The dirt road was surrounded by a dense forest, where trees lined both sides, creating a shadowy corridor that filtered the sunlight. The ground was covered in dust and loose stones, with some exposed roots protruding from the earth. As they advanced, the creaking of branches and the sound of horse hooves set the pace of the journey, interrupted only by the occasional bird song or the whisper of wind through the leaves.Ten horses, of different sizes but all strong and well-trained, marched in a tight formation.
The riders, fully covered in gray cloaks and hoods, remained silent, their eyes watchful of the surroundings. Each carried a full set of weapons, ready for any eventuality.
Beside them, a silver-furred wolf walked effortlessly, eyes fixed on the path. His presence was imposing, and his sharpness seemed as dangerous as the men accompanying him. It was Eclipse, Ethan's companion, always alert and in perfect sync with the group.
Ethan, dressed in a gray robe that didn't stand out too much, was in the center, surrounded by the group of Vespers. The men around him, all armed and hooded, advanced with confidence. Shen Bao and the Hu brothers marched by his side, scanning the surroundings with intense focus, prepared for any threat.
The goal was to reach the City of Rong. Ethan had been away for some time and needed to see his family. However, his return wasn't solely for family matters. He was also looking for subjects for his experiments—people who could be used for his purposes. He knew that, thanks to his family's reputation in the city, negotiating with local authorities would be easier and he could get what he needed.
His eyes were set on prisoners condemned to death: murderers, bandits, and irredeemable criminals. In the City of Rong, where his family still held influence, speaking with the local authorities wouldn't be an issue.
The journey was uneventful. Upon arrival, Ethan noticed that nothing had changed. The streets were still bustling, with merchants shouting their prices and children running between the stalls. People lived their daily lives as if the world wasn't about to burn.
"They seem unaware of what's happening in the east," Ethan thought, watching the carefree faces.
Maybe some merchants or influential families were aware, but most hadn't heard the news yet. Their ignorance wouldn't last long. Once the war spread across the country, no one would be safe. All social strata—rich or poor, civilians or cultivators—would be dragged into chaos.
They arrived at their residence without issues. After a brief meeting with his parents, Ethan politely excused himself and immediately left with Shen Bao and the Hu brothers toward the city dungeon. He knew exactly what he was looking for.
The entrance to the City of Rong's dungeon was austere, built of dark stone, with a wrought iron gate as the only visible door from the outside. Two guards, armed with long spears and wearing light armor, watched the entrance from inside a small booth.
One of them looked up upon seeing the group approach. He recognized Ethan immediately. His expression changed entirely—from boredom to a mix of surprise and hurried courtesy. He stepped forward several paces, bowing his head in respect.
"Master Li," he said in a flattering tone, "how rare to see you around these parts. To what do we owe the visit?"
Ethan stopped in front of him, calm.
"I want to speak with the person in charge of this place," he replied bluntly.
"Captain Luo? Of course, of course. One moment, please. I'll let him know."
The guard signaled to the other and ran to open the gate. No further questions were asked.
Shen Bao and the Hu brothers stayed in the vestibule. Ethan was guided down a stone hallway, lit by oil lamps, to a room with a simple table and wooden chairs.
Shortly after, Captain Luo appeared. He was a stocky man with a broad face and thick eyebrows. His uniform, though not dirty, showed signs of constant use. He walked calmly, as if never in a rush. Upon seeing Ethan, he smiled broadly and extended a hand.
"Master Li! An honor to have you here. Would you like something to drink?"
Ethan took a seat, replying with a slight smile.
"Just a moment of your time. It won't take long."
Luo sat on the other side of the table, curious. Though his tone remained cordial, a faint glint of interest appeared in his eyes. He wasn't stupid. He knew the visit wasn't casual.
Ethan pulled a small pouch from his robe. The metallic sound of coins rang out as he placed it on the table. He didn't say anything yet. He simply left it there, within the captain's reach.
"I've been thinking," Ethan began. "There are men here with no future. People the law has sentenced to death. Bandits, murderers, caravan thieves. You understand the type."
"Perfectly," said Luo, glancing at the pouch. He hadn't touched it yet, but his left hand twitched slightly, as if restraining itself.
"I need some of them," Ethan continued. "Not many. I want them handed over to my custody. No questions. Understood?"
Luo didn't respond right away. Instead, he picked up the pouch and opened it carefully. He peeked inside and whistled softly. He closed the pouch again with a calm smile.
"I understand perfectly."
He rested both elbows on the table and spoke in a low voice, almost as if sharing a secret between friends.
"You see, most of the condemned here are already ready to die. No one will miss them. Sometimes they don't even have family to claim them. If you want to take a few, I can arrange it. As long as... well... there's discretion. And a small token of appreciation on your part, like this," he said, tapping the pouch lightly.
Ethan nodded.
"I don't need many. For now, five. Maybe more in the future."
"Five is fine," Luo replied quickly—almost too quickly. "There are several recent arrivals who haven't been executed yet because the date is still being processed. We can make them 'disappear' before the order arrives. I can even help you choose the most suitable ones."
In his mind, the captain was already calculating. If every visit brought a pouch like that, this would be the most profitable business he'd ever had. No risks. No need to move soldiers. Just keep his mouth shut and let a bunch of human trash walk out. A marvel.
"Do you want to take them today or would you prefer we prepare them for tomorrow?"
"Tomorrow. In a closed cart. Discreet."
"Perfect. I'll handle it myself. Would you like to see them?"
"Of course."
Luo got up from his chair, pleased. He walked with the satisfaction of a man who had just received an unexpected gift. They left the room and passed through several corridors until they reached a quieter part of the dungeon. The air was heavier there. The smell of damp, sweat, and excrement was strong. The cells were made of stone with thick bars. Inside, disheveled and silent figures watched from the darkness.
"Here we have a few," said Luo, pointing to a cell where two men sat silently, hunched against the wall. "Bandits from the northern roads. They killed an entire family, including children. They won't last long."
He continued walking and pointed to another cell.
Ethan observed without expression. Each prisoner he saw was assessed coldly, as if they were lab specimens. He took mental notes, saying nothing.
"By dawn tomorrow, you'll have them at your residence. No one will ask questions. Not the soldiers, not the scribes. They'll be recorded as executed, and that's it."
Ethan nodded again.
"Then we have an understanding."
"Completely," the captain replied, grinning from ear to ear.
When they left the cell area, Luo said goodbye with an exaggerated bow. Ethan returned to Shen Bao and the Hu brothers, who waited patiently at the entrance.
As they exited the dungeon, the guard at the gate hurried to open it without a word. A single glance was enough to confirm everything had gone smoothly.
While they walked away through the streets of Rong, Ethan said nothing. His steps were firm, his mind already focused on the preparations for the next phases.