The atmosphere calmed down a little at home, where Albert returned. Wearing a mask.
"Bummer. I thought I could see his face!" Candace groaned at the sight of Albert's mask.
"Ah. I wonder when will I ever get to see that face." Princess Natalia shot off the remark without thinking, as Albert walked in to look at 91.
"Any trouble?" Albert asked as he hung his coat by the side. Where the Fangs had been preparing tea and brought scones and snacks.
"We took care of it. Demon assassins. Seems like now things are getting a bit more annoying. We're checking with 151 about the particular Demon Lord associated with it."
"So now we have demons running about. So you told the Fangs to stay?"
"We dealt with it first. The Fangs didn't know." The Fangs paused, looking at 91 with a sharp stare.
"I had a nagging feeling that we might stumble upon demons but I didn't think we'd be seeing them this early. What do you think of the miasma?"
"As per the rules. Only the Saintess may handle it but... It may be too much for her at the moment. We can block out the miasma if we restore the other two Imperial Heirs. As it stands... Duke Sylvanus. You may be the only one who can withstand the miasma but you don't have the power to purify it. This is what Vingthor has informed me. However... There's an amplifier and you can face it on your own, Duke." Albert scratched his head as he thought about it.
"Then I can leave the two Imperial Heirs to you and the Fangs?"
"The Fangs will be enough, we'll take care of the protection. Your Sylvanus Knights are being led here by one of my squadmates."
"Good. I'll go deal with the miasma amplifier. Fangs. Bring the Imperial Heirs here. 91, when the Sylvanus Knights get here, prepare for combat. Because the one who is in control will be planning to attack this estate to kill the three Heirs. Think you'll be enough or do I need to call someone else?"
"We'll be enough. You should break that amplifier that's by the outskirts of the town." Albert nodded as he finished sipping his tea. Putting on his long coat.
"Wait! Duke Sylvanus you can't be serious! It's the Miasma!" Hagard was the first to protest.
"I am. If I don't do anything this miasma can spread to our Kingdom too. Can't let the Saintess do this or she'll die. I'll be back in an hour. 91, I expect that if the Black Wolf army shows up. You remind them that numbers mean little when they don't have strength."
"Of course. The 5th Bellwitch gave us weapons that suit us very well."
"Stay safe, Duke Sylvanus." Princess Natalia wished, her voice was soft but Albert did hear it. A nod of affirmation before he left.
"Will he be okay?" Princess Leandra turned to 91 who nodded.
"He's more powerful than you think. If it were not because the requirement for a Saintess's power to purify it. He'd already found a solution."
Albert was already heading to the outskirts of town, noticing the army with the black wolf emblems just prowling about. Walking out without his mask, so the soldiers were just moving about. Albert stuck to the alleys. Out of sight and out of mind. Leaping above the fortress walls, as he dived straight into the forest that was full of the black miasma.
The sinister and vile feeling that was present here? Albert was able to handle it but he could see monsters that had been infected by the miasma turning into demons. So the demons were recruiting this way, Albert took out an axe that was ready with the page of Sanguine Blood.
'Page Buildup- Thirst : Bleed chance increased by 200%. When bleed is inflicted on enemy, bleed will increase blade sharpness to Sanguine. Sanguine increases pierce chance through armor by 25%. Stacks up to 50%. +5 % For every 100 stacks of bleed.'
Albert closed the gap between him and the demons, chopping a demon's head up into the air. Cleaving their bodies and limbs, their thick hides thanks to the addition of a demonic armor layer was negated within the 2nd or 5th hit out of the 10 swings of the axe. The single edge was enough as the sharpness increased to Sanguine. The scarlet red looked delicious to Albert and it was going to be enough for his taste. One handed swings to parry and injure them, following it up with a heavy two handed swing to cleave the demons in two.
The craving was getting in, not enough to satiate the desire of blood and madness. The demons began to amass before him.
'Page Buildup - Flesh Craving : Hunger status afflicted. Cutting enemies up into more than 2 pieces will satiate the hunger. Hunger increases strength and defense.'
Albert continued with his chopping. The lumber today was going to be a bountiful harvest, enough to last until his hunger dissipates. More of them for the fire that was burning within. They weren't vampires but they will do, no damage bonuses but it'll be enough for Albert to cleave and cut through hundreds of them. When he'll be reaching the target, where it was a demon lord staring at him. There was a statue of the demon lord in front of him. Black armor, knight wings and 4 meters tall with a broad body.
"Hm.. A human? Why are you here?"
"Just here to solve the problem with the miasma amplifier. I guess you built it."
"Ah yes... It is to get strong monsters but it seems that it's left you with quite the havoc."
"You were waiting for it to pollute the citizens and soldiers to turn them into powerful soldiers?"
"Of course. Demons work that way, but... It shouldn't have been able to break through. That means another demon meddled in it. I just made this statue too." The demon spoke with a deep voice but seemed to be bored out of its mind.
"You look strong. So how about we make a bet?"
"A bet?"
"I'm part of the Ancient Demons, I'm higher than a Demon Lord but even I can see that you've slaughtered many demons. I was looking for a strong opponent. If you beat me, I'll sign a contract with you and destroy this. Make sure that Rubis Empire doesn't get bother. If I win. I get you as my servant."
"That sounds fun. An Ancient Demon. That will be interesting." Albert said as he swapped the axe for another weapon. The long sword of Sylvanus.
"My name's Kaglar. Ancient Demon of Black. I'm the demon that embodies the concept of 'Survival of the Fittest'."
"Albert Sylvanus. The Blade of Reznoa." Albert introduced with a bow.
"I normally hear the word 'Demon Scum' or some other xenophobic term. You're awfully courteous."
"I've been taught to respect strong opponents. So shall we?" The two of them vanished from sight, the moment they reappeared and clashed with their blades. The long swords were matched in material and the shockwave that was created? It was enough to cause the trees in the forest to shatter. They were at each other's throats in a battle of unadulterated strength, for once. There was someone that Albert could go all out without feeling much hesitation.
Kaglar threw a jab at Albert's face, Albert returned one to the stomach. Their blows sent each other flying backwards, where they charged each other in a head on collision. Their blades howled in the clash, the sparks became a bright flashes. Albert pushed Kaglar back as he swung the blade horizontally. Grazing Kaglar who swung his blade downwards. Albert's pulled his hand back, swapping to the left hand to redirect the blade to the side. Placing his right hand over, a tap with his knuckles. It sent Kaglar back a few meters away.
Albert gave chase as he swung at the downed Kaglar, which was revealed to be an afterimage. Left hand pulling out a dagger to deflect the attack back from behind.
"Ah.. A multi weapon user. You've got no weakspots. That was a good hit."
"You had me fooled with that afterimage. Nobody would think that a demon of your stature would use it."
"Perks of being labelled as a dumb battering ram. Nobody expects you to fight smart." Kaglar and Albert laughed at that remark.
"You're holding back a lot. Even I can see that you've beaten a God. You're a Lord of Thorns aren't you?" Albert was taken back by that statement.
"How did you know?"
"I'm an Ancient that once served the First Lord of Thorns. I was the Lord's Blade. You have Donovan the Lord's Shield. If you have me, you'll have a complete set. Show me your strength, Lord of Thorns!" Albert took off his mask, as he shifted his outfit with the Coat of Crimson and the Mask of Grief. Putting it on as he readied Grieving Thorn to his side.
"Now that's more like it!" Kaglar roared as his armor faded away, revealing a handsome youth who wielded a zweihander. Wearing a three piece suit and a large coat that rested by his shoulders.
"This your true form?"
"Of course. But I will warn you, that I've bested Asim and the many Rose Knights! Now come!" They both charged at each other, their clashes left craters on the ground. Tremors were enveloping the land with the chaotic prowess that both of them had shown. The trees had been reduced to nothing, even the statue was cracking at their fight but the two of them didn't care.
All that matters was their blades and swordsmanship. The odd techniques that Kaglar had, he would grip the mid section and use his left hand to punch a blow to Albert's face. Albert countered it by a head butt. Where the ground exploded just from the collision. Pieces of the ground began to fly into the air. Kaglar ws no easy opponent, fundamentally different. Even surpassing Seijuro in terms of prowess but the odd techniques? Those showed that Kaglar was a fighter who did not have any training. A street brawler that could change his combat tactics on a fly, not focusing to any doctrine that was latent with different sword techniques.
"The Fifth Movement : Radiant Cherry Blossoms!" Albert's katana glowed white as the swings unleashed petals of cherry blossoms that made contact with Kaglar, but Kaglar was able to fend off the strikes with the zweihander and his fists. The last swing reached Kaglar' head. Grazing his cheeks but Kaglar was still standing.
"Ancient of Blades, Zweihander sword technique : Manifesting Calamity!" Albert held his katana in front of him, where a great wind was being unleashed before him. Screams of agony and sounds of war was being heard. Albert's hands were shaking from the sheer intensity of the energy alone and Kaglar was about to swing the sword. The swing alone, prompted Albert to use the next movement.
This story is posted elsewhere by the author. Help them out by reading the authentic version.
"Lord of Thorns Katana Technique : Seasons Wrath!" Ice, fire, wind and earth began to swirl around the blade, readying itself as Albert sheathed it. It was a single sword technique and Kaglar was awaiting to see if Albert had truly mastered it. Kaglar's had a smile as he raised the blade upwards, ready to unleash a swing if needed. The intensity of their presence was cracking the statue as they unleashed enough mana to plague the entire forest with it. Or what's left of the forest at least.
The two of them traded the blows, where Albert looked at Kaglar who was on his knees but he was still standing.
"Wonderful! Simply marvelous! You are a Lord of THorns. Worthy to become an Avatar of the Seasons. Very well. I Kaglar, the Ancient of Black. Shall be your servant from this day onwards." Kaglar knelt before Albert.
"I accept."
Kaglar
Ancient of Black.
Class Ancient Demon Level System can't calcualte.
The Demon that served the First Lord of Thorns as the Blade.
His strength is only rivaled by the First Lord of Thorns.
The power of his blade is said to have rivaled the many Gods of Swordsmanship and Dueling.
The embodiment of Survival of The Fittest.
Personality : Prefers straightforward solutions, always loves being distraction.
Ancient Skills
Ancient Demon's Pressence. His pressence will cause any demon to submit before him.
Reckless Harbinger The leading conqueror among the many Ancient.
He's conquered enemy forcers with ease.
His swordsmanship alone is enough to break enemies as a whole.
Leaves a trail of destruction to his path. The First Lord's Blade. The Lord's Blade of the First Lord of Thorns.
He held the title of being the Lord's Blade for his prowess with the sword and his capability to riddle enemies in a single strike.
Legend has it he destroyed an entire battalion of armies were with a single swing.
+200% power with first strike during a fight. The Demon's Blade.
The origin of all demon blades is from him.
The one who laid the requisites that demon blades are made by their masters.
Any blade can be a demon blade.
They just need the bloodshed and the violence to manifest it.
The Apex of Demons.
The only Ancient Demon that does not have any servants. He lives alone in a castle, but trains many warriors regardless of race.
Even angels have learned his swordsmanship to further themselves.
He is the Ancient Demon that can destroy the other Ancient Demons just by his blade.
The Natural Predator
Amplifies the powers of other Familiars and Servants that uses a skill to dominate the enemy.
Natural Predator means that to every other being out there, Kaglar is their natural enemy.
Demonic Armory
A multi weapon user, who uses the Demonic Gloves to create more weapons for him to use. A weapon smith and armor smith for the demonic. You may now request him to grant more demonic powers to weapons that increase certain aspects or damage or elemental prowess at the cost of a corresponding emotion when using the weapon.
The Strongest.
Nuff Said.
"You're a multi weapon user? Why didn't you use those?"
"My rule is using only one weapon to face you. That's my own rule and seeing how you used your strongest weapon against me. That's not an issue. Well statue's broken. So what now?" Albert returned to his normal appearance, with the mask and long coat intact.
"We return back to the capital." Albert said as they both walked out through the woods.
"Lord. It seems that the 4th Army has surrounded the entire city. The Sylvanus Knights and Fangs along with the remnants of the soldiers from the three factions are headed to the castle gates."
"How many are there?"
"75 thousand." 91 reported.
"Where are you?" Albert asked.
"We made a diamond formation around the castle. The Saintess is healing the Empress and Emperor. The soldiers that have rallied to our side is merely 5 thousand while the rest joined the Black Wolves because of the fact that the Imperial Heirs have abused their power to plunge the country into a civil war. Total number of deaths would be around 20 thousand in the first day. What shall we do Lord?"
"Void Dancers. Tell the Sylvanus Knights and the Fangs to stay and guard the Royals. Have them stay in the ball room of the Imperial Palace. Why don't you prove why the might of 4 Azterian Blades is enough?"Albert said as he and Kaglar scaled the walls. Seeing the four Void Dancers taking up positions.
"As you command, Lord." The black and white lightning pulsed through the limbs of the Void Dancers.
"Oh. So those are the ones that Vingthor gave his blessings to. Not a bad choice, they're perfect for the Black and White Lightning."
"Isn't purple lightning the strongest?"
"In terms of power yes. But if you want utility? Black and White Lightning is perfect." Kaglar answered as they watched the Void Dancers cut through an entire column of soldiers, leaving behind throwing knives that were stuck to a few in the armors. Cracking their fingers as the lightning sparks granted them more speed. Their daggers were enough, piercing through the armors. Cutting the flesh as they bounced around from target to target. Not even using the rift as the soldiers fired their guns. Seeing minimal movements to dodge while the haunting blue streaks were chasing them. Charging their lightning to perfection, the call for war. The call for slaughter. The call of the void.
The 75 thousand strong were being beaten by mere four Familiars. Gunfire and blades had no effect. The pure silence of their movements, no battle cry. No screams or groans. Exhaling the heaviness in their bodies through the grills of their masks. They were human beings who've ascended to the realm of legends. They danced in the void, channeling the powers of the rift. Black and white lightning gave them acceleration and increased their strength. Serrating their blades through the armors, blades and guns like they were nothing. They leaped into the air, throwing daggers that created a pattern on the floor. Landing to the ground as they tapped it with their fingers. A spark was emitted. An explosion that sent the entire army into the air.
Glimpses of their movement had been seen, but nothing was concrete. To the ones opposing the void dancers, it seemed as if a thousand of them were attacking at once. The reality of four Void Dancers causing this much damage? It was unthinkable but for Albert. This was a sight he had expected. If Joshua Gates could fell an army of millions with Iacus, Donovan and the Four Ancients. It stands to reason that the current familiars that was in Albert/Silas's service was able to do this at the very least. Efficient and lethal. They had no time for fancy tricks, their use of their lightning was to shock, stun and daze their enemies. Messing around with their senses even if for a moment's notice. What matters would be what would be their next movement.
"It is as if they were made for this class. Fast movements, fast combat tactics. I can see why Vingthor gave it to them. They think out of the box and despite lacking firearms. They compensate it with magic. Not using the Rift is an odd choice... Is this how they fight?"
"They like to experiment. I once heard some of the Void Dancers say the Rift is like a home for them. A playground for them to further their skills. Mana in this place is abundant... So I guess they want to see what they can do with it?"
"A fair assessment. They are doing very well. A four man team yet they work in harmony despite the silence." Kaglar commented as they continued to watch the chaos. A one sided slaughter, leaving the man that led this unit. The Chancellor to fall to his knees, knives pierced the joints. Preventing the Chancellor from running away, the Void Dancers surrounded the Chancellor as their eyes continued to glow.
"How!? How can this be!? My plan was perfect! I even had the aide of demons!" The chancellor was knocked out by a shock from 91 who then carried him over the shoulder.
"Targets captured. Was our performance satisfactory?" 91 gazed over to Albert and Kaglar who were observing.
"Oh, his perception's not bad. He can see us?"
"Ah, Ancient one. I apologize for my rudeness. Your power's leaking out a lot so I believed that you must have been there." Kaglar chuckled to the remark.
"Well it was a good show at least. I enjoyed myself thoroughly." An ecstatic Ancient Demon laughed at the sight. The cadavers of the soldiers, to the ruin that had been laid down upon in the capital. The sight of the four Void Dancers was now imprinted on the citizens and soldiers who've seen them. Their flashy attacks that left ruins in their wake, the bright flashes themselves made people understand about the lightnings that exist. The black and white lightnings were a sign of fear that engraved itself into the minds of Rubis's soldiers.
The Sylvanus Knights and the Fangs were also intrigued, but their eyes spoke of battle. A desire to see if they can fight against such powers had been beaming from their gaze. Eerie silence that followed as the Void Dancers exhaled the air out of their lungs. The Rubis Imperial Family had borne witness to a catastrophe that was started with four Void Dancers. Familiars, yet their power had rivaled even the best of the Rubis Empire's soldiers.
All eyes locked on Albert Sylvanus who strolled over to them, where they knelt. With one hand to their chest and another with a knife to their backs. Albert and Kaglar walked past them, where they see the Void Dancers launched their knives forward. Striking the heads of gunmen hiding in the shadows. The glint of their scopes and the sound of the rounds being chambered was a dead giveaway.
"Don't pursue." The Void Dancers took a step back, as they readied knives in between their fingers.
"Iacus taught you that?"
"Yes, from what we've understood. Bullets fail against certain enemy. So throwing daggers are much more effective. It seems 151's inter divisional training has given all of us many strategies to use when beating a variety of opponents." Albert shot off a smile beneath his mask as he made his way to the Imperial Palace where the sight of Kaglar, the Ancient Demon of Black was not alarming anyone. Due to the fact that Kaglar was not wearing his signature armor.
Walking past the guards with the Void Dancers following Albert from behind. The gaze of fear was easy, they had just seen Four Familiars tear an army of 75 thousand what sane person would be able to handle that kind of revelation?
"So you know Donovan and Iacus?"
"Of course. Donovan was the one called the Lord's Shield. I was the one who stood by the First and the Second Lord. It's not easy to get me, usually but you only got access to me because of your strength. I only make it when you reach a certain level. The First Lord had a few thousand Ancients in his command but those Ancients will only appear when you're ready. The Second had more than the First in terms of her Ancients. She had every Ancient possible but when she passed off old age. She put restrictions on most of us. Made sure that nobody would use for anything to harm other people. So those with evil karma are locked with the 3rd Lord's Ancients. The Third Lord... He's a bit of a unique character. He destroyed an entire world because of revenge." Kaglar informed Albert as they stepped inside the throne room. Where the Sylvanus Knights and the Fangs knelt before him.
"I am Albert Sylvanus of House Sylvanus. I greet the Rubis Imperial Family. The miasma seems to have cleared, I trust the Saintess has helped?" Albert spoke to the Emperor who despite his frail appearance, had a dignified aura around him. The Miasma must have helped cure the pain he had felt from earlier.
"Yes... So you are the savior of my Empire. Thank you for your aid, Silver Lion of Sylvanus." The words that had been uttered had the many soldiers, reporters and nobles in shock.
"If I recall the revolution of 4 years ago. I can vividly remember the teenager that wielded his blade to slaughter the hundreds and by the droves. You saved my Imperial Family while killing my father and the other nobles who were drunk on power. Yet the same tools that had my father in a state was used against my children... What a touch of irony that it is."
"Of course, history will never recount that this country was saved by the hands of a Duke from another country but it will recount you as a masked mercenary. You saved us once again, tell me... What is your wish?"
"None whatsoever, Your Imperial Majesty. I've only come here to ensure that the Saintess will be here to quell the miasma that has plagued your country."
"Who is that by your side?" The Emperor quetioned while Kaglar seemed to be bored out of his mind from staying here.
"An ally of mine. I trust that you would not need to ask so many details, Your Imperial Majesty? You know I prefer my anonymity." The Emperor chuckled only to cough loudly. Whereby the Empress and the Imperial Heirs patted their father's back. To help ease the violent cough.
"Still, might I interest you in being engaged to my youngest daughter?"
"Your daughter's beauty rivals the prettiest orchids the Rubis Empire is known for, Your Imperial Majesty but I must decline. I am unworthy of such a fine woman." Albert said where the Emperor let out a sigh.
"Then how about I open a trade route for you? We have our refined mana gems and mana metals that I do not mind granting your some."
"I will buy it for a fair price, Your Imperial Majesty. For if you were to give it for free, it may be difficult on those who have mastered that craft wonderfully if it is given free. I'd pay them the proper fees for it." The Emperor of Rubis curled a smile.
"Then why don't you rest for the night? The least we can offer to our weary guests. Natalia will show you to your rooms." Princess Natalia led the way for the weary travelers to their rest. She walked by Albert's side.
"Thank you for saving my family. There's no debt that I can pay." Princess Natalia spoke as she bowed to Albert when she showed him the room.
"You're welcome." Albert said as he went inside with Kalgar and the Void Dancers. Taking a nice shower, they had showerheads here instead of bathtubs. Powered by mana gems, so that was convenient, Albert was going to take his time to rest. Whatever comes next is a different matter entirely.