On one side, Maria, Ji-Eun, and Elliot watched anxiously as the battle between Cyrus and Blaze began to unfold. On the other side, Blaze's five henchmen stood ready, their eyes fixed on the confrontation.
"So, what arma do you use?" Blaze asked, his tone mocking, unaware of the weapon that Cyrus wielded. Both Ji-Eun and Elliot were just as curious; this was the first time they would see Cyrus using the weapon they had crafted together.
image [https://static.wikia.nocookie.net/swordbound-the-heros-journey-to-silence-the-seven/images/2/25/Cyrus_Thorne_equipped_with_the_Sword_of_Water.png]
"Oh, you mean this, my weapon?" Cyrus replied, unsheathing the Sword of Water. The blue crystal in the pommel began to light up, channeling the sword's hydrokinetic energy. It resonated with a soft glow, hinting at its latent power. "This is the Sword of Water. It represents my wrath for revenge!" Cyrus declared, his voice steady and filled with determination.
Seeing such a weapon for the first time, Blaze did not lose his composure, even though he did not know what to expect. "Put on a good spettacolo for me. I hope your arma can match my Cinquedea," he said, his confidence unshaken.
image [https://static.wikia.nocookie.net/swordbound-the-heros-journey-to-silence-the-seven/images/9/9a/Antonio_perform_Infernal_Impale%2C_a_lightning-fast_thrust_with_the_Cinquedea%2C_aiming_for_a_vital_point.png]
The two combatants circled each other, tension thick in the air. Blaze made the first move, lunging forward with his Cinquedea in a powerful Infernal Impale. Cyrus parried the thrust with the Sword of Water, the clash of metal ringing through the night.
image [https://static.wikia.nocookie.net/swordbound-the-heros-journey-to-silence-the-seven/images/d/d7/Antonio_peforms_Backhand_Bite%2C_a_surprise_attack_where_Antonio_flips_the_Cinquedea_in_his_grip%2C_delivering_a_vicious_backhand_slash_towards_the_opponent%27s_unsuspecting_side.png] image [https://static.wikia.nocookie.net/swordbound-the-heros-journey-to-silence-the-seven/images/b/be/Cyrus_performs_Hydro_Vortex_Slice%2C_wielding_the_Sword_of_Water%2C_he_creates_a_swirling_vortex_of_water_around_the_blade.png]
Blaze followed up with a Backhand Bite, flipping his Cinquedea and slashing toward Cyrus's side. Cyrus dodged gracefully, countering with a swift Hydro Vortex Slice that created a swirling vortex of water around his blade. The attack forced Blaze back, droplets of water glistening in the air.
"What magia is this?" Blaze exclaimed, shocked when the sword began to surge with water. It was his first time seeing such a weapon.
image [https://static.wikia.nocookie.net/swordbound-the-heros-journey-to-silence-the-seven/images/7/7d/Water_Whip_Lash.png]
"This is no magic; this is advanced TECHNOLOGY!" Cyrus replied, following up with Water Whip Lash, forming a long, flexible whip of water. The whip lashed out, striking Blaze and forcing him to dodge. Blaze then realized what he had gotten into; this was not going to be an easy fight. He needed to be more strategic to win against Cyrus.
image [https://static.wikia.nocookie.net/swordbound-the-heros-journey-to-silence-the-seven/images/a/ae/Feigned_Flee.png]
Blaze narrowed his eyes and feigned a retreat, executing his Feigned Flee move. He pretended to be on the defensive, hoping to lure Cyrus into a false sense of security, continuously running from him. Cyrus, recognizing the tactic, moved cautiously, his eyes never leaving Blaze.
image [https://static.wikia.nocookie.net/swordbound-the-heros-journey-to-silence-the-seven/images/a/a9/Antonio_peforms_Feigned_Flee%2C_pretending_to_retreat%2C_then_uses_the_opponent%27s_momentum_against_them_with_a_quick_turn_and_a_powerful_thrust_with_the_Cinquedea.png]
"You are too powerful, Americano, I am scared of you!" Blaze taunted, pretending to retreat while looking for the perfect opportunity to strike back. Spotting a gap, he quickly turned and thrust his Cinquedea powerfully, but Cyrus, anticipating the move, skillfully deflected the blows with his sword, the water from his blade swirling protectively around him.
"Your tricks are for amateurs. They won't work on me!" Cyrus said, his voice steady.
image [https://static.wikia.nocookie.net/swordbound-the-heros-journey-to-silence-the-seven/images/4/4b/Decoy_Dagger.png]
Blaze smirked, admiration mingling with his frustration. "You're tougher than you look, Americano. How about this?" He feigned a throw of his Cinquedea at Cyrus using his Decoy Dagger move. Cyrus reacted to the fake throw, trying to block it, and Blaze seized the opportunity to stab Cyrus.
"Cyrus!" Ji-Eun shouted, seeing him get hurt by Blaze.
"Still want to continue, Americano, or will you give up now to prevent any collateral damage?" Blaze boasted, proud of himself for managing to injure Cyrus.
"It's just a minor injury! I can go on!" Cyrus replied, unfazed by the hit.
image [https://static.wikia.nocookie.net/swordbound-the-heros-journey-to-silence-the-seven/images/1/11/Gauntlet_Guard.png] image [https://static.wikia.nocookie.net/swordbound-the-heros-journey-to-silence-the-seven/images/1/1e/Hydro_Pulse.png]
"Very well, how would you handle this?" Blaze executed his Gauntlet Guard, using his off-hand to grab Cyrus's arm, attempting to pull him close for an upward slash. The grab was successful, and he caught Cyrus's arm. Going for the upward slash, Cyrus quickly reacted by using Hydro Pulse, emitting a powerful burst of water energy that pushed Blaze back, disorienting him momentarily. A mere second's delay could have ended the match with Blaze's victory.
image [https://static.wikia.nocookie.net/swordbound-the-heros-journey-to-silence-the-seven/images/a/ac/Sting_of_the_Cinquedea.png] image [https://static.wikia.nocookie.net/swordbound-the-heros-journey-to-silence-the-seven/images/6/6d/Aquatic_Shield.png]
Blaze immediately followed up with his next move, using Sting of the Cinquedea, delivering calculated strikes from unexpected angles, hoping to find a loophole in Cyrus's defense. Cyrus matched him blow for blow, using the Aquatic Shield to deflect Blaze's strikes. The shield of swirling water absorbed the impacts, allowing Cyrus to stay on the defensive.
"How long are you going to stay on the difesa? You won't score a goal like this!" Blaze mocked, his confidence growing.
image [https://static.wikia.nocookie.net/swordbound-the-heros-journey-to-silence-the-seven/images/6/65/Cross_Slash.png] image [https://static.wikia.nocookie.net/swordbound-the-heros-journey-to-silence-the-seven/images/1/1d/Cyrus_Thorne_performs_Aquatic_Shield%2C_conjuring_a_shield_of_swirling_water_around_himself_or_allies%2C_capable_of_deflecting_incoming_attacks_and_projectiles.png]
Blaze decided it was time to go for the victory. He roared and launched his Cross Slash, a rapid series of slashes hoping to overwhelm Cyrus's defense. Cyrus continued to use the Aquatic Shield to deflect Blaze's strikes. Though sturdy, the swirling water looked like it might fall at any moment.
The henchmen started to laugh, believing victory was near. Ji-Eun, Elliot, and Maria looked on, worried.
"You know your amico couldn't take on my Cross Slash either, and I ended him with my next move," Blaze said proudly. "I shall give you the honor of the same fate, Il Colpo da Maestro!"image [https://static.wikia.nocookie.net/swordbound-the-heros-journey-to-silence-the-seven/images/e/eb/Antonio_peforms_The_Masterstroke%2C_channeling_all_his_energy%2C_delivering_with_such_force_and_precision_that_it_can_break_through_even_the_strongest_defenses%2C_ensuring_victory.png]
Blaze roared, summoning all his strength for The Masterstroke. The Cinquedea glowed with fierce energy as Blaze channeled his power into a decisive, powerful strike aimed directly at Cyrus. Time seemed to slow as Ji-Eun, Elliot, and Maria looked on, shouting, "No! Cyrus!" while Blaze confidently channeled his Cinquedea towards Cyrus, believing this strike would end the match.
image [https://static.wikia.nocookie.net/swordbound-the-heros-journey-to-silence-the-seven/images/2/2d/Mist_Cloak.png]
Suddenly, Cyrus seemed to disappear. Blaze looked around, trying to locate him as a dense mist obscured his vision. Before the Cinquedea could reach him, Cyrus enveloped himself in Mist Cloak, becoming nearly invisible.
"Where are you, coward?" Blaze shouted, frustration evident in his voice, but no reply came immediately.
A case of theft: this story is not rightfully on Amazon; if you spot it, report the violation.
image [https://static.wikia.nocookie.net/swordbound-the-heros-journey-to-silence-the-seven/images/7/7c/Cyrus_Thorne_Performing_Rain_of_Sorrow.png]
A sudden downpour engulfed the area, dampening Blaze's mood and movements further. Frustration mounted as his next move did not end the fight. The rain was artificial, summoned by Cyrus as the Rain of Sorrow, further enhancing his hydrokinetic abilities. With the rain and the mist, Blaze became more sluggish, and his visibility was obscured.
image [https://static.wikia.nocookie.net/swordbound-the-heros-journey-to-silence-the-seven/images/a/a7/Hydro_Vortex_Slice.png]
"Right here," Cyrus whispered from behind, appearing suddenly and delivering a Hydro Vortex Slice. A swirling vortex of water connected with Blaze, sending him reeling.
Blaze, his fiery temper burning hotter, began slashing around randomly, unable to see Cyrus.
"This is your last chance to surrender, Blaze," Cyrus warned, his blue eyes blazing with intensity.
"Mai!" Blaze roared, his confidence still unbroken. "You will fall!"
image [https://static.wikia.nocookie.net/swordbound-the-heros-journey-to-silence-the-seven/images/d/d8/Leviathan_Strike.png]
Cyrus decided it was time to end the fight. He summoned a Leviathan Strike, a massive wave taking the form of a mythical sea creature surged forward with great force and precision. Blaze looked through the mist, a sea monster's face appearing out of nowhere, surging towards him. Shocked, he couldn't react in time. The wave crashed into him with the power of a sea monster, throwing him back and knocking the Cinquedea from his hand. He hit the ground hard, gasping for breath. Cyrus stood over him, the Sword of Water glowing with a triumphant light, placing the blade over Blaze's neck, signalling the fight's end with Cyrus as the victor.
"It's over, Blaze," Cyrus said, his voice calm and authoritative.
Facing his loss, Blaze was in shock and denial; he hadn't expected it. His henchmen were also angry about Blaze placing such a bet with Cyrus due to his arrogance and overconfidence. Losing to Cyrus meant they would lose everything.
"Let's attack the other guy and girls; maybe we can turn the tables to our advantage," one of the henchmen suggested. Knowing they would likely lose if they approached Cyrus directly, they focused on Maria, Elliot, and Ji-Eun. "We're five against three. It should be to our advantage," another henchman added.
The five henchmen dashed towards Ji-Eun, Maria, and Elliot with their penknives, hoping to hold them hostage and use them as bargaining chips against Cyrus. However, they were unaware that Elliot and Ji-Eun's combat skills far surpassed their own.
image [https://static.wikia.nocookie.net/swordbound-the-heros-journey-to-silence-the-seven/images/5/50/Crimson_Lacerate.png] image [https://static.wikia.nocookie.net/swordbound-the-heros-journey-to-silence-the-seven/images/d/d9/Haunting_Laughter.png]
Three henchmen lunged at Ji-Eun first, but she was ready. With a swift and fluid motion, she executed her Crimson Lacerate skill, delivering precise slashes aimed at vital points. The henchmen barely had time to react before they were disarmed and incapacitated, falling to the ground with stunned expressions. She followed up with her Haunting Laughter Echo, laughing maniacally. "WahahahaahaHahahahaha! You’re not just going to stand there, are you?" Ji-Eun taunted, her eyes gleaming with intensity. "Come on, fight me!" Her laughter affected their concentration and morale, leaving them too intimidated to make their next move.
image [https://static.wikia.nocookie.net/swordbound-the-heros-journey-to-silence-the-seven/images/3/38/Suction_Snare.png] image [https://static.wikia.nocookie.net/swordbound-the-heros-journey-to-silence-the-seven/images/b/b7/Debris_Barrage.png]
Meanwhile, Elliot faced the two remaining henchmen. He activated his Suction Snare skill, using his cordless vacuum cleaner's powerful suction to disarm them. The penknives were pulled out of their hands and into the containment unit of the vacuum. Elliot then used Debris Barrage, reversing the vacuum’s flow to launch the accumulated debris at his attackers. The henchmen were bombarded with a hailstorm of projectiles, disorienting them.
"What the hell is this?" one of the henchmen shouted, realizing they were outmatched. They hesitated, looking back at Blaze for guidance. Ji-Eun and Elliot stood side by side, ready to defend Maria and themselves. The five henchmen, now disarmed and demoralized, retreated slowly, their confidence shattered. They ran towards Blaze, seeking his help.
"Blaze, what should we do next?" one henchman asked, still in denial of Blaze's defeat.
"You incompetente have not disgraced me enough!" Blaze shouted, kicking one of the henchmen. The others looked on in horror, not daring to move and risk further angering their boss.
"You need to honor your word! You lost!" Cyrus reminded Blaze firmly. "You promised to let Noah go and stop harassing La Dolce Vita."
Blaze, still seething, looked over at Noah. "Your amico is lying there. You can go prendere him," he said dismissively. Cyrus signaled his friends to go to Noah’s side. Maria, Elliot, and Ji-Eun immediately ran towards Noah.
"Noah, are you okay?" Maria asked, hugging him tightly despite his bruised and bloodied condition.
Noah slowly opened his eyes. "Hey, careful! I’m in pain!" he winced.
"Next time, don’t play hero. You should have run!" Elliot advised, concerned but also relieved.
"That’s something only you would do, Elliot," Noah replied with a weak chuckle. "Cyrus saved you! He’s really a great husband-to-be," Ji-Eun added.
"I don’t know about that, but he’s definitely a great leader. Ouch!" Noah joked, causing the group to laugh despite the tense situation.
Cyrus, still holding his blade over Blaze's neck, demanded, "And what about not harassing La Dolce Vita in the future?"
Blaze, realizing he had no choice, signaled one of his henchmen. "Bring me the I.O.U!"
"But Blaze..." the henchman hesitated, reluctant to obey.
"Have you all not imbarazzo me enough? I am a man of honor. Pass me the I.O.U now, or else..." Blaze threatened. The henchman, fearing Blaze's wrath, immediately handed over a sheet of paper. Blaze snatched it and gave it to Cyrus. "Here is the I.O.U. I fulfill my promettere; the girl doesn’t owe us anything anymore," Blaze said, begrudgingly.
Cyrus called Maria over. "Maria, can you check if this is correct?" he asked, handing her the paper. As Maria read it, tears flowed down her cheeks. The I.O.U. was real, bearing her late mother Sofia De Luca’s signature. She nodded gratefully to Cyrus, signaling that it was genuine. Cyrus slowly lifted his blade away from Blaze’s neck.
"I am grateful you honor your words," Cyrus said, surprised by Blaze’s unexpected integrity.
"I lost, so I have to keep my word," Blaze replied, standing up. "You are brave, and your arma is one of a kind. I look forward to fighting you again someday." Blaze extended his hand for a handshake, and Cyrus reciprocated. "My real name is Antonio Russo. In the future, I would like to combat with you again, mio amico," he revealed, showing respect.
"Anytime you’re ready," Cyrus replied.
Blaze then picked up his Cinquedea and signaled his five henchmen to follow him. "But Blaze, we could still—" one henchman began, but Blaze ignored him, determined to keep his word. As Blaze walked away, his back facing the Vindicators, he waved goodbye, slowly disappearing into the night.
Cyrus walked towards Noah. "Are you okay?" he asked, concerned.
"I see you got stabbed too. Guess you’re not so tough," Noah joked, his face bloodied and bruised.
"This is nothing compared to yours. You were brave," Cyrus praised.
"Cyrus, you’re bleeding!" Ji-Eun exclaimed, worried. "We need to get you both to a hospital immediately!"
image [https://static.wikia.nocookie.net/swordbound-the-heros-journey-to-silence-the-seven/images/d/d2/Hydro-Healing_Wave.png]
"Here, Noah," Cyrus said, moving closer. Using his Sword of Water, he began channeling the Hydro-Healing Wave, soothing both his and Noah's injuries with the water’s energy.
"Your sword has a healing skill?" Elliot asked, surprised.
"It only heals minor injuries. Noah, can you walk?" Cyrus asked.
"I think I fractured my leg," Noah admitted. Elliot and Cyrus supported him side by side. "Let’s go back to the inn first," Cyrus said.
With the task of stopping the loan sharks from harassing them completed, the Vindicators were left with two more missions: investigating the Charismatic Order of the Sacred Light and helping La Dolce Vita get back on track.
On the way back to La Dolce Vita, Maria couldn't stop thanking the Vindicators. "I am so grateful for all of you. It feels like a blessing to me," she said, her voice filled with emotion.
"You can prepare a good breakfast for us tomorrow," Elliot suggested with a smile.
"Definitely!" Maria replied eagerly as they walked back to the inn. Once they arrived, Noah called out to Maria, "Hey Maria, don't stand guard at the counter anymore. Please go to your bed and wake up nicely to prepare breakfast for us."
Maria nodded, listening to Noah's advice. She locked up the inn's main door. "Thank you, guys! I will have a good sleep tonight," she said, feeling relieved now that the loan shark issue was resolved. The burden had finally been lifted off her shoulders.
Elliot and Cyrus carefully helped Noah up the stairs with his fractured leg, while Ji-Eun and Maria followed behind. "Hey Maria, we’ve got things to discuss. Please have a good sleep and good night!" Cyrus said. Maria understood and went to her room to rest, feeling grateful for the Vindicators' help.
"Elliot, come to the room. I have something to discuss," Cyrus said once they were alone.
Together in the room, the Vindicators began to discuss their next steps. "You know it’s only three more hours until daylight, right? Can't we discuss this tomorrow with my injuries and broken leg?" Noah nagged, wanting to rest immediately.
"Your injury is the perfect plan to get into the Charismatic Order of the Sacred Light," Cyrus said.
"What do you mean?" Noah asked, while the rest of them looked puzzled.
"Tomorrow, I need you and Ji-Eun to pretend you are mother and son seeking the church's miracle healing to fix your fractured leg. Using this setup, you can gather information and look around the church to understand the structure and, if possible, find out if they have the Sword of Light," Cyrus explained.
Ji-Eun, however, was unhappy with the plan. "I am too young to be his mother, Cyrus. Did you misspeak?"
"But you really look like one!" Noah teased.
image [https://static.wikia.nocookie.net/swordbound-the-heros-journey-to-silence-the-seven/images/3/39/Kim_Ji-Eun_with_her_crazy_expression.png]
"You little brat!" Ji-Eun snapped, not amused. She took out her kitchen knife, ready to strike him. "I guess the injury you got just now isn’t enough, huh?"
"Whoa, chill!" Cyrus said, pushing Ji-Eun's hand down. "Okay, you can play his step-sister. Are you fine with that?"
"Whatever you say, Cyrus," she replied, her face returning to its sweet, innocent expression.
"What about the both of us? What are we going to do?" Elliot asked, curious about their roles in Cyrus’s plan.
"We'll stay at the inn and help out while we wait for their good news," Cyrus said.
"Hey, that’s not fair! Why do I have to do the work while you all get to rest at the inn?" Noah complained.
"Because I’m the leader," Cyrus joked.
"And because I’ll help with my vacuum cleaner to clean the inn!" Elliot added, grinning.
They continued to tease and joke with each other before going to bed. The mission was straightforward: infiltrate the Charismatic Order of the Sacred Light.
As they settled in for the night, their bond grew stronger, Their friendship was strong, no matter what challenges they faced. The end of this arc marked a new beginning, with new plans and renewed determination to uncover the secrets of the Charismatic Order.
End of Cyrus Arc