Rising Of The Blind Swordsman

Clash

Lady Zina escorted Archon back to her house, their journey shrouded in silence. Each avoided discussing the recent events. Lady Zina felt a twinge of guilt, while Archon focused his attention on his growing ki flame. Both flames had intensified, but their true nature remained a mystery to him for the time being.

"Archon, can we have a moment to talk?" Lady Zina finally broke the silence.

"Of course, Lady Zina," Archon replied, his tone calm and composed.

Lady Zina bowed slightly and offered her sincere apologies to Archon regarding the incident with the Grandmaster.

"I apologize for what happened with my grandfather. It was my fault. Are you hurt anywhere? I take full responsibility for it," she expressed her genuine concern for Archon's well-being.

Archon smiled warmly, appreciating Lady Zina's genuine care. "Don't worry about me. In fact, I should be thanking you," he assured her, his words carrying a hidden meaning only he understood.

Lady Zina couldn't help but feel perplexed. Who offers thanks after being mistreated? She found Archon's response puzzling but chose not to dwell on it.

Arriving at Lady Zina's house without incident, they rested briefly before Lady Zina checked on Archon to ensure he was truly unharmed.

Later in the day, Lady Zina received a job offer from another region to deal with a rampaging beast horde. As Archon's official mentor, it was only natural for him to accompany her. Once he learned the ropes and passed the guild's test, he would be able to undertake jobs on his own.

Their destination was Beron, a city nestled in the mountains, far from Tikara Village. Located in the Magical region of Mages, Beron City faced an annual challenge of fending off hordes of giant horned boars that wreaked havoc as they passed through. Normally, the city guards and warriors could manage to minimize the damage and loss of life. However, this year's horde was more frequent, larger, and comprised of stronger beasts—an unprecedented threat that surpassed the abilities of Beron City's locals. Desperate for assistance, they sent out a call for help, promising suitable rewards for those who came to their aid.

As soon as Lady Zina and Archon accepted the guild's request, they wasted no time in preparing for their journey to Beron City. Thanks to a teleportation scroll included with the job request, their swift arrival was made possible.

Archon carefully observed Beron City upon their arrival. Unlike Tikara Village, it boasted a more developed and modern appearance, but the majority of the city lay in ruins, likely a result of the relentless beast hordes. The streets were devoid of life, save for a handful of individuals, local guards, and the mayor, who came forward to greet them.

"Welcome, mercenaries, to Beron City," the mayor greeted them with a somber tone. "I am the mayor of Beron. You must have heard of our dire situation. This year's beast horde has far exceeded anything we've faced before. We have suffered significant property damage and lost many brave guards."

Impatient to get to the point, Lady Zina interrupted the mayor, as they had already been briefed on the situation in Tikara Village. She didn't want to waste time on redundant lectures when it could be better spent on preparations.

"How long until the next horde arrives? I don't have time to waste," Lady Zina's directness left no room for pleasantries.

"Show some respect, Lady," a burly guard stepped forward, attempting to intimidate Lady Zina.

Unfazed by the guard's posturing, Lady Zina maintained her composure and focused solely on the mayor, awaiting his response. The guard's attempt to provoke her went unnoticed, and she had no intention of engaging in a pointless altercation.

The guard, visibly angered by Lady Zina's dismissive attitude, launched an attack towards her, attempting to strike her with his fist. However, before he could even move an inch, Archon swiftly drew his blade and positioned it at the guard's neck, drawing a droplet of blood.

Archon's reaction speed astounded not only Lady Zina but also himself. He couldn't comprehend how he had moved so quickly, but he knew that his heightened senses, combined with the small red flame within him, had somehow allowed him to anticipate the guard's actions. It was an instinctive response, protecting Lady Zina from harm.

"I advise against any further provocations," Archon warned, his voice laced with a hint of danger.

Feeling the imminent threat, the guard instinctively stepped back, realizing the gravity of the situation. The mayor and his guards stood in stunned silence, unsure of how to react. They were well aware of Archon and Lady Zina's indispensability in their current predicament and had no choice but to suppress their wounded pride.

Attempting to diffuse the tension, the mayor intervened, addressing both parties. "Let us all remain calm. We did not invite you here to engage in hostilities amongst ourselves."

Lady Zina, uninterested in further confrontation, turned her attention to Archon. "Archon, let's move. The next horde has already arrived," she stated firmly, striding away from the scene.

Archon resheathed his sword, following closely behind Lady Zina. He was still grappling with the astonishing display of his own abilities, uncertain of the extent. Prior to the altercation, his second flame—the small red flame within him—had reacted, allowing him to anticipate the guard's movements. The enigma surrounding these flames deepened.

Meanwhile, the mayor and his guards remained speechless, their pride wounded but their need for assistance overriding any personal grievances. They quickly dispatched a messenger to alert the other groups, instructing them to prepare for intercepting the incoming horde.

On a rooftop overlooking the city, a man stood, observing the unfolding events with a mix of amusement and anticipation. A sly smile crept across his face as he prepared to make his presence known.

"Well, well, what a surprise to see you here, little brother," he remarked, his voice tinged with amusement, before gracefully leaping down from the building.

With the approaching horde now visible, consisting of around three hundred large horned boars, Lady Zina and Archon readied themselves for battle. Fifty adventurers, along with fifty of Beron City's finest guards, stood by their side, prepared to face the imminent threat.

An adventurer among the group couldn't help but voice his observation. "Those are rank one horned boars," he noted, surprised by their presence. The horde was expected to consist of rank two beasts, making the situation unexpectedly easier.

Acknowledging the adventurer's remark, a voice emerged from behind them, injecting a hint of mystery into the air. "Indeed, they are rank one beasts. It makes our job a little simpler. If any of you wish to leave, now is your chance."

All eyes turned towards the source of the voice, revealing the man who had been observing from the rooftop earlier. Walking with an air of confidence, he positioned himself at the forefront of the army, unsheathing his sword and directing a smile towards Archon.

Archon recognized him instantly—his immediate elder brother, Zeld. Though blind, Archon had sensed his presence earlier, but he hadn't been entirely certain until now.

"I don't know who you are," Archon replied to Zeld, his voice laced with restrained anger. He struggled to maintain his composure, not allowing his emotions to overpower him.

Zeld chuckled, a self-assured grin on his face. "Come now, little brother. Don't be like that. You may be blind, but surely you haven't forgotten my voice, have you? Or perhaps I should remind you?"

Lady Zina, sensing the provocation, swiftly intervened, stepping between the two brothers. She was well aware of Zeld's intentions and refused to let him rile up Archon, knowing it would only hinder his performance in battle.

"My student has made it clear that he doesn't know you. I suggest you leave before I lose my patience," Lady Zina firmly declared, her voice filled with a sense of authority.

A collective gasp rippled through the crowd, the onlookers aware of Zeld's formidable reputation as a Blade and the powerful connections he possessed. To openly challenge him was a daring move that could carry dire consequences.

Zeld's eyes narrowed, his expression momentarily clouded with a flicker of annoyance. However, he quickly regained his composure, a dangerous glint in his eyes. "Very well, we shall chat later, little brother. After we've successfully intercepted the beast. Don't die, I know you are a weakling" he taunted, his words filled with a mixture of mockery and underlying threat.

The tension in the air grew palpable as the impending battle loomed. Lady Zina and Archon remained focused, ready to face the horde of horned boars that thundered towards them. With the support of the adventurers and Beron City's guards, they prepared to protect the city and its inhabitants from the relentless onslaught.

The clash between the beast horde and the defenders of Beron City was about to unfold—. As the first wave of rank one horned boars charged forward, Lady Zina, Archon and the mercenaries and guards steeled themselves, determined to face head-on.