The Unknown and the Unexpected

Nia's words made the young half-elf nobleman lose his composure.

"Absurd! How can sacred laws be changed at will? Even if you were the one who promulgated them, why would you amend your own laws? Doesn't this show that your decision and judgment are flawed?"

"We never deny this, because it is the truth, and it will not change because of our words."

Despite the young nobleman's outburst, Nia remained calm and composed.

"Times are always progressing, and our ideas will one day fall behind the times. So what's wrong with changing what's outdated and creating new laws? Admitting mistakes is not a disgrace, but courage, young half-elf. When you understand this, you will truly understand its meaning."

"I don't want to hear these pointless explanations. The fact is, even you yourself can't deny that you modified this sacred law only to save your companions. I will absolutely not accept laws modified with such a mindset."

"Unfortunately, the choice is not yours, young half-elf."

As Nia spoke, she nodded slightly to the three old mages sitting beside her, who in turn cast approving glances at her.

"Since the moment I spoke, 'selling necromancy materials' is no longer a violation of the law; therefore, this trial is completely unnecessary. I now declare, in the name of Golden Leaf Mage and the three elders, that this trial is invalid."

"What did you say...!!"

Ailas opened his mouth to speak, but was completely at a loss for words. Although he had anticipated all sorts of developments, he had never expected the other party to so blatantly use their power to end it all. The book wouldn't do; it couldn't just end like this! There must be some other way...

"But..."

Nia glanced at Li Lin and said knowingly.

"After all, from a moral standpoint, your choice wasn't wrong. Therefore, although this trial is invalid, I will still give you a chance, young half-elf, to raise objections in your own way. However, no further intervention from the authorities is permitted in this matter; the laws that have been amended will not be changed again, and the three elders share the same opinion. But given the special circumstances this time, we will give you a choice."

Is it really that good?

Hearing Nia's words, the half-elf was secretly pleased, but soon he began to ponder deeply. No, things couldn't be that simple. However, the current situation indicated that those in high positions didn't intend to escalate the situation, as doing so would certainly not benefit their reputation. So, why not make a bigger scene and show them that the emerging nobles below weren't to be trifled with...?

"Since Golden Leaf Mage says so, then I will naturally comply with your request."

Seeing the half-elf nobleman's attitude suddenly change 180 degrees from his previous furious state, not only were the audience puzzled, but even the fat merchant was astonished and his mouth dropped open.

Looking at the half-elf, Li Lin naturally guessed what kind of wicked idea he was plotting.

"I challenge this gentleman to a duel."

Sure enough, what the half-elf said was almost exactly what Li Lin had guessed.

"Of course, we'll stop here, but if I'm deemed the victor, I expect your companions to still be punished and serve their sentences in the water dungeon. After all, their crimes occurred before this law was repealed, and they should pay the price for their choices. Furthermore, to be fair, we won't use any helpers; it'll be one-on-one, like men."

"..."

Faced with the half-elf guard captain's request, the three old mages hesitated. They hadn't heard much about Li Lin from Nia, and like the half-elf, they had carefully observed Li Lin. Clearly, he was human, and given his age, even if he possessed some special talent in combat, it was unlikely he could reach a high level. Of course, his words just now suggested that this young man possessed wisdom beyond his apparent age... Unfortunately, this didn't guarantee his victory. The half-elf Ailas, on the other hand, had lived for nearly seventy years. While he was still politically immature, he held absolute authority in battle. The title of the most powerful swordsman in the history of the City of a Thousand Towers was not something easily obtained; it wasn't something anyone could simply acquire.

They looked at Nia, awaiting her decision. Nia didn't make a decision immediately. She first looked around at the audience, then looked back at the half-elf for a moment before turning to Li Lin, seemingly seeking his opinion. But Li Lin said nothing, so Nia had no choice but to look away again. She remained silent for a long time before finally letting out a soft sigh.

I agree.

On the way back, the portly boss still wore a look of relief, clearly relieved that his death sentence had been commuted to a suspended death sentence. And not being imprisoned was a good thing, although the temporary ban on leaving City of a Thousand Towers might be a bit troublesome for him, but these troubles weren't a big deal. His shop had also become famous because of the trial... For a businessman, good or bad reputation is capital for making money.

However, not everyone thinks this way.

"I really want to put that mixed-breed dog on a collar and throw it out to be hanged."

Angela had reappeared beside Li Lin at some point, spoke fiercely, completely ignoring the surprised look on the fat boss's face beside her.

"What right does he have to challenge you to a duel? Master, please allow me to make my move this time..."

"No."

Li Lin gently patted Angela's little head.

"This is my problem, and I'll handle it myself. Besides, I don't think things are as simple as we imagine."

As he spoke, he looked towards the exit of the floating disc, where Nia was waiting for them. Seeing Li Lin and Angela, she nodded slightly to them.

"Li Lin, Miss Angela, please come with me."

Leaving the fat merchant behind, the levitation disc floated upwards once more, only coming to a slow stop at the top. At that moment, Li Lin, led by Nia, finally met the three administrators of the city.

"Hello, managers."

Hello, young man.

Facing Li Lin, the three old masters gave a slight bow.

"Welcome to our city, the City of a Thousand Towers. We sincerely hope you have a pleasant stay here—unfortunately, things don't always go as planned."

"The world is always full of unexpected events."

Li Lin returned the greeting slightly, and then spoke.

"However, as long as we keep these unexpected events under control, there's nothing to worry about."

"You make a very good point."

A slight smile appeared on the old mage's aged face. He turned to look at Nia, his expression turning serious again.

"So, what can we old bones do for you, Miss Nia?"

Let me introduce myself first.

As she spoke, Nia removed her hood, faced the three old mages, then took a few steps forward, walked to Li Lin's side, and gently took his arm.

"This is my master."

Gazing at the scenery before her, Fina couldn't fall asleep. Looking at Mina sitting beside her, equally lost in thought, she could easily sense her sister's emotions. Just as Nia had suspected, the two sisters were perplexed. The power originating from their new bloodline was making them almost unlike their original selves. In their daily lives, however, they remained the same as before; life without faith wasn't as unbearable as they had imagined. Mina began to practice swordsmanship diligently, while Fina was also training hard in magic. It seemed the two sisters were living a more fulfilling life than when they were humans.

However, the battle with the bandits became a nightmare for the two sisters, one that they couldn't shake off. Were they truly themselves when they were consumed by hatred and committed cruel acts? Or had they transformed into something else entirely?

Nia listened quietly and patiently to their troubles, and then gave this answer.

"I cannot answer your questions."

Although they knew it would turn out this way, the two sisters were still somewhat disappointed, but Nia didn't finish her sentence.

"Because I cannot understand human emotions, I am a weapon. No matter what human form I take, I am ultimately just a weapon. My mission is to help Li Lin eliminate and destroy all enemies. This is my nature, and it cannot be changed. Therefore, I cannot offer you any advice from a human perspective, but from a weapon's perspective, the only thing I can say is—do what you are supposed to do, no matter how evil it may be; it is your innate destiny."

Weapons are, of course, used to attack enemies. No matter how beautiful or gentle Nia may be, she will ultimately take the lives of others; that is her nature. Those emotions are merely simulated products, which can be used, but cannot affect their hearts.

So, what about humans?

What about vampires?

The rough sound of the door opening interrupted the sisters' thoughts. They looked up in surprise, staring at Angela, who was like a whirlwind before them.

"Alright, my lovely kittens."

Angela's eyes were flashing red, a clear sign of impending doom.

"Pack your things and get ready to go. We're going to teach a mixed-breed stray dog a lesson."