Ch.45 The Silent Swordsman

Prologue 

Ch.1 End of a New Beginning 

Ch.2 End of a New Beginning Pt. II

Ch.3 End of a New Beginning Pt. III

Ch.4 End of a New Beginning Pt. IV

Ch.5 Return of the Champions 

Ch.6 The Champions History 

Ch.7 Power Orientation 

Ch. 8 Into the Marsh

Ch.9 Fear of Demons

Ch.10 The Underground City of Belrim

Ch.11 Night of the Betrayed 

Ch.12 Unspoken Truth  

Ch.13 The Redbeard Pt. I

Ch.14 The Redbeard Pt. II

Ch.15 Reunion 

Ch.16 Before the Storm

Ch.17 Flashpoint

Ch.18 The Fatal Swordsman

Ch.19 Rebirth

Ch.20 Into the Abyss

Ch.21 Overseer 

Ch.22 Demon General Balor Balor Pt. 1

Ch.23 Demon General Balor Balor Pt.2

Ch.24 Demon General Balor Balor Pt.3 

Ch.25 Demon General Balor Balor Pt. 4

Ch.26 Fallen King

Ch.27 Last Wish

Ch.28 Awakening 

Ch.29 Aftermath

Ch.30 All That Remains 

Ch.31 Chances

Ch.32 Gearing Up for Yalti

Ch.33 The Jungle of Yalti Pt. I

Ch.34 The Jungle of Yalti Pt. II

Ch.35 Armlocke Village 

Ch.36 A Rogue Healer  

Ch.37 Moving Forward 

Ch.38 Invasion

Ch.39 Tempo Blaze

Ch.40 Scream of Liberation

Ch.41 Retaliation 

Ch.42 Green-Band

Ch.43 Green Band Pt. II

Ch.44 Serpent Pool

Ch.46 The Serpent King Pt. I

Ch.47 The Serpent King Pt. II

Ch.48 The Serpent King Pt. III

Ch.49 The Serpent King Part IV

Ch.50 Prelude to Freedom 

Ch.51 Queen of Elbaronce 

Ch.52 Bounty

Ch.53 New Horizons

Vol.1 Afterword

Ch.54 Tyranny in Darmin

Ch.55 The Pink Sea

Ch.56 Wreckage 

Ch.57 Gathering of the Most Wanted

Ch.58 World of Champions

Ch.59 Womcos Wasteland 

Ch.60 Making of a Marksman 

Ch.61 Outfit Three

Ch.62 Unspoken Truths Guild

Ch.63 Goals & Decisions 

Ch.64 Captain Butch Jones Pt. I

Ch.65 Captain Butch Jones Pt. II

Ch.66 Captain Butch Jones Pt. III

Ch.67 Dragon Foot

Ch.68 The Message Pt. I

Ch.69 The Message Pt. II

Ch.70 The Message Pt. III

Ch.71 Time Will Tell

Ch.72 A New Adventure

Ch.73 A Deserted Island

Ch.74 Chimpa's Animal Kingdom

Ch.75 A Rising Threat 

Ch.76 Devil of the Sky Pt. I

Ch.77 Devil of the Sky Pt. II

Ch.78 Vessel of the First King

Ch.79 Humbled 

Ch.80 Kanon

Ch.81 Becoming a Symbol 

Ch.82 Emergence

Ch.83 True Colors

Ch.84 Phoenix

Ch.85 Our Beginning 

Ch.86 The Sixth Member

Ch.86 The Double Agent

Ch.87 The Astlin Pirates

Ch.88 A Worrisome Threat

Ch.89 Whistling Bounty Hunter

Ch.90 Stone Island Zetra

Ch.91 Havok

Ch.92 Out of the Shadows, Darmin's Rebellion

Ch.93 The Third Brother Pt. I

Ch.94 The Third Brother Pt. II

Ch.95 Locked Away

Ch.96 Prisoners

Ch.97 Examination

&#x3C;p&#x3E;Chapter Forty-Five:&#x3C;/p&#x3E;&#x3C;p&#x3E;&#x3C;strong&#x3E;The Silent Swordsman&#x3C;/strong&#x3E;&#x3C;/p&#x3E;&#x3C;p&#x3E;Lloyd:&#x3C;/p&#x3E;&#x3C;p&#x3E;I noticed Jai made it into the temple, while I sat in the middle of the bridge. The quiet swordsman Zeronas continued to sit at the edge of the bridge. He stared a hole into me, while I gripped the handles of my blades. Why does this swordsman seem different? That question continued to flow through my mind, until I finally was brought back into the moment.&#x26;nbsp;&#x3C;/p&#x3E;&#x3C;p&#x3E;&#x9;&#x201C;Flame-hair Hendrix&#x2026; If you all think you can merely defeat me like Zefi&#x2026; Then you are blindly mistaken,&#x201D; Zeronas shouted pointing his large katana towards me.&#x3C;/p&#x3E;&#x3C;p&#x3E;&#x9;&#x201C;Ah, someone who might put up more of a fight. I like it,&#x201D; I responded with a cocky snarl.&#x26;nbsp;&#x3C;/p&#x3E;&#x3C;p&#x3E;&#x9;The aura around Tempo Blaze quickly lit up a small flame around my right hand. The blade was engulfed in the same flame, while I attempted to attack early. I flew off the side of the bridge and jumped into the air.&#x26;nbsp;&#x3C;/p&#x3E;&#x3C;p&#x3E;&#x9;&#x201C;Cutthroat torpedo slash,&#x201D; I muttered under my breathe and flew down onto Zeronas.&#x26;nbsp;&#x3C;/p&#x3E;&#x3C;p&#x3E;&#x9;I felt my blades slash through an object and looked back to notice it wasn&#x2019;t the damn swordsman.&#x26;nbsp;&#x3C;/p&#x3E;&#x3C;p&#x3E;&#x9;The hell happened?&#x26;nbsp;&#x3C;/p&#x3E;&#x3C;p&#x3E;&#x9;&#x201C;Like Tempo Blaze, my sword also has an ability,&#x201D; Zeronas voice popped out from behind me.&#x26;nbsp;&#x3C;/p&#x3E;&#x3C;p&#x3E;&#x9;I felt a harsh kick into my jaw, before I could even fully turn around. I fell to the side of the temple grounds near the large moat. I avoided staying close for too long, since Havana and the others were about to blow it up.&#x26;nbsp;&#x3C;/p&#x3E;&#x3C;p&#x3E;&#x9;&#x201C;My Odachi&#x2026; The sword which touches anyone and switches places with them when I please. Diakine the blade that teleports the wielder and the one he possesses.&#x201D; Zeronas answered holding the blade over his shoulder again.&#x3C;/p&#x3E;&#x3C;p&#x3E;&#x9;A blade that teleports basically&#x2026; When that blade touched me, it felt a bit dull also!&#x3C;/p&#x3E;&#x3C;p&#x3E;&#x9;&#x201C;My blade is not meant for killing, but I could still kill you if I please!&#x201D; Zeronas snarked.&#x3C;/p&#x3E;&#x3C;p&#x3E;&#x9;I looked over my shoulder and noticed a serpent man was now a burning corpse. It must&#x2019;ve been what my blade felt earlier in battle.&#x26;nbsp;&#x3C;/p&#x3E;&#x3C;p&#x3E;&#x9;&#x201C;You seem hesitate flame hair? Are you afraid to continue?&#x201D; Zeronas mockingly replied.&#x26;nbsp;&#x3C;/p&#x3E;&#x3C;p&#x3E;&#x9;I bit my lip and readied my blades again. I attempted to ignore his blatant mock towards me. He hunched the sword over his back and awaited my attack.&#x26;nbsp;&#x3C;/p&#x3E;&#x3C;p&#x3E;&#x9;I rushed into battle again, this time I attacked from the front.&#x26;nbsp;&#x3C;/p&#x3E;&#x3C;p&#x3E;&#x9;&#x201C;Foolish&#x2026;&#x201D; Zeronas muttered until he was frozen in disbelief.&#x26;nbsp;&#x3C;/p&#x3E;&#x3C;p&#x3E;&#x9;&#x201C;Rapid tempo!&#x201D; I yelled out, as my speed began to increase. I appeared behind him and attempted a vertical dual slash. Zeronas quickly was able to block it with the blade over his shoulder still. His palm held the dull blade as he grunted.&#x26;nbsp;&#x3C;/p&#x3E;&#x3C;p&#x3E;&#x9;His defense is almost impeccable&#x2026;&#x3C;/p&#x3E;&#x3C;p&#x3E;&#x9;We finally broke hold from each other, as the standoff reengaged.&#x26;nbsp;&#x3C;/p&#x3E;&#x3C;p&#x3E;&#x9;His middle finger and pointer finger crossed together, while his pinky finger and thumb rubbed together. His ring finger almost acted alone, pointing towards me. His unexpressioned grin remained, as he finally muttered what he was doing.&#x26;nbsp;&#x3C;/p&#x3E;&#x3C;p&#x3E;&#x9;&#x201C;Trade replacement!&#x201D;&#x26;nbsp;&#x3C;/p&#x3E;&#x3C;p&#x3E;&#x9;I felt a tingle inside my body once more, as I felt myself move. I now was on the end of the bridge with a couple of serpent men surrounding me. There was a serpent man near him now.&#x3C;/p&#x3E;&#x3C;p&#x3E;&#x9;&#x201C;A true swordsman could easily take them out,&#x201D; Zeronas continued to toy.&#x26;nbsp;&#x3C;/p&#x3E;&#x3C;p&#x3E;&#x9;&#x201C;Trade replacement,&#x201D; he said crossing his fingers again. The serpent man and I traded places back to our original spots. &#x201C;But you are not a true swordsman! At least, one I cannot acknowledge now.&#x201D;&#x26;nbsp;&#x3C;/p&#x3E;&#x3C;p&#x3E;&#x9;His words began to piss me off even more.&#x26;nbsp;&#x3C;/p&#x3E;&#x3C;p&#x3E;&#x9;&#x201C;What the hell is that supposed to mean?&#x201D; I exclaimed to him.&#x3C;/p&#x3E;&#x3C;p&#x3E;&#x9;&#x201C;The Six Fatal Swordsman of Elbaronce. Those are the only swordsman I can acknowledge. Lan and I are natives of the country. Two demon swordsmen by the names Ferrell and Hynix make up the other slots. Two from your world make up the last of the six. The ace and the man of spades. We are the true swordsman!&#x201D; He went on to explain.&#x26;nbsp;&#x3C;/p&#x3E;&#x3C;p&#x3E;&#x9;For a moment, one of the names made the hairs on my body rise to the highest they have ever been. A name that made the beat of my heart louder than ever. Something that still did not make sense to me.&#x26;nbsp;&#x3C;/p&#x3E;&#x3C;p&#x3E;&#x9;Spades? Could it be him?&#x3C;/p&#x3E;&#x3C;p&#x3E;&#x9;A flash of horrors from a dark memory in my childhood, before I moved to Japan appeared. It was stopped by the swordsman in front of me from continuing.&#x26;nbsp;&#x3C;/p&#x3E;&#x3C;p&#x3E;&#x9;&#x201C;You seem moderately concerned? Are you that afraid of what is to come now?&#x201D; Zeronas asked me.&#x26;nbsp;&#x3C;/p&#x3E;&#x3C;p&#x3E;&#x26;nbsp;&#x9;Bastard&#x2026;&#x3C;/p&#x3E;&#x3C;p&#x3E;&#x9;I bit my lip as I felt a flaming red aura surround my body. The power of tempo blaze began to ignite even brighter by the blinding rage I was holding back.&#x26;nbsp;&#x3C;/p&#x3E;&#x3C;p&#x3E;&#x9;Everyone outside the fight began to turn their eyes towards the confrontation. I felt the aura around me shoot into the sky as flames surrounded it this time.&#x26;nbsp;&#x3C;/p&#x3E;&#x3C;p&#x3E;&#x9;This was the power of Rai. The aura from Rai is an elemental power, that everyone possesses. Thinking back Omar, who somehow possessed rusk at the end. He was a water user, my Rai is with fire.&#x26;nbsp;&#x3C;/p&#x3E;&#x3C;p&#x3E;&#x9;&#x201C;You can use Rai huh? Well, no need for me to hold back,&#x201D; Zeronas sound moderately pleased. &#x201C;Silhouette&#x2026; Shadow Rai!&#x201D; he muttered as his eyes became a glowing black. The black smoke surrounding him, shot into the sky like a missile.&#x26;nbsp;&#x3C;/p&#x3E;&#x3C;p&#x3E;His crazy laugh carried around the temple as he readied his blade. The blade now was covered in a large black flame. The two different aura flames calmed to just around our bodies until we fell silent. The wind dramatically blew on the scene, as our true battle began.&#x26;nbsp;&#x3C;/p&#x3E;&#x3C;p&#x3E;&#x201C;Replacement!&#x201D; He quickly sputtered out.&#x26;nbsp;&#x3C;/p&#x3E;&#x3C;p&#x3E;What? Where is he?&#x26;nbsp;&#x3C;/p&#x3E;&#x3C;p&#x3E;I finally turned around and noticed the smoke of his blade, nearing my neck. I quickly played a game of limbo and ducked under the blade. I pushed Tempo Blaze to the ground as it exploded, I was able to make some offense.&#x26;nbsp;&#x3C;/p&#x3E;&#x3C;p&#x3E;I shoved a boot into his chest and could hear Zeronas gasping for air. He quickly disappeared from the end of my boot where a serpent man appeared. I did a small backflip and slashed the serpent.&#x26;nbsp;&#x3C;/p&#x3E;&#x3C;p&#x3E;Zeronas&#x2026; Quit playing cat and mouse!&#x3C;/p&#x3E;&#x3C;p&#x3E;&#x201C;Replacement!&#x201D; I heard a quiet mutter behind me with no body disappear.&#x3C;/p&#x3E;&#x3C;p&#x3E;A fake?&#x3C;/p&#x3E;&#x3C;p&#x3E;&#x201C;I said before we are not cut from the same cloth,&#x201D; Zeronas said hit me with the blunt of the blade I turned to. He held the large blade over his shoulder again. &#x201C;If you continue this petty squabble, then I will actually have to kill you!&#x201D; Zeronas warned.&#x26;nbsp;&#x3C;/p&#x3E;&#x3C;p&#x3E;I carefully sat up from the wounds around my body, which began to open.&#x26;nbsp;&#x3C;/p&#x3E;&#x3C;p&#x3E;&#x201C;Why are you here then?&#x201D; I asked.&#x26;nbsp;&#x3C;/p&#x3E;&#x3C;p&#x3E;The war going on around us continued but our battle was paused.&#x26;nbsp;&#x3C;/p&#x3E;&#x3C;p&#x3E;&#x201C;A warning&#x2026; I am returning to Elbaronce! My mission was to understand your groups power. Safe to assume there is potential but no real concern. The only exception for you humans is one man who stays in this world.&#x201D; Zeronas finished and then snapped his fingers.&#x26;nbsp;&#x3C;/p&#x3E;&#x3C;p&#x3E;The explosion of the moat was almost identical to the sound of his snap. Something still was off from his snap. What was he doing it for, I still was not sure. I could hear something continue to lurk in the jungle around us.&#x26;nbsp;&#x3C;/p&#x3E;&#x3C;p&#x3E;&#x201C;Right on que, you all can destroy the moat, but can you destroy that?&#x201D; Zeronas pointed behind me.&#x26;nbsp;&#x3C;/p&#x3E;&#x3C;p&#x3E;My eyes widened as I knew the grave danger everyone was in. We had no time to celebrate the moats destruction because after all&#x2026;&#x3C;/p&#x3E;&#x3C;p&#x3E;Those glowing eyes and that stalking presence from this colossus.&#x26;nbsp;&#x3C;/p&#x3E;&#x3C;p&#x3E;&#x201C;Yalti!?&#x201D; I yelled in disbelief.&#x26;nbsp;&#x3C;/p&#x3E;&#x3C;p&#x3E;&#x201C;Swordsman if you make it out of this alive, I expect to see you again. Maybe a reunion is in place&#x2026;&#x201D; Zeronas responded, while a large bird cam and picked him up into the sky. &#x201C;You all stand no chance against Andica and Yalti!&#x201D; His voice carried into the sky.&#x26;nbsp;&#x3C;/p&#x3E;&#x3C;p&#x3E;&#x201C;Flame-hair!&#x201D; I heard Abrin yell as he stood with me in front of Yalti. &#x201C;Did you let Zeronas get away?&#x201D;&#x26;nbsp;&#x3C;/p&#x3E;&#x3C;p&#x3E;&#x201C;He ran&#x2026; Abrin more importantly, what can we do with this thing here? I remember hearing the skin has an electric forcefield or some nonsense.&#x201D; I asked.&#x26;nbsp;&#x3C;/p&#x3E;&#x3C;p&#x3E;Abrin quietly shook his head and pulled out a hand made crossbow.&#x26;nbsp;&#x3C;/p&#x3E;&#x3C;p&#x3E;&#x201C;The only attacks that can work are with Rai&#x2026; Everyone from our army has knowledge with it but only those who have a strong use of it can make an attack.&#x201D; Abrin suggested.&#x26;nbsp;&#x3C;/p&#x3E;&#x3C;p&#x3E;&#x201C;What the hell does that mean,&#x201D; I asked scratching my head, while hearing the beast&#x2019;s low growl.&#x26;nbsp;&#x3C;/p&#x3E;&#x3C;p&#x3E;&#x201C;The only way to attack is self-sacrifice. No one in our army has an electric Rai, so we cannot match its power. For now, restrain it!&#x201D; Abrin ordered.&#x26;nbsp;&#x3C;/p&#x3E;&#x3C;p&#x3E;&#x201C;Well, you could self-sacrifice, but if you have some protection&#x2026; It could be different!&#x201D; I heard a familiar voice from behind.&#x26;nbsp;&#x3C;/p&#x3E;&#x3C;p&#x3E;A man carrying a beak mask and glasses approached the ongoing battlefield. Walking between carcasses of serpent soldiers, he was followed by someone I knew.&#x26;nbsp;&#x3C;/p&#x3E;&#x3C;p&#x3E;&#x201C;It would only make sense if we came to help you Hendrix! I am pleased the fatal swordsman did not harm you to bad,&#x201D; Cassiel pointed out.&#x26;nbsp;&#x3C;/p&#x3E;&#x3C;p&#x3E;You could&#x2019;ve helped sooner you know&#x2026;&#x3C;/p&#x3E;&#x3C;p&#x3E;&#x201C;Finally came to your senses about leaving the village&#x2026; Right doctor?&#x201D; I asked as he smiled while putting on the beak mask.&#x26;nbsp;&#x3C;/p&#x3E;&#x3C;p&#x3E;&#x201C;I was motivated&#x2026; I wanted to help you all out!&#x201D; He said nodding his head.&#x26;nbsp;&#x3C;/p&#x3E;&#x3C;p&#x3E;Havana moved over and smiled towards him. Abrin looked pleased as well for the cowardly doctor, who finally made his move.&#x26;nbsp;&#x3C;/p&#x3E;&#x3C;p&#x3E;&#x201C;Even though, it is my first time in actual combat. I know many healing spells that could help you defeat this creature.&#x201D; Calum encouraged while I noticed Overseer Cassiel back up with anxiety.&#x26;nbsp;&#x3C;/p&#x3E;&#x3C;p&#x3E;Zeronas&#x2026; What was your end goal here?&#x26;nbsp;&#x3C;/p&#x3E;&#x3C;p&#x3E;I still sat in deep thought about the swordsman who quickly disappeared.&#x26;nbsp;&#x3C;/p&#x3E;&#x3C;p&#x3E;No time to focus on him now. We need to defeat this beast, but Jai you better hold your end up.&#x26;nbsp;&#x3C;/p&#x3E;&#x3C;p&#x3E;&#x3C;br&#x3E;&#x3C;/p&#x3E;

&#x3C;p&#x3E;&#x3C;strong&#x3E;A war that has caused a continuing rift between two worlds!&#x3C;/strong&#x3E;&#x3C;/p&#x3E;&#x3C;p&#x3E;Mysterious rifts open around the globe, transporting regular people to another world. On a normal day a teenage boy, Jai Marshall and friends are sucked in. The group is forced to serve as champions of the world. This sequence of events is not at random considering Jai&#x2019;s older brother Omar was formerly a champion of this world. Jai will do anything to ensure the safety of his friends inside a world where the unexpected is constantly broadened. Even though the group is equipped with ancient abilities from past champions, the task they have been given is a great mountain to climb. Can Jai and his friends survive this world?&#x3C;/p&#x3E;&#x3C;p&#x3E;&#x3C;br&#x3E;&#x3C;/p&#x3E;&#x3C;p&#x3E;&#x3C;br&#x3E;&#x3C;/p&#x3E;&#x3C;p&#x3E;&#x3C;br&#x3E;&#x3C;/p&#x3E;&#x3C;p&#x3E;&#x3C;br&#x3E;&#x3C;/p&#x3E;&#x3C;p&#x3E;&#x3C;br&#x3E;&#x3C;/p&#x3E;&#x3C;p&#x3E;&#x3C;br&#x3E;&#x3C;/p&#x3E;&#x3C;p&#x3E;&#x3C;br&#x3E;&#x3C;/p&#x3E;

AFK 