Chapter 40: Annihilation (Part 3)


    Han Ming''s actions caused a massive uproar in Wild City.


    It had been a long time since Wild City had seen such a major incident, but ever since this unfamiliar young man arrived, he had been continuously challenging everyone''s mental resilience.


    From causing a scene at the mercenary inn and single-handedly taking on the city''s garrison, to ruthlessly slaughtering members of the Busman family, and now, in a single night, wiping out all of the Busman family''s businesses, it seemed Han Ming was determined to erase this once-powerful family from Wild City entirely. It was even rumored that last night, this young man had split a first-tier berserker named Saben, who had taken the Busman family''s bounty, in half. This series of actions had captured everyone''s attention.


    People were speculating wildly about Han Ming''s motives.


    Some said it was because the Busman family had inadvertently offended Han Ming''s friend.


    Others claimed that Han Ming was actually the illegitimate child of one of the Busman family''s elders, or even Patriarch Bodie himself, abandoned since childhood, and now he had returned for revenge.


    There were also those who believed Han Ming was trying to establish his dominance in Wild City by making an example of the Busman family.


    In short, rumors were flying, each more elaborate than the last.


    In the city lord''s mansion...


    Li Zhan, the city lord of Wild City, toyed with an exquisite dagger in his hand as he listened to the complaints of Bardel, the commander of Wild City''s garrison.


    "Old Brother Li, the whole city is buzzing about this. Han Ming has caused too much of a stir this time. Wiping out an entire family has caused panic among some of the smaller and medium-sized families. Many have come to me complaining that they feel their safety is threatened. Some even whisper behind my back that the garrison is afraid of Han Ming, that we''re too cowardly to step in and stop him."


    Li Zhan, of course, understood what Bardel was getting at. It was he who had advised Bardel to stay out of it initially. Now, the garrison''s reputation had taken a hit, which was to be expected. But Li Zhan didn''t mind. After all, what was the big deal about wiping out one family? This world operated on the principle of survival of the fittest. Years ago, the catastrophe caused by mages had wiped out several large cities in the Monte Empire, and in the end, nothing came of it.


    If Han Ming could wipe out a family, it meant he had the strength to do so. And with strength came the right to speak. On this continent, wars big and small were fought every day. Countless people died in the chaos—some deserved it, while others were innocent casualties. High-level warriors and mages often slaughtered thousands over personal grievances or even a simple argument. What was one small weapons family in the grand scheme of things? Besides, Han Ming was his son Li Chengfeng''s sworn brother.


    Li Zhan cut off Bardel''s complaints with a wave of his hand. "Let the rumors spread. They''ll die down soon enough. I''m a busy man, with many important matters to attend to every day. A small family like that isn''t worth my time."


    Bardel cursed inwardly. What important matters? You spend your days drinking tea and chatting. Wild City is just a border town—what major issues could there be? You''re not busy at all! You''re just trying to win over Han Ming because of his potential. Bardel couldn''t help but feel regret. What a promising young man Han Ming was. If only they hadn''t had that misunderstanding earlier, Bardel would have tried to recruit him into the army.


    Li Zhan unsheathed the dagger and ran his fingers along its sharp blade. He glanced at his son, Li Chengfeng, who was sitting nearby, and asked, "Feng''er, how much do you know about this Han Ming?"


    Li Chengfeng, in stark contrast to Bardel, had been closely following Han Ming''s every move. Hearing his father''s question, he excitedly waved his hands and said, "My sworn brother is a true hero! He''s bold, straightforward, and has a strong sense of justice! From the day I met him, I knew he was no ordinary man. His feud with the Busman family is well-deserved. I think Han Ming did the right thing. If it were me, I''d do the same."


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    Li Zhan nodded thoughtfully and then asked, "You said he was captured by an organization called the Dark Hall and had a feud with Bodie''s son. But do you know what he did before he was captured? Where is he from? I had someone look into him, but there''s no record of him before he appeared in Wild City. Given his personality and strength, it''s strange that there''s no information about him. Don''t you find that intriguing?"


    Li Chengfeng was also puzzled by this. Could it be that Han Ming had gone from an ordinary person to his current level of strength in just a couple of years? If so, his talent was terrifying! Moreover, from his interactions with Han Ming, it seemed like Han Ming knew very little about Wild City—no, even about this world—as if he were a newborn baby. Perhaps he came from a distant, unfamiliar place?


    After thinking for a while, Li Chengfeng couldn''t come up with an answer. He had asked Han Ming about these things before, but Han Ming had always been evasive. Maybe he had his reasons for keeping it secret.


    In any case, Li Chengfeng decided not to dwell on it. "I don''t care about any of that. All I know is that Han Ming is my sworn brother now. I treat him like a younger brother, and he treats me like an older brother. That''s all that matters."


    Li Zhan chuckled and shook his head at his son''s words. This son of his was too trusting, too straightforward in his dealings with others. While this could be a weakness, it was also a strength. It allowed him to make friends easily and build a wide network of connections. Though he might suffer some setbacks, it was all part of a young man''s growth. The path of youth was best walked by the young themselves.


    Meanwhile, Kelwin was feeling triumphant. After being accepted into the Dark Hall and taken under the wing of the second-tier fire mage, Master Pratty, he had been brought back to Wild City to participate in the upcoming magic academy admissions. Pratty had even promised to recommend him to the academy and, if possible, have him become the personal disciple of the academy''s vice-principal, the great fire archmage, Odonko. What an honor that would be!


    Kelwin was already dreaming of his future. He was certain he would become a revered figure, someone who could change the world with a wave of his hand. How many people could become mages? And among mages, how many could become fire mages? He was one of the lucky few, a favorite of fate, destined to bring glory and prosperity to himself and his family.


    But when Kelwin returned to Wild City, eager to be welcomed by his family, he was met with shocking news: his family had been wiped out!? Who would dare do such a thing!?


    "Master Pratty, my family..." Kelwin stammered, his voice trembling. Kelwin had never been a brave person. His courage came entirely from his identity as a fire mage. He had grown up pampered, with his family always there to back him up when he was bullied or faced setbacks. This had made him arrogant and rude, yet cowardly at heart. He had never truly handled anything on his own, yet his pride was unusually strong. The slightest disrespect could send him into a rage. It was this very trait that had nearly led to his downfall when he was ambushed by Kaja, and later when he was almost tricked by Dar and Han Ming. Only the intervention of the black-robed man had saved him. This incident perfectly highlighted Kelwin''s inherent weakness.


    After the initial anger came fear. Kelwin wasn''t stupid. His family wasn''t a weak force in Wild City. If someone could wipe them out, that person must be incredibly powerful. He began to feel afraid, even considering fleeing the city. He feared that the person who had destroyed his family would come for him next.


    The second-tier fire mage, Pratty, dressed in a long robe, spoke in a low voice, "Don''t worry. Let''s go to your family''s estate first. I''ll handle everything. You''re a member of the Dark Hall now, and we don''t let our people suffer unjustly."


    Hearing this, Kelwin''s confidence returned. That''s right, with Master Pratty backing him, what did he have to fear? Whoever dared to do this would pay dearly! Kelwin''s anger flared up again. Yes, this fool was angry once more.


    As Kelwin and Pratty entered the family estate, they were met with a heavy, oppressive atmosphere. The once-bustling entrance was now deserted, with fallen leaves scattered by the wind. No one had even bothered to clean the family''s front gate, a clear sign of the devastation the Busman family had suffered.


    A servant recognized Kelwin, and the look of despair on his face instantly turned to joy. He rushed into the estate, shouting, "The young master has returned!"


    Seeing that he had become the family''s last hope, Kelwin felt a surge of excitement. He secretly reveled in his newfound importance.


    Pratty, noticing Kelwin''s expression from the corner of his eye, frowned. This boy was truly an odd one. His family had been brought to ruin, yet he could still smile.


    When Bodie heard the servant''s announcement, he pushed away the attendant supporting him and hurried to the front courtyard. Seeing his son Kelwin and the robed man, he immediately understood that this was the great fire mage. Their family was saved!


    "My son! You''ve finally returned. Our family has been wronged," Bodie said, his aged face lighting up with hope as he clutched his son''s hand and poured out his grievances. This son of his, with his fire mage talent, was now the Busman family''s only hope.


    Kelwin, however, raised his head proudly and declared, "Father, don''t worry. I''ll make sure our enemies pay!"


    Bodie sighed inwardly at his son''s naivety. Even if you''re a fire mage, you''re still just a beginner. What can you do? And why aren''t you introducing this great fire mage to me first instead of boasting? Foolish, so foolish.


    Pratty cleared his throat disapprovingly.


    Only then did Kelwin realize his mistake and hurriedly said to Bodie, "Father, this is Master Pratty, a fire mage. He will support us. Don''t worry."


    Bodie looked hopefully at Pratty, who gave a slight nod. Only then did Bodie breathe a sigh of relief.