Lord of the Truth

Chapter 1003: Harosʼ fate

”The annoying Marshal Haros, do you have any last words?”

”...?!”

When Haros heard those words, he finally accepted that he was facing certain death, not just another imminent danger like the many times he had managed to escape. This time, he might actually die.

Whoosh Whoosh

Frightened, the Marshal darted his eyes around, trying to analyze his surroundings for anything that could help him. With both hands, he grabbed the soil beneath him, quickly analyzing its density, dispersal speed, and whether it contained any useful elements.

In no time, the Marshal spotted a very narrow cave about ninety meters away. If he could enter the cave and crumple its entrance behind him, he could buy a few seconds. During those seconds, he could use the minor law of corrosion to dig through the mountain and escape! As for how to reach it, the ground beneath was soaked with a flammable substance, which explained why his earlier attempt at creating a dust storm didnʼt work as he imagined. If he used his fire-element dagger to ignite an explosion, it would push Robin Burton away. Then he could use the momentum from the blast to launch himself toward the cave.

The plan formed in Harosʼs mind in mere fractions of a second. His hand darted toward his waist, where his dagger was holstered. But just as he reached for it, for some reason, his eyes met Robinʼs.

Ba-dump

When their eyes met, the Marshalʼs heart pounded hard, then froze for a moment.

At that moment, Robin was standing with his arms crossed over his chest, looking at the Marshal with a broad smile. His gaze was full of challenge and mockery. When he noticed the Marshal staring at him, Robin waved tauntingly with his left hand, ”Go on... try.”

That vicious man... he was waiting for Haros to make another escape attempt!

Poof

Every ounce of resistance drained from the Marshalʼs body. His upper half went limp as he collapsed onto the ground, his eyes wide open but gazing at the sky in peace, ”I have no regrets. Do what you must.”

”Oh?” Robin raised an eyebrow slightly. ”I was expecting some bargaining, maybe a bit of begging!”

”What do you know about me to expect anything, you fool?!” Haros raised his head slightly and shouted at Robin. Since his death was certain, there was no need to sugarcoat his words.

Robin didnʼt seem offended by Harosʼs tone. He simply shrugged.

”Your constant fleeing from every battlefield didnʼt leave the best impression...”

”All of them were hopeless battles! Why would I stay in a place where I knew I would die for sure when I could retreat and regroup? What kind of idiot would do otherwise?” Haros yelled again.

”More than you think,” Robin replied with a few nods.

Many would choose as Haros had, albeit not in his exact manner, but they would certainly retreat under certain circumstances- People like Aru, Sakaar, Old Gu, and Theo. On the other hand, there were those who placed heavy importance on prestige and would rather die than retreat before completing their mission-like Peoon, Alexander, Richard, and Caesar.

”Then theyʼre all idiots! Anyone who chooses differently from me must be mentally unstable; a lunatic that life or death makes no difference to them! But I...” Harosʼs voice dropped slightly as he looked toward the sky. ”...I didnʼt want to die. I... I had great things to accomplish.”

After a brief silence, Robin finally spoke, ”...Youʼre still alive. You can still accomplish them.” ”...Huh?” The Marshal, still sprawled on the ground, quickly raised his head, staring at Robin in disbelief, he could easily stand up now as he didnʼt have any serious injury but he was afraid that this action might provoke Robin Burton to kill him faster.

”Are you going to let me go? Iʼd certainly thank you if you did!”

”Of course not. Your schemes have been a thorn in my side, and the beast wave - which Iʼm certain you masterminded- claimed many of my soldiersʼ lives. What kind of lunatic do you take me for, to let an enemy like you walk free? What would I need your thanks for?!” Robin laughed loudly. ”But if you swear loyalty to me, Iʼll forget the past entirely. Youʼre one of the few whoʼve truly pushed me to this extent. I wouldnʼt prefer to kill you so easily. Someone like you should showcase their talents under better leadership- mine.”

”No!” Haros replied angrily. ”Again, you assume things about me just because Iʼve retreated multiple times... I am not a traitor!”

”Really...?” Robin raised an eyebrow, pointing in a specific direction. ”I literally heard you cursing Pythor, right over there.”

”I was just stating facts. But just because heʼs a stupid son of a bitch doesnʼt mean Iʼm willing to betray him for another master.” Haros returned to lying flat on the ground. ”...Iʼve lived my whole life with honor. Everything I aspire to is tied to my honor and name. I wonʼt resort to treachery just to save my life. My life would be worthless if everyone looked at me with disdain!...Just kill me already.”

”Oh, thatʼs a more reasonable answer than simply saying you wonʼt betray Pythor, I wouldnʼt have believed you.” Robin nodded several times before snapping his fingers. ”How about this... Iʼll take you as my prisoner until the war ends and I kill Pythor. Then, Iʼll release you under the pretense of appointing you as the leader of the remnants of your kin. That way, youʼll be seen as a hero by all sides and serve as my general while retaining your pride. If, for some reason, Pythor prevails, heʼll come to rescue you from your imprisonment, and you wonʼt lose either!”

”...Youʼd do that for me?” Harosʼs eyes widened; this was the highest praise he had ever received in his life.

”Youʼll still take an oath of soul loyalty, one even harsher than the one Aru will take.” Robin

shrugged.

”Whoʼs Aru?”

”someone of your ilk.”

”.....” Haros gazed at the sky for a long moment. ”Do you really intend to let the Durger humansʼ race survive? After everything thatʼs happened...?”

”Iʼve fought humans multiple times, and they were the ones who nearly wiped out my family. Should I exterminate all the humans now?” Robin shook his head. ”As long as I have someone trustworthy to oversee my defeated enemies, thereʼs no need for genocide. Iʼm a researcher, not a butcher!...So, do we have a deal?” Robin extended his left hand toward Haros.

”.....” Haros stared at Robinʼs hand for several seconds before sighing and reaching out to take it. ”Why not? Iʼve got nothing to lose!”

”Haha, excellent!” Robin pulled Haros up with his left hand, and suddenly, a large nail

appeared in his right hand.

”Hmm? Whatʼs that---” Haros barely stood upright when he saw the sealing nail, resembling a stake, driven directly into his heart. ”Aaarrghhh!!!”

”Sorry, pal. If youʼre going to be imprisoned, youʼve got to experience the full prison

treatment. Did you think Iʼd take you to the beach? Hehe.” Robin chuckled as he watched

Haros writhe in pain. Then, he tucked him under his arm and opened a rift in space. ”Come on, letʼs meet your bestial ancestor.”