Rising Of The Blind Swordsman

Lupus, the Lycan Beast General

After the sudden disappearance of Archon and Lady Zina, an ethereal blur materialized in their wake, revealing a towering figure. This colossal being stood with an imposing presence, covered from head to toe in a dark brown fur that resembled that of a wolf. His countenance exuded a raw intensity, his muscular frame resembling that of a human while unmistakably displaying lupine attributes. Wolf-like ears adorned his head, a long tail swayed behind him, and his fingers were tipped with razor-sharp claws. This formidable creature was Lupus, one of the legendary Beast Generals of the Lycan Beast Clan.

The dissatisfaction emanated from Lupus in the form of a guttural growl, akin to the primal snarl of a beast. His crimson eyes scanned the aftermath, the lifeless bodies of the fallen Direwolves strewn across the battleground. Lupus was displeased that his intended prey had managed to escape his clutches. However, his discerning gaze honed in on a particular carcass—a shriveled wolf corpse, that looks to have been desiccated by time and the battle that had transpired. Lupus approached the lifeless form, his massive hand gingerly touching its remnants. He studied it intently, his sharp mind processing the subtleties of the fallen creature. Once satisfied with his examination, Lupus stood upright, summoning one of his loyal guards.

"Criyon, observe the boy and report back to me," Lupus commanded in a commanding growl.

"Yes," a young woman emerged from the shadows, her features akin to those of Lupus—a graceful and lithe form intertwined with lupine characteristics. Adorned in partial armor, she disappeared into the shadows with a speed that matched Lupus's command, her mission to locate Archon and deliver an account of his whereabouts and actions.

In a blur of motion, Lupus vanished from the scene, leaving behind only a lingering aura of power and dominance.

Meanwhile, Lady Zina had taken Archon under her wing, leading him to her abode within the confines of the village. As the night waned and the first tendrils of dawn began to pierce the sky, Lady Zina deemed it necessary to report the recent events to the grandmaster. In the morning, she intended to bring Archon before the venerable leader of Tikara Village. In the comfort of the guest room, Archon attempted to find solace in sleep. However, his mind remained restless, plagued by memories of the preceding night's battle—the arduous struggle against the Rank 2 Direwolf, Lady Zina's awe-inspiring confrontation with the Alpha Direwolf. The realization of his own vulnerability gnawed at his consciousness, acknowledging that had it not been for a stroke of fortune, his life would have met a premature end.

In the midst of contemplation, Archon recollected a peculiar phenomenon that had occurred while he endeavored to replenish his depleted ki. During his meditation, Archon noticed a significant change—the rapid gathering of his ki flame, surpassing his previous experiences. In a matter of seconds, it reclaimed its original size and density, continuing to grow and compress. Its translucent, white hue underwent a transformative shift, acquiring a refined, milky complexion. But it was not just the ki flame that had undergone a transformation—a secondary flame emerged, a diminutive red flicker, dwarfed by the majesty of his ki flame. Its size, no larger than an infant's thumb, piqued Archon's curiosity, yet his attempts to manipulate it like his ki proved fruitless. Uncertain of its purpose, Archon decided to observe this enigmatic flame, patiently awaiting its unveiling. For now, he took solace in his breakthrough with his ki, realizing that his flame now was on par with Lady Zina's core, which she had diligently cultivated long before him. It served as a testament to his progress, fueling his determination to continue his training and surpass even greater heights. With a resolute mind, Archon whispered to himself, "This is merely the first step. I will return and conquer you, Blades."

Morning arrived swiftly, rousing Archon from his restless slumber. The village of Tikara, shrouded in mystery and fabled among common folk, now unveiled itself before his unseen eyes. The whispers of its legendary status echoed through the streets, a place rumored to harbor a formidable expert, rivaling the world's rulers. It was also said to be a sanctuary for skilled assassins, bounty hunters and mercenaries, a realm where entire clans had vanished for having incurred the wrath of this enigmatic figure. Though the common people regarded Tikara Village as a myth, its existence remained unquestioned, for none dared to recklessly venture into the treacherous depths of the lycan forest that surrounded it.

Standing by the window, Archon took in the bustling scene outside, though he could not physically perceive it. He sensed numerous potent auras permeating the air, one in particular catching his attention—a presence that he suspected might belong to the grandmaster Lady Zina had mentioned. Eager to meet this revered figure, Archon's anticipation grew, and yet, he couldn't help but wonder about Lady Zina's whereabouts.

A few weeks had elapsed since Archon's arrival in Tikara Village, and he had patiently awaited Lady Zina's return. On the morning that she was supposed to accompany him to meet the grandmaster, she had not shown up as planned, prompting a sliver of concern to creep into his thoughts. He had begun to place his trust in her, appreciating their growing camaraderie. Just as his mind began to dwell on the uncertainty, a gentle knock resonated from the entrance, drawing his attention.

Opening the door, Archon was greeted by an unfamiliar face—a young girl of around nineteen years old, her demeanor somewhat timid yet earnest.

"Good day to you, Sir Archon," she greeted with a shy smile. "My name is Olivia. Big Sis Zina asked me to escort you to the grandmaster's manor."

Inviting Olivia inside, Archon inquired,

"Is Lady Zina your sister? I can't discern any resemblance."

Olivia's laughter filled the room, a melodious sound that rang with amusement. "Oh, no, not at all. It's quite amusing that you would think that way. Lady Zina and I may not be related by blood, but here in Tikara Village, everyone is considered family."

They sat together, engaging in a pleasant conversation that shed light on the unique dynamics between Lady Zina and Olivia. Despite their contrasting personalities—Lady Zina's fiery spirit contrasting with Olivia's calm demeanor—Archon found solace in learning about their shared history and the village's way of life.

Refreshed after a soothing bath and donning the garments provided by Olivia, Archon eagerly followed her lead, setting off on their journey to meet the grandmaster.

The streets of Tikara Village buzzed with activity, each passerby emanating an air of martial prowess and determination. Archon, guided by Olivia, navigated through the bustling crowd, his heightened senses attuned to the diverse energies that intermingled in this hallowed place. As they approached the grandmaster's manor, a sense of reverence washed over Archon, his anticipation reaching its peak.