Lord of the Oasis Chapter 819 - The grand finale (VI)

“What are you doing here?” Bunduk inquired, his gaze fixed on the group of waiters assembling behind Nate, his brow furrowed.

“We’ve come to assist,” Nate responded cautiously, his eyes meeting Bunduk’s.

“Don’t cause any trouble. You should all return,” Bunduk urged, waving his hand. He elaborated, “These individuals are from the surveillance bureau. They wouldn’t dare to trouble us outsiders. If you interfere, Lord Kant’s protection becomes meaningless, understand?”

“... Yes,” Nitte replied, lowering his head.

“Very well, have everyone return,” Bunduk declared, clapping Nitte on the shoulder before moving on. He led his soldiers into the dining hall. Witnessing Bunduk’s retreating figure, Nate let out a sigh and turned to his fellow attendants. “Did you all hear that? Let’s head back.”

“But…” one attendant began hesitantly.

“Don’t worry. If that group of soldiers truly intends to act, we’ll have to teach them a stern lesson regardless,” Nate interrupted. “However, it’s not our time yet. Everyone, listen to me and return for now.”

“Yes,” the waiters chorused in agreement.

Once the others had departed, Nate remained alone, standing guard outside the restaurant, patiently anticipating any developments within.

Shortly after, the dwarf soldier, who had previously posted a search warrant on the fourth-floor staircase, was escorted out by CARADIA soldiers.

Bunduk, visibly annoyed, cursed as they emerged, “You bunch of scoundrels! Each of you clad in a uniform, yet you dare to come here and attempt to swindle us. Explain everything you’ve uncovered.”

“My Lord, please let us go. We’ve already confessed everything,” the dwarf pleaded, crawling at the restaurant’s entrance towards Kant, who was walking behind.

“Bunduk, take your men and escort them out. Try not to disrupt the establishment’s business,” Kant instructed Bunduk, glancing briefly at the dwarf.

“Understood, Your Majesty,” Bunduk replied with a bow.

“I’m here to help,” Abel chimed in, approaching the soldiers with a smile and placing a hand on one of them. As he prepared to lead the soldier and the apprehended individuals downstairs, Nate materialized, blocking their path and expressing his disbelief. “Lord Abel, what are you doing?”

“Nate, don’t be concerned,” Abel reassured him. “These ruffians weren’t dispatched by the Overwatch Council. Someone hired them to investigate the items the boss left behind. After receiving their uniforms, they proceeded to cheat for food and drinks.”

“What?” Nate struggled to process Abel’s explanation. Staring at the soldier beside him, he questioned, “Are you truly not soldiers from the Overwatch Council?”

The undead individual beside Abel averted his gaze, replying with hesitation, “We are merely ordinary people.”

Observing Nate’s expression, a sense of foreboding washed over Abel. He swiftly signaled to the elven soldier nearby, urging them to discreetly guide Nate away.

The elven soldier subtly maneuvered behind Nate, keeping a watchful eye on his every movement.

“You despicable vermin!” Nate’s face flushed crimson with rage as he lunged towards the undead. However, the elven soldier intervened promptly, halting his charge. The apprehended undead froze in sheer terror, while Abel’s eyes widened in surprise. He attempted to placate Nate, saying, “Nate, these individuals…”

“Everyone! Hurry! These individuals aren't from the inspection station; they’re nothing but common street thugs!” Nate managed to break free from the elven soldier’s grasp, leaning against the stair railing as he shouted towards the orc attendants in the hall.

“Nate!” The ensuing commotion drew the attention of Kant and Bunduk. Upon realizing the situation, they moved to intervene immediately.

“Everyone! Seal the doors and prevent these people from escaping!” Nate continued to issue commands.

Responding to Nate’s call, the inn’s waiters converged in the lobby. Following his instructions, the front and rear entrances of the inn were swiftly secured.

“Your Majesty.” Bunduk frowned, glancing at Kant beside him as he surveyed the scene.

Kant sighed, shaking his head helplessly. “With the boss absent, there’s no one here capable of calming these waiters down.”

“In my impression…” Bunduk commented with disappointment, looking towards Nate. “I hadn’t anticipated Nitte losing control to such an extent.”

“Neither you nor I are intimately familiar with the people in this establishment,” Kant stated, shaking his head. “We merely see them as staff in our daily dealings. How could we possibly discern their true character?”

“You speak the truth,” Bunduk agreed with a slight nod. “However, all the patrons in the inn have been frightened away.”

Kant followed Bunduk’s line of sight and observed that the hall was indeed empty of customers, likely startled by the escalating commotion downstairs.

“These fellows certainly got a good deal. They left without settling their tab after a meal,” Kant remarked casually.

“Your Majesty…” Bunduk responded with a sigh, “Now is hardly the time to fret over such trifles.”

“I shall go speak with Nitte,” Kant chuckled, stating calmly, “Let them reach their own conclusions.”

With that, Kant turned and strode towards Nitte's location.

By this point, Abel had already instructed the two elven soldiers to release their hold on Nitte and rejoin the ranks. Everyone else in the establishment had congregated on the second floor. As their leader, Nitte was naturally the focal point of their attention.

Approaching Abel, Kant addressed Nitte, “Nitte, you’ve barred all exits to the establishment. Are you intending to cease all business operations?”

“Lord Kant, this situation is no concern of yours. Since these individuals possess no significant background, their actions just now were excessively overbearing. We, representing this establishment, must teach them a lesson,” a flicker of animosity crossed Nitte’s eyes.

“Yet, they are currently in our custody. How can this be considered none of our business?” Kant inquired softly.

“Lord Kant!” Nitte's voice rose, continuing, “Please refrain from defending them any further!”

“Lower your voice,” Bunduk stepped forward, cautioning Nitte, “Even Gilbert shows deference in His Majesty’s presence. What is wrong with you? Do you believe your standing surpasses Gilbert’s?”

“Your Highness, let us depart. These individuals are not worthy of our consideration,” Abel interjected at that moment, his gaze fixed on Nitte, carrying an intensity akin to the winter's frost.

Chapter 906: A Heavy Price

“Nitte, do ponder this carefully,” Kant stated with a sigh, “You stand as the leader for these people. Consider the impact your current stance will have on everyone’s subsequent conduct.”

“Lord Kant…” Nitte glanced at the three figures before him, his eyes involuntarily narrowing. Yet, ultimately, he hardened his resolve and declared, “We request that you do not interfere in this matter.”

“Very well.” Kant’s expression registered a hint of disappointment. He gestured to the soldier behind him, commanding, “Release the individuals you are holding. We shall depart.”

Though the soldier under command showed a reluctance to comply, he nonetheless released the uniformed nomads. Subsequently, he consciously positioned himself behind Kant, aligning neatly in his trained formation.

“Do you believe this resolution is superior?” Kant tilted his head, posing the question to Nitte. “No one will make decisions for you, but I must impress upon you the importance of not squandering the goodwill offered.”

Having spoken, Kant descended the stairs, leading the way toward the Tang Empire’s vicinity.

Abel and Bunduk followed closely. Once their soldiers had also exited the inn, the establishment was left with only a contingent of waiters and the nomads tasked with the search mission.

“One-on-one, or is it indiscriminate combat?” the dwarf straightened his posture, addressing his companions behind him. He brushed off the dust from his attire and looked up at Nitte.

“Let’s engage all of you at once. I still intend to land a punch on that detestable face of yours,” Nitte declared with rancor.

“Agreed.” The dwarf surveyed Nitte critically before sneering, “I believe my fist carries far more conviction than their pronouncements. Without feeling the sting yourself, you cannot grasp the true meaning of pain.”

“Enough talk,” Nitte retorted, raising his right arm and bellowing to the orcs behind him, “Everyone! Follow me!”

The nomads positioned at the forefront retrieved small tubes of green powder from their trouser pockets, tipping a portion into their palms.

“Hold on, we haven’t quite ‘begun our meal’ yet,” the dwarf gestured to Nitte, holding the green powder aloft. With a deep inhalation, the dwarf’s face flushed crimson, his eyes bulging with blood. The other nomads exhibited the same physiological response after ingesting the same powder.

The group, previously appearing listless, were now propelled to their physical zenith under the drug’s potent stimulation.

“Now, we are ready.”

Emerging from the inn, Kant paused at the entrance of the teahouse directly opposite. His gaze was fixed upon the imposing three-story structure.

“Bunduk, dispatch someone to inquire if any guest rooms are available in the establishment upstairs,” Kant instructed.

“Your Majesty, this is a teahouse. What manner of lodgings would one find here?” Abel questioned.

“Observe the architectural design of the third floor; it mirrors that of the inn operated by Trubin,” Kant elaborated. “As for why no inn sign is displayed, that indeed piques my curiosity.”

“Allow me to investigate personally. Your Majesty, please await me here,” Bunduk offered. After securing a tea table in the teahouse’s main hall with his companions, and under the proprietor’s direction, Bunduk proceeded towards the staircase leading to the third floor.

“Your Highness, do you think Nate and his companions will be harmed by those nomads?” Abel inquired, his brow furrowed with concern. “After all, those ruffians appear to possess considerable combat skills. Nate and the others typically engage in menial tasks at the shop; they lack the strength to contend with such individuals.”

“Just as you surmise, Abel, Nate and his group will undoubtedly face hardship,” Kant responded, his tone measured. “However, if this setback falls within acceptable limits, it might not be entirely without purpose. The boss will likely be incarcerated. The young ones he raised truly haven’t endured any tribulations. To survive in this small town, one cannot solely depend on fortune, can they?”

“Indeed.” Abel nodded in agreement with Kant’s assessment.

“Have all the materials brought by those individuals been collected?” Kant inquired, taking a sip of tea as he addressed a soldier nearby.

“Yes!” The soldier’s customary crisp reply drew the notice of other patrons in the establishment.

“Submit all the gathered information to me. Even after we depart from the inn, we must ensure everything is properly accounted for and returned to them,” Abel stated with a relaxed demeanor, nodding.

“Understood.” The captain of each squad began meticulously organizing the paper records the soldiers had compiled, along with any personal belongings confiscated from the nomads. Throughout this process, an uncharacteristic silence prevailed.

“I truly wish they maintained such quietude during ordinary times,” Abel mused, resting his chin in his hands.

At that moment, Bunduk had already returned to the ground-floor lobby and settled beside Kant, announcing with evident satisfaction, “Your Highness, your assessment was correct. The third floor operates as an independent hotel. Furthermore, the proprietor informed me they are currently in their business off-season and have ample vacant rooms.”

“Understood.” Kant gave a slight nod. “Did you secure the room?”

“Certainly, although I didn’t bring much coin. I’ve only paid for the room three days in advance,” Bunduk replied.

“Well executed,” Kant affirmed.

Abel, holding the compiled information and items handed over by the soldiers, rejoined Kant at the tea table. Setting down his load, he let out a sigh. “Your Highness, the items recovered by the soldiers are all here. Those fellows were truly not forthcoming. Not only did they produce documents, but they also surrendered personal possessions they favored.”

“Indeed. After finishing this tea, we shall take these items back to the room and sort through them at our leisure,” Kant remarked, his gaze sweeping over the documents that now covered the tea table. He then spotted a glass tube filled with green powder tucked away in a corner. “What is this peculiar item?”

“This?” Abel casually retrieved the glass tube. After examining it, he explained to Kant, “The soldier who gave this to me mentioned that one of the nomads offered it as a bribe.”

“A bribe was offered?” Bunduk paused mid-sip of his tea, expressing his astonishment. “It appears these ruffians have been indulging in illicit activities for quite some time; to conceive of such a tactic at this juncture is noteworthy.”

“Allow me to inspect it.” Kant extended his hand towards Abel.

“Of course.” Abel promptly passed the glass tube to Kant.

Kant held the vial, approximately the length of his index finger, before his eyes, scrutinizing it intently. Suddenly, a chilling realization dawned upon him.

“I comprehend,” Kant declared, tapping the glass tube on the table. “Nitte and the others are in peril. We must depart immediately.”

Chapter 907: The Existence of Hell on Earth

“What is it, Your Highness?” Bunduk hastily set down his teacup, his voice laced with urgency. “Is this item connected to Nate and his companions?”

“I’ve been pondering why that group offered no resistance upon our arrival,” Kant stated, already moving towards the teahouse exit. He then addressed the soldiers who were still enjoying their pastries, “Soldiers, follow me!”

“Why?” Abel recalled the initial moments of their entry into the establishment, a subtle unease stirring within him. It was just the two of them then. Given the notorious ferocity of those nomads, why would they have been so easily subdued and inclined to beg for mercy from the outset?

“Could it not be due to their recognition of Lord Kant’s status?” Bunduk inquired, falling into step behind Kant as they exited the teahouse, adjusting his helmet.

“At that juncture, we foresaw that direct confrontation would yield the most unfavorable outcome. Since that contingent of nomads had accepted this commission, any errors in its execution would still render the employing guild accountable. Therefore, after careful consideration, our overt association with Gilbert and his associates could not be deemed an advantage,” Abel elucidated.

“That bunch of people were afraid of us catching them red-handed, as Abel and I happened upon their activities. “And if this incident were to be exposed, not only would the guild absolve itself of any responsibility, but they would also completely sever all ties with them.” Kant’s gait was swift as the wind, the veins on his right hand, which gripped the glass vial, visibly bulging.

Abel stood frozen at Kant’s words, stammering, “Could it be that they are consuming drugs?”

“Gathering people to consume drugs,” Kant corrected him. “Nitta dispatched individuals to frighten away the customers and used provocative words to compel us to depart. This conveniently provided them with a secure environment. Presently, that group has spiraled beyond any semblance of control.”

The instant his sentence concluded, Kant forcefully shoved open the inn’s firmly shut door.

The scene that greeted them was akin to a living hell.

Within the inn’s main hall, blood was violently splattered. Seven to eight server corpses lay strewn across the floor, gleaming like a polished mirror, as if they had been forcibly flung from the second story. Seven to eight of their ribcages were fractured, piercing their lungs, rendering the injured servers utterly incapable of drawing breath.

The nomads, having ingested the illicit substance, were thrashing wildly throughout the inn. The moment Kant’s gaze met theirs, raw bestial ferocity blazed within their eyes.

“Get lost!” Before Abel could even react, Bunduk’s fist sent a charging nomad hurtling away from Kant.

“Help us! Is anyone there? Save us!” Just as Kant’s eyes grew dim contemplating the gruesome tableau, a terrified shriek echoed from the second floor.

“There are still survivors!” Abel exclaimed in surprise. “Teams three and four, accompany me upstairs to rescue them!”

“Teams one and two, proceed to the backyard for a thorough search,” Kant commanded. “Engage and neutralize the nomads under the influence of the drug!”

“Yes!” The soldiers responded in unison. Following their leaders’ directives, the squads split into two formations and advanced toward their designated positions. Concurrently, the fifth team, under Abel’s direct supervision, remained positioned beside Kant, tasked with subduing the remaining nomads in the hall.

Kant slowly ambled towards a small tea stall and took a seat, his gaze fixed unseeingly upon the floor.

Abel approached him with evident concern, inquiring, “Your Majesty, are you quite alright?”

“I am well,” Kant replied, gently closing his eyes. “Proceed with your duties. The soldiers require your assistance.”

“Should we perhaps capture one or two of these nomads alive, Your Majesty?” Abel hesitated, remaining rooted to his spot as he posed the question to Kant.

“There is no need,” Kant responded, inhaling deeply. “If you encounter the Dwarven leader, apprehend him and bring him directly to me.”

“…Understood.” Abel nodded, then turned to depart. Glancing back once more at Kant, he observed that the emperor’s head remained bowed. Abel let out a profound sigh and cast his gaze upon the nomads lunging towards him, a flicker of despair crossing his features.

“Son of a B*tch!” Abel channeled the spiritual energy coursing through his body. The instant his fist connected with a nomad’s form, the water within their body was instantaneously expelled. The individual, who had appeared robust moments before, instantly collapsed to the floor like a delicate flower battered by a storm.

Despite the enhancement in strength and speed granted by the drug, the nomads had succumbed to sheer madness, acting purely on instinct. They were no match for the meticulously trained soldiers.

Let alone Abel, even the other elven s