A few days had passed, and there was no contact between Xavier and Seraphina. They had no reason to contact each other, as nothing significant had happened. The rumors of the princess staying in this province had spread, so the security and patrols had improved by a dramatic margin.
This also meant that Xavier was somewhat free. The thugs weren't misbehaving, as the guards right now were trigger-happy to catch some people and show their worth to the high-ranking people who had suddenly come here. This, unfortunately, had led to some guards falsely accusing some people, resulting in Xavier interfering and being branded as a bonafide criminal.
'Haa… When will this annoying princess leave this town? Her knights and entourage, who recently arrived after her, seem to think of me as a big game to hunt. Well, at least the crime rate is at an all-time low…'
"B-Boss! Someone strong has arrived in front of our base! He says he wishes to meet you!"
"Hah? Is it another foolish knight? How many do I need to send back beaten up…"
"N-No, it's not a knight, at least it doesn't seem like it. He wears strange black robes with weird red symbols carved in them. He says he has an offer you can't refuse.."
Xavier's eyes widened as he thought about those words for some time. Finally, he smiled and said to the crook,
"Bring him here. He's an important guest."
The crook gulped after seeing the insidious smile Xavier had. He guessed that his infamous boss had some business with the mystery man, but he didn't say anything and just did as he was told. Standing out unnecessarily in front of this madman was a bad idea.
Soon after the crook rushed out, a man wearing a black robe with red designs arrived while holding a scroll. Xavier saw him and immediately estimated that he was at least a Crafted Expert, one who was quite skilled compared to the rabble this nation had.
"I greet the Demonic Vigilante, I am Hyuk, a message bearer from the Demonic Sect.
"Do not call me by that embarrassing nickname. Plus, the Demonic Sect? This is the first time I've heard about such a thing… Though, the power you possess is quite significant." Xavier said as he narrowed his eyes.
The mysterious man, who identified as Hyuk, smiled and took off the hood covering his face. Xavier could see prominent facial features like thin eyes, something he rarely encountered among people.
"Of course, we are currently quite secretive about our operations, but that is soon going to change. But, that doesn't speak less about the power we possess. Look, even a simple messenger like me is at least an Expert. But, enough about me. I'm sure you don't want me to waste your time, so I'll get straight to the point.
We, the Demonic Sect, want you to join our ranks."
Xavier smiled in amusement as he thought about playing hard to get. Such strategies usually work in cases like these where he held a negotiation advantage. They were the ones who approached him, after all.
"You still haven't answered me, what is the Demonic Sect? And why would I even consider joining your ranks? What can you even give me?"
"Of course, I'm here to answer your questions. The Demonic Sect is a martial sect aiming to teach the ways of the Demonic Sword to the next generation. We aim to spread our teachings all around the world, establishing a new order in this defective society.
I'm sure you have seen it yourself, how unfair the world is right now. People are born with golden spoons in their mouths, hogging every natural resource they could, leaving people who are more deserving with nothing but scraps. It is not an uncommon occurrence where a talentless young master abuses his authority and resources, while a prodigy of the sword meets his death with starvation.
What we aim for is a society driven by merit. If you want resources, fight for them and win them. Those who work hard will surely prosper, while those who are lazy will only get what they deserve. You tell me, who would be better to lead the next generation, the poor children hardened by the world, or the delusional noble children who have never known hunger?"
Xavier went silent to make it seem like he was considering his ideas. In reality, he was thinking about how to get this messenger to spill out more info without seeming suspicious.
"...That is a noble goal, but it is extremely delusional. You need a ridiculous amount of power and resources to even begin to work towards such a goal. Can your Demonic Sect really do it? Moreover, what's in it for me? I am not someone who works for others for nothing in return. I am not the heroic saint you think me to be."
"I see, you have valid reasons to doubt our credibility. In terms of power, our leader is someone so powerful that no one in this world even comes close. He is a Crafted Savant, two major realms above even the emperor of this weak nation. We also have 3 Sages and 7 Grandmasters under our chain of command."
"Ho? Impressive. The presence of a Savant is enough to relieve me of the doubts of your power. The presence of Sages and Grandmasters is nothing in front of a Savant. But still, what is in it for me?"
"First, we have recognized your monstrous talent, enough for you to be highly coveted by the sect. Second, we will give you the Demonic Sword arts that are handed only to people of the Sage level. It is something even I can only dream of obtaining, so that should speak volumes about your importance to us."
The messenger now tossed the scroll he was holding to Xavier, who quickly caught it and began reading it. The messenger saw that Xavier had indescribable expressions while reading the scroll, so he was satisfied that Xavier could see the worth of the scroll he was holding.
Soon, Xavier closed the scroll and burst out laughing.
"Hahaha! Excellent! This sword manual is unlike anything I've ever seen! Hyuk, I'm willing to join the Demonic Sect, take me to your comrades!"
"Of course, please follow me, Brother Xavier."
While Xavier followed Hyuk, his mind was preoccupied with the sword arts he had just seen.
'My hunch was right, this sword art is really just a degraded version of the Demonic Sword Arts of the Sun Cult. The arts that shaped my life really originated from this place…'