Hands Slaying Brothers

Step, step, step...

Perhaps because his badly damaged hearing had only just recovered, the sudden footsteps echoing through the dim dungeon were especially frightening.

The Royal Guard, already in poor condition, reacted swiftly. Everyone immediately extinguished the flames and held their breath in silence.

Pursuers?

Already?

That was Tales's first thought after being hunted relentlessly for half a month.

Step, step, step...

Belleti gave a small hand signal. The entire guard silently and swiftly spread out along both sides of the passage, taking up ambush positions with weapons in hand, ready for battle.

Little Barney pulled Tales behind him, while Bri casually dragged Kuaishang into a corner as well.

Step, step, step...

The footsteps drew closer and closer. A firelight slowly appeared around the bend in the passage.

The Prince didn't need to listen to know that everyone's heartbeat was gradually quickening.

In the darkness, Belleti aimed his blade at the bend, preparing to strike without warning.

Then the owner of the footsteps appeared around the corner, holding a torch.

"Cannon!"

Naki was the first to cry out in delight.

"Stand down." After seeing who it was, Belleti breathed a sigh of relief. He patted the tense Little Barney behind him and said gently, "It's Cannon."

"Our rear scout."

The guards all let out sighs of relief, lowered their weapons, and lit their torches.

It was Cannon.

Tales also relaxed a little, his nerves giving way to anticipation.

It wasn't him.

One of the seven guard prisoners, Cannon had just come around the bend with a torch. He looked at everyone's expressions and understood.

"You know, you nearly scared the shit out of us!"

Naki shuddered, looking as if he had narrowly escaped disaster, and slammed a fist into Cannon's chest.

Cannon trembled slightly and lowered his head.

"Sorry. My