In the darkness, the prisoner heard the sound of the gate opening.
Faint footsteps descended the stairs, passing through the bloody stench and frigid wind. Black robes fluttered slightly in the wind like mist.
At last, the gate slowly rose.
Frost spread out from the darkness.
A faint fire lit up in the visitor's hand, illuminating the incomplete silhouette shackled to the wall.
As though he had endured prolonged ravaging and torture, his long golden hair had been stained a filthy red with blood. Veins stood out across his angelically handsome face. His body was covered in pierced wounds, and the proud wings on his back had been ripped out at the roots.
One arm had been severed. Both legs were stripped to white bone. No blood flowed from the curling wounds anymore.
Bound by consecrated nails and chains for sinful prisoners, the Crowned One from the War Angel raised his eyes within the cage. His gray pupils reflected the visitor's figure.
An indifferent appraisal.
"Oh, looks like your fighting spirit is commendable."
Holding a flashlight, Huai Shi leaned close to his face, crouched down, and suddenly asked, "Name?"
Gale gave a disdainful snort and did not answer.
"Looks like the introductions did not go very well, but that's fine. I know who you are." Huai Shi spoke unconcernedly. "Hound of the Rancher, Gale the Hound, guardian of the Beatific Land.
"The Order of the Sacred Heart Knights told me that on the battlefield, you fought six Great Knights alone. By the time you were suppressed and captured by the Divine Miracle Inscription, several hundred consecrated knights had already died by your hand.
"Truly an astonishing record. Admirable."
"But..."
Huai Shi paused, then asked curiously:
"Do you know who I am?"
In that instant, Crowned One Gale's body trembled.
His