On the nearby path, the sounds of battle and killing echoed. Sebastian Zhao stood on the steep slope, gripping his black dagger tightly—there was no way out. Soldiers wielding bows and arrows lined the narrow trail between the mountains below, while behind him, enemies armed with sharp blades pressed in. He was trapped on this treacherous incline, caught between death and destruction.
Cyrus Sage watched the man before him in silence. Even at this moment, there was not the slightest hint of surrender in his eyes—he was still searching for a way to survive.
The sunlight was beginning to fade, and dusk was fast approaching. Sebastian Zhao closed his eyes, quietly feeling the breeze on his face. He had no intention of surrendering or giving up. Long ago, he had imagined this very situation—wondering what his end would be like.
"So in the end, I die on the battlefield, huh?"
After muttering to himself, Sebastian Zhao slowly bent forward and raised his dagger.
Cyrus Sage glanced back at the corpses behind him. Among them were three generals, all quite capable. His trusted grand general was now being bandaged, but his left eye would likely never see light again. If the enemy before him chose not to flee but instead used the forest to fight them, the casualties on his side would be even greater.
"You're impressive. What's your name?"
Sebastian Zhao let out a cold, bitter laugh.
"Before you ask me, shouldn't you give your own name first?"
"Cyrus Sage. And you?"
"Sebastian Zhao."
This was the first time Cyrus Sage had witnessed someone so powerful. Even after searching the entire Sage Domain, he hadn't found anyone who could rival the man before him.
Cyrus Sage was still hesitating. If he gave the order to kill, this formidable enemy would die. Yet in that instant, he felt a strange urge to persuade him to surrender. He sat lightly on the cliff and asked a question.
"Judging by your appearance, you're not from the Grant Family, are you? Even your surname isn't from the Grant Domain. Are you with the Wild Tribe?"
Sebastian Zhao nodded.
"Then you have no reason to risk your life for the Grant Family."
"That's right. I would never lay down my life for the Grant Family."
Sebastian Zhao let out a sigh, and Cyrus Sage's eyes instantly lit up with delight.
"Unless..."
Sebastian Zhao abruptly cut off Cyrus Sage's words.