Soul Core: Open
A space similar to Shailya's soul core opened within Ren's soul.
"Lime, why the hell are you not answering me?" Ren demanded, frustration evident in his voice.
"Ehh, Ren, what're you doin' here?" Lime responded, her tone casual.
"Someone just released their sword's true form. He used the sword's actual name," Ren explained, urgency in his words.
"No way this will happen. Don't make excuses to visit me, Ren. Just admit you wanted to see the most beautiful girl of Purna Aranya," Lime teased with a chuckle.
"I don't have time for this, Lime. He called it Sanjiken," Ren insisted.
"It's funny that some human managed to manifest their sword's true form," Lime laughed.
"This is not the time for joking. What if he is one of the Rulers' or Superiors' vessels?" Ren said, concern deepening.
"Oh Ren, you always make me laugh," Lime said, though her tone turned serious. "If what you say is true, then you need to destroy his sword's true form. Because if the true form is manifested, it means the user is undergoing a metamorphosis too. If he who wields the true sword transforms, even you, with all your strength, cannot stop him from causing destruction. Sanjiken is somewhat similar to the Sword of Despair, so it can counter your sword," Lime continued.
"So, shall I use my training here?" Ren asked, his resolve firming.
"Of course," Lime answered, her voice filled with confidence.
"Fine, I'm leaving, and don't sleep," Ren said as he prepared to depart.
Soul Core: Close
At the Fort Wall
Ren emerged back into the human world, his eyes snapping open. As he looked at Ragin through the cracks, he saw the transformation of Ragin was ongoing.
"I need to act now. I know exactly what to do," Ren muttered, gripping his sword tightly.
"Iruken: First Form" "Faith," he intoned.
A brilliant flash emanated from Ren's sword, its blade shining with an intense light. As he swung the sword towards Ragin, a strike of light shot out. Meanwhile, Ragin, with his Dance of the Depressed, dodged Ren's attack with ease.
"Is this what you've got?" Ragin laughed, his voice echoing mockingly.
"Man, you sure are good, but my attack does not strike slashes of light," Ren said, a smirk on his face.
"What do you mean!?" Ragin asked, puzzled.
"Ragin!! Above you!!!" Muvah soldiers in the back shouted in warning.
Ragin looked up to see thunder coming straight for him from out of nowhere.
"What the—" Ragin exclaimed, his eyes widening.
"Sanjiken!!!" "Second Form: Mist of Negativity," Ragin announced.
He began rotating at a speed imperceptible to the human eye. Mist enveloped the area around Ragin, and the thunder attack coming for him dispersed in all directions, seeping into the ground.
Weapon Lore: Blades and Swords
There are two primary types of long-bladed weapons: Blades and Swords. Blades are crafted by bladesmiths, usually starting as nameless blades with no special names or inherent strength. After leaving the bladesmiths, they are transported to Blade Temples worldwide to receive a name. A blade is given a name only after remaining still for 2,600 days. Once named, they are distributed to training schools.
Nameless swords are made by swordsmiths, who are special bladesmiths trained in the Temple of Weaponry located in the Gifu prefecture of Japan. A nameless sword is kept at the Temple of Weaponry for 10-20 years, with a 48% chance of receiving a name. Most nameless swords are formed by melting down blades. A named sword is significantly more powerful than a blade or any other weapon.
Mystical powers residing in the temples bestow these blades with their names and powers. A blade without a name is powerless compared to a named one. It is said that the names given to swords by the temples represent their powers, while the true names of the swords are known only by the swords themselves. A true sword, in its final form, possesses immense power, beyond what science can explain. This is why such weapons are still used in the era of gunpowder. Nameless blades and swords are enchanted by an element used in constructing Blade Temples and the Weaponry Temple, giving them mysterious strength. This rare element, found only in the mines of 'Linxing' and 'Jian Chang' of Cathay, is known as 'Kuangxi'.
The Battle Continues
Ren's eyes narrowed as he saw the true form of Ragin's sword, Sanjiken, transforming. He knew he needed to act quickly.
"It's time for a showdown," Ren declared.
Mazhiro Akatsumi, along with the other members of Squad B, took their arms and moved towards the border while the Pannival was being escorted to safety by the Bakshi of the military.
At the Command Center
"The Muvah Attack Force is now 800 meters from Marinabad Fort," the unit leader announced on the communicator.
"Good!! Now do what you want, but remember your main goal is not just to capture Marinabad Fort. All the units for the Malwai Operation will meet at Point ZX of Marinabad State. You'll lead them and march into the royal capital at Parina," the chief strategist of the Muvah Army instructed.
"We'll follow your plan, sir," the unit leader confirmed.
"It isn't over. According to the latest intel, the enemy is on the move, and the Pannival is not in the capital but in the outskirts of Marinabad State. All the Warheads and Battleworms are participating, along with the top 12 of the Malwai Military, who are considered far stronger than other soldiers. Try not to engage with Anata Shikawa, the Bakshis, Sainen, Sansa, and Commandant Fist. Chief Salam will join the war soon. Try to end this in exactly 10 days and 4 hours," the chief strategist ordered.
"We'll do everything we can!!!" the unit leader responded.
"Great. I'm hanging up," the chief strategist said, ending the call.
"Unit leader, sir. We've confirmed seven enemy soldiers coming straight for us, leading a company of about 150 cavalry soldiers along with three tanks," a Muvah watch soldier announced.
"Let me see," the unit leader said, taking the binoculars.
"I see. Soldiers, march forward," the unit leader ordered.
"YES SIR," all soldiers responded, starting their march.
Squad B Prepares for Battle
"Akatsumi, I can see about 600-670 foot soldiers armed with gunpowder, with the front row carrying Italos Type II swords led by two soldiers, followed by about eight tanks and about 100 soldiers armed with rifles. I assume they are the rumored rifle unit of Muvah. Among all the 800 soldiers, I believe the ten soldiers and the two leaders in the front row are tough. The rest can be handled by our cavalry. However, the rifle unit could be a problem," Elva reported, looking through the M-72A binoculars.
"Fine then. I believe that the seven of us can handle the front row alone. Can we, Elva?" Mazhiro asked.
"Yes," Elva confirmed.
"Then Sainen and Sukheer will take care of the rifle unit, and the foot soldiers will be managed by our cavalry. THE TANKS WITH TANKS," Mazhiro announced.
"What about the rest of us?" Armeet asked.
"Armeet, Elva, and Shailya will fight the first row, and Anata and I will fight the leading duo," Mazhiro explained.
"Sainen and Sukheer, I know I'm giving you a lot, but remember we can only succeed if you distract the rifle unit and get them away from the other fights. I will join you as soon—" Mazhiro was interrupted by Sainen.
"C'mon Mazhiro, you are aware that I'm a division leader as well as the rank one of the regiment. This will be a piece of cake, ain't I right, Sukheer?" Sainen said confidently.
"Yeah. Let's go to Montana after this war," Sukheer added with a grin.
"Guys!!" Anata called out.
"Yes, Shikawa?" Armeet asked.
"Let's run. They are marching towards us. Shailya, you'll be with me for now," Anata said.
"Ehh, um, what?" Shailya asked, as he was in the soul core and his body was being controlled by Vahalla's intellect dolls.
"You'll be with me; we need to talk," Anata repeated.
"FINE," Shailya agreed.
"Let's charge, everyone," Mazhiro announced, looking at all the soldiers heading towards the enemy.
"YEEEEAHHHHH," everyone cheered in unison.
As Squad B moved forward, the tension in the air was palpable. Each member knew the stakes were high, and their determination was unwavering. They were ready to face the Muvah forces head-on, united in their mission to protect Marinabad and uphold their legacy.
The clash between the two forces would be fierce and unforgiving. Each step brought them closer to the impending battle, where bravery and strength would be put to the ultimate test.
At the Battlefront:
As per the command, all the Malwai soldiers took their positions, ready to face the advancing enemy. The tanks roared to life, their cannons firing with thunderous might. The rifle unit took aim, targeting the heads of their foes, while the Jianke (Swordsmen) of the front row brandished their blades, prepared to meet their opponents head-on.
The war at Sarzapur was nearing its climax. Almost every Muvah soldier had been defeated, leaving only the strongest warriors standing against Commandant Fist and the soldiers of Unit 46, along with other reinforcement units. Ita was fiercely battling the stronger Muvah soldiers, while Ren faced one of the most formidable opponents, Ragin. Vice Commandant Sansa and Sangini had yet to arrive at their battlegrounds, and the secret powers of Ren and Ragin were now revealed.
The invaders left were concentrated in Marinabad, Gungagali, and Sangjapuram, as Hojiro had already joined the war. The Bakshis, having completed their mission of rescuing civilians and the Pannival, were now ready for a full-scale battle. The forts at the frontiers fortified their defenses, preparing for any potential attack. Security in the royal capital, Parina, was increased twelvefold.
[To be continued in Chapter 17]