58: Lifesaving grace

"Splash!"

Accompanied by several sounds of splashing water, several huge black shadows beneath the surface lunged out like flood dragons.

Jacques's reaction speed was already fast; upon hearing Kim's warning, he scrambled to his feet immediately, about to flee backward.

But he was not a Transcendent after all. Escaping from ordinary wild beasts was difficult enough, let alone the magic beast that had now revealed its full form before him—the Ironclad Crocodile.

They were covered from head to tail in a layer of thick, hard black armor, with not an inch left exposed.

Compared to ordinary crocodiles, their limbs were thicker and longer, their black claws sharp and intimidating, and the tips of their tails were like cross-shaped blades that seemed capable of slicing through the air.

Although only low-tier magic beasts, they were the overlords of these river waters.

Seeing the five 'reapers' pouncing toward him from less than five meters away, Jacques was scared out of his wits.

At this moment, he felt as if he could see his deceased grandmother waving to him.

A group of guards not far away wanted to rush to his rescue, but not even being Apprentice Knights, how could they possibly make it in time?

Just as Jacques, in the prime of his youth, was about to die at the hands of the magic beasts... Swish, swish, swish!

Several ear-piercing sounds of breaking air suddenly rang out, and white Battle Qi Half-moon Slashes, like bolts of lightning, shot toward the five Ironclad Crocodiles.

In an instant, five sounds of flesh tearing erupted. The hard bodies of the five Ironclad Crocodiles, still mid-pounce, were sliced clean in half at the waist.

The upper half of one of the bodies slammed heavily in front of Jacques, dark Red blood spreading across the ground.

Amidst the shock, everyone instinctively turned their heads toward the direction the Half-moon Slashes had come from.

On a small hill to the rear right stood several figures on horseback, led by a young man dressed in luxurious clothing.

The tall figures on horseback flanking him were all clad in full plate armor. One of them was currently sheathing his sword, clearly the one responsible for the strike just now.

Under the dazzling sunlight, the leading young man said with a smile, "I hope you've been well, Deacon Kim."

Hearing the familiar voice, Kim widened his eyes, squinting against the bright sun to see the young man's face.

A second later, his expression turned to joy. "It is the Lord of Ironthorn Territory, Lord Lister Howard."

"Your timely rescue saved my nephew Jacques's life. I will keep this life-saving grace in my heart and offer my most sincere thanks to you."

Having said that, he respectfully performed a Kingdom Salute to Lister.

Not far away, Jacques, having recovered from the shock, also bowed in gratitude.

"It was just a small effort, Deacon Kim, no need for that," Lister said with a wave of his hand, feeling quite pleased that his goal had been achieved.

In fact, he, Red, and the others had arrived long ago, but they hadn't appeared immediately, waiting precisely for that moment.

After all, there was a big difference between resolving a crisis in advance and saving a life at the critical moment.

The latter would make Kim owe him a huge favor, and he wouldn't miss out on such a free benefit.

After some thanking, the two began to chat. When Kim mentioned coming to Ironthorn Territory, Lister feigned a look of surprise.

At the same time, he gained a general understanding of Jacques, Kim's nephew whom he had saved.

Although little was revealed through words, he could see that Jacques was a very clever youth with an astonishing talent for business.

Soon, the damaged carriage was repaired. Escorted by Lister and his group who were heading the same way, the caravan cast long shadows in the setting sun as it slowly traveled toward Ironthorn Territory... Deep within the Mist Forest.

While Lister and the others were on their way, a great battle was taking place here—or more accurately, a one-sided slaughter.

The Black Flame Demon Bear that had previously attacked Daisna and the others was no longer fierce and tyrannical; it was panting heavily like a stray dog.

Looking at the powerful figures surrounding it, especially the terrifying existence in front clad in silver-white armor and holding a white spear, whose aura was many times stronger than its own.

Covered in wounds, the Black Flame Demon Bear's face showed nothing but despair.

At this moment, a series of chuunibyou-like words slowly rang out.

"Black Flame Demon Bear, from the moment you attacked Miss Daisna, your death was foreordained."

"I, Ellis Clifford, Commander of the Radiant Knight Order, in the name of the holy light god, today carry out a righteous judgment of light upon you, who are mired in darkness."

"Accept your death!"

Although the surrounding knights were complaining in their hearts, they didn't dare show it on their faces, intimidated by the Commander's 'overwhelming authority'.

Besides, this was just the Commander's little 'hobby'; if he liked to talk, let him.

As his words faded, Ellis Clifford gripped his spear with both hands, held it upright before his chest, and then thrust it violently toward the Black Flame Demon Bear.

Clang!

A beam of holy white light, as if descending from a deity, appeared from the sky and then, like a white dragon, slammed into the massive body of the Black Flame Demon Bear.

In an instant, the Black Flame Demon Bear's internal organs exploded, and its consciousness was forcibly stripped away as if by a giant hand, completely dissipating.

With an extremely unwilling and shrill roar, the Black Flame Demon Bear's massive body fell with a heavy 'boom'.

Watching this, Ellis's expression didn't change at all, as if he had just killed a mere chick, and the other knights had long since grown accustomed to it... Ironthorn Town.

Although it was late, the streets of the town still maintained a lively, bustling atmosphere.

Stepping into this barren territory once again, Kim couldn't help but feel shocked.

Just over ten days ago, this place had been a scene of ruin and desolation; how could such a massive change have occurred?

The clean and tidy streets, the budding prosperity of the marketplace, and the heartfelt smiles of the inhabitants were a world apart from before.

Although it was Jacques's first time here, he was also infected by the lively environment filled with laughter.

Noticing their expressions, Lister chuckled and asked, "Deacon Kim, what do you think of Ironthorn Town now?"

"Good, it's truly wonderful," Kim remarked from the bottom of his heart, then praised, "My Lord's governance is truly the best I've seen in my life. If you weren't here, I would doubt this was Ironthorn Territory at all."

Although it smacked of flattery, Lister still enjoyed it.

As they chatted, they arrived outside a newly opened tavern.

Seeing the arrival of Lister, Red, and the other knights, the tavern owner immediately served everyone a large mug of free barley wine, including Kim and his group.

Lister did not refuse his kindness.

While tasting the barley wine, he looked over the Slaves in the cage carts under Kim's introduction.