2/2
Chapter 1360
Chapter 1360
+25 BONUS
The black–clad assailants! Lightfoot Skills were extraordinary, and they scattered in all directions. Adrian could have pursued one of them, but catching all of them was impossible.
However, he chose not to pursue anyone at all. Emerging from the shadows, his hand darted out and grabbed Carissa by the ear, twisting it until she yelped in pain.
“So bold of you, wasn’t it? To engage without proper defenses? Do you think you’re invincible? Haven’t you heard the saying that there’s always someone stronger out there?
Carissa shrieked and flailed in protest as the lamps were lit by Jacob, illuminating the courtyard and revealing the bloodstains on everyone’s bodies.
Only then did Adrian notice the wounds on Carissa. Yet instead of softening, his grip on her ear tightened, and he hissed, “You couldn’t guess what Nicholas was planning? And you didn’t think to write for reinforcements from Meadow Ridge? Are you so arrogant now that you’ve forgotten basic caution? Just wait until your martial uncle arrives–you’ll regret it!”
It was the first time Adrian had ever been so furious with Carissa. No matter how much trouble she caused when she was younger, he would always bow, offer gifts, and apologize on her behalf.
Now, it was Carissa’s turn to bow and beg for forgiveness.
“I know I was wrong! I know I was wrong! Please forgive me, Sage Adrian!”
Adrian kicked her on a spot with no blood–right on the knee. He didn’t use much force, but to Kyle and the others, it looked harsh.
None of them dared to speak up. It was Jacob who finally stepped forward, bowing as he tried to mediate.
“Sage Adrian, perhaps we should tend to their injuries first? There will be time to reprimand her later.”
Seeing the injuries on Carissa and Kyle, Adrian’s heart softened, and he set aside his anger. “Go treat your injuries! Don’t tell me the Capital Guard headquarters doesn’t even have basic medical supplies stocked.“.
“We do! We do!” Carissa hurried to assure him, her eyes still shimmering with a wet, puppy–like gaze. She had clearly missed her mentor dearly.
The group dispersed to tend to their injuries. As Violet helped Carissa wrap her wounds, she whispered, “I’ve never seen your mentor scold you like that before.”
Carissa stretched out her arm to reveal two sword cuts. Thankfully, neither had reached the bone. She smiled and said, “He’s only strict because he cares about me.”
Violet tightened a bandage. “If my mentor cared about me like that, I’d cry.”
Once Violet had finished with Carissa’s bandages, it was Carissa’s turn to help Violet. The latter had taken a sword to her shoulder and a shallow cut to her waist, but the most serious injury was to her calf. Fortunately, her soft armor had shielded her torso from any deadly blows.
“How’d you end up with a cut on your calf?” Carissa asked.
“I kicked one of those thugs away, but I wasn’t expecting another one to swing at me. I couldn’t dodge in time, so I got nicked. It’s just a flesh wound, nothing serious,” Violet explained.
She paused, then added, “Oh, and I got hit on the back. Probably with a metal rod–it hurt, but it didn’t leave a cut. Just bruised me good.”
1/2
Chapter 1360
+25 BONUS
Meanwhile, Kyle, Jacob, and Travis were gathered in another corner, tending to their wounds. For Jacob, it was his first time witnessing Adrian’s martial prowess, and he was completely stunned. If not for Travis applying the bandages with excessive force, Jacob might still have been lost in his awe.
All three were injured to varying degrees, though Travis seemed to have fared the worst. For some reason, whenever a fight broke out, he became a magnet for aggression–everyone seemed eager to land a hit on him. Once their wounds were treated, Carissa leaned against her mentor. Though she wasn’t as playful as usual, she still acted more sweet and carefree than compared to her usual self as Commander Sinclair.
“When did you get here, Sage Adrian? How come I didn’t know? I’ve had people stationed at the city gates every day.”
By now, Adrian had already removed his disguise. But even if he hadn’t, both Kyle and Carissa would’ve recognized his voice.
“The guards at your city gates couldn’t even detect the weapons I smuggled in. Is this the caliber of soldiers under your command?”
Carissa’s eyes widened. “No way! They didn’t catch the weapons?”
She had issued strict orders prohibiting the transport of weapons into the city. Even martial artists were required to leave their weapons at the gates for safekeeping.
What was Michael doing? Hadn’t he enforced the inspections?
Adrian shook his head and sighed deeply. “If I hadn’t come, do you really think you’d have succeeded in this?”
“Thank goodness you showed up when you did! Otherwise, we wouldn’t have escaped unscathed.” Carissa shivered at the thought of tonight’s brutal battle. She had known their opponents were skilled, but hadn’t anticipated just how formidable they were.
“I’ve been here for a while,” Adrian said casually, sipping the coffee Jacob had brewed despite his injuries. “I’ve been keeping an eye on them. How else do you think I knew they were making a move tonight?”
He set his cup down and added, “It’s not entirely your fault. Nicholas has hidden himself well. Over the years, he’s probably sought guidance from countless masters and combined the best of their teachings. For all we know, he may have disguised himself and joined our guild at some point.”
“The one who came tonight–it was him, wasn’t it?” Kyle asked.
“Yes, it was him.” Adrian frowned and glanced at him. “I was counting on you to protect your martial sister, yet look at you–so useless.”
Kyle immediately lowered his head, feeling embarrassed. “I lack skill and couldn’t protect Cari well. Please don’t tell Sage Everett.”
Adrian waved a hand dismissively. “Actually, I was about to say, don’t mention any of this to your martial uncle. The last thing we need is him finding out you fought like a bunch of amateurs.”
Everyone looked pale and embarrassed.
