Summoning the Holy Sword

After leaving Deep Creek Village, everyone set off for their final journey. Since Rhode knew that the Demons had gathered all the Barbarians, his previous plans were no longer valid. Now, they had to enter the forest trail and into Misty Mountains before reaching the Fortress to eliminate the Demons. However, it wouldn’t be easy chasing them away.

Their journey gradually became rougher and rougher.

The forest trail was referring to the path connecting to the Misty Mountains. Many years ago, this path was used to connect the Fortress and other areas. However, it was abandoned and if it weren’t for a few wild beasts, illegal merchants, and bandits, perhaps there wouldn’t be any living creatures on this path. Even so, this route wasn’t easy at all.

Although the mercenaries were on the road for a full day, they weren’t tired. Instead, they were chit-chatting casually.

Rhode could only ignore their doings and wish that Lize didn’t rescue that bumpkin (Vinny). If Rhode could turn back time, he would’ve left him to die. However, time couldn’t be reversed and Rhode couldn’t change this fact. All he could do was to ignore them and continue moving forward.

The sky was getting dark, however, this wasn’t due to the passing of time. In fact, it was only noon, but the sky above everyone was dull and even the radiance of the sun was obscured by darkness.

This was one of the strange phenomena in Dragon Soul Continent. Although there was no difference in the timings for the sun to rise and set in areas under the protection of the Dragon Soul, the weakening order affected the time, climate and deviated everything from its normal track for the areas near the border. However, the areas under the protection of the Dragon Soul were ultimately limited. It was only the change in time and climate at this moment. But, the instant they left the orderly land, that was where the real dangers lurk.

Another reason why Rhode had chosen this region was that he hoped his men could get used to living in a place in a chaotic order. After all, Rhode’s motive was to head into Land of Chaos to awaken the Dragon Soul in order to obtain his territory. If his men couldn’t adapt to the environment, he would face a lot of trouble in the future.

Just as everyone came to the hillside along the abandoned path, Rhode suddenly stopped walking. He lifted his arm to stop everyone from advancing before scanning the forest that was shrouded in darkness. He placed his right hand by his mouth and spoke to the ring on his middle finger softly.

“Boss, what’s next?”

Hidden beside Rhode, Joey gazed nervously at the faraway Fortress. Joey had engaged in a certain extent of investigations on the Fortress before Rhode arrived. In the end, he was disappointed. Although Rhode had mentioned that the Fortress was not maintained for many years, the outer appearance seemed to be perfect. Even though it was clearly worn, it didn’t pose a problem to those Barbarians. Joey and his companions tried to sneak into the Fortress but eventually failed. Most of the Barbarians were gathered outside the Fortress. Although they seemed to be negligent, their senses were highly sensitive and hard to deal with. Joey didn’t know how to strike because, after all, there were about 300 of them and he only had 30. Furthermore, it was much easier to defend than to attack the Fortress. With the disadvantage in offensive strength, it gave Joey a headache on how they should proceed.

“Should we get Miss Gillian or Miss Marlene to cast some spells over?”

“Are you kidding?”

Rhode stared at him coldly. This Fortress would belong to him in the future and if it was destroyed by Gillian or Marlene, the one paying for the repairs would be himself. He wouldn’t do such an idiotic thing and besides, he was prepared with a better idea.

Rhode turned around and beckoned to his mercenaries. The mercenaries instantly focused their attention back to their leader.

“I will split you guys apart into three groups. We will continue to keep in touch and strike from three directions at once.”

Rhode paused and gestured with his hand.

“Lize, Marlene, Kafa, Ralph, and Snook. We will form a group together. The second group will consist of Joey and his men, in addition to Cland. The third group will be led by Marfa…”

Rhode nodded at the middle-aged mercenary.

“Lead Anne and Kars into the ditch on the left. There will be a sewer pipe which leads into the Fortress. I think it isn’t in use now so it should be safe. Then, I want all of you to enter the first floor. Joey, lead your men to the cliff on the right and enter the second floor of the Fortress through the small trail. Remember to be careful and do not alert any enemies. Randolf, you will lead the Rangers and occupy the high positions to provide cover for Joey. After Joey and his men enter the hall, you can lead your men to distract the enemies. As for Anne, I want you to protect them here. Remember, don’t act as you please. After seeing my signal, I want you to lead the remaining men for a frontal assault to finish the enemy.”

Rhode extended his arm and made a hand sign.

“I will go ahead first. After ten minutes, Joey will move. 15 minutes later, Marfa you will go. Remember, if there are any doubts, notify me at once. Understand?”

“Yes, Leader!”

“Good,” Rhode nodded in satisfaction. “We’re off.”

These elites chosen by Rhode displayed their superiority. Although Rhode’s grouping was decided on the go, the camaraderie between the 25 mercenaries was strong and they were familiar and acquainted with each other after the long period of training. After giving his command, Rhode quickly led his men away silently.

However, Lize and Marlene didn’t expect that Rhode would lead the remaining mercenaries to a pitch-black cave instead of the nearby vicinity of the Fortress.

“What is this place, Mr. Rhode?”

Entering the cave, Marlene cast a small sphere of light to illuminate the path that they were taking. Marlene curiously observed the cave and she thought that this cave wasn’t any different from the usual caves. The stalactites hanging upside down on the ceiling, and the ground was filled with ice-cold water. No matter what, this seemed nothing more than an ordinary cave.

“This is a secret path into the Fortress. The creator of this Fortress had once built this route to ensure they could escape in times of danger. Marlene, refrain from using large area of effect spells. Otherwise, we could all very well die here.”

Rhode paused for a moment.

“And, this place isn’t as safe as you think.”

“Eh?”

Everyone was astonished by Rhode’s remark and suddenly, they could hear a slight noise coming from the darkness.

It sounded like a series of incoherent noises, but, it soon got louder, clearer and closer to them. The mercenaries gripped onto their weapon tightly and were prepared to strike. Marlene and Lize leaned against one another and cast a magic shield to prevent any possible ambushes.

Suddenly, a group of huge shadow revealed themselves from the magical radiance.

“Blood Bats!”

A knowledgeable mercenary screamed immediately after recognizing the figures. In a split second, Rhode struck.

Facing the swarm of Blood Bats, the Crimson Blade erupted like a shining thunder in the dark. The blade lights crisscrossed into a large net which struck the Blood Bats. In a blink of an eye, a dozen of bats crashed to the ground and turned to carcasses.

However, this wasn’t enough to stop those enormous bats from attacking. They continued to let out ear-deafening screeches while flapping their wings to avoid Rhode’s blade attacks.

These Blood Bats were strong and one meter in body length. They had sharp teeth and the paralyzing venom was their specialty. They were experts in paralyzing their prey with venom before sucking dry of their blood. Ordinary mercenaries would struggle in the face of these Blood Bats, however, the mercenaries which Rhode had trained and brought with him were above that standard.

Marlene shouted and a erected a fire wall quickly from the ground, separating the mercenaries from the Blood Bats. The mercenaries who were given time to brandish their weapons prepared to attack.