Re: In My Bloody Hit Novel - Chapter 546

Chapter 546: Vandoria Kingdom Suffers
One of the guards immediately launched at Dylan, his sword raised to strike. But before he could reach Dylan, the guard closest to him moved with lightning speed, striking the attacking guard at the back of his head. The guard crumpled to the ground, unconscious.

Dylan was stunned by this unexpected turn of events. The guard who had knocked out his companion turned to Dylan with a smile, rolling up his sleeve to reveal a totem on his arm. Dylan’s eyes widened in disbelief. The totem resembled his own, though it was clear this one did not produce a sword like his did.

“I’m a member of the rebel army. You’ve already created a mess here. Come with me if you want to survive!” the guard instructed.

Without waiting for a response, the rebel guard took the lead, rushing out of the room. Dylan, still reeling from the rapid succession of events, followed closely behind.

The army barracks at the border were a sprawling complex, a blend of old stone structures and newer wooden additions. The main building was a large, fortified structure with narrow windows and thick walls designed to withstand attacks. Surrounding it were smaller barracks for the soldiers, storage buildings, and training grounds. The entire area was enclosed by high walls with watchtowers at regular intervals, manned by vigilant sentries.

Dylan and his new ally navigated the narrow corridors of the main building, the walls lined with torches that cast flickering shadows. They passed rooms filled with supplies and makeshift infirmaries, the air thick with the scent of antiseptic and sweat. The guard led Dylan through a series of twists and turns, each step echoing in the dimly lit passageways.

As they moved, Dylan could not help but ask, “Who… no! What is the rebel army?”

“We are a group formed out of those who believe that King Victor has no right to the throne. Ever since he became King, the land had suffered dramatically. The old faiths in the old gods have been declared illegal, and the holy church now reigns supreme on the land.”

Dylan could not help but frown at hearing the things that he just did.

After all, the Worship of the Bear mother was an integral way of life for the people of Vandoria.

Such faith even became a part of their fighting style.

However, this man was saying that it had all been abolished.

Also, Dylan was not aware that Victor, who was now King, could do such a thing. But all indications proved otherwise.

“Why are you helping me?” Dylan asked.

The guard turned to him, “From the moment you walked into the barracks, I knew that it was you.

I know you don’t recognise me. After all, I had not joined the army then. But if you must know, my father. He is Late captainTimi.”

That name Dylan remembered it clearly. After all, Captain Timi was the reason for his admission into the army in the first place, pulling him out of the orphanage at that time.

Dylan was very fond of the man. To think that this was his son was incredible.

At such a time, he took note of the guard’s words. After all, he had said that his father was late.

“How!?” Dylan could not help but ask.

“He was murdered along with those that openly went against the king, as well as several members of Chiron’s army.”

The alarm of the barracks blared suddenly, a loud, shrill sound that signalled a breach. Another guard must have entered the commander’s office and discovered the gruesome scene. The sound of running feet and shouted orders filled the air as the soldiers mobilized in response.

The rebel guard quickened his pace, “We must hurry!” leading Dylan down a narrow staircase that descended into the bowels of the barracks. The air grew cooler and damper as they entered a network of tunnels beneath the complex. These tunnels, originally designed as escape routes and supply passages, now serve as their path to freedom.

“We need to move quickly,” the guard said, his voice echoing in the confined space. “They’ll be searching for us soon.”

Dylan nodded, focusing on keeping up with the guard. They moved through the tunnels, the walls slick with moisture and the floor uneven underfoot. The tunnels twisted and turned, creating a labyrinthine network that was easy to get lost in.

The guard seemed to know the way well, guiding Dylan through the maze with practised ease. They passed through several junctions, each marked with barely visible symbols that the guard seemed to recognize. The sound of the alarm grew fainter as they moved deeper into the tunnels, replaced by the distant, muted sounds of the barracks above.

After several minutes of navigating the underground passages, they emerged into a small, hidden chamber. The guard paused to catch his breath, turning to Dylan with a serious expression. “We’re almost out. From here, there’s a tunnel that leads outside the walls. We have to move quickly before they lock down the exits.”

Dylan nodded, his mind racing with even more questions but understanding the urgency. They continued through the final stretch of the tunnel, the air growing fresher as they neared the exit.

Finally, they reached a small, concealed door that opened to the outside. The guard pushed it open, revealing the night sky and the cool breeze of the desert. The alarm was still faintly audible in the distance, but they had put enough distance between themselves and the barracks to be safe, for now.

“Follow me,” the guard said, stepping outside and into the open. Dylan followed, grateful for the unexpected ally and the chance to escape the chaos behind them. However, he was unaware that things were about to take an even more unusual turn.

“Where are we going?” Dylan asked him.

“We are going to meet the rebel commander. Knowing him. I am sure he will be very happy to see you. After all, both of you are long-time friends.”

Dylan raised a brow at this, but it was obvious that the guard was not going to reveal any more information.

Their journey was a long one, moving from the border, all the way to the other side of the kingdom.

As they did, Dylan had observed the roads.

Weirdly enough, he could see it.

It was an unbelievable sight. The Vandoria kingdom he had left behind was not the one he was meeting.

At almost every few kilometres were two things, firstly, a check point, and secondly, human heads suspended on pikes.

These were not one or two heads

Some checkpoints would have as many as fifty heads suspended on spikes.

Dylan was informed that this was the fate of those who did not worship the new God brought over by the people known as the Holy Church.

Many rules had been changed with homes forced to pay homage to this new religion.

As a result of this, taxes had been increased.

Also, many of the old traditions and festivals have been abolished, and even those that had altars in the secret place of their homes had been punished for it.

To ensure that the people fell in line with his ruling, King Victor also imposed strict control of the production of food, both plants and livestock.

The holy church now regulated that.

They would take from the people and become the sole propagator of it all.

Waton hunting of core beasts for food has also been prohibited.

Naturally, this has even affected the country negatively as core beasts produce enmass, and some areas have come under correct beast attacks.

But the truly painful part is the fact that the people were no longer allowed to mould totems unto their bodies.

All those that had totems had to register the amount they had officially so that more won’t be added in secret.

Children were no longer allowed the ceremony of activating the dantain the traditional way.

It had to be done by the church, after which a different kind of cultivation involving the use of fate was taught.

There was much, much more. The culture of the Vandoria people had been totally flipped on its heels.

Naturally, all these sudden changes made the people rebel.

But the holy church is a formidable entity, slapping the people back regardless of their might.

They all had no choice but to step back.

But this allowed for the rebel army to be formed.

In fact, the people all supported the rebel army.

And when Dylan asked about the ruling tribes?

He was shocked about the news that he got.

Half of their chiefs had been executed for standing up against Victor.

Right now, the country was in really deep problems.

Dylan was led to a temporary safe house were they had to wait a couple of days as the guard he later discovered was named Timothy had to make contact with the rebel army, asking for permission to bring in Dylan.

(Author’s note: nice storytellingright?. )