If one thing became clear after the assassination incident, it was that Shun Xshasi's name now echoed not just through Haven, but likely through the neighbouring cities as well. It was rare for an ascended ethereal warrior to defeat a complete one, though such feats weren't entirely unheard of. Yet, Shun remained uncertain whether this newfound fame was a blessing or a curse. His notorious reputation had been replaced by an aura of bravery and prowess, but his every move would now be closely monitored, his actions more easily tracked and heard throughout the kingdom.
Today, the King's servants were expected to arrive. Perhaps King Eldran intended to use them as spies, but Shun had already begun considering how he could turn this surveillance to his advantage. With the 23rd ethereal arm, Boundless Shadow, now in his possession, his ability to navigate and fight had become significantly more effortless.
As he descended the stairs, he noticed that most of the house was empty. Osward White and the people who had joined the army were rarely around these days. Rin and Ruby had already made their way to the Belkarn Clan, feeling a newfound sense of pride and responsibility after Glynn shared the clan's deepest secrets with them. Leon and Jaylen remained in the mansion, though they spent their time studying in solitude.
Vito Fool greeted Shun from the sofa, standing up with a small wave and an apologetic expression.
"Sorry about yesterday, Shun. I got too caught up in the past."
Shun, who had little patience for those who lingered in their regrets, forced a polite smile. "Don't worry about it." His tone was calm, though the coldness in his eyes went unnoticed by Vito.
Reflecting on the previous day's argument, Vito couldn't shake the memory of Silver's outburst. For the first time, he had found her genuinely intimidating. Though she was the 99th, now the 9th, complete ethereal warrior, Silver had always been approachable and friendly, never singling anyone out—even with her clear fondness for Shun.
But the previous day had been different. It was the first time she had raised her voice in the group, and neither Vito nor Shun could quite grasp why. Rayden Asher had said far worse things to them both, but Silver had never been truly angered by him.
Before they could dwell further on the matter, a scream rang out from the third floor. It was Mia Hart. As a healer at the Royal Hospital, she enjoyed her day off today. The capital's harmony meant healers were rarely overworked, allowing for regular rest. Eriq Ranborg, however, was an exception. The kingdom's most powerful healer had vowed never to rest until everyone was well.
Sensing something amiss, Vito rushed to open the front door. The once-vibrant garden, full of blooming flowers and lush plants, had been splattered with red paint—or so it appeared at first glance. But the truth was far more sinister. In the centre of the yard lay the lifeless bodies of the King's servants, their corpses surrounded by crimson.
Standing among them was a man, his grey hair dishevelled, his clothes tattered, and his scythe stained with fresh blood. An air of menace and mystery clung to him.
Vito and Shun instinctively drew their ethereal arms, ready for battle, pointing their weapons directly at the stranger. Yet the man only chuckled, unperturbed by their aggression.
"Hehahaha," the man cackled, "put those toys away, youngsters. You're no match for me—not yet, at least."
"My name is Dharma Leyndra. Some know me as the 'Living Demon,' others prefer 'Son of the Sinner.' And for those with longer memories, I am the 12th complete ethereal warrior."
He glanced at the bodies scattered across the yard with a nonchalant smirk. "These servants? Sent by the King to keep an eye on you lot. I did you a favour by getting rid of them. I've been waiting for you to notice me."
Shun raised an eyebrow, processing the carnage before him. There had been no sound—no clash of steel or cry of pain. The servants had died without a whisper. But the name Dharma Leyndra was not unfamiliar. Elysia had once told him Dharma was someone he could trust. Vito, however, remained silent, his Immortal Beyond still trained on the intruder.
Dharma's wicked grin widened. "Perhaps slaughtering them in such a… dramatic manner wasn't the best way to introduce myself. How about I make it up to you? I'll take over their duties and help around the house."
Vito opened his mouth to object, but Shun raised a hand, cutting him off. "Sure," Shun replied, a strange smile curling at the corners of his lips. "That seems fair."
Vito blinked, taken aback. "There's no way we can trust him."
Shun's smile didn't waver. "He might be dangerous, but he's an old friend of my grandfather."
"Sirius Xshasi?" Dharma's eyes widened with surprise. "No, no, I'm not worthy of being called his friend—not even close." His expression darkened, his previous confidence momentarily shattered. "Consider me more of an old acquaintance to Glynn Belkarn and Elysia Eukanorn. That's a title I can live with."
After a brief pause, Shun nodded. "If the King doesn't raise a fuss, you're welcome to stay."
Vito looked worried, but the certainty in Shun's eyes gave him pause. He sighed. Shun wasn't one to make rash decisions. If he trusted this man, Vito would too—at least for now.
"Hehahaha," Dharma laughed again, though this time there was something darker in his tone. "Albert Eldran? He's the last person I fear. I hold his darkest secret. Once revealed, even the mere suspicion of it would be more than the kingdom could handle."
The weight of his words hung in the air. As the descendant of the Tyrant's commander, Dharma's very existence hinted at knowledge and power that could unsettle the throne.
Dharma's demeanour shifted abruptly. "Ah, but I suppose this appearance is a bit too… grim for a servant. May I use your showers?" His tone was oddly polite, a stark contrast to the grisly scene around him.
Shun gestured toward the stairs. "Second floor. Turn left. Second to last door."
With a casual wave, Dharma wiped the blood from his scythe and made his way toward the spiral staircase. Vito watched him ascend, suspicion still heavy in his gaze. Once Dharma disappeared, he turned to Shun.
"Shun, I need to keep an eye on him. What if he tries to hurt our friends?"
Shun smiled reassuringly. "Of course. Just in case."