The next 4 days passed peacefully, Sin and Merala continued their sparring matches. Merala was starting to make Sin fearful, each day that passed. Sin was struggling to keep up with Meralas growth, taking his bodies condition into consideration it was very normal. However, Merala was showing signs of awakening a Sword Heart, something that Sin had chased after since being on earth. Sin was beyond happy for Merala, if she could truly awaken a Sword Heart. Sin would be able to experience it personally.
Along their way Sin felt the spirit of his Soul Weapon get attracted to something. While the spirit hadn't fully developed, their connection was already made. Following the attraction, Sin and Merala arrived at a huge temple. Outside of it there were all kinds of swords scattered over the place. With each step they went forward, they could feel a devastating Sword Qi challenge them. Sin and Merala began operating at full output, making their way together hand in hand. This notion alone however, caused the difficulty of it to rise exponentially.
After walking half way, a strong sensation of Sword Heart descended upon Sin and Merala. Their breaths became bated, the Sword Heart was like the will of an empyrean sword saint. Gashes started appearing like a storm of locusts on Sin and Merala. Their Sword Hearts surged as they made their way forward, unbeknownst to them the first 450 meters which felt like seconds to them, really took more than 1 hour to traverse. And there was still another good 550 meters left. Both Sin and Merala continued on hand in hand, there was nothing going to make them stop their progress.
After another 5 hours, they had finally managed to make it to the gates of the temple. On the outside gates, Sin and Merala finally noticed a long sword scar left behind on the palace. It was unknown where the temple originated from, or if it even belonged to [Desolate Kingdom] to begin with. But one thing was for sure, this was a space to cultivate the Sword Heart.
Sin and Merala made their way inside, when they got inside the main hall. It had clear white marble flooring without impurities, there were littered Swords all over the place. But there was one in the middle of the hallway, it was stabbed into a stone plate on the ground, and had 4 knights in armour surrounding it.
Their curiosity was piqued, but Sin knew there was no prizes without a test. They made their way to the end of the hall opening up the doors. After they left the main hall, there was sword shaped tower piercing through the heavens waiting for them. Upon closer inspecting there was a tablet with human writing on it that said "Tower Of Sword Heart. Two may enter at a time, however, the difficulty and challenges you will face will go beyond a mortal level. Conquerors walk the path of loneliness and a solitary blade, or partnership and a sociable blade. Ignite your Sword Heart ablaze, and cut through the damnation of demons! Time disparity: 1 day outside, is equivalent to 2 years inside."
Meralas eyes were full of longing after reading the sentence on the tablet. Sin took this chance to give Merala the opportunity. "Would you like to stay here my wife?" Meralas eyes were transfixed, and her awakening Sword Heart was heating up with passion. Merala hadn't even taken notice of Sin trying to get her attention until he shook her.
"Husband I want to stay here. I don't know why, but I feel something inside this palace is calling for me." Merala said with extreme eagerness. Seeing this Sin was finally appeased. "Very well my wife, we will meet up at the Vermilion Bird Clan when you've come out from here."
Merala still had her grudges, but after Sirius reminded her they were also considered allies of the Wolf God Clan, she had put her hostility to the side. "Okay be safe husband. I feel like fate is guiding us here, and to the capital city. Please be careful, the waters run deep in Desolate Kingdom." Merala said before hugging and kissing Sin.
Sin took Meralas warning to heart. "Don't worry my wife, husband is undefeatable!" Sin returned Meralas hug and kiss before wishing her the best on a breakthrough. Sin returned to the main hall, and just as he was about to leave. An archaic voice drifted into his ears. "Do you not wish for my inheritance young one?"
Sin stopped in place before answering. "There's no need for it, my wife felt something calling for her in here. It is not my place to fight over it with her."
The archaic voice sounded pleased. "Your words just saved your wife's life. If you were such a petty person, I would have had the trials here kill her. Merala was it? If she passes my trials, I will be taking her as my direct apprentice. I'm sure you would have no issues with that?"
Sins killing intent flared momentarily before he brought it back under control. "It is not my decision to make, it is up to my wife. She is free to choose what her heart wants. All I will say is, if your in it with the Rage God. I will slaughter you just as I will his forces."
The archaic voice felt the challenge. "And so what if I am? Do you think mere mortals like you can take us on?"
Sins eyes were steady. "There is no thinking about it. I know I will make blood rain if I am made to do so!"
Sin walked out of the palace continuing his trip towards the capital city. The archaic voice he heard gave him a sense of urgency. The time was ticking, only 30 days left until the Rage Gods forces descended. And his gut feeling was telling him, it would be at the capital city.
As Sin had left and continued on his journey, a gaseous figure appeared. "This mortal is worth further appraisal, Shana follow him but do not make your presence known to him. As for his wife Merala, I will be taking care of her training personally."
One of the knights in the main hall cupped a hand to its heart. "Yes master, it shall be done." it replied before the armour dismantled, revealing the figure of a women in a crystal blue dress. Long snow white hair flowed down her shoulders, and her eyes were like perfect cyan crystals.
The gaseous figure was left behind thinking to himself. "This is all that I can do to protect your wife young one, fate has already been set in motion. Hopefully you will not be another mindless killing machine."
-------------------------------------------
Another 5 days passed and Sin finally arrived at the capital city. Along his way, he had collected many cores of mutated beasts. Just as he had paid a fee to enter the capital city, 20 sources of stifling killing intent locked onto himself, separating him from the bustling crowd into an independent space.
A smile hung on Sins face. "Falcon, Skull, Witch, Jane, Mono, Aeris, Mara, Shogi, Axel, Sadie, Jack, Brute, Lucifer, Shadow, Alma, Sara, Zara, Lance, Sky, Seraphim. It is nice seeing all of my brothers and sisters again.
The twenty figures bowed down on one knee in front of Sin. "Team leader it is nice to see your doing well. Please do not hold this against us, we are just following the orders of the commander."
Sin raised his hand. "There's no need for explanations, I know how it goes. So now I must ask you all this, are you prepared for what comes next?" Sins killing intent erupted, as he flipped a switch in his mind. His killing intent billowed out, taking form as cries of despair, pain and agony could be heard.
After the cries and wails faded, a blood red dragon appeared. Hovering in the sky circling around Sin, as it stared down at the Blood Dragon Mercenary Team members. And what truly frightened them most. Midnight Reaper was the Amidamaru on Sins back, and Sin was Yoh Asakura. [Referencing Shaman King here]
All the others began backing up, as sweat poured from their bodies like torrential flooding. All of the Blood Dragon Mercenary Team members, felt a tingling sensation on their necks. They all raised their hands to their necks, taking their hands away they were drenched in blood.
Seraphim was the one most affected by this. "Not even commander glazes killing intent has materialized to such a degree!"
Sin raised his hand taunting them. "Come!" Seeing as none of them dared inch forward, Sin added oil into the frying pan. "Come on you bunch of pussies! Your commander has given you orders, and you're still lolly gagging like a bunch of scared little shits. In which case you should be."
Sin smiled provokingly, raising his hand once again yelling out. "Come and show me what you buncha pussies are made of! Well except for Seraphim, Mara, Zara, Sara, Sky, Aeris, Sadie, Alma, Jane, and Witch for the obvious reasons."
And all the men took exception to that. Sin stuck with what was tried and proven true, no matter what world you lived in. If you called a man a pussy, 10 out of 10 times he'd fight to the death as if you just insulted his mother's potato salad.
Lucifer took the lead, and all the others dispersed surrounding Sin in a triangular imprisonment. Then the women filled in the cracks, forming a square formation around the men's formation. Everyone channeled all their Mana, and energy into Lucifer. The strongest heavy hitter amongst them.
Sin whistled with elation, as memories flooded his mind. However, since he flipped his switch. There was no guarantee of anyone leaving without a price to pay.
Sin and Lucifer met each other, blow for blow. The resulting impacts caused heavy tolls on the others energy. Sin was truly like a primordial dragon, each blow was with the weight of his entire being. And his killing intent further enhanced this, each attack was a sure kill. If either men slipped up, it would prove to have devastating results.
Sin and Lucifer traded blows non stop for three hours straight, finally the supporters energy had run dry. Sin landed a heavy punch on Lucifers solar plexus, dropping the man to his knees as all the contents inside his stomach were emptied.
Sin flashed about all the other members, as they were Mana drained. It was as simple like killing blind people. All the other 19 members were met with severe injuries. But when it came to Seraphim, Sin saw the true horror and fear in her eyes, as his fist was about to make contact with her stomach.
The story has been illicitly taken; should you find it on Amazon, report the infringement.
Sins Mana surged, he felt the traces of a new life about to be brought to this world. Sin flipped his switch off, immediately stopping his fist from taking an unborn life away from this world.
"Congratulations Seraphim, you will make a fine mother." Sin said with a look of happiness in his eyes.
Sins ears twitched, the independent space cracked and another man appeared in front of Seraphim, with a 15 inch dagger drawn across Sins throat.
Sins eyes were emotionless. "Long time no see brother." In front of him was Glaze, the commander of the whole Blood Dragon Mercenary Team.
Glaze turned his head, making direct contact with her stomach. Sensing the life still within, Glaze let out a long sigh of relief. Ever since the fight began in the independent space, Glaze had been worried sick. Desperately turning over every stone in the capital city looking for Seraphim.
Glaze took his abnormally long dagger from Sins neck. "I see even Midnight has some mercy nowadays."
Sin looked into Glazes eyes. "You ordered our brothers and sisters to hunt me down."
Glaze scratched the back of his head. "Its not like I wanted to. You know how it goes for us mercenaries. We've been paid big money, and so our duties are absolute of the buyers wishes."
Sin however, was not pleased with this answer. "Since when did you become someones bitch!? Do you think I don't know you, even during that time you never killed me when you had the chance to do so!"
Glazes eyes was full of indecisiveness. "No matter what the case is, you have always been superior to me. Even though you never fought over with the position of commander with me. Everyone else had more faith, and respect in you than me. I have been tired of constantly living in the shadow of Sin. Today is the day I will break this long 10 year scar!"
Sin smiled with a face full of expectations. "Very well, let us see what you can do brother!" Sin unequipped his armour and weapon, leaving his toned and chiseled body bare to the eyes of everyone present. All that was left, was his combat boots and pants.
Even during this time, the women all stared with hearts in their eyes. Sky the loose lipped one instantly said. "God damn, my cat just meowed if you know what I mean sisters!"
Glaze coughed overhearing this, but then continued taking off his armour and weapon. Leaving just his combat boots and pants.
Sky instantly booed seeing this "Your invisible lat syndrome is still as notorious as it use to be commander."
Glaze was fuming at this point. "Would you just shut the fuck up already! Besides whose side are you really on!?"
"Preferably on top of that monstrous man"
Sin spoke out harshly. "That is enough Sky, now is not the time for shits and giggles!" But the smile on his face was rather hard to contain.
Sky grumbled unhappily "What a mood killer. Well sisters, we have a good match to watch. Two sexy hunks of men are about to go at it raw!"
Sin and Glaze tuned their surroundings out of their mind. Both men yelled simultaneously. "Let's begin!"
Both men had rushed forward to each other, hands clasped in a power struggle, neither willing to be beaten by the other. Sin and Glaze smashed foreheads, while Sin raised his knee into Glazes gut. Sin went down to the ground, with both hands supporting himself, Sin swept out his foot tripping Glaze.
Mounting Glaze, Sin began raining punches down onto his face. Glaze caught Sins fist, before locking Sins legs in a 8 figure lock. Glaze rained punches into Sins ribcage.
Sins elbow smashed Glazes fist, bringing a sharp snapping sound. Glazes lock loosened up just enough, but this was more than Sin needed to get out of it. Sin and Glaze flashed towards each other, both with a fist meeting each others face.
Sin clutched onto Glazes arm, his left elbow found its place in Glazes nose uttering a sharp crunching sound. Glazes leg swept out into Sins stomach, sending him skidding backwards. Glaze dashed forward, his hands reaching out pulling Sins head downwards into his knee. Blood splurged out, as a deep gash was left on Sins forehead.
Sins index and middle finger stabbed underneath Glazes ribcage. Grabbing onto a bone, Sin ripped it out of Glazes body before smashing it downwards on his head.
Glaze remained steadfast as his fist met the center of Sins chest. Sins sternum ushered a sharp snap, as he felt a bone pierce his left lung. Sins breathing became more difficult immediately. However, since his Phoenix and Wolf scales forming. His organs had been reinforced many times over. What was once life threatening, only became a deadly blow.
Both men launched their fists into each others face. Drawing blood from each other, both men began wailing on each other like no tomorrow.
Sky and co who were watching this fight proceed were excited. While Seraphim was anxiously watching, with a hand on her stomach. Sky noticed this and comforted her. "Don't worry sister, they will not kill each other."
Three hours passed, Sin was no longer able to fight off the pains of his heart disease. Sins already heavy breathing from his punctured lung worsened. And then he went extremely pale, and his eyesight became blurry. Sin failed to dodge the incoming fist. Being launched flying backwards Sin fell on the ground, wheezing while drenched in sweat and blood.
Glaze stood in front of Sin, stomping his foot on top of Sins left hand breaking it. "Now stay down you undying mother fucking cockroach! Your no longer worthy enough with your heart disease."
Glaze turned his back and started walking towards Seraphim, then he suddenly stopped before turning his head backwards. To his shock Sin was standing up, filled to the brim with fighting intent once again.
Sin was shaking like a leaf, raggedly he managed to ask. "How do you know?"
"Isn't it obvious? You fought Alarune like the 9th generation Wolf King did. Not only that, she also used her tasteless poison which corrodes the heart until it becomes completely devoured."
Sin roared out loud in fury. "You've become a bitch of the Demons!"
"So what if I have. I had to choose the winning side, if not I wont be able to guarantee anyone's life."
Sin gathered all of his Mana into his fists. Forming a black-white aura around them. "I am far from done yet!"
Glaze copied Sin. "Do you think you can really beat me in your current state? Your so weak if I were to fart right now you'd be blown over!" Glaze flashed above Sin punching downwards with all his might.
Sin opened his fist capturing Glazes fist in his palm. His right hand flared with [Midnight Glory] landing a solid punch on his forehead. Sin then grabbed Glazes right foot in mid air. And begun smashing him down into the ground like the hulk does. After Sin was done, two 8 meter deep craters were left in the wake, on his left and right side.
Glaze walked out comfortably from the crater. "Your strength is depleting Sin. How much more do you expect to achieve!?" Glaze appeared in front of Sin, punching Sin in the gut launching him into the air.
Chasing into the air after Sin like a rocket. Glaze punched downwards, tearing through Sins left pectoral. Glaze ripped his hand out, latching onto Sins right arm, and began spinning his entire body. Forming a cyclone of air, before letting go sending Sin into the ground below. Leaving a deep crater in the ground, Sins right arm was snapped with the bone visible.
Glaze shot down like a rocket stomping on Sins chest, shattering many bones. Reaching downwards, Glaze grabbed Sin by the hair lifting him up. Letting go of Sins body, Glaze started raining punches and kicks into Sins body. Blood poured out from Sin, powerless he was taking the beating. Glaze finished the combo with a brazilian kick, while he thought to himself "SSSensational!!!" [DMC 5 the real one]
Sin was launched skidding through the ground once again. Just as he was about to fall to the ground, Sin barely managed to keep himself standing. Gritting his teeth, just as he combined his Qi and Mana together to activate Implosion. Blood gushed out from the 7 orifices, and steam began to rise from Sins body.
"Igniting your life essence to operate a berserk ability in your state is no different then asking for death Sin!" Glaze said disdainfully, Sin ignored the taunt as he went forward once again.
Both men were in a deadly lock, blow after blow rammed into each others body. Sin forced Implosion into over drive. Running it for over three more hours straight.
Glaze was starting to weaken, and feel the heat from Sins crazy onslaught. While Sins eyes lost their focus, and his life was walking on a very thin wire.
Sins punches kept getting harder and heavier, eventually Glaze was becoming overwhelmed. In hysterics Glaze started yelling like a maniac.
"You mother fucking monster! Why won't you just stay the fuck down! Why don't you just die already god damn it!" Glaze sent all of his remaining power into his fist. Piercing through Sins abs, and coming out from the other side.
Sin coughed up massive amounts of blood. But his embodiment kept getting bigger, and bigger in Glazes eyes. Sins fist connected with Glazes chest, sending him skidding backwards 200 meters.
"Impossible I do not believe it! I refuse to believe it. I am the commander of the Blood Dragon Mercenary Team! I refuse to be bested by another human of lower quality than myself!" Glaze was going mad in his self denial.
Sins voice echoed out. "Your fists are light Glaze, they have no dreams or people to protect!"
"Do you feel the weight my fists carry? Do you feel the countless hope's and dreams my fists carry? Do you feel the weight of life and death my fists carry!?"
"Your fists are weak in comparison!"
A brilliant black-white golden flame was burning on Sins fist. Sin launched himself forward smashing his fist into Glazes gut. Glaze was sent flying, before being stopped by an invisible barrier. Upon landing, cracks and snaps sounded out. Blood exploded out of Glazes body, as he powerlessly fell face down.
[Phoenix Queen Fist]
Sin bellowed defying the heavens and roaring out in his victory. "AND THAT'S THE MOTHER FUCKING REASON WHY YOU'LL NEVER BE BETTER THAN ME!"
The independent space shattered into particles of light. As Sin was walking by Glaze. A hand weakly gripped onto his foot. "We are not done here you mangy mutt!"
Sin continued walking by. "Your a man who will soon be a father Glaze! Your life no longer belongs to just yourself!"
As Sin was walking on into the night. Glazes voice weakly echoes out. "Let our blood be spilled on the battlefield. Through the good and bad, we are brothers united by our blood oath. If either betrays the other, I will claim his life before taking my own."
"That's the oath we have sworn as brothers! Kill me now Sin!" Glaze bellowed.
Sin didn't so much as turn around before his voice was heard once more. "Brothers and sisters, take that foolish bastard to go and recover. He is not worth me staining my hands with his blood."
Before Sin had disappeared from eye sight. Seraphim yelled out two simple words, which contained so much more than a women could express in such a situation. "Thank you!"
Sin kept walking into the night, as he raised his hand up before disappearing from everyone's vision.
Before Sirius had passed away, he had shown Sin a map of the capital city. The Vermilion Bird Clan was circled in red, and Sirius gave him proper instructions to get there from entering the main city gates. Following the path based off of memory, Sin arrived 2 hours later. A trail of blood and sweat followed from behind.
When the assassins patrolling the perimeter saw Sins bloodied figure approach. They were about to make their move. Then they saw Sin drop to the ground, and a puddle of blood spread out from underneath his body.
The Vermilion Bird Matriarch appeared, dispelling the assassins killing intent. "There's no need to be on guard. What do you think the near death 10th generation Wolf King can do in his condition?"
The assassins were stunned hearing this. They were loyal to the matriarch, her words were absolute in their hearts.
"Bring him into the Clan now, send out people and clean the blood trail. Their are traitors amongst our clans, who wish to butter up to the demons. Do not give them said chance, kill anybody on sight who are within the vicinity, and those following the Wolf Kings trail of blood."
"Yes ma'am." The assassins saluted before disappearing, over 600 figures rushed out following their Matriarchs orders.
Ariya sighed seeing the condition Sin was in. "You're just like Sirius was back in the day, your life is not yet ready to come to a end"
Ariya picked Sin up before making her way back into the clan. Placing Sins unconscious body into a glass medical machine with a green substance. Ariya hooked up an oxygen mask to Sin, and many other pads and patches to the major injuries before shutting it tight.
Ariya emotionally looked at the man in the medical machine, the figure of Sirius' intermixed with Sins, the man who holds the highest position in her heart. "You must pull through this young Wolf King! The stars of destiny guided you here, your flame of life is not yet ready to be snuffed!"