The sound of cracking whips continued relentlessly, the welts on Hulk's body growing more and more, his flesh torn and bloodied, unable to hold back his agonized screams.
After a moment of intense whipping, Yuri gasped for breath and stepped back, then grabbed a bag of coarse salt from a nearby man, taking a handful with a cruel smile as he walked toward Hulk.
"Hulk, I'll give you one more chance—will you speak?"
Hulk, seeing the coarse salt, felt a sudden jolt in his eyelids, but he still sneered, refusing to relent.
"Even if you kill me today, I won't say a word."
Hulk had deep respect for young Master Gean. He was the only one who never looked down on him. Others called him filthy trash, called him a pig, insulted him as a bastard, mocked him for spending nights in taverns, but Master Gean had never said a bad word about him. He had even once paid for Hulk's vices.
Furious, Yuri ground the coarse salt into Hulk's wounds.
"Ahhh!" Hulk's screams were heart-wrenching as the salt seared into his already bloody flesh, beads of sweat pouring from his forehead from the pain.
However, no matter how much he was tortured, Hulk refused to confess. Yuri, for the moment, was unable to do anything more to break him, but his mind was busy calculating the current situation.
His older brother, Nesser, was a knight and the eldest son of the Baron, responsible for the security of their territory. He was inflexible, antisocial, and lacked influence.
As for Yuri, he had always been favored by their father, gaining a lot of support, including several knights within the Baron's lands who were loyal to him. But Gean had started to change three months ago.
His strength grew at an astounding rate, and he even gained the loyalty of Hulk, as well as support from Nall and Ryan—making him a huge threat.
That was why Yuri had taken the risk of hiring the Wild Wolf Mercenary Group to ambush Gean on his way back. With the Baron severely injured from an assassination attempt, Yuri saw it as a perfect opportunity.
If Gean were to die on the road, the knights at Sunset Fortress would be forced to rally around Yuri, allowing him to take the Baron's title smoothly.
This thought filled Yuri with satisfaction as he planned to head to the tavern for a bit of fun, especially since two new Kugit girls had recently arrived, and they were quite flirtatious.
---
At Sunset Fortress, in the Baron's room, Nall and Ryan sat at the bedside, watching the Baron's condition worsen.
"I've spent a lot of time with Master Gean and understand his temperament. If Yuri doesn't intervene, Gean will be fine, but if Yuri makes a move, Gean is as good as dead," Nall spoke calmly, his voice resolute.
"Has Yuri really gone that far?" The Baron's weak voice questioned, filled with regret.
Ryan nodded. "It's the Wild Wolf Mercenary Group; they must have already encountered him by now."
The Baron sighed deeply. "With the Templar Knight here, the Wild Wolf Mercenary Group doesn't stand a chance. Yuri is pushing himself straight into the fire."
"By the way, is there any news from Gean?"
Nall's expression became complicated as he stood up. "Gean sent Hulk to visit Knights Femon, Kodo, and Arthur. We don't know the details yet, but from what I gather, if Gean takes action, it will be with a thunderous force."
"The situation at Sunset Fortress is changing. Perhaps it's for the best. Without a baptism of blood and fire, it would simply be swept away by the tide."
"With the world in chaos and war never ceasing, I have high expectations for Gean. Whether he chooses to become a knight-lord or pursue the path of the wizard, it's up to him."
The Baron suddenly looked melancholic, murmuring to himself, "Liliane, did I make a mistake?"
---
At noon, when the sun was high, Gean returned to Sunset Fortress, with the leader of the Wild Wolf Mercenary Group, Sain, trailing behind him. Sain, a burly giant with mid-level knight strength, notorious for his cruelty, was currently bound and trembling as he followed Gean.
Behind them was the Templar Knight, Draven, wearing full armor and a winged helm, radiating an imposing aura.
"Master, you're back," Nall greeted with a bow at the entrance.
Gean nodded, smiling slightly. "Uncle Nall, please gather all knights and above in Sunset Fortress and have them meet in the square. They must arrive within the hour."
"This order is issued in the name of the Baron. Anyone who disobeys should prepare to face the wrath of the Templar Knight."
Nall's heart skipped a beat, struck by Gean's killing intent, which was far beyond his expectations—greater even than the Baron at his prime. And Gean was only fourteen years old, not yet a knight.
"Yes, Master."
Nall left with a smile, setting the plan in motion.
---
At Femon's estate, Nall relayed the message from Gean.
"This is the exact message from my lord, Knight Femon. Please come as soon as possible."
Femon, a blue-haired knight with a square face, hesitated, then spoke loudly. "Please tell Master Gean that Femon will arrive promptly."
---
Half an hour later, Gean sat down on a chair, slowly tapping his fingers on the armrest, producing a rhythmic sound.
Sain, bound and kneeling before him, didn't dare move. Behind Gean, Draven stood in full armor, his expression cold and full of deathly intent.
Thud, thud, thud—footsteps echoed from the square's entrance.
Nall, now wearing armor and carrying a knight's sword, strode in confidently, greeting Gean.
"Master!"
Gean nodded but remained silent, continuing to tap the armrest calmly.
Five minutes later, Femon was the first to arrive. Seeing Draven, the Templar Knight, his heart tightened.
"Master Gean, Femon greets you," he said, bowing respectfully.
Gean nodded again without speaking, still gazing at the entrance.
Femon stood aside and ordered his attendants to wait nearby.
Ten minutes later, Kodo, the second knight, arrived. He was a short, stocky man followed by more than ten armored men, all carrying weapons and looking arrogant.
"Hey, Gean, I'm busy. Don't call me unless it's important."
"You know how many thefts and brawls happen in this territory every day? At least ten! Do you know how much time I waste on this?"
Kodo grumbled, expressing his displeasure.
"Quiet, Kodo. Behave," Femon quickly snapped, his face turning pale as he signaled Kodo to look at the imposing knight behind Gean.
Still, Gean didn't acknowledge them, maintaining his silence.
Almost half an hour later, Arthur, the third knight, entered. He was a tall, broad-shouldered middle-aged man with a hooked nose and sharp eyes. Smiling broadly, he greeted Gean.
"Master Gean, I apologize for being late. Some matters delayed me."
"You must understand that managing the territory's economy, land, and population takes a lot of time and effort," Arthur explained.
Gean smiled faintly, nodding. "You've worked hard."
Arthur immediately waved his hands. "Not at all, Master Gean. It's an honor to serve the Baron."
The three knights were all key figures in the Baron's estate, overseeing mining, law enforcement, and livelihood. However, their increasing arrogance over the years had made them somewhat disrespectful.
"Where is Nesser? Why hasn't he shown up?" Gean asked, looking at Nall with clear displeasure.
"Nesser says he has no obligation or authority to attend your 'square meeting,' Master Gean," Nall replied, his tone respectful yet slightly nervous.
Gean smiled faintly and turned to Draven. "Sir Draven, if you would."
"Uncle Nall, please lead the way."
---
The atmosphere was tense. Gean's power was beginning to unfold, and Sunset Fortress was about to see a great shift.