It is said that one way to deceive an enemy is to lower their guard and make them believe you are utterly harmless. As a cold-blooded feral, Sephtis struggled to adopt an easygoing demeanor and smile at another male, especially an enemy, as if the sun were shining. He slowly approached the crowd, every action deliberate and cautious. Their eyes met. "I heard you are the leader of the imperial army," Sephtis greeted, his tone formal. "I don't know if you recognized me yesterday; I was with Melina."

Though Sephtis appeared ordinary, Rui felt an unsettling unease. "The imperial army grounds are not for outsiders to roam. I hope this does not happen again." Rui turned to one of his soldiers. "Please escort him out." A few days prior, a spy from the feral side had infiltrated an ally tribe. As a leader, he couldn't risk endangering his men. Just as the soldier was about to lead Sephtis away, Sephtis shouted, "Wait!" Sephtis activated an item given to him by the dark witch.

"My family, my entire tribe, and my precious female, Nora," he spoke her name with such tenderness, as if she were his most cherished treasure. His voice trailed off, filled with shame, self-blame, and a helpless, weakening tone as he repeated her name. "It is because I could not protect her." "Do you know how it feels to be the sole survivor when your entire tribe and beloved female are slaughtered?" His body trembled as he spoke, revealing the intensity of his emotions.

"I wanted revenge. I wanted revenge against the ferals who destroyed my tribe and caused my female's death. I cannot die with a clear conscience like this. Let me help, let me be a part of this army. It is hell to relive that day." "I heard you are very powerful. In this life, even if I cannot defeat them alone, I want to be among those who destroy them."

"Please help me avenge them. No, give me the chance to avenge them." As males, most of the imperial army members were moved by Sephtis's words. One even spoke up for him, "It seems you have a tragic past." Sephtis smiled inwardly, praising the dark witch for the effective item. It was enough to stir their emotions.

However, Rui remained firm. "I cannot allow a beastman of unknown identity to join the imperial army. No matter what you say, until your identity is verified, you cannot join."

Sephtis quickly responded, "Don't worry, I mean no harm. I am sure you will see my sincerity over time. You can check anywhere, ask anyone. I am Walden, the son and successor of the Bear Tribe." Just then, one of Melina's mates called out to Sephtis, "Walden, where are you? I've been looking for you."

"Then, please excuse me," Sephtis requested, and walked away with Melina's mate, who had conveniently appeared at the right moment. Rui remained suspicious, keeping his concerns to himself. After Sephtis left, Rui called Wyatt. "Wyatt, send someone to keep an eye on him."

.............. Updated on 26 Feb (Wed)