Chapter 835 It's Him

Finished

Robin and his companions stepped out of the car, stopping outside the rickety picket fence surrounding the dilapidated thatched house.

Benjamin gazed at the scene before him, mumbling under his breath, "General Whalen was once so high-spirited. How could he have fallen into such a state? Could the information be wrong?"noveldrama

Robin surveyed the surroundings. Compared to the other homes in the village, with their modern conveniences, this thatched house seemed decades behind the times. To put it bluntly, even dogs wouldn't willingly stay in a place like this. "Who are you looking for?" A woman in her fifties approached from the east. Her name was Serena Proctor.

She sized up Robin and his group, her gaze lingering on the luxurious military vehicle behind them. A mix of fear and suspicion flickered in her eyes.

Ferell stepped forward politely. "Hello, ma'am. Could you tell me if the owner of this house is named Franco?"

Serena looked puzzled. "This house belongs to my brother-in-law's family, but my brother-in-law isn't named Franco. Are you sure you have the right person

"Your brother-in-law?" Ferell hesitated. "Is he a local?"

Serena shook her head. "No, he's not. He came to our village from elsewhere about 20 years ago and has lived here ever since."

"Oh, what's his name?" Ferell asked tentatively.

Serena shivered slightly before answering, "His name is Eliam Naillson."

Ferell froze for a moment, then turned to Benjamin and Robin. "General Ramsey, Mr. Shorts, could we have the wrong place? The owner's name is Eliam." Benjamin frowned and stepped closer to Serena. "Has Eliam always lived here?"

Serena nodded. "Yes. This was originally my sister's house. When Eliam arrived 20 years ago, he had nowhere to stay, so my sister rented it to him. Later, they got married." Benjamin walked back to Robin. "Master Ramsey, could it be possible..."

Robin nodded thoughtfully. "It's very likely General Whalen changed his identity to hide from pursuers." Benjamin turned back. "May we meet him?" He motioned for Ferell to retrieve a few gifts from the car.

Serena glanced at Ferell's friendly demeanor and nodded reluctantly. "He's been bedridden for years. The room's a bit messy."

"Half a year ago, after my sister passed away, no one's been around to take care of this place. I've been coming daily to check in and cook for him and his son. It's truly pitiful." "Your sister passed away?" Benjamin stiffened, exchanging a look with Robin.

Chapter 835 It's Him

Finished

"It's fine," Benjamin assured her. "This gentleman here a doctor. If possible, he can examine Eliam free of charge. Please, let us in for a short visit."

As they approached the door, Serena suddenly stopped a wary look in her eyes.

"You aren't with Zyon, are you?"

Ferell froze. "Who is Zyon?"

Serena studied his expression, seeming to sense he wasn't lying, and exhaled in relief. "Sigh... My sister and her grandson were both harmed by Zyon's people. Eliam's son was beaten so badly he's been bedridden for over half a year." It was only then that Robin and Benjamin-noticed traces of recent mourning in the house.

Robin's expression darkened, and an intense, murderous aura surged from him, making Serena collapse to the ground in fear.

Realizing his outburst, Robin quickly restrained himself and helped her up. "Please don't be scared. We mean no harm. Let's talk inside."

"You're not with Zyon?" Serena asked, trembling all over

"We're not," Robin replied coolly. "Open the door."

Faced with Robin's commanding tone, Serena instinctively unlocked the door and shakily led them inside.

As the door creaked open, a foul stench hit them like a wave.

"I came to make food for Eliam and his son," Serena murmured, her voice tinged with sorrow. "They're both bedridden. Their lives have been so hard."

"Where is Eliam?" Robin asked, ignoring Serena's lament.

Serena froze, panic flashing in her eyes. "What are you planning to do?"

"Nothing much. I just want to see if Eliam is the person we're looking for," Robin said, his directness leaving no room for misinterpretation.

"You're here for him? Please, don't hurt us!" Serena's voice cracked as she nearly fell to her knees.

"Just tell me where Eliam is," Robin demanded, his tone icy.

Serena slumped to the floor in fear, pointing toward a dark, crumbling pile of straw in the corner.

"He's over there. Please, he's already in such a state-I'm begging you, spare him. I swear, Eliam has nothing valuable left. All the gold bars he brought back then were taken by your people long ago." Robin hesitated briefly. "Quiet. Speak only when I ask you something."

Turning to Ferell, he commanded, "Carry him out into the courtyard. It's too dark in here."

Serena crawled toward Robin, clutching at his leg. "Please, I beg you, let him go! Eliam truly has nothing left."

Chapter 835 It's Him

Finished

Ignoring her pleas, Ferell approached the pile of straw, the smell intensifying to an almost unbearable level. Holding his breath, he carefully lifted a frail, bearded man in his fifties from the heap.

The man's face was haggard, his body feeble, and his breathing barely perceptible.

Robin froze for a moment. "He's been infected with parasites!"

"Mr. Shorts, is this General Whalen?"

Benjamin scrutinized the man's face for a long moment but couldn't discern his features.

Robin motioned to Ferell. "Shave his beard."

Ferell unsheathed a short knife, prompting Serena to cry out in terror.

"Please don't kill him!" she begged, her forehead nearly touching the ground as she knelt.

Ferell ignored her, swiftly shaving the man's beard.

Benjamin stared at the now-clear face, his eyes welling with tears. "General Whalen! Master Ramsey, it's him! This is General Whalen!"

Robin immediately knelt on one knee, gently supporting Franco's neck. After a moment's observation, he pulled out a set of golden needles and began inserting them into specific acupuncture points-the brow, temples, crown, chest, and more. Within a minute, a plume of black smoke erupted from Franco's head, followed by a noxious black liquid that oozed from his mouth, nose, eyes, and ears.

"You've killed him!" Serena screamed in despair.

Ferell stepped forward to calm her. "Relax. The General is saving him."

Five minutes later, a faint cough broke the tension. Franco spat out a mouthful of black blood and slowly opened his eyes.