If Zachary and Dora were still here, they would definitely be grateful for their early departure. Because if Gabriel wasn't lying, the person approaching now was Hector Downy, the Warlord of the East. Who would dare provoke him seeing that he was one of the top figures of Dragonia?

Even Felix narrowed his eyes slightly and muttered, "The Warlord of the East?"

Gabriel heard Felix, but he didn't have time to worry about the latter. He had already given him plenty of chances earlier. It was up to the warlord to decide how to handle things, which was beyond Gabriel's control.

Hector stopped in his tracks. He was middle-aged, with a presence that made the air seem to go still, even though he wasn't intentionally exerting any pressure. His gaze was deep and intense, making the atmosphere tenser.

"Gabriel, what crime have you committed?"

Gabriel didn't dare lift his head.

"I failed my mission. All my teammates perished, and only I managed to survive. That is my crime!"

His sorrow was e