Witch, Fireball and the Evil God of Steam-Chapter 776 - 129: Justified Self-Defense

One limb after another of demonic creatures emerged from the hexagram array; Haitia's smile gradually turned manic and bloodthirsty, completely different from how she presented herself to the public.

In fact, she mastered many summoning techniques that had never been revealed in the long battles against the Demon King. As the companions of the hero, they knew the rules of the game all too well, understood since embarking on this journey.

The secret of this adventure lies in balance; a swift victory or defeat was not the outcome they desired. This confrontation between the hero and the Demon King transcended their identities—people of the Silver Radiance Empire needed the hero, but they needed the Demon King even more. They needed an absolute symbol of evil to distract them from many issues.

Issues like the existence of someone like Baron Fulin.

Ignore the ever-increasing taxes, ignore the oppression from the nobility, ignore their lives being indistinguishable from livestock.

All their efforts and sweat only served to let their masters gain more.

Livestock that perform excellently would receive scraps of leftovers, making them believe there was hope in their lives.

And when they were about to be crushed by life, the empire and the royal family provided the people with a concrete target of hatred—the Demon King. 𝙛𝒓𝓮𝙚𝔀𝒆𝒃𝓷𝒐𝓿𝙚𝓵.𝙘𝒐𝒎

The source of all misfortune.

All injustices were brought by the Demon King.

But don't forget, there is a group of chosen heroes fighting alongside them. The hero and his companions embarked on a great adventure against the Demon King. Ultimately, the Demon King would be defeated, and the beloved hero would usher in justice for everyone. By then, the empire would welcome unprecedented prosperity.

This was the last lesson Haitia learned before embarking on her journey.

Her father called her to the attic for a night-long conversation, sharing with her the longstanding rules of the empire's operation—how past great adventures unfolded, every era's hero and Demon King would eventually perish, but the empire would endure.

Now, Haitia has completed this great adventure.

Their names would be inscribed on the monument in the Imperial Capital, remembered by the people. She returned to her hometown and could do what she truly wanted.

As she stated to Gear City interviewers in the morning, she intended to bring light to the city.

But how could there be light in a city where the streets were rife with gutter rats?

"Why must justice be served? Why should the empire care about your little town?"

From the other side of the hexagram array, the demonic creature revealed its terrifying features—it was a monster with a human body and a sheep's head, with dark skin. Its arms were bound to the chest by black straps, eyes covered by the same material, with dull black flames burning on the binding cloth.

Haitia stared fixedly at the Other Shore.

She was well aware that if Solan hadn't been transported away, he would certainly be in the same position as the Other Shore. These words were originally meant for Solan; alas, she forever lost the chance to face the hero again.

Haitia sincerely hoped to witness the expression of that simple-minded fool who firmly believed in justice upon learning the truth.

However, back to the point, only such extremely pure-hearted fools could become heroes, and without knowing it themselves, become tools used by the empire to win over hearts.

The Other Shore and Solan's figures overlapped; Haitia hoped to get answers from the Female Knight's mouth.

She couldn't understand these people; why would someone sacrifice their own cost and choose to fight for people completely unrelated to them?

Finally, the previously silent Female Knight spoke, but it wasn't the answer she wanted.

"I don't understand; what are you babbling about?"

Her voice instantly spanned a dozen meters, reaching behind Haitia.

Haitia's gaze wavered; she saw the indomitable binding demon shatter, and that heroic face disappear from her vision.

Following was the agony from the chest and the coldness overwhelming her body.

When Haitia lowered her head, the sight that greeted her was a piercing wound in her chest, with blood soaking her luxurious gown.

She was wounded, severely wounded.

She could distinctly feel the ebb of life and urgently needed healing from the team priest.

Haitia opened her mouth but couldn't make a sound.

This was not the outcome she had imagined; until now, she didn't understand why the Other Shore would truly strike her with the sword.

If it were Solan...

Even if her summoning technique was unraveled by him, Solan would surely not deal heavy blows against her—at most, he would pin her to the ground, press the sword against her throat, then use that infectious voice to correct her thoughts, telling her the Silver Radiance Empire existed because of every ordinary person.

At that point, she'd feign compliance; if required, she could squeeze a few tears from the corners of her eyes, and with a sob, tell Solan she knew she was wrong, and then they would embrace...

That's why Haitia dared to act recklessly against Solan.

Even facing someone like her, Solan would still believe she could change.

And now, tears genuinely seeped from Haitia's eyes—not feigned, but stirred by the unbearable pain and the clear recognition that this time, the team priest would not come to heal her.