Chapter 26: The Vow of Revenge

The camp gradually quieted down; the battle had lasted less than twenty minutes. Most of the Iron Blood soldiers had been captured and rendered unable to fight. The children had been freed, and after Franz treated them, their condition improved significantly.

"Brother!" Natasha joyfully ran over and hugged Gilliam. The young man happily embraced her with affection. Watching this scene, Franz felt touched. In his previous life, he had been an orphan, and more than anything, he lacked familial love. Suddenly, Leona's mischievous face flashed in his mind. Yes, the heavens had granted him a chance to have family, and he was determined to live well, to grow strong so he could protect those around him.

Suddenly, Gilliam took Natasha’s hand and knelt down.

"Thank you, sir. I don't know how I can ever repay this kindness. If you don't mind, I would like to follow you for life."

Franz smiled calmly. This was the response he had been waiting for. He helped the two children up but looked at the rest of the group and asked, "What about the rest of you? Do you have any plans?"

The children fell silent. After all, the oldest among them was only seventeen. A group of homeless kids without family—what could they do? They suddenly felt lost and directionless. Franz noticed this and continued, "I am currently forming a guard unit. If any of you wish to become my personal guards, step forward. For those who don’t, I will arrange housing in the family fiefdom and ensure you live comfortably."

The children quietly contemplated his offer. Franz didn’t rush them—this was a decision that would affect their entire lives, and he had no right to interfere. They could choose a peaceful, quiet life or embark on the path to becoming powerful. With the ninja system, Franz believed he could turn these children into formidable warriors of the continent.

After a while, more than twenty children, including Gilliam and Natasha, stepped forward, their eyes burning with hatred. A sixteen-year-old boy, seemingly the eldest among them, knelt down with tears in his eyes.

"Please, sir, avenge us. We are willing to serve you as your loyal servants."

With that, they all bowed their heads to the ground. Franz wasn’t the only one moved by this sight; even the members of the Golden Lion Guard glared angrily at the fallen Iron Blood soldiers. To have forced these innocent children into such hatred—they truly were beasts. Franz helped the children up and asked the eldest boy, "What is your name?"

"Salah, sir," the boy replied. Franz nodded, picking up a sword and handing it to him.

"Good. But if you want to be my guards, you can’t just rely on words. My subordinates are my sharpest swords; they must know how to kill. If you can do that, I will train you to become strong, so you can take revenge with your own hands. Start with him."

Franz pointed at one of the Iron Blood soldiers. Salah took the sword, and step by step, approached the man, the fire of vengeance burning in his eyes. The Iron Blood soldier begged for mercy.

"I beg you, please don't kill me!"

*Thud.*

The sword pierced through the man’s throat, blood splattering all over Salah’s face. He now looked like a crazed, bloodthirsty demon. He sneered.

"Why didn’t you show mercy when my parents begged you? Father, mother—I have avenged you."

*Slash.*

Salah severed the man’s head before collapsing in tears. Revenge—it seemed to be the sole purpose of this boy’s life. Next, the other children stepped forward, trembling as they killed their enemies. Afterward, they cried, and some even vomited. Nobody wanted to witness such a scene, but this was a world where the strong preyed on the weak. Mercy would not ensure survival. Some children hesitated and backed away. Only seven passed the first test, including three girls, with Natasha being the oldest at fifteen. Finally, it was Gilliam’s turn. He didn’t rush; instead, he calmly said,

"Sir, I want to kill him."

Gilliam pointed at the captain. Franz nodded, knowing Gilliam was the one he had the highest hopes for, and the captain would be a fitting challenge for him.

Receiving Franz’s nod, Gilliam picked up a sword and advanced. The captain glared fiercely at him.

"Boy, do you dare?"

With that, the aura of a Grand Knight surged from the captain. The Golden Lion Guard moved to intervene, but Franz shook his head—he wanted to see how Gilliam would handle the situation. The pressure was immense—absolutely crushing. Gilliam's steps grew slower, each one becoming more difficult. He was just an ordinary boy, facing a Grand Knight. The pressure from the captain’s aura was unbearable for an ordinary person, especially since Gilliam was already injured.

One step, two steps... blood began to trickle from Gilliam’s mouth, and he was only three steps away from the captain. The others watched him with encouragement. Natasha’s eyes filled with tears as she silently prayed. Franz looked at him with anticipation.

Three steps, four steps... blood had soaked through Gilliam’s collar, and his legs were about to give out, but the determination and hatred in his eyes remained undiminished. The veins on his temples bulged, and his White Eye opened wider. Franz nodded—the complete awakening of the White Eye could sustain his willpower. The captain began to feel fear.

"No... this can’t be. I don’t believe it. Please, don’t..."

Five steps. Gilliam threw his head back and let out a wild laugh.

"Grandfather, father, mother—I avenge you today!"

*Thud.*

The sword plunged into the captain’s heart. He stared wide-eyed at the boy before him.

"You... you..."

"Ha!"

With a roar, Gilliam sliced the captain in half, ending his life. The pressure vanished, and Gilliam collapsed, unconscious, under the admiring gazes of everyone, including the Golden Lion Guard.