Chapter 177: Eyes of a Dragon and the Human Heart (41)

༺ Eyes of a Dragon and the Human Heart (41) ༻

Facing me were a group of anxious students.

My reflection in their frightened eyes mirrored a rather terrifying figure—hair and uniform stained with blood, and seemingly blazing golden eyes. To top it off, in my hand was a hatchet tainted with the blood of demonic beasts.

Their fear was understandable. I looked like the spitting image of a murderer.

Moreover, I had also knocked out the screaming young man, who appeared to be their leader, with a single strike of the hatchet mid-sentence.

Although the thought had crossed my mind, I had no intention of punishing them, nor did the situation allow it.

They were the bastards who had harassed Leto, but it wasn’t so severe as to inflict lasting damage on them. I also had to chase after the princess, and I simply didn’t have the time for them.

I decided to let them off.

Their recent brush with death was punishment enough. It was likely their first encounter with death, and their eyes were still glistening with tears, evidence of their fear and struggle. They were undoubtedly exhausted, both physically and mentally.

Further resorting to violence would only waste precious time, and a threat would be sufficient to ensure they don’t ever cross me again… Except, even without me saying anything, my presence seemed to be enough of a threat.

“P-Please spare us…”

A feminine voice emerged from the midst of the students, who were teetering on the brink of tears, and pleaded for mercy with a stammer. Her legs appeared to be on the verge of collapsing at any moment.

Just what did they think of me?

I suppressed a hollow chuckle with a bitter heart.

I had never taken an innocent life. The only person I had killed so far was Mr. Gilford, and he was a demonic human. At most, I had only cut off a few limbs, and while I do admit that was rather excessive, I wasn’t entirely in my right mind. Still, I seemed to have retained a semblance of self-control, considering I had severed them with clean, precise cuts. I had even heard that their recovery was going well.

Briefly aggrieved by the thoughts swirling in my mind, I swiftly calmed myself.