Mev's slow steps resembled a burning red torch, capturing the attention of everyone present.3

"Stop! Halt! Protect the king!"1

Although one of the knights shouted, no one dared to rush toward her recklessly. Facing certain death, few could muster the courage to confront her. Paralyzed by fear, everyone remained fixated on Mev, unable to look away. This allowed Ian, crouching low and sprinting to the side, to go unnoticed.0

One down, Ian mused.0

A tingling sensation spread from his fingertips, and the Swamp's Resentment extended its grasp toward one of the minions nearby. Without sparing a glance, Ian dashed toward his next target.1

Suddenly, Lucia, whom he had left in the mansion's hideout with Philip and Miguel, came to Ian’s mind. The girl who had witnessed the horrific scene before her eyes yet hadn't shown any sign of fear. However, her gaze, as she looked at him, was filled with earnestness, as if pleading to him not to forget her request.1

...This is why I hate dealing with kids. Thinking this, Ian eyed a nobleman under his nose. The nobleman's eyes widened as he noticed Ian's approach, but it was too late.1

Thud!0

Ian's hand had already...1