Chapter 35 - The Treacherous and Deceitful

“Your opinion, Veda?” Jinn asked his butler what his thoughts were about Emir Sarjace and Calavera who had left moments ago.

“...” The butler was deep in thought, comprehending exactly what his Master was trying to ask of him. “Desert Sword Saint and the Legendary Valhalla Knight? They both need to enter the Mystic Realm before I make any opinion about them.”

“You think so too,” Jinn knew that his butler would understand. “Give them the order to reduce the total monster population within Hollow World to 30%.” Jinn waved his hand that signaled for Veda to acquiesce, “Oh, and make it so that His Majesty and Lord Calavera do it alone.

The butler placed his hand on his heart and bowed lightly, “Very wise, sir.” Jinn could sense the apprehension from his butler, “Something on your mind?”

The butler gave his real opinion about the first question, “His Majesty, Emir Sarjace will naturally cross into the Divine Realm because of his natural born talent and the Gold Dragon Heart. Lord Calavera will also surpass level 99, but, in a different manner.”

“I think so as well,” Jinn continued on. “Lord Emir has the talent and poise to make the Golden Dragon Heart his own. As for Lord Calavera, his Natural Martial Body, and mastery of all weapons and armor will make him just as valuable. Two shining stars in the making.”

“Glad to see you so pleased, sir,” Veda said in a joking manner, knowing that those two called “shining stars” were more than that. In other words, although Emir Sarjace and Calavera are considered stars, they would be a “Heavenly Killing Star,” an old Murim term that annotates an individual as being one of the greatest evils to be born in the world.

With a look of worry on his old face, Veda expressed a few last words, “Why is it that violence makes the real changes in this world and our old one?”

***

Emir Sarjace and Calavera quickly began conquering the worldwide desert, Hollow World. With the squadron of high-tier undead (Death Knights, Death Cavaliers, Liches, Elder Liches, Skeleton Knights, and Skeleton Apprentices) given to them as gifts for being newly resurrected, it placed a great satisfaction in their hearts knowing that they had such a powerful army for their personal use.

“Prepare to skirmish, my prince,” Calavera said, mounted atop what looked like a misty, skeletal horse.

Behind him, another skeletal horse kicking red sand in the air peddled to the top of the hill, “There’s a Doom Knight amongst the rabble.” Emir Sarjace quickly deduced the power of the monster wave that was surrounding an everlasting oasis.

“It’s us two. I’m betting after this, we’ll be over level 100,” Calavera remarked in a plain tone.

Ching!

The Desert Sword Saint unsheathed his fabled talwar, Elder Sword, known in history to have been drenched in the blood, scales, and flesh of the mighty Golden Dragon. In effect, the talwar transformed from its light grey sheen to that of a dark glint and a permanent blood-stained Draconic Language on the dull side of the blade.

“Let’s not waste any time,” without saying any more words, Emir Sarjace reined his skeletal horse to advance.

[Elder Sword] Grade: Mythological Relic Type: Talwar (transformed) Material: Star Metal

-A family relic passed down from each Emperor of the Emir bloodline. Said to be crafted from the “star” that fell from heaven. A perfectly balanced sword light enough to be wielded by amateurs, but, truly shines in the hands of a Swordmaster.

-Considered to be one of the top 3 best swords in the world, alongside, Sijjin and Illiyin.

-Absorbed the nature of the evil Ancient Golden Dragon, Radian, and has been advanced a tier above Legendary Grade.

-Can now exert or condense extreme dark energy.

-One-of-a-kind weapon containing several elemental and non-elemental properties (light, dark, fire, wind, earth, and non-elemental).

In a burst that felt like the world was being absorbed by a black hole, Emir Sarjace pointed his talwar that blasted a beam of light toward the named Doom Knight, Bismark.

Laser noises.

Force Techniques: [Royal Soul Swordsmanship - (Holy) Piercing Force] Rank: EX Proficiency: 114%

-An extreme burst of energy that launches at the tip of the perfected Mind Sword like a laser blast that breaks parry. Classic sword technique that is exclusive to the Sarjace Royal Family.

-Can imbue different elemental or non-elemental properties to the attack due to the specs of the Elder Sword and Golden Dragon Heart working in conjunction.

KABOOM!

Critical!

-45671

The side of the Doom Knight was left with the shape of a disintegrated circle.

Shriek!

The Doom Knight let out an otherworldly shriek in response to the great damage that was taken. Slowly, the wound was healing, but, not very efficiently thanks to the great weakness that all undead share and that is the Holy attribute.

My basic moves do this much damage? Surprised, Sarjace did not think that his power would already be this much. Maybe… I should have not held disdain for this new heart of mine. Typically, swords that carry the darkness element do not mix well with most elements, but, to think that the corrupted talwar could blast holy light energy of the purest degree is confounding.

Bismark responded by emitting a dark aura blast from his double-edged scythe, almost resembling a cross-shaped spear. The Doom Knight performed a basic heavy combo that produced an incredible Aura.

Aura Technique: [Dreamsever Lightning Wave] Rank: SSS Proficiency: 103%

-Two highly compressed Aura waves blasted at lightning speed. An extreme-speed attack with massive damage output.

-Extreme Darkness elemental attack.

-Inflicts the status attribute, Sleep.

Unlike Death Knights, Dullahans, or other mid-to-high-tier undead are inferior compared to a Doom Knight, although, at a great cost. Just even existing is hard for the undead Doom species. To his benefit, Bismark is several tiers below that of a Doom Lord like Claudio Valeth who constantly requires negative energy.

Anyhow, Emir Sarjace countered the dark energy blast with another attack imbued with the light element.

Force Techniques: [Royal Soul Swordsmanship - (Holy) Radiant Force] Rank: EX Proficiency: 110% -A huge crescent mana wave capable of causing great destruction. Cannot be parried or blocked.

When the two Aura waves met, Bismark’s attack gradually dispersed as the light element dispelled the darkness and broke through the two Aura blasts. This time, the Doom Knight defended himself, but, to no avail.

KABOOM!

Critical!

-32189

Physically, it was noticeable that the Doom Knight was heavily panting as if he needed to catch his breath. Best not to turn him into ash as he would make a fine Marquiss. Sarjace thought. He had already made up his mind that such a valuable piece like a Doom Knight was a perfect addition to the horde.

The Desert Sword Saint jumped from his horse and clashed with Bismark’s scythe. Emir Sarjace would rely solely on skill and experience without the light element. His HP is almost red sooner than I had expected. When the Doom Knight’s HP bar would reach a certain level, it would be possible to make Bismark a familiar.

CHING! CHING!

Metal clashing with each other was heard across the battlefield as the two dueled in a high-speed fashion. Emir Sarjace had reached Grandmaster level shortly after his passing and his techniques did not falter at all. He was casually evading all the attacks from the Doom Knight who whipped that sinister scythe like a whirlwind. Like a true Swordmaster, the Desert Sword Saint wasted no movements and acted purely out of efficiency. All in all, the Royal Soul Swordsmanship was an elegant fighting style that used the aspects of the talwar with its long reach, and its capabilities of chopping and slashing. It was simple and refined, causing great damage to the Doom Lord who was struggling to keep up with the Desert Sword Saint.

“It’s over,” with that statement, Emir Sarjace began the resurrection while still in battle. A shining magical circle emanated from the ground and made the Doom Knight paralyzed. “By the permission of the Sith Lord, I grant thee a new life.”

Shriek! Shriek!

The Doom Knight let out an unholy shriek as it struggled to move due to the low HP. Emir Sarjace placed his palm on the Doom Knight’s cranium and injected mana. The mana force fought against each other as to which one would prevail. It was a battle of golden energy versus negative energy.

“You’re name is Bismark. Remember who you once were.”

Hearing those words, the Doom Lord stopped struggling and paused for a moment. It was as if a long time had passed, but, Bismarck visually began looking like a human, and pieces of itself began to dissolve the corrupted energy, and pieces of armor fell off. Typically, Doom Knights are only heavily armored if the corruption from the negative energy builds over time. In essence, the true form of Bismark was making its appearance.

A lightly armored individual with a long black coat and light purple short hair made was the original Bismark. Given that if he wore his hood, it would look as if he were the grim reaper due to the scythe equipped on his back.

“W-Wha…” Bismark looked at his hands and spoke. “Is this another waking nightmare?” He asked.

“Kuku,” Calavera chuckled as he came by with his bloodied spear. The Legendary Valhalla Knight had completed his task of cleaning the area excluding the Doom Knight. A few Death Nobles, several Liches, and other high-tier undead were following behind the Spear Saint. “Tis’ not a nightmare comrade, but, a dream.”

Chuckle. Chuckle.

“Good to see that your humor hasn’t left you, my old friend,” Emir Sarjace replied.

Confused, the newly resurrected Doom Knight was looking at the two who socializing in the world’s most dangerous place.

Who the hell are these two? Bismark thought as he fell unconscious.

“The negative energy must have placed him in a daze for quite some time,” the Desert Sword Saint knew perfectly well of the effects of negative energy. After all, the evil Gold Dragon, Radian, was the epitome of darkness.

Lord Emir Sarjace commanded, “Bring my Marquiss to a resting tent and begin assimilating this oasis.”

“By your command, my prince,” Calavera acquiesced and portals began appearing as undead swarmed the area with materials to build a defensive fort.

“We need a few pieces before we commence the attack on Erebus,” Emir Sarjace was talking about finding worthy characters for the war effort that was soon to come. “If only we had my family… I wonder if any of my kin are left in this world?”

Bismark Lvl. 72 Class: Mid-tier Transcendence Realm 7th Circle Archmage

Species: Undead

Heteromorphic Race

Main Job: Doom Knight

Sub job: Scythe Saint

Titles: Master of Dreams (passive)

Dreamshadow Lightning Scythe Saint (passive)

Night King/King of Night (equipped)

Emir Sarjace Lvl: 108 Class: Mystic Realm Species: Death Emperor (variant)

Main Job: Force Judge

Sub job: Gold Dragoon Knight

Sub job: Sword Saint

Titles: Golden Attribute (equipped)

Dragon Heart User (passive)

Wyrm Slayer (passive)

Desert Sword Saint (passive)

Force Master (passive)

Ethereal King (equipped)

***

Swish. Swish. Swish. Swish. Swish. Swish. Swish. Swish Swish. Swish.

Swish. Swish. Swish. Swish. Swish. Swish. Swish. Swish. Swish. Swish.

Thousands of arrows were loosed as oceans of them made a shot toward the Arcadian Aura Champions. In this case, this was Parsifal’s signature move, Score Shot.

Archery Techniques: [Unholy Hellfire Archery - Score Shot] Rank: EX Proficiency: 113% -Looses 20 arrows in a broad area with one shot.

Dario’s first familiar, Parsifal had entered the Mystic Realm some time ago after successfully producing a way to incorporate certain archery skills into the Lance Saint job class. However, in this mission, Parsifal would be restricted and was not allowed to use Hellfire.

I could easily blast those Arcadians to ash. Thought Parsifal, knowing full well that if loosed an arrow entirely made out of Aura, it would have torn Gaspless to pieces. Huuh. The Hellfire Bow Saint let out a breath of air as he casually performed another skill. Well, I just need to do what I’m told.

Archery Techniques: [Unholy Hellfire Archery - Twentyfold Flurry] Rank: EX Proficiency: 114% -Fires 20 arrows in rapid succession.

In the field of battle, Parsifal was leading a unique unit of Death Rangers and Death Lancers. The Arcadian Aura Champions on the enemy's side were formidable opponents. Specifically, they are premier foot archers in Archery and Two-Handed skills. Moreover, their mastery over Aura was something to be heeded as well. They were the Special Forces of the Arcadian Empire and are considered the best two-way Experts in any martial arts.

Arcadian Aura Champion Lvl: 70-90 Class: High-tier Transcendence Realm Species: Human

Main Job: Ranger

Sub Job: Warrior

Sub Job: Soldier

Titles: Arcadian Special Forces

This battle would reveal which unit had the better master of multiple job classes. On the Arcadian side were the well-renowned Aura Champions, but, Parsifal’s unit which he trained and developed himself would make their debut. They were called the Death Champions, masters of two different fighting styles.

Death Champion Lvl: 70-90 Class: High-tier Transcendence Realm Species: Undead

Main Job: Death Ranger

Sub job: Death Lancer

Titles: Champions of Death

THWACK! THWACK! THWACK! THWACK! THWACK! THWACK! THWACK! THWACK! THWACK! THWACK! THWACK! THWACK! THWACK! THWACK! THWACK! THWACK! THWACK! THWACK! THWACK! THWACK!

Parsifal and his Death Champions were hitting their targets and the Aura Champions were taking heavy damage. Equipped with the wondrous ebony material, it holds physical and energy resistance against the magically enchanted steel arrows that the opponents fired. Moreover, undead skeletal species are resistant to piercing damage, making them good chess pieces against archers.

Yawn. Parsifal yawned, “The stage is all yours. Lead with the Demonic Masters.” He ordered Duke Saix to continue the siege.

“By your order,” Duke Saix replied. He had been promoted from a Marquiss since the Lord Disciple’s ascension to the Mystic Realm and his contribution in the battle against Demon Lord Malgas. All of his undead have grown in power as well. Leading the heavily armored Death Knights, Death Lancers, and Skeleton Knights, all physical fighters of the Omen Sect were breaking the Stalemate.

Arcadia was in trouble and it started with their Aura Champions. Many were beginning to perish as arrows hailing endlessly like a black sea. Eventually, the ebony-pointed arrows were shattering Arcadia’s enchanted steel armor.

Returning to Master’s side. Was the last thoughts of The First Familiar. Many things had changed since being resurrected as a named Skeleton Soldier. He was a rare piece encountered at the beginning of Dario’s rise to power. Moreover, he was a ranged character which was sorely lacking in the Sith Lord’s legion of undead.

But now, he had ascended to a Death Noble and holds the title of Grand Archduke. Parsifal had regained his memories long ago while regaining his original appearance having shoulder-lengthed wavy black hair, above-average looks, a ghostly complexion, and eyes as dark as the abyss.

When he turned his back, he sensed a ranged attack more powerful than the rest. This is… Parsifal reached into his Item Box and pulled out a trident which instantly produced a black, wave-like Aura.

“Hmph!” With a horizontal slash, the long-reaching trident came in contact with a highly-condensed, Aura arrow.

CHING!!!!

Metal rang as the powerful attack was dispersed, “Looks like the main players are showing up.” A sinister grin appeared on Parsifal’s youthful face. “So it’s true, a ‘Judge’ was their secret weapon. And, quite a strong one as well.”

Returning his trident to the Item Box and pulling his magic bow, Parsifal acquiesced to the surprise attack with an Aura bolt. “Let the show begin!”

Parsifal Lvl: 114 Class: Mystic Realm Species: Death Noble (Diamond Body)

Main Job: Hellfire Judge

Sub job: Trident Saint

Sub job: Bow Saint

Titles: Combo Master (equipped)

Yang Screw Flower Trident Saint (passive)

Hellfire Bow Saint (passive)

Ethereal King (equipped)

***

“You’ve grown,” said the man who was standing at the front when Dario and Tenebrae successfully breached the impenetrable gate of Gaspless.

“I will leave this matter to you,” said Tenebrae as he understood the meeting of those two.

Dario nodded in response and gripped his holy sword, Sijjin. “Lord Uncle…”

Master Tasuman, The Swordmaster, former 6th Demonic Master, and one of the great traitors of the Omen Nation. He had apostatized and joined the Arcadian Empire. In effect, he was given the responsibility of becoming the Fortress Commander of Gaspless in anticipation of the Omen Sect’s return.

Having amalgamated with his sword beyond the level of simply being an extension of one’s self, it is the stage where complete unity is achieved and no differentiation was made between the blade and body. Moreover, after stealing the Omen Sect’s hidden sword techniques, it appears that the body of Master Tasuman is no different than a legendary sword.

“You are no different than a Demonic Master at our level now. Such incredible growth for someone who barely reaches their twenties,” Master Tasuman praised Dario for reaching the level where he had trained for most of his life.

“A lot has changed since your betrayal, Lord Uncle,” Dario’s response was composed. It felt like the air was swirling with blades from the two who were talking with one another.

“Indeed, I betrayed the Omen Nation,” Master Tasuman stated plainly. “I, an acetic, had committed the greatest of evils… Still, I had my reasons.”

Dario gripped his sword even harder and blood fell to the red sand. His sword, Sijjin, the fiery Aura that blazed like a violet flame shined brighter.

“Whatever reason you may have had, you’ve committed the greatest sin a Demonic Master like you should have never done,” spite and anger were expressed in Dario’s statement. Little by little, he was losing respect in the conversation with his Lord Uncle.

“You and I both know how things like this end, Master Tasuman,” hearing his name and title instead of “Lord Uncle” meant that the conversation was reaching its climax. His dignified face steeled itself and became evil.

“Come! Let us settle our disputes with our blades!” The Swordmaster who was well over his prime years was currently as strong as ever. Age was just a number to him as he manifested a perfect Sword Aura from that two-handed Damascus Black Steel greatsword, Omen Killer.

[Sumihomura] Grade: Legendary Type: Katana (Two-Handed) Material: Damascus Black Steel

-A two-handed samurai sword that is unconventional in its design due to extending a little bit longer than the standard katana and a wider blade for chopping. Made out of the famous metal found in the Demonic Lands. Extremely hard to find, especially, ones that are mana sensitive.

-One of the most precious Artifacts of the Omen Sect.

-Restrictions: Demonic Master, Sword Saint