Witch, Fireball and Steam Evil God

Chapter 337 The Emperor of the Capital

It's not hard to find the territory of "Red Eyes".

After leaving the witcher's village, Ethan and Ivy headed north along the path outside the village, and then, just as Van Fleet had warned, they were surrounded by a group of menacing ghouls—real ghouls, crawling on the ground, their skin festering, many missing their jaws. They were so densely packed that at first glance, there were at least dozens of ghouls huddled together.

Considering the principles of ghoul transformation, Ethan found it hard to imagine where they came from.

The low growls that rose and fell blocked their path. Looking at the dense swarm of dark creatures, a strange light suddenly flashed in Ivy's eyes. "Get down."

She coldly issued orders to the numerous ghouls.

Van Fleet previously mentioned that the "Red Eyes" have the ability to command ghouls, and now, at least in terms of appearance, she can be considered one of the "Red Eyes".

With Ivy's command, the previously restless ghouls suddenly quieted down. A moment later, they lowered their heads and obediently lay down on the ground, no longer intending to attack the two.

"Fresh blood."

Voices of judgment rang out from the ghoul horde. A man and a woman dressed in luxurious attire emerged from the mist as they passed through the ghouls. They had blood-red eyes like Ivy. "Not bad, you're very talented, much better than the others."

They looked Ivy up and down, then their gaze fell on Ethan. "Newcomer, why did you bring a human to our territory? Didn't the villagers warn you about the consequences of doing so?"

The woman in the evening gown licked her lips. "He looks so delicious."

Just as Ivy was about to say something, Ethan immediately stood up and said, "I don't like the term 'human'."

"Oh? It seems the human you brought has quite a temper, a Witcher, a follower of the God of Truth?"

The woman casually examined her red fingernails, like an elegant hunter.

She had seen too many arrogant and rude people, but the mist was their barrier. No matter what status or power these intruders held in the outside world, they would all become ordinary people once they arrived here. For those who could not let go of their arrogance and conceit, their fate was to become food for ghouls.

The same conversation had played out countless times; she could even imagine what Ethan was going to say next.

It was nothing more than an attempt to intimidate them by using his status outside, threatening them to point out a way for them to leave.

Ethan narrowed his eyes and said coldly, "Please call me an asymptomatic carrier."

"……Asymptomatic infection?"

An unexpected answer appeared, and the two red-eyed ghouls finally showed surprised expressions, even Ivy stared at Ethan in disbelief.

She had originally planned to use a strong stance to demand that Ethan accompany her, but she never expected that Ethan could even deal with ghouls.

It's clear the two ghouls have fallen for the trap. "What does 'asymptomatic carrier' mean?"

"How much do you know about the ghoul virus? And how can you assume I haven't been infected?"

Ethan spoke with conviction, and his powerful aura made him seem to Ivy like a true believer in the God of Truth, who at this moment had already grasped the truth in his own hands.

"Your eyes haven't turned red."

"He didn't crawl either."

The two spoke hesitantly.

No matter how they looked at him, Ethan seemed no different from a normal human. Even his scent was similar, even more alluring than any human they had ever seen. It was the kind of scent that, if you smelled it for a while, made you want to pounce on him and devour him.

"Listen carefully. According to the latest medical report, 2.7% of patients in the Empire who are infected by ghouls do not show the corresponding symptoms. They will become carriers of the ghoul virus."

A carrier of the ghoul virus?!

The two red-eyed ghouls were completely dumbfounded, but Ethan's confidence in his speech seemed genuine, making people unconsciously want to believe him.

"You probably think you're superior because you can still think after being infected with the ghoul virus, right?"

The cold smile on Ethan's face was just like the merciless mockery of a person who has grasped the truth to the ignorant. It was just a verbal exchange, but in the eyes of the two red-eyed ghouls, he became a mountain-like figure. They had only ever felt the same way about their "mother".

"Think about it again. In your current state, what would happen if you walked the streets of Darkforge City?"

This soul-searching question silenced the two red-eyed vampires.

Ethan said, "You will still be treated as monsters, and without the protection of this mist, high-ranking demon hunters will find you soon, as will the Imperial Knights. How can you possibly contend with the Imperial regular army with your strength?"

"so what?"

"If they come here, they'll just become ghouls' food too!"

The red-eyed vampire retorted unwillingly, and although they understood that Ethan was right, Ethan's belittling still angered them.

“But I am different from you. I can freely enter and leave any town in the empire and pass through any checkpoint set up by the imperial knights. I don’t need to infect more people by biting and scratching. All I have to do is walk into a popular restaurant, eat a meal with their utensils, and a few days later, a large number of ghouls infected by me will appear in the city!”

This is the confidence that comes from mastering modern medicine!
Ethan's imposing gaze swept over the two red-eyed ghouls who were now cowering in fear before him. "Do you still consider me just an 'ordinary human'?"

Ivy witnessed Ethan's earnest nonsense once again. He had used the same demeanor and tone last time to persuade Mr. Marshall, a banker at the Federal Reserve, to drink a large cup of disgusting blocking agent. "Take me to your village. Your methods of infecting people are too backward. Let me show you what truly advanced methods are!"

Even his disdainful gaze was perfectly timed, exactly like the way nobles in the capital looked down on outsiders, so sharp that Ivy wanted to jump up and knock him on the back of the head.

Ethan succeeded once again.

Not only the two red-eyed vampires, but all the ordinary ghouls present were also greatly shocked by Ethan's words. Although they had lost their ability to think and should not understand human language, in the face of Ethan's powerful aura, they were like young adventurers who had just come from a border city to venture into a big city and could not hold their heads up in front of the local noble young master of the capital.

They didn't even dare to look Ethan in the eye; as he approached, they all lowered their heads and made way for him.

This scene further convinced the two red-eyed ghouls of Ethan's identity, leading them to believe that he was the higher-ranking ghoul. Ethan hadn't given any orders to the lower-ranking ghouls; he had only used a disdainful look to make them retreat in fear.

"What are you all standing there for? Lead the way."

As Ethan passed the two, he snorted coldly.

"Oh, okay, this way please."

These are the ghouls from the capital city coming to inspect. The two red-eyed ghouls spoke in a gentle and humble tone. Don't be fooled by their current fine clothes; before becoming ghouls, they were just ordinary residents of Darkforge City. Ethan's expression reminded them of their time as humans.

If a high-ranking official from the capital came to inspect Dark Furnace City, they would all have to walk with their heads down, not daring to make eye contact with him on the street.

Ivy followed at the back of the crowd, helplessly rubbing her forehead.

Ethan always managed to surprise her. Just now, his expression and tone of voice were even more arrogant than the most disdainful nobles in the capital.

Along the way, Ethan understood why Van Fleet and the villagers couldn't reach the "Red Eyes'" territory: the entire route was occupied by a huge number of ghouls, and any human who dared to trespass would face an attack from dozens of ghouls at the same time. With the path cut off, it was no different from suicide.

At the end of the mist was a desolate city, almost identical in size and structure to Darkforge City. However, the people walking on the streets were no longer busy pedestrians, but low-ranking ghouls emitting low growls. The way to distinguish them was also very simple: they crawled on all fours like wild beasts, their skin was rotting from disease, and their eyeballs had completely disappeared, turning their entire eyes blood red.

Having lost their ability to think, they can only wander aimlessly through the streets.

until……

Ethan's arrival.

The entire city fell silent; not a single low-ranking ghoul made a sound. Ethan's commanding view made them realize that howling in the street was extremely rude, and that such behavior would anger the Imperial Lord who had come to inspect the city.

The two red-eyed ghouls were utterly shocked. They led the two to their lodgings—where all newcomers would be settled.

They were nervous in front of Ethan, but the usual procedures still needed to be followed.

The red-eyed ghoul carefully considered its tone, trying to sound as humble and tactful as possible, "We will inform Mother of your arrival. Mother welcomes every kin, and we will take you to see her, after which we will prepare a welcoming ceremony for you..."

"That doesn't make sense. What do you mean by taking us to see her?"

The icy tone instantly lowered the atmosphere in the room to freezing point. Under Ethan's cold gaze, the two red-eyed ghouls were at a loss.

"This, this is Mother's territory, so..."

"It does not matter."

Ethan waved his hand impatiently, interrupting the red-eyed ghoul, "Tell her to get ready and come here to see us."

"Yes, yes, I will convey your advice to Mother."

……

Ethan watched the two sullen, red-eyed ghouls disappear into the distance, finally relaxing.

"Ivy".

"Ok?"

"How was my performance, you ghoul from the capital?"

This was his first time imitating a nobleman from the capital, and he was unsure of himself. However, judging from the reactions of the two red-eyed ghouls, he should have managed to fool them. Now he sought the opinion of Ivy, a true noblewoman.

"Ethan."

Ivy took a serious breath. She felt that words like "excellent acting" were hardly enough to describe her feelings at that moment. If she had to give a comment...

"My fist is hard."

She means it.

If this had happened a few months ago, during the most sensitive period in the capital, Ethan could have been completely overthrown by the people as a negative example of the old aristocracy.

(End of this chapter)