The Moonlight Swordsman



The street surrounding the mansion was enveloped in an uncanny stillness, so profound that even the faintest sound, like the drop of a coin or the tiniest pin, would reverberate with an eerie echo throughout the entire area.

The air itself seemed to be holding its breath, adding to the already palpable sense of anxiety.

Aizel gazed down at the seafolk's lifeless bodies lying on the ground in silence.

The many wounds that ruined their once-regal visage painted blood over their skin. The horrific injuries they had sustained only added to the terrible scene.

Even in death, the marks of brutality were plain to see on their corpses. Someone even appeared to have ripped open their anus, as they were bleeding profusely.

Aizel concentrated his mental energy, channeling it into a powerful surge.

With a swift motion, he clapped his hands together, unleashing an invisible shockwave that rippled through the air.

The wave expanded, reaching every individual within its reach and causing sudden disorientation and confusion among the onlookers.

Their thoughts were confused, and the chaos and mayhem seemed to have been obliterated from their memory. They forgot exactly who was behind this destruction.

In the midst of the ensuing commotion, Aizel swiftly moved away from the scene, his presence now unnoticed. He found himself standing behind the captive human and his daughter.

"I hope the chance I have given you will not go to waste.

"Someday I will come and find you, and if I don't see your daughter smiling and leading a good life...

He moved a little closer as he stared at the man's eyes within his mask.

"I will make sure you regret the day you met me."

With his purpose fulfilled, Aizel gracefully departed from the underground chamber, leaving behind the man and his daughter.

"I will surely pay you back for today in the future, even if I have to die." The man quickly kneeled down toward his departing benefactor.

*****

As the commotion continued to reverberate through Triton's town, Aizel deftly slipped away, leaving the chaotic scene behind.

He was relieved that the immediate vicinity mainly consisted of ordinary seafolk and humans, as erasing their memories proved to be a relatively simple task.

[Master, are you okay?]

"Yeah, it's fine. I have already expected that I would find something like this."

[Satan performing a task that belongs to God]

[If people from your world hear it, they will laugh at it.]

*Tsh*

"Neither do I care for how others think, nor do I care for gods even if they really exist."

[So which grade does your core have to reach for that thing you have planned?]

"If I have to guess, then probably Grade V or VI."

[fufu, it will be fun]

*****

While Aizel was in Triton's town, his companions had already started off toward the town of Lucednia.

Their objective was clear: to arrive ahead of time and devise a meticulous strategy to apprehend one of the cursed magi.

The group embarked on their steeds, ready to traverse the treacherous terrain that lay ahead.

Lucednia town, their final target, was on the other side of the treacherous mountain pass.

The path was rugged and winding, with steep cliffs and narrow trails that tested both the skill of the riders and the endurance of their horses.

"Princess, is it your first time here?" Raven asked, as their horses were slowly traveling the mountain path.

"Visiting Lucednia town will be the first time; I have visited the kingdom many times before," Zareena replied.

"Are you looking forward to it?"

"Absolutely, I have heard this town is really famous. Maybe I can find someone there to relieve my stress for a night," Zareena replied.

She glanced from the corner of her eyes towards Soren to see his reaction.

But Soren was simply drinking some liquor as he enjoyed the ride on a horse.

Does he really not care about me?" Zareena wondered.

"Wow princess, maybe I can join you as well," Raven replied.

Edumont's eyes widened, a flicker of surprise dancing within them, upon hearing that.

His eyebrows quirked uncontrollably, a telltale sign of the rapid-fire thoughts he was having.

"Daisy, will you join us?" Raven asked as she glanced backward.

"No," Daisy simply replied.

"Shouldn't you have more fun in your life, Daisy? Isn't this your first time alone without Aizel and the children?" Zareena asked.

"She said no. Don't involve her," Seraphine said suddenly.

Why is she suddenly caring for her?" Zareena thought.

After a long night...

The night was finally giving way to dawn, and the sun's first rays splashed the sky with rosy and golden colors.

Finally, the place they needed to go was in sight. Like a bright picture, the town of Lucednia, with its lovely houses and bustling streets, unfurled before their eyes.

The group ventured into the heart of the town, their footsteps blending with the ambient sounds of the awakening streets.

The bustling marketplace, where bargains were struck and wares were displayed, was the first thing they encountered upon entering the city. There were exotic spice aromas in the air, and the scene was filled with a symphony of voices.

A striking contrast, though, became apparent as they ventured deeper into town. Once a hub of activity, the district's nightlife hotspots were suddenly eerily quiet, as if in a deep sleep.

It was a sign of how slowly people were emerging from their overnight slumber in the early morning.

Daisy's eyes wandered, taking in the diverse array of individuals that populated the town.

She saw humans scattered among the crowds of people, their numbers matching those of the other races.

It was a mosaic of cultures, where beings of various backgrounds converged and coexisted within this bustling town.

The fatigued group decided to take refuge in a local inn for now.

They made their way to their designated room, the soft glow of candlelight flickering against the walls.

In spite of the peace and quiet, Daisy's focus was pulled to the soft buzzing coming from her crystal ball. She pulled the crystal ball from the depths of her magical ring, its surface glistening with the glow of arcane energy.

When she realized she needed some alone time, she left the group and went downstairs to a quiet nook where she wouldn't be overheard.