An Understated Dominance - Chapter 2482

Austin spoke calmly, almost casually, but his words hit the three assistant generals of the Red Legion like thunder. They knew that answering his questions might give them a slim chance to survive, but refusing meant certain death.

Who would choose death after working so hard for their wealth and status? Yet, their pride and dignity kept them from speaking. They didn’t want to be seen as traitors.

Now, they faced a tough choice: honor or life? It felt impossible.

“You have ten seconds left. If you don’t answer, you’ll miss your chance,” Austin said, his voice cold and emotionless.

His words seemed to reach deep into their hearts, making the three generals break into a cold sweat.

As the countdown approached zero, Auron finally spoke up. “Your Highness! I’ll talk—I’ll tell you everything!”

He dropped to his knees and rushed forward, eager to share his knowledge before the others could.

“Traitor! Go to hell!” Viggo shouted in anger. With a sudden burst of strength, he broke free from his ropes and slammed his hand down on Auron’s head.

A sickening crack filled the room as Auron’s head shattered like a watermelon, blood and brain matter splattering everywhere.

“How dare you!” someone shouted.

The enforcement team acted quickly, drawing their swords and pressing them against Viggo’s throat to restrain him.

Viggo laughed maniacally. “Go ahead and kill us. We’ll never betray Sir Prescott.”

Austin took a handkerchief from the maid and wiped the blood off his face, his expression still indifferent. “So, you think that makes you a man of principle?”

“What’s there to fear? Death is just a small price to pay,” Viggo replied defiantly, raising his chin.

Viggo was filled with arrogance. “I’ve lived a good life. I’ve enjoyed good food, good drinks, and good times. Even if I die now, I have no regrets.”

“Really?” Austin replied with a cold smirk. “If you’re not afraid of death, then I’ll show you something worse.”

He waved his hand and ordered, “Take him to Grimhold Keep. Treat him well and let’s see how long he lasts under the 108 tortures there.”

Viggo’s face went pale.

He had heard stories about Grimhold Keep. It was a terrible place where even the strongest men broke down. Just one round of punishment was enough to make them confess everything.

If Viggo was sent there, he knew he wouldn’t survive. Grimhold Keep was so bad that death seemed like a relief, but even that mercy was often denied. The thought of what awaited him made him shiver, and cold sweat dripped down his face.

He decided he would rather die quickly than suffer through that torture.

With that thought, a new determination filled Viggo’s eyes. He lunged forward, aiming his throat at one of the guards’ swords.

The guards were ready for him this time. They quickly pulled back their blades and restrained him, pinning him to the ground.

To make sure he wouldn’t try anything else, they broke his arms and legs before binding him tightly and dragging him away.

“What do you gain by torturing me? If you have the guts, just kill me! I dare you!” Viggo shouted, his voice a mix of panic and fear, but his struggles were in vain.

“Trying to act tough, huh? Do you really think you’re a tough guy?” Austin mocked.

If Viggo weren’t afraid of death, he wouldn’t have been captured. Last night, when they were surrounded, he had two choices: fight or surrender.

to the bitter end or take his own life to protect his honor. That was what a true man did.

But this guy? He got caught, refused to die, and still had the nerve to talk about morality. He was just a hypocrite.

If Viggo had known he was about to be sent to Grimhold Keep, he would probably be giving a passionate speech, trying to build a reputation for loyalty and courage.

Three assistant generals from the Red Legion were captured—one was dead, another was headed to Grimhold Keep, and the last one, Elion Trevane, knelt on the ground. He was trembling and sweating cold.

He didn’t want to die. He certainly didn’t want to end up in Grimhold Keep. Elion had only followed orders from Connor and Dave to rescue Warrick. He never thought things would go this far, and he didn’t see himself as a rebel.

Elion had parents to take care of, a wife, and two young kids. His life had promised so much, but now everything was turned upside down.

Being called a traitor wasn’t just a death sentence for him; it would ruin his whole family. His parents, his wife, his children, and even his friends would all suffer.

What could he do? What should he do?

Elion’s heart raced, and his body shook as if caught in a storm. He had always seen himself as brave, but now, facing death, fear took over.

“You’re the last one left. Do you have anything to say?” a chilling voice whispered in his ear.

Elion froze. His face turned pale as he looked up and spoke in a shaky voice. “Y-Your Highness… I know I can’t escape punishment. I don’t ask for mercy for myself. But if you spare my family, I’ll tell you everything.”

“You’re a sensible man.” Austin nodded, pleased. “Then let’s not waste time. Where is Warrick’s hideout? Tell me, and I’ll—”

Elion hung his head in shame. “I… I’ll talk,” he said quietly.

He knew he had to betray Warrick for the sake of his family. There was no other option.