The monster hunters paid no mind to the crowd, while the law enforcement officers glared at the raucous individuals, keeping them in check as they cleared a path for the hunters toward the town hall.
Their mission was to capture the monsters, bring them to the town hall for judgment, and then burn them with fire.
News of the captured monsters spread quickly, and many people flocked to the town hall.
The town hall was the largest square in the city, located at its center, capable of accommodating up to one hundred thousand people at once.
Zhao Lun and his group followed along, joining the throngs of people heading to the town hall.
"Why are there so many people? Is it always this crowded?"
"Not always; only when certain monsters are involved do so many people come to watch. The impact of today's monster has been so significant that it has shaken the entire city, drawing everyone's attention."
"Did it cause a lot of casualties?"
"Cough, sir, it's best not to ask about that. Let's talk about it later."
The chaos caused by the creature with a thousand eyes had been immense, involving one of the city's prominent nobles. Even Carpenter dared not discuss the details freely in public.
Zhao Lun didn't pressure him further but instead listened intently, trying to catch any bold discussions about the matter among the crowd.
Most people were silent, focused on making their way to the town hall. A few were chatting, but they didn't share the information Zhao Lun was seeking. It wasn't until they were nearly at the town hall that he overheard two bolder individuals discussing the situation he wanted to know about.
"...The count was injured, and we don't know..."
"Shh! Don't say that! Are you trying to get yourself killed?"
"What are you afraid of? With so many people around, who's going to know we're talking about this?"
"Uh-oh! The officers are coming!"
"You two! Come here! Yes, you! Come with me!"
The officers had appeared out of nowhere, quickly apprehending the two men and dragging them away from the crowd. Those around them hardly batted an eye and continued on toward the town hall.
Seeing this, Zhao Lun understood that with such a significant event, no one dared to speak freely. It was a matter involving the city's rulers, and there were surely things that were best left unspoken, possibly to protect the dignity of the noble involved.
By the time they arrived at the town hall, many people had gathered, and the area was packed. Fortunately, with Carpenter leading them, they accessed the noble's entrance, allowing them to enter through a relatively less crowded area.
The town hall was spacious, and quickly filled with people, leaving only a large open space in the center.
In the middle stood a tall, pristine white cross, upon which the creature with a thousand eyes was bound.
This monster was restrained by some unknown means, shackled in iron chains, looking dispirited and unable to move. It resembled a desiccated octopus, its numerous eyes dull and lifeless.
Zhao Lun didn't trust the creature's apparent weakness. Instead, he focused, using his perception to assess the situation. The life energy of the creature was immense, far beyond that of ordinary beings, and its feeble appearance was clearly a ruse. Given the chance, it could escape at any moment.
The monster hunters were not deceived and did not give it an opportunity.
As the crowd filled the hall, the atmosphere grew quiet. An elegantly dressed elderly gentleman emerged, embodying the manners of a noble, earning the admiration of onlookers.
"This is Mr. Eugene, the steward of the Nikola family. He has served the Nikola family since childhood and has been in service for over fifty years."
Carpenter introduced him to Zhao Lun and the others, noting that he was overseeing the proceedings.
Steward Eugene was born into the Nikola family, having dedicated much of his life to their service, earning the trust of Count Nikola and assuming the role of steward.
The old man held a Bible and began to recite prayers over the monster.
"...May you receive the Lord's redemption, and may your soul find rest. Amen!"
After finishing the prayer, he waved his hand, and four young men brought a cart of water, scooping it out with silver vessels to douse the creature.
Holy water could purify evil entities, but given the unique nature of the creature, the effect would be limited. The primary purpose of splashing holy water on it was to weaken and suppress its strength, making it easier to break free from its chains.
The water sizzled upon contact, like boiling oil, releasing thick black smoke.
"Eek!" The creature could no longer maintain its facade, and it began to struggle and scream in agony.
The metal chains clanked loudly, almost snapping as they tightened. Just when it seemed ready to escape, a nearby monster hunter raised his weapon and fired, hitting the struggling creature, which immediately went limp.
The holy water continued to drench the creature, causing it to emit more black smoke, which thickened and spread around, forcing the onlookers to instinctively step back.
Soon, the entire creature was obscured by the dense smoke, making it impossible to see its form, only hearing its piercing cries, which sent chills down everyone's spines.
The holy water was poured more densely, continuously washing over the creature without pause. As the cart of holy water neared depletion, the black smoke began to dissipate, revealing not a monster but a handsome middle-aged man, returned to human form!
This man exuded a compelling aura. If it weren't for his previously grotesque appearance, he would surely garner much goodwill from those around him.
"Cyril!"
Some familiar faces gasped in shock, unable to believe that the monster had been Cyril! It was almost too unbelievable, like a cruel joke that left many in disbelief!
Who was Cyril? He was a close friend of Count Nikola, sharing a bond as tight as family. He was also a prominent figure in the city, and anyone who encountered him would show him respect, referring to him as "my lord."
To think this esteemed individual had been transformed into a monster, and now faced purification! The revelation was truly unexpected!
The crowd's outcry brought some awareness back to the tormented Cyril as he looked around, his gaze filled with confusion and fear.
Surrounded by a plethora of expressions—curiosity, fear, judgment, disdain, ridicule, and schadenfreude—he faced the myriad of reactions from the onlookers.
Seeing these gazes, Cyril, partially regaining his senses, felt a wave of panic as he raised his head, searching desperately for a familiar face. Spotting Eugene, he cried out, "Eugene! Save me!"
Eugene turned to him, causing Cyril to feel a glimmer of hope. With his and Count Nikola's esteemed positions, Eugene would surely come to his aid. However, reality doused his hopes like cold water as Eugene coldly regarded him, his expression devoid of warmth as he proclaimed, "Cyril, you have willingly fallen into depravity! You have consorted with demons and betrayed the glory of the Lord! Your sins are unforgivable!"
"You harmed the count! You harmed innocent lives! Such acts cannot be forgiven!"
"All heretics must be eradicated! ...May you be purified, may you receive the Lord's redemption, and may your soul find rest. Amen!"
As Cyril awaited salvation, his face turned ashen, his body trembling with rage, unable to utter any words. He felt the black smoke begin to rise again, threatening to envelop him.
Splash! More holy water was thrown, instantly dissipating the black smoke and restoring Cyril's form.
Once the holy water was exhausted, Eugene gestured for the prepared firewood and oil to be brought forth, quickly piling them up and dousing them in the flammable oil.
"Purification!"
Eugene took a lit torch and threw it onto the dry wood.
The fire ignited with a roar, rapidly engulfing Cyril within its flames.
"Ah!"
Screams erupted, followed by curses.
"Eugene! You bastard!"
"Abandoning me to die! You will go to hell! I will wait for you in hell!"
"#￥#￥%!" ——— (To be continued.)