Fairy Tale: With Sin Of Pride

"Who do you think we are?"

Coder's voice was icy, a stark contrast to his usual outbursts at his brother's reckless ideas. But today, disappointment radiated from him. After witnessing the utter destruction of Weston, he couldn't fathom how Ladd could still utter such naive words.

For the first time, doubts clouded Coder's mind. Could the Intelligence Bird mercenary group survive without their father's leadership? Anxiety gnawed at him as he considered their future.

Ladd, startled by the look in his brother's eyes, felt an unfamiliar chill. It wasn't anger or despair—it was a calm, calculated fear, the kind that unsettled even the boldest of hearts.

"We're mercenaries," Coder said quietly but firmly. "Nothing more. Even if we have influence across the mainland, we are still mercenaries. Don't forget that. A mercenary group can never rival a nation!"

Ladd fell silent. The destruction of Dresston, an entire country, was proof enough.

---

The continent was abuzz with shock. Wars between nations were common, but the obliteration of an entire country was unheard of. Words spread like wildfire, especially among the smaller nations aligned with the federal allies.

Laikeinya, a young girl new to this strange land, strolled down a bustling street. It was her second day in the city, and the weather was perfect. Fish-scale clouds dotted the sky, and a gentle breeze softened the air.

"These people aren't overly deferential," she mused, observing the townsfolk. "But they aren't rude either. Just… normal."

This ordinary civility was foreign to her, particularly after meeting Rhodes. Yet, something about this place felt off.

She'd overheard rumors: this fledgling country had already begun attacking others. "Barbarians building a nation," she muttered.

Spotting a jewelry store, Laikeinya's mood brightened. She entered with curiosity but frowned upon seeing the odd pieces displayed—jewelry made of bone.

"A beautiful woman wearing bones?" she grimaced. "Absolutely not."

While contemplating the peculiar designs, commotion erupted outside. A crowd had gathered, blocking the street. Curious, Laikeinya, who loved a spectacle as much as the next person, pushed her way through.

In the center of the commotion lay a man, battered and bloodied, his appearance pitiful.

"Who is he?" someone asked.

"I've never seen him before," another replied.

An elderly man approached, offering water and food. The man on the ground, barely conscious, gulped down the water before ravenously devouring the food.

"Young man, what are you doing here? Where are you from?" the old man asked kindly.

Tears welled in the man's eyes. "I... I was being hunted. I had nowhere else to go, nothing to eat. I had no choice but to come here!"

The old man, wise and experienced, recognized the nervousness in the man's voice and the redness of his face. He suspected the young man wasn't being entirely truthful, but he didn't press.

"Don't worry," the old man said. "If you wish to stay, visit the relief office. Register your name and bloodline, and you'll receive an identity card. With that, you can earn a living and even gain citizenship. Here, no one will make you a slave."

At these words, both the young man and Laikeinya were stunned.

"No slaves?" Laikeinya thought, realizing what had felt off earlier. There were no slaves here.

"Really?" the young man asked, his voice trembling. "A country without slaves? I've heard rumors, but I didn't believe them. Thank the gods for guiding me here!"

For the first time, Laikeinya felt a glimmer of true faith, a sincerity she'd never encountered in her homeland. Faith and prayer there were nothing but games for the wealthy aristocats.

---

"Sir is back!"

The shout rippled through the street, and the atmosphere transformed. People cheered as Rhodes walked through the city gates, a calm yet commanding presence.

"Make way for the gentleman!"

The crowd parted, forming a path as Rhodes ascended to a high platform.

"Dear friends, brothers, and sisters," he began, his voice steady and resolute. "I solemnly declare that the nation of Dresston is no more. We have claimed its territories as our own. I call upon 153 individuals of ambition and vision to join us in building a future for the federal allies!"

The crowd roared in approval. Rhodes, exuding confidence, stepped off the platform and disappeared toward the palace.

Laikeinya watched him, her disbelief palpable. She could sense the people's unwavering faith in Rhodes, a devotion so strong it seemed almost tangible.

Meanwhile, the young man in the crowd clenched his fists. His resolve hardened. "I want revenge," he muttered, eyes burning with determination.

The memory of his family haunted him. His sister, violated. His parents, murdered. The beast responsible had forced him into a desperate flight. But now, here, he saw a chance for justice.

Unbeknownst to him, his pursuers had arrived at the city gates.

"When did they build a city here?" one of them sneered. "How dare they, without our king's permission? Pi An, go fetch reinforcements. We'll teach these fools a lesson."

Before Pi An could move, a figure stepped out of the crowd, approaching the gate. He looked up at the guards and shouted…

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