The Great Cesspit

In the ensuing silence, Mayor Nick's words struck like knives.

Hong San held his sword, his body trembling, but he couldn't utter a single word.

They didn't make any move.

Even if Mayor Nick were just an arm's length away from him, he was absolutely confident and certain that with his skills, he could launch a sudden attack and instantly behead the other party.

Even if he could righteously Earth's Wrath the other party's actions, attack their intentions, and even seize upon the flaws in their words to curse and question them, pointing out their cold-bloodedness, cruelty, and madness in order to sow discord and undermine the confidence of those from all walks of life behind the mayor.

But none of that matters.

Even if they killed the enemy, the consequences would be far more severe. Not only would all the remaining militiamen die on the city walls, but the remaining elderly, weak, women, and children of the Heaven and Earth Society would also perish, and even Kang De would be implicated and fall into danger.

Moreover, with the mayor dead, the city will lack a strong leader to unite it. Valentan will only crumble faster under the onslaught of the elves, and countless more deaths and sorrows will surely follow.

As for responding with verbal rebuttals... is that even useful?

In times of great chaos, what use are sharp words? What's useful is a knife.

Why did the mayor dare to say such things to him so openly?

It's because this place produced Hong San and his group, the city's elite defense troops, as well as representatives from all walks of life—the sorcerers, wealthy merchants, nobles, and soldiers—who were the backbone of the city's defense. They were upper-class people with many concerns about the city, so why would they care about the life or death of scum and trash?

They even agreed with the mayor's ideas.

A genuine agreement.

Even disregarding one's stance, this is a very simple multiple-choice question.

The enemy is besieging the city with fierce firepower. Who will passively withstand the first wave of attacks to test the enemy's strength and deplete their ranged forces? Will it be a useless rabble, or the city's elite defenses that dare to challenge the powerful elven enemy and even form a defensive formation capable of contending with the elven regular army?

A choice even a three-year-old could make.

Hong San had nothing to say.

Even assuming the worst, the Heaven and Earth Society included both Cathayan and Goth People. Mayor Nick, as the highest-ranking official in the city and surrounding areas, was justified in conscripting people to defend the city. Even if he was brutal and inhumane, Goth law would punish him. As Cathayan, he had no right to criticize him.

And those Cathayan in the team...

If even our own people can be used and sacrificed, then what about foreigners?

Moreover, Hong San had noticed Nick's earlier hesitation; he clearly had something he hadn't said, but seemingly out of respect for Kang De, he ultimately refrained from speaking it.

But Hong San was able to guess what the other party wanted to say.

--Cathay was invaded by foreign tribes, losing its land and territory, and its central government was shaken. Some people in your country are fighting desperately to prolong the nation's life, while you have crossed oceans to flee here. A group of cowards who abandoned their country and fled in a sorry state are nothing but the most useless trash in our eyes, who are fighting to the death!

How could the lives of a group of people who abandoned their country and fled be of any concern to the other side?

Hong San remained silent on this matter.

He stared at Mayor Nick, his eyes pounding, his body trembling, the sword in his hand swaying incessantly.

Despite mustering up the courage to roar in support of another group, I found myself unable to subdue them, or even persuade them... unable to stand calmly on the moral high ground.

And I feel very lost.

Obeying the strong, accepting adversity, and bowing and scraping in exchange for peace—this is what he has been doing all these years, and it is the principle upon which he has relied for survival. Masters are born noble, and servants are born lowly. Some people are born high and mighty, while others are as worthless as dust until death. He has seen these things all the time.

He should be used to it by now.

He had always felt that he was used to it.

Even today, war is brutal, earth-shattering, and lives are extinguished like grass. The lives of the lowly are sacrificed, not because of the cruelty and ruthlessness of the officers, but because of the choices that had to be made. Moral accusations are a joke in the face of the cruelty of war.

But... do those poor people deserve to die?

Hong San felt a sense of panic. He gasped for breath, feeling lost. His philosophy of life over the years had taught him that this was how it was: those in power could manipulate those in lower positions at will. In the face of power, the humble common people had no choice but to submit. This world was like a tower, with those at the top holding the power of life and death, while those at the bottom suffered the most. It had always been this way.

He studied history and ancient texts, listened to his teachers' lectures, and everything he heard and saw made sense. No matter how dynasties changed, the common people were always dead, nine out of ten houses were empty, and the ground was full of white bones. The common people always toiled all day long, were exploited by cruel officials, and barely made ends meet. If they suffered natural disasters or man-made calamities, they would often die in ditches.

They were taxed, they were conscripted, they were humiliated, they were exploited. Now, they defend the city to the death, serving as cannon fodder, slaughtered and crushed by a powerful enemy. And this tragedy has not only occurred in Valentan, but throughout the vast land of the Divine Land, with its centuries-long cycle of dynasties rising and falling, battles and resurgences, how many such things have happened?

The strong rule and plunder everything, while the weak are merely pigs, dogs, cattle, and sheep, to be plundered and bullied at will. This is destiny, the law of the world, an unchanging truth that has stood for millennia. No one can change it; it is fate, destiny. Humans are born suffering only because of sins committed in their past lives. By doing good deeds and accumulating merit, they hope to be reborn into a better family in the next life—what else can they do?

Hong San thought he had seen through everything and felt that the world was just like that, so he might as well live comfortably.

He once firmly believed in this: life and death are predestined, nothing more.

Having experienced life and death on the city walls, and watching those familiar faces being ravaged and trampled by war, their lives vanishing like grass, he felt immense sorrow, pain, and even helplessness.

He knew those people, the people he was familiar with, those faces, their expectant and trusting eyes, their familiar calls... and then they died one by one.

They are human beings too, with families, their own joys and sorrows, timid and cowardly, and all they want is to survive.

Even if I live a lowly life, it doesn't matter.

But even this small wish cannot be fulfilled.

"Wrong..."

He shook his head.

This shouldn't be the case.

None of them are correct.

Things should never be like this.

Even the lowest of people should not die.

His philosophy of life and deeply ingrained beliefs gradually began to waver.

No new philosophies or ideas took their place; only doubt and uncertainty arose within him as he watched familiar faces die helplessly one by one, filling him with immense confusion and unease.

He simply felt that a person's life shouldn't end so hastily, it shouldn't be like this at all. He felt that something must be wrong with this world, but he couldn't put his finger on it or explain it clearly.

He simply felt instinctively indignant and pained.

For those who are born as insignificant as grass and die as dust, the weak, the humble, and those who have no control over their own lives.

With a loud bang.

The longsword in his hand fell to the ground.

Hong San took two steps back, his body swaying slightly.

He turned his head with difficulty to look at Kang De, as if he wanted to say something, but his face showed only sorrow and confusion. From the time he entered the city until today, everything had piled up, all the expectations and pressures had fallen on this firm and reliable body, and everything suddenly erupted in this tragic casualty and great confusion.

He coughed up a mouthful of blood and then fell backward.

Kang De rushed forward and supported Hong San. He quickly checked Hong San's pulse and thankfully, he had only fainted.

Nick raised his hands high and immediately said, "I didn't do anything."

Kang De calmly replied, "I know."

He looked up, his gaze passing over Mayor Nick and his entourage.

It landed on the members of the Heaven and Earth Society on the city wall.

Hong San vomited blood and fainted, only Kang De was the first to catch him.

Chen Honghu, Song Baoyi, Huang Jintong, two Goth leaders whose names they couldn't recall, and several hundred other militiamen watched as Hong San blood and fell into a coma.

They just watched from afar.

They were numb, terrified, utterly horrified. Witnessing the deaths and injuries of their comrades, with the lingering power of the elves still evident, they finally realized the gap between themselves and the real elven army in the face of true strength. They also understood that Hong San's previous victories were nothing more than minor skirmishes.

Therefore, at this moment, their feelings towards Hong San are quite complex.

Because the other party clearly cannot protect himself; he is not omnipotent.

Even when Hong San argued with the mayor, who was more powerful and influential, and then coughed up blood and fainted, they watched from afar, thinking it was a conflict, and dared not come up.

These are all understandable.

But regardless of nationality, world, strength, weakness, courage, or cowardice, as human beings, we must know right from wrong!

His gaze was sharp as an eagle's and a tiger's, causing the members of the Heaven and Earth Society to lower their heads.

Even if they had some criticisms or curiosity about this strategist before, they wouldn't now.

Because everyone could clearly see that they were not far apart, and when everyone on the city walls was being driven back like turtles by the elves, when the elven cavalry had already charged onto the city walls, and when the city was about to fall, it was this strategist who decisively and fiercely drove back the terrifying elven cavalry, with thunderous and explosive force, causing heavy casualties, and personally initiating the prelude to repelling the elves.

Kang De remained indifferent.

And he uttered two words that a human being should never say.

"--Outcast!"

This was actually the second time he had said it.

The first time was on that night in Glittering Sand, when the entire town flocked there for Samuel's bounty. The simple, even humble, commoners instantly transformed into ferocious wolves. Farmers with pitchforks and peasant women with kitchen knives dared to come out and hunt him down—fighting like dogs for a piece of meat thrown out by that fickle bastard Samuel, who treated ordinary people like dirt.

He picked up Hong San and carried him down the city wall. "Make way!"

He really didn't know what to say about Mayor Nick.

Everyone seems to have their own difficulties, everyone is forced into this situation, and everyone is doing wrong things, but in their eyes, these things are all right.

Everyone is like a bastard.

This other world, this society, is simply a cesspool.

The mayor hesitated for a moment, but ultimately stepped aside without saying a word.

Representatives from various sectors behind him also made way, as did the city guards.

Kang De also saw Preston, Mayor Nick's brother and a high-ranking military officer. Preston looked at Kang De with an awkward and somber expression.

Clearly, he admired Kang De's bravery and appreciated his heroic act of turning the tide, but now he could no longer offer congratulations. After a moment of silence, he said in a hoarse voice, "Mr. Dong."

Kang De stopped and looked sideways.

Preston said softly, "Actually, my brother is wrong. In this war, there is no distinction between high and low lives. Everyone has a duty, and everyone can die. My brother's duty is to ensure that everyone's death has the greatest effect and the greatest meaning."

Kang De listened without saying a word and then left.

The young man said from behind, "Mr. Dong, you'll understand."

So, under the watchful eyes of everyone, the greatest contributor to this city battle carried Hong San to the steps of the city wall.

Chen Honghu and the others looked at each other, then stood up and hesitated, wanting to follow. Kang De turned back indifferently. "What are you doing? The mayor said you can leave now?"

Everyone's expression changed, Song Baoyi forced a smile, saying, "Strategist..."

Kang De frowned and asked, "What did you call me?"

Song Baoyi was taken aback, then said, "Strategist, we..."

Kang De coldly said, "Three questions. First, why did you just stand there staring blankly? After he vomited blood and fainted, why did you show the slightest concern? Second, do you know who Hong San was speaking up for just now? Third, Hong San has protected you until today—does he owe you anything?"

At this point, Kang De's tone became increasingly stern.

"If he owes anything, I'll pay it off for him today!"

"Say it!"

The aura of having faced the elves head-on and defeated them was still there, and the killing intent was fully revealed. What power they possessed! Chen Honghu and the others were speechless for a moment, and the others also lowered their heads and stopped in their tracks.

But is this attitude one of fear, or of awakening and remorse?

Kang De looked at it and sneered.

He strode away.

The members of the Heaven and Earth Society dared not give chase anymore—everyone understood that this was no longer a matter of shamelessness, because the other party had clearly decided to kill.

They looked at each other, overwhelmed with mixed feelings, unsure of what to feel at that moment.

Preston, being young, quickly approached the silent Nick and whispered, "Brother... Mayor, aren't you going to explain this to Mr. Dong?"

Nick said slowly, "What's the point of talking about it now that it's already done? All this pretense, this talk of having no choice, this guilt, this shame—it makes me want to vomit."

He turned to his officers and ordered, "Select some militiamen, have them go out of the city by ropes, and bring back the corpses of the elves below. Those not dead should have their tendons severed and ligaments cut off. Have the priests and healers keep them alive; they can be dismembered on the next battle."

"The dead were stripped of their armor, their hands and feet severed, they were castrated, their eyes gouged out, their noses cut off, their tongues pulled out, and all were hung on the city walls."

Among the representatives from various sectors, some showed slight changes in expression, causing a minor stir in the crowd.

Nick glanced at them nonchalantly, then said, "Those who oppose this have ulterior motives; they wish to collude with the elves to surrender the city. Their entire families will be exterminated, the women will be sent to serve the troops, and the men will be sent to stand guard on the city walls."

Then he smiled.

"In short, victory is victory. Gather the brave soldiers, I am about to give a speech."

Kang De carried Hong San down the city wall. The aura he exuded at that moment was truly terrifying. No one, whether soldier or civilian, dared to ask him anything. The city was in chaos, caused by the various spells that had landed during the siege. People were fighting fires and rescuing people. Some were crying out, some were terrified, and many more were whispering among themselves and exchanging rapid conversations with their neighbors on their balconies.

Kang De walked alone on the deserted street.

Suddenly, a carriage drove up, and the driver was none other than the old steward of the Vidal Family.

"Over here!"

Leona rolled down the car window and leaned out. "I'm so glad you're alright! Oh, is he injured? Our chamber of commerce has excellent doctors and medicine. Before the war, that old bastard wouldn't let me out until after we won, when news came back saying you'd made a great contribution. Wow, that's impressive! How did you manage to get out here?"

The girl's voice was chattering, very pleasant, but also filled with worry.

But Kang De doesn't really want to talk right now.

He just gave her a forced smile.

Well... although there wasn't any intense fighting, and although the real battle was just a decision made in those ten seconds or so, he still felt very, very tired.

The girl immediately fell silent and said, "Come on up, Heaven and Earth Society?"

"No, I'll go to your place."

"Good."

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PS1: Update... Let me say it again. Iron Son arrives and beats up the elves. A gorilla arrives and kills all the elves. Everyone happily goes to find the princess, and incidentally kills any elf army they encounter. If I were to write a story with such a straightforward, easy victory, why would I even write this book or this genre?

PS2: The Valentan arc is a major event, not only for the protagonist but also for many others. They experienced and remembered this event alongside the protagonist, and they complemented each other.

PS3: This is the story I wanted to write, at least the story this book wants to tell. Even though the readership and tastes of Shuke have subtly changed, and telling a serious story is becoming increasingly difficult and thankless, whatever, this book will still be written the way it should be. I can understand some friends' thoughts. Of course, there are exhilarating, crushing victories, but besides that, I also want to write about victories that are not easy, even those that involve separation and remembrance...

PS4: That's all for now. I won't say much more. I hope everyone can be patient. -- And please vote! I haven't asked for votes lately and I've been overtaken. I'll be posting two chapters tomorrow, okay?