Chapter 67
Ash drifted endlessly beneath the crimson sky.
The volcanic island continued collapsing around them.
Lava flowed violently through shattered cracks across the black earth while flames consumed everything in the distance.
And at the center of that ruined battlefield—
the Commander knelt weakly against broken stone.
Blood dripped from his mouth.
From his arm.
From the deep burns across his stomach and chest.
Parts of his silver armor had completely melted away.
One of his hands pressed against the ground—
trying to force himself upward.
His arm gave out immediately.
CRACK—
A black blade stopped directly in front of his throat.
The Commander froze.
John stood before him silently.
Black flames twisted around his body like living shadows.
His glowing eyes remained completely still.
The volcanic wind howled loudly between them.
Neither moved.
Blood continued dripping across the shattered ground beneath the Commander.
His breathing became uneven.
Slowly—
his eyes lifted toward John's face.
The sword moved closer.
Just slightly.
The Commander's shoulders stiffened instantly.
One step backward—
but his body failed him.
He almost collapsed again.
John raised the sword higher.
Black flames flared around the blade.
The Commander's pupils shrank.
His fingers slowly tightened against the ground.
Silence.
Only the sound of lava erupting in the distance echoed across the island.
Then—
John suddenly stopped.
The black sword remained suspended above him.
Ash drifted between them.
The Commander stared upward silently.
John slowly lowered the blade.
John: "…How about I don't kill you?"
The Commander's expression changed instantly.
Commander: "…What…?"
Black flames flickered quietly around John's sword.
John: "…I have an offer for you."
The Commander remained completely still.
---
Meanwhile—
deep inside the Lord's territory—
the underground corridors remained silent.
Step.
Step.
Step.
Captain Bochy moved carefully through the dark hallway alongside several freed soldiers.
Nobody spoke loudly.
Nobody rushed forward carelessly.
Only quiet footsteps echoed through the corridor.
One soldier slowly peeked around the corner ahead.
Then quickly pulled back.
Soldier: "…Two guards."
Bochy silently looked toward the others.
Everyone immediately pressed themselves against the walls.
Footsteps echoed closer.
The hooded guards slowly walked through the corridor carrying lanterns.
One passed directly beside Bochy's hiding spot.
Then—
THUD.
The first guard instantly collapsed unconscious.
Before the second could turn around—
another soldier grabbed him from behind.
A hand covered his mouth.
CRACK.
The guard's body went limp.
Silence returned immediately.
One soldier slowly exhaled.
Bochy crouched beside the unconscious guards.
Then dragged both bodies into a nearby dark room.
Captain Bochy: "…Hide them properly."
The soldiers nodded quickly.
Farther ahead—
more footsteps echoed through the underground halls.
Everyone instantly disappeared back into the shadows.
Some hid behind pillars.
Some inside broken rooms.
The hooded guards walked past slowly.
Completely unaware.
Only after the footsteps disappeared—
did the soldiers emerge again.
A younger soldier swallowed nervously.
His eyes moved toward the deeper corridors ahead.
Rows of flickering lights could be seen far away.
Too many.
Captain Bochy slowly tightened his bleeding fist.
Captain Bochy: "…Don't fight unless you have to."
Nobody argued.
The soldiers silently nodded.
Then slowly—
they continued moving deeper into the Lord's territory.
Quietly.
Carefully.
One mistake away from being discovered.
...CHAPTER 67 ENDS...