Elden Ring, building a legion of ashes

Chapter 80 Kenneth Hyde

This Radiant Meteor shot directly took away three ordinary demi-humans who were at the forefront.

Then he rang the soul-summoning bell.

"Ring ring—"

The Bone Ashes Battle Group suddenly appeared, charging into the sub-human population and beginning a chaotic slaughter.

Ordinary demi-humans, apart from being more numerous, are even weaker than the hybrids of Moen City in terms of combat strength, making them arguably the weakest in the entire border region.

Of course, this excludes docile creatures like sheep that are completely harmless.

The lone wolf was too fast and too agile.

In the blink of an eye, the three lone wolves killed five or six ordinary demi-humans, shattering their formation.

The fanged imp is even more agile, like a rabbit.

Each time he jumped onto an ordinary demi-human, he would plunge his forked hand axe straight into its throat, a cruel yet efficient method.

As for the headless knight Ruthel, she didn't even lift a finger.

She stood silently before Kenneth Hyde, holding her large shield, and the aura of death emanating from her deterred any demi-human from taking a step forward.

That invisible deterrent force even surpassed that of the demi-human leader, almost approaching the demi-human queen in their hearts!

After losing more than twenty of their companions, these dozens of demi-humans finally regained consciousness.

Fear overcame madness, and they screamed and scattered.

They are not as fearless as some people think.

Xia Tong, however, had absolutely no interest in catching up.

He probably only got a little over a thousand runes in this battle, which is better than nothing.

With the crisis resolved.

Kenneth Hyde's shattered arrogance seemed to gradually return as his blood flowed back.

He straightened his disheveled collar, looked at Xia Tong who was walking towards him, and slowly said:

"...Judging from your attire, you're one of the Faded Ones, aren't you?"

"Hmph, how decadent."

"Whether it's the splendor of the Golden Tree or the glory of the prestigious Hyde Park..."

"Now, we even have to ask the lowly, faded for help..."

Looking at this guy's "Even though you saved me, I still look down on you" attitude, Xia Tong almost laughed out of anger.

Normally, Xia Tong wouldn't want to bother with such ungrateful people.

But when Xia Tong thought about the possibility of obtaining the Ancient Dragon Rock Forging Stone in the future, she lost her temper again.

He hummed in agreement, realizing that while Kenneth Hyde was a bit arrogant, he was actually quite "cute" in a way.

"...However, this is also a good opportunity."

Kenneth Hyde abruptly changed the subject, adopting the air of a lord:

"I command you in the name of Kenneth Hyde."

"Reclaim Hyde Fortress for me—no, for us."

"But you should pay me," Xia Tong interrupted his boasting without any politeness.

"remuneration?"

Kenneth Hyde paused for a moment, then said dismissively:

"What do you take the noble Lord Kenneth Hyde for? Do you think he would cheat you out of this little bit of payment?"

"As long as you help me retake Hyde Fortress, you will naturally receive plenty of benefits."

"No, I mean you should pay me first—for saving your life."

Xia Tong gestured with her lips, indicating that he should look at the pile of demi-human corpses around them, as well as the two soldiers who had died protecting him.

Kenneth's facial muscles twitched.

Clearly, they hadn't expected their savior to be so mercenary, lacking any chivalry whatsoever.

He angrily pulled a hard, gleaming gold block from a hidden pocket in his silk robe.

He tossed it to Xia Tong like he was dealing with a beggar.

"Take it! You're so greedy..."

"This is Golden Rune! The blessings it contains are enough for a country bumpkin like you to buy a whole set of decent armor!"

"Now, we're even! From now on, it's an employment relationship, understand?"

"I understand, I understand."

Xia Tong took the heavy piece of golden rune and felt it.

It contains a full 1600 runes—this is golden runes[5].

This is arguably the largest denomination of golden rune Xia Tong has ever seen in the border region; the spender is indeed generous.

"Tell me about your employment details, Lord Hyde."

After receiving the money, Xia Tong's attitude improved considerably.

Although Xia Tong's tone carried a hint of sarcasm and mockery.

However, faced with Xia Tong's astonishing martial prowess, Kenneth couldn't say much.

He simply hummed softly, then said seriously:

"You've probably heard of that 'limb-splitting' guy, Greg, right?"

"Hmph, he's a barbarian who only knows how to grow stronger by plundering power. He's a disgrace to the Golden Clan."

"But I, Kenneth Hyde, am different! I seek the orthodox order."

"I'm even willing to accept demi-humans through communication... as long as they are willing to be taught."

At this point, his eyes dimmed slightly, clearly indicating that this failed attempt had dealt him a heavy blow.

He sighed, looked at Xia Tong again, and his expression turned serious:

"Therefore, Faded Ones, this is not a simple killing."

"I want you to kill that mad knight commander who has taken over the fortress, in order to cleanse the fortress of its filth."

"Then drive out those rioting demi-humans and restore Hyde Fortress to the glory of its rightful lord!"

"I understand, I understand."

Xia Tong immediately nodded in agreement.

In fact, there aren't many people in the entire border region who are willing to accept demi-humans.

Even the Reyarukalia Academy only adopts a policy of appeasement towards demi-humans, but in reality, it holds them in utter contempt.

Kenneth Hyde is better than the college.

He was at least willing to let the demi-humans live in his castle, or even as his soldiers, giving them a certain status.

Although he failed, he failed utterly and almost lost his life.

"My esteemed Lord Kenneth Hyde, where are you headed now?"

Seeing Kenneth Hyde all alone, his hands still bleeding, Xia Tong couldn't help but ask with concern.

He was genuinely concerned.

This guy can't possibly die on the roadside, otherwise who's going to take his Ancient Dragon Rock forging stone!

"Well... well..."

Kenneth Hyde looked around.

Besides the still strong stench of blood, there were also the occasional howls of wolves in the distance, and the roars of rune bears coming from the misty forest not far away.

All of this made his scalp tingle.

To return to Hyde Fortress, one must inevitably traverse the perilous Fog Forest.

For someone like him, who is now injured and has lost his protectors, this is nothing short of a fantasy.

……

Thus, a comical scene unfolded on the way to the Third Church of Marika.

Xia Tong sat high on Torret's lap.

Beside him was a lord dressed in luxurious clothes, yet forced to walk.

At the same time, the lord was tightly clutching a cloth bag in his arms.

That was the "warm stone" that Xia Tong gave him after infusing it with his spiritual power.

Wrapping the wound in clothing can prevent burns and promote healing.

Fortunately, Kenneth Hyde was lucky.

After traveling for several hours, they finally encountered a lone, mounted Kaidan mercenary.

That unlucky fellow was naturally cut down by Xia Tong with a single stroke.

His warhorse then went to Kenneth Hyde.

Although it can't compare to his thoroughbred noble horse, it's still much better than walking.

Because of the time lost in between, it wasn't until late afternoon that the outline of the Third Church of Marika gradually came into view for Xia Tong.