Dustin and a few others exited the tavern after making the decision. They headed straight to the site of the murder. The location where Aldric met his demise lay just a short mile from the tavern.
With Dustin and his companions setting a brisk pace, they swiftly arrived at the scene. Surrounding the area, a sizable crowd of onlookers had gathered alongside a group of Bloodfiery Legion disciples working to clear the space.
At their helm stood a man dressed in green, his complexion pale and his gaze sharp. Despite appearing around 30 years old, he bore a broken blade on his back with an icy presence.
This man was Kendricks, ranked eighth on the Legendary List.
He was examining Aldric’s body. His expression was inscrutable, yet his eyes revealed a simmering anger.
Despite their usual lack of conversation, their bond as siblings from the same sect ran deep. With Aldric’s beheading, Kendricks, as the older brother, harbored a profound sense of resentment.
“Who’s responsible for this? Who could’ve done such a thing?” Kendricks ‘voice boomed with anger as he gathered the remains of his brother’s body.
“From what witnesses say, Aldric was in a scuffle last night. I bet that someone is likely the culprit,” one of the Bloodfiery Legion disciples reported.
“And who might that be?” Kendricks inquired, his voice tight with rage.
“Our investigation leads to a man named Dustin. He bested Marco, a Kimboku warrior, yesterday, gaining quite a reputation,” the Bloodfiery Legion disciples elaborated.
“Dustin?” Kendricks’ tone turned stern as he narrowed his eyes slightly.” Mobilize everyone. Bring him to me now. If he resists, kill him immediately.
“Yes!” The Bloodfiery Legion disciples nodded in unison.
Just as they prepared to depart, a voice rang out amidst the crowd.
“No need to search anymore. I’m already here.” Dustin calmly pushed through the crowd, maintaining an unruffled expression.
All eyes swiftly fixated on him.
“Hmm?” Kendricks turned around with hostility etched on his face. “What did you say?”
“I’m the one you seek,” Dustin responded truthfully.
“Did you kill my brother, Aldric?” Kendricks’ tone was low and ominous.
“If I denied it, would you believe me?” Dustin countered evenly.
“I only trust the dead,” Kendricks replied coldly.
With his words, the Bloodfiery Legion disciples drew their swords, poised for action. After their shared experiences, Kendricks needed only a glance to convey his orders, and they understood exactly what was expected.
“Wait!” Dalen interjected, sensing the tension escalating.
Stepping forward, he raised his voice, attempting to defuse the situation.” Let’s not rush into things here. There seems to be a misunderstanding.”
A disciple from the Bloodfiery Legion fired back, “And who are you to intervene? You think you can just waltz in and meddle with Bloodfiery Legion’s business?”
Dalen countered calmly, “Listen, there’s a principle at play. ‘Where there’s a debt, there’s a debtor.’ Dustin isn’t responsible for Aldric’s death. The true culprit lurks elsewhere, and I can vouch for that.”
Echoes of support joined his words.
“That’s right! We can vouch for him, too!” Crystal, Ruby, Miles, Laurel, and Willow stepped up alongside Dalen, their voices united.
But skepticism prevailed among the Bloodfiery Legion disciples. “Bah! You’re all working together. Aldric’s death is surely linked to your involvement!”
With tensions mounting, one of the disciples suggested, “Kendricks, shouldn’t we just catch them?”
The clamor of voices underscored the discord, highlighting the urgency of the situation.
“Capture them.”
