[Announcement: I enlisted in the national army next year. Hence, a delay in the uploading schedule. Thank you for the understanding!]
A figure shrouded in malevolence leans against the wall amidst a dark hallway. Draped in voluminous onyx-hued military attire, his shoulder coat is adorned with austere insignias.
The single light source of a torch reflects his silver moonlight hair and eyes; Young contours yet his real age is in the thirties.
Another mystery guest emerges from the dark and leans beside the man.
"Chief Commander Zepdas, for what purpose must we meet now? I'm in the midst of educating my son and daughter," A rough old voice echoes.
Zepdas' expression remains emotionless but his eyes tell a Machiavellian story.
"Do you trust me, Madame Nelson?" Zepdas asks.
"Of course not. Trusting you is akin to death."
"You don't have a choice."
Madame Nelson gazes at Zepdas. "Pardon?"
"The most prominent rising stars Irina Nelson and Clifton Nelson fell by the hands of mere commoners. Laughable. They can't even reach the semi-finals."
The lady furrows her brow as visible veins pop in her head. "Are you picking a fight?"
Zepdas glares at Nelson and an impactful shock punches her soul.
"NGH?!" She stumbles away from Zepdas. By no means is she weak. Nevertheless, her instincts are screaming at his scornful gaze. She experienced this before...with Roate.
"How..."
A sinister aura leaks from his physique, and the cries of thousands ring in Madame Nelson's ear.
Zepdas caresses his chin. "Have you wondered if beating talent is truly possible? Effort may reign when one stagnates but the combination of both births a legend."
"What do you want?"
"Your husband refuses to cooperate so I come to you. In just two years, your children can achieve the Lord realm. In exchange, obey me." His gaze turns crimson.
...
"Can they...really..."
"Yes, I'm living evidence."
...
"If you want, I can even get rid of the top two winners," Zepdas says.
!
"Everyone's attention is on them. Not even the greatest assassin can move with ease."
"But it's not impossible. You know who is behind me."
This story has been stolen from Royal Road. If you read it on Amazon, please report it
The lady gulps at the alluring offer. "I..."
=========================
Two days have passed since the prize ceremony. The heat has yet to die down.
Excluding Roate and Golden Exchange, the eight masters of power are divided into three factions: The Noble Alliance, The Magic Overseer, and The Warrior Association.
The names are self-explanatory. Aristocratic powers in The Noble Alliance; Mages in The Magic Overseer; Adventurers or mercenaries in the last.
All three factions have come forward to propose an offer, each lucrative in its way. They speak of potential and support as well as ambition. All plan to become the greatest in the kingdom. I rejected their invitation, pretending to be unsatisfied and stating that I planned to collect more achievements to prove myself. Until then, I shall remain neutral.
*knock knock*
My mother sighs at the door of my room. "Loi, another one." She points at the door.
I nod and get off my bed.
At the dining table is a man with chocolate locks and a black iris. He wears a simple commoner outfit yet boasts dignity in his countenance.
...
He smiles upon eye contact. I shake his hand as he introduces himself. "Greetings, esteemed Master Swordsman, I am Jasper Ivis."
"It's nice to meet you, Loi Krist," I reply with a pleasant smile.
"I'm here on behalf of Merchant Ivis and would be honoured to exchange business with sir."
I nod. "Alright, I'm listening. However, I don't think I can trust someone hiding behind his second persona."
...
The man freezes and looks down. Suddenly, he starts laughing and banging the table. "Hahaha!! I'm sorry, very sorry..."
"Haah...wow..." He rubs his face and swipes his hair up, such simple gestures completely change the structure of his look. His current appearance is that of a young man with a different, brown, iris.
"It's been some time since someone caught on. How did you do it?" He asks.
"I heard Master Vinch Castor likes to disguise himself within different small merchant branches. All three factions had visited me so I arrived at your identity by elimination."
Vinch nods his head in approval. "Alright, not bad. As you said, Golden Exchange has many branches of small merchants for many purposes. Information Collection, illegal smuggling, who knows?"
I frown. "I assume hearing such knowledge has a price."
"Of course. But don't worry, this is my sign of trust."
Vinch places a platinum coin on the table. An intricate carving of gold and coins runs throughout.
"My initial proposal stays. Deal business with Golden Exchange and receive a generous discount. We will throw in some freebies in every transaction. No matter what, we will get it for you. Simply conduct business with us and no one else, that's all, and trust me, we will know if you breach the contract."
"Even the Tears of The World?" I ask the same question I asked Julius.
"Definitely, but can you afford it?" Vinch asks, his tone threatens me.
...To be honest, this is a good deal. There is a limit to Julius' support, I need to find an external backup.
"Alright."
"Perfect. You have access to all Golden Exchange services with a forty percent discount. This coin is proof of membership, don't lose it!"
Vinch gets up from the chair. "I am a busy man. I've done what I came for, I shall leave."
...
"What happened to your beard?" I ask as he turns his back.
"I cut it off. Alas, it grows back too quickly." Vinch answers and leaves.
...
I brought myself some time, I need to grow stronger faster...my enemies will not wait.
That night, I visit the forest to clear my mind.
-----------
Loi Krist
Fate: 215100
Role: Background Character
Karma: 20919
Nil Stage of Refinement Realm
First level of Sword Intent
Talent:
[Note: The numbers in the bracket show the amount of fate required to upgrade it]
-Sword Tier 8(150000)
-Magic Tier 6 (70000)
-Cultivation Tier 1(50000)
-Speed Tier 4 (40000)
-Stealth Tier 7(95000)
Attributes:
-Holy Tier 2(30000)
-Darkness Tier 1(20000)
Skills:
-Quick Casting
-Death Sixth Sense
-Calm Mind
-----------
I obtained one hundred thousand fate from the tournament but lost my cultivation to attain sword intent.
What path should I take now? Cultivation frenzy? Sword maniac? Should I attempt to learn magic and integrate it with my style, magic is a weakness of martial arts.
"Cultivation. Focus on your foundation." Morja says. "It is time to choose your nature. Do you want to take the orthodox or unorthodox approach to cultivation? Choose wisely. Orthodox values stability and order. Unorthodox values chaos and destruction."
...
Which path is the shortcut to strength?
"There is no shortcut in cultivation without drawbacks. Still, the fastest is the demonic route."
"I don't have a choice. Besides, you only know demonic techniques."
Morja sighs "Haah...right..."