The scene was witnessed by the soldier who had just woken up.
His pupils trembled violently. His legs gave out, and he rolled straight off the bed. His mouth opened and closed several times, but the plea stuck in his throat, fear choking the words before they could form.
"Spare… spare me."
He finally forced the words out.
The greatsword came down in a single stroke, cleaving his entire head apart. The chaotic sword aura shredded the bed behind him into splinters.
"The order… is to kill everyone."
From a corrupted throat came a hoarse, barely intelligible murmur.
"Whee—whee—whee—!"
A shrill whistle alarm pierced the air outside.
The entire manor exploded into panic, like boiling water poured into a hornet's nest. Guards scrambled to form ranks. Servants fled in terror, scattering in every direction.
A dying soldier had used his last strength to sound the alarm.
But it was too late.
