Summoning the Holy Sword

Even though the Howard Family and Edward Family had conflicts, it didn’t mean that they had been generations of enemies and they had to drive each other to death. After all, both families were weak forces that were simply fighting over the controlling rights in a small region, Fiat. Compared to large-scale families, trade associations, and other forces, their standoffs were more ‘unsophisticated’.

Judging from the pleasantly surprised look of the Howard Family member, it was apparent that both parties hadn’t reached the stage where they couldn’t coexist together. The large-scale families would rather be devoured by monsters than to accept such humiliation, and those who were more inhumane might even bait some monsters into attacking the opposition to create an opportunity.

The ‘Uncle Carter’ that Emily addressed seemed somewhat rigid. He gazed at Rhode curiously before nodding and waving for his men to back off. “Monster? Emily, you’re saying that monsters emerged in Edward’s mine?”

“Yes, Uncle Carter. They were terrifying… and ferocious. They have killed many people, and…” Emily paused and came to a stop.

Although Emily had longed for the Travel Merchant lifestyle and she appeared ethical and cheerful, she was born into a merchant family and she wouldn’t be that foolish to notify their competitor about her father’s death. Besides, she realized that this ‘Uncle Carter’ appeared a little off with his dressing. Why were there no miners of the Howard Family? And why was a group of fully-armed mercenaries present instead? She had never heard that the Howard Family dispatched mercenaries to extract ores.

Emily felt a little uncertain at this thought, but she calmed down instantly after sensing ‘Miss Seren’ by her side. “… We had no choice but to escape into the deep mines to avoid the relentless monsters. We followed the voices that we heard and entered your territory unknowingly, Uncle Carter… Ah. By the way, she is Miss Miranda Seren of the Seren Trade Association from the Country of Light. She was here to negotiate business about ore trading with our Edward Trade Association.”

“Country of Light?!”

Carter and the mercenaries were astonished to hear this name. Rhode lifted his skirt and bowed politely, revealing a graceful smile. The blushed group of men stared blankly and they didn’t know how to respond appropriately. On the other hand, Carter felt that this young lady was a thorny problem. No matter how beautiful she looked, the fact that she had come from the Country of Light made him fearful. The King’s Party knew how powerful the influence that the Country of Light had and if this young lady got into any form of trouble while she was with them…

But why would some Chairman of the Trade Association from the Country of Light come here at this crucial moment?

“… Okay, Sir.” Carter sighed helplessly and nodded before leaving the tunnel.

The dark figure let out a soft snort and, at this moment, a crisp, pleasant voice sounded. “Do you really intend to do that, Master?”

“Of course, Cheryl.” The dark figure nodded slightly. “This is a great chance. The Howard Trade Association has lost their rationale and they are urgently hoping to gain the controlling rights here. According to the method that we’ve provided, they can temporarily manipulate the Earth Elemental Spirit here. But this would only be temporary and, frankly speaking, I’m quite surprised that the Edward Trade Association Chairman’s daughter is here. This might not be a bad thing for our plans. But…” the dark figure hesitated. “Why would a Trade Association from the Country of Light dispatch someone here to negotiate in business? Aren’t they aware of the current situation? These meddlesome people!”

“Relax. You are also aware that these greedy and corrupt merchants are willing to do anything for profit. They obviously knew about the war between the South and North and have decided to seize this opportunity to a fortune. This isn’t anything new, is it?”

“I’m aware of that, Cheryl. This is what I wish to change. They are walking on the path toward destruction and they’re not aware of it. I need more power and this was why I accepted this mission and came here.” The dark figure’s voice sounded much more forceful. “This time, I will not allow a future like that happen.”

It’s here…

Rhode gazed at the gigantic stalactite pillar located in the middle of the crystal mine. He had figured out their purpose and deployment, and it was time for him to move out. Rhode didn’t know how the Howard Trade Association gathered such a technique, but this had proven that someone else was also interested in obtaining the resources here. It wasn’t to Rhode’s liking that the Earth Elemental Spirit was under their control. Therefore, he had decided to change his target. Unlock the seal entirely to summon the Earth Elemental Spirit and destroy this mine.

The life or death of the Howard Family wasn’t within his considerations. Since they were also supporters of the King’s Party, they would only need to suffer little grievance in sacrificing their profits to accomplish the King’s Party’s plan.

Rhode strode toward the towering stalactite pillar without gaining the mercenaries’ attention. The mercenaries seemed focused on standing guard for monsters by the entrance that Rhode and Emily had entered from. When Rhode got really close to the pillar, they finally responded. “What are you doing!”

A fully-armed mercenary rushed over and stopped Rhode from heading any farther with his body. His bell-sized large eyes glared at Rhode while Rhode twitched his brow calmly. “Nothing. I’m just looking around. The stalactite pillar seems interesting.”

“This is the Howard Family’s mine, Miss.”

At this moment, a man who seemed to be their leader stepped forward. He stared at Rhode with a stern expression, holding onto his sword hilt and blocking Rhode with the side of his body. “I hope you won’t wander off everywhere. It is very dangerous here. I hope you can just wait here.”

“And what if I don’t?” Rhode let out a snort and lifted his chin proudly.

He gazed at the two mercenaries in disdain as though they were nothing more than maggots and trash. This was the usual attitude that people of the Country of Light showed against the people of the Munn Kingdom. Slaves who succumbed to a dictator weren’t worthy of speaking to them.

“I won’t allow you!”

Indeed, Rhode’s attitude had aggravated the mercenary and he gritted his teeth fumingly. The mercenary had imagined himself grabbing the ‘beautiful young lady’ by her arm and locking her up in his strong arms. Hmph, let’s see if this delicate little chick will still dare to reveal such a proud expression!

However, the mercenary launched forward and he failed to grab the young lady’s slim, fragile arm as he had expected. Instead, he felt a sudden breeze and he caught a handful of air. The ‘beautiful young lady’ had darted through the opening between them and arrived before them!

How did she do it?

The two mercenaries were dumbstruck. Shortly after, the other mercenaries rushed over and surrounded Rhode completely. “There’s nothing interesting to see there, Miss. I think you’d better stay put and Carter will send you two off soon, understand?”

“Oh?” Rhode’s expression was still as calm as ever. He rolled his eyes and revealed a mocking smile. “I didn’t expect everyone to be this nervous. It seems that you’re all afraid that someone else will know that you’ve unlocked the seal here…”

“You…!” The mercenaries glared at Rhode anxiously.

How did this woman know about it… Damn it. Did she realize? How is this possible? Shouldn’t we be the only ones who know about it?

What should we do?

The mercenaries turned to their leader in unison and their leader gazed at Rhode silently, grinding his teeth. They hated to slaughter the innocent. But since this woman apparently knew their secret… No matter what, they had to capture her!

A trace of murderous intent glinted in his eyes. Then, he ambiguously gestured to his men.

Attack!