Jay, Vilk, and Sheila stood outside the Celestial King faction's base, hidden among shrubs and rocks, silently observing the activity within. The golden hues of the setting sun bathed them, casting an air of tranquility over the tense moment. The young boy who had guided them here was sent back to the town by Jay, who worried about his safety and advised him to alert the villagers instead of participating in this dangerous mission.
"We still don't know the exact strength of these guys," Jay murmured, his eyes fixed on the base's entrance. "Let's watch for a while before making a move."
Sheila nodded, her voice equally low. "The defenses here don't seem particularly strong, but members of the Celestial King faction are known for concealing their true capabilities. We can't afford to underestimate them."
Vilk rubbed his injured shoulder and smirked. "Guess I'll have to avoid charging head-on this time. With Adam still in slumber, I'll have to rely on myself."
After some time, the creak of hinges broke the silence as the gates of the base slowly opened. Sheila's sharp eyes caught the movement immediately. "Look, they're coming out," she whispered.
Jay and Vilk followed her gaze, spotting three members of the Celestial King faction emerging. They were clad in lightweight black armor. One carried a long halberd, another held a scroll-like object strapped to their back, while the figure leading them exuded a calm yet commanding presence, clearly the leader.
"What are they up to?" Vilk muttered, keeping his voice low, his eyes sharp with curiosity.
"Stay quiet and follow them," Sheila gestured silently. The trio shadowed the Celestial King faction members with soundless precision.
The three members moved quickly, oblivious to the presence of their pursuers. As Jay followed, he noticed their path wasn't straightforward but rather wound carefully around certain areas, suggesting they were highly familiar with the surroundings.
Eventually, they stopped at the edge of the giant pond in the center of Silverleaf Town. Jay, Vilk, and Sheila hid in nearby bushes, holding their breath as they watched.
The three members stood at the pond's edge, their eyes locked onto the ancient and mysterious Silverleaf Tree at its center. One of them spoke in a low voice. "Let's get started. Time is running out. Our mission is to destroy this tree and retrieve what's beneath it."
"But we don't have enough manpower. If something unexpected happens—" another hesitated.
"Enough with the excuses!" the leader cut them off sharply. "Our goal is clear, and we don't need anyone else meddling. This tree is the key, and what lies beneath it is our target. Whatever it takes, get it done quickly!"
Jay furrowed his brows and whispered to the others. "Their target is the Silverleaf Tree. It seems there's something important hidden beneath it."
"Destroy the Silverleaf Tree?" Sheila's expression turned cold. "That tree maintains the spiritual balance of the entire town. Their actions will disrupt the ecosystem. And as for what lies beneath—it could be anything."
Vilk whispered, "Should we move now, or wait a bit longer?"
Jay thought for a moment before replying, "There are only three of them, but we don't know their full capabilities. Attacking now might alert them. Let's wait a bit longer and see if we can find a better opening."
The trio continued to watch silently as the Celestial King faction members prepared to act. However, the leader of the group seemed to sense something amiss. His sharp gaze scanned the area, landing briefly in their direction.
"Something's not right," he said quietly. "I think someone's nearby."
"Should we search the area?" one of his subordinates asked.
"Not yet," the leader replied coolly. "Focus on the mission. If anyone tries to interfere, we'll eliminate them."
Jay, Vilk, and Sheila exchanged tense glances, realizing their cover wouldn't last much longer. Jay gripped his Scorching Sky Halberd tightly, his voice low but firm. "Get ready. We might have to act soon."
The members of the Celestial King faction wasted no time. The leader shouted, "Begin the operation! Destroy the Silverleaf Tree immediately and complete the mission!" Following his orders, two of his subordinates quickly took out tools and began setting up some kind of formation, clearly designed to obliterate the Silverleaf Tree. The tree's spiritual energy waves grew chaotic, and the surrounding air became oppressive.
Jay frowned at the sight and decisively commanded, "Sheila, adapt to the situation as needed! Vilk, we're moving in first!" Without hesitation, he gripped the Scorching Sky Halberd, channeling his energy. A powerful aura erupted around him as he charged forward like a raging tiger.
Vilk followed closely, his spirit spear gleaming coldly in his hands, determination burning in his eyes. "We can't let them destroy the Silverleaf Tree, Jay. We go all out!"
One of the Celestial King faction members had anticipated resistance and stepped forward to intercept them. Standing in their path, he drew a katana from his waist, the blade glinting ominously. His voice was ice-cold. "Think you can stop the Celestial King faction? You're courting death."
He steadied his stance and introduced himself. "The name is Masaru Fukuda. Since you're so eager to die, I'll oblige!" With a thunderous shout, he gripped his katana with both hands and roared, "Come forth, Musashi Miyamoto!"
A dazzling spiritual light flared behind him, coalescing into the towering figure of a warrior. The spirit was clad in heavy armor, dual swords sheathed at his waist, with hawk-like eyes radiating sharp intensity. A palpable aura of battle emanated from him. This was Fukuda's guardian spirit—Musashi Miyamoto.
"Musashi Miyamoto?" Jay's pupils narrowed as he felt the oppressive force emanating from the guardian spirit. Yet, his gaze remained resolute, his fighting spirit undiminished. "No matter what guardian spirit you summon, I won't back down!"
Fukuda sneered. "Bold words for someone who doesn't understand Musashi's true power! Musashi, take care of these two."
Jay's gaze was sharp as a blade as he locked eyes on the figure of Musashi Miyamoto ahead. His mind quickly assessed the situation. "A human-weapon spirit?"
Musashi Miyamoto, the legendary master of the two-sword style.
Jay mentally recounted Miyamoto's background—a celebrated figure from Japan's Sengoku to early Edo periods, renowned not only for his swordsmanship but also his expertise in strategy, art, and other fields. As one of the Celestial King faction's most formidable assets, Musashi's power was undeniable. Facing him would undoubtedly be a test of Jay's own strength.
"However..."
A cold smirk crept across Jay's face. He wasn't intimidated by the fame of his opponent. He swung the Scorching Sky Halberd lightly, its tip brimming with concentrated energy that seemed to tear through the air itself.
"So what!" Jay's voice was firm, resolute. "You're just a bygone swordmaster—I don't have time to play with you!"
With a commanding shout, he roared, "Come forth, Ares!"
A brilliant crimson light erupted behind Jay as the figure of the War God Ares began to materialize. Armed with a mighty spear and clad in gleaming armor that reflected the sunlight with an intimidating sheen, Ares's presence instantly shifted the battlefield's momentum. His powerful divine aura seemed to freeze the very air around them.
Without waiting for Musashi's move, Jay turned sharply toward Vilk and said, "Vilk, leave this Fukuda Masaru to you! I'm going after the two setting up the formation!"
Vilk was momentarily surprised but quickly nodded. "Got it! Be careful."
Musashi Miyamoto, noticing Jay's sudden shift, sneered and crossed his blades, aiming to block Jay's path. "Going somewhere? It won't be that easy!"
Jay didn't waste words. With a swift swing of the Scorching Sky Halberd, he clashed head-on with Musashi's blade light. The collision unleashed a shockwave of energy that shook the surrounding trees and scattered leaves into the air. Ares joined the fray, swinging his battle axe and forcing Musashi slightly on the defensive.
Using the opening created by Ares's support, Jay's figure darted like an arrow, skillfully bypassing Musashi's interception and charging toward the two Celestial King members who were setting up the formation.
Vilk, seeing this, twirled his spear and intercepted Fukuda Masaru, who attempted to pursue Jay. With a smirk, Vilk taunted, "Your opponent is me. Don't even think about interfering with Jay."
Fukuda's eyes narrowed, his expression icy. "Foolish arrogance!" He shouted, "Musashi Miyamoto, keep suppressing Ares! I'll handle this one!"
But Vilk remained calm. With a deft motion, his spear thrust forward, its tip infused with spiritual energy, forcing Fukuda to retreat step by step under the relentless assault.