Five days had passed since the battle on the sky island. Aiden and his companions found themselves in the aftermath of this incident as this story became the news that went across the Western Kingdoms and beyond. News of their survival, and the black market alliance's supposed defeat, spread like wildfire. The tale of Aiden, the Lion Sin of Pride, who had stopped their plans.
Different organizations already started to capture the survivors who had returned with Aiden. They sought to extract every piece of information about the mysterious island and what happened there. Within the black market alliance, bounties were issued, new ones for some, and increased ones for others.
The Dark Alliance Weekly, a newspaper used by the black market guilds, reigned supreme in the dissemination of this news. It delivered a special edition, the Alliance crafted a narrative that painted Aiden as a killer who used tricks to fight.
The headline read: "Aiden, the New Scum of the Adventurer's Guild Bastards." This helped the alliance hide the fact that two Guild Masters had perished in the battle. Seath's betrayal, however, was mentioned, and a bounty was issued to emphasize that the alliance did not tolerate traitors.
But it was the new bounties that truly sent tremors through the continent. The sky island incident seemed to have triggered massive ripples throughout the underworld, leading to significant changes across the continent.
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Lyssia
Title: 10th Chairman of the Adventurer Guild, Adratram Empire Branch
Age: 50
Level: Martial King
Number: 1989
Description: A dark elf known for her speed and dual short swords. She uses mist techniques to gain an advantage over her enemies.
Bounty: 300 million Arnas
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Alexander Daman
Title: Former Kingdom Knight of the Kederawen Kingdom, Adventurer Guild Member
Age: 39
Level: Martial King
Number: 1957
Description: A human warrior who specializes in dual sword arts and wind elements, creating powerful sword slashes. He likely possesses sword intent, though this remains unconfirmed.
Bounty: 310 million Arnas
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Olenna Caron
Title: 3rd Chairman, Adratram Branch Adventurer Guild
Age: 105
Level: Currently Unknown
Number: 1165
Description: A human mage who commands nature element spells, frequently using vine and tree-based spells, with some destructive spells in her arsenal.
Bounty: 396.3 million Arnas
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Abrat
Title: 4th Chairman, Adratram Branch Adventurer Guild
Age: 120
Level: Currently Unknown
Number: 1090
Description: A demi-human assassin known for his speed and flexibility, finishing battles swiftly with lethal precision.
Bounty: 397 million Arnas
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Konstantin
Title: 2nd Chairman, Adratram Branch Adventurer Guild; Former Holy Knight of the Sardinia Empire
Age: 110
Level: Currently Unknown
Number: 1083
Description: A demi-human swordsman with formidable sword intent and a defensive divine ability called Obsidian Armor, making him deadly in close combat.
Bounty: 398 million Arnas
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Eldric Julius
Title: The Great Magic Professor, Member of Kederawen Kingdom Royalty
Age: 4030
Level: Half-Saint Mage
Number: 890
Description: A human Peak-level Heaven Archmage with both wind and earth affinities. Known for his strategic brilliance, he can quickly counter any attack.
Bounty: 480 million Arnas
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Seath
Title: Former Vice-Guild Master of the Moonlight Hunters, Guild No. 8
Age: 80
Level: High 8th Level Royal Magic Beast
Number: 982
Description: A magic beast with royal blood, descended from the Divine Beast, Moon Wolf. Specializes in lightning attacks and close-quarters combat.
Bounty: 415 million Arnas
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Hu Zhao, Roshtar Water Tiger
Title: Former Imperial Guard Captain of the Roshtar Kingdom
Age: 267
Level: Unknown (Suspected Peak Martial Emperor Level, Half-Saint)
Number: 774
Description: A powerful swordsman confirmed to possess peak-level sword intent. Though an Oni, he currently resembles a humanoid magic beast.
Bounty: 517 million Arnas
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AN: [Arnas is the Paper currency of the Western continent]
Looking at the bounty rankings, it became clear that participants with combat levels at the peak of Martial Emperor or Heaven Archmage were considered among the top 1000 on the blacklist.
Other figures, including the second prince, Saifon, Wanda, and others, also found themselves on the list, though their bounties were lower. Their involvement in the incident didn't draw enough attention.
However, the most shocking revelation was Aiden's bounty. His actions had propelled him to a level that defied the world's common sense.
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Aiden
Title: Proclaimed Member of the Seven Deadly Sins, Lion Sin of Pride, Adventurer Guild Member
Age: 20
Number: 688
Level: Unknown (Suspected Half-Saint Stage)
Description: A dangerously strong man who can conceal his level. Wields a heavy one-handed battle axeand also has powerful fire-type attacks. Possesses an unknown divine ability that allows him to raise his level in a short period of time.
Bounty: 612 million Arnas
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It was the first-ever case in the entirety of the Western Continent. A twenty-year-old, suspected to have attained the Half Saint Stage, had achieved a feat unparalleled in the Sarna world. Aiden, the sole individual among the top 1000 below the age of fifty, had not only a remarkable power but also managed prove that strengh by taking one of the twelve chairmen in a confrontation.
The last known instance of a similar achievement dated back seven hundred thousand years when one of the four Saints, 'The Serenity Sword Saint,' accomplished a comparable feat at the age of 40. He ventured alone and killed the founder of the Black Market Alliance. Regrettably, despite this success, the Black Market Alliance not only survived but grew bigger, placing a first bounty of 1.2 billion Arnas on his head.
This context added to the shock factor surrounding Aiden's bounty, especially considering it was his first and at half the age. Aiden, however, remained indifferent to the newfound attention. He found amusement in the attempts to portray him as a devil by the Black Market Alliance.
Aiden: "Sigh, it's even smaller than I expected."
Reading the newspaper, Aiden absorbed the fabricated narrative woven by the Black Market Alliance. The Adventurer Guild's efforts to set the record straight were overshadowed as their clarification was released after the Alliance's weekly, swaying public opinion.
Exiting to the backyard of his mansion, Aiden discovered Seath sparring with Eldric's granddaughter. Her twenties were clad in leather armor, wielding a sharp rapier. Seath, now equipped with a prosthetic arm crafted by Hu Zhao, effortlessly parried her attacks.
Observing the ongoing discussion between Dian Long, Hu Zhao, and Eldric, Aiden's attention lingered on Edvard, who, seemingly indifferent to the proceedings, casually imbibed from a bottle. Edvard always had a drink at hand, a trait that intrigued Aiden.
Aiden discussed a few things with Eldric and then decided to go back to his room leaving everyone. He met Diss on the way running around preparing the luggage needed for their coming travel. He then reached his room and went to the bed and decided to rest. He looked at the red ceiling and raised his hand while noticing the golden ring he's wearing right now.
This was the first-ever time in the history of the Western Continent. A twenty years old, suspected to have reached the Half-Saint Stage, achieving an unprecedented feat in the Sarna world. Aiden, the sole individual under the age of fifty in the top 1000, not only wielded remarkable power but had also proven his strength by taking on one of the twelve chairmen in a confrontation.
The only similar achievement was seven hundred thousand years ago when one of the four founders of the adventurers guild, 'The Serenity Sword Saint,' accomplished a comparable feat at the age of forty. He ventured alone and killed the founder of the Black Market Alliance. Despite his success, the Black Market Alliance survived and grew stronger, placing a bounty of 1.2 billion Arnas on his head.
This story added to the shock surrounding Aiden's bounty, since he was only half the age of the previous record-holder. Aiden, however, remained indifferent to the newfound attention. He even found it amusing.
"It's even smaller than I expected," he muttered to himself, a smirk playing on his lips.
He noticed lately around the town the Adventurer Guild's efforts to set the record. Unfortunately, Their clarification had been released after the Alliance's weekly edition.
Exiting to the backyard of his mansion, Aiden's eyes fell on Seath, who was sparring with Eldric's granddaughter. Clad in leather armor, she wielded a sharp rapier, her movements swift and precise. Seath, now equipped with a prosthetic arm given to him by Hu Zhao, effortlessly parried her attacks, his expression calm and focused.
Nearby, Dian Long, Hu Zhao, and Eldric were deep in discussion, their voices low and serious. Aiden's gaze lingered on Edvard, who sat apart from the others, seemingly indifferent to the ongoing sparring. Edvard casually sipped from a bottle, a faint smile on his lips as he observed the scene with a detached amusement.
Aiden exchanged a few words with Eldric, discussing their next steps, before deciding to retreat to his room. On his way, he encountered Diss, who was preparing the luggage for their upcoming journey. Aiden gave him a nod of acknowledgment and continued to his room, eager for some rest.
As he lay on his bed, staring at the red ceiling, Aiden raised his hand, his gaze falling on the golden ring he now wore. His thoughts drifted back to the moment he had received it, and he couldn't help but wonder about its significance.
--------------------------------
[5 days ago]
After Aiden had handed Diss his "reward," he gathered everyone in the guest room and waited for Diss to bring the tea. Aiden glanced at Dian Long and asked, "So, what's so mysterious about this ring?".
Dian Long smirked and suggested, "Why don't you pour some mana into it and see for yourself?"
Aiden raised an eyebrow, unimpressed by Dian Long's theatrics. "You don't have to act so mysterious. You're starting to look like an idiot."
Aiden began channeling mana into the ring. Just as Diss entered the room with the tea, the ring started to glow faintly, a soft light emanating from its surface. Without warning, a sword materialized in mid-air and crashed onto the small table in the center of the room.
Thud!
The sword was massive and heavy, the impact shattering the table and embedding the blade into the floor. The room fell silent as everyone stared at the magnificent weapon, its aura pulsing with power.
Edvard, wide-eyed, stepped back instinctively. "How?! What is it doing here?!" he exclaimed in complete disbelief.
Eldric looked at his friend a little bit curious, "Do you know what that sword is Edvard?".
Edvard became a bit nervous as he looked away but then sighed and replied, "Of course I know. It's hard to not recognize it. After all, It's also one of the legendary five supreme treasures. It's the 'The Heavenly Lightning Sword.'"
A shocked silence filled the room, each person processing the gravity of what Edvard had just revealed.
Dian Long smiled at everyone shock but then as if he remembered something, he looked at Edvard who seemed more nervous with every moment the sword was near him, "I didn't expect anybody to still know about it after all this time. Edvard, I'm curious how do you know about it even though it's been a long time since everyone has ever seen it".
Edvard didn't answer but then he sighed and said, "Let's just say I have a bad story with this sword".
Dian Long looked at Edvard dar expression and didn't want to inquire more as Edvard didn't seem to want to give any more answers.
Dian Long decided to ignore it and continued, "Yes, This sword is The Heavenly Lightning Sword, one of the five supreme treasures and I am the dragon spirit that resides within it."
Eldric looked at the sword and spoke, "The aura it's emanating... It's compelling, almost as if it's commanding me to kneel and worship it."
Hu Zhao, standing beside him, nodded in agreement, his expression serious. "I felt it too," he said, his usually jovial tone subdued. "There's something about this sword that's...different."
Dian Long nodded at the two and answered them, "You're right, that's because the previous wielder of the sword was very strong and even reached a very high level in the sword aura so a wisp of it still remains not to mention the primordial power that is sealed within it".
Aiden decided to speak and said, "and I guess only the one who can wield the sword can unlock all this power".
"Correct", Dian Long affirmed.
Aiden raised from his seat and went toward the sword while speaking to Dian Long, "I can't believe Charles had another supreme treasure. What special ability does this sword grant?" he asked, his mind racing.
"I heard some legends about this sword. They say that it can summon the power of the primordial mana used to create the universe. I also heard that the sword chooses its master and that only one individual can hold and use it", Eldric spoke before anyone as his tone showed excitement while looking at both the sword and Aiden.
Edvard sighed and said, "Just hours ago, only one of the five supreme treasures was around and now, another two of them had resurfaced. Both in the same day".
The five supreme treasures were legendary artifacts, their power so immense that they could shift the balance of power between entire nations and empires. These treasures were coveted by all, capable of turning anyone who possessed them into a true powerhouse.
Dian Long nodded, his gaze steady as he elaborated. "Yes, the Heavenly Lightning Sword is ranked second among the five supreme treasures. The Heavenly Infinite Pearl, which we know the black market alliance possesses, is ranked fourth. The remaining three are the Heavenly Elemental Crown, ranked third; the Divine Arrow, ranked fifth; and the Heavenly Resurrection Staff, which is ranked first."
Eldric's expression turned grim as he absorbed this information. "The Heavenly Elemental Crown is in the hands of the Light Church of the Lamang Empire. It's been with them since their founding, and no one has been able to take it from them all this time. But now, with two more treasures appearing out of nowhere..."
Hu Zhao folded his arms, deep in thought. "The Heavenly Infinite Pearl is a dangerous artifact to be in the hands of the black market alliance," he remarked, his tone grave. "God knows what they plan to do with it. But having the Heavenly Lightning Sword with us... It gives us a chance to counter the use of the Pearl".
Aiden, meanwhile, was more interested in testing the sword's power. He reached out and gripped the hilt, attempting to lift it. But no matter how hard he tried, the sword wouldn't budge.
Dian Long smirked, "It's futile. The sword chooses its own master, and right now, you're far from being that."
Aiden's eyes narrowed, "Oh really? Let's test that, shall we?", he smirked, showing complete confidence.
Aiden began to grow in size, his muscles bulging as he transformed, his hand becoming large enough to grip the sword firmly. He poured his strength and mana into lifting the sword.
Veins started popping out on his arms as fought against the weapon's will. "Arrrgggghhhhhh!" Aiden roared, his voice echoing through the room. The sword trembled violently in his grasp, refusing to submit to him. But after an intense struggle, Aiden managed to raise it for a moment, the red aura surrounding him crackling with lightning as the sword's power surged through him.
The atmosphere in the room shifted as the sheer force of the sword's power began to affect their surroundings. Some of the walls and floor started to melt slowly and even burn a little under the intense heat and energy emanating from Aiden and the sword. Realizing the danger, Aiden immediately released the sword, letting it crash back to the floor with a heavy thud.
Aiden then turned and smirked at Dian Long, "I guess I'm worthy enough although now, I'm not interested in the sword anymore," he declared, his tone dismissive.
"You can search for your so-called master. Big Sword, I'm the one who decides whether to use you or not, not the other way around. Besides, Rhitta is better." Aiden said went back to his seat which was little side burned now.
The others in the room were left stunned, not only by Aiden's feat of lifting the sword but also by his audacity to disregard it so casually. This was one of the five supreme treasures, not just any ordinary weapon.
Dian Long, usually calm, was taken aback. He stared at Aiden, unable to hide his surprise. "He... He's truly something else," he said.
Aiden, however, seemed unbothered by their reactions. He calmly picked up the cup of tea Diss had brought and took a sip, savoring the warmth before addressing Dian Long again. "So, is this the only thing Charles left?" he asked, his tone nonchalant.
Dian Long, still recovering from the shock, shook his head. "No," he replied, regaining his composure. "The other item is under the sea, on the shore of Moxi Island. We'll retrieve it after we reach our next destination."
Aiden raised an eyebrow, intrigued. "Next destination?"
Dian Long nodded, his expression serious. "Yes. We need to go after Damien. We have to find out why he needs the pearl and stop him from using it."
Aiden leaned back in his chair, a thoughtful expression on his face. "As long as we go after that big lizard," he said with a smirk, "I'm in for this adventure. So, where are we headed next?"
Eldric, deciding to interrupt, finally spoke up, a smile playing on his lips. "I have an idea about that," he said, his tone confident.
Aiden turned to him, curious. "And what might that be?"
Eldric's smile widened, a hint of mischief in his eyes. "We're going to my home," he announced. "The Kederawen Kingdom."