Witch, Fireball and the Evil God of Steam-Chapter 788 - 135: Land of Dancing Flames

Where there is tyranny, there will be resistance forces.

In this era without the presence of the Evil God and with the Demon King banished by the Holy Mage, people can only take up arms themselves, leave their hometowns, and hide in forest caves to evade the searches by the Imperial Army.

This is the temporary camp of the Rebel Army, a dark and deep cave where torches are the only source of light. The leader of the Rebel Army kept his promise, not making things difficult for the nobles and wealthy merchants, but divisions arose between the crew and the nobles' private soldiers.

Some of them followed into the depths of the forest, including the captain of the airship.

He understood the nature of the nobles from the Imperial Capital. Although they promised to forgive and forget, once the Imperial Army arrived, they would surely change their tune. If they couldn't find the attackers, the most likely scenario would be them venting all their anger on these people.

The airship they were on was attacked, and a nobleman was killed.

When have they ever suffered such humiliation?

Simple living facilities existed outside the cave. Women, children, and the elderly awaited the return of the main force. Only when they confirmed their loved ones and friends were safe did they finally breathe a sigh of relief.

With the dissolution of the rebels, the expected disputes occurred as predicted.

A formidable woman followed all the way to the deepest part of the cave. When she was alone, she aggressively demanded, "Why spare those people?"

She strongly disagreed with the leader's decision. If it were her, she would have commanded the execution of all present nobles and wealthy merchants, and the surrendered crew and private soldiers should have had their weapons confiscated and been isolated for supervision. This was already the utmost mercy.

Doing so was not only for revenge but also to protect the safety of everyone in the camp.

The people living here were the lowest-level citizens of the Silver Radiance Empire, most of them having lost their homes and forced to seek refuge here in this uninhabited wilderness. "They all rely on you! When those nobles encounter the Imperial Army, they will surely conduct a large-scale search in the forest, and even the Golden Fleet will arrive. You should know the fate of Riverside Town; everyone in that small town died, with only a few survivors left!"

"I know, Evelyn, they will not let it go."

The masked strong man said calmly, not confronting the agitated Evelyn directly.

"Everyone here has placed their lives in your hands, Lance!"

Ethan had no intention to interfere in their argument, but when the name was mentioned, he couldn't help but feel a sense of respect.

This was a familiar and powerful name. Previously, when the Old Sen Magic Technology Store first opened, their big client was for magic scrolls made by him for her new employee's self-defense. Just recently, the Other Shore had mentioned Lance's outstanding performance in the Neseriel Sanctuary.

Lance completed all the new recruits' training excellently and was recognized by a High-tier Knight with outstanding performance. He passed the Tier Two Knight assessment and was advancing towards the third tier.

The child was naturally suited to be a knight, which was an exceptionally top talent.

An anecdote circulated among the knights, "A young man arrived at the Sanctuary, and everyone believed that given time, he would undoubtedly become a High-tier Knight capable of standing alone in the Sanctuary."

Ethan vaguely sensed some familiarity with the tall figure in front of him. Since the Silver Radiance Empire was almost a mirror image of their place, could their world possibly have a mirror version of them?

Lance in this world was an even more notorious name.

The ace swordsman of the Hero Squad, known as the "Strongest Man in the Empire."

He was immensely powerful, holding his own even against large monsters.

"I know, that's why I must do this."

"Then just tell me why?"

"Evelyn, we shot down a transport airship full of Imperial nobles. Half of those people have their networks in the Imperial Capital. Do you really think that if we killed them and hid the bodies, the Imperial Army would let it slide?"

Lance's question left Evelyn momentarily speechless. She opened her mouth, unable to find words for a long time.

"Regardless, the Imperial Army will come here to search the forest. If we kill them, there will truly be no turning back."

"Lance!"

Evelyn suddenly realized, feeling both shocked and angry, her hand even reaching for the slender sword at her waist, "At this point, do you still plan to wag your tail and plead with the Empire's nobles?"

"To gain a chance for negotiation."

"Negotiation?"

"We hold the chips they are interested in."

"You mean... the Hero?"

"And myself." The tall man smiled. Some of the Empire's grand nobles were very concerned about my whereabouts, and if I disappeared, it would cause many of them sleepless nights. "Using two people as bargaining chips to buy time for your escape is a worthwhile deal, isn't it?"

"You—!"

Evelyn was incredulous. "You should know very well what they'll do to you if you fall into their hands, right?"

"I'm afraid we don't have many options."

Lance sighed, "But you're right, I'm not a great leader. This action was too hasty, putting everyone in danger... However, we mustn't miss this single opportunity. Do you recall the question you asked me when we first met?"