CHAPTER 352: CHAPTER 251: ELIMINATION OF THE LAST PLACE_1

These people had been tormented by Sorcery and were already in a poor state.

For example, Dismas, from an establishment in Ovando City, had been taken down in a single move by a Heretic Priest, nearly driving him insane. While there’s undoubtedly a difference in strength even between Heretic Priests, these men were not as formidable as Dismas; otherwise, they wouldn’t have succumbed so easily.

Lance was now facing the challenge of getting them to stand up, which was no small feat.

With splitting headaches and limbs that felt as if they didn’t belong to their own bodies, they had been shown by others that willpower could cut through chains.

Moreover, this was their final opportunity. They had to prove themselves, and they immediately began to struggle to their feet.

However, if it had been that easy, they wouldn’t have been sitting paralyzed on the ground. Several attempts ended in them collapsing back down, but they didn’t resign themselves to fate; each attempt to stand was made with no option of retreat.

They couldn’t afford to lose this chance again...

If in their past lives willpower had limits due to physical constraints, this world was different; here, willpower could truly transcend the limits of the flesh.

Somebody stood up... The first one, leaning on his Spear, managed to get to his feet. His forehead was covered in cold sweat, his body trembled unsteadily, and even his breathing was labored, as if the mere act of standing had drained all his strength. He looked like he might collapse again at any moment.

Lance’s expression remained calm, and he waited about ten seconds before speaking.

"Do you remember this feeling? We were forged in agony, and we are destined to end suffering. Any hesitation will erode your will, and I don’t wish for any of you to become my enemy."

"Soldier Kael will never falter!" Even in his state, he mustered all his strength to shout his words.

He may have succumbed to desires in the past, but at this moment, he earned everyone’s forgiveness. For a time, even the more outstanding soldiers put aside their mockery and acknowledged their willpower.

"Soldier..."

"Soldier..."

"..."

Inspired by Kael, the other soldiers also stood up one by one, renewing their loyalty and determined to cleanse their stains through the most brutal battles to come.

"Alright, rest for now. No one will carry you back later," Lance said, waving his hand to indicate that this matter was settled for the time being, serving as a reminder to these somewhat impatient soldiers.

The clean-up of the camp was still ongoing, and Lance joined in. It should be known that books and writings are among the carriers of Supernatural Power. Lance warned the soldiers that if they found such items, they were not to open them, or even approach them, but to wait for him to handle it.

He went directly into the most intact building in the camp, from which he had earlier seen several Fanatics, including Heretic Priests, charge out.

Upon entering, he saw a vast altar made of wood and black iron. Below it was a sunken stone basin used to collect the blood of sacrifices, with three spikes that were the emblem of the Ascension Sect.

It looked similar to what had been found in William’s town previously, except this altar was conspicuously placed in the center, with no attempt at concealment.

Who knew how many repulsive rituals had been performed to soak the entire wooden surface red, even blackening it. The mottled, blood-rusted manacles and the lingering stench of gore above the blood basin were telltale signs of what had transpired there.

Lance didn’t react much upon seeing this; such things had been anticipated. He was more concerned about whether there would be any findings to compensate for the financial cost of this military action.

Gunpowder and Lead Bullets cost money; repairing worn weapons and armor cost money; medical treatment for the injured cost money; rewards and promotions cost money. This mission alone had cost at least a hundred Gold Coins.

Fortunately, there were no deaths, which would have driven the costs to a terrifying extent.

But Lance wasn’t pained by it. Money wasn’t important; he was determined to spend whatever it took to crush that old bastard.

However, after he searched the sacrificial site with hopeful anticipation...

"Damned paupers!"

Lance couldn’t help but curse as he looked at the few copper coins in his hand. There was nothing more to find. It seemed these people had no economic needs and therefore no use for money.

These few copper coins were probably from the refugees who had been captured.

Damn it! Wasn’t this battle a complete loss then?

After rummaging through everything, there really was nothing else of value—only some miscellaneous ritual paraphernalia and a simple ledger tracking the camp’s growth.

None of these items radiated Spirit Light, meaning they weren’t Extraordinary Equipment and were therefore completely useless to him.

"Milord, there’s an issue here," Reynard, who had been clearing another part of the camp, reported.

Reynard hadn’t reported in the most direct manner, which suggested the situation was either unsuitable to be spoken aloud or couldn’t be articulated easily.

Realizing the situation might be serious, Lance casually tossed the items into the Exhibition Room and quickly followed Reynard.

Soon, Reynard led Lance to a corner of the camp. As soon as he approached, a pungent, sickeningly sweet stench was unmistakable, prompting him to quicken his pace.

Upon entering the area, Lance finally understood where these people’s consumed supplies had come from.

Three corpses, completely stripped, were hung by iron hooks pierced through their shins. Their organs had been gutted, and their heads were missing, leaving gaping, bowl-sized holes at their necks. Below each was a pottery jug, presumably to collect dripping blood, but their ashen skin made it clear the blood had long since been drained.

In a large cauldron on the stove, something was stewing. Lance stirred the murky soup with a ladle, finding large chunks of unidentifiable meat and various chopped organs. It wasn’t until he fished out a head, its skin and flesh contracted into an especially twisted and ferocious, teeth-baring visage, that their suspicions were confirmed.