770. Anomalies in the Royal Capital and Baduo's Dream

The walls of Forgefire Capital cast enormous shadows in the dusk. The city gates stood wide open, and the people waiting to enter had formed a long line.

From far away, Baduo spotted the newly erected wooden sign. Carved into it were the words "Those infected are forbidden from entering the city." It looked as if it had been rushed out; wood shavings still clung to the edges.

Since Baduo had made no attempt to hide the traces of mycelium on his body, he quickly drew the attention of the other dwarves around him.

The others looked at Baduo with disgust and wariness. They murmured among themselves and edged away from him, leaving a clear ring of empty space in the once-packed line.

When he reached the city gate, a guard stopped him.

"Stop! Didn't you see the sign outside? The infected aren't allowed in. Go back where you came from!"

"I'm here to see the council. I'm Ba—"

"Who cares who you are!" the guard's voice rose. He shoved his halberd forward, the shaft thudding against Baduo's breastplate. "Rules are rules. If you don't get lost, don't blame me for getting rough."

His other hand was already on the hilt at his waist, thumb braced against the blade, ready to draw at any moment.

Baduo looked at this hotheaded fool and found it almost funny. He was just about to say something else when a boot kicked the guard in the backside from behind.

The man yelped and sprawled onto the ground. He was about to curse, but when he saw the gate captain standing behind him with a dark expression, he immediately swallowed the words on his tongue.

The captain ignored him and went straight up to Baduo.

"My Lord Baduo, don't lower yourself to the level of