Axel said, "Legend says that the Demon Queen of the Fallen Crimson Dynasty once built a mountain palace here. There are also rumors that a massive treasure from the Fallen Crimson Dynasty is hidden in our area. But honestly, it's all completely made up—just stories passed down and exaggerated over time."

Tiana could not help but interrupt. "How do you know it's made up? I think you're not being honest and don't want to tell the truth."

Axel looked like an honest, straightforward man, and Tiana's sharp words clearly flustered him. His face grew awkward as he replied, "Beautiful lady, I haven't lied to you. You can go outside and see for yourself—if we really had treasure here, would our ancient village still be this poor and backward?

"You must have seen on your way here that our Gallow's End village is hundreds of miles from the nearest county seat. The entire route is nothing but cliffs and steep terrain. The only concrete mountain road was just completed this year.

"Five yea