Chapter 52 - The Treasure II The four began their sword clash, Kara taking the offensive while Darius focused on defending himself. Suddenly, he sidestepped, causing Kara's sword to strike the ground instead.In a calculated move, he jabbed her nose with his knee, sending her crashing to the ground."Kara!" Mira called, trying to fend off Liam to help her friend, but Liam wasn't giving her any breathing space."Are you giving up so soon?" he asked with a cruel smirk."You'll regret making me bleed," she said, wiping the blood trickling from her nose as she sprang to her feet.Darius kicked Kara's sword back to her, which she caught. Almost immediately, he launched at her with incredible speed.Barely dodging his attack, she flipped to his front, blocking his dagger with her sword without even turning to face him."You must be really bold... Take this!" he shouted, leaping into the air. A dark wave formed on his blade as he slashed it down. Kara blocked it with her sword, but the forc
Chapter 53: Red King Dire The Valley of Shadows stretched out before Red King Dire, an eerie expanse filled with whispers of ancient magic and lurking dangers. The air was thick with a palpable sense of foreboding, and the darkened landscape was shrouded in a mist that clung to the ground like a living entity. His task was clear: retrieve the Ancient Treasure, an amulet of immense power, and return it to Lord Kael, the one true master he served.Red King Dire's imposing figure moved through the valley with purpose, his crimson eyes scanning the environment for any sign of the treasure. He walked with a confidence born of countless battles, his every step deliberate and powerful. As he ventured deeper into the valley, the oppressive silence was broken by the distant howls of creatures unknown, a reminder that the valley was very much alive and aware of his presence. He was a curse, after all, his presence dominating the whole area, causing every other creature to be alert. Despite be
Chapter 54: Dogo Dogour in the Midst of Enemies Alric Balmoral, Borin Akaza, Thalia, and Dogo Dougor could be seen walking along the bushy path of the Valley of Shadows."Are you sure we are still on the right track?" Dogo asked his troops, and they nodded."According to the map... This way leads to the cave," Alric answered."How sure are you that the Golden Ticket is in the cave?" Borin asked, causing Alric to sigh."My sixth sense alerted me... Or where do you think the Golden Ticket could be?" Alric replied.They were taking a straight line with Dogo in the front while Thalia was in the back. Their swords were in their grip, ready for any surprise attack."So, the map and your sixth sense are corresponding?""Exactly, Thalia... My intuition never fails me," Alric boasted as they walked carefully past a horde of stones spread around the vicinity."That's the cave over there," Dogo alerted the others, and they increased their steps. Borin scratched his sword on one of the stones, g
Chapter 55 - The Duel The cave was dimly lit by the torches they carried, casting eerie shadows on the rough, uneven walls. The air was thick with tension as Dogo, Eldric, and Gareth faced each other, swords drawn. The stakes were high, and all three knew that only one would leave the cave victorious."Bring it on," Eldric muttered, charging at Dogo with all his might. Dogo knew he was up against a formidable opponent. Eldric Giyu, the heir to the House Giyuson, was in the same rank as him. They both leveled up to Rank B Swordsmanship at the same time.Dogo took a deep breath, focusing on Eldric's movements. As Eldric swung his sword in a wide arc aimed at Dogo's head, Dogo sidestepped, narrowly avoiding the strike. He countered with a swift slash aimed at Eldric's midsection, but Eldric parried the blow with his sword."Nice move, Dogo," Eldric complimented as he moved back.Gareth took advantage of Dogo’s focus on Eldric and moved in from the side, aiming a precise thrust at Dogo’
Chapter 56 - The Nexus Mage Eldric and Gareth exchanged a quick glance, a silent agreement passing between them. They both attacked Dogo in unison, their swords moving in perfect synchronization. Dogo gritted his teeth, bracing himself for the onslaught."Enough!" Dogo roared, gathering all his energy for a final strike. "Blade of the eternal sky, strike true and end this battle. Sky Cleaver!" His sword glowed with a brilliant blue light as he swung it with all his might. The energy from the attack created a shockwave that rippled through the cave, forcing Eldric and Gareth back.Eldric and Gareth were sent crashing into the cave walls, their swords clattering to the ground.Dogo stood in the center of the cave, breathing heavily, his sword still glowing with residual energy. "I told you," he said between breaths, "the House Dougor never trained a coward.""Hahaha...""Why are you laughing when it's clear you've been defeated?" Dogo asked, surprised, as Gareth struggled to get on his
Chapter 57: Conspiracy among The High Council ***The Armed Nation of Dwargon***Instructor Valerie and the members of the High Council gathered before the Valley of the Shadows, waiting impatiently for the outcome of the events. The news about the death of a member had reached their ears, and as they gathered among themselves, the life stone of another member shattered."What is happening? Is the Golden Ticket in a dangerous place?" asked Sir Dwarki, fearing for his niece, Thalie.Fortunately, the life stones that broke belonged to Darius and Liam Firebrand. Sir Giyu started panicking, his heart racing, but Sir Geld signaled him to stay calm.Rustling in the bushes diverted their attention. Two figures emerged from the dense forest, heading toward the High Council members. Sir Giyu's eyes widened immediately—Mira and Kara were the figures. He had ordered Darius to execute Mira, but now Mira stood alive, while Darius's life stone had shattered, indicating his death."Do you have the G
Chapter 58: Conspiracy among The High Council II It turned out to be Kael, carrying the unconscious Dogo Dougor of the Armed Nation of Dwargon on his shoulder. The Golden Ticket was with Dogo, proving that he was the winner of the competition. Kael dropped Dogo on the ground and gazed directly at Sir Geld, a smirk curling on his lips. He released more of his magical essence, forcing the middle-aged men to their knees. His aura was overwhelming. Even the instructor was shocked but kept her cool. She never imagined a Nexus Mage would be in the Armed Nation of Dwargon. Such a talented kid, she couldn't let him slip through her fingers. "Dogo Dougor of the Armed Nation of Dwargon and Kael Stoneforge of the Armed Nation of Dwargon," she called out, and Kael directed his attention toward her. "Welcome to the Nevermore Academy," she said, and vanished from their presence. "Wow, I also got admitted," Kael exclaimed loudly, raising his arms into the air. --- ***Three Days Later
Chapter 59: Nevermore Academy The carriage came to a halt in front of a massive black gate, and Dogo hopped out almost immediately."Are we there?" came a voice from within the carriage. Dogo shook his head."Nay, we are not yet arrived. I merely wished to take a stroll," Dogo replied as he advanced toward the gigantic black gate. He wondered why the carriage had not conveyed them inside the school's compound.Dogo stood tall and lean, with an athletic build. His dark hair was messy and unkempt, and his piercing green eyes gleamed with a sense of adventure and curiosity. He wore a long, black coat with silver trim, adorned with intricate embroidery hinting at his magical prowess. The coat covered a white shirt with billowy sleeves, and his dark trousers were tucked into knee-high leather boots that had a subtle sheen.A mere glance would suffice to recognize him as a noble—after all, he was the son of the High Chancellor of the Armed Nation of Dwargon."Knave, you have deceived me!"