The kingdom's castle had two entrances: one to the north and one to the south.
Both were under attack.
Cries of pain and curses echoed in both locations. No one could believe that the kingdom's castle was being assaulted.
At the northern gate, Aron advanced with his arms transformed into black swords. Beside him, Hernan wielded two swords formed by his wind technique. They cut down every guard standing in their way.
Arrows flew. Blades fell.
But no attack reached them.
Inside the castle, only common guards remained. The strongest were in the city trying to control the fires, while the rest were searching for the king's son's killers.
Additionally, there were few soldiers left inside. Many had been patrolling the city since the lockdown began.
But no one had imagined that they would dare attack the castle.
Least of all, that it would be the most wanted fugitives in the kingdom.
—Jejeje, what's wrong with this kingdom's guards? They're so weak.
Aron grinned wildly as he drove his blade through a soldier's heart.
—Focus.
Hernan called out to him while evading another guard's attack.
Ever since he had mercilessly killed last time, it had become easier for him.
His temperament had grown colder.
He was more focused on the tasks the leader assigned him… and on his cultivation.
Then, a figure appeared in the air, descending into the battlefield.
When he landed, the ground trembled beneath his feet.
—Stop now! Kneel, and your death will be swift!
His voice was commanding.
One of the two guardians who always stood beside the king.
He had been sent to eliminate the intruders.
He knew that the common guards stood no chance.
Aron let out a loud chuckle.
—Jejeje, well now… someone with decent cultivation. Finally, a real challenge.
He eyed the newcomer with excitement. He wanted to test his strength against someone worthy.
Then, he activated a technique Luis had taught them to detect an opponent's cultivation level.
Luis had taught them all to use it.
That way, they would know when to fight cautiously… or request reinforcements.
Aron tilted his head.
—Jejeje… Mid-level Cultivation, High stage. Bah, I thought it'd be better.
A wicked smile stretched across his face.
—Leave him to me. You take care of the rest.
Without waiting for a response, he lunged into battle.
His speed was devastating.
The guardian raised a shadow shield and fired several black arrows.
Each aimed directly at vital points.
Others targeted his legs, trying to halt Aron's approach.
But he dodged most of them.
The ones he didn't, he sliced in half with his black swords.
—Jejeje… The Shadow Sect is getting really protective.
His grin widened as he sidestepped another arrow.
—Looks like they have more hidden members in the kingdom than they admit.
Even though there's supposed to be a strict agreement against it.
Everyone knew the sects had to obey the king.
But they weren't his guardians.
On the contrary… they only assisted him when he requested it. And, in exchange, he had to offer something valuable.
However, all the sects—except the Creation Sect, which was despised—had sworn not to infiltrate the kingdom without notifying the others.
This prevented a single sect from taking control and betraying the rest.
But clearly, that agreement was nothing more than a facade.
The Shadow Sect had more influence over the kingdom than anyone had realized.
The question was… just how far did their power extend?
How much more did they control from the shadows without anyone knowing?
The guardian straightened.
—Even if you know that… you will still die here.
His eyes gleamed with ruthless intent.
He raised his hand, and from it, a black sword materialized.
With a swing, several razor-sharp shadows surged forward, slicing through the air toward Aron.
Aron's wicked smile deepened.
—Jejeje… You think that will hurt me?
His eyes burned with excitement.
—I'll show you real terror.
Aron moved his arms, covered by his darkness technique.
In that instant, all of the guardian's attacks were nullified.
Behind him, several shadow spheres formed and shot directly at his opponent.
The guardian swung his sword to cut and disperse the attack, but as the spheres split in two, they continued moving toward him.
When they struck him, they violently pushed him backward.
The impact shook his chest, and he spat blood.
The attack had been powerful. His body trembled from the damage.
Aron grinned wickedly.
—Jejeje… you can't even withstand a simple hit. Come on, let's keep going.
He lunged forward again. He didn't give his enemy a chance to recover.
Their swords clashed without pause.
One mistake would be fatal.
Meanwhile, Hernan was slicing the heads off the guards who tried to intervene or assist.
No one who stepped forward remained alive.
His voice rang out across the battlefield.
—Surrender. Drop your weapons and retreat.
His tone was cold, emotionless.
—Otherwise, you will die.
Some soldiers, hearing those words, immediately fled.
But others stood still.
They waited for their moment.
They knew they had no chance.
But in their hearts, running would make them cowards.
And to them, that was worse than death.
Then, a scream tore through the air.
Everyone turned toward Aron's battle.
The guardian was gasping, struggling to breathe properly.
His ribs had been shattered by a brutal kick.
The pain burned through him.
Additionally, multiple sword wounds covered his body.
His skin pulsed with agony at every movement.
Aron watched him with delight.
—Jejeje, come on… scream more for me.
Without mercy, he kept attacking.
His speed was impossible to follow.
He stabbed his chest.
Split his shadow sword in two.
Then, slashed his feet.
The guardian collapsed to his knees.
His gaze, filled with hatred, fixed on Aron.
He was badly wounded. His strength was fading.
He couldn't believe it.
He had lost.
His power was superior to this man.
But not enough.
Aron placed both arms on his head. One on each side.
—Jejeje… anything to say before leaving this world?
The guardian struggled to breathe.
—My sect will avenge me… you're dead…
He never finished his sentence.
His head flew through the air.
Aron let out a mocking laugh.
—Jejeje, I'm tired of losers making threats.
He raised his eyes.
His gaze shone with excitement.
—Jejeje… now let's continue.
The soldiers were gripped by terror.
Many decided to flee.
Others trembled as they pissed themselves.
Was this a human… or a monster?
Those who couldn't escape rushed to attack.
But deep down, they knew the truth.
Today would be their last day.
The battle raged on.
But everyone knew who the victors of this place would be.