Chapter 9: Flames and Blades in the Dark
Elton sat cross-legged in his room, the dim glow of a lantern flickering against the wooden walls. The small chamber was simple—just a bed, a wooden chest, and a training mat—but it was his space, a rare moment of solitude in the bustling Bright Blade Subsect. In his hands lay a weathered scroll, one of the many items retrieved from his special bag.
As he unfurled it, golden inscriptions glowed faintly before settling into readable text.
World essence absorption art —A foundational technique that strengthens the body's endurance and Ki flow."
Elton sighed, rubbing his temple.
"This is trash," the inner voice sneered, its deep, confident tone reverberating in his mind. "You already possess superior techniques. This is nothing more than a child's first attempt at cultivation."
Elton frowned. "Shut up. I know it's not high-tier, but it's still useful for reference."
A low chuckle echoed in his head. "Reference? You're wasting your time. Even the worst of your current techniques surpasses this."
Elton clenched his jaw. "That may be true, but every technique has its merits. Understanding more will help me refine my own cultivation."
The voice scoffed. "A king does not need to study a peasant's way of battle. But fine—waste your time, boy. I'll be watching."
With an annoyed grunt, Elton continued reading, making mental notes on the technique's Ki circulation method. While it was basic, it provided insight into different training methodologies. Even trash could have gems hidden in the dirt.
---
One Month Later
Life at the Bright Blade Subsect had been a mixture of smooth yet demanding. Every disciple received a small stipend for resources, but it was never enough. Missions were necessary to earn more.
Elton had been keeping himself busy—training, studying techniques, and taking on various small missions. Whether it was patrolling nearby villages, hunting minor beasts, or escorting merchants, he had done it all. Between missions, he spent time with his comrades—Zoro, Christy, and even a few other disciples who had joined the sect with them. He had also grown familiar with some of the older disciples, forming connections that could prove useful in the future.
However, all that effort led to his current situation—a higher-level mission that would prove far more dangerous than he anticipated.
---
Demonic Goblins in the Shadows
The dense forest was eerily quiet, the moon casting an ominous glow through the thick canopy above. Elton moved silently through the undergrowth, his keen eyes scanning for movement.
With him were six other Silver-Tier 1 and 2 disciples, all assigned to eliminate a den of Demonic Goblins that had been terrorizing nearby villages. The mission initially seemed straightforward—goblins were dangerous in numbers, but individually, they weren't too strong.
That assumption quickly changed.
A guttural roar shook the trees, and a towering goblin emerged from the shadows. Unlike the others, its skin was dark red, its eyes burning with an eerie glow. Its muscles were grotesquely enlarged, and faint cracks of Ki Essence pulsed across its body.
"A mutated variant," one of the disciples gasped. "That thing's at least Silver-Tier 4!"
The goblin lunged forward, swinging a massive crude club. The force alone sent two disciples flying into trees, their armor dented from the impact.
"Regroup!" Elton shouted, weaving between the beast's strikes. "Target its legs and eyes! Avoid direct clashes!"
The group moved with precision, striking at the creature's weak points, but even with coordinated efforts, the goblin fought like a berserker. Blood splattered the forest floor as injuries piled up on both sides.
Then, a sinister laugh echoed through the trees.
A figure clad in black robes stepped forward, a demonic aura surrounding him. His eyes glowed a sickly yellow, and his hands were wreathed in flickering black flames.
"A fine struggle," he mused. "But it's time for a true challenge."
He extended his hand, and a barrage of Demonic Fire Bolts erupted toward them.
"Scatter!" Elton yelled.
They barely evaded, but several were still caught in the blast. Flames seared their armor, and the scent of burnt cloth and flesh filled the air. Though wounded, they had also inflicted enough damage on the mutated goblin that its strength was beginning to wane.
Elton narrowed his eyes at the newcomer. A demonic cultivator? Here?
"Finish the goblin," Elton ordered his teammates. "I'll handle him."
---
Clash of Blades and Fire
The demonic cultivator chuckled. "Bold. And who might you be, little disciple?"
"Elton Solman," he said, gripping his blade. "And you?"
The man smirked. "Varric of the Bloodshade Sect." His aura flared, sending waves of pressure into the surroundings. "Remember that name before you die."
Then, he attacked.
Varric launched a Demonic Flame Wave, a crescent-shaped fire slash aimed straight at Elton. He twisted his body, narrowly avoiding the scorching heat before dashing forward.
Bright Blade Stance: First Form—Piercing Light!
Elton's blade shimmered with Ki Essence as he thrust forward. Varric sidestepped, conjuring a Demonic Flame Barrier to absorb the strike. Sparks flew as Elton's sword met the fiery shield.
"Fast," Varric admitted, flicking his wrist. A Dark Inferno Chain lashed out.
Elton's instincts flared. He ducked, narrowly avoiding the burning tendrils before countering with:
Bright Blade Stance: Second Form—Sweeping Crescent!
His sword traced an arc of light, cutting through the air with precision. Varric leapt back just in time, but the edge of Elton's attack sliced through his robe, drawing a thin line of blood.
Varric's smirk widened. "Not bad."
He raised his hand, black flames surging. "But let's see how long you last against Demonic Hellfire Lotus."
The battle had only just begun.