The Lowborn

Where did the princess go?

The Knight Lost was overcome with shock and anger, losing his composure for the first time.

He was a retainer of the eldest prince.

His Highness the Crown Prince attaches great importance to this operation.

Intercepting Goth's mission and preventing it from reaching the capital was official business.

The capture of Princess Goth and her presentation to the eldest prince was a private matter.

Now, the plan has been forced to start ahead of schedule, and the Cathayan has become the biggest variable. From the moment the other party discovered the poison in the wine, the hastily launched hunting plan has been constantly deviating from its course, and now, the biggest variable has appeared - Princess Tina has actually disappeared right before his eyes.

This means that the eldest prince has encountered problems in both his official and personal affairs.

For Knight Lost, who had boasted and longed to perform meritorious service for His Highness and gain his favor...

Unacceptable.

This is unacceptable.

The reason he was so nonchalant before was because those were trivial matters he didn't care about.

Now, he has lost his composure.

"What a wonderful expression."

Kang De seized every opportunity to deliver a sarcastic remark. "I hope your expression will be even brighter when I scatter your mother's ashes—I'll definitely take a picture as a keepsake."

"Shut up!"

Knight Lost roared fiercely, his Dou Qi suddenly erupting. He forced Cleveland back with a sword strike, then charged towards Kang De. Five golden swords emerged from behind him, and the six swords struck out simultaneously, weaving a storm of light and blades that slashed down on Kang De!

Cleveland had no time to think. He raised the Firekeeper's Round Shield and charged towards Kang De, trying to intercept the terrifying attack, but that was exactly what Lost wanted to do!

The six swords turned and attacked Cleveland, who was unable to react in time to come to his aid. However, silver Dou Qi condensed on the shield, and the ethereal, dazzling light shield suddenly unfolded. Cleveland let out a low roar, and the two Dou Qi collided fiercely. The light shield shattered, and the knight groaned and staggered backward, his left arm holding the shield trembling uncontrollably.

Lost wanted to give chase, but just then, gunshots rang out. Kang De's nail gun fired repeatedly, the nails imbued with Flame Element, the sparks tearing through the air, scorching hot. Lost parried with his sword, flames exploding as he dealt with and grew accustomed to this high-speed, dense fire. Just then, another gunshot rang out!

The Type 92 pistol fired a sharp bullet, its tip engraved with a sharp enchantment. With a long, metallic clang, the bullet embedded itself in Lost's sword!

Lost was startled; Cleveland had already regrouped and was standing beside Kang De.

Footsteps approached from behind, and shouts rang out; the knights and guards of the manor were about to arrive.

"So, the reinforcements have arrived." Kang De brandished his weapon and sneered, "Shall we begin the second round?"

Knight Lost's gaze was sharp as he glanced at the battle-ready Cleveland, then sneered, "Your skills have improved; you've actually managed to hold them off. However, I know where the princess went. So Eternal Tranquility's Protection has this kind of supernatural power after all. You've kept it a secret very well..."

Without hesitation, he turned and left, unleashing his Dou Qi as he sped towards the manor.

Cleveland's skills have improved, and he can't be defeated in a short time. Kang De's weapon is powerful, and the two of them together are even more difficult to deal with. Even with the help of the knights, it will probably take some effort... But the princess is always the most, most, most important target.

So we can't waste any more time.

Since they left via teleportation, we can only ask Mage Richard to track their coordinates using elemental fluctuations. As for the lives of Cleveland and the Cathayan, that's no longer important.

He cannot afford to waste a single moment.

With this in mind, Lost turned and left, leaving only his calm voice echoing in the distance. "These two are yours. The Cathayan possess powerful weapons, so be careful to avoid them. However, the number of times these weapons can be used is limited, so..."

The rest of the conversation was not very clear.

Kang De and Cleveland exchanged a glance, and the knight said, "How could he...?"

"Stop hesitating!" Kang De shouted, turning and running. "This guy may have escaped, but his henchmen are here. I don't want to fight them head-on at a time like this. Let's run!"

Kang De's line of reasoning was very clear from beginning to end.

In this sudden and unprepared encounter, his greatest advantage was completely rendered useless. Therefore, his primary objective was to escape to a safe place, prepare for a comeback, and kill his entire family!

The knight stumbled slightly after being pulled by him, but then caught up.

He said, "Where do you want to run?"

Kang De pointed to the town. "It's too easy to be chased in the open, there's nowhere to hide. Let's go to town! There are plenty of houses and buildings here, we can find a safe place to hide, it will only take a few minutes!"

Three minutes—that's the time Kang De needed to rappel downstairs to retrieve his car from outside the complex to return to Earth.

If we can secure this time, then we can Mount Akina!

He turned to look at the dozen or so knights and dozens of soldiers, and sneered, "These people think they can capture us? They're dreaming!"

Just then, urgent bells rang out from the center of the town.

The knights and soldiers from the manor shouted in unison, "Lord's summons! Attention all militia and residents of Glittering Sand! Assassins are attempting to assassinate Your Lordship! One Goth People, the other Cathayan! Anyone who captures either of them or provides crucial clues will be rewarded with fifty silver coins! Furthermore, they can recommend a member of their family to become a knight's squire in Glimmering Sand Castle, thus ending their status as commoners!"

The knights were physically strong and had powerful voices. Some of the best of them were even enhanced by their Dou Qi, making their voices resound and carry far, enveloping the entire town.

The sound of bells never ceased.

It was already night, and the townspeople, lacking entertainment options and wanting to conserve lamp oil, had turned off their lights early. Those who had drifted off to sleep were awakened by the sound of bells, and then heard these words.

One tells ten, ten tell a hundred, and neighbors tell each other.

The quiet town instantly came to life.

The doors and windows were pushed open, and sleepy-eyed people looked outside.

Then, someone saw Kang De and Cleveland.

A townsman's eyes widened, and he shouted, "They're here!"

Cleveland shoved the stunned Kang De and shouted, "Run!"

They took off running, appearing to the discoverer like two bags of silver coins fleeing at breakneck speed. Their escape gave the commoner a false sense of security and ambition; he ran out with a pitchfork, shouting, "Don't run!"

Even more people poured out!

Farmers rushed out of the houses lining both sides of the street, carrying farm tools; townspeople rushed out with spears; even women rushed out with kitchen knives! In the eyes of these commoners, Lord Glittering Sand was their ruler, possessing supreme power and prestige; he would surely keep his promises!

Silver coins! Knight's squire!

Money and status!

These two things are the greatest temptations that these people, born ignorant and lowly, can think of!

The deafening shouts and cries of battle urged more hesitant people to join the fight, for humans are creatures of the herd. As the Viscount said, "The neighbors have done it too, so if I don't, I'll be missing out!"

Maybe I'll be the one to benefit from this!?

Anyway, everyone did it!

Suddenly, the whole town became noisy, even turning into a carnival.

Kang De felt surrounded by shouts of killing. He felt both absurd and furious. A communist successor born in the new China, with impeccable revolutionary credentials, was plunged into a sea of people's war on his very first night in this alien Civilization —how ironic!

"Go this way!"

The knight pulled him into a side alley, then turned back and asked, "Kang De, what's wrong?"

"... What's going on?"

As Kang De ran, he shouted, "What's wrong with them? The Good Family doesn't treat them like human beings at all. Why are they jumping out? Huh? Aren't they afraid of dying?"

Just as the knight was about to speak, a flash of fire appeared ahead, and a group of townspeople blocked his way!

Upon seeing the two men, their faces lit up with excitement. "It's them! The Cathayan!"

"I saw this Cathayan during the day! That's right!"

"Grab him!"

The knight retreated, shouting, "Let's take another route! Let's go!"

The leader of the farmers was a burly man with great strength and a desire for wealth. He was afraid of the armored Cleveland, but when he saw that the Cathayan was unarmored and looked dazed, he realized he had found the right target!

"The money is mine!"

He raised his pitchfork, charged forward, and thrust it at Kang De!

A fierce glint flashed in Kang De's eyes.

He stepped forward and swung his axe, the blade striking the thrusting pitchfork and shattering the tool. The impact split the farmer's hand open, and then with another swing, he cleaved the farmer's head!

Blood flashed, brains splattered, and Kang De roared, "Get out of here!"

The townspeople in the alley stirred when they saw the farmer being slaughtered in an instant. However, they didn't scatter and flee as Kang De had expected. The bloodshed and death had clouded their judgment, and the allure of money and wealth fueled their suppressed savagery. Another man shouted, "Attack him all at once! He's only one person!"

So the militiamen and farmers raised their pitchforks and spears, crowded into the alley, forming a dense forest of guns, and charged toward Kang De!

Throughout history, long-handled weapons have been the eternal protagonists on the battlefield of cold weapons! Spearmen are the backbone of the army because they do not need too much military training. They only need to learn to fight side by side, to thrust, and to advance and retreat together with their comrades.

Kang De saw a dense, cold forest of guns thrusting towards him simultaneously, from top to bottom, from head to toe. No matter how fast he was, he couldn't parry or defend against so many weapons at once. He saw the bloodlust and excitement in the eyes of the people opposite him, indiscriminate and like a bunch of beasts.

He had no grudge against them.

Even today, when people stroll through the town, they treat him with utmost respect. When he helps a little beggar, some even bow to him and offer him many words of praise.

These people took on a completely different look tonight.

Those members of the Good Family are one thing, but these people, why...?

"Fuck your mother!"

Kang De pulled the Molotov cocktail off his body, lit it, and smashed it violently towards the other side!

The bottle shattered! A viscous, burning liquid splattered everywhere, landing on people and blazing fiercely!

Compared to the bloodshed from being stabbed or cut by swords, this is the most painful torture.

Those engulfed in Flame screamed in agony, desperately trying to extinguish the Flame by beating their bodies, but they couldn't. They couldn't even control the spread of the flames; almost everyone at the front was ablaze! And this terror spread to those behind, because...

"A mage! He's a mage!"

Those behind didn't see the bottle Kang De threw, or rather, they didn't see it clearly; they only saw the Flame of the explosion and the screams of those in front—it was a sorcerer!

The once high-spirited and bloodthirsty team collapsed instantly.

It wasn't just because of the screams and horrific sights of their companions ahead, but also because of the word "mage."

They shouted and turned to flee.

But Kang De had no intention of letting them off the hook.

Stepping over the people rolling wildly on the ground, he swung his axe and struck one of the fleeing men in the back, knocking him to the ground. Someone nearby mustered up the courage to rush forward and grab his arm, but Kang De twisted and shoved him with all his might, twisting the man's arms into a pretzel. He then used his free left hand to press down on the brave man's head and slam it against the wall.

With a loud bang, a large red stain appeared on the wall from the back of the man's head. His body convulsed, his expression was one of pain, and a pleading look appeared in his eyes.

"What's wrong with you guys? Huh?"

Bang! Another blow, and the entire back of his head was crushed.

"What's it to you?"

On the other side, a farmer dropped his tools and ran away screaming. Kang De threw his axe, which hit him squarely in the back of the head.

Is this any of your business?

The person, whose legs were weak with fear and who was leaning against the corner sobbing, was grabbed by the hair and lifted up. He then threw several punches, crushing the person's chest.

Why are they all jumping out like this?

Pull the axe out of the farmer's head.

"Ah?"

He chased after her with his axe, and a peasant woman fell to the ground, her kitchen knife falling from her hand. She was screaming like a pig being slaughtered. Without saying a word, Kang De swung his axe at her.

"Isn't being alive good enough? Huh? Where's your brain! Where's your brain! Where's your brain!"

"Samuel tells you to eat shit, so you go and eat shit?! Huh?"

Kang De looked around, searching for his next target, when someone grabbed his wrist.

"Kang De!" the knight cried, "Let's go!"

Kang De's eyes were bloodshot. He didn't even look at the knight, and roared, "Kill them! Flee! Fight your way out! I've finally figured it out! These bastards, we have to kill them until they're terrified! Commoners! Damn commoners!"

"Kang De!" the knight emphasized, his voice even carrying a hint of pleading, "Let's go..."

But the strength with which he gripped Kang De's wrist was not great.

Kang De's heart sank. He turned his head and saw Cleveland's face ashen in the glow of the burning fire.

Sweat, a sign of weakness and exhaustion, trickled down the knight's face.

Kang De exclaimed, "You..."

The knight forced a smile, "I... just suffered a bit of a loss..."

Kang De recalled Lost's angry outburst.

He condensed his Dou Qi into light blades, unleashing six swords simultaneously to attack Kang De. However, this was merely a feint; his true target remained Cleveland. He planned to provoke Cleveland into intervening to rescue Kang De, then immediately change tactics to catch him off guard.

At the time, Cleveland appeared nonchalant and still fiercely fighting, which prevented Lost from discerning his true intentions. Lost remarked that Cleveland had improved significantly, then turned and left, no longer wishing to continue the fight.

Now it seems... he was just putting on a brave face?

With this thought in mind, Kang De's concern and worry overshadowed his boiling murderous intent, and he asked, "Are you alright?"

The knight smiled wryly, "We need to rest for a while... Let's go."

This small group was scattered, but it also revealed their position. Kang De glanced at the surrounding houses, a fierce glint in his eyes, and picked up another Molotov cocktail. "Let them have some fun!"

The knight pressed down on his hand and shook his head, saying, "No!"

Kang De said coldly, "They've come to this point, and you still pity them!"

"If the fire starts, it won't be long before the whole town is engulfed in flames, and countless people will die!" the knight insisted. "Besides, if the commotion gets too big and attracts the attention of Samuel or other powerful figures, we won't be able to leave!"

The latter reason convinced Kang De.

He gritted his teeth and said, "Then let's go!"

In the worst-case scenario, he could retreat back to Earth, but what about the Knight?

The commotion and the cries of the crowd attracted the attention of most people. Kang De and the knight scaled the wall and moved quickly through the darkness. He had previously misjudged the situation, thinking that the town's complex terrain would make it easy to hide. But Kang De had ultimately underestimated the prestige of the imperial nobles and misjudged the people here.

"We need to leave town..." He walked silently, his steps quick. "I know this road."

This place, near the edge of town, is the dirtiest and darkest part of the human settlement, where beggars, the poor, and rats live.

The town bells rang for a long time, and the people living here were even more eager to change their fate, so they all left in droves, leaving very few people behind. In the darkness, there were far fewer eyes watching.

Kang De and the knight headed towards a secluded place.

Just around the corner, Kang De's eyes sharpened. "Someone's there!"

He gripped the axe, ready to throw it, when a timid voice called out, "Mr. Kang De?"

That sound...

Little beggar.

The little beggar he had helped.

His name is Lister.

The little beggar recognized his voice and, no longer afraid, ran closer. He saw the blood on Kang De's body and the exhausted appearance of Kang De and the knight.

He whispered, "I... is there anything I can do to help?"

Kang De was silent for a moment, then touched his pocket. He had already given his purse to Hong San and had little money left. Looking at the little beggar in front of him, he said softly, "... No need. Just pretend you didn't see us, okay? Go home now and pretend nothing happened. I will repay you."

Lister was taken aback at first, then shook his head and said, "No, it should be me who repays you. Don't worry, I didn't see anything, and no one would believe a little beggar's words. I just heard someone shouting while I was sleeping. I'm going home now. Mr. Kang De, please be careful..."

His face was filled with worry, but his eyes were firm. After bowing to Kang De, he turned and left without hesitation.

Kang De watched his retreating figure.

He remembered the townspeople who had just gone berserk.

For just a little bit of profit, they can turn into bloodthirsty beasts.

The injuries to the knight beside him were not optimistic.

If this little beggar...

Blood and fire can ignite the primal instincts within humans... whether they are from another world or Earth.

Kang De slowly raised the nail gun in his hand.

The knight pressed down on his arm and mouthed, "No, or there will be no turning back."

Kang De looked at him, his arm slowly pressed down by the knight. Divinity and bestiality clashed and battled within him. Humanity was neither noble nor base, but often just a combination of the two.

The little beggar walked safely to the alley entrance.

He turned to look at Kang De, his eyes still filled with worry and sincerity.

Just then, loud shouts came from afar.

There were lights in the distance, the glow of torches.

The Viscount's bounty graced even this humblest corner.

The sound seemed both distant and near, even somewhat ethereal.

"The Cathayan..."

"Goth People..."

The torchlight shone on the little beggar's face, illuminating the sincerity and worry on his face.

"... fifty silver coins..."

"Recommended to Glimmering Sand Castle..."

Then the light quickly deflected as the person holding the torch ran in another direction.

"Serving as a knight's squire..."

"No longer a pariah..."

The light on the little beggar dimmed, and his childlike face was shrouded in Shadow.

During the day, the little beggar with a name spoke earnestly.

My lord, I will repay you after I become a knight.

Hong San said, "You didn't take his repayment seriously, did you? Please don't take it to heart."

Kang De said that the cause you sow today may become the effect tomorrow.

Under his gaze, the little beggar, now in the Shadow, darted into the street corner at top speed and fled toward the light, shouting as he ran.

They're here!

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PS1: First update! 5,500 words, almost 6,000. I'll write two or three more free chapters, then put them on sale.