Here’s Chapter 17 of Nine Yang Sword Saint~
So I realized “Oh crap, I might not make it in time for the end of the month if I don’t post right now” and here I am posting this chapter. (I want that bonus[?])
It’s an infodump chapter, but hey, a chapter is a chapter, right?
-raltzero
In the middle of the night, I woke up because of a loud door banging noise. Apparently, it was a messenger from the Kurumfar.
「What’s wrong, Aga?」
「It’s an enemy attack. The harpies on the night watch spotted an enemy」
「Understood. I’m going right now」
I took Rico, Gon, Ferris, Luara, and Irimo and teleported over. The insides of the mansion were in a mess, Pius gathered the mercenaries to assemble a defensive formation. I saw the harpies gathering outside the window, as well as the Geryon King, Geki. It seems that everyone waited for me.
「Kiyuiiii」
From the second floor of the mansion, the baby geryon, Itora, flew towards me flapping her small wings. I hugged Itora and went outside. There, the harpies and Geki stood on the watch.
「Master, north of the mansion, right after you pass through the forest, there is a gathering of the enemies」
「We, the geryons, are already on standby in the forest」
「All right. I’ll go and look at these enemies」
I hugged Itora, put Gon on my back, mounted Irimo, and flew into the sky.
The enemies made their camps on the periphery of the forest. They looked like the imperial knights.
「Apparently, their aim is the Master’s mansion」
「It seems so. Most likely, they will march forward while subjugating the nearby monsters. At this rate, it will take them about a few hours to reach the mansion」
「It’s too fast」
「Right, they probably intend to move at the dawn. We need to make our preparations until then. However, why does the knights’ order aim for me? Even though I faithfully fulfill my duties before the emperor」
「It’s a mystery」
「Hey, Gon. I often hear that going against the country is a rebellion. But how do you call it when the country goes against its subject? 」
「It’s clearly not a rebellion. Even I don’t know how to call it」
We returned to the mansion as we discussed it.
Immediately after getting down from Irimo, I created a rain cloud high in the sky and made it rain. This should make the earth muddy and hinder their advance. Preparing for the worst, I cast a barrier with the mansion in its center. With this, Rico and the rest should be safe.
「Pius, lead the mercenaries and prepare an ambush in the forest in front of the mansion. I will cast a monster-repelling barrier of everyone. Towards the invaders, release the arrows, hit them with stone and magic. And Geki, you and the other geryons are to hide on the sides of the mansion. If the monsters come out, clear them out. The harpies will stay on standby inside the forest. Act as a scouting party and inform me of the enemy’s movements. If it goes down to it, you will participate in the attack too」
I turned around and gave instructions to Ferris.
「Ferris. You and Luara will fly towards Kairiku and Tohotsu. Luara to Kars in Tohotsu, Ferris to Marcel in Kairiku, tell them to gather the sea tribe outside and put some pressure on the knights」
「「Understood」」
「Listen, everyone! When I appeared here, victory has already become ours. All that’s left is to annihilate the enemy. Lure the enemies as close as possible and eliminate them in one strike. I will launch a firework in the sky. With this as a sign, go on the offensive」
Ferris grabbed Luara and disappeared beyond the clouds. I made the rain stop. At the same time, I made sure to make all of the necessary arrangements. When the preparations were complete, the sun was about to rise.
The imperial knights completed their preparations at about the same time.
「The sun has risen」
「A splendid morning sun that symbolizes our brilliant future indeed」
Muttered Jiono to Gragoleir as he faced the rising sun.
「All right, it’s about time for us to depart. Wait for the good news」
Spoke Oshe as he approached them on the horse. The two saw him off with a smile.
「All troops, depart!」
「Please excuse me!」
Something unexpected happened when he was about to march forward. When he looked in the direction of the voice, he saw his subordinate, Kunogen, riding the horse his way.
「What is it, Kunogen?!」
「Please delay the attack for a while longer」
「Why!?」
「It’s difficult to traverse the forest right now. The ground became muddy due to the recent rain. Is the advance unit falls, the situation may escalate and there would be a possibility of injuries」
「The advance unit will fall? Why are you so sure? 」
「It’s my intuition that was honed on the battlefields for many years. It’s too convenient for the enemy」
「Kunogen, what is your rank? When did you graduate from the Royal Military School? 」
「….I’m of common birth. I didn’t attend the Royal School」
「There, you will learn about the battlefield even if you don’t want to. I learned much more than you experienced. What is a probability of your intuition being correct? Is it absolute? 」
「No, I can’t say that it’s absolute…..At least, wait until the ground dries. Besides, I can see the sea tribe squads gathering behind our backs. With us stuck between them, we won’t be able to hold for long! 」
「To you, who can only move based on your intuition, let me tell you something. The sea tribe is here to observe us. There is no way the bunch of fishermen has enough guts to attack us. This fight will end before the sun reaches the apex. We will go forward together with the sun. The enemy will be forced to fight facing the sun. Where can you find an idiot, who is willing to let go of such an opportunity? 」
「I’m aware of the circumstances. After all, I run around the battlefield long before the vice captain」
「Shut up! Let me say this! I’m the commander here! I will fight this battle in the way I want! I’m not going to accept your instructions! 」
Saying so, Oshe led the army forward.
Seeing the knights departing, I unconsciously murmured.
「We won」
「I can see their ending already」
「Advancing inside the unknown forest while treading on unsteady footing is suicidal」
On the other hand, Oshe was completely certain of his victory. The enemy is a small armed force, 100 people at most. It would be easy to prevail against them when struck with full force. Besides, every soldier has a barrier stone purchased from the Daquet Company. Because of that, the soldiers were able to advance through the forest without being hurt by the monsters. To be precise, there are monsters in the front but they are dealt with without any problems. Versam is going to die by the hand of a man equipped with a barrier stone of his own making. Where can you find such an ironic story? Oshe tried his hardest to contain his smile.
He looked at the surrounding forest to distract himself. The insides of his head immediately became filled with the thoughts about his future after this fight.
At that time, his horse suddenly stopped in its tracks. Being pulled into the reality again, he looked towards the front of the army in displeasure. The advance unit and the horses halted their advance. When he was about to order them to press forward again, he heard a sound that he didn’t usually hear.
Looking at the map, it seems that the knights came close to the Pius’ squad. The two armies will encounter watch other in about 5 minutes. Most likely, Pius is able to see the enemy’s army from his current position. I released a scorching bullet in the air. Dogoooon, it exploded in the sky with a tremendous sound. With this as a sign, the geryons on the sides launched an assault.
Pius’ squad was the first to encounter the enemy. They attacked from the front in an imposing manner. The imperial knights were thrown into disorder by the sound of the explosion. The knights had the barrier stones equipped so Pius’ squad’s attacks were repelled. However, their true aim were the horses. Feeling the pain, the horses rampaged, threw the soldiers off, or ran away with soldiers still on them.
The harpies calmly observed the situation from the trees and relayed the information to me. I immediately enveloped the whole forest in a barrier that was able to render the barrier stones ineffective. I took a lot of MP but I still have about 2/3 left. There is no problem.
Meanwhile, the squads of the flanks received an attack from the geryons with some of the soldiers blown away or trampled. With the barrier stones suddenly malfunctioning, the battlefield became a scene from hell. The knights were swiftly losing their numbers and the panic spread amongst their ranks.
Oshe thought that he was dreaming. The advance unit was steadily pushed back and the geryons were closing in from the sides.
「A, aa, aaaaa…….」
Releasing a voice that couldn’t be considered a voice, Oshe heard a scream from Kunogen at this side.
「……Captain! Vice captain! Let’s retreat! Retreat! 」
「A, uwaaaaa」[1]
「Ei! How useless! Withdraw! Keep retreating until you leave the forest! All troops, retreat! 」
Taking the reins of Oshe’s horse, Kunogen ordered a retreat.
Oshe was frozen solid. His brain couldn’t catch up. Why am I running away? I have 1000 knights under me. Why are they dying? What about the barrier?
There was a figure of Oshe sitting on the horse that was pulled by Kunogen on the battlefield.
The knights retreated while leaving 1/3 of their numbers behind. Because of all the fighting, the ground was even messier and muddier than before. Everyone retreated in chaos with some of them being trampled by their own comrades.
When Oshe finally left the forest and reached Jiono and Gragoleir, he had only 15 people following behind him.
「What the hell!? What’s happened?!」
「Oi, Oshe! What kind of pathetic display is this!? Explain! 」
Oshe, who had an unbelieving expression, didn’t answer their queries. The soldiers appeared from the side of the forest. As if chasing after them, the geryons came out of the forest with the harpies hovering above them. The soldiers ran away in panic.
「We were met with defeat inside the forest. The Versam Army and the geryons completely routed us」
Answered Kunogen while breathing roughly.
「I didn’t hear anything about these monsters being here!」
「Jiono, look there!」
Looking in the direction pointed by Gragoleir, he saw the sea tribe sealing their escape path.
「We are surrounded」
Calmly analyzed the situation Kunogen.
「Oi, what should we do now?! Gather the troops and charge towards the imperial capital of the Gragoleir territory! 」
「It is impossible to break through. We don’t have any other choice but to surrender」
「You b̲a̲s̲t̲a̲r̲d̲, are you still a member of the knights’ order!?」
「Not letting the soldiers die a meaningless death is one of the basics of fighting. If you aren’t willing to surrender, commit suicide. Drink a poisonous bowl is fine, piercing your heart with a dagger also works」
「Suicide……」
Jiono and Gragoleir looked at each other.
After a while, Jiono, Gragoleir, and Oshe sent Kunogen as a messenger to surrender.
「The Kurumfar territory turned into something incredible」
「What do you mean?」
「The northern grassland turned into a granary. Rice, wheat, and vegetables…….they were growing as far as my eyes could see」
「On this unrecoverable land? You didn’t dream about it, right? 」
「Don’t say stupid things! I saw it with my own eyes right before I came here. There is no doubt」
「So the Kurumfar obtained a new card, which is vegetables, in addition to salt」
「That’s not everything. A lot of people gather in the Kurumfar territory with the former Lord’s mansion, which is now a hotel, in the center of it. The population is gradually increasing too. There are rumors about the mercenaries settling down there. The Kurumfar is not the same as the one in our memory anymore」
「Damn it, how annoying. This is all that Versam’s fault」
The trio of Baron Jiono, Vice Leader of the Northern Knights Oshe, and Baron Gragoleir sat inside a luxurious room in a hotel in the capital. The three were appointed to manage the Kurumfar territory before but, once they learned about its condition, immediately ditched their duties. Actually, the three are fellow classmates from the Royal School, the so-called childhood friends.
They didn’t know yet. The Kurumfar territory now had another card called「fish」.
「It will become rather troublesome if we ignore the Kurumfar territory any longer」
「No, it’s quite troublesome already. There are people, who migrated from my territory to the Kurumfar. If the outflow of people increases any further, it may put me in a predicament」
Lamented Baron Gragoleir. His territory was just north of the Kurumfar but half of it was covered in forests and mountains, the people there lived clustered on a small amount of flat lands.
「True enough, if even more people leave your already small territory it will become much harder to you」
「……I have an idea. There is a way to make Versam fall and take away all of The Kurumfar’s food. Let’s us divide the territory’s salt and vegetables between us」
「As expected of Jiono. So you stayed silent until now because you nurtured something like this! You are as wise as always」
Hahaha! Delightedly laughed Oshe. The three’s strategy meeting took place during the night.
Three days later, Baron Gragoleir asked for a meeting with a leader of the northern knights, Rafaien as Oshe stood behind him.
「It’s unusual for Baron-dono to ask for a meeting」
「No, it’s nothing much, it’s just that three days ago I was ambushed by the bandits when I tried to pass through the forest. Although I managed to somehow escape, I still need to go through that forest to return to my territory on a day after tomorrow. I thought of asking for some escorts from the knights’ order. There is no need to escort me all the way, just until I leave the forest and reach the borders of the Kurumfar territory」
「Bandits?…….I didn’t hear anything about it, though」
「Then do investigate. However, I can’t delay my return. Baron Jiono is going to make a visit to my territory. He is going to travel together with me. Normally, I would have hired some guards but this time I have a guest after all. I can’t rely on luck. That’s why I came to ask for the help from the imperial knights. Can you dispatch some of your people on this occasion? 」
「Leader, I ask of you to let me go. There are more than 100 bandits in the Kurumfar territory. I too was attacked when I was on my way to the capital. They had enough power to give as a great trouble. We can’t be negligent. Most likely, a part of them operated in the forest near the capital. We should use our troops to escort the Baron and investigate the forest」
「……Well, if it’ to escort the Baron and investigate the forest, I can spare some forces. 100 knights should be enough」
「No, captain. If it’s possible, I want to bring about 1000 of my subordinates on this mission. It would be a nice exercise for my men. I think of it as a good training opportunity」
「…..All right. However, do not spend more time than necessary. Three days at the most. After that, you are to come back」
「Roger」
「Thank you for your consideration, captain-dono」
In that way, Oshe received a permission to move his troops.
At the designated time in the afternoon Baron Jiono, Baron Gragoleir, and Oshe’s army departed the imperial capital.
The party steadily advanced and reached the borders of the Kurumfar territory in the evening before stopping. Then, Oshe ordered to settle a camp.
「Just according to keikaku」[1]
「There are no holes in my plan. Tomorrow, Versam’s head will definitely be separated from the rest of his body」
「That rising aristocracy deemed as an incompetent commander. It’s time to erase that stigma. I will show them my way of fighting」
「Oi oi, don’t be so fired up ahead of time」
「I know. I’m always calm」
「I hope so. Then let’s go through our plan once again. We will infiltrate the Kurumfar territory under the cover of the night. Then, we will pass through the forest and raid the mansion before the daybreak. [2] They should be in the mansion. My scouts witnessed him returning to the mansion yesterday. We are going to kill him. Also….let’s kill everyone else in the mansion. After that, we are going to return to the capital. Versam’s head and the bandits’ heads, for the bandits, we can randomly behead some people from the slums. We will carry them to the Captain Rafaien. We were attacked on the way by the bandits. Then, the bandits run away towards the Versam mansion. When we chased after them, the Marquis assumed their side and attacked us. Without any other choice, we thought and defeated his forces. Actually, the leader of the bandits was Honorary Marquis Versam all this time, or so the story goes.」
「Yeah, I know」
「After the commotion settles down, I will petition to the Emperor to manage the Kurumfar territory together with Baron Gragoleir. And after we get the Kurumfar territory, we will split its harvest and salt between us」
「But will it really go that smoothly? Prince Viras won’t stay silent」
「We are going with this plan. Versam stands out quite a bit thanks to the Emperor. There are plenty of nobles, who hate him. With Versam deemed as a traitor, the influence of Prince Viras and Prime Minister Guremont will weaken. I will aim for that and show him my support」
「If this goes well, we will profit greatly and Oshe will raise enough funds for a promotion. After all, Jiono can get the whole Kurumfar territory」
「I want to succeed by all means. I want to obtain the scenery praised by the Emperor himself when he stayed in that hotel」
「You always wanted to obtain strange things since the childhood」
「What are you saying? You just don’t understand. The value of that hotel, that is」
「Stop quarreling! For some reason, I, the great Oshe-sama, always end up as a mediator between you. It won’t be late to fight after we succeed」
「True enough」
「Right」
「All right, it’s about the time to gather my men. From now on, it’s my time to shine. I will show you my skills」
「I’m expecting a lot」
「I’m counting on you!」
Late at night, the silence was broken by an emergency signal. The well-trained soldiers immediately lined up. At the same time, Oshe stood before them.
「We are going to march at night. Everyone is to equip a real sword! We are going for a bandit subjugation. The target is a mansion that serves as their lair. Kill everyone, who is inside! 」
Oshe pulled out his sword, raised his voice, and pointed towards the east.
「The bandits’ leader is Versam! Honorary Marquis Versam of the Empire! Advance! 」
1000 knight begun their march in silence.
The slave market was bustling.
I sat down at the back of the hall and looked at the slaves. This time’s market was full of sex slaves and soldiers, I couldn’t spot anyone suitable for our needs.
After a short break, it was a time for crime slaves to take the stage. I don’t plan to pay a special attention to this section. That being said, it’s not like there is a zero possibility of Mei-level individuals to appear. I shouldn’t overlook him.
A while after the start, the stage turned noisy for some reason. It seems that a female crime slave went on a rampage. After a while, three slaves were dragged out to the stage but once I saw them, I received a great shock.
……The idiot heroes of the cat tribe.
The female cat is always crying. The men had swollen faces as if they just received a beating. All three wore some tattered clothes.
「Well then, number 16. A man of the cat tribe, 16 years old; a woman of the cat tribe, 15 years old; a man of the cat tribe, 17 years old. Let’s start with 5000G! 」
Unexpectedly, there was no response. In this still atmosphere, a certain noble-looking man raised his token.
「Is there anyone else? Anyone? 」
「10000G!」
I raised my voice before I noticed.
「10000G! Is there anyone else? Anyone?……Then, the final price is 10000G! 」
We didn’t wait for the end of the event and went outside.
「Rinos, why did you buy those cat tribe people?」
「Don’t you remember, Rico? He is the cat that claimed to be a hero and caused a mess in the palace」
「There was such a thing. Are they truly those people? 」
「I don’t think I’m wrong」
I headed towards the room where people collected their purchases. After a while, we were approached by a strange-looking slave trader.
「Thank you for your purchase. Let’s complete the procedures right away」
The man said so and led us to another room.
In the same way as with Mei, I paid the money and provided my blood. Immediately after, those idiot cats were brought inside. Different from their tattered clothes from before, the men wore shirts and the woman wore one piece. They stood in a row as my blood was put on their arms and legs. Once the trader chanted the spell, my arm glowed.
「With this, the contract has been completed. If those slaves’ performance isn’t to your satisfaction, please do not hesitate to visit us as we can buy them back」
Saying that, the man gave me something like a business card and left the room.
「Thank you for purchasing us this time. We shall perform our duty with utmost effort」
「Aren’t you become quite fluent for an idiot cat」
The cats took a closer look at me.
「Ah! You’re that imprudent person from before! 」
The woman raised her voice.
「You sure have a hobby of bringing trouble upon yourself. Well, me meeting you again can be considered fate. It’s hard to talk here, let’s go outside」
We took the idiot cats, took Sonya and Ange, who were waiting for us outside, and went to the restaurant in the hotel.
「You must be hungry. You can order whatever you want」
However, the slaves seemed to hesitate. Without any other choice, I ordered the same thing that I ordered for myself.
「Still, how did you manage to become crime slaves?」
「i had a dispute with a local lord. At that time, I hurt the Lord and his retainers」
「Uwa~ This is~」
「That’s why they have so many bruises」
Apparently, the idiot cats had a hard time after separating from me. They traveled from one village to another, occasionally being deceived by people, occasionally being attacked by monsters, he said. When they reached a certain city, they were forced to join a massive monster subjugation operation. There, Willis, with his somewhat reliable sword arts, and Shera, with her healing magic, proved to be of a great use. With this as a reason, they decided to settle down in that city, Willis lived working as an escort or a guard for the merchants, Shera opened a healing business, and Yuriel made use of his education to open something like a school to teach kids how to read and write.
Since they weren’t particularly greedy, they earned just enough to sustain the three of them, Shera and Yuriel often helped for nearly nothing. As a result, they were greatly appreciated by the residents and spent their days fulfilled.
However, the Lord of the town had his eyes on Shera and wanted her to become his concubine. [1] Of course, he was adamantly rejected by all three of them but the Lord was rather persistent. And after they hardened their resolve and tried to leave the town, they were ambushed by the Lord and his people. As a result, Willis hurt the Lord’s retainers as Shera and Yuriel hurt the Lord when he tried to capture them. Following that, they were deemed criminals and were sent to be sold in the capital.
「Working for the sake of people, receiving their gratitude. It was a fulfilling life but we ended up like this. It seems that we don’t have much luck in our lives」
「There is no way that’s true. Being bought by Rinos can be considered you good luck」
「You are…..」
「The First Princess of the Hideta Empire, Ricolette」
「Ah, that tyrannical woman from before!」
「Shera! Watch your mouth! 」
Willis shut her mouth before everyone managed to react. Well, isn’t he became a good big brother.
「Judging by the fact that you call Master as Rinos and your attitude towards him…..」
「Yes, Rinos and I had a wedding」
「Ma-Marriage? Eh? Why? I was sure that he became a servant of Princess-sama…….」
After that, I told them about the events that led to our marriage.
「For such things to happen…..That being said, Master is amazing. Taking the First Princess as a wife, becoming an Honorary Marquis, managing the Second Prince’s territory……」
「If you understand this much then it’s enough. You’ve experienced a lot. If something doesn’t work, you can just try again. Still, you have grown quite a bit. It should work out with the current you」
「It was truly hard on us. But we were helped by a lot of people. Master wasn’t wrong when we were told to talk to people more」
And while everyone was enjoying the desserts, I talked about the future
「I want you to manage a store for me. Sonya and Ange will take care of the store that sells barrier magic stones. People from the army often visit that place, you shouldn’t try to take it easy. And Willis’ group will manage an ingredient store. It’s scheduled to open this autumn, so be prepared. Of course, as the fellow storekeepers, you should help each other out when the other side can’t handle it」
Everyone silently nodded.
「You shall live in the stores. However, it will take about two days to prepare a living environment, so you will stay in this hotel until then. Meanwhile, you should gather your daily necessities. Of course, you also need to buy some clothes. I will leave all the money with Gon, tell him if you need something. I’ll leave it to you, Gon」
「Understood」
On the next day, the five slaves went around the capital with Gon to buy all kinds of things.
As a result, I was forced to give up on creating the living quarters in the store that sells barrier magic stones due to its size. On the other hand, the warehouse had a second floor, which we decided to use instead. There is still plenty of space left even with the five of them. However, as I was worried what should I do about the kitchen and the toilet, Willis and the rest ended up buying the material themselves and making one. They might have developed it during their travels. Those guys may be surprisingly dependable.
Soon enough, Sonya and her daughter received the store from Luara and started working. There were no particular problems and it’s still functioning properly. On the contrary, since there were no more times when the store was closed due to my whims, we received an especially positive response from the merchants. In addition, Sonya can be considered a beauty. She obtained a certain popularity amongst some of the army men and merchants.
Although the warehouse was still under construction, the preparations, such as dividing the warehouse into the storage zone and selling zone, were steadily progressing. We are selling the harvested crops and vegetables through the stall that we set up outside the warehouse. This can serve as an advertisement until the store is opened, if people remember the taste, the opening will be destined to succeed, suggested Willis. I accepted his proposal and, starting from Kairiku, set up the teleportation barriers leading to the storage zone. And in the storage zone itself, I set up a refrigerating barrier trying to keep the goods fresh as long as possible.
Although there isn’t much to sell at the moment, Willis’ store is prosperous. Fortunately, there are plenty of people waiting for an official opening. As a consequence of his hardships, Willis developed a certain charm to him, creating a good impression on the customers.
From this point on, I’m going to stop calling them「idiot cats」.
Another problem occurred in the cafeteria. Next to the five girls, three men sat down without their permission.
Those men wore rings and necklaces and looked quite like the players. These men forcibly approached the girls, who tried to refuse them.
Their sat in order Yua, Seiya’s seat, and Lily with Mona, Selena, and Aishi on the other side but the men took the seat next to Yua and tried to talk with her.
「Hey, at least tell me your name」
「……」
「We are staying on the seventh floor, you know」
「……」
「How about going out with us somewhere」
The brown-haired man on Seiya’s seat tried to talk to Yua only to be completely ignored.
Normally, she would have trashed the men who dared to take Seiya seat. However, since she couldn’t use her light attribute here, she decided to ignore him.
Being refused by Yua, this time, the man tried to talk to Lily on the other side.
「hey, you’re cute. What is your name? 」
「Etto….」
Lily looked at the man with a disgusted face. From her expression, the man understood that he was completely rejected by her but contrary to Yua, he decided to start his conquest with her, since she at least answered him.
「Do you not know me? People call me Grisfon」
At these words, the customers around them, other that the five, showed their surprise.
「Oi, Grisfon is?」
「Yeah, probably」
「It can’t be, that A-rank adventurer?」
「Than the other two are B-rank adventurers」
「They are the recently trending adventurers family」
「Grisfon family, huh……」
The brown-haired man, Grisfon, grinned hearing the words of the customers. The men felt good seeing the rumor spread so far.
The surrounding customers immediately gave up upon hearing the name of the Grisfon family. Their level was just that high.
Trying to show off, he stretched his hand towards Lily. At that time, Lily became his inside his mind.
Every time the women heard his name, they immediately became his.
「How about you stop right now!」
Don! Don!
Selena, who sat across the man, pulled out her magic gun and released two bullets towards the man that still tried to reach Lily with his hand.
The guests were surprised at an unexpected turn of events but Grisfon just lifted his hand and muttered.
「『Dark Wave』」
In the next moment, the two mana bullets disappeared without a trace. Grisfon said to Selena with a depraved look in his eyes.
「Relax. After I finish with her, you are next. No need to be impatient」
Apparently, in Grisfon’s mind, they already became his women. Selena was surprised at her bullets suddenly disappearing but shot again nevertheless.
Don! Don! Don! Don!
This time she shot twice the amount, four bullets but Grisfon lifted his hand once again and muttered.
「『Dark Wave』」
Immediately after he said that the bullets disappeared without a trace, nothing was left behind. Grisfon became a bit irritated at Selena’s pointless behavior.
「It’s useless. You can’t defeat me. Obediently wait for your turn to come. At that time, I will play with you」
Having said that, Grisfon tried to touch Lily. Selena intended to attack Grisfon with her magic guns once again but Lily words stopped her in her tracks.
「It’s all right」
For a moment, Selena couldn’t understand what she just heard. But from Lily’s face, she could see a certain confidence.
Selena, who was convinced that there was a catch, sheathed her magic guns. Once he saw their behavior, Grisfon thought that they came to peace with the circumstances and carried his hand closer to Lily’s cheek.
However, at the next moment,
Zudon!!
With such a sound accompanied by a great pressure, the trio rolled off their seats.
At that time, the two B-rank adventurers besides Grisfon lost their consciousness. Grisfon managed to somehow preserve his consciousness but couldn’t stand up revealing an unsightly posture.
「Do you have some business with my companions?」
Such words were heard in the cafeteria. The customers couldn’t comprehend what just happened and silently awaited a development.
Seiya was the one, who entered the cafeteria. Immediately after coming to the cafeteria he saw Grisfon trying to touch Lily and released his bloodlust at maximum power.
「Seiya……」
「Seiya!」
Lily and Yua turned bright with the appearance of Seiya.
Actually, the two knew that Seiya would definitely come. Yua did it with her unscientific Seiya Sensor and Lily relied on her contract with Seiya to sense his position.
That’s why Lily said that it was all right to Selena, Yua too didn’t do a thing.
「Trying to lay your hand on my companions, you sure are brave, small fry」
Anger dwelled in Seiya’s eyes, which he used to glare at Grisfon.
His contained despise as well as disdain. Being glared by Seiya, Grisfon felt his pride hurt and tried to face him.
However, that turned out to be the greatest failure in his life.
「『Dark Wave』」
Grisfon eliminated the unknown pressure and stood up. Seiya looked at Grisfon for a brief moment but immediately diverted his attention to stroking Yua’s and Lily’s heads, as they came hugging him.
「B̲a̲s̲t̲a̲r̲d̲, who do you think I am? I’m an A-rank adventurer, Grisfon Egnozas. If you want to live, immediately release my woman and scram. If you won’t, you will disappear」
As long as I use『Dark Wave』, he isn’t an opponent of mine, thought Grisfon.
Seiya completely lost interest in such Grisfon. If he does touch Yua or Lily, Seiya will erase him without question but since it doesn’t seem like it actually happened, he wasn’t in a mood to play with him.
However, if he doesn’t agree then the story is different.
In Dakuria, Seiya’s team common sense doesn’t work. If the situation becomes beyond salvageable, he didn’t mind to show the offender the harsh reality.
「You sure are great for using the magic stone with『Dark Wave』inside of it. However, this is how true 『Dark Wave』looks like」
Zudon!
Seiya released his bloodlust again as he chantlessly invoked『Dark Wave』to erase a ring on his finger.
There was a magic stone in his ring, he used『Dark Wave』stored inside and acted as if he could deploy it chantlessly.
Being exposed to his bloodlust, Griffon fell on his knees once again. His face was covered in sweat, his body trembled all over, and his breathing became rough.
Since his magic stone was destroyed, Grisfon couldn’t activate『Dark Wave』again. He noticed that he tried to land his hand on someone he shouldn’t have ever messed with.
Grisfon wanted to immediately run away but Seiya’s bloodlust didn’t allow it. Thus, while being aware of the shame, he chanted the incantation for『Dark Wave』.
「Eh?」
Although he managed to successfully activate it, the bloodlust showed no signs of disappearing.
In the first place, 『Dark Wave』isn’t supposed to be able to eliminate something without substance. He did it for the first time because Seiya lifted his bloodlust at the same time as he released the spell.
「How unsightly. Let me warn you. If you make a move on them once again, your existence itself shall disappear. I won’t use a magic stone like you did. Do you understand? 」
「Y-Yes, understood. I understand. I won’t try anything weird anymore. I promise」
「Then grab those two and disappear」
Seiya lifted his bloodlust and released Grisfon. Once released, Grisfon picked up his comrades and run away in shame.
The customers, who were left flabbergasted, stared at Seiya with round eyes.
「Who on earth are they?」
「Who knows? I don’t」
「Maybe they are S-rank adventurers」
It wasn’t an environment suitable for conversations, all of the attention was focused completely on Seiya.
Seiya, who was disinclined to stay in such an environment, took the girls with him and went to have breakfast in a store outside.
After coming to a new place, Seiya told them the gist of his conversation with Bagil as he ate breakfast.
「That’s about it from my conversation with Bagil. I will head to the rescue without waiting for other apostles to join me. I can’t force anyone. There is a great danger involved in this plan.
People may die. That’s why think for yourself. Don’t blindly follow the others, choose by your own will」
Said Seiya and looked in their eyes. The answer appeared soon enough.
「I’ll go…..I’ll follow Seiya until the end of the world…..」
「Lily too! 」
If Seiya goes then Yua and Lily will definitely follow. From their eyes, he felt a determination to never separate.
「I want to save my mother. I’m right here, I don’t want to lose mother because I waited for the reinforcements」
「I shall go too. This is my will」
「I’ll go too. Aunt took care of me a lot」
The members of the student council were determined to go.
「I see, we have full members. You won’t regret it, right? 」
「Un……」
「Un!」
「Yeah, none」
「Yes, no such things」
「Yes, it’s all right」
Everyone was mentally prepared. Seiya made sure to confirm their determination.
「Understood. The plan starts tonight. Let’s leave immediately」
In that way, the Moka Fenix rescue operation started by one boy and five girls.
Thank you for reading. At this time, I don’t know what I should do about everything. For some my reason, my head was full of thoughts about the last episode of the current chapter and the synopsis of chapter four, it was hard to write anything at all. [1] The story is on its way to a conclusion. At last, one of the Demon Kings appears in the story. Look forward to it!
Nevertheless, the author is going to become a disabled person tonight. To be precise, by the end of this day I may become a difficult person. Ah, the last feather is always the hardest…… [2]
My pen ran on the paper as I was buried under a mountain of documents. I’m signing the documents that came from Rico and her crew.
Papers about army, taxes, farming, fishing, and people’s petitions……and so on and so forth, I briefly skimmed through the various documents before putting my signature on them. I’m finally doing a lord-like work.
The revival of agriculture with Mei in its center turned out to be unexpectedly successful. Daikon, cabbages, onions, and spinach that we sow during the autumn have been successfully harvested. Their taste was quite good too. That gave me the necessary confidence to increase the variety of vegetables grown on the fields. The people keep migrating to the territory, it’s not like everything proceeds smoothly but we manage to cope. At the moment, the rice grown on the paddy fields receives the bright rays of summer sunlight, I can’t wait for the autumn to harvest it.
「Well then, everyone, I have three suggestions to propose」
At dinner, I decided to tell everyone about the plan that I nurtured in my mind since a while ago.
「First, I’m thinking about opening another store in the capital」
「A store? What kind of store? 」
「A store that sells a variety of food ingredients」
There are stores selling food in the capital but they’re mostly specialized stores like rice stores, grocery stores, fish stores, and meat stores. Because they are scattered around the capital, common people need to spend quite a bit of effort to gather everything. I was longing for something like a supermarket since a while ago. And since there are none, I can just make one. The capital is short on vegetables and fish the most. If I can sell fresh vegetables and fish, the people will rejoice. Good fish and grocery stores are scarce but there are plenty of fishy stores that can’t reach the apex. [1] I didn’t like their attitude for quite a while.
The candidate for the store is already decided. There is a big warehouse on the west of the capital, about 200 meters away from my store. It seems to be a warehouse for a rice store but it’s not in use. However, it’s maintained well and stands in a place where a many people live, it bothered me for a long time. When I heard that the owner of the rice shop decided to sell this warehouse, I negotiated a much cheaper price than I expected.
Mediation from Akima of the red-light district’s Miraya helped me greatly. Apparently, she wants to establish a red-light district in the Kurumfar territory in the future. She provided me with this information in exchange for my help.
「I want to open it right after the autumn’s harvest. I have already decided on the name「Super Daquet」」
It’s not that sophisticated of a name, I can’t help but feel weird, though. Nevertheless, there is no particular problem. In that regard, it was approved without any objections.
「Second, I want to introduce a red-light district to the territory」
As expected, Rico wasn’t fond of this idea.
「You can consult with Akima from Miraya. I don’t plan to obstruct her. However, under the conditions of not hiring underage people, not using slaves, and respecting workers’ opinion. You can even say that I want for her place to be something like a salon for the people of culture. That’s why I plan to ask for an elegant external and internal appearance」
I was sure that Rico would object but she didn’t say anything and just agreed. Rather, it’s a great idea to make a place for cultured people like Ferris and Peris to gather! I was greatly surprised when I heard her saying that. Apparently, Rico was somehow convinced by turning it into a salon. [1]
「Third, I’d like to employ a slave for my new store, how is it?」
To be honest, I don’t have enough personnel to bring from the Kurumfar territory to here. I want my new store to succeed by all means. To do that, buying a slave is the best option, or so I concluded. Besides, Akima told me that the slave market would open on a day after tomorrow. I want to look at their slaves first.
「While I’m at it. I want to entrust the barrier stones store to a slave too」
「That’s reasonable. It’s better for Master to concentrate on the matters of the territory. Leaving the store to a slave is the best solution」
「What does everyone else think?」
「I think that would be for the best too. The slaves will work diligently」
「I think that Rinos-san’s method is good」
Since there were no objections, the visit to the slave market was decided on a day after tomorrow.
That night, Rico suddenly hugged me when I entered the room and pressed her face on my chest.
「…….Rico? 」
「What are you planning to do, buying a new slave?」
「I won’t really do anything. After they properly learn their duties, I don’t even mind releasing them, you know? 」
「Really?」
「What’s wrong?」
「……If you like them, won’t you make them into your concubines? 」
「I won’t, probably」
Rico raised her face and looked at me while breathing roughly.
「Probably? T-Then, does that mean that there is a possibility of you taking them as your concubines if you do like them? No, it’s not as if I’m going to say no, you know? I’m aware that men of high standing need to have concubines more so for Rinos who is an honorary Marquis a noble with only one concubine people may look down on you besides there is also a matter of my age it’s about time for me to step down and………[2]」
「Rico? Rico! Calm down! 」
I embraced Rico and rubbed her back.
「Afuu, haa, haa, fuu, but…..」
「I want to stay with Rico forever. Do you want to separate from me? 」
「…….Forever, forever, please stay with me forever」
I hugged Rico once again and carried her all the way to the bed in a princess carry.
Two days later, I was in the capital with Gon and Rico.
As I walked towards the slave market, I met an unexpected person. It was a slave dealer that sold Mei to me before.
「Well, well. I’m Maris from Yura firm. Thank you for your previous patronage. Are there any problems with a slave I sold to you? 」
「Forget about problems, it was a great bargain. She already became an essential person to me」
The slave dealer looked puzzled for a moment but swiftly regained his calmness.
「Are you here to participate in the slave market? In that case, my store is right there, in the back. There is still time until the slave market is opened, would you like to look at the slaves in my store? 」
Since I’m here, might as well look at them.
When we entered the store and arrived at the reception room, we were asked about our desired slave. With a good temperament, ability to judge, and preferable woman, I answered. We aimed for people with 「Education」skill. The ability to calculate is important for a store manager.
「The preparations have been completed」
Maris led us to another room. There were big wide chairs and a curtain before it. Once we took our seats, the curtain opened and 8 women in dresses appeared before us. I appraised the one by one and, surprisingly, discovered 5 people with 「Education」skill.
I look at the faces of those five. There were 2 humans, 2 rabbit beastwomen, and 1 cat beastwoman. The humans didn’t look eager and stood there with their eyes dead. One of the rabbit beastwomen was still a kid. The cat beastwoman was quite erotic. If I ever need a sex slave, she would be the right choice. She released her pheromones in full force and looked at me with moist eyes.
「All of them are aware that they will become sex slaves in the future. Except for that little girl」
「That rabbit beastgirl?」
「Correct. By the way, those two rabbit beastwomen are mother and daughter」
Looking closely, they do resemble each other. Both have a certain intelligence to them.
「Can I ask how did they land themselves into slavery?」
「She was a concubine of a certain monkey noble and the little girl is her daughter. Because she committed adultery, she was sold into slavery together with her daughter. It’s rare to see a mother-daughter pair as slaves. I will fetch a considerable price is they make it to the stage. Because you can enjoy them both」
He sure tries to push this pair onto me. Most likely, those two are the hardest to sell. I can see his desire to sell them to me. I took a deep breath and asked them.
「Numbers from 1 to 10. How many will it be if you add them? Try calculating」
「「55」」
「40」
The rabbit mother and daughter immediately answered. Another person answered at the same time but she wasn’t that enthusiastic about it and even made a mistake.
「How did you calculate?」
「From 1 to 10 has 5 in the middle. If you multiply 5 by 9 and add ten, it will be 55」
Answered the mother.
「Understood. I want to by this mother-daughter pair. How much? 」
「It’s 50000G」
「Quite expensive」
「Both of them are able to calculate」
「No, aren’t they doing some strange calculations? The answer was right but the method is all over the place. It was just a coincidence. Or can you prove that such a method is right? 」
「No, this is…..」
「Besides, the other one is still a kid and can’t do much. Considering that we will need to spend quite a bit of time and effort to train and educate her, it’s too expensive. If I’m going to buy them together…..」
「You’re correct. You have a point. Then…..How about 25000G? No, how about 20000 gold? 」
It suddenly dropped below fifty percent of the starting price. I wonder if he can lower it even more. Let’s try a more forceful approach.
「U~n, when thinking about their education costs…..」
「Then how about 10000G?」
I was halved again. Is it really all right? I looked at Gon and Rico next to me. Both seems to think that this price is reasonable.
「…..Well. This much should be fine」
「Thank you very much. Then let’s finalize the purchase right away」
The women left the room as I handed the money to Maris. After a while, the mother-daughter pair appeared again in different clothes.
「You luck is good. Starting from today this gentleman is your new master」
「Thank you very much. I’m in your care」
「…..In your care」
Then, Maris muttered some spell, asked me to give him my hand, and, when I did as I was told, my hand glowed. At the same time, the hands of the pair also lit up.
「With this, the mother-daughter pair became your possession. If they will become an inconvenience to you in the future, please do not hesitate to come here and we will buy them back from you」
After a round of pleasantries, we left the store.
「What are your names?」
「Master can call us however he wants to」
「No, you should have the names that you used before. I want to call you by them if you don’t mind」
「…….It’s Sonya」
「……..Ange」
The mother is Sonya, 28 years old, has「Education」at LV2. The daughter is Ange, 8 years old, has「Education」at LV1. The daughter, most likely, had a talent for education since birth.
「I’m thinking of letting you manage a store. Let’s discuss the details as we walk」
「…..Mother’s calculations aren’t wrong! 」
「Ange!……Please forgive her, Master」
「No, Ange is right. I said it to make him lower the price. Sonya’s method isn’t wrong, it’s right. It’s amazing that you know it. You must have studied a lot」
「No, I’m just……doing it because I like it」
「I want to make use of your talent. If you grow to the extent of being able to manage a store without any problems, I don’t mind releasing you from slavery. That’s why I want you to work hard」
「Are you going to release us?」
Ange’s eyes sparkled.
「Yeah, I will also pay you a salary. However, I want you to take care of the store for at least 3 years. After that, you can stay but you can also leave for another job. Until then, I’m going to count on you」
「「Yes, Master」」
The two managed to find a new hope for their future.
While we were talking about it, we arrived at the hotel, which hosted the slave market.
Chapter 125
I’m Training Too!
While the kids had definitely been training, it was Chu Shen’s turn as well. Master Ti Wu finally had some time to whip Chu Shen into shape without him being distracted by learning technology or practicing forging. He was certainly not going to let this chance go to waste.
Chu Shen spent the first month practicing the <Stellar Flame> by forging the items to sell at the store. Lucas took over selling items to the hunting store since the fabber could create weapons with inscriptions.
All he needed was Chu Shen to demonstrate an inscription once and for him to be given the necessary materials. If all that was accomplished, then Lucas could make an infinite amount of weapons exactly alike in every way. That was the power of industrialization.
Chu Shen was able to master the first stage of <Stellar Flame: Flame Blower> and move onto the second stage, <Stellar Flame: Flame Body>. This was when one was able to emit flames from any part of their body. Chu Shen was able to do so, though it was tricky trying to heat up ore with your spine.
Chu Shen spent the other 11 months cultivating and whole heartedly training his martial arts to the new stage. Chu Shen was able to completely master the second stages for all of his martial arts in this time. He was able to start on the third stage for them but wasn’t able to actually master them, making him only capable of using the second stage for now on all his martial arts. As a matter of fact, the movement technique <Comet Travels Through> only had three stages.
Here is a list and description of all the different advancements Chu Shen made with his martial arts.
<Stellar Flame: Flame Blower> (One can shoot streams of fire from their palms), <Stellar Flame: Flame Body> (One can emit fire from any part of their body), <Stellar Flame: Sun Formation> (One forms a miniature Sun with fire).
<Comet Travels Through: Booming Step> (One breaks the sound barrier creating a sonic boom), <Comet Travels Through: Dust Trail> (Dust can be raised from one’s passage even over solid rock), <Comet Travels Through: Vapor Trail> (One moves so fast that vapor forms behind them from atmospheric water evaporating).
<Song of the Universe: Celestial Weapon> (One can vibrate their weapon and pass through body shields) <Song of the Universe: Solar Vibrations> (One can vibrate their Qi and cause internal damage), <Song of the Universe: Void Vibrations> (One can cause the air itself to vibrate, turning it into a devastating weapon).
<Stars Dance: Light Step> (One can solidify their Qi beneath their feet and create a step in midair), <Stars Dance: Stars Light> (One can create a bright flash of light and blind their opponent), <Stars Dance: Celestial Twin> (One can create a reflection of themselves off their Qi).
<Cancellation Armor: Phantom> (One can create a translucent appearance of armor around themselves. Amplifies nullification abilities), <Cancellation Armor: Manifest> (One can create armor that looks completely real. Amplifies nullification abilities), <Cancellation Armor: Reality> (One can create armor out of Qi that exists in reality. Enhances nullification abilities). <Universe Shield: Phantom>, <Universe Shield: Manifest>, <Universe Shield: Reality>. Other than one being a shield and the other armor, there was no difference in these martial art techniques stages.
Chu Shen may have mastered all these techniques, but using them in combat was different. He had used them against beasts in the forest and sparring but a true life and death fight with a human opponent was different. It was more….intense. Until Chu Shen could use them proficiently in combat, he could really only be considered as having learned the technique and no mastering it yet.
As for cultivation. <Voids Child> had one stage called the <Voids Child: Mortal Stage>. This would last all the way until one could become a Natural Realm Cultivator. It was impossible for Chu Shen to master the first stage of his cultivation technique right now.
Chu Shen not only practiced his martial arts, he also cultivated as well. Since the kids were constantly hunting magical beasts, beast cores were plenty. Chu Shen actually took half of them for his cultivation and the rest were sold in town. Chu Shen had used hundreds of beast cores to rapidly his cultivation in the past year.
No longer was he a Martial Practitioner Level 9, or a Peak Rank 3 mage. Instead he was a Martial Army Level 2, the equivalent of a Rank 6 mage. Chu Shen also became a Rank 4 warrior during this time, which delighted Master Ti Wu to no end. Don’t forget his Void King technique though.
<Void King: Skin Forging> (One can harden their skin and make it as hard as iron), <Void King: Muscle Tempering> (One’s muscles are tempered, increasing their strength tremendously), <Void King: Bones of Null> (One’s bones become soaked in null Qi, making them tremendously durable).
Chu Shen previously completed 30 circulations. Now he could complete 39 circulations, one circulation away from mastering the 3rd stage of the <Void King> technique. His strength had also grown tremendously. His strength was now 538 tons of force, incomparable to his previous 60.25 tons. A normal martial artist would only have 290 tons of force so Chu Shen had almost double the strength of a normal martial artist.
Not only that, Chu Shen was also able to use his money to upgrade his hammer and crossbow’s living steel with different materials. They were now comparable to a High-Tier Martial Weapon, greatly suiting Chu Shen’s current combat capabilities.
Chu Shen was not the only one upgrading things though. Lucas had been a very busy boy indeed. Lucas was able to make a pocket dimension. They had such devices on his own world but they needed a massive amount of power to open first and stabilize. After they were stabilized, they didn’t require any power to sustain.
Lucas first made a fusion bottle. A fusion bottle uses magnetic fields and plasma to generate massive amounts of power with no by-products. The downside? The thing was the size of a room. It wasn’t exactly portable. Using the fusion bottle, Lucas was able to power the spatial creation device.
It used tachyons to open up a rift in subspace and then stabilize this rift. Afterwards one could access it with a teleporter tuned to the right frequency which was actually quite power efficient. The size of this subspace was fifteen football fields wide and could be made bigger if there was more power.
To some that might not be significant. To Lucas, this was everything. Now he could create some very highly technical items while not having to worry about hiding it from everyone. The first thing Lucas made was a teleporter inside the subspace. He already had one so that he could access the subspace from normal space but it was as big as a house so it was more convenient to have one in subspace.
With the teleporter, Lucas could teleport anything with a Quantum Transponder whether it was in normal space or subspace. Lucas then used the fabricator to construct a cradle free fabricator. This kind of fabricator could construct items with no size limit because it didn’t have to hold the object internally and could create it on the ground in front of it.
One might ask by this point, how did Lucas get these materials? Well, Lucas had actually planned everything out beforehand. Using the fusion bottle, Lucas was able to boost the range on his mineral scanner. As a result, Lucas was able to find a lot more key materials for his inventions. All he had to do was go out and mine them.
Lucas was able to create a couple things with the cradle free fabricator. For one, he created multiple versions of his body and then left his positronic brain inside the subspace. The subspace controller was inside his main body that he had been using since coming to this realm. With the Quantum comms and transponders, Lucas controlling his body from light years away was a cinch.
Lucas started making pretty much anything that came to mind. Satellites for orbital mapping, tracking, and bombardment were teleported into space. He created a small spaceship but never actually launched it. Turrets hooked up with beast cores were made but never used. Lucas placed positronic brains inside every copy of him and then loaded automating programs on them.
He built an antimatter generator as well which took up over two football fields inside the pocket dimension. Using quantum entanglement, Lucas was able to use the generator to power all of his replacement bodies at once. The antimatter created power far beyond that which his current body could handle. The most he could handle was the equivalent of a Rank 7 beast core. With that, his fake body could use 301 tons.
Lucas’ pride though was the Beast Cannon. Lucas bought sixty Rank 4 beast cores using the money from the weapons he made with the fabricator. There were 20 fire, 20 wind, and 20 earth type cores. He put them inside a cannon and used the [Channeling Inscription] and [Burst Inscription] to combine them all together. Once he fired the cannon, a beam of fire, wind, and rock would be launched at the enemy. It was terrifyingly strong.
So far Lucas and Chu Shen were lucky they weren’t forced to leave by the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion. It was time to stop tempting luck and finish their mission here.
Chapter 124
A Kid’s Life
At the end of the week every student was assigned to a team and a teacher was also assigned to oversee the team. There were 16 teams of 5 students and 9 teachers. Because of this, every teacher had a second team they oversaw and the 4 extra teachers guarded the camp. The schedule was the teachers would take their first group into the forest one day and the their second group the next day once the hunting started.
Talia, Sam, George, Sarah, and Jason were all part of team 4. Assigned to oversee their team was Teacher Alfred. Alfred was also assigned to team 3. The schedule for when they started hunting was on Saturday there would be a required class. Sunday would be a resting day. Monday through Friday were the days to hunt.
Hunting wasn’t starting until two weeks from now though. Everyone first had to learn how to at least hold their weapon properly. Alfred took team 4 to the armory to pick weapons. Sam and Jason chose swords. George and Sarah picked spears. Talia chose a bow.
Alfred took them to the training zone the teachers had made while the students were in the classrooms. There, targets and dummies had been set up for training. The students were required to train while Alfred watched them.
Talia looked like she knew what she was doing. She strung the bow properly and had an armguard on. Her shooting was decent as well, only missing the target completely every twentieth shot. George swung his spear around pretty fluidly and was able to stab a vital spot like the heart or head every once in awhile. Everyone else was very nervous and awkward with the weapons they chose.
Alfred sighed. It seemed like he had his work cut out for him. For the entire week, Alfred taught the students how to thrust, parry, attack, counterattack, and dodge. He taught George and Sarah how to thrust forward with the spear and then swing the butt end of the spear to hit an opponent trying to close in on you. He didn’t have a whole lot to teach Talia. Instead he gave her advice on what kind of targets to aim for and what kind to avoid.
Next he taught everyone how to use spells. Talia, Jason, and Sam were all excellent at using magic. Sarah was moderately good but George wasn’t any good at all. George hadn’t been a mage until Chu Shen awoke him so it was to be expected. Talia and Jason had ice mana. Sam had lightning mana. George had earth mana and Sarah had darkness mana.
After that week of training, it was time to hunt. It went as expected, disastrously. The first magical beast they met was the Scorching Horned Rabbit, the same kind Chu Shen and Lucas had hunted in droves before. They were quite lucky since they were rare to meet if one didn’t cheat and use a tracking program.
The rabbit jumped out, taking Sam down instantly with a surprise attack in the form of a fireball to the back. Alfred sighed as he watched George try to stab the rabbit with his spear. The spear missed and stabbed into the ground as the rabbit jumped out of the way. A fireball was shot from it’s horn and into George, sending him flying back. He had some serious burns from the fire and collapsed where he landed, writhing in pain.
Ice shot towards the rabbit’s leg as it landed, trying to trap it. The ice hit the rabbit but the rabbit melted it in less than a second with a stream of fire from it’s horn. Jason tried to strike it with his sword while it was stuck but missed. An arrow shot past Jason, inches from his arm towards the rabbit before sticking into a tree.
The rabbit shot towards Sarah horn first. Sarah panicked and tried to get her spear up. Unfortunately, the rabbit kicked off a tree, adjusting its flight by less than an inch. That inch was enough for the rabbit to skim past Sarah’s spear and stab its horn into her shoulder, piercing her armor. Crying out loud from the pain, Sarah let go of her spear and collapsed.
Talia held her bow nervously. She was afraid of accidentally striking her comrades after barely missing Jason. The rabbit came after her next. She drew her bow instantly. She aimed at the figure of the rabbit as it hopped towards her. Jason ran over to assist her. Talia fired her arrow. It missed.
The rabbit was now coming straight at her. The horn was pointed right at her chest. Jason dove forward, thrusting his sword at rabbit. He was too slow. The sword missed the rabbit by a foot. The rabbit continued it’s path towards Talia’s heart. Talia tried to react by swinging her bow at the rabbit. The bow was hit by a fireball and thrown to the side as the rabbit continued straight at her heart.
Right as it was less an inch away, an earthen spear skewered the rabbit to a nearby tree. Alfred shook his head. Indeed these kids had a lot to learn. The next day, after Team 4 was re-equipped, they were trained by one of the teachers that guarded the camp. Alfred couldn’t since he was taking Team 3 into the forest. All of them became extremely earnest in their learning after Talia had almost died.
It took many tries over the rest of the month but eventually they managed to kill their first Rank 2 magical beast. They sold its core to the store while they had their first meal in over two weeks that didn’t consist of dry biscuits and hard meat.
By the end of the month, Team 4 had killed eight Rank 2 magical beasts and two Rank 3 magical beasts. Using the money earned over that period they were able to buy spells, techniques, and upgrade their gear.
George still had his original spear but now he also had a shield with a [Channeling Inscription]. Imbuing his earth mana into the shield allowed it to become covered in earthen spikes. With his control over his mana, George could also launch the spikes like projectiles.
Talia now had her arrows with a modified [Burst Inscription] which allowed her to store her mana inside the arrows and then explode on impact. Her ice attribute would inevitably slow down their opponent, making them easy prey. She also had a short sword as well with no additional inscriptions in case her opponent got too close.
Sam had two short swords with the [Burst Inscription] which allowed him to fire bursts of lightning at his opponents. His lightning mana allowed him to move and react extremely fast, making his choice to become a dual wielder an excellent one.
Jason had actually not changed at all, keeping his original sword. Instead he used his ice magic to attack his opponents. His skills with it had become increasingly refined, surpassing everyone else. The others did become better but most of them had increased their physical prowess.
Most didn’t focus as much on magic as Jason had. In his opinion, a physical body couldn’t travel as fast as a spell. The image of him failing to stop the Scorching Horned Rabbit from hitting Talia and then the earth shard killing it at the last second was seared into his mind. That was the reason he focused more on spell-casting then utilizing his warrior capabilities. Because a spell could save a live faster then a sword.
Sarah was the most mystical of the group. She was now equipped with multiple throwing knives, a dagger, and a crossbow mounted to her arm. Using her darkness mana, she cloaked herself in shadows. The only magic she learned was called shadow cloaking, the ability to become invisible by melding with shadows. So long as she stayed in the shadows, no one above her in Rank could see her.
Using this ability, she became the scout of the group. In a fight crossbow bolts or daggers could be seen coming from the shadows themselves. It was almost impossible to dodge them. Of course, her ability to meld into shadows was of no use against Chu Shen’s spiritual sense.
After the first month, Alfred no longer went out on their expeditions with them. In his words, they were strong enough to not have to depend on him to save them. Instead they were given bracelets on each of their arm.
The bracelets were made of steel and had a black square on the front. They were instructed to tap on them three times if they were in danger of dying and one of the teachers would be there shortly. This was, of course, an invention by Lucas. It would broadcast a homing beacon once activated that Lucas could then track down.
There was always a teacher on rescue duty who had a tracker. Once there was an alert, that teacher would go out and rescue the students while another teacher took over their job since there could be multiple calls.
On the third month their Saturdays were taken over by sparring. There was a competition every Saturday in which all of the teams would face off in a bracket style competition. Whoever won would get a set amount of contribution points as a prize.
At the start of the fourth month, they destroyed their camp site and moved to a Rank 4 and Rank 5 hunting zone. It was a necessity as most of the students were now Rank 4 mages and there were a few that were Rank 4 warriors as well. Most of them were only Rank 2 warriors. This kind of power level was simply too much for that Rank 3 hunting zone to pose a challenge.
This training continued for a whole year. At the end of the twelfth month the students had graduated to a Rank 6 hunting zone. This was the highest rank hunting zone possible and they were only allowed to hunt three times a month. They had already been there for three months. Most of their other time was spent cultivating their warrior capabilities or sparring. The Saturday sparring had been replaced with team sparring. This was where at random the 16 groups would be split into 2 8 group teams and fight. It was preparation for when they would fight the Asura Sect.
As for their strength…. there was now 2 Rank 3 Warriors, 72 Rank 4 Warriors, 5 Rank 5 Warriors, and a single Rank 6 Warrior. Remember though, every single student was a battle mage, being both a warrior and a mage.
There were 4 Rank 5 Mages, 41 Rank 6 Mages, 33 Rank 7 Mages and two Rank 8 Mages. Those two Rank 8 Mages were, of course, Chrissa and Aslo. After all, they already had a head start on everyone else. As for the teachers, all of them had become Rank 8 Battle mages, meaning they were a Rank 8 mage and warrior simultaneously.
These kids were no longer innocent and weak, hesitating or scared. They had scars from their fights with beasts, giving them a fierce aura. Their attitudes had changed. It had changed into the kind of attitude one gained from war. This attitude contrasted sharply with their scarred, youthful faces. It was definitely weird but no one who saw how powerful they were would ever mock them for being such.
Finally, it was time to destroy those malevolent sects.
“What？！” After Xiao Chen listened to it, he couldn’t help but be startled. How could it be that kid Lou Zhenming? This guy truly was like a lingering ghost! But from the point of view that Tian Lao had communicated to him, Lou Zhenming hadn’t targeted himself this time. His targeted person was Young Lady Cheng, Cheng Mengying. He was just something chanced upon to become a funerary object.
This made Xiao Chen somewhat helpless. If he wasn’t here, then Cheng Mengying would at most be disgusted and not have any big matter. But since he was here, it was estimated that there would be a beating!
“But it doesn’t matter. Those several small subordinates aren’t even First Layer Inner Strength Martialists.” Tian Lao’s words made Xiao Chen let out a sigh of relief. But the words Tian Lao said afterwards made Xiao Chen feel like spitting out a little blood: “As long as you pay attention to the secret place over there, there is Martialist that is a bit ferocious, at Fourth Layer Inner Strength!”
“Pfft……!＠＃￥％……＆……” Xiao Chen didn’t know what was good to say. Another Fourth Layer Inner Strength Martialist had come, was this letting him live or die?
“Can you influence this idiot’s thoughts and make him go over there to fight that hidden Fourth Layer Inner Strength Martialist?”
“Unable to influence. You’re too weak and furthermore, the circumstances this time and last time are different. The influence of a second or two has no use; before he would even be able to rush to the side of that Fourth Layer Inner Strength Martialist, he would probably awaken.” Tian Lao decisively dashed his hopes: “Think up some other solution.”
“……” Xiao Chen was speechless. Think up other solutions? How could other solutions be so easy to think up?
“Great little brother, have you finally remember what your brother confessed before he left? Have you properly thought about it?” Sha Dage was a bit impatient. This was his first time carrying out a mission, so he naturally wanted to have a perfect completion without any mistakes.
“I have actually thought about it well……but there are several people in the front that are disturbing my thoughts!” Xiao Chen’s mind came up with an plan. Immediately spreading out his hands, he spoke very helplessly. Although Xiao Chen had already played this dog-eat-dog trick twice before, besides it being well-tried, it was the third time using it, so it wouldn’t be that interesting!
The last two times were all due to Tian Lao’s influence, but this time could only be done by taking a step and watching a step. It all depended on his social skills! Thinking up to here, Xiao Chen’s deliberately showed a distressed faced and spoke.
“Oh? Who is disturbing you?” Sha Dage stared blankly, then suddenly became irritated: “Don’t trick me, where are the people?”
“Aren’t they in the front!” Xiao Chen moved forward and pointed. It just so happened that Ma Gangchuan had just brought five little brothers from the shadows out!
Sha Dage turned his head to take a look and sure enough, there were several people with bad intentions walking over. He didn’t suspect how Xiao Chen discovered this in his heart. He thought that Xiao Chen had also just seen them. After all, his attention had been on Xiao Chen’s body before and he wasn’t paying attention to whether or not the front had any people.
“Don’t move, this is a robbery!” When Ma Gangchuan saw that Xiao Chen and the others had discovered him, he immediately didn’t hide away. Instead, he shouted out to clear the way.
Sha Dage became furious! Where did this group of trash come from? Why did they come to rob at the most important time? Didn’t they see that he was interrogating? If Xiao Chen’s train of thought was interrupted and he didn’t remember where his elder brother went, how would Sha Dage be able to go back to report ‘mission completed’?
As a result, Sha Dage said to Xiao Chen: “Wait here. I’ll get rid of them, so think about it well!”
After he finished speaking, Sha Dage dashed forward and went to face Ma Gangchuan and those several hooligans!
Ma Gangchuan stared blankly. He didn’t expect this oaf to take the initiative and dash towards them. Just before, wasn’t it said that this guy was an employed migrant worker? Seeing this attitude, didn’t he resemble a bodyguard?
But seeing that Sha Dage dashing over, Ma Gangchuan didn’t think too much about it. He directly told to his several subordinates: “First take down this rash youth down for me!”
“O……” One of the subordinates in the front rushed out and promptly agreed, but just as he said half of this ‘Okay’, he caught sight of a big fist greeting his face right before his eyes. As a result, there was a “Peng!” and the subordinate was sent flying. This was completely unexpected and the subordinate didn’t guard against it!
And this hit was especially ruthless and spicy. After the subordinate hit the ground, he incessantly moaned in pain because his bones had been broken into many pieces. Under one fist, he was punched into a disabled person. Later on, he could ride in public transportation free of charge.
Ma Gangchuan looked on distracted. He didn’t think this oaf would be this amazing, directly overturning one of his subordinates. Even if it was in a situation where it was a sneak attack when not paying attention! His complexion became somewhat unsightly and he said to the other people: “Kill him for me!”
Actually, they didn’t need Ma Gangchuan’s reminder. The remaining 4 little brothers dashed and encircled Sha Dage. The collapsed little brother was their sworn brother buddy. In ordinary times they would get along but now that he had been flipped over to the ground, how could they not worry?
But the strength Sha Dage revealed nevertheless was impressive. Not waiting for these 4 little brothers to attack, Sha Dage took the initiative to attack and once again, without suspense, another little brother lied down on the floor. His eyes rolled up and he wasn’t able to say anything before immediately fainting after!
It had to be said that these little brothers and Sha Dage’s strength had a large disparity. They couldn’t even handle one move! One was a Fourth Layer Inner Strength Martialist while the others were hooligans who hadn’t even reached First Layer Inner Strength. Fundamentally, they weren’t on a level playing field.
Seeing two of the people that he had searched for be disposed of by the migrant worker by Xiao Chen’s side, Lou Zhenming was seized by anxiousness. Where had this person come from? How could he be this violent? Were migrant workers this ferocious?
But regardless of everything, Lou Zhenming couldn’t wait any longer. He had to make some response otherwise there wouldn’t be anything for him to deal with in a moment! As a result, Lou Zhenming had no other choice but to jump out ahead of time and loudly shouted: “Cheng Mengying, don’t fear, I’m here to rescue you!”
Although these words could be said to be a bit false and the current Cheng Mengying absolutely didn’t have any dangers, he couldn’t let ‘hero saving the beauty’ plan that he schemed with great difficulty go to waste. This was completely different from Lou Zhenming’s anticipation of Xiao Chen being beat up to the point of not being able to tell if he was dead or alive and Cheng Mengying receiving serious threatening.
After he finished speaking, Lou Zhenming wasn’t concerned about whatever attitude Cheng Mengying had. He directly dashing to the 3 not collapsed hooligans and started brandishing his fist!
Although those remaining several hooligans thought that the present was different from how it was planned out prior, since Lou Zhenming sent over his fist, they naturally put out an appearance of not being his match and successively fell down!
Seeing Lou Zhenming posturing, a trace of a sneer flashed past the corners of Xiao Chen’s mouth. Then, he gratefully and passionately said: “It’s Brother Lou! You came to save1 us?”
“Yes……Xiao Chen, quickly take Cheng Mengying and escape from here. Let me take care of this place!” Although Lou Zhenming didn’t want to let off Xiao Chen, this kind of circumstance made it clearly impossible to tidy up Xiao Chen, so he could only first let him run. But the words that came out from his mouth displayed much magnanimity, seeming like a hero who would rescue Xiao Chen in his times of calamity.
“Brother Lou, many thanks! Then we’ll go ahead!” After Xiao Chen finished speaking, he didn’t stay any longer. He used his left hand to pull Jin Beibei and his right hand to pull Cheng Mengying, then began running away!
Although Sha Dage was a little stupid, he wasn’t retarded. Hearing that Lou Zhenming and Xiao Chen were acquainted and hearing him call Xiao Chen as Xiao Chen, he knew that he had been fooled! Xiao Chen had no damn elder brother; it was clearly him that was Xiao Chen! The words that this kid had spoke just a moment ago was just nonsense to cheat him!
In addition, it was estimated that Xiao Chen spoke b̲u̲l̲l̲s̲h̲i̲t̲ in order to stall for time and wait until this whatever “Brother Lou” reinforcements arrived. As for those several robbers, they were probably an accident. This made him utterly angered! Seeing that Xiao Chen wanted to run, he didn’t bother dealing with the robbers and turned around to give chase!
However, Sha Dage’s movement in Lou Zhenming’s eyes became ‘wanting to follow after Xiao Chen to leave together’! In Lou Zhenming’s eyes, this Sha Dage was most likely Xiao Chen’s hire or helper. In front of Cheng Mengying, he was unable to teach Xiao Chen a lesson. But for this meddlesome Sha Dage that wrecked his plans, Lou Zhenming wasn’t prepared to let him off!
He lifted his hand and pulled on Sha Dage’s clothes, coldly saying: “Why are you leaving so urgently? As a robber, you must have the consciousness of being beaten!”
Lou Zhenming wasn’t stupid and immediately framed Sha Dage as a robber. In fact, he was fearing that this Sha Dage and Cheng Mengying had relations. If they had relations, then he could explain it as ‘I mistook him for a robber because I came “afterwards”. When he and Xiao Chen were together before, I didn’t see.’
Moreover, the reason why Lou Zhenming dared to get rid of Sha Dage was because Sha Dage hadn’t exposed his real strength yet. After all, Sha Dage simply didn’t need to use his real strength for several hooligans. Therefore, what Lou Zhenming didn’t know, he didn’t fear.
“You and Xiao Chen are a group?” Sha Dage wrinkled his brows. Previously, he had a bad mood towards Lou Zhenming, but felt anxious to pursue Xiao Chen so he didn’t pay attention to him. However, he didn’t expect this kid to dare move against him! Was he tired of living?
“Correct! Robber, don’t run!” Lou Zhenming pretended not to understand and continued to frame Sha Dage as a robber.
But Sha Dage was clearly indifferent regarding whether or not Lou Zhenming framed him as a robber. He coldly gazed at Lou Zhenming and said: “Then you can die!”
Lou Zhenming was just about to ridicule Sha Dage as ‘fearless manner and lightning tongue” but before these words came out, Lou Zhenming’s cold sweat came out! Because Sha Dage clearly didn’t want to be entangled with Lou Zhenming, he directly exposed his real strength and prepared to kill Lou Zhenming with one fist.
Fourth Layer Inner Strength Martialist!
Lou Zhenming trembled from head to toe. He wanted to escape but both of his legs seemed to be weighed down with lead and he wasn’t able to move one step. Of course, in front of a Fourth Layer Inner Strength Martialist, he wouldn’t able to run away.
“Receive this move!” Just as Lou Zhenming turned pale in fright and believed that he was going to be finished here, Lei Dianfeng jumped out! He had also seen Sha Dage’s real strength but had no choice except to move!
In the most crucial moment, Lei Dianfeng directly jumped out and used his palm to slap towards Sha Dage! He feared that Sha Dage’s move would be harmful to Lou Zhenming, so he came out with his most formidable strength. Furthermore, the move he used was the most primitive! It was the most technique-less ‘firmly staking it all’2!
Here’s Chapter 16 of Nine Yang Sword Saint~
Hahaha….
Crap, didn’t post last week because I was too busy studying for my final regent in high school and enjoying my break…
Well, I failed it anyway but I get to graduate since I already had my required credits and regents. And I’ve paid and gone to the graduation ceremony so if I don’t graduate, what do I do about the college that I already have a spot in?
Enjoy~
-raltzero
Father’s Decision
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Author’s Note:
For the time being, it’s gonna use Russel’s the point of view as the third person. A father who is trying to defend his children, I think it’s really cool.
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—Time goes back only a little, before Gerald returned from forest.
At that day, in the village, the usual daily life was as usual, which brought about boredom. It doesn’t have any shadow of turbulence, the situation is so peaceful and carefree as always.
The children is gathering and laughing happily in the plaza, while the adults cultivate the field with plow and hoes in their hands.
It’s scenery is like usual, surely, nobody ever thought that this situation would eventually be destroyed.
[Then, I’ll go out for a while] [Alright, Russel. Take care]Russel went out the house like always, Cecil was holding Sierra and saw him off. She did not forget to kiss him on the left cheek.
Naturally.
[Lovey dovey—] Being teased by Sierra, Russel’s cheeks became bright red even though it’s their morning routine.Russel is off to work, in the morning he often goes around the fields and houses that he rent out. Nevertheless, since the fields near the village are mostly are Russel’s land, it is impossible to go around all the fields just by half a day.
Therefore, Russel had adjusted and narrowed down the number of fields for only half a day, so he can go around all of them within seven days. Today, he planned to go through three fields in the morning.
Like that, as per usual, Russel left the house. However, one of the villagers came approaching Russel on his way to the field.
[Russel-san. Now, do you have time?] [Sure, no problem… Is there something wrong?] [You see, on the field that I rent from you, when I went there this morning, the crops are toppled over]Russel knitted his brows hearing the villager’s report. Deep wrinkle appear in the middle of his forehead.
[Toppled over, you said?] [Yeah, it is]According to the villager, when he went to the field this morning, all the crops in the farmland were dug up from the soil. And yet, there was no sign that the crop was eaten by something. It was as it they were being forcibly scooped out from the soil, and was thrown on the ground.
Russel listened the villager’s story and was a little doubtful.
There are certainly beasts that often ruins the farmland. Deer, wild boar, bear, or weasel. Those beasts who snatched the crops were usually being sold as human’s stock food or being sell from side to side. It’s not weird to say that the hostile creatures targeting the crops are part of the agriculture life in this village.
But, if they were only rampaging on the field without eat anything, Those are just some nasty pranks. Prank, is a cuter word for this, but the meaning is same, which is to enjoy causing trouble for others.
[Please help, Russel-san! If my field is left like this, it’ll impossible for me to harvest by this summer] [Umu. I’ll go confirm it for the time being]Even though he didn’t completely believe him, Russel changes his destination toward the flustered villager’s field.
At this time, Russel thought about this;
What, it won’t take a lot of time. I can just simply check the field, we just need to re-plant the seeds and that’ll be the end of it. It’s certainly a heavy blow, but the summer is just starting and it’s not fatal timing yet.
It would be more miserable if this occurred during the end of summer. If you think about it, he can be considered quite lucky.
However, when they reached the field, Russel learned that his naive thought was a big mistake.
On the way to the field, Russel was unable to get rid of this uncomfortable feeling.
There is something fatally wrong here. Why do I feel so uneasy just walking past the the usual road? I feel that something big is going to happen.
— It’ll be good if it’s just my imagination.
However, the uneasy feeling was growing stronger.
When I noticed an unfamiliar footprint, the ground was unnaturally gouged out, at that time I realized that bark of many trees were whittled, my uneasiness grew bigger with each step I took.
And what I feared really happened when we reached the field.
[No way…]The field, as the villagers said, was certainly overturned unnaturally. I understand after I saw it. At first glance, the fields that should have been leveled were ruined to the core, the crops were turned upside down, revealing their roots.
However the most important was the 『culprit』 that gathered on the field.
[A crowd of monsters…?]What gathered there, was definitely a group of dangerous monsters. Multitudes of bizarre creatures with various colors and shapes, were assembled as if they were having a meeting.
Russel’s foot began to tremble at the situation that was beyond his expectation. The villager was also the same as him.
Fortunately, the monsters did not seem to have noticed them yet. Piipii gyagya, they just raised unpleasant voices.
While still being conscious of his feet, Russel could not peel his sight off from them. The fear of the monsters attack made his limbs froze.
[Vi, village]Even so, he still manage to say something with a shaken voice.
[Go back to village, and inform everyone… Monsters, monsters are coming] [Y, yeah]The villager nodded at Russel.
[Inform everyone]Informing everyone, though I said that, my body didn’t move. I was blinded by fear, it made me unable to move.
However, I could not just stay frightened in such a place. My lovely wife is waiting for me in the house. I also have a daughter. Perhaps he might be stronger than me, but Gerald is still a “child” that I, Russel, have to protect.
Parents should be the one protecting their children. That’s why when Gerald and I encountered a demon in the forest, I picked up a weapon and confronted the demon. …… As a consequence, I exposed my miserable-self and was protected by my son.
Still. But still.
Isn’t it natural for a father to protect their family?
[Let’s go]I gripped the villager’s hand, and took a glance at the monsters. They seems hadn’t noticed us yet.
[If we don’t inform everyone about this, the people in village won’t notice and will be attacked by the monsters] [Russel-san… You’re right]The villager, responded and turned his glance to Russel. Both of them matched their eyes and nodded to each other, they turned their back from the monsters at the same time.
And then, they returned to the village to relay information about the monsters, but what welcomed them was —
—A flock of ugly monsters trampling the village.
[No way]Russel was unable to say anything, he began to run towards his home immediately.
He encountered Miru on his way home.
[Oldman!]Miru shouted at Russel.
[I can’t find Gerald! The situation is very strange, where the hell is he!] [… If it’s Gerald, I’m sure he is gonna be alright] [I will do something about it! Miru, you must hide yourself well. Understand?]Miru was searching for Russel because she’s worried about Gerald, she nodded even though she hesitated for a moment.
She was still a young child. She should be full of anxiety right now. Even so, she still worried about her friends, it’s hard to believe that she was thinking of others despite her of current age.
[You will really do something about it, Oldman? Gerald, you will really do something about that guy, right?]Before turning back and ran away, Miru turned her head to face Russell and left such a word.
While seeing off her brave back, Russel thought about the future of such young child.
Then what my present self is able to do, is to protect that [future]. We must survive the attacks of the demons, to protect the future of this village.
Russel’s house had not received attack from the monster yet. But, it’s only a matter of time. The monster wave will approach here soon.
[Russel! You are safe?]When I walked into house, Cecil rushed at me with uneasy face. She held Sierra on her chest.
[Yeah. I am safe… Where is Gerald?] [Still in the forest. It’ll be good if he can return back early… Ah, but it’s dangerous to come back right now…]Toward the sudden chaos situation, Cecil’s thought pattern was a royal mess.
Since Russel was not around, she must be feeling insecure.
I gripped her shoulder in attempt to calm her down, then I began to talk with a clear voice.
[Listen to me alright, Cecil? I need to go. This monster raid is a problem that will affect the entire village, so all the villagers need to do something in this situation. Do you understand?] [Yes. But…] [That’s why, I must fight. To protect the village, to protect you, to protect the children… So please, I want you to be here, hide yourself and keep Sierra safe. You can do it, right?] [What about Gerald?]Cecil whispered in painful voice.
[That child, what is going happen to him?] [He is smart and a strong kid. I’m sure, he is safe by himself… I believe in him] [But] [Do you understand? I will say it one more time. I’ll fight. So, you should hide yourself and protect Sierra]You can do it, right? Being asked by Russel, Cecil nodded while showing hesitation.
He gently raised her face and kissed her on the forehead.
[Thank you. That’s the girl I love] [Russel, I…] [I might be helpless, but as a man, as a father, as a husband — at the time like this, it’s not possible for me to ignore the situation]In the end, Russel embraced Cecil and Sierra, before he turned around and ran out of the house.
The weapon that he chose was a pickaxe. A sharp agricultural tool used for crushing hard soil in the agriculture land.
It was impossible for me to learn magic, I am incompetent, I’m weak, but I am a heroic father. He began to run towards the crowd of monsters.
There is only one feeling burning vigorously in his chest. To repel the monsters, and protect the village where they could live peacefully.
Cecil, Sierra, and even Gerald, I won’t let those monsters lay a finger on you. Because I am— your father.
With that determination in mind, Russel exerted a lot of strength into his hands and swung the pickaxe down at the head of the approaching monster.
======
Author’s Note:
Next time, I will revert back to Gerald’s viewpoint.
It is a long-awaited Peerless Japanese.
The short bulky man stared at them and felt nothing short of anger. He slowly walked out of the crowd holding a spear slightly taller than he was, with a chain connected to the bottom of the spear. As he walked, steam was dispersing all around him. His forehead was riddled with red veins that popped out. One view of the short man, one could tell he was livid.
The old man that was already on his knees had a horrid expression. He looked at Baya and then turned to look at the young mistress. The old man had dealt with different kinds of people all his life, so he could tell that this short bulky man was at the elemental energy level from the way he was dispersing the steam. He thought back to when he was at Oriente city, and how he had been instructed to go with Lydia on an important family matter. He had felt pride in how much he had accomplished to be sent on such an important mission, but now all he could do was feel regret.
At first, they had journeyed with quite a few martial artist, but to their surprise, they had been ambushed. Luckily some of them had managed to escape. Their luck got even worse when they ran into bandits in the forest. That time only four of them managed to survive thanks to Baya. But now, an elemental energy martial artist is completely enraged and wants to kill them. To him, this was the end.
The old man turned to look at Baya, who had a somewhat solemn expression. “We are finished. He is at the elemental energy level.” He said looking towards Baya. Positioned beside Baya, Willard turned to face the short bulky man. “Scram before you also lose your life,” Willard said in a slightly irritated manner. To Willard, all that was happening was just a waste of his time.
The old man, who was still kneeling, expression immediately changed for the worse. This was the first time anyone had heard Willard’s voice. He had remained silent while everyone interacted with each other earlier. And now, the first time he had spoken, his words were nothing short of condescending. “How can this child be so foolish.” The old man lamented. “Even if we had a small chance of surviving this, with what he just said, we will definitely be killed.” The man was about to yell at Willard but lost all will to even speak. Everyone else all stared at Willard with shocked expressions.
The short bulky man’s left eye bulged a little. He was completely furious at this point. He stared at Willard who had a complete disregard for him and the situation. He gripped his spear tightly and was about to say something before Willard cut him off as he sighed and then jumped off his mount. He walked towards the short man staring straight at him. “What are you waiting for? Scram!” he yelled clearly with an irritated look on his face. His experience so far on this mortal world had given Willard a slight sense of empathy, and his remarks to the short bulky man was Willard’s way of showing mercy. The short man completely lost his patience, he hurled his spear with all the strength he could muster aiming straight for Willard’s head.
As the spear flew, a screeching sound was heard as more steam dispersed. The spear flew through the air in a dominating fashion. Everyone that saw it, except for Baya, assumed that was the end for Willard. As the spear got closer to its target, Willard moved his right hand in a casual manner, almost as if he was about to swat a fly. The short bulky man had a disdainful look on his face. In his view, Willard was a fool that overestimated his own abilities. Even elemental energy experts wouldn’t foolishly attempt to use their bare hands to catch his spear.
Before anyone knew what was happening, Willard had caught the spear with his bare hand. The expression of the onlookers, including the short bulky man, changed as they saw what had just happened. No one could believe what they were seeing, and this was especially true for the short bulky man who threw the spear and the old man who was still on his knees.
“How is this even possible?” The short bulky man questioned for a second before moving that thought to the back of his mind. “So what if you have some ability. Today you will die.” He said as snapped out of his surprise. He yanked the chain that was connected to the spear with all of his strength, aiming to rip Willard’s fingers off. To his surprise, the spear did not move a tiny bit. The short bulky man felt like he had just tried pulling a mountain. His mind was reeling from yet another surprise, as everything had gone against any kind of logic he could think off at the moment. Before he could react, Willard pulled the spear, sending the short bulky man hurling towards him. The man could not even react fast enough to release the chain from his grip as he flew uncontrollably towards Willard.
From the moment he threw the spear to the very point when he was sent flying towards Willard, only a few seconds had gone by. The short bulky man was starting to feel something different from anger, and that was fear. “Who the hell is this person?” He thought as he uncontrollably flew towards Willard. Back when the members had brought the corpse of his younger brother back, they had only mentioned Baya to him, and now to his complete and utter surprise, he was facing something he couldn’t even understand. Now a small sense of regret was festering in his heart.
As the short bulky man was flying towards Willard, he pulled back on the chain using the force to regain his orientation and proceeded to use that opportunity to attack Willard. At this point in time, it was clear to him, that he was in danger and he needed to give it his best if he wanted a chance at survival. Approaching meters away from Willard, he punched with everything he had or at least that was how it seemed to Willard. On the surface of his hands, violet lightning could be seen dancing about. The short bulky man could tell at this point that he wasn’t a fool who overestimated his abilities. If anything, he seemed more like a demon in human form.
A look of intrigue appeared on Willard’s eyes as he noticed the violet lightning. Originally, Willard was planning on using an earth spike to kill this short man but now, he had a different idea. As the short man’s punch made contact with Willard’s palm, a surge of violet lightning gathered in Willard’s palm, before shortly dispersing all around them. The short bulky man had a look of disbelief as he watched how easily Willard had defended his attack. What shocked him the most wasn’t the fact that Willard could defend his attack, it was the fact that Willard had controlled the lightning he cultivated before dispersing it.
The short bulky man took some steps backward as his expression changed to one filled with fear. Beads of sweat dripped from his face as he stared deeply at Willard. All he could feel now was regret. If he had known he would face such a monster, he would never have thought of getting revenge. The short bulky man already lost hope in this fight and as such started piecing together a plan to escape. The expression on the short bulky man strangely changed as he immediately broke into a deep laughter. “So that’s how it is. Hahaha!” He said “Who would have thought? Brothers gather round and attack this man.” He yelled
The surrounding bandits were a little confused, but none the less charged towards Willard. From their perspective, their leader must have a plan and besides, to this very day, there had never been a problem their leader could not solve with his strength. Even when they encountered a renowned figure, their master had been able to battle him to a draw. To be fair, it was virtually impossible to see a bandit at the level of the short bulky man. Anyone at that level would have joined a household or taken an important role in the military.
As the bandits got closer to Willard, the short bulky man immediately turned hills and ran in the opposite direction. Beads of sweat appeared on his face once again as he put all of his efforts into escaping. “What the hell kind of monster did I meet today?” He cursed as he ran. The subordinate bandits all turned to look at their escaping leader. They all had shocked expressions as they had never seen such a thing. Their leader had been the most powerful person they had ever encountered someone capable of fighting imperial warriors.
Slowly the expression of surprise changed to intrigue then finally fear. It seemed like a giant bell just went off in their heads as they realized someone capable of scaring their master in such a fashion wasn’t someone they could possibly dream of fighting against. One by one, all of the bandits ran in a direction as they ran for their lives, none of them wanted to stay to find out what level of power a person capable of scaring off their leader might be in.
“Enough!” Willard yelled as he unleashed a gravitational domain. After his coma, Willard had gained much control of the red energy and was capable of using it with his elemental energy. This gave him better control of the elements and greater overall power in comparison to just using the elemental energy he cultivated from the world. The gravitational energy spread within a second to cover the entirety of the escaping bandits. Within a split second, all of the bandits all dropped to the floor in pain. Their body’s weight multiplied to a level they had never experienced before. Some of them as the density of their bodies could not handle the weight. The ones that survived were completely exhausted as they just laid in place. To people of that level, the chances of running into anyone with a very high elemental energy was very slim. The highest attainment in martial prowess they had ever seen was their master who was on the third level of elemental energy.
Before anyone could even utter a sound, Willard a seemingly disappeared from his position soundlessly. Although he had gone, the bandits were still laying on the ground. Off in the distance, the short muscular man still running away. He turned to look back at the escaping bandits, but to his surprise, he saw and heard no one running. An increased sense of danger filled him as he turned to continue running away. “Thankfully I could use them to distract him.” He thought to himself.
“You sure ran fast,” a cold voice rang out in the ears of the short muscular man, who stared in shock as he noticed Willard appear before him. The short bulky man was about to say something but lost all the will to speak. He thought of running but knew it was pointless. Willard slowly walked towards him, slowly stretching his hand to the man’s neck. Before Willard’s hand could grab his neck, the man dropped to the ground and bowed. “Please honorable one, take me as a servant. No, a slave.” He yelled while he bowed.
“I will do anything, please don’t kill me.” The short bulky man continued.
Willard stared at the bowing figure of the man and shook his head. “If I wanted to kill you, you would already be dead,” he said. Willard had already lost interest in killing the short bulky man after their minor exchange. “Follow me.” The short bulky man raised his head in surprise. He couldn’t quite figure out what was going on in the head of the young monster in front of him. All the same, he did not dare disobey. He did not even entertain the idea of escaping or trying to retaliate.
After bidding farewell, Xiao Chen left the Pure Land. The simple and peaceful three years would definitely leave an indestructible impression in his memory.
The mountain range stretched for several tens of thousands of miles in the southwest border. Many ancient Jungle Tribe and Beastmen took up residence at this place. It was one of the most mysterious territory in the mainland.
The Pure Land was not at all located at the southwesternmost. It was actually very close to Middle Earth. If Xiao Chen was to unfold the Undying Wings and fly with all his might, he should be able to get to Middle Earth in just a single day.
However, he did not fly and chose to advance on foot. Who knows when he would be able to come back to this land again. He was a man who valued relationships, so he was somewhat reluctant to leave.
Climbing on an insecure and ancient plank walkway ⌈1⌋, Xiao Chen walked past the mountain road paved by the ancient beastmen. He felt as if he could see the traces of antiquity.
As he reached the Great Suiren Plain, he could see abundant of vegetation. It was full of vitality as far as the eyes could see. It was said that the ancestor god had once built his house on this plain, causing this land to become the most fertile place in the mainland. No matter what kind of seeds you planted, they would grow vigorously.
As he crossed the Slain Deity Valley and looked at those crumbled mountains, Xiao Chen couldn’t suppress his excitement. Just imagine, how fierce was the battle that took place here in the distant past?
More than ten days later, Xiao Chen walked out of the uncultivated land and entered the Middle Earth.
The boundless Middle Earth, it was vast and without boundary. This place was the genuine central location of the immortal’s mainland. It was a place that reflected the glories of illustrious heroes from time immemorial. It was a land that nurtured countless outstanding individuals.
There were even five powerful nations in the Middle Earth; namely Hsia Dynasty, Shang Dynasty, Zhou Dynasty, Vatican City, and Rome. The five great empires occupied eighty percent of the vast Middle Earth. The size of each nation was inestimable. Using the Great Hsia Dynasty as an example; there were at least fifty thousand miles from the north to south border, and forty thousand miles from the east to west border.
Any one of these nations was already far beyond the size of the mortal world. Without a doubt, this was a big shock to Xiao Chen.
The Hsia Dynasty, Shang Dynasty, and Zhou Dynasty was mostly occupied by the Eastern clan. While Rome was mainly by the Western clan. On the other hand, the majority of Vatican was occupied by those of mixed blood. More than half of the population that occupied the aforementioned nations however, were believers of Buddhism.
Other than the five great nations, there were many vassal states. Some were as big as ten million kilometers square, some were as small as a town with a moat. There were no less than hundreds of these tiny vassal states. However, they could only exist beyond the boundary of the five great nations.
Not many of these vassal states were capable of gaining complete independence. The most famous states among them were only the Qin, Han, Sui, Tang, Song, Mongol, Ming, and Ch’ing Dynasty. Although these eight states couldn’t be compared to the five great nations of Hsia, Shang, Zhou, Vatican, and Rome, their territory was still comparable to the nine dynasties of the mortal world.
The aforementioned, is enough to prove the vastness of Middle Earth. However, this is only true for the Middle Earth, it did not represent the entirety of the immortal’s mainland.
Moreover, to the north of the Northern Barren Land, to the west of the Western Mountainous Range, to the east of the Eastern Boundless Sea, and to the south of the Southern Uninhabited Islands, just what kind of unknown world lies beyond these territories, nobody could say for sure.
They said that, even the gods found it very difficult to enter those unknown regions.
After entering the Middle Earth, the mountainous paths were no longer arduous. It was not as unmanaged as the Southern Wasteland and the southwest border. Although there were still a lot of mountains and rivers in the Middle Earth, they were much more refined.
The mountains were covered by clouds and appeared faintly discernable. It was as if the mountain of immortals fell to the human world. The rivers were surging forward with crashing waves, as if a jade dragon was coiling around. The vast plains appeared to be boundless and full of vitality, as if the starry sky had fallen to the ground.
The mountains, valleys, and rivers painted a great picture. It was picturesque and glorious.
Xiao Chen had entered the southwest part of the Middle Earth. This was within the borders of the Great Shang Dynasty. The power of this great nation was at its peak, thus it was very peaceful.
After pushing his way through uncultivated forest for many days, he finally saw a huge city wall ahead. Xiao Chen felt extremely delighted, he was finally about to re-enter bustling human society.
This was a big city located at the southwest border of the Great Shang Dynasty. There were endless streams of horse and carriages within the city walls. Stores stood in great numbers and the sound of peddlers hawking their wares fell incessantly on the ears. The stream of people came and went without stopping, it was very bustling.
Xiao Chen directly walked into a restaurant. He chose a window seat on the second floor and listened to various fantastic stories from the other customers while enjoying his meal.
This restaurant was located on the most flourishing streets in the city walls. Many visitors would go past this area, so news traveled the fastest here.
Naturally, there were bound to be many practitioners among them.
“Hey, did you guys know, something big is about to happen.”
“What is it?”
“A major event among the practitioners, it might even involve a few great dynasties.”
“Let’s hear it.”
“Yuanshi dispatched his disciples down the mountain. Tongtian sent his disciples to the outside world. Things are going to be heated.”
“I’ve also heard about it. The Buddhist Sect is repeatedly losing their face recently. There has been no trace of those legendary figures for quite a few centuries already.”
“At present, there are no less than seven or eight big sects. If all of them were to dispatch their disciples, it will surely get very chaotic in the world of immortals.”
“Lu Bu who stands out among men, the Red Hare which stands out among horses, have you guys heard of this? They say that this guy was a general who died in the mortal world. However, his soul did not extinguish! Even when he entered the nether world, he was still an unparalleled authority that nobody dared to provoke. Not long ago, he reconstructed his corporeal body and reappeared in the living world. My master had seen it with his own eyes, Lu Bu was riding Red Hare as he paced back and forth on the ancient battlefield within the borders of the Great Zhou Dynasty. His murderous aura pierced the skies directly. Even the geese that were flying over got crushed immediately. His might is unimaginable!”
“Reportedly, the human butcher Bai Qi has also reconstructed his corporeal body and returned from the underworld with two hundred thousand soldiers. This Lord might be even more ferocious than Lu Bu!”
“Say, what do you guys think the odds of success are if historical figures like Bai Qi and Lu Bu were to face the experts from the Buddhist Sect?”
“It’s hard to say, although Bai Qi and Lu Bu’s techniques might not be as good as those of practitioners, but their ‘soul force’ is unmatched by anyone. For instance, once Bai Qi really goes crazy and go on a rampage with two hundred thousand soldiers, it would be hard to rout them even with a few senior Buddhas working together.”
While Xiao Chen was eating, he listened to their chitter-chatter quietly.
Many of these figures had showed up in legends of the past. And it was extremely possible they would make an appearance in the world once again. It was impossible for the hot-blooded youth to remain calm. He was looking forward to the day when these legendary figures would make their appearance.
Just when the practitioners were chatting in a frenzy upstairs, a thirty years old middle aged Taoist walked to the second floor. His eyes were listless and his complexion was pale. Even the whiskers that were drooping down lacked luster. He somewhat resembled a weakened god. While he was eating and drinking, he listened to everyone’s loud arrogant talk. Then he suddenly opened his mouth and said, “Everyone, the focus of the mainland now is not far from here.”
“What focus?”
The middle-aged Daoist priest smiled and said, “The Terra Empire of the South is already approaching Middle Earth. An immortal’s temple appeared in that region. Over the past few years, the practitioners of many major factions have already obtained unusual treasures from there.”
With a hissing sound, someone said resentfully, “What are you talking about, everyone in the immortal’s mainland already knew about it! However, nobody could make it into the innermost palace. After three years of ransacking, there’s hardly anything left to plunder. I even went there personally, but I couldn’t even fly up there. I could only watch at the side.”
The middle-aged Daoist priest laughed. His pale complexion and listless eyes made him look so weak and feeble as he said, “Recently, I heard that Sengen, Tongtian, and other such legendary existences were making their way over and preparing to break through the last seal.”
“What?!”
Cries of surprise immediately rang out on the second floor of the restaurant.
The weak-looking middle-aged Daoist priest smiled as he focused on eating and drinking.
“The huge figures are finally showing up. This won’t do, I must go and take a look no matter what.”
“We must go.”
The entire crowd had gone wild. Nobody would want to miss the chance to see what kind of treasure would come into being after the last seal of the temple was broken through. It had already been three years after all. The sky palace in the Terra Empire had stirred the hearts of many.
“Oh, that’s right. Daoist priest, did Lord Tongtian already figured out the origin of this Sky Palace? Otherwise, how is it possible for him to make a move.”
The Daoist priest smiled and said, “Of course, that is the ancestor god Youchaoshi’s Sky Palace.”
“The Sky Palace left behind by an ancestor god?!”
Everyone was shocked speechless. Soon after, many people directly put down their bowls and chopsticks, and left immediately.
In such a big restaurant, only the Daoist priest and Xiao Chen were left. Xiao Chen was not in a rush. Since the major figures were going to make their move, even if there were valuable treasures, there wouldn’t be any left for him. So what was the rush for? If he just wanted to enjoy the show, he could walk over there slowly.
The Daoist priest cast a quick glance at Xiao Chen before he proceeded to finish his meal. After that, he left in a hurry. After the meal, when Xiao Chen was wandering around the city, he ran into the middle-aged Daoist priest again. He was really putting out energy to advertise the news regarding ancestor god Youchaoshi’s Sky Palace, causing more than half of the practitioners in the city to leave.
Xiao Chen followed after him.
“How should I address this elder?”
“Poor Taoist Senxibao.”
“How come it feels so uncomfortable when I heard to his name.” Someone whispered.
There were also some who felt the name was familiar, “How come it feels so familiar, I wonder where had I heard this name before.”
Someone at the side said, “Did you forget? In the ancient times, there was a man called Saigonbao, there were countless casualties among Yuanshi and Tongtian’s disciples due to him. Although his strength was not something to write home about, anyone who ran into him would be out of luck.”
“Elder, for your name to be this weird, do you have some relationship with Saigonbao?”
“That’s my paternal grandfather.” The weak-looking Daoist priest was all smiles when he answered.
“What? The descendant of the fallen god? Oh my @#%￥…” A group of people immediately turned around and ran.
“Friends, please halt.” As soon these were heard, the group of people who just ran ten meter away halted and came back involuntarily.
It was such a bizarre event, everyone was dumbstruck. Immediately, they recalled an ancient legend regarding that fallen god. When he uttered the single sentence, “Friends, please halt,” just how many practitioners had been killed? To ordinary practitioners, this was even scarier than Tongtian’s four god slaying swords!