A sharp, staccato rapping on the door jolted Ronin from a tangled, restless sleep. The chill morning air prickled his skin as he sat up, every muscle protesting with a dull ache.
“Oh God! Old man, I slept late! What’s so urgent this early in the morning?!” he yelled, his voice thick and scratchy, stumbling across the cold wooden floor toward the door. Each step sent a shiver up his bare legs.
When he opened it, a rush of brisk air swept in, carrying the faint metallic tang of dew and the sharper scent of oiled leather. Gloria stood there, her combat gear catching the pale light—polished plates gleaming, fabric whispering as she shifted her weight. Ronin blinked at her, eyes gritty and unfocused, then tried to shut the door. But Gloria’s boot thudded against the wood, the impact vibrating up his arm as she wedged her foot in and forced the door open.
“You look like you haven’t slept in four nights,” she remarked, her tone dry as she stepped inside. The faint, herbal scent of her hair mixed with the musk of old parchment and steel from the staff she carried, wrapped in rough cloth.
Ronin groaned and flopped back onto his bed, the mattress sagging beneath him, the scratchy blanket tangling around his legs. His eyelids felt like lead, gritty and swollen. “Why are you waving me out of bed so early? I was practicing all night. Didn’t even realize it’s morning.”
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuzHbBE2bsT
“That’s your fault,” Gloria said flatly. “Oldzheil told me to bring you to the guards’ training grounds for the battle hunt. It starts soon.”
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkON18rLLZ1
“Why now? And why you? Isn’t there still time?” Ronin grumbled.
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhpF9jtfdJJ
“Nope. It starts in two hours,” Gloria replied. “Oldzheil stayed up all night crafting a spear, a few smaller weapons, and a basic armor set for you. He wants you to test them before the fight.”
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgZ0kTLimPO
Ronin sighed dramatically. “Ugh… I feel like I’ll fall asleep mid-battle.” He said as he rolled on his back and looking at Gloria.
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9PO7iY2gJd
Ignoring his complaints, She handed him the spear.145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG0A5NUb5N8
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡc8XFFeBbAY
The cloth was coarse beneath his fingers, and as he unwrapped it, the scent of fresh-forged metal and singed cloth filled his nostrils. The black blade shimmered with a cosmic sheen, swirling with faint, starlit reflections that seemed to pulse with hidden power. Intricate runes, sharp and precise, were etched into the surface—each groove catching the light, each line humming with a subtle, electric energy that made the hairs on his arms stand up.
His eyes widened, pupils dilating as he traced the runes—two major, one minor—each one thrumming with potential.
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8PJBtInHeA
His eyes widened as he recognized the runes on it—two major runes and one minor rune.
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQARVhiDIjZ
“By the gods! Two major and one minor rune on a single weapon?” Gloria gasped, her voice tinged with awe.
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKgmjkxe760
“Isn’t your sword like that?” Ronin asked nonchalantly.
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQIhH3vsHE9
“It is—but yours has a cosmic rune! Do you know how rare that is? The chances of successfully forging one are like… one in a thousand! I’m jealous!” she exclaimed, her hands gripping her skirt tightly.
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjN5dhcnKhT
Ronin smirked lazily. “Oh? Tell you what—if you can defeat me in today’s fight, I’ll give you this Ramoon Spear as a token of surrender.”
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡobYkHMOOJ1
Gloria stiffened, glaring at him. “Overconfidence isn’t a good thing, you know. I’ve been feeling this strange anger since yesterday—and for some reason, I want to take it out on you.”
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA0aC8sdwEI
“What did I even do to you?” Ronin asked as he walked past her toward the door.
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHVcdbCk6fk
Gloria wrinkled her nose as he passed. “When was the last time you took a bath?”
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIP0tTRewo5
Ronin sniffed his armpit and recoiled as if struck by lightning. “Ohh! Now that is what a real man should smell like!” He shook his head and stretched, his sleepy demeanor replaced with an alert energy as he grabbed the spear and headed out.
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡziWvBs6gIC
“You’re disgusting,” Gloria muttered as she followed him out of the room.145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrfPjxjdLQA
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7xLL73Gie9
Ronin stores the spear in his left eye as he turn around the corner.
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1Vzl4n5bbP
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsUpLdtsHXp
“Wait, where is the spear i just gave you?” she asks
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbKJzS8epNm
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKwXHSB4zvd
“Stop annoying me with those questions first thing in the morning.” Ronin says as he descends the staircase.
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqV7TEYrIfU
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlo00JAlG0M
Below, Sil is setting the table. Kade is gawking at the table, half asleep. Dressed in light Armour.
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJNWQJl31zE
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtIHsoeSu3U
“Oh, Ronin, good morning.” Sil says
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUz6KlzbN0m
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmJ9aPFKh7k
“Good Morning……Grandma Sil.” Ronin says hesitantly145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIBn60LgxDy
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0IiotBI2Zk
“Go get a bath. I will prepare veg meal in separate utensils for you and Gloria.” She says
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTjehuRJwc4
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡV17yEPVw7X
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHmM4phBA17
“Actually, I don’t have any clothes.” Ronin admits flatly.145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmiusqfBEQW
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIm9dCPu9zT
“Dude, there is a shop not to far from here, go get some clothes.” Kade says as he sips his herbal tea.
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOafO3oabVF
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvPlKsxSpni
“Oh, mind if I tag along?” Gloria asks
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUYw39IptmL
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgAKMTZ8wIJ
“Who else do you think was going to guide me to the shop anyway?” Ronin says as he ventures out bare foot.
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2efHMqZduO
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZMgmf4AmFi
“Hey! Atleast wear something on foot.” Gloria yells as she puts on her boots with hops to hurry up.
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRKsD98VYsK
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡF1XpiXeaXm
After a few minutes. Ronin and Gloria return with ronin dressed in handbags instead of a new dress.
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfYl3I1lSES
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuVm5oo3g83
“I didn’t expect you to bring the entire wardrobe in a single go.” Sil says with a gasp
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCxNyNo2gok
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2kp1fOYdz1
“Shit! Is that Branscin Black and gold Long coat you got there? That’s expensive! Gloria I knew you liked him but you are just spoiling him rotten now, I am like your brother and you never bought me something like that.” Kade yells
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrEJXUfTJsb
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡW1o5CVnTDl
“Ridiculous isn’t she?, before I could even pick out a complete set, she already had 6 sets of hers ready. And I bought it with MY damned money! Almost a Dozen Platinum bars!” Ronin says in an annoyed voice.145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQjjcz4q3Vu
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEpbVMDXcGy
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA2EWei4xc2
Kade and Sil stare at Gloria who refuse to meet their gaze.
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTFjr8BY1pj
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLRBr5Id5EC
As Gloria gets an earful, After dropping off the bags from their shopping trip, Ronin slipped away to the back of the mansion, where a grand bathing chamber awaited—its marble floors and gilded fixtures reminiscent of a royal court. He let the hot water wash away the fatigue of sleepless nights and the dust of the road, savoring a rare moment of peace.
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWagGoUANp1
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB9YSAEoyq1
Now this was a royal bath.
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzXPjg5rdlJ
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlo8buh6DUc
The shirt hugged his muscular torso, accentuating every line of strength, while the adamantine chestplate, plated with gold, caught the light in a dazzling display.
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqjt2bqS3b5
Leg braces echoed the black, white, and gold motif, and the long black coat flowed behind him, a perfect blend of menace and style. Almost Regal.
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡE4ZIrekvV2
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhjsW7YsrHV
Mask in place, Ronin strode back into the dining hall. Gloria sat at the table, her meal untouched, her gaze distant. Sil looked up and gasped in delight.
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJChdtWWmTt
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ83KceKtLJb
“Someone sure took his time.” Gloria says
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOT3miEs2eD
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxCnkC96Qgw
“How is it?” Ronin asked, spreading his arms with a flourish.
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiFRAsnRYk0
“You look Dashing, young man,” Sil said, her eyes twinkling with mischief. “If I didn’t know you, I’d swear you were some evil cultist.” Her chuckle was warm, wrapping around him like a blanket.
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRzW4tK9V2l
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLKrgz6xEAu
“I’ll take that as a compliment,” Ronin said, his lips quirking under the mask as a flush of pride warmed his chest.
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjYZrE1zDk1
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡliyEPK2xCS
He turned to Gloria, his gaze expectant, and swept both hands from head to toe, showcasing the outfit with a flourish. The coat flared dramatically, its fabric whispering against the floor.
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7DsDCzBKvl
“It… suits you,” Gloria mumbled, turning her head away as she tugged off her mask. Her voice was soft, almost shy, and a faint blush crept up her neck, betraying her usual fire.
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVl5M68bsQk
“Dear ancients! Gloria Took off her mask?!” Sil yelped, her hands flying to her face as if she’d seen a ghost.
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy6Csu0TPCI
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIkyYDrdDp2
“He saw it yesterday, Grandma,” Gloria replied, her voice soft but resolute.
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgFau8nsDri
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡh4JM7Faks1
“It seems like the demon lord’s death cursed you with luck, Ronin.” Sil giggles as she preps the plates for Ronin
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5mDRpuTXXO
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx6R6x6zgN4
“Maybe.” Ronin says
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1LxmJXZpMb
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡffKjRgi5K3
“Ronin!” Suddenly Gloria yells, startling the adamant hitman
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIXkLtYlbKk
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZqCl29Id0X
“Make sure you don’t mess around in our fight. I will not hold back even if you are injured. A hunt can be deadly. From this moment on I am the Flame Queen, not Gloria.” She says
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡY8ypHR0Xl4
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJvgdTh5qQ5
“Role playing are we?” Ronin mocks145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHnSnAlif0V
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡef0maliOP6
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB0pN77BO7b
“I am not joking” she states simply
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡh8FBqtSURS
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6GvTn0LPL7
He grinned, undeterred. “Fine, I will indulge you. Now, lets go.” He turns to leave.
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡM2hlCiOwQZ
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡN1bIrG5eKz
“Aren’t you forgetting something? Have some food first.” Sil insists.
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq0j4Ced1Ik
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9zEDwdPyHn
“Oh I for…got” Ronin turns and a wave of nostalgia hits him as Sil pressing a plate into his hands.
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxtpQgz4PGl
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2BeiT3lXRU
He paused, a memory flashing—his mother handing him a tiffin as he raced to school, her smile soft in the morning light.
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0QHYLjBlbB
The image hit him like a punch, and he turned back, sinking into a chair.
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs2PcW92PG2
He set his mask aside, revealing a face hardened by battles but softened now by the simple act of eating.
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlck9IQvhrG
Each bite of Sil’s cooking burst with flavor—earthy, warm, a balm to his weary soul. A sniff escaped him, unbidden, as his eyes prickled.145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqnr52Rrpm9
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAtfmNWMzNP
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzyKJyjBBV1
“Oh my, is the food that bad?” Sil asked, her face tightening with worry, her hands twisting together.
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4IFKTmhi5k
Ronin chuckled, the sound rough but genuine. “Not at all. My eyes are just burning from no sleep, and that bath gave me a cold, is all. Don’t worry—the food’s amazing. Even my cooking doesn’t hold a candle to this.” His praise was heartfelt, a rare crack in his armor as he savored the meal.
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡN1xObJg0th
“Oh, you don’t need to be so humble, child. Gloria told me all about how you whip up dishes better than anyone,” Sil said, giggling, her eyes dancing with delight as she nudged Gloria.
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8RAU3LId8o
“Did she now? So much for her tough act just now,” Ronin teased, his gaze flicking to Gloria with a playful smirk, enjoying the way she squirmed.
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrHDe7PMYFj
“G-Grandma Sil! I told you not to tell him!” Gloria stammered, her face flaming as she buried it in her hands, her usual fierceness crumbling under the embarrassment.145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCXI9cPg7yT
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlsn6IPOUto
“Still, it’s the best meal I have had after the one my mother and grandfather made. Thank you.” He says as he puts his mask back on.145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUkT35n4t4A
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGygV7gHhmV
Gloria and Ronin depart.145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡh2gSiaBxcX
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKLb80RRhNO
As Ronin walks through the town, every eye looks at him145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMImeNHDxZd
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhEgq6YgaXc
“It’s him” the villager whisper145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU6JzpbGT71
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKwnztxH9G1
“It’s the demon traitor. Look at his arm, shouldn’t we Run for our lives.” Another yell145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡotzL3fQfb7
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpp2k3QQhn0
Ronin and Gloria ignores them as they near the field. People make way for ronin and gloria as they reach the practice ground through the crowd.
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiM5ZOa5nd1
….145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0YJwEcaSiv
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ73m0ogTWnm
The training grounds were alive with anticipation, the crowd pressing in from all sides, their voices a cacophony of excitement and suspicion. Ronin, resplendent in his adamantine armor and gold-plated leg braces, strode into the ring, the black-and-gold coat trailing behind him. His mask concealed any hint of nerves. Gloria, the Flame Queen, stood across from him, her eyes sharp and unreadable, sword in hand.
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7kSONEnrrv
Warzheil approached, concern etched on his face. “That spear is too powerful, and the guild will be recording the fight to play it in the guild lobby, so adventurers are watching too. If they see it, it will be trouble for you because the data is also sent to main branches.” he admitted, gesturing to the weapon racks. “Anyway, There are two modes inspired by your plasma spear if you still want to…”
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5tvaVI1rnM
Warzheil stops, seeing Ronin’s attention drawn to a massive gada made of adamantium.
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuPdhN5PvJs
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJjm0pwBIBb
Memories flooded in—his grandfather swinging a mace like this, laughter and lessons under a blazing sun, the weight of his homeland’s pride. This is from my gods’ forge. “I’ll fight with this,” he said, his voice ironclad, brooking no argument.
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡacrHuTcgLe
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGRve4c2ScU
He hefted the weapon, feeling its familiar weight, and planted it in the ground with a thud that echoed across the field.
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡS7YoEfXRox
“That’s just a training mace used for strength exercises,” Warzheil explained, frowning. “Do you even know how to use it? Especially against someone wielding a sword?”
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhGxoB5VI7h
Ronin smirked under his mask, hefting the gada effortlessly over his shoulder. “I’ve been playing with these since I was a kid.”
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCTL1cQEtSo
He strode confidently into the ring, planting the blunt end of the gada into the ground and resting both hands on its pommel—a pose exuding dominance.
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡI7kHQRDCTK
“You’re mocking me by using--That?” Gloria called out, her voice edged with challenge.
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvC9cTVj05B
“Quite the opposite,” Ronin replied, a grin curling beneath his mask. “At first, I did think about fighting you while using no weapon at all—but then I saw this beauty. This is my second-most proficient weapon. The spear? That’s third.”
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9QzYrgerNp
The referee’s signal cut through the tension. The match began.
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXa68MTr7p4
Gloria wasted no time, lowering herself and thrusting her sword at Ronin while trying to pin down the mace. But to her surprise, Ronin released the gada for a moment, breaking her balance, then grabbed it again and kicked its blunt side, launching the mace in an upward arc. Gloria rolled to Ronin’s left, narrowly dodging the strike.
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCuTBWozBcJ
Instinctively, Ronin reached out with his left arm to grab her.
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiYfo7LZOga
“Lad!” Warzheil’s voice boomed from the sidelines, reminding Ronin of his dangerous ability.
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqygQvikz22
Fear flashed in Ronin’s eyes as he yanked his hand back, stumbling off-balance.
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSIiqlajq14
Gloria seized the moment. Balancing on her hands, she launched both feet into Ronin’s face, sending him sprawling several meters back.
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxzsKSFwT6q
The crowd erupted, their voices a wild chorus:
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzv1OPqe1el
“Take that, demon!”
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjLIwCRMPUe
“Defeated Demon Lord, my ass! Looks like the Holy Kingdom’s stories are all exaggeration!”
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpaEEY19NOS
“That’s our Flame Queen!”
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPodeuQ7oYb
Warzheil shouted again, frustration in his voice. “Lad, snap out of it! Why are you making a fool of me? I bet 20 platinum bars on you, damn it!”
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbFdo2ZYop5
Ronin skidded back, nearly exiting the ring, the crowd roaring in disbelief.
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbzpkGBVq6Y
“Tch, what am I, some racehorse?” he muttered, composing himself.
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0cTdtqLycr
He steadied himself, but felt sluggish, his mind clouded. “What am I even doing?” he thought.
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjnMJb37yaf
“Don’t you dare look away from me!” Gloria shouted, rushing at him, her sword glowing with heat.
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhiiOg6ZJYn
Ronin barely managed to lift the gada’s handle, blocking the strike, but there was no force behind his defense. Gloria’s fist connected with his jaw, launching him into the air. Pain shot through her wrist—his body was like iron.
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIEEn4rDFB8
Ronin’s healing kicked in as he Spun in air to gather momentum.
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLLhIrvlHoA
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1sQoAk7nPj
Ronin roared which startled and confused everyone “Hail Bajarangbali!”
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeIlGvV2oNp
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiUxYZYYEpH
The Gada glows in sunlight, a hum reverbs through the air.
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdEXegb6gGw
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡntJgtcDKRM
Gloria looked up and barely leapt into a roll as the gada crashed down, shattering the ground and sending tremors through the arena. Dust billowed, and as it cleared, Ronin’s silhouette emerged from the crater, unbowed.
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpxZpUpbqIL
The crowd fell silent, awed by the destruction.
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbvGIMUxQYX
“M-Monster! Why isn’t the Queen using her magic?”
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXmVdIvH2Xa
“I-I heard some people talking yesterday, that he stole an artifact from the Holy Kingdom.”
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcnmeub5hkP
“Slay the demon, Flame Queen!”
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjV1W5jac3W
“Kill him! Yeah, kill the demon filth!”
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡY8GFiQDw62
Among the crowd, a group of hooded figures began to incite hatred, their voices sharp and venomous. Warzheil’s eyes narrowed as he realized the crowd was being manipulated.
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdCRRO0uhU6
Ronin’s attention flickered to the commotion. “What the hell…?” he murmured. Suddenly, he felt a searing heat near his neck. He dodged instinctively, but Gloria’s blade nicked him, blood spraying across his new coat.
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOR9cU1nZZf
“You ruined my new dress!” Ronin snapped, his wound already closing.
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjWQvPbJ4PR
The crowd roared in excitement. Warzheil looked at the crowd, his face grim. He could see the magical strands of manipulation at work.
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi3HuxGuhzL
“You’re seriously trying to kill me, aren’t you?” Ronin said as his neck healed.
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTu9YGEYmmS
“You promised not to hold back. You might just die if you don’t keep it,” Gloria warned, taking a fierce stance.
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxAWEd11Pme
“Aren’t you also holding back?” Ronin countered, noticing magical strands weaving through the crowd—some aimed at him, repelled by his barrier, others at Gloria, but breaking before reaching her.
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgeqyjPCodX
That’s a goddess for you, Ronin thought.
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFDvNMY3TKn
“How did you…? Well, my divine magic won’t have an effect on you, nor will any magic, so I thought about it all night too, and finally came up with this technique,” Gloria said.
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlc3idJTBfJ
Ronin felt the air bend around Gloria as her frame shifted—sharper, more muscular, yet still graceful.
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0M1Am0iTD1
“Now you look like a beast of beauty. Seems like I’ll need to step up my ga—” Ronin was cut off as Gloria appeared before him in a flash. Pain shot through his gut as her devastating kick launched him away.
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTJhUQH049b
“H-How? She shouldn’t be able to use magic in my space to enhance her attacks!” Ronin thought, stabilizing himself with the gada.
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEpJhX2fdcH
“You thought only your body is special? If I cannot use my strength enhancements after entering your barrier, I just have to adjust my body to match your strength while using magic to accelerate and build up a good attack before I enter your range,” Gloria explained.
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡco0Vpd2MDt
Ronin coughed, his gut healing as he jogged back into position. “T-that’s… as expected of a goddess. I need to get serious then.”
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ1OwBt2Qmo
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNSu7lwutzK
He gripped the gada tighter, eyes narrowing behind his mask. Gloria circled him, her stance low and guarded, every movement sharp and deliberate. The crowd’s shouts echoed around them, a storm of voices—some cheering, some jeering, some whipped into a frenzy by the hooded agitators.
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDIMDj985GE
Gloria darted in, feinting left, then slashing right. Ronin parried with the shaft of his gada, the clang of metal ringing out. She pressed the attack, her blade a blur, testing his defenses with rapid jabs and sudden changes in rhythm. Ronin blocked, deflected, but Gloria’s speed forced him to give ground, his boots digging furrows in the cracked earth.
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIqV3OyV5mj
For a moment, Gloria found an opening—her sword flashed, grazing his armored side. Sparks flew. Ronin grunted, shifting his stance, but Gloria was relentless. She spun, using the momentum to drive a knee toward his midsection. He twisted, absorbing the blow, then retaliated with a sweeping arc of the gada. Gloria ducked, the weapon whistling over her head, and countered with a low kick that nearly swept Ronin’s legs from under him.
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYQnfYMQzZT
The crowd gasped as Ronin stumbled, catching himself at the last second. Gloria didn’t let up—she was on him again, her blade glowing with residual heat, each strike more desperate, more precise. Ronin’s arms ached from the effort of blocking, his breath coming faster. For the first time, Gloria’s determination was palpable in the way she moved—her shoulders squared, her grip unyielding, her voice steady and cold.
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbRHlZ4bVdt
“Not bad,” Ronin muttered, lips curling into a grin beneath his mask. “You’re faster than before.”
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdvKxDOdwDD
Gloria’s reply was a low, confident growl. “And you’re slower than you think.”
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlZhLA9OWmU
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ41LUhtrxsk
Gloria lunged, sword aimed for Ronin’s shoulder. He caught the blade’s momentum with the shaft of his gada, twisting it aside. Gloria pivoted, slamming her elbow into his chest plate. The impact rang out, and Ronin staggered back, the crowd roaring at the exchange.
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡw4aiCl8uPY
For a heartbeat, they stood apart, masked faces unreadable, both breathing hard, sweat and dust clinging to their armor. The sun beat down, casting long shadows across the ruined ground.
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKSO2fuQPSu
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIZuGXYjAUQ
Gloria’s sword darted for Ronin’s shoulder, but the shaft of his gada intercepted it, twisting her momentum aside. She pivoted, driving her elbow into his chestplate—a solid clang, but Ronin barely budged, only staggering a step. The crowd roared, the energy in the arena crackling.
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSwTxh9SVHW
They broke apart, masked faces unreadable, both breathing hard. Dust and sweat clung to their armor. Gloria’s heart hammered, but she forced herself to steady her stance. The sun cast their shadows long and sharp across the battered ground.
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiB0hej651t
She circled, searching for an opening. Ronin’s posture had changed—no more lazy confidence, no more easygoing banter. Now he stood tall, every movement measured, his presence heavy and unyielding. Gloria felt a chill. This is the man who killed the Devil, she realized. The thought gnawed at her pride.
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg3PE7wB9Yc
She lunged, unleashing a flurry of strikes—slashes, thrusts, feints, spinning kicks. Each time, Ronin’s left hand moved with impossible precision, crystalline structures glinting in the light. He never grabbed, only blocked or diverted, his arm absorbing every impact with a sound like steel on diamond. Her blade and fists glanced off, her close attacks rerouted as if she were striking a wall of fate itself.
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA291YNxNoC
How can he just flick away a sword with his wrist? Gloria’s mind raced. How can someone slide such a heavy weapon against a nimble blade as if it were nothing?
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzpsnM2gyYz
She spun, aiming a low sweep at his legs, but he stepped over it, his left hand guiding her sword away with effortless control. She tried to elbow him again, but the crystalline arm absorbed the blow, the force vanishing as if it had never existed.
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPhOrPT2KA9
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkngarRyE80
With a sudden, fluid motion, Ronin feinted high, then brought the gada down in a perfect, almost playful arc—aiming not to maim, but to humble.
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ04v7neENxv
BONK.
The sound rang out—solid, final, almost cartoonish in its clarity—as the flat of the gada met the top of Gloria’s masked head. The impact sent a tremor through the arena. Gloria’s knees buckled, her sword clattering to the ground as she dropped to all fours, dazed but unharmed.
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡidYAwFUAh6
The crowd gasped, then fell utterly silent. Even the hooded agitators froze, their words dying in their throats.
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkRRClvS6Wx
Ronin’s voice was calm, almost bored. “You’re the one who told me to be serious.”
Gloria’s frustration simmered. She feinted high, then lunged low, her blade aiming for his thigh. In a blur, Ronin’s left hand brushed the flat of her sword, sending it wide. He advanced, the gada spinning in his right hand, his left moving with the fluidity of a true martial master—every gesture a lesson in control and power.
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbLuRKAXs08
She pressed in, launching a barrage of close-range attacks—punches, knees, even a headbutt—but Ronin’s left arm was an impenetrable shield, crystalline and dense, absorbing every blow. He began to counter, not just blocking but guiding her attacks away, using her own momentum to unbalance her.
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkKtC8xVKCc
The crowd’s excitement turned to awe. Even the jeers of the hooded men faltered as Ronin’s mastery became undeniable.
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡN7q0fpBvCS
Gloria, breath ragged, tried one last desperate gambit—a spinning slash aimed at Ronin’s head. In a flash, Ronin’s left hand intercepted the blade, diverting it harmlessly. He didn’t grab, didn’t risk harm—just a perfect, unbreakable parry.
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9nPcz4P8YR
He advanced, his presence looming larger with every step. Gloria found herself forced back, her breath coming in ragged bursts, Ronin’s shadow swallowing her as she struggled to keep her footing.
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKy5CK61Mba
This is what true martial mastery looks like, she thought, anger and awe warring inside her.
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZCQJ953xEC
He swung the gada in a sweeping arc, meeting Gloria’s downward strike. The clash sent shockwaves through the ground, the earth crumbling beneath their feet. Gloria’s eyes widened as Ronin’s attacks grew faster, smoother—his weapon gliding along her blade like oil as it diverted her sword away from Ronin, causing imbalance in her.145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmxRw0RKs83
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡf6KB9C8JOx
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfoFPMoAHmt
The gada destroyed upper half of Gloria’s mask. Revealing her beautiful blue eye with hint of red like blue flames with red flakes.
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡroetu6xbfh
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSPQKZKV7kA
But Ronin didn’t get distracted.145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5JZ4J8XHWZ
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPaD2TyxCHS
The Gada turned back, this time swinging downward.
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVg9bOqj0l8
One, two, three—each strike became more relentless than the last. Gloria found herself cornered, unable to catch her breath, Ronin’s presence loomed like a mountain, the sun eclipsed behind him.
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡM37b9R0CcM
“This… is me being serious!” Ronin declared, his voice thunderous.
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhSTvvtif35
Gloria’s eyes widened as she was driven to her knees, pummelled by the force of Ronin’s assault.
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8RPcFqIfYW
The crowd’s cheers faltered, replaced by stunned silence as Ronin’s power became undeniable.
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfp2bK3A7hH
“Damn it! How powerful is his artifact? Our magic won’t affect him at all!” one of the hooded agitators hissed.
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPfQCCR3sej
“Let’s get out!” another urged.
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWkSiMLvaUl
The hooded men tried to slip away, but were intercepted by Kade and the guards. They tried to escape in another direction, but Warzheil blocked their way, electricity sparking from his hand.
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPTe3fJXFaF
“You aren’t going anywhere,” Kade said coldly.
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyNC4prGfSK
The hooded men turned again, only to be stopped by the guild master, Kainia, her presence sealing their fate.145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpAfBFckc3n
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkmImFRe4nk
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKdHpI35CVo
Ronin stopped. Gloria finally caught a breathe with a gasp.145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgZiNByl1lv
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpixbNtVdO8
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR3ZvafuK9m
“So that’s how the old strong felt when using a gada, huh? I would never be able to pummel someone with a sword or spear.” Ronin chuckles to himself spinning the gada in his hand.
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiU71O3kEG5
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3B1UjHiN2H
“My boots are full of dirt thanks to you. What even was that? How did you divert my attacks so easily?” Gloria asks as she gets up.
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBqXU5UlWoy
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjqO3FkYHHD
“You looked cute down in the ground, you know,” he said in a mocking voice on which gloria slaps him, making him fall on the ground.
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2OMX77MTQK
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡL1jc3nyZq1
“Hey, What was that for?!” Ronin shouts.
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiXAhAIrlxp
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHtPyoCVWGo
“I lose!” Gloria says to the referee.
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡI9MzLEFrG8
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3Tb2bUmATp
“That’s no reason to bitch slap someone!” Ronin yells.
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPQbbpXoCX5
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtIKHG9qFdu
The crowd goes crazy in denial as Gloria accepts her defeat.
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFEWXf6Mreb
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWYxImKA031
“No! H-he cheated!”
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJZUKbcTnTT
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9fIMEt3A1M
“Yeah, no way our queen would lose!”
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9nc6zvZGMb
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy4jH0ZtXRn
the crowd recoils.
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA1pNqLUHIN
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzyKR80TSLI
Ronin swings the Gada over his shoulder. Expectantly looking at the referee.
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuMBocXXfuo
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoiTpQqvhNg
“Due to unfair conduct. The Demon Traitor is disqualified. Winner: Gloria Flamepride!” he yells
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSZnWOaYu2H
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡum8DzAJHXy
Gloria questions the decision in disbelief with her hands spread, questing the situation.
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLIuXHxVZ2G
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7Olb56PMaV
“What? so you are telling me that me using divine power would have been fine and him using a counter against that is not?” Gloria asks
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKDD5iU5CQC
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvpbVRxicfP
“I-I can’t do anything against the crowd’s wishes Princess.” The referee says
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFYJss5yM5z
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6asuOFhjmP
the crowd roars in celebration, Warzheil sneers at the men who bet with him saying its an unfair decision, leaving the crowd.
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkMuLMIW2qM
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjyAZCHYOKr
Ronin looks away yanking his head back questioning the decision and the racism he is facing.
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiavnd6b4x6
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzsGNAx6tst
“You should reconsider profession, my guy.” Ronin suggests to the referee As he shakes his head passing by him, almost pitying his judging skills.
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcNtDouTJuW
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuO2vzJZRZr
“Fine, tone it down already! I couldn’t care less about being the hunt leader anyway.” He shouts as he pushes through the crowd
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7cUqufl64F
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrq8I1l4XS4
Gloria is about to speak something to Ronin, reaching out to him but then decides not to.
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8y7UROoV7J
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjIauG0ZZsU
As He and Gloria reaches the back of the crowd they see Kade and the crowd tying up hooded figures.
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXoPEKlbwrJ
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ95cN0L8C0s
“What’s their story?” Ronin asks
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡamYFI08rvg
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXFbcE0EZRg
“We found these guys inciting hate against you in the crowd. They are demon worshipers.” Kade says
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡroIwXRXvPE
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡD8hwyoBdAz
“This means that there is a chance the devil knows where we are, although I do not think he will do anything reckless as long as Ronin is here.” Warzheil says as he appears from the crowd.
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVnUcfBpJ6O
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKsCn3xVN9v
The crowd has also turned toward them.
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLmJEGvmbmb
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡV9wY2OwTjq
“There are too many eyes here. Lets go to the guild.” Kainia suggests.
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfIUqaPSBND
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsjiKIwpvGD
“Yeah, TOO many” Ronin repeats looking on the tree near them, there are figures on them only he can see. Warzheil glimpse at the trees and understands what he means.
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkUHoDFIdPS
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuWMuH7wkCB
“We have more guests then we can feed it seem.” Warzheil says as they drag the intruders toward the guild which is close to the practice ground.
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡI0hnhVpJxN
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP036Pqc265
“What was that ‘Hail’ about during the fight?” Warzheil asks as they walk to the guild.
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYBXJLU089h
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLH8Tz4ULQV
“Oh that? A way to gather my focus and strength.” Ronin avoids over explanation.
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUXdqV7P19V
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgQgoSsVzSa
“It almost felt like you were praising a god, people do that often for my father…did actually” Gloria says as a hint of sadness settles in her voice.
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOSzFNIn3Dy
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfIRzkNdBnb
“Didn’t Drax teach you history Gloria?” Warzheil asks “That’s a reference to an avatar of a primordial god. Om.” Warzheil says
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNltmy0Tk2M
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkXotqKcqY4
“Oh! You guys have lord Shiva here?” Ronin asks, reverence in his voice.
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡh7gerGPVhm
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjcYf3lsSAS
“So, you call him Shiva I assume. Yes we do. We have ranks of gods here. Primordial who came around when the cosmos formed, the ancients who were their next generation, elders who were around a few dozen hundred thousand years ago, Drax fought against them with Geolard. And now, the modern gods.” Warzheil explains
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWA6uz69WMo
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnZpqFE0WB3
“Shiva—as you call him is the king of the primordial if I remember correctly” Kainia says in a doubtful voice.
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzmTCcJTRPs
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaHlSK8Xb9y
“Why do you speak as if you are not from here?” Kade says
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDJ0SXf0b6x
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeXVYnWlcsG
“He isn’t he is from a corner region of the continent.” Warzheil says
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7orRRuUt5D
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡazE0rDnd6K
“What?!” Kainia, gloria and Kade yell in disbelief.
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd6YkgbDrgu
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGsMGTO3KyV
“Yeah, what he says.” Ronin covers up.
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyV6mK0KDWv
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn0PyK7bL3G
“No wonder you are so strong. I have heard from my father that from time divine beasts or monster would attack, and that people who live there are stronger than average people due to the harsh environment and worship the primordial.” Gloria explains
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt3S5eJMAZ4
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhundKiqp0I
“O-oh, its not so harsh, trust me.” Ronin says
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8bKP85CuNe
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIeSTEBw1lW
“But why hail an avatar which is not from globe but from Earth” Kainia asks
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQy4jnrdbSq
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHPYWH6jjJO
Ronin’s mind race.145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeqcY9a1kaj
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiDzYqOejN8
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwyPpyIjFiF
“W-who wouldn’t? have you heard his tales?” Ronin asks
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQK6GLxc8kX
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNqvhD8ymXu
“No, most history was destroyed or buried during the Holy war a few hundred thousand years ago.” Warzheil says
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9m4JefSHUv
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl7064xCyHh
“Well then, I will tell you his tales once I am back from the hunt.” Ronin says
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSiEsw1U2gN
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn4UbtnF0Rw
They reach the guild and throws the intruders on the floor.145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKjd6WeZ22h
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmpTI8qvRbB
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhsW8EVaJRW
This time the guild is not empty, there are a few new faces since last time Ronin and Gloria came through but there are the Reaver’s party there too.
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtiU9MFhoFl
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSAtRDHsIuw
“You have a hunt don’t you? A hunt can take a mere hours to almost a week, I suggest you depart. We will take care of these fools.” Kaina says with a wink
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWjYtMTPaLt
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6KhOqtTHNO
“The guild master is right, you should all go” Warzheil seconds her opinion
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpr4QrTt8Jq
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcogVYGEO92
“You heard the Elder. Lets get to work!” Gloria says.
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVIQFTedCWb
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1df14FvHEF
“Oh, and take this kiddo, your mask is broken made do with this for now…” Warzheil tosses a mask to cover gloria’s face except the eyes.
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqStKhTNF10
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡho0JrjdtPj
Gloria nods and turns as Ronin and others turn too, but he notices the Reaver party approach Warzheil and Kainia, making him suspicious. Ronin uses his left eye to look at them and surely the mage and others were cooking something.145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm4IHHABrFG
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBKlqdICQCT
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWJkc7qG4Bi
“Old man!” he yells out to Warzheil
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgFJyGi5yLg
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKjFb53RIOt
Warzheil looks at Ronin, who simply flicks his eyes between the party and him.
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU669SbjxGm
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcohC3kKNws
This sign is enough to alert him and soon the Guild building buzzes with electricity.145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAAkp5v9UgW
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXxSaYd5Pcl
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxUIRuTnGN5
“What?! how did they know?!” one of their party member scream!
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJiW9T2prp5
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIy5mTJzapX
“Catch them, they tried assassinating the Elder.” The voices of other adventurers echo.145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsF9qAQciZL
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDgd1XFHdRM
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrU3F6y1B3e
“What just happened?” a hunter asks
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXFYNR3AkCQ
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡocykuRi13D
“Spies aren’t uncommon in our town but this is just too many. And to think even a Rever party is one.” Gloria says
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn3saA8SQLU
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjyEknROL4O
“So you noticed?” Ronin asks
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB5qKzvb7mN
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1e5nBCXLJr
“Don’t forget I am a goddess too. It would be strange if I didn’t” She replies pridefully
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkgAIeNafM6
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlFctemEYtP
“We are already late because of you two, I have arranged horses for both of you.” Kade says
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1AJbpzrtTD
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOVl2XR5pjm
“uh… I thought I would sit with someone.” Ronin says adjusting his mask.
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8yW53r7vJ6
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMDLN7V8Ibq
“What? don’t tell me you don’t know how to ride a horse.” Kade says on which other hunters gasp and murmur
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPgKPfDeLt3
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqSe6doM3CY
“Unfortunately, I don’t” Ronin admits covering his mask in embarrassment.
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡW08fqTDVdu
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrplLViahML
Kade laughs in disbelief “How the hell did you come so far from the outer regions without a horse? It would take you years just to get here on barefoot.”
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡayiFJkdTHd
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡh9vabV9ml0
“I have my ways.” Ronin murmurs.
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsptEkXdzHv
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeaDmeMrOAE
“Ok, everyone, who would let our Martial Demon still with them?” Kade asks but everyone looks at each other’s face.
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm5i4GviZ1s
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4YbN46PFCp
“I—can.” Gloria suggests in a whisper
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt6FpsXpFfo
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡD8lUpUvfGH
“Ok it’s decided, he will sit with me” Kade beams “Just keep your left hand off my stead. She is a sensitive one.”
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzUmIbpIk6w
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg9SYvGUQEr
We arrive to the exit of the town where multiple horses are waiting, equipped with food and pair of clothes.
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQaBZrkhz1Z
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ7o9ikDAHq
“You do have another dress, right?” Kade asks
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ1WVTxXDgN
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcsiv7EWXdE
“No” Ronin admits flatly145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVoBOqMmaPg
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5vzdVSjLpL
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDjf7H53F6r
“We are in luck, just a few shops along this land is a shop, go get one, you may need it. You can hand me that….. what did you call that mace again?” Kade gestures at the Gada
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlHjeb6RvBY
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTjOcsX8Qo5
“It’s a Gada.” Ronin says as he hands the mace to Kade.145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ8yRs5vtND
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnTQdumnfQt
“Fine, a GADA” Kade admits but it falls on the ground as its too heavy for him to lift.
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8fJ6m509QD
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDbbgC7j9HR
“Shit, this thing is heavy even with my mana. How did a manaless like you lift it, let along swing it?” Kade says forcing himself to lift it, his muscles bunch together, but a sudden pop of his back make him leave the Gada as he grips his back instead. “M-my back!” he whispers in pains.145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKHJHirzlLk
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3kozLQZk8o
“Well then I will just take it with me.” Ronin picks the Gada and goes to the shop.
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQWANq5NWWo
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqdEnregSup
“This is a good chance.” Ronin thinks as he looks at the Gada for a moment, controlling his thoughts, and his symbol etches itself on the gada.
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIxcSktTdgb
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxUYiaamzxB
As he gets in the shop, he puts the Gada in his dimensional storage to avoid suspicion.
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaVLVFrpDlM
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVVBp7oJi2e
After he is done with the purchase, Ronin and the others depart.145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmekKgZhW6o
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyl5o0hXOwa
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq1szn2eKjF
“Where is the mace?” Gloria asks
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxrXqwMuyoE
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIRG4ubmevc
“Gada!” ronin corrects her
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUgClP8vyYf
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHTs3EwClTf
“Yeah the Ga~da.” She says looking up, fed up
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRGYTLcP6c2
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrZl7mE7702
“I left it somewhere.” Ronin says
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡimiCFR9Dwi
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO2WZKPQUtp
“What are you going to fight with then?” Kade asks
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTHxXDf1LyE
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb7LzgKJv60
“I have tricks of my own.” Ronin says on which Kade stops prying.
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXk0Vy5leNP
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpYmi2yfnO6
“Well, I am sure you can slay most monsters we will normally face with bare hands. As long as it is silver rank or below.” Kade suggests145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0hVmBdr0Ld
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡty449zPWuD
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtq80WHaRTJ
“Where are we going hunt leader?” Wyran the young hunter asks
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXHZKnETcJl
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn2Re7kXAQc
“Illumin Forest… deeper than before.” gloria states.
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCaMh6mXpFP
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKAByRnJU4e
“That place sucks!”
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgOJTfqkhRo
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKnTYMuXfND
“I hate the webs there.”
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPGxrStaj8F
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxpQjSOXHsx
“I have heard from some adventurers that an illusion tree is there not too deep.”
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvQqk4rPZzW
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbyDLz9nkt4
The hunters admit.
145Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbFcPNUB97X
