The 9th Class Swordmaster: Blade of Truth

“Eastern Land...?” Karyl’s face hardened slightly at the guard's answer.

I was curious since things have been quiet for a while... Are they planning something here now?

Even in his previous life, the Eastern Land had been one of the greatest mysteries. It was an island east of the continent, separated from the mainland.

Although its population was small compared to other kingdoms, its secret organization, the Burning Darkness, had spread across the entire continent in a different way from the Wooden Cloud. Therefore, the influence of the Eastern Land’s ruler, Simon Coden, was by no means insignificant.

“Who could’ve made the move? If they were skilled enough to change the coordinates of a teleportation circle, could he have been directly involved?”

It wasn’t impossible. After all, Simon Coden held a prominent position among the top ten of the continent, alongside Sword Masters and Great Sorcerers who exhibited exceptional prowess.

Cunning bastard.

He had used Aidan and Zouk De Holde to approach the princes. And it wasn’t just them. There were likely people from the Eastern Land among the emperor’s closest aides as well.

He must have heard about the empire’s situation.

By now, Simon Coden would be well aware of the fall of the First Prince, the Second Prince’s strengthened position, and the emperor’s health issues.

And my name too.

Karyl squinted as he gazed toward Azor.

Which side are you on, Simon Coden?

Step—

“We have been waiting for you,” a voice greeted them as soon as they stepped out of the building.

“...!!”

Even the guards who had managed the teleportation circle were astonished by the sight before them, their mouths agape.

Sorcerers dressed in matching blue robes knelt in unison before Karyl, with their fists clenched in a respectful salute. There seemed to be at least 150 of them.

Although Azor was home to many free guilds, it was the first time so many sorcerers had gathered at once.

“The entire Ulkas Guild has gathered to greet you, Master.”

A man with a neatly groomed mustache stood at the forefront of the sorcerers. Unlike an ordinary sorcerer, he exuded the aura of a seasoned veteran, of someone who had been through countless battles and hunts.

“You look good, Thompson. Looks like you’ve completely recovered from the magic poisoning.”

Thompson, now full of life, was no longer an addict wasting away in a drunken stupor.

“It is all thanks to you, Master.” Thompson nodded lightly.

Karyl mounted a prepared horse.

“We move out.”

“Yes, sir!”

As soon as Karyl spoke, the sorcerers stood up in unison.

Serica and Mikhail watched him in amazement, once again reminded of Karyl’s prominent position.

No matter which side you choose, you better choose well. You only have one life, Simon Coden.

“Giddy-up!”

Just like that, Karyl set out for Azor.

***

“...So currently, an envoy from the Eastern Land has arrived in Azor with fifty members of Simon Coden’s personal unit, Snakel, through the teleportation circle,” Thompson reported to Karyl, moving pieces on a map spread before them.

Thanks to the exceptional sorcerers who had trained using elemental stones acquired from the Mana Mine, the Ulkas Guild had become one of the most notable free guilds in Azor.

Karyl nodded in satisfaction as he looked at the grand building situated in the city center, a far cry from the old, dilapidated guild house he knew from before.

“This... Isn’t this a serious matter?” Mikhail asked with a worried expression, listening to Thompson’s report.

“What’s serious about it?” Karyl replied nonchalantly.

“What do you mean? Master, you’re saying the Eastern Land is negotiating with Azor to use it as a foothold for advancing onto the continent.”

“That’s right. The Eastern Land is across the southern sea from the continent. Without using magic, the only way to reach the continent is through the Digon.”

However, Digon had already sided with Tatur. Thus, for the Eastern Land, which had been supporting the empire, moving through the south had become nearly impossible.

Choosing Azor as a link to the continent was the logical move, given the risk of isolation.

As expected of the Eastern Land, they’re quick to act. The question is whether they made this move by themselves or were influenced by the empire.

If it was the former, there wouldn’t be any major concerns. The Eastern Land had significant power but always positioned themselves as shadows in the center of the continent.

A stark difference in absolute power.

No matter how formidable, a hundred cannot defeat a million.

The true weapon of the Eastern Land, the Burning Darkness, although shrouded in mystery, was estimated to have less than a thousand members. With a total population under a hundred thousand, the Eastern Land’s remaining forces—excluding the Burning Darkness—would likely amount to no more than ten thousand.

The Eastern Land can’t do much alone. If they made this move by themselves, then their alliance with the empire has more or less crumbled, further weakening their position.

However, if the Eastern Land had truly acted because of the empire, it meant their alliance was still holding strong. In that case, it would be problematic if Azor’s power fell into their hands.

Karyl smiled faintly.

“If this is really happening, it’s likely orchestrated by Titan Shutean. This isn’t just about Azor. Their true target is Tatur. They won’t remain idle.”

“Why is that?”

“Azor has the most teleportation circles on the continent. And while people freely teleport from Azor, only those with proper authorization can gain entry into the city. You see, they’ve perfected their shield since the Magical Era, so their security is tight.”

Mikhail and the others nodded.

“Gaining control of Azor would essentially grant them the means to move across the entire continent without needing ships.”

Karyl tapped the map with his finger.

“They could monitor the south and encircle Tatur without crossing the Fonein.”

“...!!”

At that, everyone’s eyes widened.

Given that the Three Kingdoms of Istria are still at war, our only reliable force is the southern barbarians.

The northern immigrant tribes had yet to unify, so they couldn’t be counted as a force. And with Tatur’s Free Army involved in resolving the Three Kingdoms’ conflict, they were at their weakest in terms of power.

That’s why we deliberately gathered forces in front of the empire, showing our strength... but they didn’t fall for it, Karyl sighed bitterly.

He had given them one year—essentially a threat—but the emperor was still the emperor.

Perhaps I was too generous with that one year period. Titan Shutean might be trying to wipe Tatur off the map within his remaining time.

“Is a war... about to break out?” Mikhail asked, his voice tinged with worry.

“I don’t know.” Karyl let out a low sigh.

In preparation for the Oracle War, he had meticulously planned strategies to preserve the empire’s talents.

There are countless tactics to pierce the enemy, but they only facilitate the process. Ultimately, the results are decided by the clash of forces.

“Tsk! If they come, we won’t hide.”

Everyone looked at him with tense expressions.

“We’ve only been monitoring the situation, but since the Eastern Land has just recently made its move... we don’t have concrete intel yet.”

“That’s understandable. Moving through a teleportation circle completely disrupts the conventional concept of time.”

Traveling from the Eastern Land to Azor meant crossing the sea to the continent, then continuing by land. The journey was thousands of kilometers, which would take a long time by traditional means.

However, that distance could be covered within just a few minutes with a teleportation circle, demonstrating just how powerful Azor’s magic was when used strategically.

If the Eastern Land, specialized in assassination, starts using teleportation circles, it would be like adding wings to a tiger.

That was why an alliance between Azor and the Eastern Land would be incredibly dangerous.

“And Tatur?”

“Yes, we reported the Eastern Land’s movements immediately. Though teleportation circles can’t be used, communication magic is still possible.”

“What did they say?”

“Lady Dushala instructed us to monitor the movements within the lord’s manor and leave the rest to the people sent from Tatur.”

“Did they say who’s coming?”

“Lord Aidan and Lord Kamma.”

“Kamma? Has he returned from the principality?”

“I’m not sure, but they definitely said Lord Kamma. Considering that the Ravat Guild provides elemental stones to Azor, he has significant influence here. Baron Beryl would’ve come as well, but with the Three Kingdoms at war...”

“I see.”

Karyl sighed in relief at Thompson’s words.

The principality is in the midst of a civil war, yet Kamma managed to return safely. Thank goodness. I’ll be able to hear about the situation there when I meet him, Karyl thought.

Dushala had made the right decision.

As Thompson had mentioned, although Baron Beryl, a fellow sorcerer, had more influence in the city than Kamma, he was also involved in the war.

Karyl felt the pressure of the limited time more and more. Not only the empire but also the Lurein Principality and the Three Kingdoms were experiencing growing pains for a new future.

Though Azor appeared peaceful and quiet, it had already taken a step into the chaos of war.

Soon, I will also... Karyl knew it wouldn’t be long before he would stand at the heart of the battlefield.

“And we immediately reported to Tatur upon learning of your arrival here, Master,” Thompson continued.

“Oh? Did Dushala say anything?” Karyl asked.

“Well... she didn’t say much, but she did mention that if she had known you were coming, she wouldn’t have sent the two of them.”

Karyl chuckled. “That’s right.”

With that, he stood up, and everyone else followed suit.

“Wh-Where are you going?” Thompson asked, alarmed.

“To the lord’s manor.”

“What?!” Thompson gasped.

“Since we used the teleportation circle, they already know we’re here. It’s better to go and greet them as soon as possible,” Karyl said with a smile. “Don’t worry. I’m not going there to pick a fight. I’ll be quiet. The Eastern Land’s presence is unexpected, but we have our own reasons for being here.”

He lightly patted the tense Thompson on the shoulder.

“You stay here and report to me as soon as the two from Tatur arrive. Also, have thirty sorcerers ready to move at a moment’s notice. Hopefully, we won’t need them, but better safe than sorry.”

“Yes, sir.” Thompson nodded. However, he couldn’t help wondering, Why gather sorcerers just for a greeting?

That look on his face... It’s been a while since I’ve seen it.

Both Mikhail and Serica, who knew Karyl well, were thinking the same thing.

He’s lying.

***

“I am grateful for Azor’s hospitality.”

“Haha, it’s the least I could do.”

In contrast to the harsh winter air outside, the atmosphere inside the lord’s manor was lively and filled with pleasant conversation.

Vooom...

A constant stream of supplies was being summoned through the large teleportation circle in the manor, and the sorcerers were diligently transporting them.

But then all of a sudden...

CRASH—!!

The towering doors of the lord’s manor were shattered.

“Aah!”

“Aaaahh...!!”

At the same time, screams echoed down the corridor, rapidly growing louder.

“Wh-What is this commotion?” one of the guards exclaimed.

Karyl dragged in a guard by the scruff of his neck and tossed him aside like a sack.

“Ugh... Cough, cough...”

The soldier, sprawled on the ground, gasped for breath. The grip on his neck had been so tight that the finger marks were painfully visible.

“Wh-Who are you...!”

“Have you any idea where you are?!”

The sorcerers in the manor yelled in unison.

“Think carefully. The moment you cast a spell, you’ll die. Even if it’s silent casting, you have to utter the name of the spell. Do you think your mouths are faster than my sword?”

Karyl tapped the sword at his waist. The fierce tone in his voice left the sorcerers speechless. Among them, one man stood out. With long, glossy black hair and a mask covering his face, his exotic appearance made it clear he was the envoy from the Eastern Land.

So, Simon Coden didn’t make a move himself, Karyl decided. The man’s distinct look allowed him to easily draw this conclusion.

Then, as if Karyl lost interest in him, he turned away.

“Fasio Han,” he called out, tilting his head to one side. “I’m here for the Original Magic.”