It was very common. Even Chazley was involved in it. But he couldn't possibly admit it in front of Nathan. That would be to court disaster. He quickly downplayed the issue by saying, “It does happen from time to time, but not often.”
“Commander Cross, after the outbreak of the blood virus and the rampant spread of the vampires, the global economy has declined, with Adrune being hit the hardest. We can barely afford Daprein's military pay. Moreover, our troops were being sent to this front line to fight against the vampire. The soldiers don't have money for food. They had no choice but to engage in illegal activities occasionally to earn some pocket money.”
Nathan snapped, “So you're trying to tell me that it's logical for them to do this?” Chazley hurriedly stressed, “That's not what I meant, Commander Cross. I just wanted to explain the situation so you will consider this and be lenient with us.” Nathan took a look at Digby, who still knelt on the ground and was trembling uncontrollably, then asked Chazley, “According to your military law, how should this guy be punished?”
Digby had been working under Chazley, and the things the former did were instructed by Chazley. So, Chazley had also benefited quite a bit from these activities on a regular basis. So at that moment, Chazley still wanted to protect Digby. But it's undeniable that Digby had upset Nathan. It would be hard to justify not punishing him. Chazley said cautiously, “According to military regulations, those who extort money from the public without authorization must return the money and also receive ten lashes.”
He stared intently at Nathan's expression after saying that. Nathen sneered, but he remained silent.
Chazley knew Nathan was dissatisfied and had no choice but to up the ante. He then added, “If the situation is severe, they should be given thirty lashes.”
Chazley looked up at Nathan again when the former finished speaking. But Nathan still appeared noncommittal. Chazley felt helpless. Through gritted teeth, he continued, “The situation is extremely serious and has led to dire consequences. He should be whipped fifty times.” After receiving fifty military lashes, an ordinary person would be half-dead, if not completely. Only then did Nathan agree.
“Okay. Get it done immediately.” Charles quickly replied, “Yes, sir! Bring that scoundrel Digby here and give him fifty lashes!”
“Yes, General Chazley.” Immediately, four soldiers came forward and took Digby away.
Following that, the punishment began. The faint sound of a whip cracking could be heard, accompanied by Digby's anguished screams. Gradually, even the screams grew weaker... Not long after, the punishment was completed. Digby was then carried back by two soldiers. His back was a mess, and his clothes were torn to shreds. Blood dripped everywhere while his flesh was mangled. He was barely clinging to life. Chazley approached Nathan nervously.
“Commander Cross, I have already punished this scoundrel. What do you think?”
Nathan knew that Chazley was afraid of him digging deeper into the incident, so he said, “Let's put an end to this matter. I don't want to hear about you persecuting civilians and extorting money from bounty hunters in the future.”
Charles breathed a sigh of relief. “Yes, of course. It will not happen again.” The civilians and bounty hunters that were present cheered loudly, praising Nathan for his judgment. After that, Nathan ordered Chazley to arrange for the civilians and bounty hunters to enter the safe zone.
According to the current rules of the alliance, people who came out of the vampire-occupied territory must be strictly inspected to ensure that they were not spies of the vampires and did not carry the blood virus. The group underwent a thorough examination, centralized disinfection, and was given serum injections. They were only allowed to proceed after being observed for a day without any issues. Naturally, Nathan wouldn't linger around. He departed Steel Wings, bringing Colin and Sevan with him. Together, they hurried back to the headquarters of the alliance. Nathan returned to Salinsburgh, and arrived at the temporary headquarters of the alliance. As soon as he entered the building, Eugene IV hurriedly came out to greet them, accompanied by a group of people.
Upon seeing Nathan, Eugene IV exclaimed excitedly, “Commander Cross, you've returned!” “We were just about to contact you. We've managed to pry open the mouths of Lambert and Gerart, the vampire princes, and we've learned some shocking news from them.”
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