Chapter 65 – Rescuing the Dwarf Crown Prince

The commotion of battle awakened the dwarves tied to the wooden stakes.

They opened their eyes in terror, expecting to face the brutal fate of being Devoured by Ogres, only to witness Han Xing, like a war god, cutting through the horde of Ogres.

Its Sharp, blade-like arms swung with each motion, claiming the life of an Ogre. Blood splattered everywhere, yet it ignited a spark of hope for survival in the hearts of the dwarves.

“Lord Adia, has someone come to save us?” one dwarf asked excitedly.

“Could it be someone Otto sent? But where is Otto?” another dwarf chimed in.

Adia narrowed his eyes, feeling less optimistic than the others.

He could sense that the entity slaughtering the Ogres lacked any trace of life. If it could kill Ogres, could it also kill them?

If this being turned on them, they would have no chance to resist!

For now, they could only wait quietly for the outcome to unfold, a process that tormented the dwarves.

On the battlefield, one Ogre after another fell into pools of blood. No matter how many charged out, Han Xing killed them all!

At first, the dwarves felt a sense of relief watching the Ogres being slaughtered.

But gradually, as they saw Han Xing continue its relentless killing like an emotionless machine, unfazed by the carnage, a deep fear began to envelop them. They couldn’t help but wonder, “Once it finishes with the Ogres, will it be our turn next?”

Finally, no more Ogres emerged from the tree hollow.

Han Xing, its expression unchanged, slowly began walking toward the dwarves.

As it drew closer, the dwarves’ gazes grew increasingly fearful.

Some trembled uncontrollably, while others shut their eyes tightly, unable to face the fate they believed awaited them.

Only Adia, suppressing his inner terror, straightened his posture. Though bound to the stake and unable to move, his resolute eyes revealed an unyielding will.

Han Xing stopped before Adia. With a “Clang,” its arm transformed into that iconic Silver blade.

“Huff… huff…”

Adia’s breathing grew rapid as he stared fixedly at the gleaming blade, mentally preparing for death.

However, Han Xing did not strike as he expected. Instead, with a flick of its wrist, the blade cleanly severed the ropes binding him.

Adia stumbled and fell to the ground, bracing for pain or death, only to find himself freed.

While he was still in shock, Han Xing had already released the other four dwarves.

For a moment, the five dwarves could hardly believe they had been rescued.

But after freeing them, Han Xing took no further action, instead turning its gaze toward a certain direction.

The dwarves followed its line of sight and saw a “strangely” dressed human youth approaching with calm, measured steps.

As the human drew near, the “killing machine” immediately positioned itself protectively by his side.

Adia quickly realized that this young man must be the Master of the “killing machine.” His expression grew slightly excited—dwarves and humans had always been on good terms, so they were likely saved.

Xiao Wuwang approached the dwarves and asked, “Which of you is Adia?”

Adia immediately stepped forward and said, “I am Adia. Are you here to rescue us, Your Excellency?”

Xiao Wuwang nodded. “Yes, I was entrusted by a dwarf named Otto to come and rescue you.”

Adia’s face lit up with joy. “It really is Otto! By the way, where is he?”

The other dwarves also looked at Xiao Wuwang with hopeful eyes.

Xiao Wuwang calmly replied, “When he found me, he was already at the end of his strength. After entrusting me with the task, he exhausted his last breath and passed away.”

Upon hearing this, the dwarves fell into a heavy silence, their eyes filled with sorrow.

Adia’s eyes reddened, his fists clenched tightly as he gritted his teeth and said, “Otto… he was a hero. After we return, we must not let his sacrifice be in vain. We will take good care of his family!”

The other dwarves also expressed their determination.

Xiao Wuwang did not give them too much time to grieve. “With your rescue, Otto’s task for me is complete. However, I still have some time left. Where are you headed? I can escort you further.”

Hearing this, the eyes of several dwarves lit up. They were well aware of Han Xing’s combat prowess. Having such a powerful ally escort them would undoubtedly make the journey much safer.

Adia quickly said, “Thank you so much, Your Excellency. We are heading to Kantel City. If you can escort us there, I will surely reward you handsomely.”

Xiao Wuwang asked, “How far is Kantel City from here?”

Adia replied, “About 120 kilometers.”

“That far?” Xiao Wuwang couldn’t help but frown slightly.

If the rest of the journey was all forest terrain like this, he estimated he wouldn’t have enough time to make the round trip. So he asked, “Is there a smoother road ahead?”

Adia said, “We still have to travel 60 kilometers to get out of the forest. Outside, there is an official road that leads directly to Kantel City.”

Xiao Wuwang still looked somewhat troubled.

Even if he traveled at full speed, it would likely be a tight squeeze.

After all, if he failed to return before the Docking Time reset, he would face Erasure!

Therefore, no matter how generous the rewards of the Hidden Mission were, Xiao Wuwang was reluctant to take such a risk.

Seeing Xiao Wuwang frowning in silence, one of the more clever dwarves rolled his eyes as if he had thought of something. He quickly stepped forward and said with a mix of anticipation and caution, “Your Excellency, I know a shortcut. It only takes about ten kilometers to get out of the forest, which would greatly shorten the time.”

“No!” Adia immediately objected.

The starkly different reactions of the two dwarves immediately caught Xiao Wuwang’s attention. He looked at Adia and asked, “Is there something special about that shortcut?”

Adia explained, “That path is indeed shorter, but it is filled with poisonous creatures along the way. One careless move and you could be poisoned. Moreover, the route passes through the territory of an Ogre Tribe, and that tribe is several times stronger than the one here. Taking that path would be like seeking death.”

Upon hearing this, Xiao Wuwang’s eyes immediately lit up.

A larger Ogre Tribe meant that the Supply Crate was most likely there!

He had to take this path now!

As for the poisonous creatures along the way?

With Han Xing around, there was nothing to worry about!

A slight smile curled at the corner of Xiao Wuwang’s lips as he said, “We’ll take this shortcut. I’ll escort you to Kantel City.”

Adia widened his eyes and hurriedly advised, “Your Excellency, this is too dangerous. That venomous creature and the powerful Ogre Tribe are not to be trifled with. A single misstep could lead to utter ruin!”

Xiao Wuwang said with a resolute expression, “To be honest, whether you follow me or not, I must go to the Ogre Tribe. If you are willing to come along, I wouldn’t mind putting in a bit more effort to protect you along the way. If you are uneasy, then we can only part ways here.”

Adia seemed to be infected by Xiao Wuwang’s confidence. Recalling Han Xing’s extreme coldness and terrifying combat prowess, he gritted his teeth and said, “Since Your Excellency is so confident, then we shall trouble you!”

“Mm,” Xiao Wuwang nodded. “Rest for a few minutes to regain your mobility, and then we will set off.”

Adia replied, “Alright!”

Xiao Wuwang distributed some food and water to them.

The dwarves did not mind the harsh environment, devouring the food ravenously and drinking water in large gulps. They knew that the journey ahead was filled with unknowns and dangers, and they had to recover their strength as quickly as possible.

After about seven or eight minutes, seeing that Adia and the others had mostly recovered, Xiao Wuwang had Adia point out the way. Then, with Han Xing leading the way at the front, Xiao Wuwang followed closely behind with Adia and the other dwarves, advancing toward the shortcut.