Summoning the Holy Sword

In the beginning of this world, humans took the tinder of Order from the Creator Dragon Souls. But humans were too weak and couldn’t properly utilize the tinder of Order to stop Chaos’s infiltration. In the end, one of the human families made a deal with the Creator Dragon Souls, using their souls in exchange for the production process and techniques of the tinder. At the same time, they paid with their freedom and as long as Order was present, they would serve the tinder for eternity.

 Thereafter, the war between Order and Chaos erupted, where Chaos wreaked havoc across the land and concealed the brilliance of Order. As a result, the family that was responsible for safeguarding the tinder suffered in agony. But in order to pass on the tinder, they split up into several tribes and went separate ways, with hopes to avoid the ongoing disaster.

 “… Our Senia Family was one of the guardians and branches that escaped from the disaster of Chaos. Thereafter, we arrived at the Munn Kingdom and signed an agreement with the then Archangel. We used our remaining magical technologies to work for the Munn Kingdom while the Archangel protected us. Ever since then, our Senia Family lived in the Munn Kingdom for generations. We’ve always been waiting for the person who held the rights to return to this place and awake the tinder in order for our Senia Family to restore our honor.”

 Marlene said softly. At this moment, magic crystals emanating faint radiances could be seen along the wide tunnel. However, unlike other tunnels, there were all sorts of mechanical pipes lined throughout the edges and ceilings. White steam was ejected from the openings from time to time, which brought some wetness to this dry tunnel.

 “So, the residents here are the descendants of the Senia Family too?”

 Rhode led the way. The path ahead was dark and empty. Ten minutes had gone since they entered the place and they didn’t see anyone yet. The voices from before didn’t seem to exist at all. However, it seemed like Marlene was familiar with this place.

 “Only a part of them, Rhode.”

 Marlene shook her head.

 “The Tinder Origin is the most dangerous place, with most of the residents as guardians, who were originally members of the Senia Family, responsible for daily maintenance of the tinder. When the Senia Family fled from the disaster, the guardians, alongside our family members, were sealed in the Tinder Origin. If it weren’t for their hard work, perhaps the tinder wouldn’t have lasted perfectly until now.”

 Marlene nodded without hesitation. But she lowered her head thereafter.

 “I’m sorry, Rhode.”

 “Hmm?”

“Perhaps you may not believe me, but… a long time ago, the Senia Family had a prophecy that in this generation, someone would remove the ancient seal, awaken the tinder, and restore the glory of the family. So…”

 “So… you didn’t come to Paphield just for adventures back then, right?”

 Rhode gazed at the young lady, which the latter came to a halt slightly.

 “Yes, Rhode. I was following my family’s prophecy to find the person who can restore our honor.”

 “… So you chose me? Why? Is it because I’m handsome?”

 Rhode couldn’t understand the reason because it seemed like Marlene was sure that he was the man mentioned in the prophecy. But how was that possible? When he first met her, Starlight had only just established and there was nothing worthy of her attention. Back then, he hadn’t even completed a mission. He still remembered that Marlene was full of pride and arrogance when she found her way to his doorstep. If he didn’t utterly defeat her during battle, perhaps she might still be disobedient. This didn’t seem anything like her spotting her prince charming at all.

 “Of course, I was searching for an organization that would allow me to roam around places, so I could search for the one in the prophecy. The main reason why I chose you was due to Lize because it is naturally a great thing to be with a friend, so I agreed to stay. Bu, later on, I was sure that you’re the one after I saw your battle techniques.”

 Marlene smiled and hummed. “… A traveler who summons spirits, awakens ancient beings, and stores them in cards…” She paused, winked, and revealed a look of surprise. “I guess you should know what I’m talking about, right, Rhode?”

 “Yes.”

 Rhode swept a glance to everyone at the back and nodded. What she just hummed was the praises of a Spirit Swordsman from the official website. Back then, this delusional description attracted a lot of people. But it was too late for them after they realized that they were basically lied to…

 However, the Spirit Swordsman was an ancient, lost class.

 Which meant that its existence had vanished entirely from this continent. However, the Senia Family actually knew about them. Could it be that they were related to Spirit Swordsmen?

 Although Rhode wanted to ask more questions, they had arrived at the end of the tunnel.

 At this moment, a cooling breeze freshened everyone. But when they saw clearly what was presented before them, they were stunned.

 Everyone thought that the interior of the tower would be as dark as the refuge. However, there were lush trees and vines all around. In the middle of the tower was a round, blue lake while the radiance of the tinder that shone from above brought vitality and life. On both sides of the walls were dozens of fully-armored men with swords and shields, curiously and anxiously gazing at them. Judging from their appearance, they didn’t seem anything like the Order Refugees from the refuge, so Rhode’s group heaved sighs of relief. Shortly after, the two guards who stood before them made way while three men went up to them.

 Their most eye-catching features could be described with one word: White. Apart from their scarlet pupils, they had fair skin and snowy hair. They were tall and wore a set of white leather armor and cape. However, what surprised everyone was that on their foreheads were two antenna-looking objects, which reminded Rhode of a certain humanoid robot that he once saw in a science-fiction movie.

 Who are they?

 Rhode knitted his brows. He was sure that he had never seen these people in the game. Besides, the attitude of the residents here were entirely different. Back then, when he was exploring the place, the residents were mostly indifferent before he lit up the tinder, and no one interacted with him. But now, the treatment he received was completely different with Marlene beside him. Could it be that this was a hidden plot branch?

 Three of them went up to him while the surrounding guards swiftly left. Marlene gazed at them and took half a step forward. The leader lowered his head and bowed upon witnessing the staff.

 “We welcome your arrival at the Tinder Origin, Holy Sage.”

 “I’m back, dear guardian.”

 Marlene placed her right hand on her chest and bowed solemnly.

 “I’ve followed our agreement and brought the rightful traveler. The devastating Chaos shall be eliminated and the glory of Order will return to envelop this sealed land. Your defense duties are about to come to an end and it shall be our mission next.”

 “Yes, dear Holy Sage.”

 The three men revealed solemn expressions. Then, they heaved sighs of relief, lifted their heads, and examined Rhode.

 “Please pardon our rudeness. According to the rules, we have to ensure that the person you brought along is the one that we’ve been waiting for.”

 The leader took half a step forward while the other two men went ahead and stood beside him. Shing. They held their snowy, dazzling swords before Rhode, stopping him from moving ahead. Not only that, but they also extended their left hands simultaneously.

 Shortly after, radiances flashed.

 Three cards of different colors appeared in their hands.

 Rhode narrowed his eyes instantly. Although he wasn’t sure who these people were, he immediately recognized them through their battle stance.

 Spirit Swordsmen!

 What an amazing and interesting development to the plot…

 Rhode revealed a smile. Then, he extended his right arm and a white card flashed in his hand and turned into Star Mark.

 He didn’t expect that he would have the chance to battle someone of the same class. All right. I shall witness your strength.