Let Him Go!

Time flies by.

From morning to afternoon, in a second, in a minute, in an hour.

The locusts blotted out the sky, moving eastward from Gambia.

With the help of the wind, they move at an astonishing speed, much faster than ordinary locust swarms, because while ordinary locusts migrate in search of food, they never stop, following only the orders of war.

The signal obstruction areas on the satellite cloud images clearly marked the speed of the locust swarm. Real-time images of the scene were also received by national departments of various countries. The terrifying gathering was like an apocalyptic scene, and the horn of destruction had been sounded. According to calculations based on aerial photography, the area covered by this locust swarm had reached several hundred square kilometers... No one doubted that they could devour a small country of more than two thousand square kilometers.

In the face of such a disaster, how insignificant is the power of humanity.

Around four o'clock in the afternoon, even the most oblivious people in Moyani began to sense something was amiss.

Because Comora was France colony... or rather, it was until recently, only the methods of rule and influence were more covert.

Given its influence, its colonial past, the fact that Big Bob, acting as a front man, has consistently controlled several key national sectors in the Comora, and the fact that France exerts influence over this small country at all times, even maintaining military bases and troops within it...

Therefore, there have always been traitors who yearn for a free and prosperous "democratic" life, are willing to betray their ancestors and country, and are willing to be dogs for the ill-intentioned West.

Under the command, these long-buried pieces were activated once again.

Rumors, unrest.

The large influx of people these past two days makes it difficult to distinguish between loyal and treacherous individuals.

When order is restored and the people are united, these lackeys, swayed by the promises and seductions of Fr*nce, can play a very limited role. But now, with the swarm of insects pressing in and a storm brewing, even the most oblivious people have sensed something amiss. Fear is growing, evil is multiplying, and wickedness is finding its opportunity.

A terrible disaster is about to strike.

We were all used as sacrifices.

--Kang De is not a guardian, he is a demon who made a deal with the king. His messenger has arrived to collect his tribute and grant the king eternal youth and power.

Otherwise, why would the king have brought us here and forbade us to leave?

Such news spread quietly.

Evil thoughts are growing.

It is said that when humans gather together, their thinking ability and IQ decline sharply.

They might even believe rumors and incitement that they themselves later find incredibly foolish.

This situation can become even more severe, especially under conditions of panic.

Today, Moyani home not only to local citizens who have experienced the horrors of war, but also to people from surrounding areas who were urgently summoned and escorted here. The former witnessed Kang De's actions firsthand and received his favors, while the latter mostly heard about it rather than saw it firsthand, and since hearing is deceiving, they became skeptical.

When one firmly believes something while simultaneously questioning it, arguments and even conflicts can arise.

Even those who firmly believe in something will waver when there are many more people questioning it.

Because Kang De, the Guardian Kang De, the Chief Kang De... have never shown up.

"People of Comora, I am here! I Chakat II! Your King! I am here! I have not fled, I have not abandoned you, as always!"

The king appeared on the street, standing on the roof of a slowly moving car, holding a megaphone, and shouting to the people. This was the meaning behind his rejection of the ambassador's suggestion and his refusal to seek refuge at the embassy.

In this situation, with fear and anxiety growing, if he were to disappear, the situation would likely spiral completely out of control... Even before the swarm arrives, the people of the city would be killing each other until Moyani is destroyed—so he must stay; he must stand with his people.

Even if what the ambassador said is true... it makes no sense to do so.

"Your Majesty! What has happened? Someone says a swarm of locusts is heading this way!"

"Where is the Eagle God Guardian? Where is the Chieftain?"

"Why won't you let us leave! I'm going east to find my uncle!"

One question after another was thrown out from the crowd. The king pursed his lips, feeling both pain and torment. This was the curse of being a king; sometimes, you had to bear the weight of doubt and even anger.

People are short-sighted and can only see what's in front of them. This is not their fault, because ordinary people just want to live a good life. They hope to be free from worries about food and clothing, and not to be afraid of danger. They hope that powerful guardians can reappear and save them from disaster... and that they will return immediately.

But the king knew, no, Kang De could not return now.

Like everyone else, he assumed Kang De was on his way to France, attempting to establish a successful deterrent and coercion, to find the Fr*nce in this battle of patience, and then to use the France to pressure Big Bob to abandon his attack on Moyani... It was a gamble.

Returning too early means all previous efforts have been wasted, and it means the gamble has failed.

This means that the France and Big Bob had the last laugh.

Therefore, grit your teeth and persevere until the situation becomes irreversible.

He understands this principle, he agrees with it, but he can't explain it to the public.

Because the people didn't understand the meaning of a weak nation or that perseverance leads to victory, they were weak and helpless, only wanting to avoid suffering and protect their own and their families' lives. Therefore, they didn't care about competing with the France in terms of patience; they only hoped that Kang De could abandon everything he was doing and return immediately.

The king could understand this feeling.

He understood all too well the people's hardships and anxieties, which is why he felt pain.

Because compared to the people's "shortsightedness," his "foresight" and "big picture" were based on putting the people in danger, even regarding each and every precious life as a disposable bargaining chip and a number. The ruler should indeed act in this way. Only with rationality and calmness can the greater and longer-term national interests be ensured, and can more people benefit... He knew he had to do this.

But that didn't stop him from feeling pain because of it.

This is the responsibility and... suffering that rulers must bear.

As the king of a weak nation, all he could do was stand up.

Faced with everything, we gritted our teeth, persevered, and bore all the burdens.

He even resorted to the bureaucratic jargon he used to despise, spouting empty and pretentious rhetoric.

"I assure you, this disaster will pass. Believe me, and believe in Kang De..."

"He's fighting for victory, and he'll be back when we need his help!"

"Believe me! Comora People! My people!"

He roared hoarsely as the car drove past ruins and scorched cities, and along the way, he saw pairs of eyes filled with unease, fear, and sorrow.

Even doubt.

Even hostility.

Numb, impoverished, weak, ignorant, lazy, foolish, living a miserable life, yearning for the prosperity of developed countries, easily bought off by petty gains, incited by vicious words, guided by evil intentions, and genuinely fearing and flattering white people... This is a common portrayal of the people in this country, this region, and even this continent.

Even so, they were the people he had sworn to protect.

"Believe me!"

For hours on end, the car wandered through the city. I had drunk many bottles of water, and my throat was burning. Even the most eloquent speaker would run out of words after a long speech.

Besides, the king had nothing to say at all.

In the end, he could only shout hoarsely through a megaphone, and his voice carried for a long time.

"Believe me!"

That's all he could say.

"I am your king! I am here! Watch me! I will not run away! I will be with you!"

So trust me!

Around 4 p. m., the swarm had approached the border between Gambia and Comora.

Around this time, military observer groups from various countries arrived one after another, traveling in supersonic aircraft. Superhumans with special abilities from various countries landed around Moyani by air. Before that, they had seen terrifying swarms of insects surging from the west in the sky.

Several members of the China consulate arrived directly at the embassy.

People from other countries entered the city quietly.

Some were waiting with great interest, some were making the most of the time to report back to their home countries, and some were giving the China Embassy a meaningful look.

Most people's attention was focused on the black man who was shouting at the top of his lungs.

I heard that man is the King of Comora.

Should we go protect him?

The embassy is situated on higher ground; from the rooftop terrace, one can see vehicles traveling in the distance.

The short-haired woman, who had been mostly silent on the plane, said, "He'll die."

The instructor thought for a few minutes, then slowly shook his head. "We have a mission and cannot split up our forces. There are quite a few people from other countries... The strict orders from above are to protect Kang Jinzhu at all costs."

The woman pursed her lips and remained silent.

"What a pity," said the crew-cut guy on the other side. "It's rare to see a black guy with guts."

The king was still doing his best to calm the situation.

As the locust swarms drew near and time passed, the unease and fear in people's hearts grew stronger, and even officials and the hastily formed militia began to waver.

In this small and poor country, unwavering loyalty is a luxury.

Gradually, even people standing on high ground could see the dust rising in the distance.

Fear is spreading.

"Fraud!"

As we passed through a block, excited shouts erupted from the crowd.

"You said the Guardian would help us, but where is he now? Where is the Eagle God?"

"We've received a signal from the radio! The France are saying an ecological disaster is coming! We need to escape!"

We need to get out of here! Now!

The king's voice had become hoarse. "Believe me..."

The voice roared furiously, "You keep telling us to believe you, but why should we believe you?!"

The king searched for the person who had spoken, and upon seeing him, his expression turned to disappointment.

He stared at the person who had spoken, remained silent for a moment, and the person flinched, then straightened up.

Chakat II's voice deepened as he said, "I know you because you are called Bulahan, son of Old Omar. I remember you because you applied for aid for your ailing daughter two years ago. I personally learned about your family situation. You are from Tabula Village, and the collapsed bridge connecting your village to the Sedales Town was funded by a special grant approved by the Royal Fund. From the approval to the receipt of the funds, I signed off on everything."

His voice was distorted by the pain in his vocal cords. "Why won't you believe your king even once?"

The man's face flushed crimson with embarrassment. He glanced around nervously, instinctively taking a step back. "I... Your Majesty... I just..."

The king whispered to him, "I'm sorry."

Then he didn't look at the person again. He raised his head and looked at the people around him, like a walking corpse. His voice was painful and weak, and there was no inflection in his tone.

"Believe me..."

This scene was also witnessed by those secretly observing.

"Look at this wretched land, look at these despicable people, how ironic that they would question the only person in the entire country who has no selfish motives..."

A mocking voice rang out from a building.

The France, who resembled a bear, grinned maliciously. He carried a huge Tomahawk on his back and was inspecting an enormous, ridiculously large shotgun.

With the help of a companion, they entered the city silently and began preparations.

A medium-sized man with a high-bridged nose and brown curly hair gently pulled the bowstring of the alloy bow. After adjusting it, he placed arrows one by one into the custom-made quiver. The arrows, designed by experts in dynamics, materials science, engineering and other fields, have different functions. Some are filled with poison dart frog toxin, while others have trace amounts of CL20 explosive hidden in the arrowhead... He placed them into the quiver in order.

He said, "It seems you have a very high opinion of this king, which is unlike you, Oulus."

The other person spat on the ground, even knocking a small dent into the old floorboards.

Oubus snarled, "Highly praised? No, quite the opposite. I despise this so-called king the most. The other blacks are despicable as a matter of course, but this extraordinary fellow is truly repulsive. Just imagine, a monkey wearing a suit, spouting 'the finest qualities of humanity.' Such clumsy imitation is the greatest offense to me... No wonder the president wants him dead."

The red-haired woman, dressed in a tight-fitting combat suit, was fastening two weapon belts around her body. The tactical belts were studded with small, sharp blades coated with highly poison, while the other belt held a miniature bomb shaped for aerodynamic purposes. She also had six specially made hand grenades at her waist.

"So, gentlemen, is our objective Kang Jinzhu, or this king?"

Oubus, the captain, had a dark glint in his eyes.

"China has also sent people. We just had a brief encounter, and they are now on standby at the embassy. Although we have six men and would be a sure winner in a fight, it's not appropriate for a conflict of this magnitude to break out."

Although he was violent and bloodthirsty, he wasn't brainless. Breaking into the China embassy was one thing, he did it and afterwards it was just a mess, and the higher-ups wouldn't investigate. But clashing with the other side's superpowered individuals, or even resulting in deaths and injuries, was another matter entirely.

"So, we'll stick to the original plan given by the Department of Defense. Once those insects arrive, they'll cooperate with me to besiege the China embassy, breach the China defenses, and then we'll go and rescue the people."

He stood up, picked up his shotgun loaded with ammunition, and squinted in the direction of the king.

"Before that, we can have some fun and cause chaos in the city."

His cruel gaze swept over his companions behind him. Birds of a feather flock together, especially combat teams with military backgrounds. It was unlikely that members would have differing values or frequent conflicts.

Since they have formed teams and been dispatched into battle, their problem-solving patterns are largely similar.

"Gentlemen, wouldn't you like to see a good show?"

He grinned bloodthirstyly. "For example, having this genetically mutated monkey, who's like a wise ruler, die at the hands of the black devils he's sworn to protect? That's my favorite fantasy scenario."

The situation in the city is getting worse.

"Your Majesty, I think you should leave. Anywhere you go is better than staying on the street."

Around 4:20 local time, the situation on the streets became increasingly chaotic. Too many outsiders had gathered there, and the small number of mercenaries and militia guards gradually became unable to maintain order, because they were also human, they also had fear, and they also wavered... and this was a harbinger of collapse.

Dimitri personally drove the king to escort him. At this moment, even the battle-hardened former Vympel officer sensed something was amiss. He tapped the roof of the car, a hint of hesitation flashing in his eyes.

"I have no intention of inquiring about anything. I simply want to ask, Your Majesty, where is Kang De? If you or anyone else can contact him, now is the time... otherwise it will be too late."

Immediately afterwards, the King stepped down from the observation deck on the roof of the car, his voice almost hoarse. "Thank you, my Russia friend. You and your men leave at the next intersection. From now on, I'll drive. I can manage by myself... I can hold on for a while longer."

The Russian hesitated, then said, "You don't have to go to this extent..."

The king shook his head and said, "My people have all misunderstood one thing. Kang De has no obligation to fight for the Comora. If not a single Comora People has fought valiantly and made sacrifices to cooperate with his efforts, what face do we have to beg for his help? Alas, just consider me a fool..."

Just as Dimitri was about to say something, a loud shout suddenly came from afar.

"They're here--"

The swarm is coming!

Both of them were startled, and everyone who heard it stared blankly in the west. The sky in the distance gradually darkened as silvery-gray clouds moved in. Those with telescopes could see it most clearly: silvery-gray Blizzard were flying all over the sky and the ground, like a forbidden zone.

All persuasion, reasoning, concealment, and encouragement proved utterly ineffective.

The firm belief and solid trust collapsed in an instant.

Nothing is more destructive than witnessing it firsthand.

That image instantly transformed into terror, erupting forth.

Anger is often the best way to vent fear and gain courage.

But this anger wasn't directed at the enemy.

The anger born of fear and despair is often directed at the person least likely to be an enemy. Precisely because there is no threat, one can vent their anger with peace of mind.

"Fraud--"

"He killed us—"

"This is a conspiracy between him and Kang De— "

Lies that were once easily exposed have now become ironclad Truth, beyond any doubt.

The roars were incessant.

Anger surged towards them like a tidal wave.

The king's hand, which was inside his robes, trembled slightly, and a complex expression appeared on his face.

One crisis after another, unprecedented exhaustion, helplessness in the face of a powerful enemy, despair at the constant onslaught of disasters, and internal backlash, all while striving to protect the people, only to be criticized and insulted.

At this moment, the black filth climbed up his once noble and luminous soul, causing him to stray and hesitate amidst utter exhaustion, despair, and anger.

He suddenly felt very tired. He suddenly felt that the arrival of locusts wasn't so bad. The country was devastated and hopeless. Today, as the end of Comora, it wasn't so bad... He was already tired.

He hesitated just before pressing the signal generator.

In that instant, the vehicle overturned, the sky and earth churned, and then the vehicle was cleaved in two by a sharp blade. Dimitri drew his gun immediately, but the next moment, Tomahawk was already at his neck.

It slashed his neck, leaving a bloody gash.

"Russia... humph," Oulus said. "Don't kill white people, these are all Russia... The Kremlin has also sent people to Comora, and they're probably watching us right now, so don't kill them. There's no need to push the Russia to the China's side..."

He retrieved his axe, kicked away Dimitri's gun, knocked him unconscious, then grabbed the king by the neck, lifted him up, and jumped onto a nearby three-story building.

The guards in the convoy behind him were either killed or knocked unconscious by his companions.

"Hello, great king. How does it feel to be regarded as an enemy by the people?"

His smile was full of cruel mockery.

The king was utterly exhausted, both physically and mentally, and remained silent.

"Choose your way of dying. Do you want to be torn to pieces by your own people now, or watch them be torn to pieces by insects before you die? Come, look, look at the hatred in their eyes."

Oulus's smile grew even more excited. He was now wearing alloy armor with a heavy inner lining, and holding Tomahawk, looking like a brave and imposing knight.

He raised his Tomahawk high and shouted, "People of Comora! I am from the Special Operations Team of Fr*nce! We are here in Comora to stop the disaster, save you, and punish Chakat II, the traitor who colluded with the China devil, for betraying the country and the people!"

The sound carried far and wide, even silencing the chaotic and distraught crowd around them for a moment... because in their fear, what they needed most was a lifeline.

Oulus, consumed by a frenzied desire to perform, gazed at the pairs of eyes filled with longing and adoration, and, holding aloft the nearly unconscious king he was carrying, roared, "Now tell me, Comora People, how shall we deal with this sinner who betrayed his people and plunged you into danger!"

One of his teammates understood and immediately shouted, "Kill him! Kill him!"

That sound was the first clarion call, and then, the traitors in the crowd stirred. "Kill him!"

Slowly, even the brainless ones started shouting, "Kill him! Kill him!"

The savage sentiment spread with incredible speed. "Kill him! Kill him!"

The sound grew louder and louder.

The weakened king slightly raised his head, looked down at the vast crowd below, then glanced at the silvery-gray waves sweeping in from afar, and slowly tugged at the corners of his mouth.

"How are you feeling, Your Majesty?"

Oulus whispered with glee, "Don't you think they're like dogs?"

The waves below are getting bigger and bigger.

"Kill him! Kill him! Kill him!"

The king remained motionless, as if he were dead.

But the next moment, a piercing voice cut through the air. "Let him go!"

The sound was so shrill that it drowned out the entire wave of noise. Accompanied by Zilla's electronic voice, the people's frenzy turned into astonishment and bewilderment. Everyone turned to look, and there, on the overturned carriage by Oulus, a man was holding the megaphone left behind by the king, shouting, "Release the king!"

His name was Bulahan, son of Old Omar, an ordinary villager from Tabula Village under the jurisdiction of the Sedales Town. The king knew everything about his family.

He was being watched by the boundless darkness. His body trembled, and his lips trembled. He didn't know why he was standing there, or how he had the audacity to do such a thing.

But his mouth seemed unable to control itself as he shouted, "Release the King!"

Oulus's gaze darkened. "Who are you? His lackey? Why have you stepped forward!"

Bulahan took a deep breath, his face flushed red, his legs trembling, and he stammered, unable to speak. But finally, he shouted, "Because he knows who I am and you don't!"

The king's body jolted suddenly.

He raised his head, a complex and unfathomable look flashing in his eyes. He looked down at the person below, not too far away, not too close, so he couldn't see his expression, but he could see the proud and upright figure.

It seemed like an abstract concept, a kind of... hope.

The next moment, blood splattered, and the heavy Tomahawk roared down, cleaving Bulahan in two. The axe blade embedded itself in the vehicle with a deafening crash. At the same time, the king screamed, "No!"

He struggled fiercely, only to meet Oubus's bloodthirsty gaze. The France said grimly, "Boring. I suddenly don't want to play this game anymore. You..."

Suddenly, his expression hardened. "What are you pressing?"

With his other hand, he tore the king's clothes, and a palm-sized device fell out, rolled a few times on the ground, and had only one red button on it, which flashed a few times.

An extreme sense of unease welled up inside me.

He shouted sternly, "Warning! Kang De..."

As he said this, he strained his left hand, trying to strangle the king.

But the next moment, a black glint flashed in his peripheral vision, and a hand suddenly reached out from the side, burning with intense flames, and grabbed his left arm!

Oulus turned his head abruptly, and at extremely close range, met a pair of burning eyes.

As the Phoenix Flame soared, the wheel of time turned its hands.

￥￥￥￥￥￥￥￥￥

PS1: Seven thousand words! Everyone says I'm ending a chapter prematurely! But this is exactly where I've ended it! Even if it's seven thousand words, this is the most I can go! I'm so desperate!