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.”
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“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.”
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“Why now? And why you? Isn’t there still time?” Ronin grumbled.
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“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.”
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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.
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Ignoring his complaints, She handed him the spear.115Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtibIDYxWrn
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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.
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His eyes widened as he recognized the runes on it—two major runes and one minor rune.
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“By the gods! Two major and one minor rune on a single weapon?” Gloria gasped, her voice tinged with awe.
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“Isn’t your sword like that?” Ronin asked nonchalantly.
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“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.
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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.”
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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.”
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“What did I even do to you?” Ronin asked as he walked past her toward the door.
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Gloria wrinkled her nose as he passed. “When was the last time you took a bath?”
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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.
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“You’re disgusting,” Gloria muttered as she followed him out of the room.115Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoaJPPrE5i7
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Ronin stores the spear in his left eye as he turn around the corner.
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“Wait, where is the spear i just gave you?” she asks
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“Stop annoying me with those questions first thing in the morning.” Ronin says as he descends the staircase.
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Below, Sil is setting the table. Kade is gawking at the table, half asleep. Dressed in light Armour.
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“Oh, Ronin, good morning.” Sil says
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“Good Morning……Grandma Sil.” Ronin says hesitantly115Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3wsVSBtMJz
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“Go get a bath. I will prepare veg meal in separate utensils for you and Gloria.” She says
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“Actually, I don’t have any clothes.” Ronin admits flatly.115Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgAgTmduIbk
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“Dude, there is a shop not to far from here, go get some clothes.” Kade says as he sips his herbal tea.
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“Oh, mind if I tag along?” Gloria asks
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“Who else do you think was going to guide me to the shop anyway?” Ronin says as he ventures out bare foot.
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“Hey! Atleast wear something on foot.” Gloria yells as she puts on her boots with hops to hurry up.
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After a few minutes. Ronin and Gloria return with ronin dressed in handbags instead of a new dress.
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“I didn’t expect you to bring the entire wardrobe in a single go.” Sil says with a gasp
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“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
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“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.115Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡscHM4s4PHA
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Kade and Sil stare at Gloria who refuse to meet their gaze.
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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.
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Now this was a royal bath.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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“Someone sure took his time.” Gloria says
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“How is it?” Ronin asked, spreading his arms with a flourish.
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“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.
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“I’ll take that as a compliment,” Ronin said, his lips quirking under the mask as a flush of pride warmed his chest.
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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.
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“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.
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“Dear ancients! Gloria Took off her mask?!” Sil yelped, her hands flying to her face as if she’d seen a ghost.
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“He saw it yesterday, Grandma,” Gloria replied, her voice soft but resolute.
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“It seems like the demon lord’s death cursed you with luck, Ronin.” Sil giggles as she preps the plates for Ronin
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“Maybe.” Ronin says
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“Ronin!” Suddenly Gloria yells, startling the adamant hitman
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“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
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“Role playing are we?” Ronin mocks115Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYoyy6w1Un9
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“I am not joking” she states simply
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He grinned, undeterred. “Fine, I will indulge you. Now, lets go.” He turns to leave.
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“Aren’t you forgetting something? Have some food first.” Sil insists.
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“Oh I for…got” Ronin turns and a wave of nostalgia hits him as Sil pressing a plate into his hands.
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He paused, a memory flashing—his mother handing him a tiffin as he raced to school, her smile soft in the morning light.
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The image hit him like a punch, and he turned back, sinking into a chair.
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He set his mask aside, revealing a face hardened by battles but softened now by the simple act of eating.
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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.115Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKhpfjD9KZu
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“Oh my, is the food that bad?” Sil asked, her face tightening with worry, her hands twisting together.
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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.
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“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.
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“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.
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“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.115Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAVKiToi1JB
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“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.115Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6bISMI7wZy
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Gloria and Ronin depart.115Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBARMG0HjJP
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As Ronin walks through the town, every eye looks at him115Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡocoZIEJJCB
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“It’s him” the villager whisper115Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXKvmp78NpU
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“It’s the demon traitor. Look at his arm, shouldn’t we Run for our lives.” Another yell115Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLo7HHpgUtp
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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.
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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.
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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…”
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Warzheil stops, seeing Ronin’s attention drawn to a massive gada made of adamantium.
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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.
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He hefted the weapon, feeling its familiar weight, and planted it in the ground with a thud that echoed across the field.
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“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?”
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Ronin smirked under his mask, hefting the gada effortlessly over his shoulder. “I’ve been playing with these since I was a kid.”
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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.
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“You’re mocking me by using--That?” Gloria called out, her voice edged with challenge.
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“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.”
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The referee’s signal cut through the tension. The match began.
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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.
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Instinctively, Ronin reached out with his left arm to grab her.
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“Lad!” Warzheil’s voice boomed from the sidelines, reminding Ronin of his dangerous ability.
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Fear flashed in Ronin’s eyes as he yanked his hand back, stumbling off-balance.
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Gloria seized the moment. Balancing on her hands, she launched both feet into Ronin’s face, sending him sprawling several meters back.
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The crowd erupted, their voices a wild chorus:
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“Take that, demon!”
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“Defeated Demon Lord, my ass! Looks like the Holy Kingdom’s stories are all exaggeration!”
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“That’s our Flame Queen!”
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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!”
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Ronin skidded back, nearly exiting the ring, the crowd roaring in disbelief.
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“Tch, what am I, some racehorse?” he muttered, composing himself.
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He steadied himself, but felt sluggish, his mind clouded. “What am I even doing?” he thought.
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“Don’t you dare look away from me!” Gloria shouted, rushing at him, her sword glowing with heat.
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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.
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Ronin’s healing kicked in as he Spun in air to gather momentum.
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Ronin roared which startled and confused everyone “Hail Bajarangbali!”
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The Gada glows in sunlight, a hum reverbs through the air.
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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.
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The crowd fell silent, awed by the destruction.
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“M-Monster! Why isn’t the Queen using her magic?”
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“I-I heard some people talking yesterday, that he stole an artifact from the Holy Kingdom.”
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“Slay the demon, Flame Queen!”
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“Kill him! Yeah, kill the demon filth!”
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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.
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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.
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“You ruined my new dress!” Ronin snapped, his wound already closing.
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The crowd roared in excitement. Warzheil looked at the crowd, his face grim. He could see the magical strands of manipulation at work.
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“You’re seriously trying to kill me, aren’t you?” Ronin said as his neck healed.
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“You promised not to hold back. You might just die if you don’t keep it,” Gloria warned, taking a fierce stance.
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“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.
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That’s a goddess for you, Ronin thought.
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“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.
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Ronin felt the air bend around Gloria as her frame shifted—sharper, more muscular, yet still graceful.
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“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.
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“H-How? She shouldn’t be able to use magic in my space to enhance her attacks!” Ronin thought, stabilizing himself with the gada.
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“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.
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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.”
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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“Not bad,” Ronin muttered, lips curling into a grin beneath his mask. “You’re faster than before.”
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Gloria’s reply was a low, confident growl. “And you’re slower than you think.”
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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?
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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.
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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.
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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.
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The crowd gasped, then fell utterly silent. Even the hooded agitators froze, their words dying in their throats.
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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.
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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.
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The crowd’s excitement turned to awe. Even the jeers of the hooded men faltered as Ronin’s mastery became undeniable.
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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.
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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.
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This is what true martial mastery looks like, she thought, anger and awe warring inside her.
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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.115Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4thnqFWGUl
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The gada destroyed upper half of Gloria’s mask. Revealing her beautiful blue eye with hint of red like blue flames with red flakes.
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But Ronin didn’t get distracted.115Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXCGYem96N7
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The Gada turned back, this time swinging downward.
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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.
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“This… is me being serious!” Ronin declared, his voice thunderous.
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Gloria’s eyes widened as she was driven to her knees, pummelled by the force of Ronin’s assault.
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The crowd’s cheers faltered, replaced by stunned silence as Ronin’s power became undeniable.
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“Damn it! How powerful is his artifact? Our magic won’t affect him at all!” one of the hooded agitators hissed.
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“Let’s get out!” another urged.
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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.
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“You aren’t going anywhere,” Kade said coldly.
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The hooded men turned again, only to be stopped by the guild master, Kainia, her presence sealing their fate.115Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiXG4DlN1tY
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Ronin stopped. Gloria finally caught a breathe with a gasp.115Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRBV3qt9koE
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“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.
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“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.
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“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.
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“Hey, What was that for?!” Ronin shouts.
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“I lose!” Gloria says to the referee.
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“That’s no reason to bitch slap someone!” Ronin yells.
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The crowd goes crazy in denial as Gloria accepts her defeat.
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“No! H-he cheated!”
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“Yeah, no way our queen would lose!”
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the crowd recoils.
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Ronin swings the Gada over his shoulder. Expectantly looking at the referee.
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“Due to unfair conduct. The Demon Traitor is disqualified. Winner: Gloria Flamepride!” he yells
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Gloria questions the decision in disbelief with her hands spread, questing the situation.
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“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
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“I-I can’t do anything against the crowd’s wishes Princess.” The referee says
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the crowd roars in celebration, Warzheil sneers at the men who bet with him saying its an unfair decision, leaving the crowd.
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Ronin looks away yanking his head back questioning the decision and the racism he is facing.
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“You should reconsider profession, my guy.” Ronin suggests to the referee As he shakes his head passing by him, almost pitying his judging skills.
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“Fine, tone it down already! I couldn’t care less about being the hunt leader anyway.” He shouts as he pushes through the crowd
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Gloria is about to speak something to Ronin, reaching out to him but then decides not to.
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As He and Gloria reaches the back of the crowd they see Kade and the crowd tying up hooded figures.
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“What’s their story?” Ronin asks
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“We found these guys inciting hate against you in the crowd. They are demon worshipers.” Kade says
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“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.
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The crowd has also turned toward them.
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“There are too many eyes here. Lets go to the guild.” Kainia suggests.
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“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.
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“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.
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“What was that ‘Hail’ about during the fight?” Warzheil asks as they walk to the guild.
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“Oh that? A way to gather my focus and strength.” Ronin avoids over explanation.
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“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.
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“Didn’t Drax teach you history Gloria?” Warzheil asks “That’s a reference to an avatar of a primordial god. Om.” Warzheil says
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“Oh! You guys have lord Shiva here?” Ronin asks, reverence in his voice.
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“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
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“Shiva—as you call him is the king of the primordial if I remember correctly” Kainia says in a doubtful voice.
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“Why do you speak as if you are not from here?” Kade says
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“He isn’t he is from a corner region of the continent.” Warzheil says
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“What?!” Kainia, gloria and Kade yell in disbelief.
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“Yeah, what he says.” Ronin covers up.
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“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
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“O-oh, its not so harsh, trust me.” Ronin says
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“But why hail an avatar which is not from globe but from Earth” Kainia asks
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Ronin’s mind race.115Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYlJZohaqDj
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“W-who wouldn’t? have you heard his tales?” Ronin asks
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“No, most history was destroyed or buried during the Holy war a few hundred thousand years ago.” Warzheil says
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“Well then, I will tell you his tales once I am back from the hunt.” Ronin says
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They reach the guild and throws the intruders on the floor.115Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlt2XLUdhtN
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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.
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“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
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“The guild master is right, you should all go” Warzheil seconds her opinion
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“You heard the Elder. Lets get to work!” Gloria says.
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“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.
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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.115Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡANBEwAhLle
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“Old man!” he yells out to Warzheil
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Warzheil looks at Ronin, who simply flicks his eyes between the party and him.
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This sign is enough to alert him and soon the Guild building buzzes with electricity.115Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4szhhxe555
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“What?! how did they know?!” one of their party member scream!
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“Catch them, they tried assassinating the Elder.” The voices of other adventurers echo.115Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAgXN4gxba3
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“What just happened?” a hunter asks
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“Spies aren’t uncommon in our town but this is just too many. And to think even a Rever party is one.” Gloria says
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“So you noticed?” Ronin asks
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“Don’t forget I am a goddess too. It would be strange if I didn’t” She replies pridefully
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“We are already late because of you two, I have arranged horses for both of you.” Kade says
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“uh… I thought I would sit with someone.” Ronin says adjusting his mask.
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“What? don’t tell me you don’t know how to ride a horse.” Kade says on which other hunters gasp and murmur
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“Unfortunately, I don’t” Ronin admits covering his mask in embarrassment.
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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.”
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“I have my ways.” Ronin murmurs.
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“Ok, everyone, who would let our Martial Demon still with them?” Kade asks but everyone looks at each other’s face.
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“I—can.” Gloria suggests in a whisper
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“Ok it’s decided, he will sit with me” Kade beams “Just keep your left hand off my stead. She is a sensitive one.”
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We arrive to the exit of the town where multiple horses are waiting, equipped with food and pair of clothes.
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“You do have another dress, right?” Kade asks
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“No” Ronin admits flatly115Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeYl40XbGQw
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“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
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“It’s a Gada.” Ronin says as he hands the mace to Kade.115Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUmRR5hyDx6
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“Fine, a GADA” Kade admits but it falls on the ground as its too heavy for him to lift.
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“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.115Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYuOCN5zdPd
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“Well then I will just take it with me.” Ronin picks the Gada and goes to the shop.
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“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.
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As he gets in the shop, he puts the Gada in his dimensional storage to avoid suspicion.
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After he is done with the purchase, Ronin and the others depart.115Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg6uC32Mc35
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“Where is the mace?” Gloria asks
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“Gada!” ronin corrects her
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“Yeah the Ga~da.” She says looking up, fed up
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“I left it somewhere.” Ronin says
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“What are you going to fight with then?” Kade asks
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“I have tricks of my own.” Ronin says on which Kade stops prying.
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“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 suggests115Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6qsdl8x4KV
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“Where are we going hunt leader?” Wyran the young hunter asks
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“Illumin Forest… deeper than before.” gloria states.
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“That place sucks!”
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“I hate the webs there.”
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“I have heard from some adventurers that an illusion tree is there not too deep.”
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The hunters admit.
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