Under the morning rays of dawn, the densely packed army stood among one of the ruins and encircled the trio at the center so tightly that not even a single drop of water would be able to escape

Kohen stared at the unexpected girl before him, gaze filled with shock and disbelief. Kroesch, why?

The short-haired girl only stared apathetically at him without uttering a word.

Kohen suddenly felt that a part of that girl had died a long time ago. She was no longer that cheerful, tough and happy-go-lucky girl who liked to play tricks on him together with Miranda. At that moment, Kohen felt a pang in his heart.

Stop asking, Kohen. Beside the police officer, Miranda watched the soldiers who inched towards them and exhaled. Remember the Disaster Sword we met?

While he stared at Kroesch, Kohen froze momentarily when he heard what Miranda said.

Even though theyre the Tower of Eradications archenemy, they still uphold the dignity and pride of a swordsman, Miranda said flatly. Holding the sword hilt in her gloved hands, she slowly raised her sword.

But Kroesch said that a group of masked Disaster Swords ambushed her one night and ruined her right hand.

Kohen frowned. Gu said that he had no clue that there was such a battle in Armor District.

Miranda nodded and stared at Kroesch. Stood among the crowd, Kroesch did not move, letting the warriors pass her by on both sides.

Besides, even though theyre hiding here, the Disaster Swords dont give a damn about politics. They also look down on Mystic Guns, the daughter of the Arunde Family said calmly. Why would they use them to assassinate the prince?

Kohen inhaled deeply. So that means

Miranda finished his sentence without a break. Yes, the Disaster Swords neither conspired with an archduke, nor tried to assassinate the princethey were framed.

The so-called Disaster Sword was only a guise. A trap set by Black Sand Region in the name of the Tower of Eradication to lure us from Constellation to Eckstedt!

Miranda narrowed her eyes and glared at Kroeschwhose expression was still apatheticand said in a loud voice,

And the source of everything was your lie, Kroesch!

Amid the crowd, Kroesch sneered a little. The expression in her eyes was indecipherable. Last chance, I will spare all of you from death if you surrender!

Without realizing it, Wya had formed a triangle with the two seeds of the Tower of Eradication. He faced Kroesch with Kohen on his left, and Miranda on his right.

Staring at the soldiers who were slowly moving in, Wya very anxiously said. Erm, perhaps I shouldnt interrupt you both, but perhaps we should first solve the problem at hand?

The soldiers clad in the patrols uniforms closed in around them, their eyes were fierce.

Throw down your weapons! a veteran at the front said fiercely, Or we will be the ones disarming you.

Have you ever fought in wars, Disaster Sword boy? As he leaned against Wyas back, Kohens gaze was extremely solemn. He said in a low voice, I am talking about those battles where the opponents number in the thousands, not silly sword fights.

Yes, once, said a pale-faced Wya. He then realized something. And Im not a Disaster Sword!

Once is enough. Well be paving a path later. Kohen quickly surveyed the one hundred-something opponents before him, ignoring Wyas second statement. Guard the rear and keep up with our steps.

Wya glanced at the unconscious Ralf who lay within the ruins and sighed.

How do we guard? Theyre everywhere

Use your brain, Miranda cut him off coldly. Use your sword flexibly. Aim for their legs, reduce them into burdens on the battlefield

Before the swordswoman could finish her words, Kroesch roared, loud and clear,

Attack!

Thud! Thud! Thud!

Hurried footsteps echoed and rapidly closed in on them.

Countless afterimages of swords and light from the blades sparkled in the ruins. Soldiers pounced on the trio fiercely. The tips of their swords were pointed forward, and they attacked them in rows.

They imitated the formation used by cavalier units and used the standard charge that would enable them to bring down their enemies. At that moment, Miranda recognized their movements.

They were not the patrols of Dragon Clouds City. Instead, they were the opponents she had faced almost every day at the border for the past three years. The only difference was that they did not carry weapons like spiked maces and triangle spears. Of course, perhaps it was to make their act seem more convincing.

Bang! Clang!

On the right, Kohen relied on his height to make a chopping motion with his sword, deflecting two incoming swords and forcing the third one to retreat.

Instead of retreating, the police officer charged forward, and with great strength, landed a kick on an opponents kneecap. While the sound of bones breaking echoed, he turned his body sideways and elbowed another opponents stomach.

The opponent grunted in pain. Kohen was prepared to take advantage of the opponent moving back to slash him one more time. However, the groaning opponent did not budge nor care. Instead, as if his legs were rooted to the ground, he raised his longsword and swung it again.

Clang!

A deep, dull metal sound echoed as Kohen defended against the enemys attacks.

While he deflected the opponents blade, the police officer felt his blood run cold. Shit, this strength and fighting standard He is, at the very least, a heavy infantry man! I wonder if hes a heavy swordsman, or a heavy-armor axeman.

Fortunately, they only have the swords of patrol units as weapons, and are unaccustomed to them. Otherwise

Behind him, Wya activated the Edge of No Return, and in the blink of an eye, cut off the wrists of two enemies behind him. It was followed by the sound of two swords falling onto the ground.

Damn it, save your strength! Kohen carefully deflected the longsword that was brandished at him again. He scolded Wya brusquely, Using your Power of Eradication like this will only cause you to die of exhaustion!

On the other side, Miranda faced two opponents. One of them was wielding a pair of twin swords, but Miranda fought with even more skill and ease compared to her comrade.

The blade of her sword miraculously struck an opponents wrist. The opponents sword immediately trembled and pierced his comrades arm in a downward, diagonal motion.

The other opponent who wielded the twin swords stared at his comrades sword in shock. He had no choice but to wave the sword in his right hand to defend himself from his comrades attack. But before he could react, Miranda took the opportunity to thrust her sword and pierce his left palm. Then, she turned around swiftly.

While the enemy screamed, Kohen charged towards the right, ignoring the blade that slashed at his back, and switched places with Miranda. Utilizing inertia, his tall figure crashed into the dual-wielding opponent. The opponent staggered back for a meter before he fell into his comrades bosom.

Meanwhile, Miranda hunched and lowered her body calmly, grazing past Kohens chest and switching to the left.

The tip of the opponents sword lost aim for a moment because of the changing targets. Miranda took the opportunity to thrust her sword and stabbed a deep wound in the opponents stomach.

Miranda watched as her opponent bled, clenching his teeth in pain, but she did not take his life. Instead, she allowed the enemy to drag him back into their formation.

Miranda and Kohen took advantage of the situation and moved two meters forward. Wya followed after he parried a cutting strike with some effort. As if they were able to read each others minds, the two Seeds of the Tower of Eradication worked tacitly together. The attendant was stunned as he watched them.

Miranda leaned against Kohens back and said in a low voice, Heavy swordsman, stable but not agile.

Kohen deflected a longsword and gave feedback from his side. Cavalry scout. Reacts quickly, but his physique is nothing special.

Black Sand Regions regular border troops. Miranda summarized.

Theres no way for us to break through this directly. Kohen gritted his teeth and swung his sword horizontally with great strength, forcing two opponents to retreat. There are too many of them, and every single one is a veteran.

Find Kroesch. Utilizing her Power of Eradication that enabled her to master the rhythm of situations, Miranda squeezed between two enemies. She chopped an opponents neck with the side of her palm while the latter slashed at her armor. The opponent immediately retreated while he braced his neck.

The swordswoman thrust her sword towards the right and forced another opponent to lower his head and evade. Take turns to attack with me and distract her with words. Find a chance!

Right after Miranda finished speaking, Kohen activated his Power of Eradication. The Glory of the Stars filled his entire body in growing waves, enabling the police officer to continuously strike with his sword at full power for more than ten times.

Clang!

The sound of metal clashing rang continuously.

In the blink of an eye, Kohen forced the soldiers of Black Sand Region to take a few steps back.

Kroesch!

Kohen attacked at full strength. His offence did not waver, and he was strangely confident. He roared angrily at the commander in the crowd, For Lampards coup, you betrayed us and the Tower of Eradication?

Wya followed closely behind Kohen. Even though there were already two injuries on his body, he stubbornly waved his single-edged sword and deflected two swords that were aimed for Kohens back.

Amid the crowd, Kroeschs gaze was complicated. Calm and composed, she replied loudly, Kohen, what are you trying to say? Are you accusing me of using the name of the Tower of Eradication to involve all of you in ill-intentioned political affairs?

Kohen gritted his teeth. He shone with a blue light as the Glory of the Stars in his body kept growing. He continued to charge forward despite his injuries. Chop, slice, and stab. The police officer hurt three of the opponents by making three continuous attacks without defending himself.

Because Miranda protected his back, and she would always attack with her longsword at the crucial moment, turning it into the most fatal strikes.

Keep disturbing her! Miranda said in a soft voice, Force her into coming forward to duel with you!

Gritting his teeth, Kohen shoved away an opponent. However, his arm was injured. How? I have never won an argument against that tomboy

But Miranda suddenly shouted, Give up, Kohen! Your secret crush, Kroesch, has betrayed you without hesitation! You and her were never meant to be!

Kohen was stupefied for a moment even while he fought among the enemy ranks.

What? That tomboy?! When have I ever been secretly in love with her?

Two meters away from them, Kroeschs face twisted when she heard Mirandas words. She gritted her teeth hard and glared at Kohen, there was only one emotion in her eyes: Hatred.

Kohen suddenly felt a chill run down his spine.

The next moment, Kroesch suddenly charged forward to attack. She stormed past her subordinates, thrust her longsword forward and struck Kohens blade.

Clang!

Kohens entire body trembled. He felt as though he could not wave his sword anymore.

Lay down your arms and surrender now! For old times sake Kroesch seemed to be in an abnormal mood as she stood in front of Kohen. She gritted her teeth and said with agony, I wont hurt all of you!

Stupefied, Kohen parried a sword that attacked him from the right.

For old times sake? You still remember the past? A thought came to Kohen. He growled in a low voice, No matter who you side with or what benefits you seek, you should not have brought the Tower of Eradication into this

The momentum of Kohens attack was immediately disrupted; Kroesch struck the side of Kohens blade again.

Stop being nave, future Count Karabeyan! said Kroesch, her tone filled with hatred. Her sword seemed to exude a strange aura. With just one swing of her sword, she halted the momentum of Kohens attack in an instant.

Damn. When it comes to swordsmanship, Kroesch was one of the top four out of the eight seeds. She was only below Miranda, Ecklyn, and that Nedanese from the Eastern Peninsula!

Kohen gritted his teeth, sheathed his sword, and turned to deflect another attack, but his right shoulder was injured at the same time. Kroeschs longsword followed him like a shadow, striking him the moment his momentum was broken.

Clang!

Kohen defended with his longsword, parrying that slash with strenuous effort.

The Tower of Eradication transcends politics?' The short-haired swordswoman gritted her teeth hard and waved her longsword continuously. She moved with Kohens blade, the rhythm of her attacks was like a raging storm. You should have abandoned this nave fantasy the first day you left the tower!

Kohen freed himself from Kroeschs blade with all his might. His attacking momentum was totally destroyed.

Shouldnt the memories of us fighting side by side in the tower be something we all treasure? Shouldnt it be something noble and unsullied? Kohen waved his left hand and blocked off a soldiers sword with his thick robe. But you

Kroeschs gaze turned cold and she suddenly activated her Power of Eradication, performing three strikes with her sword in the blink of an eye.

Something we all treasure? Hahaha! Kroeschs words seemed to be filled with endless grief and madness.

The first attack was a piercing strike that took Kohen by surprise. Kohen leaned to the right to dodge the attack.

I cant believe that I once liked you The adorable, pathetic and nave Kohen!

Kohen froze momentarily. The second slash came.

Kroesch sliced her blade horizontally without stopping. Kohen had no choice but to parry it with his longsword.

The short-haired Northlander said shrilly, From the moment we were born, we were already branded by our countries and their politics, marked by our birth and our bloodlines, and we can never escape! We never had a choice!

The third slash was an incredibly fast attack

You wont become pure and untouchable just because you entered some tower that claims to be noble and untainted! You wont become a free person! Kroeschs tone was cold and threatening.

She held her sword in both hands and moved the entire sword in an arc with the spot Kohen had blocked as the pivot, then as she swung her blade, she directed the tip of the sword away from Kohens block and towards his face.

Kohen Karabeyan, you are a damned idiot! she roared, furious and bitter.

Her sword and Kohens sword produced a loud, scraping sound from the friction.

Sching!

She thrust her sword at the police officers face.

Kohens position was already unstable to begin with since he was swaying towards the left. He could not exert any force with his longsword and had difficulty breathing.

Kroeschs third strike was like an impassioned symphony complete with an opening, a twist, and an ending. It had Kohen trapped in its fatal rhythm unable to free himself.

This was a Pegasus Music exclusive to Kroesch, completely different from Mirandas.

At this moment, Mirandas longsword forced itself into the fight like a grave accent.

Clang!

She parried Kroeschs fatal strike.

Unable to withstand her attacks, Kohen switched places with Miranda using the momentum of his movements, and he moved to help Wya, who was struggling.

Mirandas black glove rubbed against the hilt of her sword. She interrogated her former comrade with a cold voice, Kroesch, I used to treat you like my own sister. Teacher Chartier taught you for nothing!

The next moment, the daughter of the Arunde Family drew back her vibrating longsword and thrust it towards Kroeschs sword hilt.

The Pegasus Music, she said coldly, Pegasus Music places emphasis on reaching a resonance with the rhythm of the world and the enemies around the user. Its not a solo performance like what you are doing.

Mirandas sword tip slid down and, while scraping against Kroeschs blade, she thrust towards Kroeschs wrist.

She chose the perfect moment and the craftiest angle. No matter how Kroesch reacted, defended, or dodged, she found herself instantly in a disadvantageous position.

Before Miranda could react, Kroesch moved her longsword in the opposite direction. She neither parried nor dodged, but instead moved towards the tip of Mirandas sword, pointing her sword at Mirandas wrist.

Solo performance? said, Kroesch hatefully. You must not have watched enough plays, Miranda Arunde!

The two swords met in the air and moved in an arc, their friction produced a shrill sound. The two swordswomen, both masters of the Pegasus Music and shared the same teacher, listened to each others force and tempo along with the frictional sound.

They were prepared to snatch an opportunity to impede the others rhythm and deliver a fatal strike. Kohen then had an idea.

When it comes to a battle between masters of the Pegasus Music, it is better for outsiders not to meddle. Due to the ever-changing situation that follows opportune timing and rhythm, you never know who your actions would benefit.

However, when the enemies focus is diverted by the fact that their commander is preoccupied

Kohen felt the momentum of attack in front of him weaken and saw that the enemies were moving closer to Kroesch. He made up his mind.

A chance!

He gave Wya a hint, then the tall figure charged forth to attack again.

Glittering blue light sparkled on his sword and skin. He had activated the Glory of the Stars, and with the fastest sword speed and strength, he launched a flurry of continuous attacks. Blood splattered everywhere, his blood and the enemys blood. Kohen shot past three people in the blink of an eye.

He had even cast Miranda and Wya behind him, and just as he was about to open up a gap in the encirclement

I just need to create a rift, and then

With clenched teeth, Kohen charged forward with all his might.

An enormous fist appeared suddenly from within the crowd at that moment. Kohen subconsciously waved his sword in a chopping motion. But the fist was different; It changed directions midway and hit the side of Kohens blade.

Bang!

Even though Kohen was filled with the Glory of the Stars, he found it difficult to dodge the punch. His longsword stopped midway.

Like how an axe that was chopping firewood without obstruction suddenly hits an iron board; a great force came from the impact.

Struck by the hard punch, the blade of Kohens sword bent backwards with a shrill sound, hitting Kohens left cheek together with the enormous fist.

Kohens ears rang and his entire world shook.

Blood splashed from his face and his vision was dyed red. He fell back in a daze, but he had no more time to think.

That punch That was No No!

Kohen fell to the ground, feeling extremely despaired. He raised the sword in his right hand subconsciously, but an arm pressed forcefully on his hand. The enemy then pressed Kohens shoulder with his other hand and gave it a twist.

Snap!

Ah! Kohen grunted from pain, his right shoulder had been dislocated.

Clang!

Kohens sword, a family heirloom, fell on the ground.

Wya stared in shock at the scene before him. Kohen was totally defeated by the newcomer in an instant.

The police officer activated his Power of Eradication, trying to fight back one last time. But his enemys elbow was like the most terrifying weapon that struck the left part of his back viciously.

Bang!

A dull sound echoed. The hit dispersed the Glory of the Stars.

Kohens face froze, his entire body trembled, and he painfully spat out a mouthful of blood.

No.

Dont move, lad, the newcomer said coldly in a heavy accent. The Glory of the Stars originates from the chest I dont want to smash your heart next.

Wya watched in shock, then he was pounced by enemies who came surging from both sides

Dizzy, Kohen felt lighterthe enemy had hoisted him up onto his shoulder.

No. His vision swayed. No.

The figure stalked onto the battlefield to where Miranda and Kroesch were having their duel.

Miranda An agonized Kohen coughed up blood, there was no more energy in his body. Run

In his daze, Kohen struggled and groaned out, Run away Such an opponent We Cant

In the next moment, Kohens vision darkened, and he lost consciousness. Miranda glanced at Kohen from the corner of her eyes and saw him being hoisted on someones shoulder. She even saw the figure and her entire body trembled.

Kroesch seized the chance and suddenly thrust her longsword out.

Clang!

A sharp, metallic sound echoed. The equilibrium between the two masters of the Pegasus Music ended there; both had struck in the blink of an eye.

Rip!

Mirandas expression changed. She seized the chance to jab her longsword into Kroeschs left wrist as the latter attacked and became unable to dodge.

Bang!

On the other hand, Kroesch spun the hilt of her sword to strike at Mirandas stomach.

Kroesch clenched her teeth. Miranda staggered slightly and was about to strike back, but then a sword came into view without a sound, and without anything blocking its path. The blade of the sword pressed onto Mirandas shoulder. It was Kohens longsword, held in an enormous hand.

Miranda felt a surge of massive, unparalleled power from the sword.

This is an inescapable stranglehold. Miranda thought.

Bam!

In the next moment, the swordswoman was pressed to the ground by that massive force. The Power of Eradication in her body was in chaos; the Pegasus Music had been disrupted.

Kroesch came forward with a cold countenance. She kicked away Mirandas longsword.

Ka-clink!

Mirandas longsword clattered onto the ground.

Why? Miranda could not endure the massive force anymore. She lay pinned down on the ground and spat a mouthful of blood. Still, she raised her head stubbornly to glare at the newcomer.

Why are you here? She glared at the robust and tall, white-haired figure and roared in fury and indignation,

Kaslan Lampard!

Before Miranda stood the pride of the Tower of Eradication, the legendary commander of the White Blade Guards who was also the owner of the Hero Tavern, and nicknamed as the Ground-Shaker.

The old man did not say anything. Stone-faced, he continued to press down on the long sword while still carrying Kohen on his shoulder.

It continued until the soldiers of Black Sand Region came to take the furious Miranda and the unconscious Kohen away. Wyas angry yells echoed from afar.

Kroesch sheathed her sword with a poker face.

The archduke just sent an order, the swordswoman said coldly, He needs help at his location.

The old man turned and looked at Kroesch.

There was an agile woman who broke into the battlefield and rescued that boy. She calmed her breathing. A supreme class.

Flustered from the battle, Kroesch adjusted her outfit. The old mans gaze was filled with sorrow as he watched Miranda and Kohen get taken away.

A few seconds later, a serene-faced Kaslan said slowly, Dont hurt them.

His gaze was filled with a deathly stillness. Kroesch raised her head and stared into Kaslans eyes.

She said slowly, Of course, Uncle Kaslan Of course.

Kaslan turned and disappeared into dawns fog. Kroesch, too, turned and gathered her subordinates. Soon, the soldiers of Black Sand Region left the ruins. It was as if nothing happened.

A few minutes later

Creak. Creak. Roll!

The was a sound of rubble falling onto the ground. The sound became increasingly louder.

Finally, a hand shot out of the wreckage.

A silver-masked man covered in wounds dusted off the rubble that covered his body.

He held his fractured arm, and still in great shock, climbed out.

Eyes wide open, Ralf the Phantom Wind Follower panted heavily and looked towards where the people from Black Sand Region had left. He looked as if he could not believe what had just happened.