and forth with the infamous Chaman Lumba, demanding ownership of the Star Prince.

He and the forbidden organization behind him played an indispensable role in that unprecedented and earth-shattering coup: whether it was Thales's thrilling assassination attempt under the fortress, Grand Duke Pefit's desperate confession before his death, or even the terrible moment when the born king's head fell to the ground, their figures seemed to appear in every scene.

They are ghostly figures, omnipresent yet mysterious and elusive. Each fleeting appearance brings bloodshed and death, leaving onlookers horrified and victims filled with regret.

And the moment this group reappears...

Thales took a deep breath, suppressing his trepidation and unease, and stared intently at the man, ignoring even the wink that Quick Rope was giving him.

In the arena, Chisel carefully observed the mercenaries around him.

The man solemnly realized that although the air of killing and warfare emanating from them was stronger, no one, from top to bottom, showed any intention of refuting or any unusual expression.

He didn't lie.

Chisel's heart sank: He really was "Krassu".

Things are a bit beyond what we expected.

but……

"So you are the current Krassus."

“I must say, I’m somewhat surprised,” Chisel turned to Ricky, his tone becoming cautious and unsettling, as if a thief outside the window were eyeing valuables inside:
Those in high positions rarely risk their lives.

Those in high positions?
Thales turned his attention to Ricky, only to see a rough, travel-worn face, the light leather armor common among desert mercenaries, and a rude and casual sitting posture.

From any perspective, he was just an ordinary mercenary leader.

The prince asked in bewilderment: How does that make someone in a high position?

"Or……"

Chisel's gaze fixed on Ricky, then he changed the subject, tentatively asking:
"What you are about to do tonight is far too important, even someone of your high position has to personally take charge?"

The surrounding mercenaries remained silent, but many of them subconsciously exchanged glances.

The silence lasted for a few seconds.

Ricky remained silent, his eyes fixed intently on the drill bit.

"But unfortunately, your operation tonight won't go so smoothly."

The chisel smiled slightly:
"You should know that breaking into the infamous Bone Prison in the Star Kingdom's Baki Camp and carrying out an unprecedented prison break—that's not as simple as it sounds."

what?
Thales didn't react for a moment.

But others are different.

At that moment, Ricky, Clay, and the masked man all suddenly raised their heads!

Clay gripped the hilt of his sword at his waist, his eyes gleaming with malice.

"Who told you that!" the middle-aged swordsman from the North asked coldly.

They stared intently at the chisel in front of them.

It was as if they couldn't believe it.

The mercenaries also stirred and made a slight commotion.

"What are you doing?"

Incredulous, Quick Rope whispered to Thales, "These people... they're going to rob the Bone Prison, that hellhole? Are they out of their minds?!"

In the arena, the chiselman laughed even more heartily.

Ricky frowned:

"How did you know?"

Chisel clicked his tongue and shook his head, ignoring the unfriendly stares directed at him from all around.

"It does not matter."

"The only important thing here right now is that you have to stir up a hornet's nest called Baki Camp."

The chisel turned around confidently and smugly, looking around:

"No matter what method you use, whether you succeed or not, once you take action and the Prison of Bones is raided, the entire camp will be thrown into chaos: the army, the nobles, the order, everything."

"This is really not good news for those of us who are also here to make a living."

Before him, the expressions of Clay and the masked man grew increasingly grim.

Only Ricky remained unmoved.

"So, for mutual benefit and a win-win situation, we must come here to help you," Qianzi pointed around, then patted his chest, his smile growing even brighter.
"It also helps us."

"Well, how is it, Your Excellency Crassus?"

Chisel stared at Ricky calmly and gently, looking quite confident.

The tavern fell silent for a moment.

Ricky slowly raised his head and spoke softly.

"You just asked me why I came here in person."

Ricky gave a smile, which quickly disappeared.

“Indeed, an excellent leader does not necessarily have to personally risk his life and do everything himself,” he nodded and said calmly, “but he can never lack the courage and responsibility to do so.”

Chisel raised his eyebrows, feigning sudden realization.

"I admire you to the extreme."

The man smiled shyly, "But that makes me even more worried. This operation is so important..."

But Ricky didn't let him continue.

“...Otherwise,” Ricky continued, his gaze fixed on the chisel, seemingly oblivious to whether the other person was speaking:

"As a leader, he will one day degenerate into a useless person behind the curtain, protecting himself in a bubble of lies, just to hide his cowardice and incompetence."

"He could only win the trust of his companions through hypocrisy and despicable tactics, and maintain the obedience of his subordinates through empty threats and false incentives."

The chiselman paused, seemingly deep in thought.

Ricky's tone suddenly changed:
"Tell me, how's Teng doing lately?"

If there was a hidden meaning, then the man's words made Qianzi frown.

Thales, who was listening in, was taken aback.

What...what, how have you been lately?

He didn't understand the monosyllabic word.

But the chisel's reaction made him realize quickly: it was a name.

Teng.

Upon hearing the name, Chip's expression froze for a moment under Ricky's intense gaze.

But he quickly composed himself and smiled again.

"The Shadow Master is well," Qianzi bowed again, glancing at the mercenaries around him with a humble expression.
"Just as good as you."

The main character.

Thales frowned.

He wasn't the only one who gained something.

“Damn it, Thales, I think…” Quick Rope, pale-faced, nudged him under the table and whispered incredulously:

"I think I know who these people are..."

Thales nodded without changing his expression.

"As good as me?"

“I don’t see it that way.” Ricky chuckled and shook his head, raising a finger and pointing it at the chisel on the other side.

“If he were as good as me… then Teng wouldn’t have gone to the trouble of sending you, an idea that’s permanently stationed in Dragon City, into the Great Desert, into the Star People’s Blade Fang Camp, into territory that’s so dangerous for you.”

“I don’t recall King Catherine V ever pardoning you.”

Compared to his previous kind words of advice, Ricky became sharp when facing the drill.

The tavern owner sitting opposite him, Tampa, broke out in a cold sweat.

Chiselman frowned.

wrong.

It shouldn't be like this.

This adventurous and unusual meeting should have been initiated by him, with him offering suggestions and outlining the terms.

but……

At this moment, Qianzi realized with alarm that the other party had firmly grasped the initiative in this conversation.

“If he were as good as me,” Ricky’s face turned cold, his tone tightening like a noose around his neck:
“Then he wouldn’t send you, like a foolish and arrogant extortionist, knowingly and deliberately coming to our door at a time we value so much, spouting nonsense, being secretive, and deliberately threatening us with ‘I know what you’re going to do.’”

Ricky's expression was one of disgust.

Chisel's pupils slowly contracted: "What you all mean is..."

"Remember, the chisel?"

Beside Ricky, the middle-aged swordsman Clay stared intently at the chisel, as if his face were stained, his voice hoarse: "We have a score to settle."

Chisel looked puzzled.

"Six years ago in Dragon City, you used our name to stir up trouble and do whatever you wanted in the most dangerous place in Exter," the middle-aged swordsman from the North said, like a leopard eyeing its prey.

"Thanks to you, we have lost many people, including my students—cause of disaster, dragons, rebellion, chaos, and even the aftermath of the Dragonsreaching City purge."

"Those days were really tough."

Do you think we'll let this go easily?

Chisel's gaze sharpened.

The mercenaries stirred, casting disgruntled and hateful glances at the chisel.

Dragon City six years ago...

Thales could feel that the quick rope beside him was breathing faster and faster, and he even clenched his fists.

For some reason, Marina behind him also looked furious, staring intently at the spike that everyone was pointing fingers at.

Chisel sighed.

"I am deeply ashamed of this, please accept my apology."

Clay scoffed, "An apology?"

A disdainful spit came from among the mercenaries.

But the chisel was completely unaffected, like hypocrites who, upon hearing of a tragedy from afar, feigned sadness to prove their humanity and gain some understanding glances from others.

"We were also surprised by what happened back then... but I'm here today with absolute sincerity, wanting to offer a win-win suggestion..."

But Ricky gently looked up.

"There is no 'win-win' situation for us."

He flatly rejected the chisel, leaving the latter stunned.

“When you walked in, we hated your arrogant face, the timing of your appearance, your self-righteous words, and even more so the blood debts you left behind back then.”

Ricky spoke coldly:
"And we are not interested in your so-called mysterious help."

The chiselman's expression immediately froze.

I'll say it one last time.

Looking at the frozen drill bit, Ricky repeated it for the third time without any positive emotion:
"Speak, or shut up."

"Now, do you understand?"

Chisel's eyes narrowed!
As Ricky spoke, almost all the mercenaries in the tavern gripped their weapons with cold expressions, and many even took a step closer.

Faced with the aggressive mercenaries, Chisel instinctively looked around.

They seem to have just realized the current situation.

“Don’t look anywhere else, the chisel, I assure you,” Clay said coldly.

“Once we make our move, your comrades waiting outside won’t be able to do anything until your head rolls.”

Ricky remained motionless, silently watching the drill.

Oops.

The chiselman, having assessed his surroundings, frowned deeply.

Damn.

These brainless musclemen.

But he can't turn against them.

No.

He still needs them.

These damn...

As an observer, Thales silently pulled his head back a little, while Quickrope kept his eyes fixed on the chisel.

Chisel clenched his fist, his face filled with disbelief.

The tavern fell completely silent, but no one felt comfortable in the atmosphere.

"Wait, if you kill me here, the Star People will immediately know about your conspiracy, and the Baki Camp will go on alert..."

The drill bit was bowed, its expression serious.

"Your operation will not succeed."

Ricky sighed.

"It seems he didn't understand."

The next second, a sword light suddenly flashed by!

It sped past Clay's hand in an instant, moving at a speed beyond what Thales could see with the naked eye.

The conversation caught Thales off guard, causing a twitch to appear between his brows!
Fortunately, the sword wasn't aimed at him.

The flash of sword light stopped in front of the drill bit's neck.

A second later, the chisel, realizing what had happened, couldn't help but take a step back, his face turning deathly pale!

"Whoosh!"

The wind from the sword had just swept past.

Clay was holding a strange longsword with a blood groove and a hollow blade, the blade resting silently in front of the chisel.

Too fast. Chisel stared in shock at the tip of Clay's sword.

He couldn't react at all from the moment he drew his sword to the moment he stopped.

There's simply no way to dodge it.

The mercenaries, however, seemed unfazed and laughed.

Clay, holding up his oddly styled longsword, gently shook his head:

"This is 'Dark Light,' when it tears through your veins..."

Chisel's breathing was uneven, but he forced himself to remain calm and said:
Do you really want to do this?

Ricky chuckled as he listened to what the other person said.

“It seems,” the masked man at the same table sighed, tapping the table:

"He really doesn't know how to talk."

Clay, the swordsman from the North, snorted coldly, his hand on the hilt slowly moving:

"Then shut him up."

"forever."

As he spoke, he moved his longsword slightly forward, pressing it against the other man's neck.

The chisel's pupils contracted instantly.

Damn!

"alright, I got it!"

He instantly raised his hands, panting and yielding, finally managing to get Clay to stop his longsword:

"Your Excellency Crassus, and all of you."

Whether or not you take my advice is your choice...

"And I am willing... I am willing to answer all your questions."

His posture was humble and his tone respectful.

The three leading mercenaries exchanged a glance.

“Very good,” Ricky said, a smirk playing on his lips.
"Compared to before, you've finally spoken."

Chisel breathed a sigh of relief, re-examining the "Krassu" before him with resentment and unease.

Clay snorted coldly and sheathed his longsword, which was so fast it was impossible to see.

Ricky said calmly, "Tell me, how did you get your hands on us?"

A few seconds later, the chiselman sighed resignedly:

"The Tower of the End".

In that instant, Thales saw that many mercenaries unconsciously clenched their fists or weapons, and their breathing became rapid.

Clay and the masked swordsman frowned and stared at each other.

Only their leader, Ricky, remained expressionless.

“Yes, I know,” Qianzi said through gritted teeth, touching his neck.
“We have eyes and ears there.”

Ricky continued to ask:

What have you heard?

Chisel cautiously surveyed the mercenaries around him, observing their expressions.

"Not long ago, the Tower of the End was attacked one night."

"The enemy's origins are unknown, their strength is formidable, and their numbers are numerous. Their defenses and vigilance were breached layer by layer, and the invaders were barely repelled until they stormed into the House of Inheritance," Qianzi said in a storytelling tone.

Thales's brow twitched.

and many more.

Not long ago.

The Tower of the End.

They were attacked...

Prince Star blinked, recalling with horror a "lesson" from long ago.

At that time, what the guy who was about to embark on a long journey said to him was...

No way?
Is it what I think?
"This is a rare and serious incident in the history of the Tower of Endings. Even with the Gray Sword Guards keeping it strictly confidential internally, it would be difficult for them to cover it up completely. All eight major factions suffered heavy casualties. Even the 'Red King' army of Starry Sky's attack on Blade Valley more than a hundred years ago was not this exaggerated."

Chiselhead looked at the dozens of mercenaries with a cold smile:
"You did it, didn't you? At the very least, you were involved?"

The surrounding mercenaries stirred.

Thales silently covered his head, feeling that his guess was getting closer and closer to the truth.

Clay shook his head:
"Nothing to do with you."

The chisel continued:
"You then fled to the Baki camp and hid in the Blood Horn—one of our scouts in the desert recognized you."

"But after the Baki camp issued the lockdown order, there was clearly no business here, yet your mercenary group did not scatter. Instead, it continued to gather and recruit more people. So I think: no matter what you encountered in the Tower of the End, you are not planning to give up."

"That's why I sent someone to leave you a message: I'll be visiting tonight."

The masked man scoffed dismissively, while Clay remained silent.

"What about the prison of bones?"

Ricky nodded and asked gently:

"And how did you know that?"

Chisel slowly regained his calm and composure, and his smile returned.

"Some time ago, many of your mercenary group members were imprisoned in the Bone Prison for various reasons—more than expected, enough to cause a small riot in the prison. This is quite unusual for someone as familiar with the rules of mercenaries as you are."

The chisel spoke slowly:
"And tonight, you've decided to meet here again, chased away the staff early, and kidnapped the tavern owner..."

boom!
On the other side, Tampa, who had been silent for a long time, stared in disbelief and slammed his hand on the table.

"Hold!"

"Is this why you kidnapped me?"

The tavern owner suppressed his anger, filled with suspicion and uncertainty:
“You all knew all along that ‘my home’ was a place that supplied the Prison of Bones…”

"You plan to wait until dawn, then use our supply convoy to break into the prison?"

The mercenary Sonny slapped him hard on the back of the head, silencing Tampa's words:

"Shut up."

The mercenaries were in an uproar because of this incident.

Prison robbery?

Thales was filled with doubt:
Are these people going to break into the Prison of Bones? To rescue their companions?
Most importantly, if this group of mysterious mercenaries really intends to do this...

What will happen to Tampa and the two of them?
The chaotic scene lasted for several seconds before quieting down as Ricky raised his arm again.

“We underestimated you, Chisel,” Ricky said thoughtfully, his eyes shining.

"Determining these things through various subtle clues..."

"You're really capable to be Teng's right-hand man."

Teng.

Upon hearing the name again, Qianzi subtly twitched his brow.

“Listen, I don’t care about your grudges with the Tower of Endings,” Chisel coughed, changing the subject:
"I don't care why you're trying to break out of the Prison of Bones..."

"But I know you're not having an easy time right now: the invaders must have paid a much heavier price to damage the famous Tower of the End, which stands firm between two great powers. And your plans were too hasty, and you're short-handed."

Clay and the masked man both snorted disdainfully.

Chisel's eyes lit up, he raised his hand, and spoke in a high-pitched tone, as if he had forgotten the embarrassment and humiliation he had just felt:
"But what if we can help you?"

Ricky squinted.

“I know why you specifically chose this moment, rather than any other time, Your Excellency Crassus.”

He moved forward slowly, his expression regaining the confidence and composure he had when he first arrived.
"Right now, the Stardust Guard, the Skull Guard, the Raven Whistle Cavalry, the Black Lion Infantry Regiment, and a few related professional mercenaries—the most elite, fastest, and most loyal troops in these camps—are all, for some reason, following Williams to the front lines of the desert and are unable to return to provide support for the time being."

Chisel looked around and waved to the mercenaries around him, completely ignoring their displeased looks.

"Those who remained were either second-rate garrison troops, light infantrymen lacking mounts, or temporary conscripts of varying quality from all over the Western Wilderness, or even auxiliary troops and laborers who rarely saw battle. With the baron absent and without a sufficiently powerful commander to keep them in check, the royal family and local nobles were rife with contradictions and constant conflicts. Although the troop strength seemed to be greater than usual, in reality, the management was chaotic, the command was disorderly, and the deployment was inefficient."

"This is a rare opportunity for you to break into the prison amidst the chaos."

After a moment of enthusiastic explanation, Qianzi turned around confidently and looked at Ricky, who was deep in thought.

“You’re right,” Chiselman said, holding up a finger.
"But it's still too difficult."

“For you, less than a hundred people, even if you are all seasoned professional mercenaries, it is not an easy task to deal with these old, weak and disabled people. If you are lost, casualties are inevitable and safety cannot be guaranteed. I really do not want you to experience another brutal attack from the Tower of Ending.”

At this point, the mercenaries' expressions began to waver.

The next second, the chiselman's tone shifted, and a seductive glint appeared in his eyes:

"But with us around, things are different."

Ricky remained lost in thought, while Clay watched him coldly and remained silent. The masked man was even more extreme; his gaze fixed on the chisel never showed any emotion other than hatred and disgust.

"You know our capabilities..."

Chisel tried his best to make his words sound more enticing:

“With us here, you don’t need this clumsy plan, and you certainly don’t need this gossipy boss.”

Tampa glared at him fiercely.

Ricky gave a soft "hmm".

"So, what can you do? Distract or even paralyze the defenses of the Bone Prison? Draw or slow down the attention of the Baki camp? Or paralyze or even mislead the Star Army's response?"

Upon hearing this, both Clay and the masked man turned around sharply and stared at Ricky.

But Ricky ignored them.

The chisel's eyes gleamed, as if it had spotted the greatest treasure:

Simply put: all of the above.

Ricky's eyes flickered.

Gently clench your fist:

"Whether it's intelligence and information, conditions and timing, sentry duty and escape..."

"Trust me, with us, you won't need to tremble with fear and disguise yourself as a transport team to sneak into your destination, or draw your swords and force your way through those damned prison doors at a heavy cost."

"You will get what you want—whatever it is—faster, better, and easier."

Ricky didn't answer, seemingly still deep in thought.

Chisel paused slightly, as if to observe the reactions of the crowd.

"Honorable Krassus, and all you mighty warriors."

The drill bit was reopened.

"Your swords are the greatest support we can find at this moment in this land full of unfamiliarity and hostility," he said, utterly humbled, his hands clasped together, his expression respectful and submissive.
"And we are the best eyes and ears you can find in a place full of powerful enemies and armies."

The chisel carefully observed each pair of eyes that passed through his line of sight:
“But no matter which side we are on, we are all isolated and helpless here—you are a mercenary group that is ostracized, and we are wanted criminals that everyone hates. No one can face Williams alone, the Blade Fang Camp, the Western Wilderness, or the behemoth and powerful backer behind them: the Star Kingdom.”

The chisel stared wide-eyed and opened its arms:

"Therefore, I suggest that we cooperate sincerely and each get what we need: we will help you to easily open the gates of the Bone Prison."

"The Sword of Calamity, the Shield of Shadows—is there a better combination?"

The tavern fell completely silent, save for the warriors' breathing, rising and falling rhythmically.

Chisel observed the expressions of the others without changing his expression, his eyes darting back and forth.

It felt like a year had passed.

Finally, Ricky took a deep breath and slowly exhaled: "The Shadow's help couldn't have been without reason, so..."

"What do you want?"

"What do you want to do in the camp by using our strength?"

Here, the chiselman smiled.

He rubbed his hands together and slowly raised his head.

“We have extremely reliable intelligence,” Qianzi said cautiously, constantly observing even the slightest expression on the person in front of him.
"A priceless target, involving all parties, has just crossed the desert and arrived at Baki's camp today."

A priceless...target?
what?
At that moment, Marina could easily notice by simply looking down that the red-haired youth and the black-haired boy sitting in front of her had both stiffened.

Ricky squinted.

"That target is no small matter; it may have unimaginable support—massive numbers of troops and countless experts, continuous reinforcements and tight security. It is far from something that can be solved by sneaking around or launching a brute force attack."

He smacked his lips and nodded with a cold smile.

Under the watchful eyes of countless mercenaries, Thales and Quick Rope sat motionless, their gazes unfocused.

In the boy's hellish senses, Tampa's resentful breathing rose and fell, Marina's cold snorts were still clear in his ears, and the mercenaries' whispers continued endlessly.

And the heartbeats of him and Quick Rope.

The only way is to get faster and faster.

It's getting heavier and heavier.

"And we, Your Excellency Crassus, and all of you."

The chisel lowered its head, as if it were treasured some secret:
"What we need to do is work together to take down this difficult but rewarding target in the camp in one fell swoop..."

Thales and Quick Rope both fixed their gazes on the chisel.

Filled with trepidation and fear, yet daring not to reveal even a hint of their terrible feelings.

Under the doubtful and hesitant gazes of many, Qianzi seemed like a questioner revealing the answer at the last moment, with a malicious smile, and said softly: "The second prince of the Star Kingdom, the sole heir of the Supreme King."

For a split second, Prince Star's expression froze.

His breath, too, stopped at that moment.

The chisel slowly uttered the name:

“Thales…”

"Brilliant Star".

Hearing this, the boy's companion, Kuaisheng, smiled with relief, as if a great weight had been lifted from his shoulders...

With a sigh of relief.

The failure to complete the chapter left me with inexplicable grief.

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(End of this chapter)