After the samurais were killed, Hokusai looked at Nox icily. "Damn you! You're a Faeastian?"Nox sneered. "Dogs usually have a keen sense of smell, I'll give you that.""Damn you! You dare raise trouble on my land? Die!" Though Hokusai was weaker than Kobo and Onimusha, he was still one of Ikkaku's best disciples, and he was a Grandmaster.Hokusai let out a roar and swung his katana at Nox. Nox didn't bother to look at his weapon. He swung his right arm, and a gust of strongwind fell upon the blade. A loud bang rattled the air.Hokusai staggered backward, blood trickling from the corners of his mouth. He was hurt in one blow, and the Kitagawa Temple disciples were stunned. No one expected Nox to be this strong.The injured Hokusai was stunned as well. He was a swordsman and one of the top martial artists in Eastsun, and yet he couldn't even take a single blow from this guy."No, this can't be!" he roared again and leaped into the air. "Hero's Fall!" The blade in his hand fluttere
The samurais quickly whipped out their katanas and charged at Nox."If you wish to die, then so be it." Nox didn't care about these people. They weren't his countrymen, after all. During the Battle of the Ten Nations, he killed six hundred thousand members of the Eastsun Self-Defense Forces. The corpses piled up like a mountain.This much was nothing for Nox. He swung his finger, and a golden blast of light formed a saber. Wherever the saber flew, screams followed. Moments later, the samurais who attacked Nox were nothing but sliced corpses.Flesh and blood drenched the airport crimson. Moments ago, these people were alive, but now they were decapitated, diced, and lay in their blood.Elise and Magnus had fallen to the ground, their legs giving away in fear. Magnus, especially. He was annoyed by Nox because he seduced the girl he'd been wooing for a year, and he even insulted the guy. The memory of that made him wet his pants.After taking these samurais out, Nox looked at the blo
She had no idea why Nox killed so many samurais, but she had a feeling he was a good guy. Mustering her courage, Elise said, "Okay, Mr. Greenshade. But be safe, alright?"Nox flashed a smile. "Thanks. See you when I see you." He left, leaving Elise alone in the empty lobby, dazed and spacing out.…Prosperland wasn't a big island. Eastsun had thousands of islands that size. There were tens of thousands of people on the island, and Kitagawa Temple was the biggest shrine around. Being a shrine that'd existed for centuries on this island, it had a lot of worshippers.The disciples alone numbered thousands, and that was excluding the island's people. Eastsun was a nation of martial arts. Even toddlers as young as two would start learning about the way of the sword.Essentially, everyone in Prosperland was trained in the martial arts and the way of the sword.In an eerie chamber of the shrine, one disciple came rushing in, looking pale. He shouted, "Bad news, bad news!"The chamber's
"Yes, sir, and he's with Miss Hitomi," said the underling.Ikkaku's face was already a mask of rage. "How'd this happen?"An elderly swordsman in gray robes asked, "Why is Miss Hitomi with a Faeastian? And why'd she let him kill Hokusai?"Another swordsman asked, "Yeah. Isn't she with Kobo and their entourage? Why'd she bring a Faeastian back?"More questions piled up, and Ikkaku wasn't easing up either. He knew something was off. He sent Hitomi and Kobo to Faeast on an investigative mission. They were to find out the truth about Musashi's death, but then they lost contact with both of them.After that, the master's clone that was hiding in Hitomi got destroyed, and now a Faeastian showed up. He killed Hokusai and dozens of their shrine's disciples. Now, he was in Eastsun. 'Is he behind all of this?'The more he thought about it, the more furious Ikkaku was."I have news!" Another underling came running in."What is it now?" Ikkaku barked."Sir, we have news. Miss Hitomi is…"
Hitomi spoke after mustering all her courage."Are you worried about me?" Nox asked.Hitomi fell silent."You should worry about your shrine. After today, it'll probably not exist anymore," Nox said calmly.Hitomi was stunned. 'He's going to destroy the Kitagawa Temple? It has stood for centuries! We have thousands of students and a hundred master swordsmen! My own father is among them! How can he be so confident about this?'Hitomi didn't say that out loud, of course. It didn't take long for the boat to arrive at the island. Once they stepped onto solid ground, they were faced with a wave of samurais. All of them held katanas, bloodlust evident in their eyes.They quickly surrounded Hitomi and Nox. There were about a hundred of them, and the one in the lead was a burly Eastsun guy with triangular eyes. He was one of the captains of the shrine, and his name was Nagata Kimikazu.Kimikazu was nothing but a small fry, and in the past, he wouldn't have had a chance to talk to someon
Nox only sneered. Looking at the samurais dashing toward him, he said, "I killed an army of your samurais once in the Battle of the Ten Nations. I shall do it again today." He flicked his fingers again and again.The finger blasts were made of magick, and they traveled faster than bullets. They could pierce even iron slabs, not to mention bodies made of flesh and blood.Screams came from the attacking samurais. Wherever the finger blasts went, groans followed. Bodies dropped like leaves every time Nox flicked his fingers. However, Nox was fighting on the samurais' home turf.As the first samurais fell, more took their place. First, it was a hundred, then three hundred, and then a thousand. Even so, more were coming. The island was now a battlefield! The samurais weren't the only ones attacking. The islanders joined the fight as well, wielding bats and wooden swords.Kitagawa Temple was the object of their worship, so when the samurais attacked, the people came to help. Hitomi fel
The air was still filled with screams and shouts of murder. The samurais and people of the island wouldn't stop filling the gaps. However, as Nox continued killing, the 'fearless' samurais now felt fear striking their hearts.Bushido and the way of the sword? Nox thought they were all bullshit. Every single one of them would perish in his hands. After all, everyone feared death. He alone dealt with a thousand people, and they were starting to retreat. The warriors behind were scared to move forward.As Nox moved onward with his murders, a bloodied henchman came running into the Kitagawa Temple's great hall. "Sir, bad news! The Faestian… he's coming!" The henchman went on his knees.Ikkaku had been sitting on his knees, but he shot up upon hearing this. The other swordsmen didn't look happy at all too."Curses! I thought I sent everyone in to capture him! A thousand of you, and yet you couldn't take down a single man?"The bloodied henchman was crying. "H-He's too powerful. We coul
About half a mile away from the shrine, screams filled the air. Golden light streaked through the crowd of attackers, and following it were shrieks of pain and agony. Bodies piled up on the ground, while the stench of blood wafted across the battlefield.The once sunny Prosperland had dark clouds looming over it thanks to the deaths that happened here. Not long after, icy rain fell. Mixed with the downpour, streams of blood flowed down the road, crimson in color.The killings did not stop. Like a demon, Nox would slice through a dozen samurais every time he swung his arm. Sometimes, he would slice through civilians, too. It was like he didn't want to stop.Just then, a voice boomed. "You killed so many of our warriors and defenseless people, intruder. Don't you feel sorry?"A swordsman with graying hair stepped forth arrogantly, and a hundred swordsmen followed. Their appearance whipped the samurais into a frenzy."It's Mr. Itou!""Mr. Itou is only second to the leader! He's the
"What a joke. Do you think that shabby saber can defeat me? Even if Sariel were here, I could still take him down. You're not a talented cultivator at all. All you care about is the decadence of mortals. Even if you risk your life when it matters most, it's still useless."You should've lived out your life in mediocrity. Enlightenment does not come to those who refuse it, and you have clearly said no to my offer, so you shall suffer in hell. It is your rightful place." The monk laughed and made hand seals. A black demonic seal came out of his palm and went straight for Atlas' vitals."I'm done for." Atlas didn't want to die like this. He shouldn't have gloated. Perhaps this wouldn't have happened. He would never rest in peace if he died while Faeast was in trouble. He could excuse himself if his defenses were taken down, but no. His defense was lax, and now his enemy was going to kill him like he was a maggot.His ancestors would rip him to shreds when he met them. Atlas regretted a
The Nox Army wanted to fight with Atlas, but Atlas roared, "Fall back! The enemy is the House of Enlightenment's leader! You're just going to get yourself killed!" He talked to them as governor-general, and Atlas charged into battle alone."You think you can stop me, Atlas? I will kill you and take the nation's fate!" Cyrus rode the wind, and Atlas risked his life. He faced Cyrus' spells and fought him head-on. Though it seemed valiant, Atlas was risking his life, and yet he couldn't get close to Cyrus. All he could do was buy some time.It wasn't pretty on the other side. The swordsman in rein used to be Sword Sect's leader's student, and his powerful swordsmanship was the bane of Mystian cultivators. Harley was burning his spirit to hold on.While the battles raged on, dark clouds hung over Imperia, and they slowly turned into skeletons, threatening to engulf the city. Dark mists traveled everywhere, covering the city. The sleeping residents were haunted by nightmares and couldn't
"That god's aura is incredibly weak now. Shit, that bastard's after White Tiger!" The Hidden Dragon Guards realized what was going on, and they told headquarters about this, but to make things worse, they lost contact with headquarters.Everyone back there was dead, including the royal guards. They were lying in pools of their own blood. There was a barrier hanging around, cutting off all contact with the outside world. The powerhouses in the palace were killed, and none survived. Curiously, the royal family living near the palace was fine.Jaculus was outside the palace. He got the message and came back from the outskirts to hold the fort. He'd been stationed at the Dragon Vein, but this was an emergency, so he had to come back.Jaculus was helpless, however. Atlas and the god were stronger than him, but their situation was unknown, and they needed him to save the situation. "Shit. Black Tortoise and Vermilion Bird are overseas, and Lord Nox is in Mystia. Sword Sect is in trouble t
Back in the regular guards' camp, Harley spat blood. He was lying in the ruins of a building, his body covered in slash marks. His Celestial technique was broken. This man was leagues above him. Celestial techniques were useless. The swordsman was too powerful."Magic Mountain's techniques? But their swordsmen are on good terms with the lord!" Harley stared at the man in green. He defeated Harley using Magic Mountain's techniques.Magic Mountain and Mystia had always been at loggerheads. They had slain many demons and monsters throughout the years, and their swordsmanship was a bane for the cultivators."I wonder how Nox managed to make a Mystian like you loyal to him. Yes, I am a Magic Mountain swordsman. Was, to be honest. I was kicked out a hundred years ago. My master said my heart is astray. How laughable. I have killed demons over ninety years, and hundreds of them have died to my blade! My heart is not astray!"Your sins are innumerable, Harley, and you must be slain! White
All of a sudden, the soldiers let go of their weapons. They had a look of fanaticism on their faces as they throttled themselves to death. The party went on, and the bluebloods enjoyed every moment, oblivious to the incoming danger.The monk passed through the residence smoothly, with all the soldiers and guards throttling themselves to death. Suddenly, everyone noticed a monk in red robes in the party hall. The drunk guests thought this was an event arranged by Atlas."We have a monk here. Wonder what kind of show you're presenting," a portly rich man joked, laughing loudly."Show? I am the leader of an evil sect. No show, but I do have a scripture to share. The government calls my sect evil, and they claim the monks are agents of darkness. You are not much better yourself. Omitofo."The old monk chanted once more, and the look on everyone's faces changed. Some knelt and cried their hearts out. Some groveled and didn't even notice that their heads were bleeding. They talked about
Back in his residence, Atlas called a feast and invited the bluebloods of Imperia. He was glowing during the event and could never be happier. He used to be a declining aristocrat with nothing but the title of nobility.However, his luck turned for the better when he got older. He followed Nox into battle at Heaven's Cage, Vertolt, and Winterosch, making him a true lord. The Limerents controlled the nation, and he was a prince. He could even have some power over the nation or at least be one of the top dogs in Faeast.If Nox became emperor, then all the better. Perhaps he could be a more intimate part of the royal family. He drank to his heart's content and partied with the most desired people in Imperia. Nothing could be better."Life is short, people. Drink!"…The Ice Temple's vice-Lord was in the regular guards' encampment. This was a critical junction, and yet Atlas wasn't at his post. Instead, he was having a party. The vice-Lord had a bad feeling about this, but he had no p
Harley sneered, having nothing but disdain for Atlas. "I can't believe the master would employ a shithead like you."Atlas laughed. "You think you're so high and mighty, but you're also Lord Nox's lapdog now. I am his subordinate, and we have a close relationship. I'm also the uncle of the emperor. That makes me Lord Nox's great-uncle," bragged Atlas."Dumbass. Just do your fucking job. Vermilion Bird and Black Tortoise told me the Mousses might try something," Harley cursed.The mention of the Mousses made Atlas panic, but he calmed himself down and snored. "The Mousses? They won't dare do anything when I'm here. If they show up, I'll kick their ass! I command thirty thousand units. If they come to Imperia, it'll be the last thing they see!" Atlas was confident.Harley was speechless. 'My word, how can he be such a braggart?'With thirty thousand Nox Army units in Imperia, combined with the Forbidden Army, the regular guards, and 200 thousand elites protecting Imperia, nothing co
Vermilion Bird said, "Azure Dragon used to be an Advanced Eight Gates. After the Mousses had him under their control, he became a Supreme. Judging by these photos, he's gotten more powerful since then."'More powerful?' Nineve knew how the cultivators were ranked. Top Legend Realms were another kind of life form entirely. In Faeast, a Supreme could be made a lord. An undefeatable Supreme would be made a ruler. A Sovereign was made every five hundred years, while a ruler was made every century.Supremes appeared once every decade or so. "I don't get it. You three obviously found some power source, and with Nox's help, you leveled up. Azure Dragon only has the Mousses. How'd he level up so fast?"If the Mousses were so powerful, they wouldn't have to resort to assassinations or betrayals."Not the Mousses. It's all Azure Dragon. He's our captain. He's a very talented and cunning man. Emphasis on talent. He's so strong that not even three of us can compare to him, combined. The only g
Elizabeth said nothing but went red and hung her head low, causing Black Tortoise to panic."Uh oh. If you want him, you'll have to fight for him. That's all I can say, but the lord does think highly of you." He laughed."Shut it, Black Tortoise. You're talking nonsense here!" Vermilion Bird snapped. "See you, Your Majesty." She then took Black Tortoise and left the room quickly. They had work to do.The duo led most of the Shadow Division members back to Faeast. After the incident of Brundela, Faeast's fate was going strong, and the people were excited. However, beneath that excitement was unseen danger.Vermilion Bird and Black Tortoise came back to Northstate's governor-general's place and met up with Nineve. Black Tortoise said solemnly, "What happened, Your Highness? We need the details."Nineve looked exhausted, and there were dark circles under her eyes. She had been working hard in Nox's absence. "Honestly, Atlas… I mean, the Defender of the Lord hasn't been pulling his we