Amber Sword
Chapter 141: Act 5 Confrontation_2

Chapter 141: Act 5 Confrontation_2

This unexpected change surprised the accomplices of the opponent, who instinctively drew their swords. Brand also drew his sword and got off the carriage, instantly filling the air with the sound of longswords being unsheathed.

"Who are you?" The merchant in the back raised his voice and asked sharply, realizing that Brand’s sword was extraordinary. But seeing that he was a young man and not dressed as a noble, his guard naturally eased a bit. After all, this merchant had spent his life in Ridenburg and had little experience. If he were a noble, he would at least recognize the threat Brand’s sword posed.

Brand glanced at him, not bothering to speak a single word to this scum.

However, this sword changed his stance instantly. Those who had been oppressed, old and young, male and female, had long been disgusted by the opponent’s actions. They lacked the ability and courage to resist, but now that someone capable had stepped forward, they instinctively chose to stand by Brand’s side.

Brand not only became their savior but also a natural leader. The atmosphere changed subtly; the merchant initially planned to bully the few with the many, but seeing the crowd behind Brand, he suddenly became uncertain.

A flock of sheep alone may not be fearsome, but if led by a lion, it becomes entirely different. Brand at this moment was that lion leading the sheep.

Of course, if the merchant knew Brand could single-handedly kill his ragtag group two or three times over, he probably wouldn’t think that way. His indecision, coupled with the wailing of the guard who had lost a hand, made him even more confused.

It was at this moment that another group arrived. Brand recognized them immediately by their attire as the Security Cavalry of Ridenburg.

Since Ridenburg has a Swordsmen regiment of the White Mane Legion stationed, the area lacks a Guard Team. Local security is generally handled by local guards and the Security Cavalry, but neither force has an official establishment and both belong to the Noble Council. In earlier years, their presence marked the growth of local influence.

However, these non-specialty local forces mostly became local bullies, making the previous merchant appear almost like a law-abiding citizen in comparison. In Brand’s memory, the most laughable part was that the local guards and Security Cavalry in Ridenburg even became enemies, hiring players to fight for territories.

Having done those series of tasks before, his memory was vivid. Thus, seeing these people now, he instinctively felt some revulsion.

"What are you doing here, fistfighting in the street?" The tall Cavalry Captain asked, arrogantly. He glanced at the merchant sideways, his expression slightly easing: "Isn’t this Bonuan’s big dye merchant Mr. Markov? How’s business?"

Markov forced a smile and nodded: "Not bad, Captain Yulier. But there’s someone here killing people in the street and injuring my men, what do you suggest?"

The Cavalry Captain frowned. Normally, he would seize the chance to extort from this guy, but with the town in ruins and people dying, he had no spare thoughts. Nonetheless, accustomed to wielding power, he instinctively maintained a superior attitude: "Who are you?"

Brand glanced at him, casually making up: "Du’en."

The Cavalry Captain frowned, suspiciously eyeing Brand. But it was at that moment that a commotion erupted behind the crowd, accompanied by terrified screams: "Monsters, monsters! Lots of monsters behind us!"

"It’s the Undead, everyone run!"

Madara’s vanguard had arrived.

The people behind immediately moved faster, pushing through and inevitably affecting Markov’s guards and Yulier’s men at the front. But the guards wouldn’t let the people behind pass, so they began hitting the incoming people on the heads with their sheathed swords. The people found themselves stuck, unable to move forward or retreat, their cries filling the air.

Yulier frowned. Unlike the rural merchant, he had seen some things. Realizing that blocking the way was impossible under such circumstances, he had to think of another solution. His gaze soon fell on the people ahead.

"You," he pointed at Brand: "Get the carriage over here, and the rest of you, come block the road! Everyone else, make way, let us through to the front!"

His words left the crowd behind Brand stunned. They already harbored resentment towards Yulier’s group’s actions. Seeing them carelessly using swords to stop escaping people, they were secretly displeased, sharing a common sympathy as refugees.

"Why should we?" Someone in the crowd asked discontentedly.

"Nonsense." Yulier’s men formed a lineup, unsheathing their longswords. "As citizens of Ridenburg, it’s your duty to help the Security Cavalry maintain order. What, do you intend to resist?"

Everyone looked at the lined-up cavalry, their longswords gleaming coldly— and then at the street engulfed in blue flames behind them— the eerie blue flames were unsettling, especially with shadows of bone skeletons faintly visible through the smoke. Unable to decide, they fell silent.

All eyes turned to Brand.

"Damn it, being a hero is really tough." Brand felt uncomfortable. But seeing the civilians blocked by Markov’s guards, their eyes filled with despair, he couldn’t help but sigh inwardly.

No matter what, half of his soul came from the present day, inherently representing a civilized, orderly, and peaceful society— his greatest pride, never to be trampled upon.

His body leaned forward slightly, assuming the most basic attacking stance of Erune Military Swordsmanship:

"I’ll count ten. If you’re still here by the count of ten, don’t blame me for being rude."

Brand answered calmly.

Everyone was stunned—

Especially Yulier and Markov, almost doubting their ears. The Cavalry Captain felt as though he had been slapped in the face, unable to contain his anger, he shouted: "Kill him!"

The cavalry raised their longswords and charged forward.

(PS. I will keep writing and updating today, everyone stay tuned. Please vote for the Monthly Ticket for next month.)