In a clearing one afternoon, a woman was brandishing a sword. Her hair, a blend of black and gold and tied back short, was distinctive. Each swing of her sword cleaved the air, a clear sound slicing through the quiet. Then, amidst the ringing of steel, a set of footsteps echoed.
Wow, practicing every day like this. Is this why you made it to master?
At the sa ti, a portly man with a greasy laugh erged. Even with his appearance, the woman continued her silent sword dance. The man settled himself on a bench provided at the training ground without much care.
Or are you swinging your sword to forget being defeated by Nakcheon?
The womans swordplay halted abruptly at those words. She was Lakradiyon, known as the Light of Demonic Bastion, and the only person to have reached the threshold of master level there. Drops of sweat poured off her like rain as her eyes slowly shifted towards the man with obvious displeasure. Seeing her look, the man simply smirked.
Dont glare at with those pretty eyes like that. Its thrilling.
Derrick, did you co here to pick a fight? I thought the place you were hit last ti for running your mouth hadnt healed yet.
No, I ca because I heard a story thatll make our Lakradiyons heart race. Or maybe youve already heard it.
The man, Derrick, rummaged through his pocket and with a flick, sent a paper airplane gliding towards Lakradiyon. She caught it and unfolded the paper, quickly realizing it was an announcent.
Balheims direct heir is challenging Nakcheon. Hes gathering people to join him.
And whats that to ?
It ans Nakcheon might fall before you get another chance to challenge him.
Lakradiyons brows twitched. She tore the paper and tossed it to the floor.
It has nothing to do with .
Derrick sighed deeply.
Lak, I know how you felt the day you were broken by Nakcheon. Hes a disaster, a monster. And youve been swinging your sword alone, trying to overco that monster.
He rose from his seat, continuing.
But how long will you remain bound by Nakcheon? Its stubbornness, obsession. You could be exploring a bigger world.
Derrick was once her comrade, pained by the thought of her being tied down by the tragedy nad Nakcheon.
Think about it this ti. Seeing Nakcheon being defeated might change your mind.
With that, Derrick left. Lakradiyons gaze lingered on the torn announcent.
Nakcheon defeated?
She scoffed inwardly. Derricks words were unlikely to co to fruition. Nakcheon was a true ghost, beyond re skill. Just as she couldnt overco him with her swordsmanship, Balheim would likely face the sa outco, she thought.
I just got distracted from training.
With a frustrating thought, she resud her training, which continued well into the evening. Wiping the sweat from her forehead, her stomach growleda sign that it was ti for a late al. She went to her usual room for a quick wash before heading to her favored eatery.
Pff, that kid sitting there with his steward, looking all cluelesspriceless.
Nakcheons defeat, it wont be by so newcor, but by our Pendalord. Balheim, strutting around like they own the place. Right, boss?
Obviously.
As she heard the raucous voices inside the tavern, Lakradiyons eyebrows furrowed.
Ca for a late dinner and there are already guests.
After all, this was the best place for food near Demonic Bastion. It wasnt unusual for others to be there, but these were mbers of a group she wasnt on good terms with.
The group centered around Pendal, an expert of the highest caliber, called Pendalord. His ego was evident from the team nad after him. And indeed, he reigned like a king within Demonic Bastion.
Huh?
When Lakradiyon entered, Pendals eyes turned towards her. His grey hair paired with a wolf tattoo, the symbol of Pendalord, peeked out from under his shirt. His face flushed from drink, a sign hed been indulging.
Well look who it is, Lady Lakradiyon. Training again today?
Ignoring him, she proceeded to her usual spot. Pendal, undeterred by her cold shoulder, stood up with a sly grin.
Dont be so frosty. Lets talk, forr comrade.
Holding a bottle, Pendal sidled up to her table, unconcerned by her disregard.
Youve heard, havent you? Balheims direct heir himself has taken up the challenge against Nakcheon. Even you, the Light of Demonic Bastion, hasnt dared challenge Nakcheon yet.
And the heir is just a kid, not even fully grown. Struts around without even knowing who rules Demonic Bastion.
The Pendalord crew hastily took action, warning others not to respond to Balheims recruitnt call. They had acted on their own, but Pendal didnt stop them; he, too, was displeased with Balheim, flaunting their presence in Demonic Bastion.
The owner of Demonic Bastion?
At last, Lakradiyon spoke, turning a cold gaze towards Pendal as he prattled on. The intensity in her eyes made even Pendal hesitate.
Where is this so-called owner? You were there that day, Pendal. You faced Nakcheon with . And yet you still hold yourself up as great for just being from the 8th floor?
Lakradiyon, at the threshold of master level and now thirty, knew the harsh truth. In this vast world of billions, there were less than four digits worth of masters. More than half of them were stuck at the entry level of mastery. The wall between the highest rank of experts and master level was high, and the path from entry to interdiate was even steeper.
And there was Pendal, still at the peak of expert. He could barely hold a candle to her due to a few unique conditions, yet he struggled to enter masterhood.
How are we any different from that day?
Pendals question closed Lakradiyons mouth. While he had given up progressing and spent the last five years as if he owned Demonic Bastion, creating the Pendalord crew, Lakradiyon had never put her sword down, continuing to train beyond the age of marriage.
Still, despite her daily swordsmanship, she remained just at the entry level of mastery. Pendal, too, had not advanced beyond the expert level he had been that day.
So, no matter what we do, we end up in the sa loathso reality, dont we?
Lakradiyon looked down. Even though others might revere the realm of masters, those who had reached it knew the truth. Ascending beyond that was the realm of true geniuses.
Lakradiyon was stuck before that wall.
Co to your senses, Lak. No matter our efforts, were trapped in Demonic Bastion forever. Well never escape this place.
Pendal said, picking up his bottle again.
Even so.
Lakradiyon opened her mouth once more.
I will continue to swing my sword.
Pendal shrugged with a resigned look.
Ah, suit yourself then.
Thinking it a waste of energy, he turned back to rejoin his crew and continue drinking. But as he returned to his seat, he noticed an unusual silence. Puzzled, he then saw soone in the seat hed recently vacated.
Finished with your chit-chat?
You.
Recognizing the newcor, Pendals realization dawned. The dark hair and blue eyes were unmistakable.
Kraush Balheim.
The very Balheim heir whod co to Demonic Bastion. Pendals brow furrowed at the confidence and the gaze that seed to know everything.
This brat, he knows Ive been interfering.
Pendal approached Kraush with swagger. Though still growing, Kraush stood nearly as tall as Pendal, who tried to use his height to intimidate.
What brings Mr. Balheim here?
Hearing the ntion of Balheim, Lakradiyon turned to look as well. But Kraush calmly rose from his chair.
Im usually quite generous.
His sudden comnt hung in the air.
But I have no rcy for those who interfere with .
Ha, so are you suggesting we duel?
Pendal scoffed, seeing before him just a kid whod barely stepped into the highest rank of expert. Kraush was undoubtedly a prodigy, especially for his age.
Well, of course. Hes Balheims direct heir.
But to Pendal, that also ant Kraush was still beneath him. The difference between soone new to the top rank of experts and one who had gathered experience there was clear. Pendal stood right before the wall of mastery; the gap between him and Kraush was evident.
Top-ranked experts arent common. Even the Balheim Knights would consider you employable.
Even under Pendals threat, Kraushs tone remained even.
Pendal looked puzzled by his words, then Kraush allowed a smile.
So, Pendal, Id like to hire you for the Balheim Knights.
Pendal paused.
The Balheim Knights.
Being king in Demonic Bastion was one thing, but being inside the ranks of Balheim was a whole different story. Here, you could never escape being a back-alley thug. Pendal knew all too well the disdain from knights of lesser stature, their families prestige preventing him from retaliating.
But within Balheim?
Those sa knights would look up to him. A flash of greed crossed his eyes; hed accumulated enough power and wealth in Demonic Bastion. What he sought now was recognition.
Is that for real?
Sure, bring all these guys along too.
The prospect of having his entire Pendalord crew hired caused Pendal to swallow hard, greed evident in his gaze. Kraush smiled slowly.
The na Balheim Dog Troupe would suit you. Just like dogs, good at barking.
Pendal stiffened at the words as indignation flared across his face.
Are you mocking ?
Kraushs face lost all traces of amusent as he turned to Pendal. The disdain for soone who boasted of being king in Demonic Bastion but showed true colors when faced with Balheims offer was repulsive.
Yeah, I am mocking you, you fool.
After all, provocation was his specialty.
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