As the blood flowed from the wounds, Lyle used his blood manipulation to cover the wounds, preventing any serious injury. The blood stained his clothes, creating a convincing illusion of a struggle or attack.
"Quickly, help me to the side of the road," Lyle whispered urgently to the merchant's son, who quickly complied, looking around nervously to see if anyone had noticed. With the son's help, Lyle stumbled to the side of the road, feigning weakness and pain.
Passersby started to take notice, some gasping in shock while others hurried past, not wanting to get involved. A few kind souls stopped to offer assistance, but Lyle waved them away, insisting that he just needed a moment to rest.
Meanwhile, Nicholas and the others discreetly kept watch, ready to intervene if anything happened. They knew that Lyle wouldn't have suddenly done such a thing without any reason to, so they were simply going along with whatever act he was playing.
