NOVEL NEXT WORLD Chapter376-Power Rules
John spoke bluntly, and Benjamin, aware that John knew about their past actions, maintained his friendly facade and said, "Ah, little brother, you're too kind. You flatter your older brother."
Though Benjamin was smiling, his eyes darted around, assessing everyone present.
When he saw Vincent, he couldn't help but feel a bit uneasy.
After all, Vincent was two or three levels above him—a person not easily manipulated.
They recognized him as the strongest beneath the semigods!
Saying he could take on a thousand might be an exaggeration, but handling a hundred was undoubtedly within his reach.
With people like him, there was no hesitation—a single stroke would settle matters!
Vincent never cared about appearances.
If things came to handling matters this way, they might have much more to deal with.
"We just happened to be passing by and didn't expect to find you here, little brother. Is there anything you need help with?"
Benjamin said with a smile, pretending to be there just to lend a hand.
But what they really thought was known only to themselves.
These were the types who spoke one way to people and another to spirits, after all.
Francis took a quick look around, assessing the situation.
Victor didn't seem to be in great shape, his face still pale.
As for Silver Tear and the other two, they were insignificant, never worth his attention.
The only real threats were John and Vincent.
The woman nearby was of unknown origin, but she didn't seem to be doing well either.
Just a diamond-tier ability user, nothing too special.
Still, they couldn't afford to be careless.
Anyone present here was unlikely to be simple, and they couldn't bear the consequences if anything went wrong.
"There's nothing much we need help with. We just accidentally killed a few people. You're with Garrison, aren't you? There might be some trouble for you later," John said with a smile that didn't reach his eyes, looking at Francis.
His expression carried a hint of mockery.
It was as if to say, if you're offering help, here's what you can do.
But whether you're willing to help is another matter entirely; this isn't something you can control.
"That's not an issue. I'm just curious how you all got here. You know, smuggling is a serious crime," Francis said, releasing his pressure as he spoke.
At the same time, John felt the moisture in the air being rapidly drawn away.
Francis was a powerful water-based mage, so handling this situation was second nature to him.
Even though John and his team were prepared, their hearts skipped a beat at this moment.
If any complications arose here, leaving wouldn't be easy. Continue reading at empire
The Garrison could easily capture them, as all planetary entry and exit points were controlled by them.
If Francis didn't want them to leave, they would have no choice but to smuggle themselves out, which would be troublesome.
"Is that so? I was sent by the Hidden Stars to carry out a secret mission, so it's normal that you wouldn't find any official records. Is there anyone here who came by smuggling?"
Vincent said casually, and the others remained silent.
After all, everyone present, except for Scarlett, was indeed part of the Hidden Stars.
The Hidden Stars was such a large organization that it was entirely normal for them to handle a few secret missions.
There was no need to inform anyone about it, was there? Francis's expression turned somewhat grim; he hadn't expected Vincent to bring up such a point.
But then he couldn't help but chuckle, speaking slowly.
"Is that so? As the Garrison Commander of Alkaid, I should be entitled to see the relevant orders, shouldn't I?"
As Francis spoke, Vincent's lips curled into a slight, almost mocking smile.
Beside him, Benjamin began to smooth things over.
"Brother, have you forgotten? They're from Capital Star, here on some secret mission. That's perfectly normal," Benjamin said with a smile, though his words carried an unsettling undertone.
It was clear he was pushing the matter further.
"It's understandable that we, from these peripheral planets, wouldn't know about it. Let's just turn a blind eye since they're from Capital Star."
Benjamin's seemingly cheerful words were enough to make one uneasy, as it felt like he was intentionally stirring the pot.
Anyone with a bit of resentment would already be ruffled by such comments.
The capital had long monopolized resources, fueling dissatisfaction among people from other planets.
As expected, after Benjamin spoke, Francis's expression grew even darker, and he let out a cold laugh.
"What? As the Garrison Commander of this planet, am I supposed to take orders from others? That's asking a bit much, isn't it?"
Francis attempted to extend his barrier again but felt as if an immovable mountain blocked his way.
Previously, he could draw upon the moisture in the air at will, but now it was as if a protective shield enveloped it.
Moreover, this shield was beyond his reach, making the situation even more frustrating.
Francis's expression remained impassive, but inside, he was shaken.
He had mentally prepared himself, yet witnessing it firsthand left him reeling.
Is this the power of the strongest below the semigod-tier?
With just a simple flick, I have no resistance at all.
It's terrifying, truly terrifying!
Francis suddenly regretted his rash decision to come here.
While John's divine artifact was indeed tempting, it was worthless if he couldn't keep his life.
To enjoy anything, one must first be alive!
With this realization, Francis forced a smile, looking at Vincent with a grin.
"Of course, if you're with the Hidden Stars, then we're all part of brotherly departments. We can discuss things amicably and share resources. If there's anything you need help with, I can assist, right?"
When John saw Francis's demeanor, he couldn't help but find it amusing, though he remained on guard.
He knew these people would say one thing to humans and another to spirits.
Now, they were simply waiting for John and his team to show any sign of weakness.
If they did, they would face relentless pursuit.