Summoning the Holy Sword

Even though half a day’s time seemed really short, it felt endless for the mercenaries as they anxiously stood around and curiously scanned the surroundings for any changes. The more one is denied of something, the more one desires it. This was a human characteristic which everyone was showing right now. Some of the mercenaries even secretly planned to take a peek at what exactly was happening on the other side. If Rhode caught them peeking, they were prepared to back themselves up with a logical reason. They would say that they were worried that Rhode had gotten into some trouble because of the loud rumblings they heard before. Although there were many mercenaries with such intentions, none of them took actions. The reason was very simple. Rhode’s reputation and deterrence within these people were too powerful and most importantly — Marlene was looking over everyone.

Maybe Rhode’s intangible deterrence wasn’t enough to prevent everyone from peeking, however, the stares of a powerful Mage was enough to halt them in their tracks. Furthermore, Marlene’s deterrence wasn’t lacking from Rhode’s. After all, in any other days, this young lady had strong dignity and once she flared up, any ordinary mercenaries wouldn’t even dare to lift their heads to face her. It could also be said that within all the mercenaries, Rhode and Marlene played the role of strict parents, whereas, Anne and Lize played the role of villains.

As they were anxiously waiting, the long-awaited promised timing finally arrived.

“Alright! Everyone, let’s go! We shall see what surprise Sir is gonna give us!”

After Marlene retracted her gazes, Joey immediately jumped up and beckoned for the mercenaries. The anxious mercenaries cheered and followed Joey towards the direction of the Fortress.

“Hahaha, I’m the fastest!”

As a Thief with nimble stature and speed, Joey was the first to overcome the steep slope. He turned around and showed off towards the mercenaries struggling to chase him.

“I’d like to see what Sir had prepared for us…”

And Joey’s words ended here.

“It really turned out this way…”

The maiden mumbled to herself. As the others were immersed in shock, no one heard Marlene’s words. After Marlene finished her sentence, she observed the surroundings before letting out a cough to drag everyone back to reality.

“Alright, how much longer are all of you going to stand here? Mr Rhode is still waiting for us inside.”

Hearing this remark from Marlene, the mercenaries snapped out of their reveries. They shook their heads and pulled themselves to their feet before shifting their respectful gazes towards Marlene — A Mage indeed is a Mage who indeed is experienced and knowledgeable. Even such an astonishing scene wasn’t able to sway this young lady!

“Mis-Miss Marlene.”

At this moment, Joey put on a brave face and approached Marlene. He softly asked.

“We-We aren’t dreaming, right? That really is a Fortress over there? And not anything else…”

“That indeed is a Fortress.”

Marlene slightly nodded and lifted her chin.

“Didn’t Mr Rhode say that he will be giving all of you a surprise? So, what do you think of this gift?”

“This… is amazing!!”

Joey finally returned to his senses and shrieked in excitement. He quickly turned around and beckoned to everyone.

“Let’s go check it out, brothers!”

“Yea!!”

The mercenaries instantly agreed and began to dart towards the Fortress impatiently. Observing their backs, Marlene displayed a bitter smile and shook her head helplessly. Then, she shifted her gaze onto Lize’s eyes.

“What’s wrong, Lize? Is there a problem?”

“Marlene, you’re really calm… Even I was so shocked.”

“Ah, you’re talking about this?”

Marlene chuckled in a ladylike manner upon hearing Lize’s laments.

“No matter what, I’m a Mage that had been through the education structure in a Magic School. Lize, Mages are beings who can accomplish many incredible things. I have once seen a powerful Mage who did similar things like this before. From the start I was really baffled, but now… I’m kind of used to it.”

Marlene flashed a smile to Lize.

“You should also bring the others to look around. I will catch up soon.”

“Alright, Marlene.”

It was evident that Lize was impatiently waiting to explore all of this Fortress. So, after their conversation, Lize revealed a trace of anticipation and hurriedly scuttled towards the Fortress. Right after Marlene had confirmed Lize’s departure, the maiden then took in a deep breath. She stretched her arms frontwards and her arms that were hidden under the sleeves peeked out. At this moment, the maiden was clenching her fists tightly. Her long nails slightly pierced through her fair and delicate palms and fresh blood was dripping willfully.

Marlene took in a few deep breaths and her arms were slightly shivering. After a few moments, she struggled to release her fingers. The maiden carefully reached out into the fold on her clothes for a handkerchief to wipe off the bloodstains on her palms. After struggling for a few moments, she finally wiped them off.

“Hu… Although I was already expecting this, I didn’t expect it to have such a magnificent sight…”

Marlene gasped in admiration before quickening her pace towards the Fortress.

When Marlene arrived at the large doors on the Fortress, the mercenaries were already lined in one row and facing Rhode with utmost respect and worship. Noticing Marlene’s arrival, Rhode nodded in acknowledgment.

“Welcome to our Fortress… Miss Marlene.”

Rhode gave a gesture of invitation towards Marlene before he squinted his eyes and scanned the surroundings.

“So… she’s the final one… Eh? Why am I missing one?”