The Rotten Dragon Blade and a Chilling Encounter

“A Holy Artifact… How does it compare to Mofimod’s Rotten Dragon Blade?”

General Baro showed little reaction upon hearing of Bo Aibiyi’s expected failure. Even when told that the two longblades—potentially divine artifacts—had been destroyed, he merely scoffed dismissively, as though such losses were beneath his concern.

However, upon learning of a longblade capable of severing space itself and instilling fear even in the Shadow, General Baro could no longer maintain his composure. A look of profound astonishment spread across his face, his pupils contracting slightly.

“Your subordinate has not personally witnessed the true power of the Rotten Dragon Blade,” the Shadow replied without hesitation, its voice calm and devoid of emotion. “However, based purely on the pressure it exuded, that longblade—capable of cleaving space—surpassed the Rotten Dragon Blade by a significant margin.”

“Hahahahaha—excellent! Well done, Shadow! A weapon surpassing the Rotten Dragon Blade… it shall be mine!” General Baro’s expression twisted with excitement, his laughter echoing through the room with a manic edge. “What does it matter if the wielder is a Saint-rank expert? As long as I gain control of that Demon God, all Holy Artifacts, all Legion Commanders—even the throne of the Norachi Kingdom—will fall into my hands!”

Lost in his fantasy, General Baro spread his arms wide, as if already embracing the world that would soon belong to him, his laughter growing increasingly unrestrained.

The Shadow offered no further response, its presence fading into silence as though it had never existed at all.

****

At that moment, Domu, still holding Soronna’s hand, listened attentively as Philavman introduced her to Mofimod Rigles, the Kingdom’s Second Legion Commander.

“Lady Domu, this Lord Mofimod Rigles is truly extraordinary!” Philavman spoke with undisguised admiration, his eyes shining with excitement. “Back then, as nothing more than a lone mercenary, he ventured into the extreme north entirely by himself and, from amidst ten thousand soldiers, slew Jokorite Eskrim—the Actica Empire’s Third Prince, who was known far and wide as the Northern War God! Not only that, but he even escaped the encirclement of a hundred thousand Frost Wolf soldiers!”

Philavman’s voice rose slightly as he continued, clearly enthralled by the tale.

“Because of this, Her Majesty, the Empress of the Norachi Kingdom, personally conferred upon him the title of Seventh Legion Commander and granted him the Holy Artifact—the Rotten Dragon Blade!”

“How incredible! Lord Mofimod is truly powerful. I’m looking forward to meeting him,” Domu replied, her tone carrying genuine anticipation. However, as soon as the Holy Artifact was mentioned, her attention shifted more noticeably. “But Lord Philavman, wasn’t he originally appointed as the Seventh Legion Commander? How did he become the Second Legion Commander? I heard the Norachi Kingdom has seven demigods—was the former Second Legion Commander demoted? Also… could you tell me more about the Rotten Dragon Blade?”

“Hohoho, of course,” Philavman said, stroking his beard, evidently pleased to be sharing such knowledge. “Every Second Legion Commander in the Norachi Kingdom not only commands the army but also serves as the tutor to the royal heir. The former Second Legion Commander is now His Excellency the Prime Minister, Lord Parobia, who once instructed Her Majesty the Empress herself.”

He paused briefly before continuing.

“As for Lord Mofimod, he is currently the tutor to Her Majesty’s only daughter—the Princess of the Norachi Kingdom.”

Domu listened with full attention, completely engrossed, failing to notice the faint tremor that passed through Soronna’s body behind her at those words.

“As for the Rotten Dragon Blade…” Philavman’s expression turned slightly apologetic. “I know very little. However, as one of the Kingdom’s most powerful Holy Artifacts, it is said to grant its wielder eternal life. Beyond that, its abilities remain largely unknown—even to me.”

‘Eternal life…? I’ve never encountered a World Item with such an effect… And even its name is unfamiliar…’

Domu’s thoughts raced. The Rotten Dragon Blade was not recorded anywhere within Goddess’s Tears. It appeared to be yet another unknown World Item—something entirely outside her previous knowledge.

Rather than unease, however, Domu felt a rising sense of excitement.

‘I’m looking forward to meeting him even more now… If only Dora were here—she could analyze it and reveal all its properties…’

****

Since the venue was not far from the entrance, the group soon arrived at the charity hall while continuing their conversation.

The interior had already been meticulously prepared. Rows of luxurious tables and chairs were arranged neatly, and at the front stood a grand stage, lavishly decorated and exuding an air of importance.

What drew Domu’s attention, however, were the four cylindrical mechanical devices positioned around the stage.

“Hahahaha, Lady Domu, those are magic-energy barrier generators I specifically commissioned from Monkacru,” Mr. Tule explained with a smile, noticing her gaze linger. “Part of today’s event includes volunteer battles on stage. These devices ensure that the energy released during combat doesn’t affect the surroundings—and their strength can be adjusted to withstand even demigod-level power.”

“Mr. Tule… will I need to fight?” Domu asked, slightly surprised.

She hadn’t yet been informed of the full schedule. From his explanation, it sounded almost like a PvP arena. While she considered herself more of a PvE player, she wasn’t entirely opposed to such battles—in fact, she felt a faint anticipation.

“Hahahaha, of course not, Lady Domu,” Mr. Tule replied with a bright smile. “This is merely an opportunity for lower-ranked mercenaries to showcase their abilities. With your strength and status, such participation is unnecessary.”

He then straightened his attire slightly.

“Lady Domu, Lady Soronna, Lord Philavman—I have a few matters to arrange beforehand, so I must excuse myself.”

After offering a polite bow, he departed toward the rear of the stage with Philly and Phil.

“Then this old man shall also return to the Mercenary Guild’s seating area,” Philavman said with a respectful nod. “It has truly been an honor to meet you, Lady Domu.”

As he moved away, several guild members nearby rose to their feet, bowing respectfully in Domu’s direction.

Despite the earlier commotion caused by her arrival, the hall had now settled into an orderly atmosphere, with guests seated and awaiting the event’s commencement.

Domu, still holding Soronna’s hand, made her way toward their designated seats.

Her table was the largest and most opulent in the hall. Originally arranged with two seats, an additional chair had clearly been added for Soronna.

As they walked, their joined hands drew countless glances and whispers. However, after explanations spread among the guests, most began to look at Soronna with admiration—or more commonly, envy.

Only a very small number regarded her with undisguised disdain.

“Hmph, what’s so special about her? Just a stinking mercenary,” a fair-haired young woman muttered bitterly. “To be personally brought here by Lady Domu… she must have used some unspeakable methods. She looks so innocent, but who knows what she’s like in private?”

“Isn’t that obvious?” the dark-haired woman beside her scoffed. “I heard she’s the ‘leader’ of that so-called Eye of Soaroka mercenary group. A three-person group—what a joke. The other two members are men, you know. She’s obviously just seducing everyone she meets… and now even Lady Domu has fallen for her tricks. Shameless.”

“Why do you think Lady Domu would like someone like that?” she continued, her eyes filled with jealousy and malice.

“…Hey? Why aren’t you saying anything?” she asked, annoyed, poking the fair-haired woman beside her.

The fair-haired woman collapsed forward onto the table, foaming at the mouth, completely unconscious.

“Ah—ahh! Murder—!” the dark-haired woman screamed in terror. But before she could finish, she froze.

A pair of cold, green eyes stared directly into hers.

A suffocating chill spread through her body. Her heartbeat faltered… slowed… and then—

Darkness.

‘For the sake of your ignorance, I will spare your lives. But this fear… will remain with you forever.’

Those were the final words echoing in their minds before they lost consciousness.

****

Amid the rising panic and scattered screams, a man exuding a chilling, oppressive aura walked forward step by step through the crowd.

Domu turned toward the disturbance with mild curiosity.

Soronna, however, frowned deeply, her expression darkening as she looked at the approaching figure.

The newcomer was none other than the Norachi Kingdom’s Second Legion Commander—

Mofimod Rigles.