However, there was no response. It seemed as though no one was there.Adrian chuckled coldly, remarking, "Since you refuse to come out, I'll compel you to."With that declaration, he swung his blade toward the direction he sensed the attack. A flash of light streaked through the air as a figure leaped from the darkness. Adrian's attack was swift and fierce, but the figure evaded it with a mere flicker and then vanished once more.Observing this, Adrian chuckled coldly. "Seems I've underestimated you. Very well, I'll oblige."He glanced at Brandon and Arnold, who nodded in understanding, redoubling their efforts against the undead while Adrian pursued the shadowy figure.The dark figure burst through a window, disappearing into the enveloping darkness. Adrian recognized the figure's mysterious aura and deduced its intention was likely to lure him to a specific location for an ambush. However, he remained undaunted. As a level nine fighter, he wasn't easily intimidated by such tacti
The newcomers' bodies were emaciated, some reduced to bare bones, their clothing tattered and nearly rotted away. These once-buried corpses were reanimated under the mysterious figure's control."Now, relish the sensation of being consumed by the undead!" the shadowy figure declared, emitting a wicked laugh.With that, the undead surged toward Adrian, who observed with a slight frown. However, they posed no challenge to him. With swift swordplay, Adrian effortlessly dispatched them before advancing toward the mysterious figure.The figure's heart raced as he attempted to flee, but Adrian swiftly closed the gap. With a cold smile, Adrian said, "Do you truly believe you can escape me?"As he spoke, his sword struck the figure, who emitted a shrill scream and collapsed. Adrian closed in, pressing his sword against the man's neck, leaving him powerless. With a flick of his wrist, Adrian removed the man’s hood, revealing his face."You..." the figure tried to speak, but the pressure fr
In the eastern part of Exasword lay an island called Cloud Reverie Isle, known for its dense cluster of ancient ruins. Once inhabited, the population gradually dwindled until none remained, leaving it desolate and abandoned.One night, clouds veiled the sky and winds howled, enveloping Cloud Reverie Isle in a somber and ominous aura, hinting at an impending storm. Amidst this gloom, a figure materialized on the island, drawing the winds and clouds around them. Shortly after, another figure arrived, exuding an even stronger presence."You've finally arrived," the first figure said calmly."Yes," the second replied coldly."Rumors speak of a great secret on this island. We must find a way to uncover it," the first figure said."Getting it won't be might not as easy as we hope. Are you ready?" asked the second person."Absolutely!" confidently replied the first.As he finished, more figures emerged from the shadows, each emanating a powerful and sinister aura. Their presence alone
The palace, immense and ancient in style, exuded an aura of exceptional grandeur."We did it!"Once the palace settled completely, everyone lifted their heads and gazed at it."I didn't expect Aethersphere to hold so many treasures. It seems our trip wasn't in vain after all," remarked one person."Indeed!" another chimed in, echoing the sentiment.They conversed with calm confidence as if everything was under control. But suddenly, a figure slowly descended from the sky.With a cold smile, Adrian said, "What a bunch of fools. It seems you really have a death wish."Everyone was taken aback and quickly looked up, spotting Adrian descending from the sky. As the young man landed, he surveyed the group, his smile widening. "Why are you all staring at me like that?" he asked calmly.The group was visibly shocked by this sudden turn of events. They became agitated, and some even adopted a defensive stance.Adrian remained unfazed. With a smile, he continued, "Why so silent? Or do y
"Not bad. I underestimated you all," Adrian said. "I came here to reason with you, but you tried to kill me. You've just wasted my kindness.""Kid, since you've put it that way, we'll give you a chance. If you leave now, I promise we won't touch you," Maurice offered, "But if you stay, you will face the consequences!""You've got it wrong. That should be my line," Adrian replied calmly. His aura suddenly intensified, enveloping the group with overwhelming power. "You outsiders have a lot of nerve trying to steal treasures from Aethersphere. You will be punished.""Attack!" Maurice ordered as he leaped forward, transforming into a dark mist and charging at Adrian. He tried to kill Adrian in one move, but Adrian was not an easy target."I didn't want to resort to violence, but you leave me no choice," Adrian said. With a swift motion, he swung his sword at Maurice.Initially, Maurice didn't take Adrian's attack seriously because he thought he was stronger. However, he soon realized
The newcomer carried a long sword, and his demeanor suggested he was not someone to be trifled with."Another helper? Get out of my way!" the man said sternly, unleashing his ultimate move. However, the newcomer seemed to dissolve into thin air like a phantom, effortlessly evading the strike."With your skills, you think you can hit me? Don't make me laugh!" boomed a deep voice. Stunned, the man turned to find a sharp sword aimed at him. His eyes widened in shock as the blade pierced his chest before he could react."How... I-Impossible..." the man murmured in disbelief, his voice trailing off to barely a whisper. He turned to see that his companions had also been defeated one by one.“All done!" the newcomer declared as he sheathed his sword."Just in time, Ash," Adrian said smilingly, "But why did you leave Mapleton? What brought you to Exasword?""Well, everything’s peaceful in Mapleton currently, so there’s no need for me to be there every day. Besides, I wanted to pay you
"Now that you mention it, I've never seen Exasword have this many incidents in a single day. What's going on tonight?" Arnold frowned.Adrian felt something was amiss. "In any case, we need to be extra cautious tonight," he said."Yes, we must be careful." Arnold nodded.They didn't dare to sleep. They stayed in the duty hall, waiting to see what would happen next. However, as time passed, nothing unusual occurred."Adrian, are you sure about your judgment? It seems like nothing is happening," Arnold said."Be patient. Let's wait a bit longer," Adrian replied. He suspected that the surge in missions tonight was intended to weaken the city's defenses, allowing hidden conspirators to infiltrate and launch an attack."By the way, do you know if there's anything particularly valuable in this camp?" Adrian asked."I have no idea." Arnold shook his head. He had just started his training and wasn't too familiar with the garrison's valuables.After hearing Arnold's answer, Adrian decid
Those who had left on missions had now returned, all visibly shocked as they looked at the blood-red mist that dyed the entire sky.“Evacuate the citizens!” Arnold shouted to a nearby group, who immediately sprang into action.As the people were led away, a figure darted toward the source of the Blood Bane Energy. It was the scruffy old hermit who had first detected the blood-red mist."What is happening?!" The old hermit was horrified to find the Blood Bane Energy far more terrifying than he had imagined. Despite having faced countless perils in his lifetime, his voice trembled with fear.As if sensing the presence of the living, the monstrous Blood Bane Energy in the sky roared and condensed into a blood-red beam before firing at the old hermit.Sensing the danger, the old hermit's expression became grim. He clenched his right hand, and a longsword appeared. With lightning speed, he slashed at the incoming beam.The old hermit was powerful, certainly a level nine fighter. His s