1479 Someone from the Outer Frontier

There was a clear distinction between the six. The Sacred Federation warriors being led by Alps Mohan were obviously unwilling to get anywhere near Xia Fan, and when they continued their way forward, Alps MOhan and the others were at the front with Sarah, while Xia Fan kept a careful distance behind them.

Xia Fan did not really mind being in such an awkward situation. He had studied medicine from Doctor Grandpa, and he knew that Sarah’s condition would stabilize in another day or two. She would be able to walk just fine when that time came, and he would then be at ease to go searching for Traveling Buddha and Thousand Ink when that happened.

Meanwhile, leaving now would make him feel as if he had abandoned all his efforts. After all, Xia Fan had already spent an entire week taking care of Sarah, and since he had decided to be a good person, he might as well see it to the end.

Xia Fan habitually rubbed his nose and then slightly frowned, as he shouted to Alps Mohan in front of him, “There are people at about two o’clock on your right. It should be a gathering of some lucky survivors.”

Humans were creatures that would seek advantages and avoid disadvantages, so after the Outer Frontier warriors were thrown into the dark hole and experienced the grueling situation they found themselves in and the initial heavy casualties, those fortunate enough to still be alive began to gather, seeking comfort in company so that they could put up a united front against the creatures of the dark hole. This was also a very normal situation, as Xia Fan had also encountered small teams of survivors when he was carrying Sarah, though Xia Fan did not interact with them for the sake of safety.

Alps Mohan did not trust Xia Fan at all. He turned his head and leered at Xia Fan suspiciously. That was when Sarah called Alps Mohan to his side, whispering a few words into his ear, most likely to inform him of Xia Fan’s Scent special ability.

Alps Mohan was slightly taken aback after listening to her. He proceeded to call a shorter warrior to him and said, “Perason, go investigate to our left, in the two o’clock direction. Considering that we are lacking in numbers, see if you can round up some survivors on our side. It wouldn’t be a bad idea if we can coordinate with them to leave this accursed place, either.”

The Sacred Federation warrior going by the name of Pearson nodded, then somewhat slowly replied, “I understand. Leave this to me. These people should count their lucky stars to be able to work for the Sacred Federation. I’ll kill whomever who dares resist.”

When Xia Fan heard his words, he could not help but shrug in disbelief. Anyone who could survive the disaster thus far would surely be capable, and since their lives were on the line, he doubted anyone would put any value to the name of the Sacred Federation at this point.

The Sacred Federation was the only Federation out of the three that merged governance and religion. They believed in a universal God and considered themselves the descendants of said deity. They forever viewed themselves as higher beings, and were absolutely arrogant as a rule. It was the one trait that was visible in everyone, whether they were Alps Mohan, Pearson, or even Sarah.

...

Silence pervaded the dark forest. There were only the occasional sounds of the strange creatures roaring from a distance, or the screams and cries people made before they died when they were caught by said creatures. Every time people heard that, they could not help but shudder. Those who were more faint of heart even found themselves trembling as a result.

Pearson moved along in the two o’clock direction as he forged ahead of the others. Sure enough, it was just as Xia Fan had said. There were indeed people there: two glum-looking Outer Frontier warriors carefully probing their way ahead. Their clothes were in tatters and each bore plenty of wounds all over their bodies. Many of the wounds had turned into scars by now, given how many days it had been since they had been caught in ferocious combat with those creatures.

Pearson hid himself and observed them from afar for several minutes, and after confirming that these two warriors had no back-up, began to swagger forward proudly. This sudden figure appearing gave these two Outer Frontier warriors quite the fright. They turned around in an attempt to flee, only for Pearson to dart over and send a flying kick in the direction of the person in front, while he placed his sword on the neck of the one behind.

historical

“What are you running away for? Aren’t you two rats from the Outer Frontier quite lively? Better open up your eyes and watch carefully. I’m an investigator from the Sacred Federation! Right now, we’re searching for a way to escape this damned place; have either of you discovered anything?”

These two Outer Frontier men he had caught examined the newcomer closely. Sure enough, Pearson had a face only an Inner Sphere would have, and as for whether he was an investigator with Sacred Federation, neither dared to question. In any case, just seeing the domineering and overbearing attitude that Pearson displayed was evidence enough.

Pearson frowned after he heard what the two Outer Frontier men shared with him. Neither of them know how to leave this weird place, but they said that they had comrades of their own. The two had only left on their own in search of food because they had run out, while the others were resting not too far away.

Pearson imagined a group of scrawny warriors from the Outer Frontier, huddled around in a circle, despondent. Alps Mohan had told Pearson to look for survivors so that they could all team up to find a way out from this place. Though these Outer Frontier people looked somewhat pathetic, they ought to still have some use. For example, they could be used to carry the injured Sarah, or they could be expended as cannon fodder if they encountered any of the peculiar creatures. In any case, having more people was beneficial to them, so it should not be a problem if he gathered more helpers.

With that thought in mind, Pearson ordered the two to bring him to the rest of their group, and in order to ensure they were being honest, Pearson gave them a beating, making sure he did not hit them in any of the important parts, like their legs or eyes. In Pearson’s eyes, this was already showing mercy, since he believed citizens of the Outer Frontier had no human rights, and were nothing more than livestock that had learned to walk.

The two Outer Frontiersmen led him along a path. After traveling for several kilometers, Pearson did indeed see a group of people from the Outer Frontier in the distance, sitting there blankly in a circle. There were not too many, just six of them.

*Thump*

Pearson shoved the two Outer Frontier warriors harshly from behind, and they staggered forward before losing their balance. As they fell, they did a tumble and ate dirt, a very embarrassing sight. Five of the six Outer Frontier warriors stood up in a hurry, their eyes were alert. At the same time, they gripped weapons in their hands that looked quite the worse for the wear after all the killing they had done. Only the burliest man among the lot, whose back was facing Pearson, did not move.

Pearson strolled over and put one foot on the back of one of the fallen warriors. Putting weight on it, the Outer Frontier warrior proceeded to let out a cry of anguish like a pig being slaughtered. With folded arms, Pearson glared coldly at this group of Outer Frontier people and then said in an overbearing tone, “Listen up here, all of you. I’m an investigator from Sacred Federation, and right now, I’m giving you all a chance. Follow us willingly, or die here.”

None of the people from the Outer Frontier made a sound. Their eyes all rested on the burly man who was still seated, with his back toward Pearson. This situation annoyed Pearson greatly, as he sternly rebuked them with knitted eyebrows, “Did none of you hear what I just said? You scum of the Outer Frontier, are all of you deaf? I’m saying that you should all listen to me if you cherish your lives, understand? From here onward, all of you will follow me, and you’ll go wherever I tell you to. If we succeed in getting out of this place, perhaps yours truly will be kind enough to bring you all back to the Inner Territories to live there, but if all of you do not obey, you should instead worry about your heads!”

After Pearson said that, the group still remained silent. That was when he heard a mirthless chuckle, coming from that big burly man from the Outer Frontier whose back had been facing him this entire time.

Pearson pointed at the one laughing and shouted, “What are you laughing at?! I’m talking to you! The one still seated down! I want you to kneel!”

“Hahahaha!” Who would have thought that the burly man from the Outer Frontier would instead laugh even louder, his voice sounding a little hoarse and old, yet also completely devilish.

“You’re asking me to kneel? But would you accept it, even if I do?”

With that said, this burly man turned around. When Pearson got a look at the man’s face, the color from his face drained almost instantly. Sweat droplets the size of beans beaded down his forehead. Just seeing this person face-to-face had the Intermediate investigator from the Sacred Federation shaking all over.

“To think.. it’s you..” Pearson only managed to stammer out after using all his might. As that man’s eyes stared right through him, Pearson could feel every ounce of strength in his body get sapped away, and his whole body went limp.