The Transmigrated Author

Chapter 277 Territory Of The Iron Fist (3)

As we made our way deeper into the Iron Fist territory, the oppressive atmosphere grew heavier.

The further we walked, the more modern and industrial the surroundings became.

Towering metal structures loomed over us, belching smoke into the already hazy sky. The people here moved with purpose, their faces set in grim determination. Your journey continues with My Virtual Library Empire

"This place gives me the creeps," Christian muttered, his eyes darting nervously from side to side.

Anouz nodded in agreement. "It's like everyone's afraid of their own shadow."

I remained silent, observing everything around me.

This version of the Iron Fist territory was far more developed than I had originally envisioned. The mix of medieval poverty and near-modern industry was disturbing, to say the least.

"Hey what's that?"

As we rounded a corner, we came face to face with a massive statue.

It depicted a muscular figure with a clenched fist raised high, its face obscured by a helmet.

At its base, an inscription read: "Strength Through Unity, Unity Through Strength."

DING!

[Second Landmark Has Been Discovered!]

[Landmark of the Iron Fist: Statue of Power (2/3)]

[5 Skill points have been added...]

"Well, that's subtle," Anouz remarked dryly.

I studied the statue carefully. "This must be their leader, or at least a representation of their ideals."

Christian shifted uncomfortably. "So, where to next? We still need one more landmark."

Before I could respond, a commotion erupted nearby. A crowd had gathered, their voices raised in anger and fear. We exchanged glances before cautiously approaching.

In the center of the throng, two Iron Fist soldiers were roughly manhandling a young woman. Her clothes were tattered, and she was pleading desperately.

"Please, I didn't steal anything! I was just looking!"

One of the soldiers sneered. "Looking with your hands, more like. You know the punishment for theft, street rat."

***

"Let's see if you'll remember not to steal after this," he hissed.

That was the tipping point. In that instant, any hesitation vanished like morning mist under a burning sun.

The soldier's blade flashed in the harsh sunlight as it descended toward the terrified woman.

The crowd collectively held its breath, a sea of onlookers frozen in horror. No one moved to intervene—no one except Anouz.

With a burst of speed, Anouz surged forward through the crowd.

Bodies parted before him like water around the bow of a ship, his determination creating a force that none could resist.

In the space between heartbeats, he positioned himself between the soldier and his victim, his hand shooting up to intercept the falling blade.

BAM!

The sharp edge of the sword met Anouz's palm with a sound like metal striking stone.

A halo of red light pulsed from the point of contact as his aura enveloped his hand, creating an impenetrable barrier between flesh and steel.

The soldier's eyes widened, his momentum suddenly arrested by this impossible obstacle.

"Hey old man," Anouz drawled, his voice carrying easily across the now-silent square, "if you wanna pick a fight with a lady, I'm sure you wouldn't mind me stepping in, right?"

His words were casual, almost conversational, but his eyes told a different story.

They blazed with an inner fire, twin pools of molten rage that bore into the soldier's soul.

WOMMM!!!

The pressure of his aura intensified, rolling off him in waves that seemed to distort the very air around them.

"A-ACK!"

The soldier's face drained of color, his mouth working soundlessly as he tried to process what was happening.

His sword arm began to tremble, not from the exertion of pressing against Anouz's hand, but from the sheer fear that now flooded his system.

Something ancient in his brain recognized the predator before him, that he stood in the presence of a power beyond his comprehension.

With a soft gasp, the soldier's eyes rolled back in his head, and he crumpled to the ground, unconscious, before he even hit the cobblestones.

CLATTT...

His sword clattered beside him, the sound unnaturally loud in the hushed square.