Chapter 245 - 144: Komeilan City (2)
’Huh, if you look at it that way, aren’t the Alien Undead basically mercenaries?’
「The Underworld. The Underground City of Komeilan.」
Komeilan City was a border city with a population of around 100,000, all of whom were intelligent Demonized Creatures. The city’s illumination came from a type of large fungus called the Glowing Screen Mushroom. These inedible mushrooms could grow up to several meters tall, their caps emitting a soft, white glow. The City Lord of this city was named White Hair Pulan.
White Hair Pulan was a Demonized Human. He had a square jaw, thin lips, and deep-set eyes that gave him a harsh look. A shrewd glint would occasionally flash in his eyes, betraying a certain kind of ’cunning’.
He meticulously arranged his hair in a polished Crystal Stone Mirror, picking out a single black strand and plucking it. He was obsessed with his public image, loving to be watched and admired.
Once his hair was in order, he stood, straightened his immaculate clothes, and then cracked a grin, revealing black and yellow teeth. The teeth of Demonized Creatures were all like this; the corruption of Demonization turned their gums and teeth black. If he were to remove his clothes, one would see his body was also covered in black veins, just like a zombie’s.
"My lord!" an attendant called out, entering from outside and bowing deeply.
"What is it?" White Hair Pulan asked gently, turning to the attendant. His face was plastered with a fake smile, one he seemed to have practiced countless times, like wearing a mask.
"It seems there’s a situation outside. The Wild Beasts at the far end are acting strangely," the attendant said respectfully, long used to Pulan’s eccentricities.
"What about the Wild Beasts?" White Hair Pulan asked, a flicker of confusion in his eyes.
"The Wild Beasts are very active, and they seem to be fighting something. Their roars are much louder than usual," the attendant relayed, passing on the report from his subordinates to White Hair Pulan.
"You came to me just because the Wild Beasts are being active? They’re Wild Beasts! Isn’t it perfectly normal for them to be active?!" White Hair Pulan roared, his fake smile gone and his face contorted with rage.
’I thought those brainless Wild Beasts were about to attack the city, but it turns out they’re just a little restless. What does that have to do with me, White Hair Pulan? I’m the City Lord of Komeilan City, not the Beast King! These subordinates of mine are getting more and more out of line. Do they take me for a veterinarian?!’
’A City Lord’s responsibility is to manage the city, not worry about whether some beasts are having babies or making noise.’
He shot the attendant a dark look. ’Maybe I should get a new attendant,’ he mused. ’This one doesn’t seem very bright.’
"My lord, the men below just wanted to ask if we should send someone out to check, in case there’s a real problem," the attendant explained in a hushed voice, quickly dropping to his knees when he saw the City Lord’s anger.
"A real problem? You tell me, what kind of problem could those brainless Wild Beasts possibly cause?!" White Hair Pulan roared, like a wild boar in a frenzy.
"I’m sorry, I’m sorry, Lord City Lord! It’s my fault. But the matter with the Wild Beasts has the men on edge. They want to know what’s going on," the attendant stammered. His face had gone pale, making the bulging black veins on his skin all the more distinct.
At these words, White Hair Pulan suddenly quieted down and began to ponder. Before long, that obviously fake smile returned to his face. He straightened his clothes, and his tone became gentle once more. "Since they are all so eager for an answer, go ahead and send some men to take a look. There shouldn’t be any trouble. After all, I know those fringe-dwelling Wild Beasts best."
’Uh... He agreed?’
The attendant felt his mind couldn’t keep up with the Lord City Lord. Just a moment ago, the man had been angry enough to eat him alive, but in the blink of an eye, he had become gentle again and was even ordering an investigation. The change was just too fast.
’As expected of the City Lord. How else could someone like that become a ruler? His mind just works on a different level.’
"Yes, I’ll make the arrangements at once," the attendant hastily agreed, scrambling to his feet and turning to run out.
"You know what to tell the men below, right?" White Hair Pulan suddenly called out after him.
The attendant froze. He knew the City Lord wasn’t finished. Sure enough, White Hair Pulan continued, "You are to tell them that I am only sending men because I am considerate of their concerns. Reassure them that everything will be fine. Understand?"
"Understood! All credit goes to the Lord City Lord. It’s all because the Lord City Lord cherishes his people," the attendant replied, nodding vigorously now that he finally understood.
"Mm, yes. Say it just like that." Seeing the attendant was so quick on the uptake, White Hair Pulan nodded in satisfaction and waved him off.
As if granted a pardon, the attendant quickly scurried away.
Komeilan City was a frontier city. Beyond it lay the ends of various underground tunnels, which teemed with vast numbers of Demonized Beasts and all sorts of strange flora. These plants and Wild Beasts were the daily food of Lord Komeilan.
Presently, the city gates swung open. Squad after squad of Demonized Creatures marched out, heading into the various tunnels. These Demonized Creatures came from all manner of Races—there were Beastmen, goblins, and Demonized Humans. Among all the Demonized Creatures, however, Humans actually held the highest status; they were the leaders of the squads.
Even in the cities of Demonized Creatures, a class system existed, just like in the outside world. On a normal day, the ones leaving Komeilan City would be Hunters or Commoners searching for food. But this time, on the direct order of City Lord White Hair Pulan, those departing were the City Guard. They wore standard-issue Armor, carried standard-issue Weapons, and possessed powerful physiques and exceptional combat prowess.