Andrew's sharp eyes immediately recognized the man—Axel, the village chief.

So, it had been him all along—this manipulative snake playing ghost, pretending to be the tomb's long-dead ruler just to indulge in a sick fantasy of him being emperor.

Stanley was indeed cunning as well. He had gotten down on his knees just to test out the truth from the fake. Even more decisive was that after discovering the results of his test, he directly ordered the gunfire.

That was the mark of someone who had lived over 100 years—ruthless, calculating, and without hesitation.

"What the hell? When did he sneak in?"

"Isn't that Axel? The village chief?"

"Doesn't matter. Kill him—shoot now!"

Kevin and the others had also recognized Axel. However, Rafael did not waste time with words and barked the order to open fire.

Axel whistled sharply, blood oozing from his shoulder where one of the stray bullets had grazed him. His face twisted with hatred. "You outsiders… and you—you old bastard who sh