The following morning, Dustin was deep in meditation and practice. Suddenly, a sharp knock broke his concentration. He opened the door to find Dalen, Miles, Crystal, and Ruby standing outside.
“Dustin, something happened last night!” Miles exclaimed urgently, barely waiting for the door to open fully.
Perplexed, Dustin asked, “What’s going on?”
He found it unusual to see them all assembled at his doorstep at such an early hour with troubled expressions.
“Aldric’s dead! He was beheaded last night!” Miles burst out, revealing the shocking news.
“Aldric?” Dustin was stunned. “The swordsman who dueled me just yesterday?”
“Yeah, that’s the one!” Miles nodded vigorously. “They found his body this morning, headless. It seems like he was taken out with just one clean strike!”
“One strike?” Dustin raised an eyebrow, puzzled. “But Aldric was no amateur with a sword. Who could have had the skill to kill him so effortlessly?”
“Well…” Miles hesitated, uncertain how to continue.
Dalen interjected, “Dustin, rumors are circulating outside linking Aldric’s demise to you.”
Dustin raised his eyebrows in surprise and pointed at himself. “Me?” he exclaimed.
He continued, “Are you kidding? After last night’s encounter with him, I returned to the tavern to rest. I haven’t stepped out since then. How could I possibly have killed him?”
“We also don’t believe it was you, but rumors spread like wildfire. Many have already pegged you as Aldric’s murderer.” Dalen sighed.
“Yeah, last night you managed to defeat him. Plenty of people saw it. And since you were the last person to face him, you’re the main suspect now,” Miles added, his tone serious.
While Dustin hadn’t wielded a sword, his movements mirrored sword techniques. With Aldric’s formidable strength, it was no wonder people were suspicious.
“Aldric’s death has nothing to do with me. I won’t let the gossip get to me. Let them talk. I’ve got nothing to hide,” Dustin said nonchalantly.
Considering Aldric’s penchant for conflict, it could be someone seeking vengeance unrelated to Dustin.
“Dustin, you need to understand the gravity of the situation,” Dalen said, his expression grave.
He went on, “Aldric wasn’t just anybody. He had the full backing of the Bloodfiery Legion. Now that he’s dead, they’ll stop at nothing to find the one responsible. They’re a relentless bunch and won’t hesitate to seek revenge.”
The Bloodfiery Legion members were known for their ferocity and unity. Any attack against them would surely invite swift and merciless retaliation.
“So, you’re saying I’ve gotten into a serious mess?” Dustin asked, feeling confused.
Last night, he never intended to confront Aldric. It was Aldric who challenged him for a duel. And now, unfairly accused of Aldric’s death, Dustin realized he was in a precarious situation.
“Listen up, this isn’t something to take lightly. In my opinion, you must be prepared. Try to avoid getting into trouble for as much time as you can. There’s no reason to put yourself in danger against those lunatics,” Dalen advised.
