Chương 60: The Hero is Coming

West of the Monster Forest lies the human world. In the Southwest Continent, four human nations co-exist, with the Kingdom of Sathos sharing a long border with the forest. To defend against the frequent monster incursions, the kingdom erected countless fortresses—structures that posed a significant challenge to the fleeing Butler Monde. Now, after months of hardship, Monde had finally returned. He looked like a beggar, his clothes in tatters and his body covered in scars, appearing thirty years older than before.

He used secret passages known only to nobles to bypass the border and reach the heart of the kingdom. His goal was to expose Li Qinwu's existence, but as a branded rebel, he was captured immediately and sentenced to be burned at the stake. In the capital's central square, Monde was bound to a cross over a pile of dry firewood. A green-robed official shouted to the crowd of over ten thousand citizens: "Behold this wretched dog! A traitor who dared to return from exile! Only the purifying flames can cleanse his soul!

Burn him!" The citizens, indifferent to political struggles but hungry for blood, pelted Monde with stones. In his final moments, Monde roared with agonizing desperation: "You ignorant fools! You have no idea how powerful he is! That monster has brought order to the Goblins! He is building systems, reclaiming land, and training a professional army! Within three years, you will all be enslaved! You must kill him! Do it now!!!" His voice was like rusted blades scraping together.

The square fell silent for a moment, then erupted into mocking laughter.

"Goblins? Those green runts a farmer can kill with a pitchfork?"

"The old man has truly lost his mind!" Unauthorized duplication: this narrative has been taken without consent. Report sightings. The official sneered and ordered the execution. But just as the soldier was about to throw the torch, a clear, vibrant male voice rang out: "Wait!!" The crowd parted as four figures, radiant with the aura of "protagonists," stepped forward. It was the Hero's Party from Li Qinwu's vision. Leading them was Leon, the 375th Blessed of the Goddess of Life.

The official immediately bowed in flattery. Leon didn't intend to interfere with the law, but he was intrigued by Monde's words. He approached the stake and asked gently: "Sir, you say this Goblin is a threat. Does he possess the blessing of an Evil God?" Monde, regaining a flash of clarity, replied: "No! He isn't invincible himself, but he has brought order. That means Goblins will fight like trained soldiers! Do you understand?" Leon's expression grew solemn.

"I see. A rational leader using order to manage a race... that would indeed be a catastrophe for the kingdom." The official laughed, dismissing it as a madman's excuse. Enraged, Monde spat in the official's face, cursing him as a useless heir. In a fit of rage, the official snatched the torch and threw it into the wood. Flames instantly engulfed Monde. Leon reached out to intervene, but the shield-bearing hunk behind him gripped his shoulder.

"Don't. He is a rebel; we cannot interfere with secular law." Monde's screams faded. Until his very last breath, he pleaded for them to kill the Goblin. As the fire consumed the last of Monde, Leon stood silent for a long time. Suddenly, he flicked his red war-cloak and looked at his three companions: "Get ready. We are heading to the Monster Forest immediately!"