Duke and Vivian walked side by side on the broken and oppressive streets of Iron Rock City, whispering about their observations of the city. Just as they were passing a crossroads, a round of shouts and the heavy drag of chains came from ahead. They saw a group of fierce-looking Knights escorting a string of people bound with heavy chains. These chains were made of Magic Metal, specifically used to bind Wizards, though they could also be used to bind others with Extraordinary Ability. Essentially, these chains are a limit on energy methods; if you have enough physical strength, there's still a chance of breaking them. This group's attire was not simple at first glance; they were likely people of wealth or influence before. Being bound in chains also meant they hadn't been marked with the Slave Mark yet, which was why they were controlled in this way. It made sense, as Iron Rock City had just been conquered, and much work remained to be done. The vast majority of captives hadn't been marked with the Slave Mark yet and could only be controlled by other means. However, not just anyone could be marked with the Slave Mark; at least some combat capability was necessary. For the Devourer Plane, at least an Apprentice Awakened or someone with the potential to become an Awakened qualified for the Slave Mark. As for ordinary people, they were imprisoned in cages outside the city, staying in enclosures like farm animals. Because after being marked with the Slave Mark, they're essentially part of this side's force, naturally, a selection process ensues. Duke's gaze swept over these people doomed to tragic fates, feeling little ripple in his heart; the rules of war were just that cruel. However, when his gaze fell on a thin figure among them, his steps suddenly halted. Although Frey's golden hair had turned ashen, her delicate face was covered in grime, and her luxurious gown stained with dirt, Duke still recognized her. Frey had once counted as someone who helped Duke, though he didn't know her motives at the time; Duke remembered it clearly. Seeing Frey again, Duke naturally recognized her at a glance. Even though she was extremely downcast now, the aura on Frey was still unmistakable, different from the surrounding nobly dressed but despondent people. Vivian also noticed Duke's oddity, and following his gaze, she softly asked, "Do you know her?" Duke nodded: "Indeed, when I infiltrated Toulouse's territory before, she helped me once."
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