The narrative follows Damian Haxon, a young man who, after a devastating battle against the Arch Lich Dorgos, is seemingly granted a second chance at life, returning to the past to rectify his past mistakes and protect his family.
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The story began with a painful,
desperate scream from someone whose face
was stained with blood and whose eyes
clearly reflected horror and panic. This
was followed by an attack from
ferocious, terrifying creatures with
blazing red eyes, advancing quickly and
with a threatening, fearsome force. As
these monstrous beings surged forward,
civilians fled in every direction,
screaming in panic and chaos with fear
overwhelming the entire area. Suddenly,
a massive explosion occurred in the
middle of the battlefield, scattering
the crowds and knocking some people down
from its intensity, causing visible
turmoil across the battleground. After
that, a powerful warrior appeared, his
red eyes blazing with strength and rage,
launching a crushing assault with his
sword, trying to fend off the creatures
and push back the attack. The warrior
continued to fight fiercely, striking
with his weapon and creating massive
bursts of energy, driving the monsters
back with tremendous force. Another
intense and powerful explosion occurred,
confirming the ferocity of the battle
and escalating its intensity. Yet
another powerful explosion caused a
mighty beam of light to crash down to
the earth, creating a tremendous impact
on the land and its surroundings. After
these events, the brave warrior stood
firmly holding his sword, which radiated
a mysterious and powerful energy known
as Eos, the strongest sword in the
Empire. Then appeared a terrifying foe,
Death Knight, a dark creature clad in
majestic black armor and with a fearsome
presence. The Death Knight was struck by
a direct attack, resulting in his mask
being shattered. The Death Knight
appeared visibly injured, kneeling and
exhausted, but his red eyes still
gleamed with rage and determination
despite the wounds. In a moment of shock
and astonishment, the death knight's
eyes widened as he saw something utterly
shocking. The overall scene then looked
like a battle that had come to an end
with flames engulfing everything and the
death knight panting heavily as he
observed the destruction around him.
Afterward, a horrifying enemy appeared,
clapping with pleasure, showing delight
in his success at destroying the cursed
empire. This creature continued
celebrating the devastation, declaring
that revenge becomes sweeter the longer
it is awaited. The terrifying being
stood proudly and announced that he had
finally fulfilled a promise made a
thousand years ago, expressing immense
joy at achieving this vengeance.
Finally, the true identity of the
fearsome creature was revealed, Arch
Lich Dorgos, with a horrifying skeletal
form and blazing red eyes. He was
confronted by Emperor Hadad, who shouted
at him in fury for killing his people.
Dorgos responded mockingly with a smile,
considering the emperor's harsh words, a
lovely curse. Dorgos sarcastically told
him that he was done speaking and that
it was time for his coronation ceremony.
But Emperor Harad responded by saying it
was impossible for someone like him to
be crowned king. Dorgos proudly declared
that he had united the continent for the
first time in history, claiming that he
deserved the title of the new emperor.
The former emperor appeared utterly
defeated and exhausted, falling to his
knees in clear anguish. Dorgos then
praised the work of his commanders, the
demon kings and the death knight.
Grateful for their efforts that led him
to victory. He then ordered the royal
crown to be brought forward for his
coronation. The royal crown appeared,
carried by Dorgos's followers who stood
awaiting his command. The death knight
approached Dorgos, carrying the crown
with evident loyalty. Dorgos praised the
death knight in particular, thanking him
for his loyalty and great contribution
to achieving this victory, wondering how
he might reward him. But the death
knight remained silent, appearing
clearly hesitant and emotionally
conflicted. Dorgos ended the
conversation harshly and mockingly,
saying that the question was foolish
because the death knight was nothing
more than a slave to him. The death
knight, who appeared to have once been
enslaved, extended his hands toward the
crown, saying that serving that body was
his ultimate joy. But suddenly, the
crown flew away from him, and an
expression of shock and confusion
appeared on Dorgos's face. The crown was
forcefully hurled in a different
direction, as if an immense power had
cast it away. Dorgos's followers were
stunned with astonishment clearly
visible on their faces. Unable to
understand what was happening, Dorgos
began channeling a tremendous power, his
hands glowing with a blazing red fiery
light. His demon kings braced themselves
for battle, launching forward in an
attempt to counter the death knight's
assault. Despite this, the death knight
appeared extremely angry and completely
unafraid of Dorgos or his followers.
Dorgos was gripped by intense panic,
angrily and confusedly demanding to know
what the death knight was doing. Clearly
surprised since he had not ordered this,
the death knight responded with a clear
voice, saying, "Finally, as his true
identity and will began to surface, he
openly declared that he now had full
control over his body and that he moved
solely by his own will." Dorgos was
shocked, asking how the death knight
could speak when he was certain he had
completely erased his will. But the
death knight replied that his will only
appeared to be erased. it had never
truly vanished. The death knight
explained that he had been trapped
inside his own body, silently witnessing
everything without the ability to
intervene. Dorgos, trying to regain
control, admitted that the death knight
was his greatest creation and said he
would allow him to release his anger
just for today. At Dorgos's command, his
demon kings launched a coordinated
assault against the death knight in an
attempt to forcefully reassert control.
But the death knight blocked the attack
and unleashed an overwhelming and
devastating power against them,
terrifying Dorgos. This power caused a
massive explosion of energy that blasted
all of Dorgos's followers away in a
single instant. Dorgos was stunned by
the death knight's strength as he had
defeated the demon kings all at once.
Following this, Dorgos decided to use a
far more powerful incantation to reclaim
control of the situation. He summoned
his magical strength and awakened a vast
army of the dead and phantoms to attack
the death knight. This army of undead
and demons launched into a furious
chaotic assault, charging toward the
death knight. But the death knight stood
firmly and bravely, showing no fear in
the face of this overwhelming attack.
With total confidence and power, the
death knight ordered the undead army to
halt immediately. Then he issued a
decisive command for all the undead and
demons to self-destruct at once. The
undead and demons obeyed this command
without hesitation, instantly initiating
mass suicide and self-detonation. This
resulted in a massive and devastating
explosion that nearly obliterated all
beings surrounding Dorgos and filled him
with dread. Dorgos was utterly astounded
by this extraordinary power and asked
himself in fear whether he had created a
monster with strength rivaling that of
the overlord. Trying to deescalate the
situation, Dorgos told the death knight
he understood his anger and would feel
the same if he were in his place. But in
his thoughts, Dorgos secretly reassured
himself that even if his current body
were destroyed, he could always transfer
his soul to another backup body and
regain control. In response, the death
knight said he had spent the entirety of
his long imprisonment within his body,
thinking of the best way to kill Dorgos.
The death knight began gathering an
immense amount of energy, preparing for
a tremendously powerful attack. The
death knight declared that he had
developed a unique sword technique
specifically designed to kill Dorgos by
tearing his soul apart permanently.
Dorgos was gripped by terror and
disbelief. Convinced it was impossible,
but sensing the true danger, he decided
to evade the attack for now. He rushed
away swiftly, trying to escape the
deadly blow rapidly approaching him.
However, the death knight easily caught
up to him and delivered a devastating
strike from above, creating a colossal
spectacle in the sky. A strange moment
of silence passed over Dorgos, who
appeared visibly shaken and in denial of
what had just happened. For a brief
moment, Dorgos thought he had survived
and began to laugh mockingly, calling
the technique nothing more than an
illusion. But suddenly, he let out a
painful, shocking scream as the death
knight's blow pierced his body with
finality. Dorgos's body was hurled
upward by force, forming a vortex of
dark energy that surrounded him as he
plummeted. His body continued falling
from the sky, consumed by agony and
disbelief. Then his body exploded
violently from the impact of the strike
while the death knight stood calmly,
watching the scene unfold. Dorgos's
shattered head struck the ground with
brutal force. The death knight
approached him and without hesitation or
mercy told him to go to hell, then
raised his foot to crush what remained
of Dorgos's head. With decisive force,
the death knight crushed the remnants of
Dorgos's skull beneath his foot, ending
his existence completely. Emperor Hadad
watched it all in utter shock, wondering
aloud what had just occurred. Afterward,
the death knight collapsed to his knees
in exhaustion and quietly said that it
was finally over. In a deep stillness,
the death knight resolved to do one last
thing that had to be done. He silently
wished he could see those people he had
lost, if only in death, he felt the need
to apologize to those he had harmed
while under Dorgos's control. He vividly
remembered his past actions, how he had
once impaled an innocent person and
lifted them mercilessly with his sword.
Tears welled in his eyes from deep
sorrow and regret as he silently
repeated his apology to the family he
had wronged. In a defining moment, the
death knight plunged his sword into his
own body with great force, ending his
life as atonement for his sins.
Suddenly, he heard a soft voice calling
his name, Damian, and he realized it was
the voice of his sister. A clear image
of his sister appeared before him,
gently asking why he was sleeping in
such a place, and he felt an
overwhelming sense of peace. His sister
appeared youthful and beautiful, and
Damian was surprised, wondering silently
how she looked so young. Then he was
caught off guard by her gentle smile. He
asked her astonished, "Why do you look
so young?" She laughed sweetly and asked
if he was trying to flatter her so she
would defend him when their father
scolded him. She told him to trust her
and come home quickly. It might rain
soon. Damen awakened in confusion to see
his sister running toward their family
home, watching the scene in disbelief.
Suddenly, he remembered that he had
destroyed the palace with his own hands.
How could it still be standing before
his eyes? Damian looked at his hands in
astonishment, wondering if he was
dreaming in that very moment. But then
terrifying thoughts rushed in as he
remembered Dorgos holding him like a
puppet and wondered if everything he had
just lived through was the dream or if
what he now saw was the dream. After
Damian began to doubt the reality of
what he was seeing, he decided to test
it for himself using a small wooden
stick on the ground. He picked up the
stick and walked toward a large rock.
Thinking this test would be enough to
reveal the truth. Damian struck the rock
with great force using the stick as if
executing a highle combat technique. But
the stick shattered immediately upon
impact, shocking Damian completely. At
first, Damen thought it was madness.
Perhaps nothing unusual had really
happened. But just moments later, the
rock exploded with tremendous force from
the impact of the strike, revealing the
incredible power Damian now possessed.
Damian began to laugh softly at first,
surprised by what had happened. But his
soft laughter quickly transformed into
hysterical laughter, reflecting his deep
shock and disbelief. He collapsed onto
the ground, exhausted, breathing heavily
from the overwhelming surprise. He
remained seated in the rain, clenching
his fists tightly in pain and tension,
trying to grasp what was happening. At
that moment, Damian became completely
certain that what had happened to him
wasn't just a dream. It was all real. A
deep smile formed on his rain soaked
face, and he declared to himself that he
had truly returned to the past. Damian
began to recall his previous life,
regretting his talent for causing
trouble, as he had always heard his
family say, "He really is crazy." He
remembered his angry father scolding
him, saying that he had embarrassed the
family after being thrown out of a
public venue for causing a scene. He
also recalled how his brother had been
furious with him for hitting the son of
Marqu Leon Bloom, which led to a major
scandal, and how his brother bered him
because his sister Louise was dragged
away as a result of his reckless
behavior. He saw an image of his sister
crying helplessly in a carriage after
her future was destroyed by his actions.
He also remembered his mother crying
bitterly and asking why he had mortgaged
the family lands and borrowed money so
irresponsibly. Damen remembered with
sorrow how he didn't stop there. He went
on to squander all of the family's
assets through his actions. In the end,
as a result of all this, his father
decisively expelled him from the house
and ordered him never to return. At that
moment of his departure, his sister
Louise stopped him and gave him some
money, begging him to be happy despite
everything. His sister smiled at him
with deep affection and said, "Be
happy." Which caused Damen's heart to
ache painfully. Damen felt overwhelming
guilt for having ruined his sister's
life through his grave mistakes. He then
grabbed the money from her hand
abruptly, pushing her hand away and
walking off quickly, filled with
indescribable shame and inner pain. That
day when he fled from his family's home,
he felt for the first time in his life,
true guilt and shame. Damian sat on the
ground thinking and wondering how he had
returned to the past. He began to recall
the final moments of his previous life
when he had decided to apologize to his
family before dying. And he never
expected to truly return to the past. He
raised his head toward the sky and
wondered if what had happened was a
miracle from the divine. Suddenly,
Damian noticed something strange in his
hand, which made him question even more
the reality of his current situation.
Damian sat in contemplation, recalling
how he had once struggled in the past to
perform even basic combat techniques,
especially the technique known as
shattering wave. The technique was
illustrated vividly in his mind, showing
the immense power and destructive energy
it generated. Damian explained to
himself that it was a skill that
amplified the force and impact of a
strike, granting it astonishing
destructive strength. He recalled a past
battle against a powerful knight where
this technique was famously known as
wallbreaker. Damian affirmed to himself
that he had acquired this specific skill
after defeating and killing that
formidable knight. Suddenly, a voice
called out from afar, "Young master,"
prompting Damen to calmly turn toward
the sound. He saw a servant running
toward him, eagerly approaching quickly
from the house. Damen looked at the
servant thoughtfully and tried to
remember his name, wondering silently,
"What was his name again? Was it
Victor?" He hesitated for a moment, then
asked, "Victor?" Trying to confirm the
name. The servant quickly and nervously
confirmed, saying that Lady Louise had
requested his immediate return to the
house and was surprised he was still
outside. The servant added awkwardly
that the head of the family was furious,
which made Damen pause and wonder, "Did
I do something wrong?" The servant was
startled by the question and replied
sharply in disbelief, "No. And are you
seriously saying you don't know what you
did?" Damen's face showed clear
confusion and surprise. He clearly
hadn't yet remembered what trouble he
had caused. Suddenly, a furious voice
roared from inside the house. You
scoundrel. It was the voice of the Vic
count of House Haxon. When Damian
entered the house, he was met with an
attempted strike from his father. But he
swiftly dodged the blow with impressive
skill. Because of how cleanly Damian
avoided the strike, his father lost
balance and fell to the floor, stunned
by his son's sudden display of power and
precision. Damian looked down at his
fallen father, who shouted angrily, "You
really are insane." His father stood
back up, furious, yelling that Damen had
been thrown out of a tavern after
starting a massive fight, bringing shame
upon the entire family. Damen's mother
and sister tried to hold him back and
calm him down. Damen clearly remembered
that this specific moment had happened
in the past, and he now realized he had
returned to it once again. His sister
and mother pleaded with the father,
urging him to calm down and think
rationally. His mother asked, "Do you
truly want to kill Damian?" Damen looked
at his family and their names became
clear again. His father Paul Haxon, his
mother Merida Haxon, and his sister
Louise Haxon. He longed to see their
faces once more. Overcome by emotion,
Damen suddenly began to cry quietly in
front of his family, who couldn't
understand the reason for his unexpected
tears. His sister asked in confusion if
Damen was really crying, and his mother,
filled with sorrow, remarked that
perhaps everything had become too
painful for him. His father broke the
silence with a sharp question, demanding
to know what kind of excuse Damen had
prepared this time, telling him to speak
if he had anything to say. But Damen
responded with calm and unwavering
clarity. I have no excuses. His father
was visibly stunned by the unexpected
answer, repeating with disbelief, "No
excuses." He couldn't believe it, asking
how Damian, the one who always made
pathetic justifications, could say
something like that now. Damian calmly
and clearly admitted that he had
tarnished the honor of House Haxon with
his mistakes and that he accepted full
responsibility without offering a single
excuse. His father remained unconvinced,
suspecting that Damian was merely trying
to evade punishment and said he wouldn't
let him off so easily. Damen then stood
respectfully and gave a slight bow to
his father, who was taken aback,
wondering what Damen truly meant by
saying, "I will take care of it." Damian
began walking away, telling his family
that he would personally go and resolve
the problem he had caused. He paused
briefly at the door, turned toward his
father, and told him that he would
return once he had dealt with the matter
to receive the punishment he deserved.
Damian smiled with clear confidence as
he left the house, assuring them that he
would come back to accept whatever
sentence his father decided once
everything was resolved. After he left,
his family remained in a state of
stunned silence. The father, clearly
bewildered, wondered aloud if Damen had
taken a blow to the head that had
affected his mind, considering how
strange and sudden his behavior was.
Damian arrived at the commercial city,
known for its dense buildings and
recognizable landmarks. As he walked
through the city alongside his servant,
Victor, the latter informed him that
they had reached their destination.
Victor looked at Damen with concern and
asked whether he was truly determined to
enter such a dangerous place rumored to
be backed by a criminal organization,
expressing his fear that something might
go wrong. Damian replied calmly that if
Victor was afraid, he could return home
first. But Victor insisted on staying by
his side despite his fear. Damian turned
to Victor with a confident smile and
told him not to worry. He was only going
to offer a polite apology to the owner
of the place and nothing bad would
happen. He promised Victor that he would
resolve the matter completely and
return. Damian continued walking toward
the target location while Victor
followed behind, hoping things would go
smoothly. As he walked alone, Damen once
again wondered how he had returned to
the past in such a strange way. But he
resolved not to waste the opportunity
that fate or perhaps the divine had
granted him and promised himself never
to bring harm to his family again. He
vowed as he walked through the city that
he would fix every mistake he had made
in the past one by one. While walking,
he was noticed by two shady looking men.
One of them was surprised to see him
again. The two men approached and asked
him with clear disdain why he had
returned despite their previous warning
not to show his face again. Damian
looked at them trying to remember.
Something about their faces felt oddly
familiar even after all this time. He
answered confidently and calmly that he
had only come to apologize to the owner
for the trouble he had caused last time.
The two men stared at him in stunned
silence for a moment. Then they began to
mock him openly. One of them laughed
mockingly and said he would deliver the
apology to the boss, while the other
seemed surprised at Damian's
unexpectedly refined demeanor. One of
them commented that he had heard Damen
was the reckless eldest son of a
disgraceful family. But he seemed more
rational now than expected. Then they
began to mock him cruy, saying they had
heard about Damen's beautiful sister and
started speaking about her in an
indecent and offensive manner. One of
them grabbed Damen's face violently and
sneered, saying he wanted him to
apologize right now and demanded he
offer his beautiful sister in exchange
for forgiveness. Damian felt intense
rage and disgust rise within him while
the man suddenly noticed something
strange happening. In a sudden move,
Damen easily snatched the knife from the
man's hand and stood before him, calmly
waving it. He admitted that he had
believed he could settle the matter
quickly and return without trouble, but
it seemed he had overestimated himself
this time. The other man began shouting
angrily and attempted to attack Damian
again, but before he could reach him, he
was struck by a sudden and powerful blow
that severed his hand. The second man
was stunned to find deep wounds on his
face while the entire scene descended
into shock and confusion. Damian stood
his ground powerfully before the men who
had attacked him, and a terrifying dark
aura emanated from him, stunning
everyone around. With chilling
composure, Damian declared that he would
show these men what they truly wanted to
see, then dashed toward them at
incredible speed. He braced himself with
immense power, and a fearsome shadow
appeared behind him, causing onlookers
to wonder in disbelief just how reckless
the infamous eldest son of House Haxon
truly was. Meanwhile, Victor the servant
watched the events from a distance,
trembling as he called out to his young
master in deep concern. Victor began
shouting with frustration and worry,
reminding Damian that he had said he
would handle it himself. At the same
time, shouting and cries began to rise
from within the building that Damen had
entered. Some bystanders tried to peer
inside, but one of them warned the other
not to interfere, lest they get
themselves into trouble. Damen stood
calmly before the two men who had
assaulted him and asked if they even
knew who he was. He then answered his
own question, saying he didn't care who
they were and that he was here to finish
what they had started. One of the men
shouted in anger, introducing themselves
as members of the Black Serpent Gang, an
organization no one dared to provoke
without consequences in this city. Upon
hearing the name, Damian's memory became
perfectly clear. He recalled more
details about the Black Serpent Gang,
how they controlled the streets and
instilled fear throughout the city. He
remembered how these very men had once
beaten him viciously and humiliatingly
simply because he protested and inflated
Bill at one of the gangs establishments.
He recalled being humiliated and
brutalized by the gang's men until he
was forced to submit completely. As
those memories came flooding back,
Damian smiled, a dark and chilling
smile, and realized that he was the one
who truly deserved an apology. One of
the gang members began threatening
Damian, saying he wouldn't go easy on
him this time just because he was a
noble. Then prepared to strike. The man
charged with all his strength, swinging
his weapon at Damian, who stood
completely ready. Damian dodged the
attack with astonishing ease, leaving
the man stunned and unable to process
what had just happened. The gang member
collapsed to the ground in pain,
coughing violently. Damen approached him
with terrifying calm and said that even
if he killed every member of the gang,
it still wouldn't be enough to calm his
rage. He raised his weapon over the
man's head, but in the last moment, he
held himself back for his family's sake.
Despite the man begging and pleading,
Damen delivered a brutal blow that left
a massive impact. After the strike, both
men lay on the ground in excruciating
pain. Unable to move from a distance,
another gang member shouted angrily,
watching the scene unfold, demanding to
know who this man was who had caused
such chaos. Damian was soon confronted
by another group of gang members, fully
prepared to engage. The new group's
leader asked if Damen belonged to
another organization and wanted to know
which faction he was with. Damen
responded calmly and clearly that he
wasn't part of any organization. He had
come with the intention of apologizing,
but now he was the one demanding an
apology from the owner of the place for
what had happened. The gang leader
didn't believe Damen's words and warned
that if he wasn't willing to come
quietly, they would have no choice but
to use force. The leader then gave the
order to attack, pointing directly at
Damian with authority. The gang members
rushed at Damian with terrifying speed,
while he, feeling slightly fatigued from
the repeated confrontations, braced
himself again. He took a deep breath in
preparation for the coming battle. With
clear signs of determination and resolve
etched across his face, Damen began
fighting with swift, precise movements,
dodging the gang members attacks and
landing powerful rapid strikes with
astonishing strength. The gang members
were struck with disbelief and agony,
screaming in pain and confusion over
what was happening. While their leader
stood frozen, watching his men fall one
by one. Despite Damian's overwhelming
strength, he felt severely fatigued and
admitted to himself that he was already
breathless from even this small effort.
Then Damian asked their leader if he
still wanted to continue fighting. But
to his surprise, the gang leader backed
away in terror and pleaded with Damian
for forgiveness, begging him to spare
him. However, Damian did not accept the
apology so easily. He charged at the man
once more with terrifying speed,
prompting him to run away, screaming in
fear. The terrified leader fled in total
panic, desperate to escape Damian's
unstoppable rage. Inside the tavern, the
atmosphere was calm with patrons
chatting, unaware of the chaos outside.
But soon, the unusual noise from outside
caught their attention, and they paused
for a moment, listening curiously. Just
then, the gang leader burst into the
tavern in a state of terror, muttering
to himself in a trembling voice that he
had failed to control the situation.
Moments later, in a state of shock, he
suddenly realized Damen was already
right behind him. Damian spoke with
mocking sarcasm, threatening the man and
telling him that he should have listened
when he was still being spoken to
politely. In a sudden dramatic moment,
Damen hurled the gang leader across the
tavern with tremendous force, drawing
the attention and shock of everyone
present. After doing so, Damen suddenly
realized the situation he had placed
himself in, and a look of astonishment
and disbelief crossed his face. The
place quickly descended into chaos. The
guests began screaming and running in
fear, shouting that there was a killer
and urging everyone to flee. Damen stood
calmly in the middle of the room after
the initial panic subsided, convinced
that he had dealt with the hardest part
of the current problem. But soon, a new
voice echoed from above, questioning
what was causing all this commotion. The
tavern owner, Anderson Holm, appeared,
visibly angry and surprised at the
disappearance of his guards. Damian
replied calmly and with clear confidence
that he had handled the guards
accordingly, which only further enraged
and shocked the tavern owner. Anderson
looked at his injured men in disbelief.
Astonished that this young man had
managed to defeat members of the Black
Serpent Gang so easily, he demanded to
know who Damen was and how he dared to
cause trouble in his establishment.
Damian responded clearly and proudly
with his full name, Damen Haxon, which
made Anderson visibly more surprised as
he realized Damen was a noble from the
Haxon family. Damen clarified that he
hadn't come to cause trouble, but rather
to receive an apology from the tavern
owner himself. Anderson was baffled by
this and Damen continued explaining that
in the past this place had charged
outrageous prices and when Damen
protested he had been beaten and
humiliated by gang members, an event
that gave him a terrible reputation as a
drunken troublemaker in the city. Damen
then recalled the day his father
expelled him from the house because of
his repeated misbehavior and he
continued harshly stating that the
incident had cost his family dearly and
caused them great suffering. But
Anderson mocked Damen's words,
sarcastically, suggesting that perhaps
he was mourning his lost honor, then
added with scorn that he didn't believe
House Haxon had any honor left to lose
in the first place. In a moment of
anger, Anderson tried to provoke Damen,
mocking him and calling him pathetic and
said he would never apologize, instead
demanding Damen pay damages for the
destruction he had caused. Damian
responded with a mysterious and quiet
smile, admitting to himself that he
might have forgiven the man if he had
simply apologized politely. But now that
he had chosen confrontation, Damen was
left with only one option. In a swift
and unexpected moment, Damen prepared to
take one final decisive step, causing
Anderson to freeze in shock and brace
himself for what was coming. Damen began
moving at incredible speed toward his
opponent above. In a scene that left
everyone in the room astonished, he
issued a clear threat, declaring that
his opponent would pay dearly for what
he had said earlier, and a look of
fierce determination spread across
Damian's face. A sharp, threatening
glint appeared in Damian's eyes as he
prepared to deliver a powerful strike
with his knife. Suddenly, a very fast
and unexpected movement appeared toward
Damian, catching him off guard and
surprising him. A violent clash erupted,
releasing a powerful and dazzling aura
that shocked Damen with its intensity.
Damian was suddenly knocked to the
ground by the force of the aura while
Anderson watched from above with a mix
of awe and concern. At that moment,
Anderson emerged from behind the
mysterious knight and greeted him with
clear relief, referring to him as Lord
Ted. Damian was surprised that someone
like Lord Ted would be working in a
place like this. In that instant, Damian
felt a surge of shock and silently
questioned why a knight would be present
in such a place. The knight known as Ted
appeared in full view, clad in an
elegant suit of armor, his facial
features partially concealed in the
shadows, heightening the sense of dread
surrounding his presence. A brief
exposition introduced the ranks of
knights from trainees to fullyfledged
knights capable of skillful aura
manipulation. The hierarchy was clearly
explained. Trainee, advanced trainee,
then full knight. It was noted that full
knights possessed extraordinary strength
and a superhuman ability to wield aura.
The narration added that full knights
could destroy mountains with a single
blow or slice through fortress walls
like paper. The tavern owner let out a
mocking, boastful laugh as he proudly
announced that the night before them,
Ted, was merely an advanced trainee of
the Black Serpent Gang. He continued
smugly, threatening that Damian was as
good as dead. But Damen mocked him,
saying, "So he's just a trainee then,"
which provoked Ted, who remained silent
for a moment. Damian added sarcastically
that he had sensed an extremely weak
aura coming from Ted, which clearly
meant he had not yet mastered full aura
control. Damen wondered to himself why a
knight, even a trainee, would be working
in such a low-grade place. He suspected
Ted had been expelled for lacking
talent. The tavern owner then began
offering Ted money to eliminate Damian
quickly, attempting to turn the
situation to his advantage, but Ted
deferred the payment, preferring to deal
with Damian first and settle things
personally. Ted launched into a swift
and violent assault toward Damian,
threatening that he would make him
regret his insulence. Damen met the
attack with great composure and
steadiness, showing no signs of fear.
The clash that followed was immensely
powerful, shattering the floor beneath
their feet. Even so, Damen admitted to
himself that his opponent was quite good
for just a trainee. He noticed with
precision how steady Ted's movements
were. The edge of his weapon didn't
waver even during his broad, forceful
strikes. Ted unleashed another dazzling
attack infused with aura which impressed
and caught Damen's full attention.
Damian began to feel extreme fatigue and
exhaustion from the prolonged fight,
realizing that his body was approaching
its limit. In contrast, Ted grew
increasingly enraged and shouted at
Damian, "You bastard, let's see how you
dodge this one." In the final scene, Ted
gathered all his strength and delivered
a strike charged with energy and aura,
fully intent on ending the battle.
Damian instantly understood the nature
of the incoming attack and murmured to
himself that technique. His opponent Ted
unleashed a secret technique, one that
appeared majestic and frighteningly
powerful, drawing upon massive energy.
Damian decided to respond with a special
technique of his own and began preparing
firmly and steadily for a counterattack.
Suddenly, memories of the past flashed
through Damian's mind, especially the
time he fought someone named Dorgos, who
at that very moment seemed surprised to
be summoned in that memory. Another
fearsome figure appeared, Lord of the
Death Knights, charging in at high speed
and delivering a decisive blow. The
death knight lord addressed someone
else, commanding him to shut his mouth
and leave immediately if he wanted to
stay alive. But the man refused to
leave, standing defiantly with his
weapon in hand, boldly facing the
threat. The death knight lord, clearly
irritated by the man's persistence,
declared that he had no choice but to
kill him as well. He began revealing his
strange ability, explaining in a
chilling tone that the human body is
composed mostly of water. His form
transformed into something fluid, almost
aquatic, making the moment even more
terrifying and unnatural. Using a unique
technique, the death knight lord allowed
his weapon to pass through his
opponent's body as if it were made of
water, meeting no resistance at all. The
opponent immediately collapsed to the
ground from the fatal strike. And the
death knight lord explained that even a
wooden weapon could pierce a human with
that technique. He approached his fallen
opponent and told him that he should
have run when he had the chance.
Suddenly, the death knight lord sensed
something suspicious and began to glance
around with obvious unease. To his
shock, something began to form around
him. It was clear from his expression
that he was now facing something
unexpected and extremely dangerous. The
death knight lord was completely
stunned, asking in fear and disbelief
how his opponent was still standing. He
wondered aloud if the man was one of the
undead. He began gathering all of his
strength once more, preparing to face
the new threat before him. Yet before he
could act, he was struck by a sudden and
incredibly powerful surprise attack,
leaving him gravely wounded. In
disbelief, he questioned the source of
this power. Signs of shock and collapse
appeared on his face, and he asked his
opponent with visible fear, "How do you
know that technique?" Then the scene
returned to Ted, who had sustained a
critical injury and stood frozen in
place for a moment. Realizing
immediately that this was his inevitable
end, Ted, the traininee knight,
collapsed to the ground without moving,
a shocking sight to all who witnessed
it. In that moment, Damian realized that
all of his past battles had always ended
the same way. Anyone who raised a weapon
against him met the same fate in the
end. Damian revealed to himself his
unique ability, absorbing the power of
his enemies and using it against them.
The tavern owner trembled violently as
he watched what had just happened,
retreating in terror after witnessing
Damian's overwhelming power. Fear and
panic spread across the tavern owner's
face as he stared at Damian, fully aware
of the dangerous situation he had placed
himself in. Suddenly, the tavern owner
bowed and apologized profusely to
Damian, expressing deep regret for
tarnishing the reputation of the noble
Haxon family. He offered Damen a large
financial settlement as compensation for
the humiliation he suffered. nervously
asking if that would be enough to
satisfy him. Damen accepted the offer
reluctantly, telling himself that while
the apology was the primary goal, he
certainly wouldn't reject extra money.
He turned calmly and gave an order for
someone to gather all the money and
valuables in the place with full
confidence and unmistakable authority.
Victor, the servant, peaked in
hesitantly, responding immediately to
Damian's command with visible
nervousness. Yes, sir. As he observed
what had happened, Victor thought to
himself in astonishment that if he
hadn't seen it with his own eyes, he
never would have believed it. He
wondered with great amazement when and
where Damian had learned swordsmanship
to such an incredible degree. The tavern
owner began bidding farewell to Damian
and Victor with polite, nervous
gestures, hoping they would stay safe on
their way back. As they left, Victor
exclaimed excitedly that it was the
first time in his life he had seen so
much gold and treasure. While the tavern
owner remained silent and visibly upset,
deeply angered, the tavern owner swore
to himself that he would reclaim every
single gold coin from Damian and that he
would seek help from the Black Serpent's
boss. But his train of thought was
suddenly interrupted when he was struck
by a sudden blow, causing panic and
shock among those nearby. The tavern
owner screamed in pain, clutching his
injured ear after being hit by one of
Damian's merciless secret techniques.
Damian approached with a clear threat
and told the tavern owner to deliver a
message to the Black Serpent Gang that
he would never forgive them if they ever
thought of harming his family again. The
tavern owner lay on the ground in
immense pain, muttering threats and
hatred under his breath, vowing that he
would one day take revenge on Damian.
Damian and Victor left the place calmly
under the evening sunset, carrying the
treasures they had obtained. As they
departed, Damian reflected to himself,
fully aware that what he had done would
not erase all of his past mistakes.
Still, he vowed that in this second
chance at life, he would never again
disappoint or fail his family. Damian
turned to Victor with a smile and asked
him to return home, to which Victor
happily responded, "Yes, young master."
Meanwhile, elsewhere, a luxurious
mansion came into view, bearing the name
Marqu Leon Bloom. Inside the mansion, a
young figure spoke gently to his
brother, asking if he had ever heard the
saying, "Love always comes with pain."
The brother looked at him in confusion
and mockingly asked if he was heading to
a duel, based on his dramatic
expression. But the young man replied
calmly with a mysterious smile, saying
he wasn't going to a duel. He was on a
quest to find love. At that moment,
Damen and Victor arrived at the Haxin
Baron estate. Damen stretched
comfortably and said to Victor that he
hadn't slept that deeply in a long time.
Victor silently admitted to himself with
a hint of envy how Damen was able to
sleep so peacefully while he had spent
the whole night awake worrying about
what had happened the day before. Damian
chuckled lightly, admitting that things
had gone quite differently from what he
originally planned. But in the end, they
had received generous compensation and
more importantly, he added with visible
confidence that rumors about what he did
would soon spread everywhere and that no
one would dare look down on House Haxin
ever again. Victor agreed and began to
look at Damian differently, realizing
for the first time that he possessed a
sharp mind and real awareness he hadn't
noticed before. Still, he expressed
concern again about the Black Serpent
Gang, especially since they had left
behind the trainee knight and several
gang members in terrible condition.
Damian reassured him with great
confidence, saying that no matter how
bold the gang was, they wouldn't dare
attack a noble family so easily, and if
they did, he would face them himself.
Victor admired Damen's impressive skill
in combat and asked with great curiosity
where and when he had learned such
advanced techniques. Damian replied with
slight hesitation and a nervous smile,
saying he had only trained from time to
time whenever he found the chance. At
that moment, their conversation was
abruptly cut short by a loud, furious
voice shouting Damen's name. Damen's
father suddenly appeared, furious and
storming toward him, yelling in rage and
demanding to know where he had been all
day. Damian's father rushed toward him
and grabbed him anxiously, demanding to
know if Damen had caused more trouble
again. Damian smiled confidently and
reassured his father, saying that just
as he had promised, he had resolved the
issue he caused. He then asked Victor to
show his father what they had acquired.
Victor opened the large bag filled with
gold and treasures, leaving Damen's
parents completely stunned as they
shouted in shock, "Our money!" Damian
explained the situation, saying he had
returned to the tavern where he had been
thrown out and cleared up the
misunderstanding there. It turned out
the mistake had been in the billing,
which led the tavern owner to give them
these treasures as an apology. Though
still amazed, the father silently
wondered if he could really believe such
a story. But the mother confidently
asserted that it had to be true, asking
where else such treasure could have come
from. Damen told his father that if he
didn't believe him, he could ask Victor,
who had been with him the whole time. He
turned toward Victor, prompting him to
confirm the story. Damen smiled again
with clear confidence, urging Victor
once more to affirm his words. Victor
hesitated for a moment, then stammered
out a confirmation, which finally
convinced Damen's parents completely.
While everyone expressed great
admiration for Damian, Victor quietly
admitted to himself that Damen couldn't
say a single sentence without lying, a
realization that left him both impressed
and baffled. Outside, in a quiet place,
Damian breathed a sigh of relief.
Satisfied that the problem had been
resolved in his favor, he began
sprinting through the forest at full
speed, testing his current endurance and
physical capacity. But he soon began to
feel exhausted and breathless, stopping
to lean against a nearby tree. As he
caught his breath, Damen worriedly
reflected on his current body and how
its limitations would prevent him from
achieving the goals he had set. Still,
Damian smiled brightly and pulled out a
small vial, telling himself how lucky he
was to have acquired such a valuable
item. He recalled how he had once asked
the tavern owner curiously about the
contents of this mysterious little
bottle. Suddenly, the tavern owner had
explained that the vial contained a
special tonic created by the Dan School
of Alchemy designed to significantly
enhance stamina and energy. Damian had
asked puzzled about the Dan School of
Alchemy, to which the tavern owner
replied that it was a group specializing
in the crafting of tonics and alchemical
elixirs. Damian suddenly remembered that
he had heard of the school before. It
was highly renowned and its products
were so valuable that they were sold by
weight in gemstones. He smiled again in
relief, acknowledging just how fortunate
he was to have obtained such a rare and
valuable tonic. Damian began to use the
tonic, hoping that the formula would
yield strong, positive effects. A
powerful and vibrant aura began to form
around him, and Damian could feel the
surge of strength and energy the tonic
was providing. He began seriously
planning for the future, firmly telling
himself that if he wanted to gain true
strength, he would first need to enhance
his stamina. Damen resolved that he must
reach the same level of strength he once
had in his past life, especially to
confront Dorgos. He vividly remembered
Dorgos's terrifying face and was certain
that in just a few years, Dorgos's
undead followers would return to this
world. Therefore, Damian firmly decided
that he needed to obtain the power
necessary to kill Dorgos. Before that
happened, he knew that only by reaching
that level of strength would he truly be
able to protect his family's happiness.
Damian exhaled deeply and calmly, ready
for the steps ahead in his journey
toward power. He leapt forward with
force and dashed ahead, vowing
powerfully to himself, "This time, I
will kill you for sure, Dorgos."
Meanwhile, in a distant and shadowy
scene, the hidden base of the Black
Serpent was shown under the moonlight,
the place where Dorgos apparently
resided. Inside the hideout, a man spoke
coldly while eating carelessly, stating
that the one who had been defeated was
no longer useful and that they had just
lost one of their best men. The members
of the Black Serpent Gang expressed
regret over Ted's condition and wondered
if they should at least provide him some
medical attention. But their leader,
Cedric Walker, coldly ordered them to
ignore him and throw him away, declaring
that he was no longer of any use. One of
the men hesitated at Cedric's command,
nervously questioning whether he was
certain. But Cedric firmly insisted that
Ted be dumped somewhere far away. Cedric
expressed his cruelty clearly, saying
there was no need for a dog that had
outlived its usefulness. They could
simply hire someone else with money.
Suddenly, Ted began to stir, struggling
to rise, drawing everyone's surprised
attention. Cedric noticed this and
scoffed, saying, "Looks like he's got
enough strength to move after all." With
a wicked smile, Cedric mockingly offered
Ted another chance, saying that if he
accepted medical treatment, he'd
consider rehiring him. But Ted angrily
rejected the offer and rushed forward
with speed, shouting that he didn't need
Cedric's charity. Just as he charged,
Ted suddenly froze midair in a
disturbing and mysterious moment that
stunned everyone watching. A shadowy
aura of dark energy appeared behind Ted
without warning, and he looked shocked
and confused. He was struck violently by
the dark force, screaming in panic and
demanding to know what the hell was
happening. At that moment, a cloaked man
appeared and asked Cedric, the Black
Serpent boss, whether this level of
power was sufficient as an initial
demonstration. Cedric replied with clear
satisfaction, of course, and told him to
show what else he could do. While Ted
screamed in rage, demanding to be
released, the mysterious man began
chanting an incantation or words in a
strange arcane language, causing Ted's
anxiety to intensify. A terrifying dark
energy began to swirl around Ted, making
him scream in sheer terror without
understanding what was happening. Forms
of demonicl looking energy began to
manifest around him. Creatures with
glowing red eyes and sharp fangs,
pushing him to the brink as he begged
for mercy. The dark aura grew stronger
and completely engulfed Ted,
intensifying his fear as he cried for
his life. A massive burst of dark energy
erupted, slamming Ted violently into the
ground. His body struck the floor with
devastating force, creating a brutal and
painful scene. Cedric watched in disgust
and commented coldly and dismissively on
what had just happened. The cloaked man
asked Cedric whether he was satisfied
with the demonstration. Cedric replied
that he was, but requested that the next
time be cleaner. The mysterious man then
asked what the next assignment would be.
Cedric told him that this was exactly
why he had summoned him. Cedric began to
outline the next mission with a sinister
grin, explaining that a certain noble
had caused harm to their organization,
and he wanted revenge, but indirectly.
He added that the payment would increase
with the damage inflicted. Cedric handed
over the advanced payment for the
mission, and the cloaked man accepted it
with quiet thanks. The mysterious man
gave a chilling smile and assured Cedric
that he could count on him for the task
ahead. Elsewhere, Damian was beginning
to feel tired from the intense training
he had been undergoing. Despite the
exhaustion, Damen pushed himself forward
with serious determination, visibly
improving his performance. He noticed
that the tonic he had used was extremely
effective. His stamina had increased
noticeably in a short period. Despite
the good progress, Damen couldn't help
but feel uneasy. He noticed that things
had been strangely quiet for days. He
had expected the Black Serpent Gang to
retaliate quickly, but was surprised
that nothing had happened yet, leaving
him with the uneasy sense that something
was happening behind the scenes. Damian
noticed a sudden strange movement behind
him and quickly turned, ready to
confront it, muttering to himself, "Just
as I thought." He dashed forward at
great speed, cursing in anger at those
black serpent bastards. He delivered a
strong strike with his hand toward the
figure hiding in the bushes, who let out
a loud cry of pain. Suddenly, Damen
froze in shock as he looked at the face
of the person he had struck, recognizing
him and exclaiming, "You." It was his
younger brother, Abel Haxon, who looked
up at him in terror, hesitantly, calling
out, "Big brother." Abel sat on the
ground, wincing and stunned by what had
just happened. He then regained his
composure and chuckled, telling Damen
that he had gotten a lot stronger since
the last time they met, joking that he
thought Damen had almost snapped his
neck. In that moment, Damen recalled a
painful memory from the past, of seeing
Abel lying lifeless on the ground. Damen
fell silent for a moment, deeply
affected by the memory. He reached out
his hand in sincere apology and said to
Abel, "That wasn't on purpose." Abel
looked at Damen's hand for a moment,
still hesitant. After a brief pause,
Damen continued, clarifying that he
hadn't come just to apologize. Abel
replied seriously, saying that their
father had mentioned Damian had gone to
the tavern to resolve the issue
peacefully, but later found out that a
fight had broken out and people were
injured. Abel stared at Damian with
doubt in his eyes, asking, "You can't be
the one who did that? Are you lying to
the family?" Damian responded with calm
confidence, assuring his brother, "No,
it's true. I did it myself." Abel lashed
out angrily, accusing Damian of lying
and asking if he had hired someone else
to do it since he wasn't someone capable
of fighting. He then pointed at Damian,
warning him not to bring more disgrace
to the family, and complained that he
always had to clean up after his messes.
Damen gently placed his hand on Abel's
head, trying to calm him and reconnect
with him. Inside, Damian reflected that
Abel had always been the sharp-minded
one, the one who put the family's
interests above all else. With a soft
smile, Damen reassured Abel, saying,
"There's nothing to worry about. Nothing
bad will happen again." Their
conversation was suddenly interrupted by
a voice calling out from a distance. One
of the family's servants, shouting
urgently, "Young masters!" He ran toward
them out of breath, yelling, "There's a
serious problem." The brothers looked at
him with surprise and concern, clearly
wondering what was going on. They rushed
back toward the house in a state of
anxiety and tension. Damen opened the
door quickly and entered the room,
followed closely by Abel, whose face
showed deep concern about what might
happen. As soon as Damen stepped inside,
his father called out in visible anger,
"Damian, you Then a calm voice came from
inside the room, saying, "So, you're
here?" Irvin Leyon Bloom appeared with a
provocative smile and said that he had
just been explaining to Damen's father
what happened at the recent party and
apologized for his unexpected visit.
Damian thought angrily that this scene
had already happened before and clearly
remembered that this person was Irwin
Leyon Bloom. He recalled from his
previous life the exact moment that took
place during the party. At that time,
Damen had shouted in rage at Irwin,
yelling, "What the hell did you just
say?" while Irwin had tried to defend
himself, insisting that he hadn't meant
to insult anyone. Damian shouted angrily
at Irwin, reminding him that he had
mocked him and attempted to harass his
sister, while Irwin replied mockingly
that perhaps Damen was drunk since he
didn't recall anything like that. Irwin
leaned closer provocatively and
whispered rudely, "And what if I had
actually done it?" A wicked and
challenging smile appeared on Irwin's
face as he clearly said, "And what could
you do about it if I had said it?"
Further infuriating Damian. Damian
recalled how in the past he had to
restrain himself in situations like this
despite his intense anger. Without
hesitation, Damen delivered a crushing
punch to Irwin's face, knocking him
forcefully to the ground. Irwin
collapsed, blood spurting from his face,
groaning in pain from the force of the
strike. Damian thought as he observed
the situation that although Irwin was an
experienced knight, he took his punch
easily as if he had intended it to
happen. Then Irwin tried to twist the
situation to his advantage, feigning
embarrassment as he openly confessed his
deep admiration for Louise and suddenly
proposed the idea of marrying her to her
father. Irwin sat calmly on the sofa and
clearly stated that he sought the Vic
count's blessing to officially marry
Louise. Irwin announced clearly and
seriously his intention to marry Louise.
The entire family was stunned, clearly
showing expressions of shock and extreme
disbelief. Damian thought to himself
that Irwin was repeating the same scheme
he had used in his previous life to
blackmail his family. Irwin maliciously
suggested to Louise's father that they
consider the situation as a simple
family misunderstanding if he agreed to
the marriage. Louis's father responded
decisively, firmly cutting him off,
saying it was impossible and would never
happen. Irwin gave a wicked smile,
wondering aloud how much the Haxon
family could endure the wrath of his own
family, demanding they take
responsibility for insulting him. Irwin
cruy gave Louise's father two harsh
choices. Either pay the price for
insulting him or agree to his marriage
with Louise. Louise's father inwardly
realized that the Lyon Bloom family was
extremely powerful in the kingdom. Yet,
he couldn't possibly give his daughter
to someone infamous for his bad
reputation. At that moment, Louise
quietly and steadily entered the room.
Louise gazed firmly at everyone and
calmly announced to everyone's surprise
that she agreed to the marriage
proposal. Everyone burst into shock. Her
father shouted loudly, rejecting her
decision, while Abel stood stunned and
angry, demanding that she reconsider.
Damen approached her with clear sadness,
whispering quietly, "Sister," Louise
responded with a calm smile, telling
him, "It's all right. I will follow Lord
Irwin," internally clarifying that she
was doing this for her family, even in
this lifetime. Irwin inwardly smiled
triumphantly, thinking, "This is
enough." He spitefully and maliciously
praised Louise's decision and announced
that he would soon send someone to
arrange the official engagement. Damen
stared sharply at Irwin, approaching him
with confident steps, clearly
challenging him. Irwin smiled
provocatively and asked Damen if he had
something to say, then continued rudely,
"Oh, perhaps I should call you my dear
brother-in-law now." Damen felt intense
anger at Irwin's disrespectful behavior,
accusing him internally of ruining his
sister's life so casually and coldly.
Louise noticed her brother Damen's
concern and calmly called out to him,
trying to stop him. Irwin continued
provoking Damen with a sarcastic smile,
directing his words once more toward
him, saying mockingly, "I didn't hear
you clearly, dear brother-in-law." In a
moment of intense rage, Damen delivered
an extremely powerful punch to Irwin's
face, knocking him to the ground,
shouting angrily, "I didn't hear you
clearly. Can you repeat that again?"
Damian recalled how in the past he had
to suppress his anger for the sake of
his family and sister. But this time he
wouldn't hesitate and would face the
situation with full courage. Damen stood
angrily, glaring at Irwin, who had
fallen to the ground from the force of
his blow. He raised his fist high and
shouted with clear fury. He said, "No,
you bastard, and he can't take any more
of this." Then he remembered the moment
when he had rushed out quickly, leaving
the place in a storm of emotion. It was
after hearing from one of the servants
that the carriage carrying Miss Louise
and Lord Irwin had just arrived,
triggering Damen's urgent dash. Damian
ran toward the door with great
excitement, eager to see his sister
Louise after such a long absence. But
just as he neared the door, he suddenly
heard a loud, terrifying scream from
inside the room. The door opened
slightly, and Damen saw Irwin violently
grabbing Louise by the hair as she
screamed in pain. While Irwin bered her
harshly for forcing him to bring her
back home, Irwin stepped closer to
Louise and hurled extremely degrading
words at her, accusing her of trying to
leave him despite being from a filthy
family. While continuing to hurt her,
Louise collapsed painfully to the ground
as Irwin loomed over her with a
terrifying expression, muttering, "Ah,
dear Louise." He then stood over her
with a dreadful smile, threatening that
he would teach her a lesson she would
never forget, so she'd never dare say
such things again. Damian watched the
scene as he saw Irwin clench his fist,
preparing to strike his sister, Louise.
Damen froze in place, overwhelmed by
helplessness, and began to blame
himself, remembering that what was
happening to his sister now was the
result of his own poor decision earlier.
He fell to his knees, gripped by deep
guilt, silently repeating that
everything happening now was entirely
his fault. Damen's eyes blazed with fury
as he vowed to himself that he would
never forgive Irwin Leyon Bloom for what
he had done. Damian stood up again,
raising his fist high, and declared with
fierce anger. He said, "No." Everyone in
the room was in utter shock at Damian's
audacity. Irwin's guards quickly moved
toward him, drawing their weapons in
disbelief at what had just happened to
their master. The guards shouted
furiously at Damian. "Don't tell us you
actually dared to harm our young lord."
As they pointed their swords at him,
Irwin rose to his feet with difficulty,
wiping his face calmly with a sarcastic
smile as if nothing had happened. He
stood confidently while gripping his
sword and sneered at Damian. You dared
to strike my face not once but twice.
Irwin then directed a threatening
statement at Damian, asking if he had a
death wish or something of the sort.
Dear brother-in-law, the guards rushed
toward Damian in an attempt to regain
control, trying to calm Irwin, who had
lost his temper. But Irwin shouted at
them furiously, ordering them to step
aside, clearly intent on handling Damian
himself. One of the guards tried to
intervene, pleading, "Let me handle this
insolent fool, but Irwin insisted on
taking matters into his own hands." He
unleashed a powerful aura that shoved
the guards aside and said firmly as he
prepared for battle, "He had ordered
them to stand down." Abel and Louise
watched the scene with fear, visibly
alarmed by the escalating confrontation.
Irwin stepped forward with his sword in
hand, glaring at Damian and asking one
last time with unmistakable threat, "How
do you intend to resolve this problem?"
Louise felt deep fear, realizing that
Irwin would no longer let Damian go so
easily. Suddenly, Louise cried out
desperately, trying to stop the violent
clash. Please stop. Her face showed
intense fear and concern, terrified that
something terrible might happen to
Damian if the confrontation continued.
Damen stood protectively in front of
Louise, extending his arm with clear
confidence and determination, as if
assuring her that he would not allow any
further harm to come to her. He smiled
gently, reassuring Louise not to worry
and promising that he would take care of
the matter himself while silently
wishing from the depths of his heart
that she would no longer have to
sacrifice herself. Damen stepped forward
and boldly addressed Irwin, proposing
that they settle the issue with a duel.
Irwin was surprised by the suggestion
and asked in disbelief, "A duel?" To
which Damen calmly explained that if
Irwin defeated him in a fair duel, he
would comply with his demand. But if
Damian won, the issue would end right
here and now. Irrwin protested that the
agreement didn't serve his interests,
pointing out that Louise had already
agreed to marry him. Damian smiled
challengingly and mocked Irwin, saying,
"Are you trying to change the subject?
Because you look like you're afraid of
losing." The comment deeply enraged
Irwin, who thought angrily to himself,
"That arrogant bastard. He dared to
punch me in the face, and now he speaks
with such insolence. I've wanted to get
back at him. This is the perfect
opportunity." Irwin raised his sword
with intense malice and accepted the
duel, vowing internally that he would
inflict irreversible harm on Damian and
then take his sister Louise. A crowd
gathered in the estate's courtyard to
witness the duel that was about to begin
between Damian and Irwin. Worry was
clearly visible on the faces of Damian's
father and mother. His mother nervously
asked if they should stop the duel, but
the father noted that Damen's confidence
might mean he had a plan. Otherwise, all
they could do was pray for a miracle.
However, Abel internally disagreed with
his father, firmly believing that they
couldn't rely on miracles, while Irwin
was preparing with full concentration
for the duel. Irwin stood confidently in
the dueling area, showing off his
swordsmanship with Flair, which made
Abel believe that Damen's chances of
winning were non-existent since he was
up against a professional knight. Damen
stood before Irwin unarmed, prompting
Irwin to mockingly ask how he intended
to fight without a weapon. Damian
replied with absolute confidence,
pulling out a small dining fork and
saying, "No need to worry." A confident
smile spread across Damen's face as he
waved the fork in front of his opponent,
declaring it more than enough to face
him. Shock swept through all the
spectators when they saw Damian
preparing for the duel with nothing but
a dining fork. Irwin burst into
laughter, clearly mocking Damen's weapon
choice and sarcastically asking if fear
had driven him insane. Nonetheless,
Irwin lunged at Damian at great speed,
declaring that he would not hold back.
Despite what he saw as a foolish joke,
Damen easily and swiftly dodged the
first strike, which deeply surprised
Irwin. Frustrated by Damian's successful
evasion, Irwin decided to unleash a
powerful technique from the lion's roar
combat style. He attacked Damian using
the lion's roar sword style, creating a
powerful and terrifying aura shaped like
a glowing lion made of energy. The
attack destroyed part of the courtyard
with tremendous force, sending dust
flying everywhere. But Damian emerged
from the smoke without a single visible
injury, causing widespread shock among
the onlookers. Irwin's guards were
stunned, silently, wondering how Damian
managed to withstand Irwin's technique
without even being armed. Irwin himself
began to feel anxious. Damian had dodged
all of his strikes with astonishing
speed in such a short time. A confident
smile appeared on Damian's face as he
silently affirmed that thanks to his
recent training, he now fully understood
the dueling style of the Leyon Bloom
family. He clearly recalled that in his
previous life, he had fought Michael
Leon Blum, Irwin's older brother, and
had nearly defeated him. Damen looked at
Irwin with a confident gaze and told
himself that Irwin's sword style had far
more weaknesses compared to that of his
older brother. Irwin unleashed a massive
wave of aura energy, daring Damian to
dodge this next strike as well. Damen
immediately recognized the danger upon
seeing the sheer strength of the aura
and admitted internally that it might be
difficult to evade such an attack using
only a fork. He made a quick decision to
use the hero saint technique, a secret
skill he had learned in the past. The
clash of Irwin's and Damian's powers
created an enormous explosion of energy
in the middle of the dueling ground.
Louise and Abel watched the scene with
deep concern and tension while the fight
continued before their eyes. Irwin's
weapon clashed with Damen's fork in a
sudden shocking moment that left Irwin
visibly stunned. With exceptional skill,
Damen managed to dodge Irwin's attack
using only the fork in a clever and
unexpected way. Damian confidently
declared to himself that he had used a
secret special technique called secret
art, perception of the infinite current,
which allowed him to evade Irwin's
attacks with ease. Suddenly, Damian
surged forward at incredible speed,
launching a decisive strike at Irwin
while bidding him farewell in his mind.
Goodbye. Damen's fork struck Irwin's
neck with precise accuracy, sending him
into a panic and shocking disbelief. All
those present were left speechless,
especially Damian's parents, Abel and
Louise, none of whom had expected such
an outcome. Irwin was horrified when he
realized that the fork was placed
directly against his neck, causing him
to immediately retreat in utter fear. He
collapsed to the ground in a panic,
crying out in pain and humiliation.
Damian stood tall and confident,
thinking to himself that despite all his
anger and desire to kill Irwin, he had
chosen to restrain himself for the sake
of his family. He looked down at Irwin
lying on the ground and said firmly and
calmly, "It's clear now that I've won.
Do you have any complaints?" Damen
stepped closer to the frightened Irwin
and spoke with unwavering authority. As
I said before, you're leaving this place
immediately. Damian stood proudly,
directing one final decisive command at
Irwin. Leave now. Later, the family
gathered around the dining table in an
atmosphere of heavy silence and tension.
After finishing his meal, Damian stood up quietly and announced in a calm tone
up quietly and announced in a calm tone that he was going to resume his morning
that he was going to resume his morning training. The rest of the family
training. The rest of the family remained seated in quiet worry as Damen
remained seated in quiet worry as Damen silently left the room. The mother
silently left the room. The mother turned to her husband with anxious eyes
turned to her husband with anxious eyes and asked whether he was going to speak
and asked whether he was going to speak to Damian about what happened the
to Damian about what happened the previous day. Abel began to speak,
previous day. Abel began to speak, expressing his amazement at how
expressing his amazement at how drastically Damen's behavior had changed
drastically Damen's behavior had changed and how different he now seemed from the
and how different he now seemed from the brother they once knew. The father
brother they once knew. The father concluded the discussion with quiet
concluded the discussion with quiet wisdom, saying they should wait and let
wisdom, saying they should wait and let Damian speak for himself when he was
Damian speak for himself when he was ready. The mother looked at her husband
ready. The mother looked at her husband with affection, trying to comfort him
with affection, trying to comfort him and encourage him to stay strong through
and encourage him to stay strong through these difficult circumstances.
these difficult circumstances. Meanwhile, the father thought to himself
Meanwhile, the father thought to himself that in truth, he didn't even want to
that in truth, he didn't even want to know what had happened. Because although
know what had happened. Because although he loved Damian, he now found him
he loved Damian, he now found him terrifying. Damen sat alone in the
terrifying. Damen sat alone in the hallway, preparing himself by strapping
hallway, preparing himself by strapping on weighted sandbags for physical
on weighted sandbags for physical training. Suddenly, Louise called out to
training. Suddenly, Louise called out to him in a clear voice as she approached
him in a clear voice as she approached quickly. Damen paused and turned toward
quickly. Damen paused and turned toward her, waiting to hear what she had to
her, waiting to hear what she had to say. Louise smiled gently and told him
say. Louise smiled gently and told him that she was relieved he hadn't left
that she was relieved he hadn't left yet, admitting she had been hesitant to
yet, admitting she had been hesitant to talk to him about what happened the day
talk to him about what happened the day before. Damen suddenly remembered that
before. Damen suddenly remembered that he needed to apologize to her for his
he needed to apologize to her for his actions and sincerely expressed regret
actions and sincerely expressed regret for acting so rashly and possibly
for acting so rashly and possibly embarrassing her. But Louise immediately
embarrassing her. But Louise immediately interrupted him and said that it wasn't
interrupted him and said that it wasn't like that at all, trying to stop him
like that at all, trying to stop him from blaming himself. She stepped closer
from blaming himself. She stepped closer to Damian and thanked him with a warm,
to Damian and thanked him with a warm, genuine smile for what he had done for
genuine smile for what he had done for her. Louise quietly admitted to herself
her. Louise quietly admitted to herself that she had been terrified when she
that she had been terrified when she agreed to follow Irwin and that deep
agreed to follow Irwin and that deep down she never wanted to do it. Damen
down she never wanted to do it. Damen was moved by Louise's words, thinking to
was moved by Louise's words, thinking to himself that he had known she must have
himself that he had known she must have felt that way. And in that moment, he
felt that way. And in that moment, he realized just how important his actions
realized just how important his actions had been for her. In that moment, Louise
had been for her. In that moment, Louise recalled everything that had happened
recalled everything that had happened earlier, how Damen had stood up to Irwin
earlier, how Damen had stood up to Irwin and realized she wanted to express her
and realized she wanted to express her deep gratitude to her brother. She
deep gratitude to her brother. She smiled sincerely, a warm expression full
smiled sincerely, a warm expression full of gratitude as she wholeheartedly
of gratitude as she wholeheartedly thanked Damen for what he had done for
thanked Damen for what he had done for her. Damen paused, smiling, then told
her. Damen paused, smiling, then told her that he was the one who should be
her that he was the one who should be thankful to her. He looked at his sister
thankful to her. He looked at his sister with deep affection and appreciation,
with deep affection and appreciation, telling her that he had always felt
telling her that he had always felt grateful for her. Louise was surprised
grateful for her. Louise was surprised by Damian's words, but just as he was
by Damian's words, but just as he was about to leave, she stopped him, saying
about to leave, she stopped him, saying she had something important to give him.
she had something important to give him. Louise revealed a distinctive sword to
Louise revealed a distinctive sword to Damian and told him with a gentle smile
Damian and told him with a gentle smile that it was the only sword their father
that it was the only sword their father had ever crafted, especially for him,
had ever crafted, especially for him, and he had asked her to give it to him
and he had asked her to give it to him so he could use it in his training. She
so he could use it in his training. She explained that their father, even if he
explained that their father, even if he didn't always show it, loved and valued
didn't always show it, loved and valued Damian deeply and had asked her to make
Damian deeply and had asked her to make sure he knew that. Then in a serious
sure he knew that. Then in a serious tone mimicking their father's style,
tone mimicking their father's style, Louise warned Damen that as the heir to
Louise warned Damen that as the heir to the Vic Count, he should never use a
the Vic Count, he should never use a fork instead of a sword again. Damian
fork instead of a sword again. Damian grasped the sword with clear confidence,
grasped the sword with clear confidence, raising it high with pride, feeling
raising it high with pride, feeling honored to receive such a meaningful
honored to receive such a meaningful gift. Elsewhere, their father suddenly
gift. Elsewhere, their father suddenly sneezed unexpectedly. He began to wonder
sneezed unexpectedly. He began to wonder why he felt a sudden chill and shiver,
why he felt a sudden chill and shiver, puzzled by the strange sensation.
puzzled by the strange sensation. Outside the manor, a dark and eerie
Outside the manor, a dark and eerie atmosphere began to form as an ominous
atmosphere began to form as an ominous shadowy energy crept silently toward the
shadowy energy crept silently toward the house. The guards stationed outside,
house. The guards stationed outside, bored and inattentive, failed to notice
bored and inattentive, failed to notice the strange energy gradually closing in
the strange energy gradually closing in around them. But suddenly, one of the
around them. But suddenly, one of the guards felt that something unnatural was
guards felt that something unnatural was happening. He began looking around
happening. He began looking around anxiously and nervously. At that moment,
anxiously and nervously. At that moment, the dark energy began to take form
the dark energy began to take form before him, leaving him confused and
before him, leaving him confused and unsettled. The guard was horrified by
unsettled. The guard was horrified by the strange sight before him and
the strange sight before him and screamed in terror. Then, from within
screamed in terror. Then, from within the shadows, a figure began to emerge
the shadows, a figure began to emerge and approach him. Out of the dark
and approach him. Out of the dark energy, a frightening and mysterious
energy, a frightening and mysterious figure took shape and appeared clearly
figure took shape and appeared clearly at the main gate. The sinister force
at the main gate. The sinister force slipped silently into the house,
slipped silently into the house, unnoticed by anyone. Inside the mansion,
unnoticed by anyone. Inside the mansion, everyone was sound asleep, completely
everyone was sound asleep, completely unaware of the events unfolding around
unaware of the events unfolding around them. The dark shadowy figure crept
them. The dark shadowy figure crept quietly toward Louis's room, where she
quietly toward Louis's room, where she still lay fast asleep. Now the
still lay fast asleep. Now the terrifying man's face came into view. He
terrifying man's face came into view. He smiled wickedly admiring the sleeping
smiled wickedly admiring the sleeping Louise and remarked that although he had
Louise and remarked that although he had come on another mission related to the
come on another mission related to the Black Serpent Gang, finding Louise was
Black Serpent Gang, finding Louise was an unexpected bonus. He extended his
an unexpected bonus. He extended his hand toward the deeply sleeping Louise
hand toward the deeply sleeping Louise with a clear intent to harm her. But
with a clear intent to harm her. But just then he was startled by a voice
just then he was startled by a voice behind him calling out, "Hey." The
behind him calling out, "Hey." The mysterious man turned around in surprise
mysterious man turned around in surprise to see Damian standing in the doorway
to see Damian standing in the doorway calmly asking him what he was doing
calmly asking him what he was doing there. Damian addressed the stranger
there. Damian addressed the stranger with composed confidence, stating that
with composed confidence, stating that he had sensed a strange energy in the
he had sensed a strange energy in the area and then sarcastically asked, "Is
area and then sarcastically asked, "Is there a stranger here by any chance?"
there a stranger here by any chance?" The shadowy man was visibly shaken,
The shadowy man was visibly shaken, inwardly questioning how Damian had
inwardly questioning how Damian had managed to stay awake even after he had
managed to stay awake even after he had used strong magic to put everyone to
used strong magic to put everyone to sleep. He launched a high-speed assault,
sleep. He launched a high-speed assault, casting a powerful dark spell toward
casting a powerful dark spell toward Damian. But Damian effortlessly dodged
Damian. But Damian effortlessly dodged the spell with extreme agility and
the spell with extreme agility and skill. Shocked, the mysterious man cried
skill. Shocked, the mysterious man cried out in frustration and confusion, "Who
out in frustration and confusion, "Who the hell are you?" Damian responded
the hell are you?" Damian responded calmly and confidently as he faced the
calmly and confidently as he faced the man. "That's a question you should be
man. "That's a question you should be asking yourself. This is my home after
asking yourself. This is my home after all." Then he asked the intruder who he
all." Then he asked the intruder who he was and what exactly he intended to do
was and what exactly he intended to do to his sister. The mysterious man grew
to his sister. The mysterious man grew irritated the moment he heard the
irritated the moment he heard the anxious voices of the guards, wondering
anxious voices of the guards, wondering aloud about the sound they had heard
aloud about the sound they had heard near Louis's room. He quickly realized
near Louis's room. He quickly realized that the guards were approaching, and
that the guards were approaching, and their presence clearly unsettled and
their presence clearly unsettled and annoyed him. Determining that it would
annoyed him. Determining that it would be troublesome if the guards discovered
be troublesome if the guards discovered him, the mysterious man prepared to act
him, the mysterious man prepared to act swiftly and vanish from their sight. He
swiftly and vanish from their sight. He immediately cast black magic to escape
immediately cast black magic to escape the room just before the guards could
the room just before the guards could arrive. The man retreated through the
arrive. The man retreated through the window, vanishing at astonishing speed
window, vanishing at astonishing speed using his dark sorcery. A trace of dark
using his dark sorcery. A trace of dark energy lingered in the air as he
energy lingered in the air as he disappeared from the room. Damian rushed
disappeared from the room. Damian rushed to the window, wondering to himself
to the window, wondering to himself whether he had lost track of the
whether he had lost track of the mysterious man. He was suddenly startled
mysterious man. He was suddenly startled by an eerie and unsettling energy
by an eerie and unsettling energy approaching him from just beyond the
approaching him from just beyond the window. Meanwhile, outside the manor,
window. Meanwhile, outside the manor, people began to feel a strange sense of
people began to feel a strange sense of unease. Something unnatural was
unease. Something unnatural was happening. The castle staff at the
happening. The castle staff at the stables were shocked to find a major
stables were shocked to find a major problem and were left deeply confused.
problem and were left deeply confused. Unsure of what to do. They discovered
Unsure of what to do. They discovered that the prized horse had suddenly died,
that the prized horse had suddenly died, increasing their fear and anxiety over
increasing their fear and anxiety over how the Viccount might react. The
how the Viccount might react. The servants asked in distress how such a
servants asked in distress how such a disaster could have occurred, especially
disaster could have occurred, especially since the horse had been perfectly fine
since the horse had been perfectly fine just yesterday. Damian suddenly appeared
just yesterday. Damian suddenly appeared among them and clearly stated that this
among them and clearly stated that this couldn't possibly be a matter of simple
couldn't possibly be a matter of simple misfortune. He reassured the servants
misfortune. He reassured the servants not to panic and clarified that he
not to panic and clarified that he hadn't come to blame them for what had
hadn't come to blame them for what had happened. Instead, he calmly asked them
happened. Instead, he calmly asked them to step away for a while so that he
to step away for a while so that he could investigate the matter personally.
could investigate the matter personally. Damian reached out and carefully
Damian reached out and carefully examined the horse's body with focused
examined the horse's body with focused attention. After inspecting it, he
attention. After inspecting it, he realized that the incident was connected
realized that the incident was connected to the same energy he had sensed from
to the same energy he had sensed from the mysterious man the night before. He
the mysterious man the night before. He became certain that the terrifying aura
became certain that the terrifying aura he felt was unmistakably black magic.
he felt was unmistakably black magic. Damian immediately understood that the
Damian immediately understood that the person he had encountered last night was
person he had encountered last night was a dark sorcerer, intensifying his
a dark sorcerer, intensifying his concern. At that same moment, the Haxon
concern. At that same moment, the Haxon family remained peacefully asleep,
family remained peacefully asleep, completely unaware of what was happening
completely unaware of what was happening around them. Damian felt a deep sense of
around them. Damian felt a deep sense of responsibility and worry for his
responsibility and worry for his family's safety, knowing that they could
family's safety, knowing that they could be in danger from this dark sorcerer.
be in danger from this dark sorcerer. The sorcerer<unk>'s shadowy energy began
The sorcerer<unk>'s shadowy energy began spreading quickly from the stables,
spreading quickly from the stables, retreating toward an unknown
retreating toward an unknown destination. That dark trace led
destination. That dark trace led directly to a hidden cave in the forest
directly to a hidden cave in the forest near the estate. Inside the cave, the
near the estate. Inside the cave, the mysterious man stood speaking to
mysterious man stood speaking to himself, pleased with what he had
himself, pleased with what he had accomplished so far. He mocked the
accomplished so far. He mocked the leader of the Black Serpent Gang, amused
leader of the Black Serpent Gang, amused that he had successfully deceived him,
that he had successfully deceived him, pretending the requested material was a
pretending the requested material was a curse when it was actually something
curse when it was actually something mundane. The dark sorcerer realized that
mundane. The dark sorcerer realized that with the large quantity of supplies he
with the large quantity of supplies he had obtained, he wouldn't need to worry
had obtained, he wouldn't need to worry about gathering more for quite some
about gathering more for quite some time. Still, he couldn't help but feel
time. Still, he couldn't help but feel some bitterness over his situation,
some bitterness over his situation, having to complete petty tasks just to
having to complete petty tasks just to earn a bit of money because of being
earn a bit of money because of being hunted by the organization. He
hunted by the organization. He understood that he had to remain hidden
understood that he had to remain hidden for a while due to recent events. Just
for a while due to recent events. Just as the sorcerer was preparing to leave,
as the sorcerer was preparing to leave, he froze when he heard Damen's voice
he froze when he heard Damen's voice suddenly comment that he had smelled
suddenly comment that he had smelled something rotten, which instantly caught
something rotten, which instantly caught his attention and surprised him. The
his attention and surprised him. The sorcerer's expression shifted as he
sorcerer's expression shifted as he turned toward the source of the voice
turned toward the source of the voice and then heard Damen continue saying
and then heard Damen continue saying that the smell indicated an old man had
that the smell indicated an old man had been living alone here for a long time
been living alone here for a long time without properly ventilating the place.
without properly ventilating the place. The dark sorcerer stepped back in clear
The dark sorcerer stepped back in clear astonishment when he saw Damian standing
astonishment when he saw Damian standing calmly before him, realizing that this
calmly before him, realizing that this young man was the eldest son of Viccount
young man was the eldest son of Viccount Haxon. A confident smile appeared on
Haxon. A confident smile appeared on Damen's face, affirming to the dark
Damen's face, affirming to the dark sorcerer that he was indeed the eldest
sorcerer that he was indeed the eldest son of the Haxon family, the same one
son of the Haxon family, the same one who confronted him the previous night.
who confronted him the previous night. The dark sorcerer, deeply anxious,
The dark sorcerer, deeply anxious, wondered how Damian had managed to find
wondered how Damian had managed to find this place. And Damian replied calmly
this place. And Damian replied calmly and mockingly that he had followed the
and mockingly that he had followed the foul stench the sorcerer had left
foul stench the sorcerer had left behind. The sorcerer told Damen that he
behind. The sorcerer told Damen that he had heard of his bravery in facing the
had heard of his bravery in facing the Black Serpent Gang and commented that
Black Serpent Gang and commented that Damian was clearly not just a reckless
Damian was clearly not just a reckless and ordinary person. The sorcerer
and ordinary person. The sorcerer admitted that he had been cautious and
admitted that he had been cautious and prepared from the start, as he never
prepared from the start, as he never knew when Damian might appear. He
knew when Damian might appear. He explained that the Black Serpent Gang
explained that the Black Serpent Gang had instructed him to inflict as much
had instructed him to inflict as much damage as possible on the Haxon family.
damage as possible on the Haxon family. Damian smiled calmly with clear mockery
Damian smiled calmly with clear mockery and told the sorcerer that he was a
and told the sorcerer that he was a pathetic man for accepting a mission
pathetic man for accepting a mission that would inevitably lead him to death
that would inevitably lead him to death soon. The dark sorcerer was shocked by
soon. The dark sorcerer was shocked by Damian's words and responded with
Damian's words and responded with intense anger and agitation. Because of
intense anger and agitation. Because of what he said, the sorcerer grew furious
what he said, the sorcerer grew furious and began unleashing his magical power,
and began unleashing his magical power, declaring that he would enjoy torturing
declaring that he would enjoy torturing Damian and relieving his boredom with
Damian and relieving his boredom with him since Damian was such an interesting
him since Damian was such an interesting individual. Damian prepared for battle,
individual. Damian prepared for battle, gripping his sword with complete
gripping his sword with complete confidence and told the dark sorcerer
confidence and told the dark sorcerer calmly that despite his vow not to kill
calmly that despite his vow not to kill anyone in this life, there was one
anyone in this life, there was one exception. Vile individuals like the
exception. Vile individuals like the dark sorcerer. A look of anger and
dark sorcerer. A look of anger and menace appeared clearly on Damian's
menace appeared clearly on Damian's face, and he firmly declared to the
face, and he firmly declared to the sorcerer that he despised people like
sorcerer that he despised people like him, dark sorcerers who toyed with
him, dark sorcerers who toyed with others lives. The sorcerer was stunned
others lives. The sorcerer was stunned when he realized that Damian had managed
when he realized that Damian had managed to uncover his identity as a dark
to uncover his identity as a dark sorcerer with such speed and ease. And
sorcerer with such speed and ease. And he admitted that Damian was by no means
he admitted that Damian was by no means an ordinary person. Enraged, the
an ordinary person. Enraged, the sorcerer launched a massive wave of
sorcerer launched a massive wave of destructive black energy, shouting
destructive black energy, shouting threats at Damian. If he escapes, the
threats at Damian. If he escapes, the sorcerer will be in big trouble, so he
sorcerer will be in big trouble, so he must die now. Damian charged toward the
must die now. Damian charged toward the sorcerer with high confidence, swiftly
sorcerer with high confidence, swiftly and skillfully dodging his powerful and
and skillfully dodging his powerful and dangerous attack. The sorcerer was
dangerous attack. The sorcerer was shocked by Damian's unexpected speed,
shocked by Damian's unexpected speed, which caused him to falter momentarily
which caused him to falter momentarily during the fight. Damian struck with
during the fight. Damian struck with overwhelming force, landing a direct
overwhelming force, landing a direct blow with his sword on the sorcerer, who
blow with his sword on the sorcerer, who struggled greatly to block it. The
struggled greatly to block it. The sorcerer staggered back, groaning in
sorcerer staggered back, groaning in pain. But suddenly, his wounds began
pain. But suddenly, his wounds began healing at an astonishing speed due to
healing at an astonishing speed due to the power of his dark magic. Damian
the power of his dark magic. Damian watched in great surprise as the
watched in great surprise as the sorcerer regenerated his wounds at a
sorcerer regenerated his wounds at a rapid rate, realizing it was the same
rapid rate, realizing it was the same ability he had noticed earlier in the
ability he had noticed earlier in the palace. At that moment, Damian
palace. At that moment, Damian understood that his opponent was no
understood that his opponent was no ordinary person at all, but someone with
ordinary person at all, but someone with exceptional abilities beyond
exceptional abilities beyond expectations. The sorcerer smiled with
expectations. The sorcerer smiled with terrifying confidence and mocked Damian,
terrifying confidence and mocked Damian, telling him that his earlier attack had
telling him that his earlier attack had had little to no effect. Damian charged
had little to no effect. Damian charged with even greater force, threatening the
with even greater force, threatening the sorcerer that he would tear him to
sorcerer that he would tear him to pieces until nothing remained but dust.
pieces until nothing remained but dust. Damen launched a powerful assault,
Damen launched a powerful assault, landing hits on the sorcerer in multiple
landing hits on the sorcerer in multiple areas. The sorcerer stepped back
areas. The sorcerer stepped back slightly after Damian's last attack and
slightly after Damian's last attack and said with a mocking smile that Damen's
said with a mocking smile that Damen's skill was truly interesting, but it
skill was truly interesting, but it would not be enough to defeat him. The
would not be enough to defeat him. The sorcerer suddenly paused and spoke in a
sorcerer suddenly paused and spoke in a low voice to Damian, telling him that
low voice to Damian, telling him that the moment he entered this place, he had
the moment he entered this place, he had already become a dead man. Damian was
already become a dead man. Damian was struck with sudden shock when he saw
struck with sudden shock when he saw that he was surrounded by extremely
that he was surrounded by extremely powerful and terrifying magical traps
powerful and terrifying magical traps from all directions. The sorcerer told
from all directions. The sorcerer told him confidently that he had set up these
him confidently that he had set up these traps in advance in case the
traps in advance in case the organization pursued him and that Damian
organization pursued him and that Damian had now fallen right into them. Damian
had now fallen right into them. Damian realized the severity of the situation
realized the severity of the situation he was in and understood that these
he was in and understood that these traps could be extremely dangerous for
traps could be extremely dangerous for him. The dark sorcerer began mocking
him. The dark sorcerer began mocking him, saying that Damen would greatly
him, saying that Damen would greatly regret challenging someone of his high
regret challenging someone of his high status in the world of dark magic. The
status in the world of dark magic. The dark sorcerer unleashed his most
dark sorcerer unleashed his most powerful spell, confidently, declaring
powerful spell, confidently, declaring that Damian would die slowly and
that Damian would die slowly and painfully as his body decayed. A look of
painfully as his body decayed. A look of defiance and determination appeared in
defiance and determination appeared in Damian's eyes, and he began preparing to
Damian's eyes, and he began preparing to face this dangerous attack with all his
face this dangerous attack with all his strength and focus. Black energy spread
strength and focus. Black energy spread around Damian with overwhelming force in
around Damian with overwhelming force in a scene filled with tension and extreme
a scene filled with tension and extreme danger. The dark sorcerer began mocking
danger. The dark sorcerer began mocking Damian, calling him an arrogant boy who
Damian, calling him an arrogant boy who had rushed straight toward his own
had rushed straight toward his own death. He continued speaking with a
death. He continued speaking with a cunning smile, explaining that the more
cunning smile, explaining that the more damage he caused, the greater the
damage he caused, the greater the financial reward he would receive from
financial reward he would receive from the Black Serpent Gang. After believing
the Black Serpent Gang. After believing he had eliminated Damian, the sorcerer
he had eliminated Damian, the sorcerer expressed relief and said that he could
expressed relief and said that he could now search for the girl he had seen the
now search for the girl he had seen the previous night. But Damian's voice
previous night. But Damian's voice suddenly interrupted him, sarcastically,
suddenly interrupted him, sarcastically, commenting on the type of spell the
commenting on the type of spell the sorcerer had used, clarifying that it
sorcerer had used, clarifying that it was a form of decay magic. The sorcerer
was a form of decay magic. The sorcerer was greatly surprised to see Damian
was greatly surprised to see Damian still standing firmly before him after
still standing firmly before him after everything he had been through. He asked
everything he had been through. He asked in clear confusion how Damian could know
in clear confusion how Damian could know such things about dark magic. Damen
such things about dark magic. Damen responded with a mysterious smile. Who
responded with a mysterious smile. Who knows? At that moment, Damian realized
knows? At that moment, Damian realized within himself that he still possessed
within himself that he still possessed that power or authority which he had
that power or authority which he had thought he lost after returning through
thought he lost after returning through time. A terrifying image of Dorgos
time. A terrifying image of Dorgos appeared in Damian's memory, and he
appeared in Damian's memory, and he recalled that this power he now held was
recalled that this power he now held was called the authority of the rulers.
called the authority of the rulers. Damian clearly remembered Dorgos, who
Damian clearly remembered Dorgos, who had granted him this power in his
had granted him this power in his previous life, and he recognized just
previous life, and he recognized just how dangerous the situation was. Now in
how dangerous the situation was. Now in his memory, Dorgos was addressing him
his memory, Dorgos was addressing him with the title beloved knight of death
with the title beloved knight of death while Damian knelt submissively before
while Damian knelt submissively before him. The sorcerer in Damian's memory
him. The sorcerer in Damian's memory continued speaking about granting him a
continued speaking about granting him a powerful body and great magic. Yet told
powerful body and great magic. Yet told him that even this was not enough. The
him that even this was not enough. The mysterious sorcerer from the past went
mysterious sorcerer from the past went on to explain that he had given Damian
on to explain that he had given Damian this additional power to transform him
this additional power to transform him into the ultimate weapon and embodiment
into the ultimate weapon and embodiment of pure evil. Dorgos had bestowed a
of pure evil. Dorgos had bestowed a massive additional power in that memory,
massive additional power in that memory, aiming to turn Damian into the strongest
aiming to turn Damian into the strongest weapon imaginable. The sorcerer let out
weapon imaginable. The sorcerer let out a wicked laugh, feeling proud of his
a wicked laugh, feeling proud of his work. In a majestic scene, an immense
work. In a majestic scene, an immense force of black energy surged forth as a
force of black energy surged forth as a result of the sorcerer's ritual. The
result of the sorcerer's ritual. The sorcerer stood in awe of his authority
sorcerer stood in awe of his authority and power, proclaiming that this force
and power, proclaiming that this force was power granted directly by the gods.
was power granted directly by the gods. The mysterious sorcerer unleashed his
The mysterious sorcerer unleashed his energy with full force and
energy with full force and concentration, trying to complete the
concentration, trying to complete the ritual in its entirety. At that moment,
ritual in its entirety. At that moment, the effect of the black energy appeared
the effect of the black energy appeared immense and overwhelmingly powerful, as
immense and overwhelmingly powerful, as if it were swallowing everything around
if it were swallowing everything around it. Dorgos realized with intensity and
it. Dorgos realized with intensity and madness the sheer magnitude and danger
madness the sheer magnitude and danger of the energy he had released. The power
of the energy he had released. The power of Dorgos began to permeate Damen's
of Dorgos began to permeate Damen's body, affecting him in a violent and
body, affecting him in a violent and extremely painful way. Damian screamed
extremely painful way. Damian screamed in agony as he received this tremendous
in agony as he received this tremendous power granted to him by the sorcerer.
power granted to him by the sorcerer. The black energy exploded around Damian
The black energy exploded around Damian in a scene that conveyed the gravity of
in a scene that conveyed the gravity of the moment and the magnitude of the
the moment and the magnitude of the power he had received. Afterward, the
power he had received. Afterward, the sorcerer declared with joy and madness
sorcerer declared with joy and madness that he had finally obtained what he
that he had finally obtained what he desired. A frightening look of joy
desired. A frightening look of joy appeared in the sorcerer's eyes as he
appeared in the sorcerer's eyes as he confirmed that he had acquired the
confirmed that he had acquired the terrifying power he had always sought.
terrifying power he had always sought. The dreadful power manifested in a
The dreadful power manifested in a majestic form around Damian's body,
majestic form around Damian's body, creating a palpable sense of awe in the
creating a palpable sense of awe in the place. Damian looked in astonishment at
place. Damian looked in astonishment at his new power, wondering how this force
his new power, wondering how this force had remained with him even after his
had remained with him even after his return through time. At that moment, a
return through time. At that moment, a massive force of energy suddenly struck
massive force of energy suddenly struck the sorcerer, intensifying the tension
the sorcerer, intensifying the tension of the events. Damian responded with an
of the events. Damian responded with an extremely swift and precise movement,
extremely swift and precise movement, dodging the powerful attack launched at
dodging the powerful attack launched at him by the sorcerer. The sorcerer was
him by the sorcerer. The sorcerer was shocked by Damian's resilience and
shocked by Damian's resilience and angrily asked how he had survived his
angrily asked how he had survived his powerful magic. But Damian replied
powerful magic. But Damian replied calmly and with sarcasm, asking,
calmly and with sarcasm, asking, "Doesn't everyone have a secret weapon
"Doesn't everyone have a secret weapon hidden away?" Fully prepared for the
hidden away?" Fully prepared for the confrontation with unwavering
confrontation with unwavering confidence. Damian suddenly realized
confidence. Damian suddenly realized something important as he recalled the
something important as he recalled the dark sorcerer's words. How the sorcerer
dark sorcerer's words. How the sorcerer had mentioned earlier that he was one of
had mentioned earlier that he was one of the highranking members of the Yolan
the highranking members of the Yolan group. Damian began remembering what he
group. Damian began remembering what he knew about the Yolan group and how it
knew about the Yolan group and how it was a specialized organization in
was a specialized organization in assassinations using dark magic. He
assassinations using dark magic. He became certain that the sorcerer's
became certain that the sorcerer's skills were far from ordinary due to his
skills were far from ordinary due to his dangerous expertise in dark magic.
dangerous expertise in dark magic. Explaining his overwhelming power, the
Explaining his overwhelming power, the sorcerer started to suspect that Damian
sorcerer started to suspect that Damian possessed a special kind of secret
possessed a special kind of secret weapon and realized he'd be in serious
weapon and realized he'd be in serious trouble if the battle dragged on. He had
trouble if the battle dragged on. He had to end it immediately. He revealed a
to end it immediately. He revealed a magical bracelet, telling Damian that he
magical bracelet, telling Damian that he had originally kept it reserved for the
had originally kept it reserved for the church, but now he was forced to use it
church, but now he was forced to use it in this confrontation. The bracelet
in this confrontation. The bracelet began to emit a glowing green magical
began to emit a glowing green magical energy which quickly spread over the
energy which quickly spread over the sorcerer's arm. Magical energy surged
sorcerer's arm. Magical energy surged from the sorcerer's body as he began
from the sorcerer's body as he began drawing on the latent power stored in
drawing on the latent power stored in the bracelet. The sorcerer's features
the bracelet. The sorcerer's features shifted drastically as the bracelet took
shifted drastically as the bracelet took effect. His expression now filled with
effect. His expression now filled with confidence and strength. A massive surge
confidence and strength. A massive surge of dark energy erupted from the
of dark energy erupted from the bracelet, astonishing Damian as he
bracelet, astonishing Damian as he witnessed the sheer force it released.
witnessed the sheer force it released. Damian quickly concluded that this
Damian quickly concluded that this bracelet was a special magical artifact
bracelet was a special magical artifact designed to store and conceal the
designed to store and conceal the immense magical energy possessed by the
immense magical energy possessed by the sorcerer. A huge monstrous form of dark
sorcerer. A huge monstrous form of dark energy appeared before Damian. And the
energy appeared before Damian. And the sorcerer confidently told him that this
sorcerer confidently told him that this power was impossible to resist. With
power was impossible to resist. With intense fury, the dark sorcerer
intense fury, the dark sorcerer unleashed his most powerful spell,
unleashed his most powerful spell, shouting at Damian to burn in hellfire
shouting at Damian to burn in hellfire and die. The dark energy burst violently
and die. The dark energy burst violently toward Damian, causing an immense
toward Damian, causing an immense explosion. The violent attack created a
explosion. The violent attack created a massive crater of dark energy, and the
massive crater of dark energy, and the sorcerer believed that the battle had
sorcerer believed that the battle had finally ended in his favor. He smirked
finally ended in his favor. He smirked wickedly, claiming that Damian was now
wickedly, claiming that Damian was now trapped in the fires of hell and would
trapped in the fires of hell and would remain burning forever. But Damian's
remain burning forever. But Damian's voice interrupted him calmly, telling
voice interrupted him calmly, telling him he was gravely mistaken about
him he was gravely mistaken about something. The sorcerer was deeply
something. The sorcerer was deeply shocked when Damian told him that the
shocked when Damian told him that the authority of greed he possessed was not
authority of greed he possessed was not the kind that simply blocks magical
the kind that simply blocks magical spells. Damian manifested before the
spells. Damian manifested before the sorcerer, surrounded by a mysterious
sorcerer, surrounded by a mysterious energy that shielded him, a powerful
energy that shielded him, a powerful aura encasing him. The intense aura
aura encasing him. The intense aura spread throughout the area, causing all
spread throughout the area, causing all dark magic to vanish. Damian declared
dark magic to vanish. Damian declared confidently that this energy absorbs all
confidently that this energy absorbs all types of dark energy, putting the
types of dark energy, putting the sorcerer in an extremely disadvantageous
sorcerer in an extremely disadvantageous position. The sorcerer was stunned by
position. The sorcerer was stunned by Damian's mysterious ability and began to
Damian's mysterious ability and began to panic, questioning the nature of this
panic, questioning the nature of this authority and how Damian had obtained
authority and how Damian had obtained such power. Damian responded mockingly,
such power. Damian responded mockingly, telling the sorcerer it was none of his
telling the sorcerer it was none of his business and that he could simply
business and that he could simply consider it as Damian having far
consider it as Damian having far superior equipment. Damian prepared for
superior equipment. Damian prepared for an attack, visibly frustrated that he
an attack, visibly frustrated that he was forced to use a power granted by the
was forced to use a power granted by the one he hated more than anyone else. He
one he hated more than anyone else. He realized he had no choice but to rely on
realized he had no choice but to rely on the skills of the knight of death if he
the skills of the knight of death if he wanted to defeat the sorcerer in front
wanted to defeat the sorcerer in front of him. The sorcerer was greatly
of him. The sorcerer was greatly surprised when he saw Damian using a
surprised when he saw Damian using a powerful technique called aura blade, a
powerful technique called aura blade, a skill used only by professional
skill used only by professional swordmasters. He was struck with fear
swordmasters. He was struck with fear and shock at the power Damian wielded,
and shock at the power Damian wielded, and begged him to wait a moment,
and begged him to wait a moment, overwhelmed with panic. But Damian
overwhelmed with panic. But Damian charged forward without hesitation,
charged forward without hesitation, unleashing a devastating strike with his
unleashing a devastating strike with his sword, using the full force of the aura
sword, using the full force of the aura blade. The sorcerer's face showed pure
blade. The sorcerer's face showed pure astonishment and terror as he watched
astonishment and terror as he watched the powerful attack hurtling toward him.
the powerful attack hurtling toward him. The sorcerer was struck by Damian's
The sorcerer was struck by Damian's attack without even being able to defend
attack without even being able to defend himself. A massive force exploded from
himself. A massive force exploded from Damian's destructive blow, causing
Damian's destructive blow, causing widespread devastation in the area.
widespread devastation in the area. Damian stood confidently after the
Damian stood confidently after the attack, surrounded by a powerful aura
attack, surrounded by a powerful aura that confirmed his victory in this
that confirmed his victory in this fierce clash. The dark sorcerer began
fierce clash. The dark sorcerer began coughing violently as he struggled to
coughing violently as he struggled to rise from the rubble that had collapsed
rise from the rubble that had collapsed on him due to the previous attack.
on him due to the previous attack. Damian approached the dark sorcerer and
Damian approached the dark sorcerer and calmly told him that if he spoke before
calmly told him that if he spoke before dying, he would ease his pain and
dying, he would ease his pain and suffering. Damen asked the sorcerer
suffering. Damen asked the sorcerer about the location of the Black Serpent
about the location of the Black Serpent Gang's hideout, pointing his sword at
Gang's hideout, pointing his sword at him in a clear and threatening manner.
him in a clear and threatening manner. On the following morning, a carriage
On the following morning, a carriage arrived at the landmark of Trade City
arrived at the landmark of Trade City amidst a calm and stable atmosphere.
amidst a calm and stable atmosphere. Victor, the servant who accompanied
Victor, the servant who accompanied Damian, asked what his young master
Damian, asked what his young master intended to do in the city's landmark
intended to do in the city's landmark again, showing a mix of curiosity and
again, showing a mix of curiosity and concern. Damian smiled quietly as he
concern. Damian smiled quietly as he told Victor, his loyal servant, that if
told Victor, his loyal servant, that if he chose to follow him, he should do so
he chose to follow him, he should do so without asking too many questions.
without asking too many questions. Victor felt uneasy and remarked that
Victor felt uneasy and remarked that while Damian's expression was calm, the
while Damian's expression was calm, the book he was reading had an ominous and
book he was reading had an ominous and disturbing aura. Curiously, Victor asked
disturbing aura. Curiously, Victor asked what Damen was reading with such intense
what Damen was reading with such intense focus. Damian replied with a mysterious
focus. Damian replied with a mysterious smile that it was a very special book.
smile that it was a very special book. Damen went on to say that it was a book
Damen went on to say that it was a book of dark magic he had recently obtained
of dark magic he had recently obtained after defeating the dark sorcerer the
after defeating the dark sorcerer the night before. Victor responded with
night before. Victor responded with intense anxiety, explaining that while
intense anxiety, explaining that while he knew little, he understood very well
he knew little, he understood very well the danger of dark magic books and how
the danger of dark magic books and how difficult they were to acquire. Victor
difficult they were to acquire. Victor suddenly paused when he noticed a
suddenly paused when he noticed a strange and unpleasant smell in the area
strange and unpleasant smell in the area which caught his attention and concern.
which caught his attention and concern. A look of surprise appeared on Victor's
A look of surprise appeared on Victor's face as he wondered about the source of
face as he wondered about the source of that strange and unsettling smell. Damen
that strange and unsettling smell. Damen announced that they had arrived at the
announced that they had arrived at the location he intended and he stepped out
location he intended and he stepped out of the carriage holding a mysterious
of the carriage holding a mysterious sack in his hand. He told Victor firmly
sack in his hand. He told Victor firmly and clearly that there was something
and clearly that there was something important he needed to do from now on as
important he needed to do from now on as he handed him the mysterious sack. When
he handed him the mysterious sack. When Victor asked clearly worried about the
Victor asked clearly worried about the contents of the sack, Damian answered
contents of the sack, Damian answered with complete calm that it contained a
with complete calm that it contained a human head. Victor was deeply shocked
human head. Victor was deeply shocked and told Damian nervously that such a
and told Damian nervously that such a thing was no joke, even if he were
thing was no joke, even if he were ignorant. Horror and intense fear
ignorant. Horror and intense fear appeared on Victor's face as he
appeared on Victor's face as he confirmed the horrific contents of the
confirmed the horrific contents of the sack. Victor screamed in shock and
sack. Victor screamed in shock and terror while Damen held up a human head
terror while Damen held up a human head in front of him, showing no apparent
in front of him, showing no apparent concern. Damen tried to calm the
concern. Damen tried to calm the panicked Victor and told him seriously
panicked Victor and told him seriously to stay calm as everyone in this public
to stay calm as everyone in this public place was watching them. He promised
place was watching them. He promised Victor he would explain the details
Victor he would explain the details later, but for now the important thing
later, but for now the important thing was for Victor to carry out a specific
was for Victor to carry out a specific task. Damian handed Victor the sack and
task. Damian handed Victor the sack and the head, clearly instructing him to
the head, clearly instructing him to deliver them to the designated location
deliver them to the designated location he had previously told him about. Damen
he had previously told him about. Damen arrived in front of a large headquarters
arrived in front of a large headquarters in the center of the city and commented
in the center of the city and commented sarcastically that the gang had chosen a
sarcastically that the gang had chosen a rather prominent and central location
rather prominent and central location for their base. He confidently
for their base. He confidently approached the gang guards outside the
approached the gang guards outside the headquarters, making a remark about the
headquarters, making a remark about the luxury of the place and how comfortable
luxury of the place and how comfortable their lives seemed to be. The gang's
their lives seemed to be. The gang's guards angrily questioned who this young
guards angrily questioned who this young man was, who was approaching them with
man was, who was approaching them with such confidence. Damian told them
such confidence. Damian told them clearly and calmly that he was Damian
clearly and calmly that he was Damian Haxon of the Viccount Hackin family. One
Haxon of the Viccount Hackin family. One of the guards mocked the name Haxon,
of the guards mocked the name Haxon, saying it reminded him of Pig's feet and
saying it reminded him of Pig's feet and that using his full name like that was
that using his full name like that was hilarious. Suddenly, one of the guards
hilarious. Suddenly, one of the guards stopped and showed signs of concern and
stopped and showed signs of concern and confusion as he recalled something
confusion as he recalled something important their gang leader had
important their gang leader had previously mentioned. Damen smiled with
previously mentioned. Damen smiled with clear confidence and told them it seemed
clear confidence and told them it seemed they knew exactly who he was and that he
they knew exactly who he was and that he had important business with their boss,
had important business with their boss, so they should step aside. The guards
so they should step aside. The guards suddenly stepped back with unexpected
suddenly stepped back with unexpected compliance and allowed Damian to pass
compliance and allowed Damian to pass without any resistance, which surprised
without any resistance, which surprised him slightly. Suddenly, one of the
him slightly. Suddenly, one of the guards launched a warning flare into the
guards launched a warning flare into the sky to alert everyone inside the
sky to alert everyone inside the headquarters that a dangerous intruder
headquarters that a dangerous intruder was approaching. Damen lifted his head
was approaching. Damen lifted his head toward the sky as he watched the warning
toward the sky as he watched the warning flare being fired, fully realizing the
flare being fired, fully realizing the gravity of what was about to happen. A
gravity of what was about to happen. A mocking smile appeared on the face of
mocking smile appeared on the face of one of the gang members as he told Damen
one of the gang members as he told Damen that he never intended to let him in so
that he never intended to let him in so easily. At that moment, a group of gang
easily. At that moment, a group of gang members began appearing quickly, heading
members began appearing quickly, heading straight toward Damian. Damian
straight toward Damian. Damian questioned what they had just done and
questioned what they had just done and his expression shifted to seriousness
his expression shifted to seriousness and anger. While the man responded that
and anger. While the man responded that this was just a welcoming gift from the
this was just a welcoming gift from the gang's boss, the gang members advanced
gang's boss, the gang members advanced surrounding Damian who faced them with
surrounding Damian who faced them with complete confidence and told them they
complete confidence and told them they would regret this. Elsewhere in the
would regret this. Elsewhere in the city, Governor Sebastian Baker was
city, Governor Sebastian Baker was seated celebrating and thanking the gang
seated celebrating and thanking the gang leader Cedric for his hospitality.
leader Cedric for his hospitality. Meanwhile, cityguard knight Robert
Meanwhile, cityguard knight Robert requested more drink. appearing clearly
requested more drink. appearing clearly relaxed. Governor Sebastian chatted with
relaxed. Governor Sebastian chatted with his guests, smiling, and told them he
his guests, smiling, and told them he was pleased they were enjoying
was pleased they were enjoying themselves and hoped they would visit
themselves and hoped they would visit him more often. Governor Sebastian told
him more often. Governor Sebastian told Cedric that he believed the Black
Cedric that he believed the Black Serpent Gang could handle all the city's
Serpent Gang could handle all the city's other operations without issue. He
other operations without issue. He continued saying he would be happy if
continued saying he would be happy if the gang managed the entire
the gang managed the entire entertainment district of the city. The
entertainment district of the city. The governor confidently stated that he
governor confidently stated that he could easily silence any objections from
could easily silence any objections from others using his authority. night.
others using his authority. night. Robert told the governor that he felt
Robert told the governor that he felt bad for not being able to offer anything
bad for not being able to offer anything in return. The governor replied
in return. The governor replied appreciatively that it was enough that
appreciatively that it was enough that Robert protected the city. Cedric smiled
Robert protected the city. Cedric smiled and commented on Robert's humility,
and commented on Robert's humility, saying that maintaining security in such
saying that maintaining security in such a large city was no easy task. Robert
a large city was no easy task. Robert showed clear modesty, feeling shy at
showed clear modesty, feeling shy at Cedric's praise. The governor continued
Cedric's praise. The governor continued to joke with his guests, saying that if
to joke with his guests, saying that if they ever needed anything, they should
they ever needed anything, they should simply ask, and he would do his utmost
simply ask, and he would do his utmost to help. While Cedric continued his
to help. While Cedric continued his polite conversation, he was secretly
polite conversation, he was secretly planning something else and felt nothing
planning something else and felt nothing but contempt for his guests. Cedric
but contempt for his guests. Cedric revealed internally his sinister
revealed internally his sinister intentions, explaining that once the
intentions, explaining that once the Black Serpent Gang took full control of
Black Serpent Gang took full control of the city, everyone would be under his
the city, everyone would be under his rule. A crazed and terrifying expression
rule. A crazed and terrifying expression appeared on Cedric's face as he
appeared on Cedric's face as he confirmed to himself that in the end
confirmed to himself that in the end they would all bow before him. The
they would all bow before him. The governor's grin widened into something
governor's grin widened into something mad and frightening as he imagined his
mad and frightening as he imagined his wicked plan soon coming to fruition.
wicked plan soon coming to fruition. Suddenly, one of the men burst in
Suddenly, one of the men burst in shouting, "Boss!" in alarm, startling
shouting, "Boss!" in alarm, startling everyone in the room. Cedric became
everyone in the room. Cedric became angry at the man's sudden entrance and
angry at the man's sudden entrance and asked him what was going on. The man
asked him what was going on. The man apologized for the unexpected
apologized for the unexpected interruption. Cedric then left the room
interruption. Cedric then left the room with the man, ordering him to explain
with the man, ordering him to explain immediately what had happened without
immediately what had happened without delay. The man began informing Cedric in
delay. The man began informing Cedric in a low and anxious voice, causing visible
a low and anxious voice, causing visible tension on the governor<unk>'s face.
tension on the governor<unk>'s face. Knight Robert was greatly shocked when
Knight Robert was greatly shocked when he heard the name Damen Haxon mentioned,
he heard the name Damen Haxon mentioned, his expression clearly reflecting his
his expression clearly reflecting his disbelief. Cedric was filled with rage,
disbelief. Cedric was filled with rage, wondering to himself what the dark
wondering to himself what the dark sorcerer had been doing, though he felt
sorcerer had been doing, though he felt reassured knowing he had warned his men
reassured knowing he had warned his men in advance. Cedric tried to reassure the
in advance. Cedric tried to reassure the man and told him to leave calmly, saying
man and told him to leave calmly, saying there was no need to worry because Damen
there was no need to worry because Damen had already dug his own grave.
had already dug his own grave. Meanwhile, the gang members had
Meanwhile, the gang members had surrounded Damian from all sides,
surrounded Damian from all sides, believing that he had walked right into
believing that he had walked right into his own death. Without hesitation,
his own death. Without hesitation, Damian launched into an attack, drinking
Damian launched into an attack, drinking a vial of elixir. And as soon as he
a vial of elixir. And as soon as he threw it to the ground, he released his
threw it to the ground, he released his energy and prepared for a fierce
energy and prepared for a fierce confrontation. Damian's eyes glowed with
confrontation. Damian's eyes glowed with extraordinary power as he began moving
extraordinary power as he began moving at high speed to strike the surrounding
at high speed to strike the surrounding gang members. He attacked with ferocity
gang members. He attacked with ferocity and astounding strength, throwing his
and astounding strength, throwing his enemies aside with complete confidence
enemies aside with complete confidence and determination. At that moment, a
and determination. At that moment, a mysterious figure cloaked in dark robes
mysterious figure cloaked in dark robes appeared, walking calmly and confidently
appeared, walking calmly and confidently toward the battlefield. This mysterious
toward the battlefield. This mysterious person stepped forward and spoke with
person stepped forward and spoke with inner certainty, saying there was no
inner certainty, saying there was no need to worry. He had someone he could
need to worry. He had someone he could count on in this difficult situation.
count on in this difficult situation. Shock and terror were clearly etched
Shock and terror were clearly etched across Cedric<unk>'s face, the gang
across Cedric<unk>'s face, the gang leader, as he observed what was
leader, as he observed what was happening outside, rendering him
happening outside, rendering him completely speechless. Cedric quickly
completely speechless. Cedric quickly climbed up to the high balcony to see
climbed up to the high balcony to see for himself what was going on below,
for himself what was going on below, expecting it to be something minor or
expecting it to be something minor or insignificant. But he was completely
insignificant. But he was completely stunned when he saw all his gang members
stunned when he saw all his gang members collapsed on the ground, groaning in
collapsed on the ground, groaning in pain, while Damian stood alone in the
pain, while Damian stood alone in the center, completely unharmed. A look of
center, completely unharmed. A look of disbelief and astonishment spread across
disbelief and astonishment spread across Cedric<unk>'s face as he witnessed Damen
Cedric<unk>'s face as he witnessed Damen standing tall and alone after defeating
standing tall and alone after defeating all his men. Cedric turned to one of his
all his men. Cedric turned to one of his men with suspicion, asking if that young
men with suspicion, asking if that young man really was Damian Haxon. The man
man really was Damian Haxon. The man confirmed nervously and clearly. Cedric
confirmed nervously and clearly. Cedric was shocked by what he heard and
was shocked by what he heard and recalled what had been said about Damian
recalled what had been said about Damian earlier. He had assumed Damian was
earlier. He had assumed Damian was nothing more than a useless heir with no
nothing more than a useless heir with no real skills or abilities. Cedric<unk>'s
real skills or abilities. Cedric<unk>'s expression shifted to pure panic as he
expression shifted to pure panic as he wondered if the dark sorcerer he had
wondered if the dark sorcerer he had sent had truly been defeated by Damian.
sent had truly been defeated by Damian. He rushed back inside, feeling the
He rushed back inside, feeling the urgent need to call for help due to the
urgent need to call for help due to the gravity of the situation he had never
gravity of the situation he had never anticipated. At that moment, Damian
anticipated. At that moment, Damian noticed something strange and massive
noticed something strange and massive heading toward him at extreme speed and
heading toward him at extreme speed and force. Immediately catching his
force. Immediately catching his attention and raising his guard. He
attention and raising his guard. He realized that the object coming at him
realized that the object coming at him was magical in nature. Confirming the
was magical in nature. Confirming the seriousness of the situation, three of
seriousness of the situation, three of Cedric's men appeared at top the
Cedric's men appeared at top the building, aiming a massive magical
building, aiming a massive magical weapon at Damian, challenging him to
weapon at Damian, challenging him to withstand such immense power. The three
withstand such immense power. The three men unleashed a colossal wave of flames
men unleashed a colossal wave of flames toward Damian, which spread rapidly and
toward Damian, which spread rapidly and caused a powerful explosion at the site.
caused a powerful explosion at the site. Despite the huge explosion, Damian stood
Despite the huge explosion, Damian stood his ground firmly, deflecting the flames
his ground firmly, deflecting the flames with his sword without being harmed. One
with his sword without being harmed. One of the gang members shouted mockingly at
of the gang members shouted mockingly at Damian, telling him it was insane to
Damian, telling him it was insane to think a mere sword could withstand such
think a mere sword could withstand such a large-scale fire attack. But Damian
a large-scale fire attack. But Damian responded forcefully, using a secret
responded forcefully, using a secret technique called infinite insight to
technique called infinite insight to face the flames and charged directly at
face the flames and charged directly at the gang members. One of the men's eyes
the gang members. One of the men's eyes widened in sheer horror as he watched
widened in sheer horror as he watched the flames he had launched rebound
the flames he had launched rebound rapidly toward him. A massive explosion
rapidly toward him. A massive explosion rocked the area as the flames reversed
rocked the area as the flames reversed and hit the gang members, destroying a
and hit the gang members, destroying a large portion of the site. Damian stood
large portion of the site. Damian stood tall and confident after the attack,
tall and confident after the attack, looking around sarcastically, wondering
looking around sarcastically, wondering if it was finally over. He quickly
if it was finally over. He quickly turned, saying to himself that it was
turned, saying to himself that it was time to uncover the truth about Cedric,
time to uncover the truth about Cedric, the leader of the Black Serpent Gang.
the leader of the Black Serpent Gang. Suddenly, Damian sensed a strange and
Suddenly, Damian sensed a strange and dangerous energy coming from above,
dangerous energy coming from above, prompting him to turn sharply in
prompting him to turn sharply in anticipation of the next threat. A
anticipation of the next threat. A massive figure leaped down with immense
massive figure leaped down with immense force, delivering a crushing blow toward
force, delivering a crushing blow toward Damian, who was forced to retreat
Damian, who was forced to retreat swiftly to evade the attack. The
swiftly to evade the attack. The mysterious man with the powerful aura
mysterious man with the powerful aura landed on the ground. His aura was so
landed on the ground. His aura was so intense that it made Damian's skin
intense that it made Damian's skin tingle from the sheer pressure of his
tingle from the sheer pressure of his presence. The mysterious man spoke
presence. The mysterious man spoke mockingly in a deep voice, saying he had
mockingly in a deep voice, saying he had been wondering who was causing all this
been wondering who was causing all this chaos. As smoke and dust swirled around
chaos. As smoke and dust swirled around him. Damian realized that the man he now
him. Damian realized that the man he now faced was an official knight with highly
faced was an official knight with highly advanced and powerful combat skills,
advanced and powerful combat skills, making the situation even more
making the situation even more dangerous. At that moment, the city's
dangerous. At that moment, the city's armored soldiers began surrounding
armored soldiers began surrounding Damian from all sides, aiming their
Damian from all sides, aiming their weapons at him. Sebastian appeared,
weapons at him. Sebastian appeared, shouting furiously, directing his
shouting furiously, directing his accusations at Damian and blaming him
accusations at Damian and blaming him for causing chaos in the city center.
for causing chaos in the city center. The man declared himself to be Sebastian
The man declared himself to be Sebastian Baker, governor of the city, and
Baker, governor of the city, and announced that he would personally
announced that he would personally punish Damian. But Damian met his threat
punish Damian. But Damian met his threat with calmness and simply asked, "Why
with calmness and simply asked, "Why would you punish me?" Pretending not to
would you punish me?" Pretending not to understand the accusation. Sebastian
understand the accusation. Sebastian became enraged by Damian's calm response
became enraged by Damian's calm response and began scolding him, saying he had
and began scolding him, saying he had not only attacked Cedric, a respected
not only attacked Cedric, a respected businessman, but also harmed many
businessman, but also harmed many innocent people in the city. Cedric,
innocent people in the city. Cedric, watching the situation unfold from the
watching the situation unfold from the background, smiled wickedly as Sebastian
background, smiled wickedly as Sebastian continued speaking, describing Damen's
continued speaking, describing Damen's actions as a crime that could never be
actions as a crime that could never be forgiven. Damian stood before Cedric,
forgiven. Damian stood before Cedric, the leader of the Black Serpent Gang,
the leader of the Black Serpent Gang, and began to speak mockingly, saying
and began to speak mockingly, saying that he had finally managed to find him,
that he had finally managed to find him, then asked him to come closer so they
then asked him to come closer so they could start the conversation with a
could start the conversation with a punch. Damian continued his speech with
punch. Damian continued his speech with a mocking smile, saying that he had
a mocking smile, saying that he had expected a connection between the Black
expected a connection between the Black Serpent Gang and the city authorities,
Serpent Gang and the city authorities, but he hadn't expected that connection
but he hadn't expected that connection to be so weak, expressing his surprise
to be so weak, expressing his surprise that Cedric was being described as an
that Cedric was being described as an honest merchant. The governor exploded
honest merchant. The governor exploded with anger and said that if Damian asked
with anger and said that if Damian asked for forgiveness now, perhaps his
for forgiveness now, perhaps his punishment would be lessened. But Damen
punishment would be lessened. But Damen calmly replied that asking for
calmly replied that asking for forgiveness required one to be guilty in
forgiveness required one to be guilty in the first place. This greatly enraged
the first place. This greatly enraged the governor. The governor then turned
the governor. The governor then turned to Sir Robert and said sternly that he
to Sir Robert and said sternly that he had tried to reason with Damian due to
had tried to reason with Damian due to his young age, but since he didn't
his young age, but since he didn't respond, he shouldn't blame him for what
respond, he shouldn't blame him for what would happen next. At that moment,
would happen next. At that moment, Robert stepped forward toward Damian,
Robert stepped forward toward Damian, raising his massive weapon in
raising his massive weapon in preparation for battle. While Damian
preparation for battle. While Damian stood firm in front of him, showing no
stood firm in front of him, showing no fear. Robert began speaking confidently,
fear. Robert began speaking confidently, declaring himself the Knight protector
declaring himself the Knight protector of this city and ordering Damian to drop
of this city and ordering Damian to drop his weapon and surrender immediately,
his weapon and surrender immediately, while Damian remained calm and defiant.
while Damian remained calm and defiant. Robert noticed with concern that Damian
Robert noticed with concern that Damian was showing no fear despite the clear
was showing no fear despite the clear threats, and he wondered to himself
threats, and he wondered to himself whether Damian was brave or simply a
whether Damian was brave or simply a fool. But Damian responded with full
fool. But Damian responded with full confidence, saying that he was simply
confidence, saying that he was simply self assured, which only piqued Robert's
self assured, which only piqued Robert's interest further. Robert launched an
interest further. Robert launched an attack on Damian with great speed and
attack on Damian with great speed and force using his massive weapon. But
force using his massive weapon. But Damen managed to evade the blow, which
Damen managed to evade the blow, which ended up shattering the ground beneath
ended up shattering the ground beneath them. Damian felt Robert's immense
them. Damian felt Robert's immense strength and realized that he wouldn't
strength and realized that he wouldn't be easy to deal with, something he had
be easy to deal with, something he had anticipated from the start. Damian
anticipated from the start. Damian decided internally that he had to hold
decided internally that he had to hold on until the help he was waiting for
on until the help he was waiting for arrived, and he tried to remain firm
arrived, and he tried to remain firm despite the intensity of the attacks.
despite the intensity of the attacks. Damen and Robert exchanged strong and
Damen and Robert exchanged strong and rapid blows, filling the battlefield
rapid blows, filling the battlefield with the violent clashing sounds of
with the violent clashing sounds of weapons colliding. Damen struggled to
weapons colliding. Damen struggled to comprehend that even after fully
comprehend that even after fully blocking Robert's strike, its power was
blocking Robert's strike, its power was still extremely overwhelming. Visible
still extremely overwhelming. Visible injuries began to appear on Damian's arm
injuries began to appear on Damian's arm due to the force of the attacks, making
due to the force of the attacks, making him concerned about how long he could
him concerned about how long he could keep this up. Damian was caught off
keep this up. Damian was caught off guard by a sudden and very close strike
guard by a sudden and very close strike from Robert, making him realize how
from Robert, making him realize how dangerous the situation had become.
dangerous the situation had become. Robert mocked Damen, asking him what had
Robert mocked Damen, asking him what had been occupying his mind during the
been occupying his mind during the fight, to the extent that such a
fight, to the extent that such a surprise attack could catch him off
surprise attack could catch him off guard. Damen quickly realized that
guard. Damen quickly realized that Robert was incredibly fast and
Robert was incredibly fast and frighteningly strong, which made the
frighteningly strong, which made the confrontation even more difficult.
confrontation even more difficult. Robert continued delivering fierce blows
Robert continued delivering fierce blows toward Damian, trying to eliminate him
toward Damian, trying to eliminate him completely. While Damian struggled to
completely. While Damian struggled to hold his ground and defend himself,
hold his ground and defend himself, someone arrived and blocked the attack
someone arrived and blocked the attack directed at Damian, then knocked
directed at Damian, then knocked Robert's weapon away, Cedric and his
Robert's weapon away, Cedric and his soldiers were utterly shocked by this
soldiers were utterly shocked by this person's overwhelming strength, and deep
person's overwhelming strength, and deep concern appeared on their faces, fearing
concern appeared on their faces, fearing things might escalate for the worse.
things might escalate for the worse. Robert suddenly realized that another
Robert suddenly realized that another person had intervened in the battle and
person had intervened in the battle and helped Damian, and he shouted, demanding
helped Damian, and he shouted, demanding that this mysterious individual reveal
that this mysterious individual reveal their identity. Suddenly, a holy night
their identity. Suddenly, a holy night appeared, her energy radiating
appeared, her energy radiating powerfully as she stood with
powerfully as she stood with unmistakable confidence in the
unmistakable confidence in the battlefield. Robert was deeply shocked
battlefield. Robert was deeply shocked as he watched this holy knight,
as he watched this holy knight, anxiously wondering why a church knight
anxiously wondering why a church knight would be here in this place. Damian
would be here in this place. Damian turned toward the holy knight who had
turned toward the holy knight who had arrived late and calmly asked her why
arrived late and calmly asked her why she had taken so long to show up. At
she had taken so long to show up. At that moment, Victor arrived on the
that moment, Victor arrived on the scene, enthusiastically, declaring that
scene, enthusiastically, declaring that he had finally returned. Victor stood
he had finally returned. Victor stood there extremely happy, announcing his
there extremely happy, announcing his arrival with great excitement and a
arrival with great excitement and a broad cheerful smile on his face. Cedric
broad cheerful smile on his face. Cedric grew very anxious when he saw the Holy
grew very anxious when he saw the Holy Knight on the battlefield. Realizing
Knight on the battlefield. Realizing that the church's involvement in this
that the church's involvement in this case would be extremely dangerous for
case would be extremely dangerous for him, the Holy Knight appeared standing
him, the Holy Knight appeared standing with absolute confidence, accompanied by
with absolute confidence, accompanied by her attendance from the church, which
her attendance from the church, which filled Cedric with terror that the
filled Cedric with terror that the church might have discovered his actions
church might have discovered his actions and his alliance with the dark sorcerer.
and his alliance with the dark sorcerer. Victor approached Damian eagerly and
Victor approached Damian eagerly and asked if he was all right and Damen
asked if he was all right and Damen responded with dry sarcasm that he was
responded with dry sarcasm that he was definitely not all right. He nearly
definitely not all right. He nearly turned into a skeleton from all the
turned into a skeleton from all the waiting. As Damian looked toward the
waiting. As Damian looked toward the holy night, he realized that everything
holy night, he realized that everything was going exactly as he had planned and
was going exactly as he had planned and that her presence here would ensure a
that her presence here would ensure a highly favorable outcome for him. A wide
highly favorable outcome for him. A wide enthusiastic smile appeared on Victor's
enthusiastic smile appeared on Victor's face as he excitedly said that although
face as he excitedly said that although he might not be skilled at everything,
he might not be skilled at everything, he was certainly exceptional at carrying
he was certainly exceptional at carrying out quick missions. Several hours
out quick missions. Several hours earlier, a large church stood very
earlier, a large church stood very quietly under a clear sky. It seemed it
quietly under a clear sky. It seemed it would soon become the center of
would soon become the center of important upcoming events. Inside the
important upcoming events. Inside the church, several individuals in gray
church, several individuals in gray cloak sat in silent devout prayer while
cloak sat in silent devout prayer while a shadowy figure stood quietly behind
a shadowy figure stood quietly behind them. A young nun inside the church sat
them. A young nun inside the church sat praying in deep calm, but suddenly felt
praying in deep calm, but suddenly felt something that made her cautiously turn
something that made her cautiously turn around. Victor entered the church,
around. Victor entered the church, gasping heavily from exhaustion and
gasping heavily from exhaustion and hesitantly asked if this was the Sacred
hesitantly asked if this was the Sacred Branch Church. The nun calmly confirmed
Branch Church. The nun calmly confirmed that it was and asked him what he
that it was and asked him what he needed. Waiting in anticipation, Victor
needed. Waiting in anticipation, Victor quickly told her that his young master
quickly told her that his young master had ordered him to deliver something
had ordered him to deliver something extremely important to the church as
extremely important to the church as quickly as possible. He explained
quickly as possible. He explained nervously that what he carried was
nervously that what he carried was evidence that someone in the city was
evidence that someone in the city was cooperating with a dark sorcerer, which
cooperating with a dark sorcerer, which clearly alarmed the nun. Shock and worry
clearly alarmed the nun. Shock and worry appeared on the nuns face upon hearing
appeared on the nuns face upon hearing that Victor carried evidence related to
that Victor carried evidence related to dark magic. She asked Victor to show her
dark magic. She asked Victor to show her the notebook he had brought, as she
the notebook he had brought, as she seemed to expect something dangerous
seemed to expect something dangerous within its contents. The nun quickly
within its contents. The nun quickly noticed that the notebook emitted a
noticed that the notebook emitted a faint aura of dark magic, which
faint aura of dark magic, which immediately confirmed her suspicions.
immediately confirmed her suspicions. She then observed a strange and
She then observed a strange and suspicious symbol on the notebook, which
suspicious symbol on the notebook, which further deepened her concern and
further deepened her concern and surprise. Suddenly, the nun noticed
surprise. Suddenly, the nun noticed another bag Victor was carrying, which
another bag Victor was carrying, which aroused her curiosity about its
aroused her curiosity about its contents. A human head fell out of the
contents. A human head fell out of the bag, landing right in front of Victor
bag, landing right in front of Victor and the nun, leaving both of them in
and the nun, leaving both of them in absolute shock and horror. The nun
absolute shock and horror. The nun stared intently at the head and
stared intently at the head and instantly realized that she had finally
instantly realized that she had finally found clear evidence of the involvement
found clear evidence of the involvement of Ajito, one of the highranking
of Ajito, one of the highranking officers in the Yolan organization. The
officers in the Yolan organization. The nun was filled with anger and
nun was filled with anger and determination. She quickly stood and
determination. She quickly stood and demanded to know who had delivered the
demanded to know who had delivered the notebook to the church. The nun arrived
notebook to the church. The nun arrived at the scene and fixed her gaze intently
at the scene and fixed her gaze intently on Damian, asking if he was truly Damian
on Damian, asking if he was truly Damian Haxon. Damian confirmed his identity as
Haxon. Damian confirmed his identity as he stood beside Victor, waiting for her
he stood beside Victor, waiting for her next response. The nun informed Damen
next response. The nun informed Damen that the church had received the
that the church had received the evidence he sent, and from now on, the
evidence he sent, and from now on, the church would take over handling the
church would take over handling the matter directly. Damian promptly
matter directly. Damian promptly declared that he would never interfere
declared that he would never interfere with the church's duties and gave his
with the church's duties and gave his immediate consent to whatever decision
immediate consent to whatever decision they deemed appropriate, especially
they deemed appropriate, especially regarding Cedric Sebastian. The nun
regarding Cedric Sebastian. The nun expressed her gratitude very politely
expressed her gratitude very politely for the governor's cooperation, bowing
for the governor's cooperation, bowing slightly in thanks. Damian and Victor
slightly in thanks. Damian and Victor realized that everything was unfolding
realized that everything was unfolding exactly as they had planned now that the
exactly as they had planned now that the Holy Knight from the church had
Holy Knight from the church had intervened. At that moment, the nun
intervened. At that moment, the nun began explaining to everyone that the
began explaining to everyone that the Holy Church lives to serve the Lord and
Holy Church lives to serve the Lord and is deeply devoted to its sacred duties.
is deeply devoted to its sacred duties. She added that to ordinary people, the
She added that to ordinary people, the church always represents kindness and
church always represents kindness and mercy. But she continued seriously,
mercy. But she continued seriously, explaining that when it comes to
explaining that when it comes to punishing heretics and demons, the
punishing heretics and demons, the church never hesitates to show its
church never hesitates to show its strength and severity. She clarified
strength and severity. She clarified that the elite force tasked with
that the elite force tasked with carrying out these punishments is the
carrying out these punishments is the Holy Knights, who are the strongest and
Holy Knights, who are the strongest and most capable within the church. Damian
most capable within the church. Damian felt relieved as he realized that the
felt relieved as he realized that the Holy Knights now stood on his side. The
Holy Knights now stood on his side. The Holy Knight raised her voice firmly,
Holy Knight raised her voice firmly, declaring to the soldiers and citizens
declaring to the soldiers and citizens that the church had received confirmed
that the church had received confirmed information about someone in the city
information about someone in the city collaborating with a dangerous dark
collaborating with a dangerous dark sorcerer. The citizens began speaking
sorcerer. The citizens began speaking anxiously among themselves, wondering in
anxiously among themselves, wondering in shock who could possibly be involved
shock who could possibly be involved with dark sorcerers. Expressing deep
with dark sorcerers. Expressing deep disgust, the Holy Knight solemnly
disgust, the Holy Knight solemnly announced that the church would take
announced that the church would take direct control over the city's affairs
direct control over the city's affairs until the culprits were identified and
until the culprits were identified and punished. However, Sebastian began to
punished. However, Sebastian began to object to the knight's words, saying
object to the knight's words, saying that he was the governor of this city
that he was the governor of this city and that it should remain under his
and that it should remain under his authority. The Holy Knight stood firmly
authority. The Holy Knight stood firmly before Governor Sebastian and the
before Governor Sebastian and the gathered crowd, stating that purging the
gathered crowd, stating that purging the land of the stain of heresy was not
land of the stain of heresy was not merely a duty, but a divine mandate. She
merely a duty, but a divine mandate. She made it clear that the authority of the
made it clear that the authority of the church surpassed that of the kingdom.
church surpassed that of the kingdom. She gave the governor no chance to
She gave the governor no chance to object, interrupting him sternly and
object, interrupting him sternly and pointing out that now was not the time
pointing out that now was not the time for debate, but for holding the one
for debate, but for holding the one before her accountable for his actions.
before her accountable for his actions. She confidently declared that both
She confidently declared that both Governor Sebastian and his royal
Governor Sebastian and his royal soldiers were among the primary suspects
soldiers were among the primary suspects in the case, which caused a wave of
in the case, which caused a wave of unrest among the attendees. She didn't
unrest among the attendees. She didn't stop there. She pointed directly at
stop there. She pointed directly at Cedric, stating that he was the one who
Cedric, stating that he was the one who had provided shelter and aid to a dark
had provided shelter and aid to a dark sorcerer within the city. She then
sorcerer within the city. She then turned again to the governor, explaining
turned again to the governor, explaining that his support of Cedric placed him
that his support of Cedric placed him under suspicion as well. At that moment,
under suspicion as well. At that moment, Governor Sebastian raised his voice in
Governor Sebastian raised his voice in stunned disbelief, asking if Cedric had
stunned disbelief, asking if Cedric had truly cooperated with the sorcerer.
truly cooperated with the sorcerer. Cedric responded sharply, denying the
Cedric responded sharply, denying the accusation and asserting that everything
accusation and asserting that everything being said against him was slander. But
being said against him was slander. But the knight showed no hesitation and
the knight showed no hesitation and calmly told him that he was free to deny
calmly told him that he was free to deny as much as he liked. The church
as much as he liked. The church possessed irrefutable physical evidence.
possessed irrefutable physical evidence. She raised a small notebook in her
She raised a small notebook in her hands, stating that its contents
hands, stating that its contents detailed his dealings with the sorcerer,
detailed his dealings with the sorcerer, including the names of suppliers and
including the names of suppliers and meeting locations. At that moment, fear
meeting locations. At that moment, fear spread across Cedric's face as he cursed
spread across Cedric's face as he cursed the dark sorcerer under his breath,
the dark sorcerer under his breath, wondering why he had written all of it
wondering why he had written all of it down in the first place. He then tried
down in the first place. He then tried to defend himself in front of everyone,
to defend himself in front of everyone, insisting that he was innocent of these
insisting that he was innocent of these accusations and that this was all a
accusations and that this was all a misunderstanding that could be resolved
misunderstanding that could be resolved peacefully. But the knight gave him no
peacefully. But the knight gave him no room for maneuver and issued clear
room for maneuver and issued clear orders to the soldiers to arrest all
orders to the soldiers to arrest all those involved without exception. The
those involved without exception. The arrest began immediately. Cries echoed
arrest began immediately. Cries echoed as Cedric and Sebastian were dragged
as Cedric and Sebastian were dragged away by force, some resisting, others
away by force, some resisting, others pleading. Damian stood in the background
pleading. Damian stood in the background observing the scene while Sebastian was
observing the scene while Sebastian was escorted away, casting a cautious and
escorted away, casting a cautious and surprised look at him. Sebastian's gaze
surprised look at him. Sebastian's gaze locked on Damian, and he wondered
locked on Damian, and he wondered internally whether everything that was
internally whether everything that was unfolding now had been meticulously
unfolding now had been meticulously planned. Panic overtook him as he
planned. Panic overtook him as he considered that surrendering might mean
considered that surrendering might mean never making it out alive from the hands
never making it out alive from the hands of the church. Cedric approached Robert
of the church. Cedric approached Robert and warned him in a grim tone that the
and warned him in a grim tone that the church wouldn't stop at arresting him.
church wouldn't stop at arresting him. They'd fabricate enough charges to
They'd fabricate enough charges to eliminate him without trial. Amid the
eliminate him without trial. Amid the growing tension, a voice called out
growing tension, a voice called out Robert's name forcefully, making him
Robert's name forcefully, making him freeze in place and fall silent for a
freeze in place and fall silent for a moment. Then, Robert shouted with full
moment. Then, Robert shouted with full force, gathering his energy as a
force, gathering his energy as a majestic blue aura burst from his body,
majestic blue aura burst from his body, and he declared his clear intentions. He
and he declared his clear intentions. He dashed forward with immense speed,
dashed forward with immense speed, declaring that he would not be taken
declaring that he would not be taken easily, that he would fight to the end.
easily, that he would fight to the end. Cedric laughed from a distance,
Cedric laughed from a distance, believing that the chaos had begun,
believing that the chaos had begun, while Damian remained still, watching it
while Damian remained still, watching it all unfold with a cold expression.
all unfold with a cold expression. Robert raised his massive sword and
Robert raised his massive sword and struck the ground in front of him with
struck the ground in front of him with full force while the knight prepared to
full force while the knight prepared to counter him without retreating an inch.
counter him without retreating an inch. Robert was shocked to see that she
Robert was shocked to see that she hadn't moved at all despite the
hadn't moved at all despite the intensity of the strike. His face filled
intensity of the strike. His face filled with disbelief. In a single moment, the
with disbelief. In a single moment, the knight unleashed a blow so fast that
knight unleashed a blow so fast that Robert couldn't even react. It was
Robert couldn't even react. It was enough to shatter his defense
enough to shatter his defense completely. Cedric's mouth fell open in
completely. Cedric's mouth fell open in genuine shock while Damian stood still,
genuine shock while Damian stood still, a faint hidden smile playing on his
a faint hidden smile playing on his lips. The knight raised her hand, now
lips. The knight raised her hand, now engulfed in blue flames, and proclaimed
engulfed in blue flames, and proclaimed that anyone who dares to oppose the will
that anyone who dares to oppose the will of the Lord will face nothing but
of the Lord will face nothing but destruction. A deep visible wound
destruction. A deep visible wound appeared on Robert's body after the
appeared on Robert's body after the strike, and he collapsed violently to
strike, and he collapsed violently to the ground. The knight stood above him
the ground. The knight stood above him with unwavering presence, fully
with unwavering presence, fully enveloped in a sacred aura, while those
enveloped in a sacred aura, while those around her stood in stunned silence. She
around her stood in stunned silence. She then announced in a loud voice that the
then announced in a loud voice that the execution of punishment would take place
execution of punishment would take place here without delay and without mercy.
here without delay and without mercy. She declared firmly that anyone who
She declared firmly that anyone who dares defy divine law would receive
dares defy divine law would receive their punishment regardless of their
their punishment regardless of their status or rank. The knight concluded her
status or rank. The knight concluded her statement with stern authority, making
statement with stern authority, making it clear that what was happening was a
it clear that what was happening was a direct enactment of the Lord's will, and
direct enactment of the Lord's will, and that mercy would not be granted to those
that mercy would not be granted to those who strayed from the path of
who strayed from the path of righteousness. Cedric lay on the ground,
righteousness. Cedric lay on the ground, his hands bound, his body slumped in a
his hands bound, his body slumped in a posture that conveyed utter humiliation
posture that conveyed utter humiliation after everything had collapsed. Outside,
after everything had collapsed. Outside, Sebastian was in a hysterical state as
Sebastian was in a hysterical state as he was dragged away by the knights,
he was dragged away by the knights, screaming furiously and demanding his
screaming furiously and demanding his immediate release. Damian and Victor
immediate release. Damian and Victor stood watching from a distance. Victoria
stood watching from a distance. Victoria smiles on their faces, murmuring that
smiles on their faces, murmuring that this was the leader of the Black Serpent
this was the leader of the Black Serpent Gang, despite his appearance that didn't
Gang, despite his appearance that didn't exactly scream danger. Cedric was
exactly scream danger. Cedric was boiling on the inside, his eyes wide
boiling on the inside, his eyes wide with rage, consumed with fury at the
with rage, consumed with fury at the realization that everything that had
realization that everything that had happened was because of Damian. Then
happened was because of Damian. Then Damian turned toward the Holy Knight and
Damian turned toward the Holy Knight and thanked her, saying that thanks to her,
thanked her, saying that thanks to her, the mission had progressed and concluded
the mission had progressed and concluded efficiently. He gave her a thoughtful
efficiently. He gave her a thoughtful look and realized, judging by her
look and realized, judging by her incredibly pure energy, that she was a
incredibly pure energy, that she was a member of the Azure Flame Division.
member of the Azure Flame Division. Damian recalled the image of the Azure
Damian recalled the image of the Azure Flame Division, one of the five
Flame Division, one of the five strongest units within the church, known
strongest units within the church, known for its relentless severity in purging
for its relentless severity in purging heresy. This division had a bloodstained
heresy. This division had a bloodstained reputation, never hesitating to
reputation, never hesitating to eliminate suspected heretics, even when
eliminate suspected heretics, even when suspicion was minimal. The knight looked
suspicion was minimal. The knight looked directly at Damian and called his name
directly at Damian and called his name in a steady voice, praising his role in
in a steady voice, praising his role in bringing down one of the senior officers
bringing down one of the senior officers of the Yolan organization. Damen
of the Yolan organization. Damen responded calmly to her praise, saying
responded calmly to her praise, saying that he had only done what he believed
that he had only done what he believed was right. The knight replied that what
was right. The knight replied that what he had done was no small matter, and
he had done was no small matter, and because of it, he would not be held
because of it, he would not be held responsible for any of the events that
responsible for any of the events that occurred in the past few hours. Damen
occurred in the past few hours. Damen pretended not to fully understand what
pretended not to fully understand what she meant, a quiet smile playing on his
she meant, a quiet smile playing on his face. She wasn't fooled. She confirmed
face. She wasn't fooled. She confirmed that she knew very well he had
that she knew very well he had intentionally summoned the church to
intentionally summoned the church to mask his assault and that he had played
mask his assault and that he had played his cards with precision. Damen
his cards with precision. Damen expressed regret if his plan had caused
expressed regret if his plan had caused her any inconvenience, explaining that
her any inconvenience, explaining that he was driven to it because that
he was driven to it because that sorcerer had threatened his family. The
sorcerer had threatened his family. The knight's eyes widened when she heard
knight's eyes widened when she heard that a family member had been targeted,
that a family member had been targeted, concern clearly showing on her face.
concern clearly showing on her face. After a moment of thought, the knight
After a moment of thought, the knight announced that under these
announced that under these circumstances, he would not face any
circumstances, he would not face any form of punishment. She continued saying
form of punishment. She continued saying that the bounty placed on that man's
that the bounty placed on that man's head would be given to Damian in full
head would be given to Damian in full without delay. Damian felt a flicker of
without delay. Damian felt a flicker of surprise inside. He hadn't even known
surprise inside. He hadn't even known there was a bounty, and now he wondered
there was a bounty, and now he wondered how much it was. A visual display of the
how much it was. A visual display of the bounty amount appeared. A,000 gold
bounty amount appeared. A,000 gold coins, a massive sum, enough to buy
coins, a massive sum, enough to buy property or more. With a light smile,
property or more. With a light smile, Damian asked whether the reward could be
Damian asked whether the reward could be exchanged for something more useful to
exchanged for something more useful to him. The knight asked him what he
him. The knight asked him what he specifically wanted, and he replied that
specifically wanted, and he replied that he wished to obtain the mana cultivation
he wished to obtain the mana cultivation technique used by the church's knights.
technique used by the church's knights. Her expression shifted to surprise. She
Her expression shifted to surprise. She hadn't expected someone strong enough to
hadn't expected someone strong enough to defeat a dark sorcerer to be asking for
defeat a dark sorcerer to be asking for a mana cultivation technique. Deep down,
a mana cultivation technique. Deep down, Damian recalled his confrontation with
Damian recalled his confrontation with the dark sorcerer. He acknowledged that
the dark sorcerer. He acknowledged that the battle had not been won by his
the battle had not been won by his strength, but rather through the
strength, but rather through the intervention of divine energy. He
intervention of divine energy. He admitted to himself that his future
admitted to himself that his future enemies would not grant him that same
enemies would not grant him that same opportunity, and miracles do not come
opportunity, and miracles do not come easily. Thus, he concluded that the only
easily. Thus, he concluded that the only way forward was to strengthen himself
way forward was to strengthen himself through truly effective training
through truly effective training methods. He only possessed a basic mana
methods. He only possessed a basic mana technique, which he had learned earlier
technique, which he had learned earlier in his days as a rookie mercenary, but
in his days as a rookie mercenary, but it was no longer suitable for him. He
it was no longer suitable for him. He explained to his companion that he
explained to his companion that he needed a real advanced technique as what
needed a real advanced technique as what he currently had couldn't push him
he currently had couldn't push him beyond the beginner's level. The Holy
beyond the beginner's level. The Holy Knight was visibly surprised that Damen
Knight was visibly surprised that Damen had reached this level using only basic
had reached this level using only basic techniques. As he spoke, the knight
techniques. As he spoke, the knight began to observe his inner aura closely,
began to observe his inner aura closely, and signs of focused interest appeared
and signs of focused interest appeared on her face. She noticed that his body
on her face. She noticed that his body already contained a significantly large
already contained a significantly large amount of energy, much more than usual
amount of energy, much more than usual for someone his age. She thought to
for someone his age. She thought to herself that his talent was not limited
herself that his talent was not limited to strength. It extended to willpower
to strength. It extended to willpower and determination. Then she told him
and determination. Then she told him that she had a better offer than Mona
that she had a better offer than Mona cultivation techniques and Damen's
cultivation techniques and Damen's curiosity was instantly peaked. The Holy
curiosity was instantly peaked. The Holy Knight stood smiling as she extended her
Knight stood smiling as she extended her hand forward, offering Damen the
hand forward, offering Damen the opportunity to become a Holy Knight.
opportunity to become a Holy Knight. Damen looked at her silently, his
Damen looked at her silently, his expression serious, while Victor,
expression serious, while Victor, standing beside him, appeared both
standing beside him, appeared both shocked and tense at what was happening.
shocked and tense at what was happening. Damian clearly refused the knight's
Damian clearly refused the knight's offer, telling her he wasn't interested
offer, telling her he wasn't interested as he took a small step back. Victor,
as he took a small step back. Victor, standing next to him was stunned by his
standing next to him was stunned by his master's rejection of such an offer and
master's rejection of such an offer and whispered to him in confusion, asking
whispered to him in confusion, asking why he turned it down after defeating
why he turned it down after defeating such a powerful individual. The knight's
such a powerful individual. The knight's face turned serious as she explained the
face turned serious as she explained the importance of the Holy Knight title,
importance of the Holy Knight title, affirming that this position grants its
affirming that this position grants its bearer the authority to punish evil in
bearer the authority to punish evil in the name of divine justice. She
the name of divine justice. She continued emphasizing that obtaining
continued emphasizing that obtaining such a title is extremely difficult and
such a title is extremely difficult and not easily earned. At that moment,
not easily earned. At that moment, Damian appeared uneasy as he internally
Damian appeared uneasy as he internally admitted that he didn't want to live his
admitted that he didn't want to live his life like a dog obedient to the church's
life like a dog obedient to the church's orders. He added to himself that he
orders. He added to himself that he didn't see himself as worthy of God's
didn't see himself as worthy of God's love or mercy. Damian clearly told the
love or mercy. Damian clearly told the knight that he lacked any qualifications
knight that he lacked any qualifications that would make him deserving of divine
that would make him deserving of divine love. While Victor beside him appeared
love. While Victor beside him appeared puzzled, Damen then continued,
puzzled, Damen then continued, explaining that all he wanted right now
explaining that all he wanted right now was to wander freely across the world,
was to wander freely across the world, following the footsteps of those who
following the footsteps of those who came before him without being tied to
came before him without being tied to any organization or authority. The
any organization or authority. The knight lowered her head slightly, her
knight lowered her head slightly, her face reflecting contemplation and
face reflecting contemplation and confusion at what she had just heard
confusion at what she had just heard from Damian. Then, with sudden
from Damian. Then, with sudden enthusiasm, she grabbed Damen's hands
enthusiasm, she grabbed Damen's hands and joyfully told him that his words
and joyfully told him that his words were sacred. Deeply moved by what he had
were sacred. Deeply moved by what he had said. Internally, Damen questioned
said. Internally, Damen questioned nervously whether his approach had
nervously whether his approach had actually worked on the night. The knight
actually worked on the night. The knight explained that as promised, she would
explained that as promised, she would offer him a monocultivation technique
offer him a monocultivation technique instead of monetary reward, adding with
instead of monetary reward, adding with a smile that she would personally
a smile that she would personally welcome him if he ever changed his mind
welcome him if he ever changed his mind in the future. She then kindly made a
in the future. She then kindly made a small additional request, which Damen
small additional request, which Damen accepted with a smile and full
accepted with a smile and full understanding. Internally, Damian
understanding. Internally, Damian quietly apologized, vowing never to let
quietly apologized, vowing never to let such a situation happen again. At that
such a situation happen again. At that moment, the knight realized they hadn't
moment, the knight realized they hadn't formally introduced themselves. So, she
formally introduced themselves. So, she began by saying her name was Agnes and
began by saying her name was Agnes and that she was the top disciple of the
that she was the top disciple of the Azure Flame Brigade. Damen showed clear
Azure Flame Brigade. Damen showed clear signs of surprise when he learned she
signs of surprise when he learned she was the top disciple, then smiled and
was the top disciple, then smiled and said it was an honor to meet her. Damen
said it was an honor to meet her. Damen politely requested her permission to
politely requested her permission to move forward with something of personal
move forward with something of personal importance while Victor stood behind him
importance while Victor stood behind him visibly exhausted. Knight Agnes agreed
visibly exhausted. Knight Agnes agreed but curiously asked what it was that he
but curiously asked what it was that he intended to pursue. In a new scene,
intended to pursue. In a new scene, Cedric appeared, turning back
Cedric appeared, turning back cautiously, visibly anxious and
cautiously, visibly anxious and unsettled. He looked up to find Damian
unsettled. He looked up to find Damian standing before him with a stern gaze,
standing before him with a stern gaze, prompting Cedric to explode in anger,
prompting Cedric to explode in anger, shouting and hurling insults at Damian.
shouting and hurling insults at Damian. Damen attacked Cedric, landing a strong
Damen attacked Cedric, landing a strong punch to his stomach. Cedric received a
punch to his stomach. Cedric received a powerful blow that sent him crashing to
powerful blow that sent him crashing to the ground, writhing in pain. Damen
the ground, writhing in pain. Damen looked at him mockingly and remarked
looked at him mockingly and remarked that the thick fat in his body had
that the thick fat in his body had probably protected his bones from worse
probably protected his bones from worse injury. Then Damian delivered another
injury. Then Damian delivered another powerful punch directly to Cedric's
powerful punch directly to Cedric's face, sending him flying through the air
face, sending him flying through the air from the sheer force. Cedric landed on
from the sheer force. Cedric landed on the ground, groaning in agony and
the ground, groaning in agony and clearly weak and helpless. Damian then
clearly weak and helpless. Damian then stood, placing his hand on his chest,
stood, placing his hand on his chest, visibly satisfied and relieved by what
visibly satisfied and relieved by what had just transpired. Victor approached
had just transpired. Victor approached Damen quietly, and asked in a low voice
Damen quietly, and asked in a low voice whether it was truly over now. Damian
whether it was truly over now. Damian answered briefly while looking off into
answered briefly while looking off into the distance, calmly, affirming that it
the distance, calmly, affirming that it was indeed over. Elsewhere, inside the
was indeed over. Elsewhere, inside the home of the Marcus Leumblum family, the
home of the Marcus Leumblum family, the family head, Holland, entered in a state
family head, Holland, entered in a state of intense panic, calling out for his
of intense panic, calling out for his son. But he found his son hiding in his
son. But he found his son hiding in his room, covered and trembling in fear.
room, covered and trembling in fear. Irwin then felt afraid when he saw his
Irwin then felt afraid when he saw his father. Maris Holland held his son by
father. Maris Holland held his son by the shoulders in a state of shock and
the shoulders in a state of shock and anger, questioning what had happened and
anger, questioning what had happened and how his son ended up in such a
how his son ended up in such a condition. Irwin, in a state of extreme
condition. Irwin, in a state of extreme panic, responded with a trembling voice,
panic, responded with a trembling voice, explaining that someone had tried to
explaining that someone had tried to kill him. The boy struggled to continue
kill him. The boy struggled to continue speaking and while shaking said that the
speaking and while shaking said that the person who attacked him didn't use a
person who attacked him didn't use a knife but a fork, leaving his father in
knife but a fork, leaving his father in disbelief. The marquee shouted furiously
disbelief. The marquee shouted furiously at one of his guards, demanding an
at one of his guards, demanding an explanation of exactly what had
explanation of exactly what had happened. The guard hesitated at first
happened. The guard hesitated at first as he tried to explain, but the marquee
as he tried to explain, but the marquee yelled at him, demanding he speak
yelled at him, demanding he speak immediately. The guard then responded
immediately. The guard then responded clearly, stating that the one who
clearly, stating that the one who attacked his son was Damian Haxon, the
attacked his son was Damian Haxon, the son of Vic Count Haxon. In a fit of
son of Vic Count Haxon. In a fit of rage, the marquee threw a vase from the
rage, the marquee threw a vase from the table to the ground where it shattered
table to the ground where it shattered completely upon impact. The marquee
completely upon impact. The marquee expressed his fury, outraged that
expressed his fury, outraged that someone like Damian would dare do such a
someone like Damian would dare do such a thing to his son, accusing him of using
thing to his son, accusing him of using vile methods. He then shouted in a voice
vile methods. He then shouted in a voice filled with rage that someone should be
filled with rage that someone should be sent immediately to the Haxin estate.
sent immediately to the Haxin estate. Continuing with even greater anger, the
Continuing with even greater anger, the marquee ordered that Damian be brought
marquee ordered that Damian be brought before him like an animal, consumed with
before him like an animal, consumed with furious wrath. The following morning at
furious wrath. The following morning at the Haxon estate, Agnes stepped forward
the Haxon estate, Agnes stepped forward at the entrance and greeted Viccount
at the entrance and greeted Viccount Haxon. She introduced herself, stating
Haxon. She introduced herself, stating that she was a holy knight from the
that she was a holy knight from the church and behind her stood two knights
church and behind her stood two knights in formal posture. Damen's parents
in formal posture. Damen's parents appeared at the door and greeted her
appeared at the door and greeted her with noticeable awkwardness, trying to
with noticeable awkwardness, trying to show respect and welcome. The Vic Count
show respect and welcome. The Vic Count was clearly anxious, thinking about the
was clearly anxious, thinking about the trouble Damen had recently caused both
trouble Damen had recently caused both inside and outside the household. He
inside and outside the household. He then explained that Damen had mentioned
then explained that Damen had mentioned to him that Agnes would be staying at
to him that Agnes would be staying at their home for a while. Agnes confirmed
their home for a while. Agnes confirmed his statement and clarified that her
his statement and clarified that her stay was part of an official
stay was part of an official investigation into heretics, requesting
investigation into heretics, requesting full cooperation from the Haxin family.
full cooperation from the Haxin family. The Vic Count gently expressed his
The Vic Count gently expressed his concern about the small size of their
concern about the small size of their home and noted that they might not have
home and noted that they might not have a suitable room worthy of her. The Vic
a suitable room worthy of her. The Vic Count showed signs of gratitude after
Count showed signs of gratitude after Agnes presented him with a symbolic gift
Agnes presented him with a symbolic gift as a token of the church's appreciation
as a token of the church's appreciation for their cooperation. Agnes thanked him
for their cooperation. Agnes thanked him again for allowing the investigation
again for allowing the investigation team to operate on their estate. While
team to operate on their estate. While Damen appeared slightly embarrassed,
Damen appeared slightly embarrassed, Damen expressed his surprise at the
Damen expressed his surprise at the situation, admitting he hadn't expected
situation, admitting he hadn't expected her work to involve staying directly in
her work to involve staying directly in the family's home. Agnes kindly asked
the family's home. Agnes kindly asked Damen if she could look into a separate
Damen if she could look into a separate matter in addition to her official
matter in addition to her official investigation. He asked her about this
investigation. He asked her about this matter, and Agnes smiled, telling him
matter, and Agnes smiled, telling him that she had indeed wanted to speak with
that she had indeed wanted to speak with him about something that concerned him
him about something that concerned him personally, calling it evangelization.
personally, calling it evangelization. In the next room, Damen's parents stood
In the next room, Damen's parents stood in a state of shock, wondering what kind
in a state of shock, wondering what kind of investigation was unfolding before
of investigation was unfolding before them. They exchanged words expressing
them. They exchanged words expressing their deep confusion at the strange
their deep confusion at the strange situation. While Damian seemed slightly
situation. While Damian seemed slightly embarrassed by the misunderstanding,
embarrassed by the misunderstanding, Agnes handed Damen two books, explaining
Agnes handed Damen two books, explaining that they contained the mana cultivation
that they contained the mana cultivation technique he had requested and that both
technique he had requested and that both had been carefully selected for him.
had been carefully selected for him. Damen openly asked why he had received
Damen openly asked why he had received two books instead of just one, as he had
two books instead of just one, as he had expected. Agnes explained that one of
expected. Agnes explained that one of the books focused on sword techniques
the books focused on sword techniques and that she felt providing only the
and that she felt providing only the cultivation method wouldn't be enough,
cultivation method wouldn't be enough, so she included the additional book. The
so she included the additional book. The two books were clearly displayed, one
two books were clearly displayed, one titled The Sword That Breaks the Tyrants
titled The Sword That Breaks the Tyrants Power, and the other, The Tyrants Mona
Power, and the other, The Tyrants Mona Cultivation. Agnes clarified that
Cultivation. Agnes clarified that acquiring these books hadn't been easy,
acquiring these books hadn't been easy, as she had faced intense resistance
as she had faced intense resistance within the church. She then admitted
within the church. She then admitted with a gentle smile that she had to
with a gentle smile that she had to invoke her teacher's personal authority
invoke her teacher's personal authority and assured Damian that the reason they
and assured Damian that the reason they overcame the opposition was because the
overcame the opposition was because the church truly needed someone like him,
church truly needed someone like him, the chosen one. She then took his hands
the chosen one. She then took his hands once more and asked him if he now had
once more and asked him if he now had the desire to become a holy knight. But
the desire to become a holy knight. But Damian pulled his hands away and
Damian pulled his hands away and apologized to her. Agnes smiled at him,
apologized to her. Agnes smiled at him, understanding his position, and told him
understanding his position, and told him she wouldn't pressure him any further
she wouldn't pressure him any further and that he had complete freedom to
and that he had complete freedom to reach out to her if he ever changed his
reach out to her if he ever changed his mind. Then a look of tension appeared on
mind. Then a look of tension appeared on Damian's face after Agnes left. Damen
Damian's face after Agnes left. Damen stood tense, thinking to himself that
stood tense, thinking to himself that Agnes clearly had an obsession with him,
Agnes clearly had an obsession with him, especially given her repeated attempts
especially given her repeated attempts to persuade him to join the Holy
to persuade him to join the Holy Knights. Elsewhere, a hidden cave
Knights. Elsewhere, a hidden cave appeared in the forest, its entrance
appeared in the forest, its entrance dark and mysterious. Inside the cave,
dark and mysterious. Inside the cave, two men in cloaks were standing and
two men in cloaks were standing and discussing something with one addressing
discussing something with one addressing the other as Senor. One of the men asked
the other as Senor. One of the men asked his companion if he felt anything
his companion if he felt anything strange or suspicious about what was
strange or suspicious about what was happening while the other seemed
happening while the other seemed absorbed in investigation. He continued
absorbed in investigation. He continued voicing his concern and pointing out how
voicing his concern and pointing out how odd it was that someone like Ajito, one
odd it was that someone like Ajito, one of the leaders of the Yulan
of the leaders of the Yulan organization, was taken down so easily.
organization, was taken down so easily. He acknowledged that Ajito wasn't the
He acknowledged that Ajito wasn't the strongest in terms of combat, but still
strongest in terms of combat, but still questioned how someone like him could
questioned how someone like him could lose his life to a mere country noble.
lose his life to a mere country noble. His companion admitted he shared the
His companion admitted he shared the same doubts, but explained that Agnes
same doubts, but explained that Agnes had not commented on the matter. so far.
had not commented on the matter. so far. The man suggested they should at least
The man suggested they should at least discuss the issue once, but his
discuss the issue once, but his colleague advised that they finish the
colleague advised that they finish the current investigation first. Agnes
current investigation first. Agnes suddenly interrupted them, confidently,
suddenly interrupted them, confidently, telling them they could fully trust
telling them they could fully trust Damen Haxin. The two men were surprised
Damen Haxin. The two men were surprised by her appearance, but listened
by her appearance, but listened attentively as she assured them she
attentively as she assured them she understood their doubts, yet was certain
understood their doubts, yet was certain that Damen had never lied to them.
that Damen had never lied to them. Despite her words, one of them admitted
Despite her words, one of them admitted he still couldn't understand how Damen
he still couldn't understand how Damen had managed to kill Ajito. Agnes
had managed to kill Ajito. Agnes appeared surprised by the question and
appeared surprised by the question and reminded them that she had already told
reminded them that she had already told them how it happened. She stated clearly
them how it happened. She stated clearly that Damian simply dodged his opponent's
that Damian simply dodged his opponent's attack and then easily slit his throat.
attack and then easily slit his throat. In a flashback moment, Agnes explained
In a flashback moment, Agnes explained that she too had doubted Damian's
that she too had doubted Damian's abilities when she first heard of
abilities when she first heard of Aegito's death from Damian's servant.
Aegito's death from Damian's servant. However, she didn't intervene
However, she didn't intervene immediately, preferring to observe
immediately, preferring to observe events in the city first. She described
events in the city first. She described how she had seen Damian face dozens of
how she had seen Damian face dozens of enemies alone without receiving a single
enemies alone without receiving a single scratch and defeat them all. She then
scratch and defeat them all. She then added that even more astonishingly, he
added that even more astonishingly, he managed to block a fireball spell and
managed to block a fireball spell and emerged completely unharmed. The two men
emerged completely unharmed. The two men appeared utterly stunned by her
appeared utterly stunned by her description. They wondered whether such
description. They wondered whether such a level of defense was even possible.
a level of defense was even possible. Agnes affirmed that it was indeed
Agnes affirmed that it was indeed possible, adding that she had heard that
possible, adding that she had heard that a master at the swordmaster level could
a master at the swordmaster level could deflect any attack, even magical ones.
deflect any attack, even magical ones. She then emphasized that although Damen
She then emphasized that although Damen was not a swordmaster, he undoubtedly
was not a swordmaster, he undoubtedly possessed exceptional talent that could
possessed exceptional talent that could not be ignored. Agnes continued by
not be ignored. Agnes continued by explaining the true reason for her
explaining the true reason for her presence. She had come to track the Ulin
presence. She had come to track the Ulin organization, but also wanted to bring
organization, but also wanted to bring Damen to meet her teacher. She then
Damen to meet her teacher. She then asked the two men to put aside their
asked the two men to put aside their doubts and focus on the investigation
doubts and focus on the investigation they were currently conducting. They
they were currently conducting. They agreed, visibly moved by her words and
agreed, visibly moved by her words and resumed their work inside the cave. In a
resumed their work inside the cave. In a different scene, the legs of a horse
different scene, the legs of a horse could be seen moving swiftly and
could be seen moving swiftly and steadily along a dirt path. It was a
steadily along a dirt path. It was a scene of a group of knights on horseback
scene of a group of knights on horseback advancing under the banner of House Leon
advancing under the banner of House Leon Blum. The knights of the Leon Blum
Blum. The knights of the Leon Blum family moved in an orderly and confident
family moved in an orderly and confident formation toward their destination. One
formation toward their destination. One of the knights, a trainee named Olves,
of the knights, a trainee named Olves, raised his hands high in excitement,
raised his hands high in excitement, announcing that they had finally
announcing that they had finally arrived. Another knight asked Olvis
arrived. Another knight asked Olvis about a strange smell in the air, to
about a strange smell in the air, to which his companion, Lavender, jokingly
which his companion, Lavender, jokingly replied that it was the scent of
replied that it was the scent of picnics, something rural folks wouldn't
picnics, something rural folks wouldn't recognize. The leading knight grumbled,
recognize. The leading knight grumbled, asking if either of them had any perfume
asking if either of them had any perfume because the smell of the place was
because the smell of the place was bothering him badly, then ordered them
bothering him badly, then ordered them to be quiet. The face of the commanding
to be quiet. The face of the commanding knight, Gerald of House Leon Blum, was
knight, Gerald of House Leon Blum, was shown with an expression of complete
shown with an expression of complete seriousness and stern resolve. Jerick
seriousness and stern resolve. Jerick and the knights of House Leon Blum
and the knights of House Leon Blum arrived in front of the Haxon family
arrived in front of the Haxon family estate, and Jerich asked if this was
estate, and Jerich asked if this was indeed the residence of Viccount Haxin.
indeed the residence of Viccount Haxin. One of the knights confirmed to Jerick
One of the knights confirmed to Jerick that this was the intended place and
that this was the intended place and Jerick showed keen interest as he asked
Jerick showed keen interest as he asked about the mission assigned to them by
about the mission assigned to them by the Marquis. The knight clearly
the Marquis. The knight clearly responded that their mission was to
responded that their mission was to capture Damen Haxon specifically. Jerick
capture Damen Haxon specifically. Jerick with a firm and cold expression added
with a firm and cold expression added that capturing someone like Damian would
that capturing someone like Damian would be easy, but that alone wouldn't be
be easy, but that alone wouldn't be enough to cover the insult suffered by
enough to cover the insult suffered by young Irwin and the family. At that
young Irwin and the family. At that moment, an old man appeared, walking
moment, an old man appeared, walking with difficulty and leaning on his cane,
with difficulty and leaning on his cane, slowly approaching the group of knights.
slowly approaching the group of knights. Jerick stared sharply at the old man as
Jerick stared sharply at the old man as he watched him approach, but remained
he watched him approach, but remained still in his place. One of the knights
still in his place. One of the knights rudely shouted at the old man, saying,
rudely shouted at the old man, saying, "Hey, old man." Which made the elder
"Hey, old man." Which made the elder turned toward them in visible fear. The
turned toward them in visible fear. The menacing shadows of the knights loomed
menacing shadows of the knights loomed over the elderly man, who anxiously
over the elderly man, who anxiously asked who they were. A knight asked the
asked who they were. A knight asked the old man if he was a resident of the
old man if he was a resident of the Haxin estate. The old man, trembling,
Haxin estate. The old man, trembling, answered yes and asked why they were
answered yes and asked why they were asking. Suddenly, the elderly man was
asking. Suddenly, the elderly man was struck violently, his head slammed to
struck violently, his head slammed to the ground with great force. Jerick then
the ground with great force. Jerick then spoke with intense anger, questioning
spoke with intense anger, questioning how a mere citizen of a Vicount's land
how a mere citizen of a Vicount's land dared not bow before the emblem of House
dared not bow before the emblem of House Lembbleum. He continued, stating that
Lembbleum. He continued, stating that failing to show proper respect to the
failing to show proper respect to the Lembbleum family was a serious offense
Lembbleum family was a serious offense deserving of harsh punishment. Jerick
deserving of harsh punishment. Jerick then called to his two accompanying
then called to his two accompanying knights, Lavender and Elvis, and they
knights, Lavender and Elvis, and they responded promptly and with great
responded promptly and with great respect. Jerick gave a sly smile and
respect. Jerick gave a sly smile and told them he had a good idea for what
told them he had a good idea for what they were going to do. His eyes turned
they were going to do. His eyes turned toward the house and he told them that
toward the house and he told them that once they reached the Vic Count's
once they reached the Vic Count's mansion, they would drag Damen Haxon
mansion, they would drag Damen Haxon out. Victor's face appeared, clearly
out. Victor's face appeared, clearly filled with fear and utter shock at what
filled with fear and utter shock at what he was hearing. Jerick continued coldly,
he was hearing. Jerick continued coldly, declaring that they would kill anyone
declaring that they would kill anyone who stood in their way without
who stood in their way without hesitation. Elsewhere, three individuals
hesitation. Elsewhere, three individuals in cloaks were seen walking away from
in cloaks were seen walking away from the cave they had previously
the cave they had previously investigated. One of them expressed some
investigated. One of them expressed some frustration, noting that the site had
frustration, noting that the site had collapsed and they hadn't obtained the
collapsed and they hadn't obtained the information they were hoping for.
information they were hoping for. Despite that, she praised everyone's
Despite that, she praised everyone's efforts and said their work had been
efforts and said their work had been good enough. One of the knights suddenly
good enough. One of the knights suddenly stopped, having noticed something
stopped, having noticed something unusual. All the knights turned to see
unusual. All the knights turned to see Damian, who was sitting in deep focus,
Damian, who was sitting in deep focus, surrounded by a clearly visible blue
surrounded by a clearly visible blue aura of energy. It appeared he was
aura of energy. It appeared he was training in his newly acquired mana
training in his newly acquired mana cultivation technique. Agnes gazed at
cultivation technique. Agnes gazed at the scene in astonishment, internally
the scene in astonishment, internally questioning what exactly she was
questioning what exactly she was witnessing. In her thoughts, Agnes
witnessing. In her thoughts, Agnes explained that the technique she had
explained that the technique she had given Damian was designed to push him to
given Damian was designed to push him to his absolute limits. A look of amazement
his absolute limits. A look of amazement appeared on her face as she observed
appeared on her face as she observed Damian himself, deeply surprised by how
Damian himself, deeply surprised by how much progress he had made in such a
much progress he had made in such a short time. After a few moments, Damian
short time. After a few moments, Damian noticed that Agnes and the other knights
noticed that Agnes and the other knights were watching him with clear admiration
were watching him with clear admiration and awe on their faces. Damen asked
and awe on their faces. Damen asked Agnes whether the investigation had
Agnes whether the investigation had concluded, and she replied somewhat
concluded, and she replied somewhat hesitantly that it had indeed been
hesitantly that it had indeed been completed. Agnes then added with a light
completed. Agnes then added with a light smile that it seemed he had managed to
smile that it seemed he had managed to achieve some promising results in his
achieve some promising results in his mana training. Damian examined the book
mana training. Damian examined the book he had received earlier, thinking to
he had received earlier, thinking to himself that they weren't exaggerating
himself that they weren't exaggerating when they said obtaining it was
when they said obtaining it was difficult. It truly was incredibly
difficult. It truly was incredibly valuable. A page of the book appeared
valuable. A page of the book appeared before him, containing an explanation of
before him, containing an explanation of the technique tyrants energy
the technique tyrants energy cultivation, which allows the user to
cultivation, which allows the user to rapidly gather energy and temporarily
rapidly gather energy and temporarily absorb external energy for use. Damian
absorb external energy for use. Damian stood before the holy knight Agnes in a
stood before the holy knight Agnes in a moment of silence, the two of them
moment of silence, the two of them looking at each other without speaking.
looking at each other without speaking. Suddenly, Damen realized that it had
Suddenly, Damen realized that it had gotten late and he told himself that
gotten late and he told himself that evening had already fallen. He invited
evening had already fallen. He invited Agnes to return, mentioning that dinner
Agnes to return, mentioning that dinner had been prepared. But suddenly, Damen
had been prepared. But suddenly, Damen sensed a strong hostile aura and felt
sensed a strong hostile aura and felt that some kind of danger was present. He
that some kind of danger was present. He told Agnes seriously that some
told Agnes seriously that some troublesome individuals had arrived
troublesome individuals had arrived while Agnes looked surprised and
while Agnes looked surprised and questioned what he meant. Damen quickly
questioned what he meant. Damen quickly apologized to Agnes and told her he had
apologized to Agnes and told her he had something urgent to attend to, asking
something urgent to attend to, asking her to follow him at her own pace. He
her to follow him at her own pace. He then took off at incredible speed,
then took off at incredible speed, leaving Agnes stunned by how fast he
leaving Agnes stunned by how fast he moved. Agnes stood in complete
moved. Agnes stood in complete astonishment. And the knight beside her
astonishment. And the knight beside her also commented in disbelief on Damian's
also commented in disbelief on Damian's immense speed. Agnes wondered to herself
immense speed. Agnes wondered to herself how Damen could move so quickly despite
how Damen could move so quickly despite using only a small amount of mana. Could
using only a small amount of mana. Could he truly control it with such precision?
he truly control it with such precision? While Damian was dashing ahead, Agnes
While Damian was dashing ahead, Agnes internally questioned the upper limit of
internally questioned the upper limit of his current capabilities. At the Haxon
his current capabilities. At the Haxon residence, one of the invading knights
residence, one of the invading knights from House Leon Blum struck Victor with
from House Leon Blum struck Victor with tremendous force. Victor fell to the
tremendous force. Victor fell to the ground from the impact of the blow,
ground from the impact of the blow, while the knight who hit him stood
while the knight who hit him stood proudly with clear arrogance. The knight
proudly with clear arrogance. The knight shouted loudly, demanding that Damian
shouted loudly, demanding that Damian Haxon be brought out of the house
Haxon be brought out of the house immediately. But Victor vehemently
immediately. But Victor vehemently refused, shouting in anger that the
refused, shouting in anger that the knights were trying to harm his young
knights were trying to harm his young master Damian. One of the servants cried
master Damian. One of the servants cried out for help, urgently calling for Vic
out for help, urgently calling for Vic Count Haxon. Jerick shouted for everyone
Count Haxon. Jerick shouted for everyone to stop what they were doing
to stop what they were doing immediately. Viccount Haxin appeared
immediately. Viccount Haxin appeared clearly before the knights with worry
clearly before the knights with worry and anger showing on his face as he
and anger showing on his face as he looked at the scene before him. He
looked at the scene before him. He rushed toward Victor and asked him with
rushed toward Victor and asked him with great concern if he was all right. The
great concern if he was all right. The Viccount embraced Victor who was lying
Viccount embraced Victor who was lying on the ground and shouted angrily at the
on the ground and shouted angrily at the knights, questioning how they dared to
knights, questioning how they dared to assault a civilian in such a manner. But
assault a civilian in such a manner. But Jerick responded with chilling coldness,
Jerick responded with chilling coldness, saying that what they had done was
saying that what they had done was nothing compared to the insult inflicted
nothing compared to the insult inflicted upon House Leonlum. Jerick then
upon House Leonlum. Jerick then addressed Viccount Paul Haxon directly,
addressed Viccount Paul Haxon directly, demanding that he hand over Damen Haxon
demanding that he hand over Damen Haxon in accordance with the orders of Mary's
in accordance with the orders of Mary's Leon Blum. Internally, the Viccount
Leon Blum. Internally, the Viccount reacted with anger, expressing deep
reacted with anger, expressing deep frustration at the barbaric methods
frustration at the barbaric methods employed by House Leonlum. Jerick,
employed by House Leonlum. Jerick, however, smiled maliciously, thinking to
however, smiled maliciously, thinking to himself that his words about ensuring
himself that his words about ensuring safety were just a lie, and that if
safety were just a lie, and that if Damian were handed over, he would burn
Damian were handed over, he would burn the place down entirely. Vic Count Paul
the place down entirely. Vic Count Paul Haxon replied with clear firmness,
Haxon replied with clear firmness, stating that under no circumstances
stating that under no circumstances would he hand over his son, Damian.
would he hand over his son, Damian. Jerick then asked menacingly if the Vic
Jerick then asked menacingly if the Vic Count was sure of his decision. The
Count was sure of his decision. The Viccount replied with full confidence
Viccount replied with full confidence that he was. At that moment, Jerick
that he was. At that moment, Jerick angrily ordered his knights to destroy
angrily ordered his knights to destroy everything in the place until Damian
everything in the place until Damian appeared before them. Viccount Haxon
appeared before them. Viccount Haxon screamed in rage at the knights,
screamed in rage at the knights, demanding that they stop with panic and
demanding that they stop with panic and shock visibly spreading across his face.
shock visibly spreading across his face. But suddenly, the shadow of someone
But suddenly, the shadow of someone approaching at an incredible speed
approaching at an incredible speed appeared, clearly startling everyone
appeared, clearly startling everyone present. Jerick quickly turned around
present. Jerick quickly turned around when he sensed the presence of someone
when he sensed the presence of someone approaching from afar and asked himself
approaching from afar and asked himself what was happening. Damen calmly
what was happening. Damen calmly approached Jerick, who turned to face
approached Jerick, who turned to face him and asked furiously and angrily who
him and asked furiously and angrily who he was. Jerick froze in place for a
he was. Jerick froze in place for a moment, completely stunned by the
moment, completely stunned by the identity of the person now standing
identity of the person now standing before him. Jerick felt his body
before him. Jerick felt his body completely frozen, unable to move as he
completely frozen, unable to move as he stared at Damian, who stood firmly
stared at Damian, who stood firmly before him with clear strength and
before him with clear strength and composure. Elsewhere, Damen was kneeling
composure. Elsewhere, Damen was kneeling beside his father on the ground, asking
beside his father on the ground, asking him with concern if he was all right.
him with concern if he was all right. His father replied that he was fine, but
His father replied that he was fine, but expressed his worry about Victor. Damen
expressed his worry about Victor. Damen looked toward Victor, his face showing
looked toward Victor, his face showing sadness and seriousness as he observed
sadness and seriousness as he observed his injured servant. Damian then
his injured servant. Damian then addressed the attacking knights in a
addressed the attacking knights in a cold and provocative tone, asking them
cold and provocative tone, asking them if they realized how lucky they had
if they realized how lucky they had been. He continued, saying that if it
been. He continued, saying that if it weren't for Victor's strong body, he
weren't for Victor's strong body, he wouldn't have survived that beating. He
wouldn't have survived that beating. He might have been killed, and if that had
might have been killed, and if that had happened, Damen wouldn't have hesitated
happened, Damen wouldn't have hesitated to beat them to death. Jerick responded
to beat them to death. Jerick responded mockingly to Damian, saying he was
mockingly to Damian, saying he was clearly the failure son of Viccount
clearly the failure son of Viccount Hackin and accusing him of arrogance for
Hackin and accusing him of arrogance for defeating Irwin with a cheap trick.
defeating Irwin with a cheap trick. Damian smirked sarcastically, calmly
Damian smirked sarcastically, calmly repeating the phrase, "A cheap trick." A
repeating the phrase, "A cheap trick." A clear sign of his disdain for Jerick's
clear sign of his disdain for Jerick's words. Jerick ordered the Knights to
words. Jerick ordered the Knights to break Damen's leg bones immediately and
break Damen's leg bones immediately and force him to kneel before him. The
force him to kneel before him. The Knights charged toward Damian quickly to
Knights charged toward Damian quickly to carry out Jerick's command, but Damen
carry out Jerick's command, but Damen moved calmly and steadily, easily
moved calmly and steadily, easily dodging one of the knights attacks. He
dodging one of the knights attacks. He remarked to himself that the timing was
remarked to himself that the timing was perfect to use the mana technique he had
perfect to use the mana technique he had recently mastered. In the next moment,
recently mastered. In the next moment, he grabbed the knight's arm with great
he grabbed the knight's arm with great force. Then Damian delivered a powerful
force. Then Damian delivered a powerful energy charged punch to the knight who
energy charged punch to the knight who screamed in pain. Immediately after
screamed in pain. Immediately after another knight attempted to attack
another knight attempted to attack Damian, but Damian struck back at an
Damian, but Damian struck back at an astonishing speed and the knight
astonishing speed and the knight couldn't react at all. That knight
couldn't react at all. That knight received a tremendously strong kick from
received a tremendously strong kick from Damian, sending him flying and knocking
Damian, sending him flying and knocking him to the ground instantly. Jerick
him to the ground instantly. Jerick appeared slightly surprised, but
appeared slightly surprised, but nonetheless moved forward, preparing to
nonetheless moved forward, preparing to use his full power. Victor opened his
use his full power. Victor opened his eyes weakly, looking toward Damian and
eyes weakly, looking toward Damian and softly asking in a strained voice about
softly asking in a strained voice about his young master's condition. Damian
his young master's condition. Damian turned toward Victor and asked with
turned toward Victor and asked with clear concern if he was okay. Victor,
clear concern if he was okay. Victor, still lying on the ground, smiled and
still lying on the ground, smiled and raised his thumb toward Damian to
raised his thumb toward Damian to reassure him he was all right despite
reassure him he was all right despite his state. Damen smiled quietly while
his state. Damen smiled quietly while staring ahead, thinking to himself that
staring ahead, thinking to himself that Victor, just as he had expected, was a
Victor, just as he had expected, was a fascinating person. Jerick stepped
fascinating person. Jerick stepped forward and stood face tof face with
forward and stood face tof face with Damian, beginning to doubt himself as he
Damian, beginning to doubt himself as he wondered whether Irwin had really been
wondered whether Irwin had really been defeated by a cheap trick. Jerick looked
defeated by a cheap trick. Jerick looked at the fallen knight and said that
at the fallen knight and said that despite everything, he couldn't
despite everything, he couldn't comprehend how a failure like Damian
comprehend how a failure like Damian could possess such combat skill. Damen
could possess such combat skill. Damen replied coldly to Jerick, saying that he
replied coldly to Jerick, saying that he didn't need to know the answer to that
didn't need to know the answer to that question. Jerick gave a sly smile and
question. Jerick gave a sly smile and said that only now had he come to fully
said that only now had he come to fully understand the truth. He pointed at
understand the truth. He pointed at Damian with full confidence and told him
Damian with full confidence and told him that he was not the real Damian.
that he was not the real Damian. Confusion clearly appeared on the faces
Confusion clearly appeared on the faces of Victor and Damen's father, while
of Victor and Damen's father, while Damian himself was baffled by Jerick's
Damian himself was baffled by Jerick's irrational claim. Jerick then shouted
irrational claim. Jerick then shouted angrily at Damian, accusing him of being
angrily at Damian, accusing him of being a mere impostor brought in to defeat
a mere impostor brought in to defeat Irwin and dishonored the Leon Bloom
Irwin and dishonored the Leon Bloom family. He continued yelling that this
family. He continued yelling that this was a clear conspiracy orchestrated by
was a clear conspiracy orchestrated by people who harbored hatred toward the
people who harbored hatred toward the Maris. Jerick went on with his
Maris. Jerick went on with his accusations, declaring that Damian was
accusations, declaring that Damian was just a substitute placed here for the
just a substitute placed here for the sole purpose of humiliating the family.
sole purpose of humiliating the family. He raised his voice loudly, threatening
He raised his voice loudly, threatening Damian that he would pay for the insult
Damian that he would pay for the insult he had directed at House Leon Blum.
he had directed at House Leon Blum. Internally, Damian thought to himself
Internally, Damian thought to himself that this man was far more foolish than
that this man was far more foolish than he had initially appeared. Truly a
he had initially appeared. Truly a complete idiot. One of the knights lay
complete idiot. One of the knights lay on the ground and decided inwardly to
on the ground and decided inwardly to pretend to be unconscious to avoid
pretend to be unconscious to avoid further confrontation. Meanwhile,
further confrontation. Meanwhile, Damian's father, still seated on the
Damian's father, still seated on the ground, called out to his son,
ground, called out to his son, encouraging him to win. Jerick clenched
encouraging him to win. Jerick clenched his fist tightly, preparing to face
his fist tightly, preparing to face Damian. While the latter stood
Damian. While the latter stood confidently in place, staring back at
confidently in place, staring back at him. Jerick glared intensely and told
him. Jerick glared intensely and told himself that Damen seemed lucky. But he
himself that Damen seemed lucky. But he decided this would be his end. Jerick
decided this would be his end. Jerick took a single step toward Damian,
took a single step toward Damian, determined to defeat him the moment he
determined to defeat him the moment he entered his attack range. Like a flash
entered his attack range. Like a flash of lightning, Jerick readied himself for
of lightning, Jerick readied himself for a decisive strike, assuring himself that
a decisive strike, assuring himself that he would end the fight in the blink of
he would end the fight in the blink of an eye. Jerick furiously declared to
an eye. Jerick furiously declared to himself that he would slice Damian in
himself that he would slice Damian in half with a single final blow. He then
half with a single final blow. He then launched forward at full speed toward
launched forward at full speed toward Damian, assuming a powerful offensive
Damian, assuming a powerful offensive stance. During the attack, Jerick's
stance. During the attack, Jerick's sword clashed with Damian's, but Damen
sword clashed with Damian's, but Damen blocked it effortlessly. Damian smiled
blocked it effortlessly. Damian smiled confidently, thinking to himself that
confidently, thinking to himself that his assumptions had been correct. House
his assumptions had been correct. House Leon Blum had finally sent an official
Leon Blum had finally sent an official knight to confront him. Jerick launched
knight to confront him. Jerick launched another attack, this time with full
another attack, this time with full force, charging straight at Damian, who
force, charging straight at Damian, who remained standing calmly without
remained standing calmly without flinching. Jerick was shocked to see
flinching. Jerick was shocked to see Damian effortlessly parry his swift and
Damian effortlessly parry his swift and powerful strike. Furious, Jerick yelled
powerful strike. Furious, Jerick yelled and delivered an even stronger blow,
and delivered an even stronger blow, daring Damen to block it this time. But
daring Damen to block it this time. But Damen blocked the strike with absolute
Damen blocked the strike with absolute ease and quietly remarked that Jerick
ease and quietly remarked that Jerick was far too slow. Shock and disbelief
was far too slow. Shock and disbelief were written all over Jerick's face at
were written all over Jerick's face at Damian's sudden speed and power. At that
Damian's sudden speed and power. At that moment, Damen calmly declared that it
moment, Damen calmly declared that it was now his turn to attack. With
was now his turn to attack. With extraordinary speed, Damen dashed toward
extraordinary speed, Damen dashed toward Jerick and landed a lightning fast blow
Jerick and landed a lightning fast blow that made Jerick cry out in pain. Jerick
that made Jerick cry out in pain. Jerick was in utter shock from the sheer power
was in utter shock from the sheer power and speed of Damen's strike, inwardly
and speed of Damen's strike, inwardly admitting that he hadn't even seen the
admitting that he hadn't even seen the blow clearly. Damen then quickly
blow clearly. Damen then quickly delivered a very powerful kick to
delivered a very powerful kick to Jerick, striking him directly and
Jerick, striking him directly and knocking him forcefully to the ground.
knocking him forcefully to the ground. Jerick hit the ground hard after taking
Jerick hit the ground hard after taking the blow, completely unable to mount any
the blow, completely unable to mount any defensive response. Damen stood before
defensive response. Damen stood before the fallen Jerich. He then told him
the fallen Jerich. He then told him clearly that the blow was payback for
clearly that the blow was payback for what he did to his servant, Victor.
what he did to his servant, Victor. Jerick stood up with great difficulty,
Jerick stood up with great difficulty, visibly angry and shaken by the swift
visibly angry and shaken by the swift defeat he had just suffered. He screamed
defeat he had just suffered. He screamed furiously at Damian, preparing to launch
furiously at Damian, preparing to launch another attack. Jerick charged forward
another attack. Jerick charged forward with all the strength he had left,
with all the strength he had left, shouting threats at Damian. Damen
shouting threats at Damian. Damen focused calmly and announced that he
focused calmly and announced that he would now use his secret technique.
would now use his secret technique. Jerick unleashed a secret sword
Jerick unleashed a secret sword technique, Great Lion's rapid blade, in
technique, Great Lion's rapid blade, in an attempt to overwhelm Damian with
an attempt to overwhelm Damian with sheer power. Damian countered the
sheer power. Damian countered the rushing attack and coldly remarked that
rushing attack and coldly remarked that all of this was just meaningless noise.
all of this was just meaningless noise. Damen easily blocked Jerich's powerful
Damen easily blocked Jerich's powerful strike and deflected his sword without
strike and deflected his sword without any noticeable effort. Jerick was deeply
any noticeable effort. Jerick was deeply shocked by Damen's overwhelming power
shocked by Damen's overwhelming power which shattered his weapon into
which shattered his weapon into scattered fragments. In the next moment,
scattered fragments. In the next moment, Damian struck with a lightning fast blow
Damian struck with a lightning fast blow toward Jerick, who appeared utterly
toward Jerick, who appeared utterly unable to block or evade. Jerich
unable to block or evade. Jerich received a powerful blow that made him
received a powerful blow that made him scream in agony, then fell to the ground
scream in agony, then fell to the ground violently and forcefully. Damian's
violently and forcefully. Damian's father was utterly shocked by the scene
father was utterly shocked by the scene before him, watching in clear
before him, watching in clear astonishment. Victor shouted with great
astonishment. Victor shouted with great excitement and joy, raising his fist
excitement and joy, raising his fist high in the air, declaring that Damen
high in the air, declaring that Damen had won the fight. Jerick groaned in
had won the fight. Jerick groaned in pain, clutching his injured shoulder,
pain, clutching his injured shoulder, and shouted urgently and angrily for
and shouted urgently and angrily for someone to stop the bleeding
someone to stop the bleeding immediately. The tip of a sword appeared
immediately. The tip of a sword appeared near Jerick's face, causing him to feel
near Jerick's face, causing him to feel intense fear and panic. Jerick began
intense fear and panic. Jerick began pleading with Damian, begging for mercy,
pleading with Damian, begging for mercy, insisting that he didn't know who Damian
insisting that he didn't know who Damian was, but pleading desperately for
was, but pleading desperately for forgiveness. Damen responded coldly and
forgiveness. Damen responded coldly and clearly, telling him he had already said
clearly, telling him he had already said he was Damian Haxon and called Jerick an
he was Damian Haxon and called Jerick an idiot. Damen looked at Jerick and told
idiot. Damen looked at Jerick and told him that if he truly wanted to beg, he
him that if he truly wanted to beg, he should have done it much earlier and
should have done it much earlier and that it was far too late now. He
that it was far too late now. He continued bluntly accusing Jerick of
continued bluntly accusing Jerick of daring to harm his family and of
daring to harm his family and of disfiguring his servants's already ugly
disfiguring his servants's already ugly face. Jerick was shocked by Damian's
face. Jerick was shocked by Damian's harsh words and started begging again,
harsh words and started begging again, even more pitifully, pleading for mercy
even more pitifully, pleading for mercy and forgiveness for what he had done.
and forgiveness for what he had done. Damen looked at him coldly and said his
Damen looked at him coldly and said his apology seemed directed at the wrong
apology seemed directed at the wrong person. Footsteps approached quietly,
person. Footsteps approached quietly, making Jerick feel tense and confused,
making Jerick feel tense and confused, wondering who was coming. The servants
wondering who was coming. The servants from Vicount Haxon's household appeared,
from Vicount Haxon's household appeared, surrounding Jerick with intimidating
surrounding Jerick with intimidating expressions, causing him to panic.
expressions, causing him to panic. Jerick sat on the ground alongside the
Jerick sat on the ground alongside the other knights who had accompanied him.
other knights who had accompanied him. Each of them showing clear signs of
Each of them showing clear signs of defeat and fear. Victor asked Damian if
defeat and fear. Victor asked Damian if he wanted to hit Jerich a bit more, but
he wanted to hit Jerich a bit more, but Damen ordered him to stop, saying that
Damen ordered him to stop, saying that continuing might actually kill him. He
continuing might actually kill him. He then jokingly suggested they could just
then jokingly suggested they could just cut off one of Jerick's limbs instead,
cut off one of Jerick's limbs instead, which caused Jerick to tremble in
which caused Jerick to tremble in horror. The Vic Count gently placed a
horror. The Vic Count gently placed a hand on Damen's shoulder to stop him and
hand on Damen's shoulder to stop him and said that what he had done so far was
said that what he had done so far was more than enough. Jerick collapsed,
more than enough. Jerick collapsed, repeatedly apologizing and desperately
repeatedly apologizing and desperately begging for forgiveness from both Damian
begging for forgiveness from both Damian and Viccount Haxon for the insult he had
and Viccount Haxon for the insult he had caused. But Viccount Haxon rejected his
caused. But Viccount Haxon rejected his apology with anger, shouting that an
apology with anger, shouting that an apology alone would never be enough. He
apology alone would never be enough. He continued speaking with sharp clarity,
continued speaking with sharp clarity, explaining that if his son Damian didn't
explaining that if his son Damian didn't possess such great strength, their
possess such great strength, their estate would have been destroyed, and
estate would have been destroyed, and his son dragged away by force to house
his son dragged away by force to house Leon Blum's estate. Jerick, now
Leon Blum's estate. Jerick, now terrified, lowered his head until it
terrified, lowered his head until it touched the ground, begging for mercy
touched the ground, begging for mercy and pardon. Viccount Haxon quietly
and pardon. Viccount Haxon quietly stared down at Jerick, who was
stared down at Jerick, who was prostrated before him, saying nothing,
prostrated before him, saying nothing, lost in thought. Then he looked at
lost in thought. Then he looked at Damian with an expression that asked
Damian with an expression that asked what should be done with them. Damian
what should be done with them. Damian stood behind his father, calmly thinking
stood behind his father, calmly thinking to himself, admitting that he never
to himself, admitting that he never intended to kill Jerick in the first
intended to kill Jerick in the first place. He continued his internal
place. He continued his internal monologue, explaining that if he killed
monologue, explaining that if he killed the knights of House Leon Bloom here,
the knights of House Leon Bloom here, the relationship with the Marquee would
the relationship with the Marquee would deteriorate to its worst possible state.
deteriorate to its worst possible state. Damian then said he could fight them
Damian then said he could fight them alone if necessary, but he couldn't do
alone if necessary, but he couldn't do that without considering the
that without considering the consequences for his family. After deep
consequences for his family. After deep thought, Damen realized that if he let
thought, Damen realized that if he let them go easily now, they would
them go easily now, they would definitely return for revenge soon,
definitely return for revenge soon, leaving him conflicted. Suddenly, Agnes
leaving him conflicted. Suddenly, Agnes called out his name clearly, making him
called out his name clearly, making him quickly turn toward the source of the
quickly turn toward the source of the voice. Agnes appeared, hurrying toward
voice. Agnes appeared, hurrying toward him, asking what was going on in this
him, asking what was going on in this place. Damen felt a sense of relief upon
place. Damen felt a sense of relief upon seeing Agnes approaching, thinking to
seeing Agnes approaching, thinking to himself that her presence might be
himself that her presence might be extremely helpful in this situation. He
extremely helpful in this situation. He then began explaining to her what had
then began explaining to her what had happened. Agnes smiled and said calmly
happened. Agnes smiled and said calmly that she now understood the situation
that she now understood the situation clearly and told Damen that she could
clearly and told Damen that she could help him resolve this dilemma. Agnes
help him resolve this dilemma. Agnes walked toward Damian with a grateful
walked toward Damian with a grateful smile and told him that thanks to
smile and told him that thanks to Viccount Haxin and his family, they had
Viccount Haxin and his family, they had managed for the first time to defeat one
managed for the first time to defeat one of the leaders of the Ulan organization.
of the leaders of the Ulan organization. Damian's face showed clear signs of
Damian's face showed clear signs of surprise when Agnes told him that with
surprise when Agnes told him that with this level of cooperation, the Haxon
this level of cooperation, the Haxon family could now be considered an
family could now be considered an official partner. In the background,
official partner. In the background, Victor asked the Vic Count whether this
Victor asked the Vic Count whether this meant their family could finally escape
meant their family could finally escape the current crisis. Hope was evident on
the current crisis. Hope was evident on both their faces. Damian eagerly
both their faces. Damian eagerly approached Agnes and politely asked if
approached Agnes and politely asked if he could request her help with
he could request her help with something. Damian smiled to himself,
something. Damian smiled to himself, thinking that this was exactly what he
thinking that this was exactly what he had aimed for from the beginning,
had aimed for from the beginning, securing the church's protection. Agnes
securing the church's protection. Agnes felt a little flustered by Damian's
felt a little flustered by Damian's sudden closeness and stepped back
sudden closeness and stepped back apologetically. Damen then turned toward
apologetically. Damen then turned toward the fallen knights and clearly asked
the fallen knights and clearly asked them if they had heard what was said
them if they had heard what was said regarding the church's protection of
regarding the church's protection of House Haxon. Jerick trembling told him
House Haxon. Jerick trembling told him to go himself and informed Marquis Leon
to go himself and informed Marquis Leon Blum that House Haxon was now under the
Blum that House Haxon was now under the church's protection. Damen continued his
church's protection. Damen continued his warning, saying that if House Leon Blum
warning, saying that if House Leon Blum tried to use force again, they would
tried to use force again, they would have to deal with the wrath of the
have to deal with the wrath of the church. With a cold and firm expression,
church. With a cold and firm expression, Damian ordered them to leave the area
Damian ordered them to leave the area immediately. The Knights fled the place
immediately. The Knights fled the place in a panic, thanking Damian nervously
in a panic, thanking Damian nervously for sparing them. Victor looked at them
for sparing them. Victor looked at them with disdain and commented that they
with disdain and commented that they fled like dogs in fear. But Damian's
fled like dogs in fear. But Damian's father interrupted Victor, pointing out
father interrupted Victor, pointing out that despite their retreat, the crisis
that despite their retreat, the crisis was far from over. The Vic Count
was far from over. The Vic Count immediately proposed that the family
immediately proposed that the family hold a meeting to discuss what actions
hold a meeting to discuss what actions to take next. The family gathered in the
to take next. The family gathered in the meeting room within the manor and
meeting room within the manor and Viccount Hacken officially announced the
Viccount Hacken officially announced the beginning of the session. Louise began
beginning of the session. Louise began speaking, stating that the topic of the
speaking, stating that the topic of the meeting was how to deal with the
meeting was how to deal with the conflict that had arisen with House Leon
conflict that had arisen with House Leon Blum. Abel asked in confusion why they
Blum. Abel asked in confusion why they should bother resolving the issue now
should bother resolving the issue now that they were under the church's
that they were under the church's protection. Louise explained to Abel
protection. Louise explained to Abel that they couldn't rely on the church to
that they couldn't rely on the church to mediate such a conflict directly.
mediate such a conflict directly. Viccount Paul Haxon affirmed his
Viccount Paul Haxon affirmed his daughter Louise's point and explained
daughter Louise's point and explained that the church does not interfere in
that the church does not interfere in disputes between noble houses,
disputes between noble houses, especially considering that Marque
especially considering that Marque Leum's strength isn't limited to
Leum's strength isn't limited to military power. The Vic Count continued,
military power. The Vic Count continued, explaining that House LeBlum had the
explaining that House LeBlum had the capability to crush lesser noble houses
capability to crush lesser noble houses like theirs easily if they so wished.
like theirs easily if they so wished. Agnes then spoke, explaining that their
Agnes then spoke, explaining that their current options were either to pay
current options were either to pay financial reparations or to align
financial reparations or to align themselves with a stronger noble house
themselves with a stronger noble house for protection. But at that moment,
for protection. But at that moment, Agnes interrupted everyone as she
Agnes interrupted everyone as she stepped forward and told them that there
stepped forward and told them that there was one more option available. Agnes
was one more option available. Agnes excitedly announced that the option was
excitedly announced that the option was for Damian to become a holy knight of
for Damian to become a holy knight of the church. A stunned silence fell over
the church. A stunned silence fell over the family at Agnes' unexpected proposal
the family at Agnes' unexpected proposal and Damian's refusal. Then Viccount Paul
and Damian's refusal. Then Viccount Paul Haxon said that the option was off the
Haxon said that the option was off the table as long as Damian had refused it.
table as long as Damian had refused it. But Abel stood up and called out to his
But Abel stood up and called out to his father loudly. His father asked what he
father loudly. His father asked what he wanted and Abel suddenly shouted at him
wanted and Abel suddenly shouted at him in anger, protesting his quick surrender
in anger, protesting his quick surrender and rejection of the option. Abel
and rejection of the option. Abel angrily asked why they weren't taking
angrily asked why they weren't taking this option seriously, especially since
this option seriously, especially since it could solve all of their current
it could solve all of their current problems. Abel mocked Damian, saying all
problems. Abel mocked Damian, saying all he had to do was accept becoming a holy
he had to do was accept becoming a holy knight and laughed derisively. But at
knight and laughed derisively. But at that moment, Abel suddenly felt an
that moment, Abel suddenly felt an extremely terrifying energy behind him,
extremely terrifying energy behind him, causing him to turn around in shock and
causing him to turn around in shock and fear. The Vic count told him that they
fear. The Vic count told him that they had guests and that he should behave
had guests and that he should behave with proper manners. Abel let out a
with proper manners. Abel let out a sound of dissatisfaction as he sat with
sound of dissatisfaction as he sat with the rest of the family around the
the rest of the family around the conference table. Damian's father
conference table. Damian's father explained that Abel was right, that
explained that Abel was right, that Damian had indeed caused this conflict
Damian had indeed caused this conflict with the Maris's family, but emphasized
with the Maris's family, but emphasized that the blame did not lie solely with
that the blame did not lie solely with Damian. His mother continued the
Damian. His mother continued the discussion, explaining that the Maris's
discussion, explaining that the Maris's second son had intended to pursue Louise
second son had intended to pursue Louise from the beginning, and even if Damen
from the beginning, and even if Damen hadn't provoked him, he wouldn't have
hadn't provoked him, he wouldn't have given up easily. Viccount Haxon added
given up easily. Viccount Haxon added that Damen had in fact protected his
that Damen had in fact protected his sister Louise from that man's schemes
sister Louise from that man's schemes and had done what her powerless father
and had done what her powerless father could not. Damian's father addressed him
could not. Damian's father addressed him directly, calling his name Damian in a
directly, calling his name Damian in a calm and composed tone. Damian responded
calm and composed tone. Damian responded respectfully, saying, "Yes, father." and
respectfully, saying, "Yes, father." and waited for what he had to say next. His
waited for what he had to say next. His father told him he had done well today,
father told him he had done well today, clearly commending his actions. He went
clearly commending his actions. He went on to say that Damen had not tolerated
on to say that Damen had not tolerated the insult directed at their family and
the insult directed at their family and had stood up for them as he should have.
had stood up for them as he should have. Damen was surprised inwardly by his
Damen was surprised inwardly by his father's words. He hadn't known that his
father's words. He hadn't known that his father felt that way about what he'd
father felt that way about what he'd done. Damian replied to his father,
done. Damian replied to his father, saying he had only done what he believed
saying he had only done what he believed he needed to do. His father reassured
he needed to do. His father reassured him and said that he would personally
him and said that he would personally handle this issue from now on, but his
handle this issue from now on, but his mother interrupted and told him that she
mother interrupted and told him that she would handle the matter, asking everyone
would handle the matter, asking everyone to allow her to act as the lady of the
to allow her to act as the lady of the house this time. Suddenly, one of the
house this time. Suddenly, one of the servants entered the room, apologizing
servants entered the room, apologizing and addressing the Vic count
and addressing the Vic count respectfully. The servant explained that
respectfully. The servant explained that someone from the ducal house of gold
someone from the ducal house of gold pixie had arrived and wished to see him.
pixie had arrived and wished to see him. Viccount Haxon asked in surprise why
Viccount Haxon asked in surprise why someone from house gold pixie would come
someone from house gold pixie would come to them. The envoy began to speak
to them. The envoy began to speak hesitantly, saying that it concerned
hesitantly, saying that it concerned Damen, who had borrowed a sum of money
Damen, who had borrowed a sum of money and used the Viccount's wheat field as
and used the Viccount's wheat field as collateral, and that the payment
collateral, and that the payment deadline had already passed. Damen grew
deadline had already passed. Damen grew deeply anxious, and began to scold
deeply anxious, and began to scold himself internally, wondering whether
himself internally, wondering whether the field had already been sold. He
the field had already been sold. He froze in place, confused, as his father
froze in place, confused, as his father called his name loudly and angrily.
called his name loudly and angrily. Viccount Haxon continued to berate Damen
Viccount Haxon continued to berate Damen for the continuous trouble he caused.
for the continuous trouble he caused. The envoy entered with a calm smile and
The envoy entered with a calm smile and greeted Damen, saying it had been a long
greeted Damen, saying it had been a long time since their last meeting and that
time since their last meeting and that he was here today because the repayment
he was here today because the repayment deadline had arrived. The envoy
deadline had arrived. The envoy continued speaking, sarcastically,
continued speaking, sarcastically, suggesting that Damian use his family's
suggesting that Damian use his family's land as collateral again to borrow more
land as collateral again to borrow more money, smirking as he made the offer.
money, smirking as he made the offer. Damen felt both anger and frustration,
Damen felt both anger and frustration, internally berating himself for even
internally berating himself for even considering such collateral in the past.
considering such collateral in the past. He then asked the envoy how much money
He then asked the envoy how much money he currently owed. The envoy answered
he currently owed. The envoy answered with a mocking smile, saying that the
with a mocking smile, saying that the amount Damen had borrowed was 200 gold
amount Damen had borrowed was 200 gold coins, but with interest, the total had
coins, but with interest, the total had now reached 300 gold coins. Damian was
now reached 300 gold coins. Damian was completely stunned by the number he had
completely stunned by the number he had just heard, wondering to himself why he
just heard, wondering to himself why he had borrowed that much in the first
had borrowed that much in the first place. He admitted he couldn't clearly
place. He admitted he couldn't clearly recall the reason, but he was sure his
recall the reason, but he was sure his family didn't have that amount. Now,
family didn't have that amount. Now, Damen thought to himself with deep
Damen thought to himself with deep concern, imagining his entire family
concern, imagining his entire family ending up on the streets because of this
ending up on the streets because of this massive debt. The envoy clearly
massive debt. The envoy clearly explained that if the amount was not
explained that if the amount was not repaid today, the land used as
repaid today, the land used as collateral would officially become the
collateral would officially become the property of House Gold Pixie. Damen,
property of House Gold Pixie. Damen, shocked, asked the envoy angrily whether
shocked, asked the envoy angrily whether he hadn't said before that using the
he hadn't said before that using the land as collateral was merely a
land as collateral was merely a formality. The envoy smiled slightly and
formality. The envoy smiled slightly and told Damen he didn't actually have a
told Damen he didn't actually have a choice. House Goldpixie had instructed
choice. House Goldpixie had instructed him to collect all debts, regardless of
him to collect all debts, regardless of whether the debtors were nobles or
whether the debtors were nobles or commoners. The envoy continued his
commoners. The envoy continued his threat, telling Damen to quickly bring
threat, telling Damen to quickly bring the money if he understood the
the money if he understood the situation, or else implying that Damian
situation, or else implying that Damian probably didn't have it. He then asked
probably didn't have it. He then asked Damen directly if he couldn't pay the
Damen directly if he couldn't pay the amount. Damen answered very calmly, that
amount. Damen answered very calmly, that he had indeed not been able to gather
he had indeed not been able to gather the required payment. The envoy smiled
the required payment. The envoy smiled cunningly and said that he understood
cunningly and said that he understood the situation very well. The envoy sat
the situation very well. The envoy sat arrogantly on the sofa in a
arrogantly on the sofa in a disrespectful manner, looking at Damian
disrespectful manner, looking at Damian with clear disdain as he stood before
with clear disdain as he stood before him in the room. He began speaking
him in the room. He began speaking sarcastically, commenting that Damen
sarcastically, commenting that Damen should never have borrowed money in the
should never have borrowed money in the first place if he couldn't repay it. The
first place if he couldn't repay it. The envoy stated that he had no choice now
envoy stated that he had no choice now but to use the method he knew best to
but to use the method he knew best to collect the money from Damian. Two
collect the money from Damian. Two intimidating guards appeared behind
intimidating guards appeared behind Damian, clearly threatening him, causing
Damian, clearly threatening him, causing Damen to feel intense pressure. The
Damen to feel intense pressure. The envoy admitted to himself that he had
envoy admitted to himself that he had known from the beginning Damen wouldn't
known from the beginning Damen wouldn't be able to pay, and confessed inwardly
be able to pay, and confessed inwardly that money wasn't truly what mattered
that money wasn't truly what mattered most to him. He added in his thoughts
most to him. He added in his thoughts that what he really enjoyed was seeing
that what he really enjoyed was seeing arrogant nobles begging before him. He
arrogant nobles begging before him. He then wondered inwardly what kind of
then wondered inwardly what kind of expression would appear on Damian's face
expression would appear on Damian's face now as he stood surrounded by guards and
now as he stood surrounded by guards and faced danger. The envoy felt an odd
faced danger. The envoy felt an odd thrill just imagining Damen's reaction
thrill just imagining Damen's reaction and admitted that the thought alone gave
and admitted that the thought alone gave him chills. Viccount Haxon looked ahead
him chills. Viccount Haxon looked ahead in shock, his mouth slightly open,
in shock, his mouth slightly open, unable to say a word. In another part of
unable to say a word. In another part of the estate, the Haxon family sat
the estate, the Haxon family sat together while the mother urged the
together while the mother urged the Viccount to sit down and rest, warning
Viccount to sit down and rest, warning that he might collapse from the stress.
that he might collapse from the stress. The Vic Count refused to sit, rejecting
The Vic Count refused to sit, rejecting the idea that he could rest while his
the idea that he could rest while his family was on the verge of ruin and
family was on the verge of ruin and complete collapse. Abel also shouted
complete collapse. Abel also shouted angrily, agreeing with his father and
angrily, agreeing with his father and demanding to know how they could remain
demanding to know how they could remain calm when their family faced such a
calm when their family faced such a fate. Damen's mother asked both of them
fate. Damen's mother asked both of them to calm down and trust in Damian,
to calm down and trust in Damian, pointing out that he had always been
pointing out that he had always been able to overcome crisis. The Viccount
able to overcome crisis. The Viccount responded anxiously, saying that the
responded anxiously, saying that the only reason Damian had been able to
only reason Damian had been able to overcome problems until now was due to
overcome problems until now was due to his exceptional combat skills. Viccount
his exceptional combat skills. Viccount Hackin clearly emphasized that combat
Hackin clearly emphasized that combat skills and negotiation skills were two
skills and negotiation skills were two entirely separate things and should not
entirely separate things and should not be confused. Suddenly, a loud crashing
be confused. Suddenly, a loud crashing sound caught everyone's attention. It
sound caught everyone's attention. It turned out that Damen had taken down one
turned out that Damen had taken down one of the guards inside the room, leaving
of the guards inside the room, leaving the envoy shocked and fearful. Damian
the envoy shocked and fearful. Damian said sarcastically that he would
said sarcastically that he would definitely get a severe scolding from
definitely get a severe scolding from his father for such violent behavior.
his father for such violent behavior. But suddenly the remaining guard charged
But suddenly the remaining guard charged at him in anger, raising his weapon high
at him in anger, raising his weapon high in an attempt to strike. With incredible
in an attempt to strike. With incredible speed, Damen blocked the guard's attack
speed, Damen blocked the guard's attack and grabbed his face with immense force,
and grabbed his face with immense force, causing the guard to scream in pain.
causing the guard to scream in pain. Damian lifted the guard by his face,
Damian lifted the guard by his face, calmly, commenting that drawing a weapon
calmly, commenting that drawing a weapon against a noble could be considered
against a noble could be considered self-defense. A terrifying smile
self-defense. A terrifying smile appeared on Damen's face. As the envoy
appeared on Damen's face. As the envoy sat frozen in fear, watching in utter
sat frozen in fear, watching in utter shock, the envoy screamed in panic as he
shock, the envoy screamed in panic as he shrank back on the sofa, trying to get
shrank back on the sofa, trying to get away from Damian, who was slowly
away from Damian, who was slowly approaching him. Damen approached the
approaching him. Damen approached the envoy silently while the envoy stared at
envoy silently while the envoy stared at him in clear terror. Damian calmly said,
him in clear terror. Damian calmly said, "You get off your knees." And the envoy,
"You get off your knees." And the envoy, terrified, quickly agreed. Damen
terrified, quickly agreed. Damen explained to the envoy that he currently
explained to the envoy that he currently couldn't repay the debt in cash. The
couldn't repay the debt in cash. The envoy looked slightly nervous, but Damen
envoy looked slightly nervous, but Damen continued, saying he wanted to repay the
continued, saying he wanted to repay the debt in a different way. Damian
debt in a different way. Damian approached the envoy with a bright and
approached the envoy with a bright and friendly smile, asking if he could
friendly smile, asking if he could settle the debt using a method other
settle the debt using a method other than money. The envoy, deeply unsettled,
than money. The envoy, deeply unsettled, agreed quickly, frightened and confused
agreed quickly, frightened and confused by Damian's unpredictable demeanor. The
by Damian's unpredictable demeanor. The next day, the sky appeared clear above
next day, the sky appeared clear above the manor, signaling the beginning of a
the manor, signaling the beginning of a new day full of events. Abel expressed
new day full of events. Abel expressed deep sorrow as he spoke to his father,
deep sorrow as he spoke to his father, prompting his father to ask what was
prompting his father to ask what was troubling him. Abel explained that he
troubling him. Abel explained that he was upset because justice had been
was upset because justice had been defeated by violence. While Damian's
defeated by violence. While Damian's mother and sister were advising him to
mother and sister were advising him to be careful on his journey. Damian
be careful on his journey. Damian assured them that he would return safely
assured them that he would return safely and told them not to worry. Abel shouted
and told them not to worry. Abel shouted in protest in frustration, which led his
in protest in frustration, which led his father to scold him and tell him to stop
father to scold him and tell him to stop saying strange things and simply
saying strange things and simply encourage his brother Damian on his long
encourage his brother Damian on his long journey. Internally, the father admitted
journey. Internally, the father admitted to himself that he had no choice but to
to himself that he had no choice but to agree to the plan, though he remained
agree to the plan, though he remained unsure whether it would actually
unsure whether it would actually succeed. Agnes stood before Damian and
succeed. Agnes stood before Damian and calmly told him she was sorry that they
calmly told him she was sorry that they would be parting ways so soon. Damen
would be parting ways so soon. Damen thanked her for all the help she had
thanked her for all the help she had provided and she replied that she had
provided and she replied that she had only done what was right. Agnes then
only done what was right. Agnes then explained that her investigation was
explained that her investigation was nearly complete and that she would be
nearly complete and that she would be returning to her post the next day. She
returning to her post the next day. She wished Damen a safe journey and Damen
wished Damen a safe journey and Damen thanked her in return with a gentle
thanked her in return with a gentle smile. Before leaving, Agnes told Damen
smile. Before leaving, Agnes told Damen that if he ever changed his mind about
that if he ever changed his mind about joining them, he should let her know,
joining them, he should let her know, but he firmly responded that he would
but he firmly responded that he would not change his mind. Damian prepared to
not change his mind. Damian prepared to leave and asked Victor if his luggage
leave and asked Victor if his luggage was ready. Victor confirmed it was.
was ready. Victor confirmed it was. Damen sat in the travel carriage and
Damen sat in the travel carriage and commented on how spacious it felt, only
commented on how spacious it felt, only to be surprised to see the envoy from
to be surprised to see the envoy from House Gold Pixie sitting inside. The
House Gold Pixie sitting inside. The envoy explained that he wanted to ensure
envoy explained that he wanted to ensure Damen's comfort during the long trip.
Damen's comfort during the long trip. Damian smiled calmly and said that was
Damian smiled calmly and said that was thoughtful of him, then requested a
thoughtful of him, then requested a luxurious crab meal for lunch, leaving
luxurious crab meal for lunch, leaving the envoy puzzled by the unusual
the envoy puzzled by the unusual request. Damian turned to Victor, who
request. Damian turned to Victor, who was sitting beside him, and called his
was sitting beside him, and called his name. Victor immediately responded with
name. Victor immediately responded with enthusiasm, "Yes, young master." Then
enthusiasm, "Yes, young master." Then Victor shouted excitedly, announcing the
Victor shouted excitedly, announcing the start of their long journey. The horses
start of their long journey. The horses surged forward at high speed, beginning
surged forward at high speed, beginning their journey, and Damian prepared to
their journey, and Damian prepared to depart with clear determination. He
depart with clear determination. He looked forward with firm resolve and
looked forward with firm resolve and declared that they were heading to the
declared that they were heading to the ducal estate of House Gold Pixie. Their
ducal estate of House Gold Pixie. Their carriage arrived at the grand mansion of
carriage arrived at the grand mansion of House Gold Pixie, where Damian stood
House Gold Pixie, where Damian stood with Victor and the envoy before the
with Victor and the envoy before the large building. Damian gazed at the
large building. Damian gazed at the large mansion and admitted to himself
large mansion and admitted to himself that House Gold Pixiey's estate truly
that House Gold Pixiey's estate truly deserved its grand reputation. Damen
deserved its grand reputation. Damen smiled and told the envoy that he
smiled and told the envoy that he wouldn't forget that things had gone
wouldn't forget that things had gone smoothly thanks to his help. The envoy
smoothly thanks to his help. The envoy replied that he had informed the Duke of
replied that he had informed the Duke of Damian's arrival and that he could enter
Damian's arrival and that he could enter immediately. Back in the carriage, the
immediately. Back in the carriage, the envoy was quietly sulking, internally
envoy was quietly sulking, internally complaining about his bad luck and his
complaining about his bad luck and his frustration with Damian's treatment of
frustration with Damian's treatment of him. He continued blaming Damian in his
him. He continued blaming Damian in his mind, resenting him for making him
mind, resenting him for making him suffer like this when he could have
suffer like this when he could have stayed comfortably in his usual
stayed comfortably in his usual position. The envoy told himself that he
position. The envoy told himself that he hoped things would go smoothly and that
hoped things would go smoothly and that he wouldn't end up dead. Though deep
he wouldn't end up dead. Though deep down, he was hoping for quite the
down, he was hoping for quite the opposite. Damen then smiled at Victor
opposite. Damen then smiled at Victor and told him that he would be back soon.
and told him that he would be back soon. Victor replied enthusiastically, "Yes,
Victor replied enthusiastically, "Yes, young master." Damen entered the mansion
young master." Damen entered the mansion where someone inside asked if he truly
where someone inside asked if he truly was Damian Haxon. Duke Adam Gold Pixie
was Damian Haxon. Duke Adam Gold Pixie appeared clearly asking if Damen was
appeared clearly asking if Damen was really the Haxin family's son he had
really the Haxin family's son he had heard so much about. Damian thanked him
heard so much about. Damian thanked him for acknowledging him and admitted to
for acknowledging him and admitted to himself that he had come for a very
himself that he had come for a very specific purpose. He told the Duke
specific purpose. He told the Duke bluntly that someone named Dimmitri had
bluntly that someone named Dimmitri had told him the Duke was looking for him
told him the Duke was looking for him and asked him directly why. Damen calmly
and asked him directly why. Damen calmly admitted to the Duke that he had
admitted to the Duke that he had borrowed money from the Duke's loan
borrowed money from the Duke's loan office and that the repayment deadline
office and that the repayment deadline was approaching. He explained that
was approaching. He explained that unfortunately he didn't currently have
unfortunately he didn't currently have the funds to pay it back, but wished to
the funds to pay it back, but wished to repay the debt in a different way.
repay the debt in a different way. Damian clearly declared before Duke Adam
Damian clearly declared before Duke Adam Goldpixie that he would defeat House
Goldpixie that he would defeat House Leonlum and that his victory over them
Leonlum and that his victory over them would serve as repayment for the debt he
would serve as repayment for the debt he owed. The Duke and those around him were
owed. The Duke and those around him were stunned by Damian's sudden statement.
stunned by Damian's sudden statement. The night ghoul Limer laughed, saying
The night ghoul Limer laughed, saying that Damen had probably heard the rumors
that Damen had probably heard the rumors and that's why he had come to them at
and that's why he had come to them at this particular time. Damian began to
this particular time. Damian began to think seriously about the current
think seriously about the current situation, noting to himself that he had
situation, noting to himself that he had indeed heard the rumors recently about
indeed heard the rumors recently about the discovery of a large gold mine on
the discovery of a large gold mine on the border. A conflict had erupted
the border. A conflict had erupted between House Leon Bloom and House Gold
between House Leon Bloom and House Gold Pixie over control of the mine, and
Pixie over control of the mine, and duels between low-ranking knights had
duels between low-ranking knights had already begun to determine ownership.
already begun to determine ownership. Damian realized that he already knew how
Damian realized that he already knew how these duels would likely end, and he
these duels would likely end, and he predicted that House Leonlum would win
predicted that House Leonlum would win decisively. He visualized a clear image
decisively. He visualized a clear image of House Leon Blum's victory and
of House Leon Blum's victory and anticipated that such a win would
anticipated that such a win would rapidly expand their influence. At the
rapidly expand their influence. At the same time, House Gold Pixie would begin
same time, House Gold Pixie would begin to lose its power little by little.
to lose its power little by little. Damian concluded internally that if he
Damian concluded internally that if he could help Duke Adam Goldpixie secure
could help Duke Adam Goldpixie secure victory, he would be able to repay his
victory, he would be able to repay his debt entirely. He added to himself that
debt entirely. He added to himself that doing so would also allow him to reign
doing so would also allow him to reign in House Leon Bloom, achieving two goals
in House Leon Bloom, achieving two goals at once. Duke Gold Pixie smiled with
at once. Duke Gold Pixie smiled with deep interest, asking Damen if he truly
deep interest, asking Damen if he truly had the courage to challenge the noble
had the courage to challenge the noble house Leon Blum and destroy one of its
house Leon Blum and destroy one of its key organizations. Damian replied with a
key organizations. Damian replied with a calm smile, saying that such a notion
calm smile, saying that such a notion wasn't far from reality at all. The Duke
wasn't far from reality at all. The Duke smiled and told Damen that he was
smiled and told Damen that he was currently having a hard time finding a
currently having a hard time finding a suitable knight for the upcoming duel.
suitable knight for the upcoming duel. Damian confidently assured the Duke that
Damian confidently assured the Duke that he was the ideal candidate for the task,
he was the ideal candidate for the task, explaining that no low-ranking knight
explaining that no low-ranking knight other than himself could stand up to
other than himself could stand up to Leyon Blum's eldest son. The Duke asked
Leyon Blum's eldest son. The Duke asked Damian if he truly believed he could
Damian if he truly believed he could defeat Michael LeBlum, who was renowned
defeat Michael LeBlum, who was renowned for his exceptional dueling skills.
for his exceptional dueling skills. Damian smiled with unwavering confidence
Damian smiled with unwavering confidence and answered that he was fully aware of
and answered that he was fully aware of Michael LeBlum's abilities, but he would
Michael LeBlum's abilities, but he would never lose to him. Knight Ernst Hovitz
never lose to him. Knight Ernst Hovitz immediately interjected warning the Duke
immediately interjected warning the Duke not to believe everything Damen said and
not to believe everything Damen said and pointing out that rumors were often
pointing out that rumors were often exaggerated. Hovitz then continued
exaggerated. Hovitz then continued saying that Lady Chelsea would surely
saying that Lady Chelsea would surely return soon with a knight suited for the
return soon with a knight suited for the duel. He added that Lady Chelsea had
duel. He added that Lady Chelsea had left some time ago in search of a worthy
left some time ago in search of a worthy knight to face Michael Leon Blum. Hovitz
knight to face Michael Leon Blum. Hovitz affirmed that her return was expected
affirmed that her return was expected shortly and that he was confident in her
shortly and that he was confident in her ability to find an outstanding duelist.
ability to find an outstanding duelist. Hovitz and the other knights smiled with
Hovitz and the other knights smiled with great confidence when the Duke confirmed
great confidence when the Duke confirmed their remarks. Damen noticed that Hovitz
their remarks. Damen noticed that Hovitz was starting to sabotage things for him
was starting to sabotage things for him and mentally described him as being like
and mentally described him as being like a bone chewed by a ghoul, nothing but an
a bone chewed by a ghoul, nothing but an obstacle to his plan. The Duke sat at
obstacle to his plan. The Duke sat at his desk and remarked thoughtfully that
his desk and remarked thoughtfully that he was now wondering what to do in this
he was now wondering what to do in this kind of situation. Damian sensed that
kind of situation. Damian sensed that the Duke was testing him, wanting to see
the Duke was testing him, wanting to see how he would respond in such a scenario.
how he would respond in such a scenario. Damian resolved that he had to prove
Damian resolved that he had to prove himself through action, not just words.
himself through action, not just words. And he clearly announced to the Duke
And he clearly announced to the Duke that everyone was making a huge mistake.
that everyone was making a huge mistake. He spoke with complete confidence,
He spoke with complete confidence, telling Hovitz that if the Duke truly
telling Hovitz that if the Duke truly wanted to win the duel, he needed to
wanted to win the duel, he needed to choose Damian as his representative.
choose Damian as his representative. There was no other knight capable of
There was no other knight capable of facing him. Hovitz was stunned by
facing him. Hovitz was stunned by Damian's boldness and asked angrily if
Damian's boldness and asked angrily if he even knew who Lady Chelsea was
he even knew who Lady Chelsea was bringing as a challenger. Damian smiled
bringing as a challenger. Damian smiled again and calmly offered to let Hovitz
again and calmly offered to let Hovitz try landing a single strike on him if
try landing a single strike on him if that would ease his concerns. Hovitz's
that would ease his concerns. Hovitz's face twisted in anger and disbelief at
face twisted in anger and disbelief at Damen's bold and unexpected suggestion
Damen's bold and unexpected suggestion while Damen continued to smile calmly.
while Damen continued to smile calmly. Hovitz asked the Duke for permission to
Hovitz asked the Duke for permission to demonstrate his skills to Damian. The
demonstrate his skills to Damian. The Duke agreed, feeling the atmosphere grow
Duke agreed, feeling the atmosphere grow increasingly intense and exciting.
increasingly intense and exciting. Damian and Hovitz then proceeded to the
Damian and Hovitz then proceeded to the dueling grounds to begin their match.
dueling grounds to begin their match. Victor was struck with intense shock and
Victor was struck with intense shock and worry, wondering in disbelief what
worry, wondering in disbelief what Damian was doing now, while Damian
Damian was doing now, while Damian simply replied that things had turned
simply replied that things had turned out this way without any planning on his
out this way without any planning on his part. Victor grew increasingly anxious
part. Victor grew increasingly anxious and tense as he watched the knight
and tense as he watched the knight standing before Damian while the
standing before Damian while the knight's aura flared around him with a
knight's aura flared around him with a terrifying and menacing energy. Duke
terrifying and menacing energy. Duke Goldpixie gave a clear order to Hovitz
Goldpixie gave a clear order to Hovitz to begin the attack immediately, and
to begin the attack immediately, and Hovitz agreed with calm confidence.
Hovitz agreed with calm confidence. Hovit stepped forward powerfully and
Hovit stepped forward powerfully and firmly, addressing Damian with a mocking
firmly, addressing Damian with a mocking tone, telling him that if he begged now,
tone, telling him that if he begged now, perhaps he might spare him. But Damian
perhaps he might spare him. But Damian responded coldly, yawning and telling
responded coldly, yawning and telling Hovitz to hurry up with his attack
Hovitz to hurry up with his attack because he was starting to feel sleepy.
because he was starting to feel sleepy. This greatly provoked Hovitz. Hovitz
This greatly provoked Hovitz. Hovitz launched forward with immense power, his
launched forward with immense power, his energy coated sword rushing toward
energy coated sword rushing toward Damian at great speed, shouting that he
Damian at great speed, shouting that he would end this with a single blow. But
would end this with a single blow. But Damian appeared perfectly calm and
Damian appeared perfectly calm and confident, though he began to wonder
confident, though he began to wonder inwardly if he might have provoked
inwardly if he might have provoked Hovitz a bit too much. Hovitz screamed
Hovitz a bit too much. Hovitz screamed in fury as he charged at Damian,
in fury as he charged at Damian, declaring that he would smash his
declaring that he would smash his arrogant face with one strike. Damian
arrogant face with one strike. Damian effortlessly dodged the first attack,
effortlessly dodged the first attack, inwardly acknowledging that Hovitz's
inwardly acknowledging that Hovitz's combat skills were indeed fitting for a
combat skills were indeed fitting for a mid-rank knight. However, Damen affirmed
mid-rank knight. However, Damen affirmed to himself that if he could pinpoint the
to himself that if he could pinpoint the attack's direction precisely, deflecting
attack's direction precisely, deflecting it wouldn't be difficult at all. Hovitz
it wouldn't be difficult at all. Hovitz delivered a powerful and sudden blow,
delivered a powerful and sudden blow, but Damen easily blocked the dangerous
but Damen easily blocked the dangerous attack. Damen's sword began to crack
attack. Damen's sword began to crack visibly from the force of the block.
visibly from the force of the block. Hovitz suddenly gave a very sly smile,
Hovitz suddenly gave a very sly smile, wondering to himself whether Damian had
wondering to himself whether Damian had truly fallen into his trap that easily.
truly fallen into his trap that easily. In a surprise move, Hovitz launched a
In a surprise move, Hovitz launched a lightning fast strike that landed
lightning fast strike that landed directly on Damian, causing him to
directly on Damian, causing him to scream in pain as blood splattered from
scream in pain as blood splattered from his body. Victor and Duke Gold Pixie
his body. Victor and Duke Gold Pixie screamed in horror together as they
screamed in horror together as they witnessed Damen suffer a sudden and
witnessed Damen suffer a sudden and serious injury. Damen dashed forward
serious injury. Damen dashed forward with incredible speed after taking the
with incredible speed after taking the hit, stunning everyone who witnessed his
hit, stunning everyone who witnessed his sudden and unexpected movement. Shock
sudden and unexpected movement. Shock and disbelief appeared on Hovitz's face
and disbelief appeared on Hovitz's face as he wondered anxiously to himself
as he wondered anxiously to himself whether Damian had truly endured the
whether Damian had truly endured the sudden attack he delivered. Duke
sudden attack he delivered. Duke Goldpixie turned toward the knight
Goldpixie turned toward the knight beside him and called him protector
beside him and called him protector while the knight listened attentively,
while the knight listened attentively, ready to hear what the Duke had to say.
ready to hear what the Duke had to say. Damian pointed toward the Duke and
Damian pointed toward the Duke and confidently declared that the position
confidently declared that the position of the Duke's representative now
of the Duke's representative now belonged to him. Victor rushed toward
belonged to him. Victor rushed toward Damian, calling out loudly, "Young
Damian, calling out loudly, "Young master," and then hugged him tightly,
master," and then hugged him tightly, leaving Damen visibly surprised. Damen
leaving Damen visibly surprised. Damen asked Victor with concern if he was
asked Victor with concern if he was okay, while Victor held on to him,
okay, while Victor held on to him, asking how he had managed to dodge the
asking how he had managed to dodge the attack without being harmed. Damen
attack without being harmed. Damen smiled calmly and told Victor with full
smiled calmly and told Victor with full confidence that he had already said he
confidence that he had already said he wouldn't be hurt. Duke Goldpixie joined
wouldn't be hurt. Duke Goldpixie joined the conversation, expressing his
the conversation, expressing his amazement and great admiration at
amazement and great admiration at Damian's success in defending against
Damian's success in defending against Hovitz's attack. The Duke admitted he
Hovitz's attack. The Duke admitted he had been somewhat skeptical at first,
had been somewhat skeptical at first, but now he was convinced that Damian's
but now he was convinced that Damian's combat skills were real and exceptional.
combat skills were real and exceptional. The Duke smiled and said that Damian was
The Duke smiled and said that Damian was truly a great asset to them after the
truly a great asset to them after the abilities he had just demonstrated. Then
abilities he had just demonstrated. Then he stood up and officially announced
he stood up and officially announced before all his guards that Damen Haxon
before all his guards that Damen Haxon had proven himself excellently and
had proven himself excellently and therefore as previously promised he
therefore as previously promised he would appoint him as his official
would appoint him as his official representative. Hovitz, greatly
representative. Hovitz, greatly concerned, tried to object, saying, "But
concerned, tried to object, saying, "But your grace." The Duke cut him off firmly
your grace." The Duke cut him off firmly and with visible anger, telling Hovitz
and with visible anger, telling Hovitz to stop immediately because he was in a
to stop immediately because he was in a good mood and didn't want it ruined.
good mood and didn't want it ruined. Hovitz responded hesitantly and with
Hovitz responded hesitantly and with obvious fear, saying he understood and
obvious fear, saying he understood and would no longer object. Damian stood
would no longer object. Damian stood calmly before everyone while Hovitz felt
calmly before everyone while Hovitz felt deeply frustrated, admitting internally
deeply frustrated, admitting internally that he had been absolutely certain his
that he had been absolutely certain his strike had landed. Damen turned toward
strike had landed. Damen turned toward Hovitz and told him he was now being
Hovitz and told him he was now being scolded by the Duke and that while his
scolded by the Duke and that while his skills weren't bad, he had chosen the
skills weren't bad, he had chosen the wrong person to challenge. Damen
wrong person to challenge. Damen continued speaking with calm confidence,
continued speaking with calm confidence, explaining that he had already surpassed
explaining that he had already surpassed the level of a mid-tier knight and had
the level of a mid-tier knight and had become even stronger. He noted to
become even stronger. He noted to himself that it was necessary to display
himself that it was necessary to display that strength now, especially since only
that strength now, especially since only mid-tier nobles were allowed to
mid-tier nobles were allowed to participate in the duel. Damian admitted
participate in the duel. Damian admitted that if he hadn't used mana at that
that if he hadn't used mana at that critical moment, things could have
critical moment, things could have become extremely dangerous. Duke Gold
become extremely dangerous. Duke Gold Pixie stood silently in front of Damian,
Pixie stood silently in front of Damian, staring at him thoughtfully and with
staring at him thoughtfully and with deep consideration. The Duke noticed
deep consideration. The Duke noticed internal injuries in Damian and told him
internal injuries in Damian and told him he couldn't ignore his current
he couldn't ignore his current condition. Then the Duke suddenly pulled
condition. Then the Duke suddenly pulled out a strange ring, surprising Damian
out a strange ring, surprising Damian and prompting him to wonder whether it
and prompting him to wonder whether it was a magical item that allowed storage.
was a magical item that allowed storage. From the magical device, the Duke
From the magical device, the Duke withdrew a small box and handed it to
withdrew a small box and handed it to Damian, telling him it was a personal
Damian, telling him it was a personal gift. Damian opened the box, which
gift. Damian opened the box, which radiated magical energy. Inside were
radiated magical energy. Inside were small spheres known as balance orbs. The
small spheres known as balance orbs. The Duke explained to Damian that these orbs
Duke explained to Damian that these orbs were typically used by knights during
were typically used by knights during training, and they were also very
training, and they were also very effective for healing internal injuries.
effective for healing internal injuries. Damian thanked him quietly for the
Damian thanked him quietly for the valuable gift. The Duke smiled and told
valuable gift. The Duke smiled and told Damen he would be counting on him from
Damen he would be counting on him from now on. Damian responded with a
now on. Damian responded with a confident smile and told him he would do
confident smile and told him he would do everything he could. The next day, the
everything he could. The next day, the Gold Pixie estate appeared bright under
Gold Pixie estate appeared bright under the sunlight as Damen walked quietly
the sunlight as Damen walked quietly through its courtyard. Placing a hand on
through its courtyard. Placing a hand on his chest, Damen noticed that his
his chest, Damen noticed that his internal wounds had nearly healed
internal wounds had nearly healed completely in just one night, admitting
completely in just one night, admitting the effectiveness of the orbs given to
the effectiveness of the orbs given to him by the Duke. He also found that the
him by the Duke. He also found that the Duke had excellent training equipment
Duke had excellent training equipment and Damian decided that he would begin
and Damian decided that he would begin training with it from now on. Then
training with it from now on. Then someone approached and asked if he was
someone approached and asked if he was Damian Haxon. Damian replied that the
Damian Haxon. Damian replied that the man was correct then asked for his
man was correct then asked for his identity. The man introduced himself as
identity. The man introduced himself as Pavle Bmmont and said that these
Pavle Bmmont and said that these individuals with him were his comrades
individuals with him were his comrades in arms. Knight Pavl Burmond stepped
in arms. Knight Pavl Burmond stepped forward enthusiastically with two of his
forward enthusiastically with two of his fellow knights, declaring that they too
fellow knights, declaring that they too would be participants in the upcoming
would be participants in the upcoming duel. Damian was slightly surprised by
duel. Damian was slightly surprised by the sudden appearance of these nights
the sudden appearance of these nights and asked in confusion if they were also
and asked in confusion if they were also participating. Pavle answered him in a
participating. Pavle answered him in a provocative tone that yes they were. He
provocative tone that yes they were. He explained that Damen was very lucky they
explained that Damen was very lucky they had been absent yesterday due to
had been absent yesterday due to external training. Pavle added
external training. Pavle added confidently that if they had been
confidently that if they had been present, they would have handled him
present, they would have handled him instead of knight Hovitz. Pavle
instead of knight Hovitz. Pavle continued telling Damian that the duel
continued telling Damian that the duel with House Leon Blum was a critical
with House Leon Blum was a critical matter for the Duke's family and warned
matter for the Duke's family and warned him not to hinder the knights with his
him not to hinder the knights with his poor skills. He firmly added that if
poor skills. He firmly added that if Damen understood the situation clearly,
Damen understood the situation clearly, then he should step aside so they could
then he should step aside so they could begin their training. Damian moved
begin their training. Damian moved slightly to the side, deciding
slightly to the side, deciding internally that he was very eager to
internally that he was very eager to watch the Duke's knights demonstrate
watch the Duke's knights demonstrate their combat skills. One of the knights
their combat skills. One of the knights launched a special technique called the
launched a special technique called the highrise of the bird, loudly announcing
highrise of the bird, loudly announcing his attack with great energy and
his attack with great energy and enthusiasm. At the same moment, another
enthusiasm. At the same moment, another knight launched a similar attack
knight launched a similar attack alongside his comrade, escalating the
alongside his comrade, escalating the duel between them even further. The
duel between them even further. The knight shouted while charging at his
knight shouted while charging at his opponent, expressing his determination
opponent, expressing his determination to win this 98th duel. But his opponent
to win this 98th duel. But his opponent replied loudly and mockingly,
replied loudly and mockingly, questioning who had decided he would be
questioning who had decided he would be the victor this time. The knight
the victor this time. The knight appeared pained as he took a hit from
appeared pained as he took a hit from his opponent and staggered slightly
his opponent and staggered slightly backward. Then, unexpectedly, knight
backward. Then, unexpectedly, knight Pavle Burund dashed forward with immense
Pavle Burund dashed forward with immense strength and landed a fast decisive
strength and landed a fast decisive strike on his opponent. His opponent was
strike on his opponent. His opponent was utterly shocked by the sudden blow, his
utterly shocked by the sudden blow, his face filled with disbelief. As he was
face filled with disbelief. As he was about to take the hit, he said that this
about to take the hit, he said that this was just what one would expect from
was just what one would expect from Pavle. He then added that Pavle had read
Pavle. He then added that Pavle had read his attack and blocked it effortlessly
his attack and blocked it effortlessly using only his forehead. The duel ended
using only his forehead. The duel ended and his opponent admitted that he had
and his opponent admitted that he had learned something new today thanks to
learned something new today thanks to sparring with Pavle. Pavle then proposed
sparring with Pavle. Pavle then proposed that they end the match in a draw given
that they end the match in a draw given his opponent's clear improvement. A
his opponent's clear improvement. A large knight approached Pavle with great
large knight approached Pavle with great enthusiasm and told him that his body
enthusiasm and told him that his body was burning with excitement for a duel,
was burning with excitement for a duel, asking him to fight him next. In the
asking him to fight him next. In the background, two other knights discussed
background, two other knights discussed the upcoming duel with House Leon Bloom,
the upcoming duel with House Leon Bloom, affirming that if they continued to
affirming that if they continued to train seriously, the results would be
train seriously, the results would be very promising. The other knight agreed
very promising. The other knight agreed and declared confidently that they would
and declared confidently that they would eventually defeat House Leon Blum and
eventually defeat House Leon Blum and elevate the honor and standing of the
elevate the honor and standing of the Duke's family. The three knights raised
Duke's family. The three knights raised their swords high and shouted together
their swords high and shouted together with enthusiasm, "All for one," then
with enthusiasm, "All for one," then followed in unison and one for all,
followed in unison and one for all, demonstrating their unity,
demonstrating their unity, determination, and excitement for the
determination, and excitement for the upcoming battle. Damen and Victor stood
upcoming battle. Damen and Victor stood silently at a distance, watching the
silently at a distance, watching the passionate display without uttering a
passionate display without uttering a word. Victor, deeply puzzled, asked
word. Victor, deeply puzzled, asked Damian why he was standing there
Damian why he was standing there silently, wondering who these suddenly
silently, wondering who these suddenly appearing, highly spirited people were.
appearing, highly spirited people were. Damian, feeling disappointed, told
Damian, feeling disappointed, told Victor that it looked like they had
Victor that it looked like they had already lost the duel. Victor was
already lost the duel. Victor was completely shocked by Damen's unexpected
completely shocked by Damen's unexpected words and nervously asked what he meant
words and nervously asked what he meant by that. Damen calmly and plainly
by that. Damen calmly and plainly explained that he simply didn't have
explained that he simply didn't have enough confidence in their ability to
enough confidence in their ability to beat those highly motivated knights.
beat those highly motivated knights. Duke Goldpixie appeared, laughing
Duke Goldpixie appeared, laughing loudly, expressing how impressed he was
loudly, expressing how impressed he was by the knights incredible enthusiasm,
by the knights incredible enthusiasm, though he couldn't help but poke a
though he couldn't help but poke a little fun at how far their energy had
little fun at how far their energy had gone. He told the Large Knight beside
gone. He told the Large Knight beside him that there was no need to hide his
him that there was no need to hide his opinion and that he could speak honestly
opinion and that he could speak honestly about how he felt. The Large Knight
about how he felt. The Large Knight replied bluntly that he didn't really
replied bluntly that he didn't really care about it at all. In a flashback to
care about it at all. In a flashback to the previous night, Damian had
the previous night, Damian had apologized to Duke Gold Pixie and
apologized to Duke Gold Pixie and thanked him for his offer, but explained
thanked him for his offer, but explained that he preferred to train alone. The
that he preferred to train alone. The Duke laughed and said Damian was truly
Duke laughed and said Damian was truly an interesting person, especially after
an interesting person, especially after rejecting the guidance of the senior
rejecting the guidance of the senior Knight Heimrich. He then asked Heimrich
Knight Heimrich. He then asked Heimrich for his opinion of Damian.
for his opinion of Damian. Knightheimrich responded, saying that
Knightheimrich responded, saying that Damian was an impressive individual and
Damian was an impressive individual and that there weren't many people capable
that there weren't many people capable of deploying a magical barrier in a
of deploying a magical barrier in a split second to avoid a fatal blow. Duke
split second to avoid a fatal blow. Duke Goldpixie sat at his large desk and
Goldpixie sat at his large desk and asked the knight beside him for his
asked the knight beside him for his expectations regarding the outcome of
expectations regarding the outcome of the upcoming duel, wondering if they
the upcoming duel, wondering if they truly had a chance of defeating House
truly had a chance of defeating House Leon Blum. The knight responded
Leon Blum. The knight responded cautiously, clearly hesitant, saying
cautiously, clearly hesitant, saying that he couldn't give a definitive or
that he couldn't give a definitive or certain answer at this time. He then
certain answer at this time. He then explained to the Duke that the duel
explained to the Duke that the duel would consist of three participants from
would consist of three participants from each side and victory would go to the
each side and victory would go to the team that won two out of three matches.
team that won two out of three matches. He emphasized that even if Damian
He emphasized that even if Damian performed well, that alone would not
performed well, that alone would not guarantee total victory. Duke Goldpixie
guarantee total victory. Duke Goldpixie agreed, saying that was true and added
agreed, saying that was true and added that the rest of the duchies knights
that the rest of the duchies knights would also need to perform well in the
would also need to perform well in the duel. He then asked about the progress
duel. He then asked about the progress of the training being overseen by
of the training being overseen by mid-tier knight Vincenzo. Another knight
mid-tier knight Vincenzo. Another knight responded with clear confidence, telling
responded with clear confidence, telling the Duke that he probably need not worry
the Duke that he probably need not worry about that matter. Outside, Damen stood
about that matter. Outside, Damen stood quietly, watching the rest of his team
quietly, watching the rest of his team as they trained. He observed the three
as they trained. He observed the three knights from a distance and noticed that
knights from a distance and noticed that their energy was dropping rapidly and
their energy was dropping rapidly and that their skills weren't what he had
that their skills weren't what he had expected. He thought to himself that
expected. He thought to himself that they would surely fail if they continued
they would surely fail if they continued at this pace. Damian sighed and told
at this pace. Damian sighed and told himself that he had no choice but to
himself that he had no choice but to step in and help them a little with
step in and help them a little with their training. He called out to the
their training. He called out to the three knights standing there in a clear
three knights standing there in a clear voice. you three over there. The knights
voice. you three over there. The knights turned to him quickly, slightly
turned to him quickly, slightly surprised by how suddenly he addressed
surprised by how suddenly he addressed them. Damen smiled and asked them to
them. Damen smiled and asked them to dare to engage in a training duel with
dare to engage in a training duel with him just once. Pavle Bmon smiled
him just once. Pavle Bmon smiled confidently and told Damen he was very
confidently and told Damen he was very bold to even think of challenging them,
bold to even think of challenging them, especially after having seen their
especially after having seen their skills earlier. Damian replied with
skills earlier. Damian replied with strong confidence, saying that he
strong confidence, saying that he accepted their challenge, but that he
accepted their challenge, but that he wanted to face all of them at once. The
wanted to face all of them at once. The three knights froze in place, stunned by
three knights froze in place, stunned by the sheer audacity of Damian's bold
the sheer audacity of Damian's bold statement. Pavl shouted furiously,
statement. Pavl shouted furiously, demanding how an arrogant fool like
demanding how an arrogant fool like Damian could dare challenge all of them
Damian could dare challenge all of them at the same time. Damian stepped forward
at the same time. Damian stepped forward calmly and confidently, clearly stating
calmly and confidently, clearly stating that although challenging three knights
that although challenging three knights at once violated Chioalic rules, such
at once violated Chioalic rules, such rules didn't apply to those he
rules didn't apply to those he considered mere rabid dogs. The three
considered mere rabid dogs. The three knights charged at Damian in fury,
knights charged at Damian in fury, launching a fierce simultaneous attack,
launching a fierce simultaneous attack, calling him a bastard. Despite the rapid
calling him a bastard. Despite the rapid and coordinated attack, Damian remained
and coordinated attack, Damian remained perfectly calm, standing in place
perfectly calm, standing in place without moving. Suddenly, one of the
without moving. Suddenly, one of the knights saw the world upside down. Pavle
knights saw the world upside down. Pavle found himself lying on the ground
found himself lying on the ground without even realizing what had happened
without even realizing what had happened to him. Pavle looked around in
to him. Pavle looked around in confusion, deeply shaken as he tried to
confusion, deeply shaken as he tried to understand what was going on. Moments
understand what was going on. Moments later, both Pavle and his other comrade
later, both Pavle and his other comrade found themselves lying on the ground as
found themselves lying on the ground as well, completely stunned and without any
well, completely stunned and without any understanding of what had occurred.
understanding of what had occurred. Pavle slowly opened his eyes only to
Pavle slowly opened his eyes only to hear Damen's calm voice asking if he had
hear Damen's calm voice asking if he had finally woken up. He looked up in shock
finally woken up. He looked up in shock to see Damian standing over him and
to see Damian standing over him and heard him mockingly say that he was
heard him mockingly say that he was still as weak as ever. Damian then
still as weak as ever. Damian then issued a clear threat, telling Pavle
issued a clear threat, telling Pavle that if he ever caused another incident
that if he ever caused another incident like this, he'd see something else
like this, he'd see something else entirely. Pavle was utterly stunned as
entirely. Pavle was utterly stunned as scattered memories began returning to
scattered memories began returning to him. Damen calmly explained that what
him. Damen calmly explained that what happened wasn't an incident. It was
happened wasn't an incident. It was simply a lesson he had intended to teach
simply a lesson he had intended to teach the Duke's knights. Pavle slowly
the Duke's knights. Pavle slowly recalled what had happened and realized
recalled what had happened and realized that he and his two comrades had indeed
that he and his two comrades had indeed attacked Damian together. He remembered
attacked Damian together. He remembered the moment when the three knights
the moment when the three knights charged Damian. In that memory, Pavle
charged Damian. In that memory, Pavle saw that Damen had countered them with
saw that Damen had countered them with extreme ease without any real effort. He
extreme ease without any real effort. He knocked them down one by one. He struck
knocked them down one by one. He struck Pavle directly in the face, causing him
Pavle directly in the face, causing him to lose consciousness. Then he sent him
to lose consciousness. Then he sent him flying through the air. Pavle stood in
flying through the air. Pavle stood in complete shock, asking himself in
complete shock, asking himself in disbelief whether Damian had truly
disbelief whether Damian had truly defeated all of them that easily. While
defeated all of them that easily. While his two comrades behind him appeared
his two comrades behind him appeared utterly demoralized, Pavl Bermmont was
utterly demoralized, Pavl Bermmont was gripped by intense fear as he stared at
gripped by intense fear as he stared at Damian in utter disbelief, wondering to
Damian in utter disbelief, wondering to himself what kind of monster stood
himself what kind of monster stood before him, especially since Damian
before him, especially since Damian showed no signs of fatigue or
showed no signs of fatigue or exhaustion. Damian looked calmly at
exhaustion. Damian looked calmly at Pavle and his two comrades and asked
Pavle and his two comrades and asked clearly who was responsible for training
clearly who was responsible for training them. Pavl, still kneeling on the ground
them. Pavl, still kneeling on the ground and clearly flustered, replied that
and clearly flustered, replied that their trainer was the mid-tier knight,
their trainer was the mid-tier knight, Sebastian Vincenzo. Damian repeated the
Sebastian Vincenzo. Damian repeated the question in surprise, confirming if
question in surprise, confirming if their instructor was indeed Sebastian
their instructor was indeed Sebastian Vincenzo, and Pavle nodded quietly in
Vincenzo, and Pavle nodded quietly in response. Damen's expression turned to
response. Damen's expression turned to one of clear displeasure as he seriously
one of clear displeasure as he seriously questioned whether Vinenzo had truly
questioned whether Vinenzo had truly trained them in such a poor manner. He
trained them in such a poor manner. He added that if he could simply tell him
added that if he could simply tell him to stop, he would, but he didn't want to
to stop, he would, but he didn't want to start unnecessary conflict. Damian then
start unnecessary conflict. Damian then told the three nights that once their
told the three nights that once their training with Vincenzo ended each day,
training with Vincenzo ended each day, they were to report to the courtyard and
they were to report to the courtyard and train personally with him. Pavle
train personally with him. Pavle hesitated, afraid of what might happen
hesitated, afraid of what might happen to them if they returned injured from
to them if they returned injured from the training and worried about
the training and worried about Vincenzo's reaction. But Damen reassured
Vincenzo's reaction. But Damen reassured them clearly that it was nothing they
them clearly that it was nothing they needed to worry about. Then Damian
needed to worry about. Then Damian smiled with full confidence and told
smiled with full confidence and told them that no matter how much they got
them that no matter how much they got hit, he guaranteed they wouldn't suffer
hit, he guaranteed they wouldn't suffer a single wound or scratch. Pavle was
a single wound or scratch. Pavle was deeply shocked as he examined himself
deeply shocked as he examined himself carefully, wondering how Damen had hit
carefully, wondering how Damen had hit him earlier without leaving a single
him earlier without leaving a single mark. Damian approached with a chilling
mark. Damian approached with a chilling expression and calmly explained that the
expression and calmly explained that the reason was simply because he had learned
reason was simply because he had learned a long time ago how to hit people in a
a long time ago how to hit people in a professional and precise manner. Damian
professional and precise manner. Damian began to recall distant memories of a
began to recall distant memories of a man known as the personal corrector who
man known as the personal corrector who traveled across the continent
traveled across the continent disciplining criminals and correcting
disciplining criminals and correcting their behavior. Damian explained
their behavior. Damian explained inwardly that this man's method was very
inwardly that this man's method was very simple. He would beat the criminals for
simple. He would beat the criminals for one full hour, and if their behavior
one full hour, and if their behavior hadn't changed after the first hour, he
hadn't changed after the first hour, he would double the beating duration and
would double the beating duration and sometimes continue for extremely long
sometimes continue for extremely long periods. Damian continued his memories,
periods. Damian continued his memories, stating that this man began to feel deep
stating that this man began to feel deep pity for the criminals who endured
pity for the criminals who endured brutal beatings. Because of that, the
brutal beatings. Because of that, the man sought a way to beat them without
man sought a way to beat them without endangering their lives. Eventually, he
endangering their lives. Eventually, he mastered a highly refined level of
mastered a highly refined level of technique, later known as pretend death
technique, later known as pretend death kill, a very advanced combat style.
kill, a very advanced combat style. Damian admitted to himself that this was
Damian admitted to himself that this was precisely the technique he had just used
precisely the technique he had just used on the three knights. It inflicted
on the three knights. It inflicted severe pain without leaving any visible
severe pain without leaving any visible trace. He turned back to the three
trace. He turned back to the three knights, telling them they should now
knights, telling them they should now fully understand their true level of
fully understand their true level of weakness. Pavle reluctantly agreed,
weakness. Pavle reluctantly agreed, visibly ashamed and discouraged,
visibly ashamed and discouraged, admitting that they really were as weak
admitting that they really were as weak as Damian had said. Damen then continued
as Damian had said. Damen then continued with a sarcastic smile, telling them not
with a sarcastic smile, telling them not to worry too much because they still had
to worry too much because they still had a full month before the anticipated
a full month before the anticipated duel. He assured them that in that short
duel. He assured them that in that short time he would transform them from mere
time he would transform them from mere weak insects into useful insects. The
weak insects into useful insects. The three knights were utterly stunned by
three knights were utterly stunned by Damian's unexpected words and stared at
Damian's unexpected words and stared at him in complete disbelief. At that
him in complete disbelief. At that moment, someone called out to Damian
moment, someone called out to Damian clearly, telling him that he had
clearly, telling him that he had arrived. Damian turned quietly to see
arrived. Damian turned quietly to see the Marquis's servant approaching him
the Marquis's servant approaching him quickly, causing him to wonder
quickly, causing him to wonder internally whether this man was truly
internally whether this man was truly the Marquis's servant. The Marquis's
the Marquis's servant. The Marquis's servant approached Damian and informed
servant approached Damian and informed him that the Marqui was requesting to
him that the Marqui was requesting to see him immediately. Damian calmly asked
see him immediately. Damian calmly asked why the Marqui wanted him at this time.
why the Marqui wanted him at this time. The servant quickly and clearly
The servant quickly and clearly explained that Princess Chelsea had just
explained that Princess Chelsea had just returned. Princess Chelsea Goldpixie
returned. Princess Chelsea Goldpixie entered the palace with great confidence
entered the palace with great confidence and a regal presence, officially
and a regal presence, officially announcing her return. She then went to
announcing her return. She then went to greet the Duke, telling him that it had
greet the Duke, telling him that it had been a long time since they last met.
been a long time since they last met. She bowed to her father and told him
She bowed to her father and told him that she had finally returned from her
that she had finally returned from her mission. Hovitz was visibly happy about
mission. Hovitz was visibly happy about Princess Chelsea's return. Duke
Princess Chelsea's return. Duke Goldpixie responded to Chelsea, saying
Goldpixie responded to Chelsea, saying it had been a full month since she left
it had been a full month since she left on her mission and asked her if she had
on her mission and asked her if she had found a suitable knight to participate
found a suitable knight to participate in the competition. Princess Chelsea
in the competition. Princess Chelsea looked toward the knight and answered
looked toward the knight and answered confidently that she had indeed found
confidently that she had indeed found him. The lowranking knight Gome
him. The lowranking knight Gome Blackwing stepped forward and introduced
Blackwing stepped forward and introduced himself with a loud voice as the wild
himself with a loud voice as the wild beast carrying an imposing presence. The
beast carrying an imposing presence. The other knights were surprised and began
other knights were surprised and began whispering among themselves, admitting
whispering among themselves, admitting that they knew him well as a famous free
that they knew him well as a famous free knight. The knights discussed Guom
knight. The knights discussed Guom Blackwing's reputation, mentioning that
Blackwing's reputation, mentioning that he had participated in the conflict
he had participated in the conflict within the kingdom of Eken and had
within the kingdom of Eken and had carried out a massacre against other
carried out a massacre against other low-ranking knights. They continued,
low-ranking knights. They continued, confirming that his fame was widespread
confirming that his fame was widespread and that he had no rival among the
and that he had no rival among the knights of his class. Duke Goldpixie
knights of his class. Duke Goldpixie looked toward Guom and said he had heard
looked toward Guom and said he had heard quite a lot about him already. Guilom
quite a lot about him already. Guilom confirmed to the Duke that his
confirmed to the Duke that his reputation had even reached the Apple
reputation had even reached the Apple Kingdom. Princess Chelsea stepped
Kingdom. Princess Chelsea stepped forward and informed the Duke that Sir
forward and informed the Duke that Sir Guil Blackwing had pledged his loyalty
Guil Blackwing had pledged his loyalty to her and had promised to take part in
to her and had promised to take part in the upcoming duel. She smiled
the upcoming duel. She smiled confidently and declared that Guom would
confidently and declared that Guom would certainly be able to handle Michael
certainly be able to handle Michael Lemlum well in the duel. The Knights
Lemlum well in the duel. The Knights whispered among themselves, stating that
whispered among themselves, stating that based on reputation alone, it was
based on reputation alone, it was obvious Guom surpassed Michael
obvious Guom surpassed Michael Lembbleum. They added that Michael was
Lembbleum. They added that Michael was still in the development phase while Sir
still in the development phase while Sir Guom was already a fully seasoned
Guom was already a fully seasoned veteran. Duke Goldpixie agreed, saying
veteran. Duke Goldpixie agreed, saying this was indeed good news, but admitted
this was indeed good news, but admitted he was getting a bit of a headache over
he was getting a bit of a headache over the situation. Princess Chelsea turned
the situation. Princess Chelsea turned to him puzzled, asking what he meant by
to him puzzled, asking what he meant by that. The Duke explained that he had not
that. The Duke explained that he had not yet introduced the person who would
yet introduced the person who would represent him in the duel. Both Princess
represent him in the duel. Both Princess Chelsea and Guom looked toward the
Chelsea and Guom looked toward the person standing at the door, and the
person standing at the door, and the Duke clearly announced that the one who
Duke clearly announced that the one who would represent him in this duel was
would represent him in this duel was Damian Haxon. Princess Chelsea cast a
Damian Haxon. Princess Chelsea cast a sharp, hateful glare at Damian. Then she
sharp, hateful glare at Damian. Then she turned to her father, shocked,
turned to her father, shocked, questioning what he meant by that,
questioning what he meant by that, reminding him that she had asked him to
reminding him that she had asked him to wait until her return. The Duke replied
wait until her return. The Duke replied that this was true, but he had never
that this was true, but he had never promised her that he would wait.
promised her that he would wait. Princess Chelsea objected further,
Princess Chelsea objected further, saying that even now he could still
saying that even now he could still change his chosen representative if he
change his chosen representative if he wanted. The Duke answered that he would
wanted. The Duke answered that he would still decide the matter. Princess
still decide the matter. Princess Chelsea strongly voiced her disapproval,
Chelsea strongly voiced her disapproval, stating that she had never even heard of
stating that she had never even heard of the name Damen Haxon before. She
the name Damen Haxon before. She continued in clear frustration, asking
continued in clear frustration, asking why her father would choose an unknown
why her father would choose an unknown knight like Damian over someone as
knight like Damian over someone as obvious as Sir Guom Blackwing. Guom
obvious as Sir Guom Blackwing. Guom smiled upon hearing Chelsea's words
smiled upon hearing Chelsea's words about him. Damian noticed Guom's gaze
about him. Damian noticed Guom's gaze and began to wonder internally whether
and began to wonder internally whether this man was the one he had been
this man was the one he had been anticipating. Duke Goldpixie explained
anticipating. Duke Goldpixie explained to Princess Chelsea that while Sergulom
to Princess Chelsea that while Sergulom indeed had an impressive reputation,
indeed had an impressive reputation, Damen Haxon had demonstrated his
Damen Haxon had demonstrated his exceptional skill by successfully
exceptional skill by successfully blocking Hovitz's attack. Princess
blocking Hovitz's attack. Princess Chelsea let out a short sigh and told
Chelsea let out a short sigh and told her father that he always had such
her father that he always had such excellent excuses for ignoring her own
excellent excuses for ignoring her own capabilities. She continued accusing him
capabilities. She continued accusing him of consistently contradicting himself
of consistently contradicting himself through his words and actions,
through his words and actions, especially toward her and her mother.
especially toward her and her mother. The Duke cut her off sharply, warning
The Duke cut her off sharply, warning her to watch her words in front of their
her to watch her words in front of their guests. Chelsea quickly interrupted
guests. Chelsea quickly interrupted herself and apologized to her father,
herself and apologized to her father, explaining that she was exhausted from
explaining that she was exhausted from travel and not in her right state of
travel and not in her right state of mind. From a distance, Damen observed
mind. From a distance, Damen observed the heated exchange between the Duke and
the heated exchange between the Duke and his daughter and thought to himself that
his daughter and thought to himself that there were clearly deeprooted tensions
there were clearly deeprooted tensions between them. The Duke decisively ended
between them. The Duke decisively ended the conversation, telling his daughter
the conversation, telling his daughter that the matter of changing the official
that the matter of changing the official representative would be decided after
representative would be decided after consulting with the other officials and
consulting with the other officials and ordered her to stop arguing and leave
ordered her to stop arguing and leave the room at once. Suddenly, Guom began
the room at once. Suddenly, Guom began laughing hysterically, confusing
laughing hysterically, confusing everyone present. He then addressed the
everyone present. He then addressed the Duke, saying that a man should stand by
Duke, saying that a man should stand by his word. Senior Knight Heimrich was
his word. Senior Knight Heimrich was visibly irritated by Guom's insulence.
visibly irritated by Guom's insulence. Guilom then approached Damian and told
Guilom then approached Damian and told him that he wanted to settle who the
him that he wanted to settle who the real candidate should be through a duel
real candidate should be through a duel between the two of them. Princess
between the two of them. Princess Chelsea stood up, shouting at Sir Guil
Chelsea stood up, shouting at Sir Guil Blackwing in agitation, demanding to
Blackwing in agitation, demanding to know what he was doing and reminding him
know what he was doing and reminding him clearly that she had told him to remain
clearly that she had told him to remain calm and avoid unnecessary actions. Duke
calm and avoid unnecessary actions. Duke Goldpixie responded coolly and calmly,
Goldpixie responded coolly and calmly, saying that what Guom had said wasn't
saying that what Guom had said wasn't exactly wrong, causing Princess Chelsea
exactly wrong, causing Princess Chelsea to grow even more frustrated. The Duke
to grow even more frustrated. The Duke then turned toward Damian and asked him
then turned toward Damian and asked him directly for his opinion on the current
directly for his opinion on the current situation. Damian thought quietly and
situation. Damian thought quietly and clearly to himself. Realizing that Duke
clearly to himself. Realizing that Duke Goldpixie was testing him again and
Goldpixie was testing him again and decided it was necessary to display some
decided it was necessary to display some strength in order to resolve the
strength in order to resolve the situation. Still, Damian affirmed
situation. Still, Damian affirmed internally that it would be best to find
internally that it would be best to find a way to resolve the matter without an
a way to resolve the matter without an actual fight. He then approached Guom
actual fight. He then approached Guom and extended his hand toward him. He
and extended his hand toward him. He declared that there were matters that
declared that there were matters that needed clarification now and suggested
needed clarification now and suggested settling the issue with a direct test of
settling the issue with a direct test of strength. Sir Galom smirked mockingly
strength. Sir Galom smirked mockingly and warned Damian that if his arm got
and warned Damian that if his arm got dislocated during the clash, he
dislocated during the clash, he shouldn't blame him. Damian replied with
shouldn't blame him. Damian replied with a chilling smile, saying that in that
a chilling smile, saying that in that case, he'd dislocate Guom's shoulder
case, he'd dislocate Guom's shoulder instead, which greatly startled Sergi.
instead, which greatly startled Sergi. Sergi<unk>s expression turned furious,
Sergi<unk>s expression turned furious, and he clenched his teeth in clear
and he clenched his teeth in clear outrage at what he had just heard. In
outrage at what he had just heard. In the next moment, Sir Gilom charged at
the next moment, Sir Gilom charged at full force and grabbed Damen's hand
full force and grabbed Damen's hand swiftly. But Damian easily dodged the
swiftly. But Damian easily dodged the direct attack and seized Sir Gilom's arm
direct attack and seized Sir Gilom's arm in a way that completely caught him off
in a way that completely caught him off guard. Sir Galomme was stunned as his
guard. Sir Galomme was stunned as his entire body flipped through the air due
entire body flipped through the air due to Damian's sudden and unexpected
to Damian's sudden and unexpected movement. He slammed into the ground
movement. He slammed into the ground with obvious force and violence, leaving
with obvious force and violence, leaving everyone in the room completely shocked
everyone in the room completely shocked by what had just happened. Senior Knight
by what had just happened. Senior Knight Heimrich stood watching the scene in
Heimrich stood watching the scene in visible astonishment, mentally noting
visible astonishment, mentally noting that Damen Haxon had done an excellent
that Damen Haxon had done an excellent job. Heimrich began to analyze what had
job. Heimrich began to analyze what had happened, explaining that Sir Guom had
happened, explaining that Sir Guom had initially tried to grab Damen's hand,
initially tried to grab Damen's hand, but the Duke clarified that Damen had
but the Duke clarified that Damen had instead used Guom's strength against him
instead used Guom's strength against him with impressive precision, slamming him
with impressive precision, slamming him to the ground. Heimrich added that Damen
to the ground. Heimrich added that Damen had demonstrated not only great physical
had demonstrated not only great physical power, but also truly outstanding combat
power, but also truly outstanding combat technique. Sir Galom glared furiously at
technique. Sir Galom glared furiously at Damian, wondering to himself how Damian
Damian, wondering to himself how Damian had dared to humiliate him like that.
had dared to humiliate him like that. Damian smiled calmly and commented that
Damian smiled calmly and commented that Sir Gillom was stronger than he had
Sir Gillom was stronger than he had expected and that he really had intended
expected and that he really had intended only to dislocate his shoulder. Sir
only to dislocate his shoulder. Sir Gillom screamed furiously and raised his
Gillom screamed furiously and raised his weapon high, preparing to fight
weapon high, preparing to fight seriously. He charged forward, consumed
seriously. He charged forward, consumed with anger, clearly intent on attacking
with anger, clearly intent on attacking Damian. Princess Chelsea screamed in
Damian. Princess Chelsea screamed in panic, calling out to Sergulom and
panic, calling out to Sergulom and begging him to stop immediately. But Sir
begging him to stop immediately. But Sir Gilome ignored her plea and shouted in
Gilome ignored her plea and shouted in rage that he would crush Damian's skull
rage that he would crush Damian's skull in a single blow. Just as he was
in a single blow. Just as he was attacking, a loud voice suddenly ordered
attacking, a loud voice suddenly ordered him to stop immediately. Senior Knight
him to stop immediately. Senior Knight Heimrich appeared, issuing a harsh
Heimrich appeared, issuing a harsh threat to Sir Guom. Heimrich expressed
threat to Sir Guom. Heimrich expressed deep anger at Guom's audacity for
deep anger at Guom's audacity for recklessly drawing a weapon in the
recklessly drawing a weapon in the presence of the Duke. He then asked in a
presence of the Duke. He then asked in a clear and threatening tone whether Guom
clear and threatening tone whether Guom truly wished to die for what he had just
truly wished to die for what he had just done. A terrifying aura began radiating
done. A terrifying aura began radiating from Heimish's body as he glared at Guom
from Heimish's body as he glared at Guom with intense fury. Damian was stunned
with intense fury. Damian was stunned and deeply impressed by the knight's
and deeply impressed by the knight's fearsome aura, thinking to himself that
fearsome aura, thinking to himself that this was the true power of a
this was the true power of a high-ranking knight. But Heimrich, in
high-ranking knight. But Heimrich, in respect for Princess Chelsea's status,
respect for Princess Chelsea's status, said calmly that he would let this
said calmly that he would let this incident pass once. However, he warned
incident pass once. However, he warned sternly that there would be no second
sternly that there would be no second chance if anything like this ever
chance if anything like this ever happened again. Sergiome stood panting
happened again. Sergiome stood panting and exhausted after the confrontation.
and exhausted after the confrontation. swallowing hard as he showed clear signs
swallowing hard as he showed clear signs of tension from what had just happened.
of tension from what had just happened. Duke Goldpixie clapped his hands and
Duke Goldpixie clapped his hands and calmly commented that what had occurred
calmly commented that what had occurred was merely a minor disturbance. Nothing
was merely a minor disturbance. Nothing worth worrying about. He continued
worth worrying about. He continued speaking and announced to everyone that
speaking and announced to everyone that it would be best for Damian to remain
it would be best for Damian to remain the duchy's official representative in
the duchy's official representative in the upcoming duel. Hovitz interjected
the upcoming duel. Hovitz interjected with frustration, telling the Duke that
with frustration, telling the Duke that the duel that had just taken place was
the duel that had just taken place was completely unfair. Hovitz justified his
completely unfair. Hovitz justified his point by saying that Sir Galom Blackwing
point by saying that Sir Galom Blackwing had not yet recovered from the fatigue
had not yet recovered from the fatigue of travel, which meant Damian had a
of travel, which meant Damian had a significant advantage. But Knight
significant advantage. But Knight Vinenzo chimed in, saying that it also
Vinenzo chimed in, saying that it also had to be acknowledged that Sir Guom
had to be acknowledged that Sir Guom uses weapons in combat, so his real
uses weapons in combat, so his real skill couldn't be judged properly while
skill couldn't be judged properly while unarmed. Princess Chelsea eagerly agreed
unarmed. Princess Chelsea eagerly agreed with Knight Vincenzo and added that it
with Knight Vincenzo and added that it was only fair to compare both knights
was only fair to compare both knights skills through an official duel. Duke
skills through an official duel. Duke Gold Pixie angrily ordered his daughter
Gold Pixie angrily ordered his daughter to stop stirring up trouble, but his
to stop stirring up trouble, but his frustration grew and he harshly told her
frustration grew and he harshly told her to stop displaying such incompetence in
to stop displaying such incompetence in front of everyone. Princess Chelsea felt
front of everyone. Princess Chelsea felt deeply embarrassed and humiliated. She
deeply embarrassed and humiliated. She quietly admitted that she had indeed
quietly admitted that she had indeed behaved rudely. Damen stepped forward
behaved rudely. Damen stepped forward and addressed her gently, saying, "Your
and addressed her gently, saying, "Your Highness the Princess." In an attempt to
Highness the Princess." In an attempt to calm her and ease the tense situation,
calm her and ease the tense situation, he raised his hand quietly and politely
he raised his hand quietly and politely asked if he might say something.
asked if he might say something. Everyone turned toward him wondering
Everyone turned toward him wondering what he intended to say in that moment.
what he intended to say in that moment. After the meeting ended, Victor asked
After the meeting ended, Victor asked Damen why he had agreed to fight that
Damen why he had agreed to fight that duel. He felt there had been no need for
duel. He felt there had been no need for it. Damian replied that there is always
it. Damian replied that there is always a reason for everything. Damian noticed
a reason for everything. Damian noticed the workshop the Duke had mentioned
the workshop the Duke had mentioned earlier and wondered if this was the
earlier and wondered if this was the place he had referred to. Victor
place he had referred to. Victor confirmed that it was indeed the
confirmed that it was indeed the workshop the Duke had meant. Damian
workshop the Duke had meant. Damian recalled Duke Goldpixiey's words who had
recalled Duke Goldpixiey's words who had told him earlier that his sword had been
told him earlier that his sword had been broken during the duel with Hovitz and
broken during the duel with Hovitz and so he had ordered the duchy's blacksmith
so he had ordered the duchy's blacksmith to forge a new blade specially for him.
to forge a new blade specially for him. Damian thought to himself that an
Damian thought to himself that an ordinary person might believe a basic
ordinary person might believe a basic training sword would suffice. But this
training sword would suffice. But this particular sword commissioned by the
particular sword commissioned by the Duke was not something one could acquire
Duke was not something one could acquire easily even within the duche itself.
easily even within the duche itself. Damian and Victor entered the workshop
Damian and Victor entered the workshop and one of the blacksmiths was surprised
and one of the blacksmiths was surprised to see them. The blacksmith explained
to see them. The blacksmith explained that he had already been informed of
that he had already been informed of their arrival. He asked Damen and Victor
their arrival. He asked Damen and Victor to follow him inside the workshop so he
to follow him inside the workshop so he could show them the sword that had been
could show them the sword that had been forged. Damian was greatly surprised by
forged. Damian was greatly surprised by the amount of highquality weapons inside
the amount of highquality weapons inside the workshop and mentioned this to
the workshop and mentioned this to Victor. Suddenly, Damen's attention was
Victor. Suddenly, Damen's attention was drawn to a very distinctive sword among
drawn to a very distinctive sword among the displayed weapons. He wondered
the displayed weapons. He wondered internally whether this was the sword
internally whether this was the sword that had been specially prepared for him
that had been specially prepared for him by the Duke. The blacksmith noticed
by the Duke. The blacksmith noticed Damian's interest in that sword and
Damian's interest in that sword and asked if he was interested in it since
asked if he was interested in it since it truly did have a unique design. The
it truly did have a unique design. The blacksmith began explaining the story
blacksmith began explaining the story behind the sword, saying that the knight
behind the sword, saying that the knight who commissioned it had said he would
who commissioned it had said he would give it a specific name before
give it a specific name before disappearing. Damian then suggested that
disappearing. Damian then suggested that it might have been a special order
it might have been a special order blade, leaving the blacksmith surprised
blade, leaving the blacksmith surprised by how Damian could possibly know that.
by how Damian could possibly know that. Damian said to himself that the sword
Damian said to himself that the sword resembled one used long ago by a man
resembled one used long ago by a man known as the evil swordmaster. Damian
known as the evil swordmaster. Damian then decided that he would take this
then decided that he would take this sword. The blacksmith was surprised by
sword. The blacksmith was surprised by Damian's choice, especially knowing the
Damian's choice, especially knowing the unusual materials from which it had been
unusual materials from which it had been forged. Damian continued his inner
forged. Damian continued his inner thoughts, saying that this sword was
thoughts, saying that this sword was different from other rare swords because
different from other rare swords because it had the ability to amplify magic. He
it had the ability to amplify magic. He then asked the blacksmith if the sword
then asked the blacksmith if the sword had a name. The blacksmith tried to
had a name. The blacksmith tried to recall the name, saying that the knight
recall the name, saying that the knight who ordered it had wanted to call it the
who ordered it had wanted to call it the sword of a thousand miles. Damian stood
sword of a thousand miles. Damian stood before the distinctive sword and
before the distinctive sword and declared that he would name it the sword
declared that he would name it the sword of a thousand miles. The blacksmith
of a thousand miles. The blacksmith asked him respectfully whether he had
asked him respectfully whether he had truly found a weapon he liked. While
truly found a weapon he liked. While Damian stood staring at the sword in his
Damian stood staring at the sword in his hand with great interest. Suddenly, a
hand with great interest. Suddenly, a young maid entered the workshop and
young maid entered the workshop and politely introduced herself to Damian,
politely introduced herself to Damian, telling him her name was Rebecca and
telling him her name was Rebecca and that she served Princess Chelsea.
that she served Princess Chelsea. Rebecca stood with obvious courtesy and
Rebecca stood with obvious courtesy and reiterated that she was there to escort
reiterated that she was there to escort Damen to where the princess wished to
Damen to where the princess wished to meet him. She calmly explained that
meet him. She calmly explained that Princess Chelsea wanted to meet him
Princess Chelsea wanted to meet him personally and asked whether he had time
personally and asked whether he had time to see her. Damen responded coolly that
to see her. Damen responded coolly that he didn't think he had much to discuss
he didn't think he had much to discuss with the princess. Rebecca smiled gently
with the princess. Rebecca smiled gently and said that nothing was certain yet,
and said that nothing was certain yet, implying that Princess Chelsea might
implying that Princess Chelsea might have more depth than she seemed. She
have more depth than she seemed. She continued, indirectly suggesting that
continued, indirectly suggesting that the princess's intent was to persuade
the princess's intent was to persuade Damian of something and that it would be
Damian of something and that it would be better for him to comply rather than
better for him to comply rather than refuse. Damen quietly agreed to
refuse. Damen quietly agreed to Rebecca's request and asked her to lead
Rebecca's request and asked her to lead the way to the meeting place. Rebecca
the way to the meeting place. Rebecca walked with Damen through the palace
walked with Damen through the palace corridors and gardens. She explained to
corridors and gardens. She explained to him that the place they were heading to
him that the place they were heading to was a restaurant personally managed by
was a restaurant personally managed by Princess Chelsea, a private
Princess Chelsea, a private reservationonly venue exclusive to
reservationonly venue exclusive to nobles. Rebecca added that the
nobles. Rebecca added that the restaurant had been fully cleared out
restaurant had been fully cleared out for the day specifically for Damian's
for the day specifically for Damian's visit. She pointed toward the restaurant
visit. She pointed toward the restaurant and told Damen that the princess was
and told Damen that the princess was already waiting for him inside. Damian
already waiting for him inside. Damian quietly responded that he understood and
quietly responded that he understood and told Rebecca he would enter immediately.
told Rebecca he would enter immediately. He stood at the restaurant door
He stood at the restaurant door wondering to himself what kind of
wondering to himself what kind of proposal Princess Chelsea might present
proposal Princess Chelsea might present to him. Suddenly, Damian noticed a
to him. Suddenly, Damian noticed a strange and distinct scent wafting from
strange and distinct scent wafting from inside the place. Upon entering,
inside the place. Upon entering, Princess Chelsea greeted him calmly,
Princess Chelsea greeted him calmly, telling him that he was a little late
telling him that he was a little late for their meeting. She sat at the table
for their meeting. She sat at the table inside and asked Damen to come quickly
inside and asked Damen to come quickly and sit with her. Princess Chelsea
and sit with her. Princess Chelsea smiled mysteriously as she addressed him
smiled mysteriously as she addressed him by name, Damen Haxon, while exuding
by name, Damen Haxon, while exuding great confidence. Damen asked her
great confidence. Damen asked her directly why she had summoned him here
directly why she had summoned him here in private. She answered with complete
in private. She answered with complete composure, saying that he seemed to be
composure, saying that he seemed to be in a hurry and suggested they speak
in a hurry and suggested they speak while enjoying dinner, which would be
while enjoying dinner, which would be served shortly. But Damen declined the
served shortly. But Damen declined the wait and told her plainly that he didn't
wait and told her plainly that he didn't wish to waste his time on idle
wish to waste his time on idle conversation, and asked her to state
conversation, and asked her to state what she wanted immediately. Princess
what she wanted immediately. Princess Chelsea accepted his request and told
Chelsea accepted his request and told him clearly that she had only one thing
him clearly that she had only one thing to ask. She continued asking Damen to
to ask. She continued asking Damen to step down from his position as the
step down from his position as the official representative of House Gold
official representative of House Gold Pixie in the upcoming duel. Damen asked
Pixie in the upcoming duel. Damen asked her whether she didn't trust Sir Gilom.
her whether she didn't trust Sir Gilom. She replied that he shouldn't
She replied that he shouldn't misunderstand her. Someone like Sir
misunderstand her. Someone like Sir Gilom if wielding his ax could make
Gilom if wielding his ax could make someone like Damian utterly
someone like Damian utterly insignificant. She continued saying that
insignificant. She continued saying that her intention was to preserve all of
her intention was to preserve all of their strength for the duel against the
their strength for the duel against the marquee. that was why she was asking him
marquee. that was why she was asking him to step down. Chelsea explained that she
to step down. Chelsea explained that she didn't want to risk any losses or even
didn't want to risk any losses or even minor injuries from a pointless skirmish
minor injuries from a pointless skirmish and told him that if he resigned as
and told him that if he resigned as representative, she would grant him
representative, she would grant him anything he desired in return. Damian
anything he desired in return. Damian asked what reason he would have to yield
asked what reason he would have to yield to her demand. Princess Chelsea smiled
to her demand. Princess Chelsea smiled confidently and told him that nobles
confidently and told him that nobles like him, poor nobles, usually had very
like him, poor nobles, usually had very obvious desires. Damian asked her
obvious desires. Damian asked her directly whether she truly knew what he
directly whether she truly knew what he wanted. She continued speaking, saying
wanted. She continued speaking, saying that poor nobles usually desired things
that poor nobles usually desired things like wealth, fame, and similar
like wealth, fame, and similar ambitions. Damen felt a surge of anger
ambitions. Damen felt a surge of anger internally at her arrogant tone, noting
internally at her arrogant tone, noting to himself how presumptuous it was for
to himself how presumptuous it was for her to judge others so superficially.
her to judge others so superficially. Princess Chelsea continued, stating that
Princess Chelsea continued, stating that Duke Goldpixie could offer Damian all of
Duke Goldpixie could offer Damian all of those things, far better than Marquee
those things, far better than Marquee Leon Blum ever could. She told him it
Leon Blum ever could. She told him it would be wiser to side with the true and
would be wiser to side with the true and future Duke. She ended her statement
future Duke. She ended her statement with a smile, telling Damen that if he
with a smile, telling Damen that if he had understood her well, he should go to
had understood her well, he should go to her father immediately and inform him of
her father immediately and inform him of his resignation from the role of
his resignation from the role of official representative of the duche. At
official representative of the duche. At that moment, a dark and ominous aura
that moment, a dark and ominous aura began to emanate from Princess Chelsea,
began to emanate from Princess Chelsea, making the atmosphere extremely tense. A
making the atmosphere extremely tense. A heavy silence fell as Damen stood
heavy silence fell as Damen stood completely calm, staring straight ahead
completely calm, staring straight ahead without saying a single word. He then
without saying a single word. He then clearly and firmly rejected the offer
clearly and firmly rejected the offer that had been made to him. Princess
that had been made to him. Princess Chelsea was visibly stunned by Damian's
Chelsea was visibly stunned by Damian's unexpected refusal, and she shouted in
unexpected refusal, and she shouted in disbelief, saying, "This couldn't be
disbelief, saying, "This couldn't be real." Damen smiled inwardly and told
real." Damen smiled inwardly and told himself he understood perfectly well why
himself he understood perfectly well why Princess Chelsea was now anxious,
Princess Chelsea was now anxious, because he hadn't fallen under the
because he hadn't fallen under the effect of the enchanted perfume she was
effect of the enchanted perfume she was using. He recalled that the enchanted
using. He recalled that the enchanted perfume was a potent form of dark magic,
perfume was a potent form of dark magic, typically used to control the will of
typically used to control the will of others by inducing a false sense of
others by inducing a false sense of attraction. From his past life's
attraction. From his past life's knowledge, he had recognized the
knowledge, he had recognized the presence of that enchanted scent the
presence of that enchanted scent the moment he entered the room. He noted in
moment he entered the room. He noted in his thoughts that any ordinary person
his thoughts that any ordinary person would become a completely obedient slave
would become a completely obedient slave within just one hour of breathing in
within just one hour of breathing in that dense magical aroma. But Damian
that dense magical aroma. But Damian affirmed to himself that his unique
affirmed to himself that his unique ability, authority of greed, had
ability, authority of greed, had completely absorbed the effects of the
completely absorbed the effects of the dark magic, rendering the perfume
dark magic, rendering the perfume entirely useless on him. As Princess
entirely useless on him. As Princess Chelsea sat there stunned, Damen asked
Chelsea sat there stunned, Damen asked her what exactly she meant when she
her what exactly she meant when she said, "This can't be happening." Chelsea
said, "This can't be happening." Chelsea shouted angrily, demanding to know why
shouted angrily, demanding to know why he would reject her offer, insisting she
he would reject her offer, insisting she had already promised to give him
had already promised to give him everything he desired. Damen answered
everything he desired. Damen answered with total calm, saying that he didn't
with total calm, saying that he didn't need anything from her, and explained
need anything from her, and explained that what he truly wanted was something
that what he truly wanted was something she could never give. Chelsea was
she could never give. Chelsea was shocked by his words and shouted in
shocked by his words and shouted in anger, asking what exactly he meant.
anger, asking what exactly he meant. What was it that he wanted? Damian
What was it that he wanted? Damian smiled quietly and told her that the
smiled quietly and told her that the thing he truly desired was the happiness
thing he truly desired was the happiness of his family. Chelsea was once again
of his family. Chelsea was once again surprised by his completely unexpected
surprised by his completely unexpected response and asked in deep confusion,
response and asked in deep confusion, "What do you mean?" Damen decided to
"What do you mean?" Damen decided to leave quietly and told Princess Chelsea
leave quietly and told Princess Chelsea to inform Sir Gillom Blackwing to
to inform Sir Gillom Blackwing to prepare well for the upcoming duel.
prepare well for the upcoming duel. Princess Chelsea's expression changed,
Princess Chelsea's expression changed, becoming cold and serious. She told
becoming cold and serious. She told Damen calmly that it seemed he valued
Damen calmly that it seemed he valued his family far too highly. Then she
his family far too highly. Then she began to speak in a clearly threatening
began to speak in a clearly threatening tone, warning Damian that if he did not
tone, warning Damian that if he did not resign as the duchy's representative,
resign as the duchy's representative, she would send people to wipe out the
she would send people to wipe out the Haxin household entirely. She went on to
Haxin household entirely. She went on to make her threat clear. She would send
make her threat clear. She would send men to trample House Haxin mercilessly.
men to trample House Haxin mercilessly. But in the very next moment, Princess
But in the very next moment, Princess Chelsea was stunned as Damian suddenly
Chelsea was stunned as Damian suddenly lunged toward her with incredible speed.
lunged toward her with incredible speed. He grabbed Princess Chelsea by the
He grabbed Princess Chelsea by the throat with immense force, causing her
throat with immense force, causing her to collapse to the ground, paralyzed and
to collapse to the ground, paralyzed and screaming in pain. She screamed in fury,
screaming in pain. She screamed in fury, shouting at Damian, demanding how he
shouting at Damian, demanding how he dared lay hands on her body in such a
dared lay hands on her body in such a way. Damen didn't reply. He simply stood
way. Damen didn't reply. He simply stood over her, his expression full of rage,
over her, his expression full of rage, tightening his grip on her neck. Chelsea
tightening his grip on her neck. Chelsea began to scream loudly in pain, gasping
began to scream loudly in pain, gasping as she choked under his grip, the pain
as she choked under his grip, the pain overwhelming her. At that moment, her
overwhelming her. At that moment, her knights rushed in quickly after hearing
knights rushed in quickly after hearing the loud noise, calling out in panic for
the loud noise, calling out in panic for Princess Chelsea. The knights were
Princess Chelsea. The knights were horrified and furious, shouting at
horrified and furious, shouting at Damian, demanding how he dared lay a
Damian, demanding how he dared lay a hand on her highness. One of the knights
hand on her highness. One of the knights quickly tried to rush toward the
quickly tried to rush toward the princess to pull her from Damian's
princess to pull her from Damian's grasp. In the next moment, Damen moved
grasp. In the next moment, Damen moved with terrifying speed, launching an
with terrifying speed, launching an attack against the knights and
attack against the knights and effortlessly dodging all of their
effortlessly dodging all of their attempts to reach him. The knights were
attempts to reach him. The knights were stunned by Damian's immense power and
stunned by Damian's immense power and incredible speed, completely unable to
incredible speed, completely unable to keep up or stop him. They were left
keep up or stop him. They were left shocked and terrified, falling to the
shocked and terrified, falling to the ground one after another after Damian's
ground one after another after Damian's lightning fast counterattack. Damen
lightning fast counterattack. Damen looked coldly at Princess Chelsea and
looked coldly at Princess Chelsea and told her with chilling calm that in
told her with chilling calm that in truth he wanted to cut off her head
truth he wanted to cut off her head right now, but he would refrain because,
right now, but he would refrain because, in his opinion, that would be far too
in his opinion, that would be far too merciful a punishment for her. Damen
merciful a punishment for her. Damen approached Princess Chelsea and told her
approached Princess Chelsea and told her in a clearly threatening tone that she
in a clearly threatening tone that she should properly prepare herself for the
should properly prepare herself for the horrific fate awaiting her. He turned
horrific fate awaiting her. He turned his head slightly and smiled with
his head slightly and smiled with terrifying confidence as he indirectly
terrifying confidence as he indirectly hinted at the dreadful future that was
hinted at the dreadful future that was drawing near for her. Princess Chelsea
drawing near for her. Princess Chelsea trembled where she sat on the ground,
trembled where she sat on the ground, her face showing unmistakable signs of
her face showing unmistakable signs of sheer terror at Damian's words. At that
sheer terror at Damian's words. At that moment, Rebecca, the maid, suddenly
moment, Rebecca, the maid, suddenly entered the room and was deeply shocked
entered the room and was deeply shocked by what she saw. She ran quickly toward
by what she saw. She ran quickly toward Princess Chelsea and asked her with
Princess Chelsea and asked her with great concern whether she was all right.
great concern whether she was all right. Princess Chelsea was filled with
Princess Chelsea was filled with overwhelming fury and muttered through
overwhelming fury and muttered through clenched teeth that she would definitely
clenched teeth that she would definitely kill Damen Haxon this time without fail.
kill Damen Haxon this time without fail. Then she screamed in rage, calling out
Then she screamed in rage, calling out for someone named Mustang. Mustang
for someone named Mustang. Mustang appeared immediately and loudly declared
appeared immediately and loudly declared his presence upon being summoned by the
his presence upon being summoned by the princess. The princess began speaking
princess. The princess began speaking furiously, demanding to know why the
furiously, demanding to know why the enchanted perfume had failed to work on
enchanted perfume had failed to work on Damian. Mustang responded with visible
Damian. Mustang responded with visible hesitation, saying he didn't know the
hesitation, saying he didn't know the exact reason, but explained that some
exact reason, but explained that some individuals possessed a natural
individuals possessed a natural resistance to dark magic, but Princess
resistance to dark magic, but Princess Chelsea only grew angrier and screamed
Chelsea only grew angrier and screamed at him as she hit him hard, calling him
at him as she hit him hard, calling him an idiot, which made him cry out in
an idiot, which made him cry out in pain. She then asked harshly where Sir
pain. She then asked harshly where Sir Gillom Blackwing was at the moment.
Gillom Blackwing was at the moment. Mustang answered nervously that Guom had
Mustang answered nervously that Guom had gone to a tavern to drink, saying he
gone to a tavern to drink, saying he needed a drink to calm his anger over
needed a drink to calm his anger over what had happened today. Princess
what had happened today. Princess Chelsea screamed furiously, demanding to
Chelsea screamed furiously, demanding to know how Guom could be in a tavern when
know how Guom could be in a tavern when he had such an important duel. The next
he had such an important duel. The next day, she approached Mustang and screamed
day, she approached Mustang and screamed in his face, asking if he was really
in his face, asking if he was really certain that Sir Gilom Blackwing could
certain that Sir Gilom Blackwing could defeat Damen Haxon. Mustang responded
defeat Damen Haxon. Mustang responded confidently, assuring her that Sir Galom
confidently, assuring her that Sir Galom was the best they had and that he had
was the best they had and that he had never seen a knight more skilled in dark
never seen a knight more skilled in dark magic. Mustang then urged Princess
magic. Mustang then urged Princess Chelsea to be patient, promising her
Chelsea to be patient, promising her that they would definitely place the
that they would definitely place the entire Ducal estate under her control.
entire Ducal estate under her control. Chelsea glared at him with unmistakable
Chelsea glared at him with unmistakable anger and threatened him harshly, saying
anger and threatened him harshly, saying that he'd better keep his promise or he
that he'd better keep his promise or he would be the first to die. Mustang
would be the first to die. Mustang became extremely flustered by the
became extremely flustered by the princess's threat and kept repeating
princess's threat and kept repeating nervously that he would remember her
nervously that he would remember her words clearly. Meanwhile, Damian stood
words clearly. Meanwhile, Damian stood high above, watching the entire scene
high above, watching the entire scene unfold below with a remarkably calm and
unfold below with a remarkably calm and focused expression.
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