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THE ODYSSEY BEGINS
A gentle breeze swept past, parting Ken’s red hair. The wandering youth stood resolute upon the thick bough of a colossal tree, his somber gaze sweeping over the desolate ruins of a forgotten village. Gnarled roots and untamed foliage had long since devoured the crumbling masonry, burying the faint echoes of a once-vibrant life. Standing amidst this desolation unearthed the fragmented, buried memories of his past.
Just as he pivoted to leave, the space beside him distorted. A figure cloaked in pitch-black robes materialized without a single sound. “I need you to gather some intelligence,” Ken stated, his tone an emotionless void.
”As you command, My Lord,” the shadowy figure replied, bowing in deep reverence before fading instantly, as if swallowed by the shadows themselves.
Ken resumed his solitary journey. After tracing a winding dirt path for some time, he arrived at a settlement that still held the breath of the living. As he walked, he observed his surroundings; stark panic painted the visages of the commoners as they frantically packed their meager belongings to flee. Ken remained impassive. His footsteps eventually halted before a weathered wooden tavern.
”Uncle, prepare some food for me,” he said to the tavern owner, pulling back a creaky wooden chair and taking a seat.
”Ah! Finally… a patron who actually wants to eat!” the middle-aged Uncle greeted him. His weathered, twilight face radiated a sudden cheerfulness that sharply contrasted with the village’s grim atmosphere.
”Alright… Since you are the first, and likely the only patron today, I shall prepare a special dish for you,” the Uncle continued, his hands moving nimbly to grab his cooking utensils.
Ken cast his gaze outside the tavern, capturing the growing anomaly. “What exactly is happening to these people, Uncle?” he asked, feigning curiosity.
The Uncle paused his chopping for a moment. He stared intently at the youth’s face. “Haaa… Is this your first time in this realm?”
”Indeed, Uncle. I am merely passing through,” Ken affirmed.
”Hahaha… No wonder! Now that I look closer, your face is quite unfamiliar,” the Uncle said with a crisp laugh. “Well… it is as you see. They are preparing to abandon this village. None of them wish to die a meaningless death.”
”A meaningless death?” Ken’s brows furrowed in mock bewilderment.
”That’s right… There are strong rumors that the Crimson Axe faction will soon come to raid us.”
”The Crimson Axe? Who are they, Uncle?” Ken pressed.
The Uncle frowned, looking at Ken with sheer disbelief. “Hah? What? You don’t even know who they are?” He shook his head slowly. “The Crimson Axe is a faction of ruthless bandits from the Fire Kingdom. They operate directly under the Fire Kingdom’s command, and they do not hesitate to slaughter anyone who refuses to bow to their tyranny.”
”Then, how does that concern this village?” Ken asked, attempting to map the power dynamics of the region.
”Our village is protected by Chief Darma. He is a man who fiercely opposes such oppression. Unfortunately, there are not many capable warriors brave enough to stand behind him,” the Uncle explained, his tone heavy with sorrow.
”Isn’t this village still within the borders of the Sky Kingdom?”
”Indeed, and that is precisely why this village has survived thus far. However, over the past three years, the tides have shifted. The traitors of the Sky Kingdom, who secretly colluded with the Fire Kingdom, have now dared to bare their fangs in the open. Anyone who defies their newly forged laws is immediately executed,” the Uncle revealed, his jaw clenching to suppress his bubbling fury.
”Where will these villagers go, then?” Ken asked, his voice retaining its calm cadence.
”Well… some will try their luck in other villages deemed safer, while others choose to vanish into the depths of the wilderness,” the Uncle replied, returning his focus to the searing wok.
Seeing the middle-aged man remain so composed amidst the chaos, Ken threw another question, “Then why do you choose to stay, Uncle?”
”Hahaha… I am tired of running. For weak people like us, even if we flee to the ends of the realm, our circumstances will not change.” He poured the steaming dish onto a ceramic plate. “So, for now, I choose to stand my ground. If I am destined to die today, let the land of my birth become my grave.” The Uncle seemed to have fully resigned himself to his impending fate. “Here… eat up, Young Man,” he continued with a warm, genuine smile, sliding the fragrant, appetizing dish forward.
”Thank you, Uncle,” Ken replied, pulling the plate closer.
As he chewed methodically, his eyes continued to monitor the commotion outside. He understood the situation perfectly, yet his demeanor remained aloof, as if the panic was merely a mundane passing cloud. How could the Sky Kingdom fall so deeply into ruin? Ken wondered inwardly, though his hands never stopped bringing the food to his mouth.
Suddenly, the fragile peace was torn apart.
”Darma… Come out!”
A challenging, thunderous roar echoed from the outskirts of the village. Several martial guards immediately drew their weapons, sprinting toward the source of the voice to reinforce Chief Darma.
The Uncle let out a heavy sigh. He untied his stained apron and laid it upon the wooden counter. “Young Man, once you finish your meal, leave this place immediately. Run as far as your legs can carry you,” he warned with utmost gravity. Without waiting for a response, the middle-aged man turned on his heel and strode out of the tavern to join the village’s defensive line, leaving Ken alone.
Ken realized the Uncle was marching to his potential doom. “Wait… How much do I owe you, Uncle?” he called out before the man could disappear.
”Hahaha… Don’t worry about it! Consider today your lucky day. That meal is on the house!” the Uncle shouted back, just before his silhouette was swallowed by the distance.
Hah! Very well. Thank you, Uncle, Ken mused silently, continuing to devour the meal until the plate was spotless.
Leaning back in his chair, he let the warmth of the food settle in his stomach. A fleeting memory of his mother drifted into his mind.
Every day is my lucky day, Mother, he remembered saying once upon a time.
‘Is that so? And why is that?’ His mother’s gentle voice echoed in the recesses of his memory.
Because every day, I get to eat the delicious food you make. Ken offered a faint, imperceptible smile as he recalled her soft laughter and sweet expression in response to his innocent words.
Outside the village, the wind howled, carrying the stench of impending bloodshed. Chief Darma and his defensive vanguard had formed a tight, orderly formation. Across from them, the Crimson Axe faction stood in arrogant defiance, radiating a suffocating, bloodthirsty aura.
”Darma, did I not warn you the other day?” scoffed Dema, one of the high-ranking officers of the Crimson Axe, his voice thick with menace.
”Dema! Even until my dying breath, I will never bend the knee to scum like you!” Chief Darma shot back fiercely, his grip tightening around his weapon.
”Hah! You’ve got nerve, Darma. It seems today will be the day you all meet your end. And today will be our final battle! Hahaha!” Dema laughed hubristically, looking down on the meager defensive line.
”Well… I just hope you don’t run away with your tail tucked between your legs like last time,” Chief Darma mocked.
”Hahaha! Of course not. My primary mission today is to eradicate you and your loyal followers down to the roots! That is why I brought a few playmates!” Dema’s sinister grin widened.
He gestured for two of his comrades to step forward. Instantly, two figures exuding a horrifying pressure advanced. Surging waves of energy erupted from their meridians, indicating a profound level of cultivation: two 8-Star Seal Cultivators! The Crimson Axe had clearly prepared meticulously to utterly annihilate Chief Darma’s faction.
8-Star Seal Cultivators! Chief Darma’s eyes widened in sheer horror. His heart pounded violently against his ribs, seized by an irrepressible wave of dread.
”Chief Kre… Chief Hea…” Dema greeted the two figures respectfully before shifting his gaze back to Darma with a cunning smirk. “How about it, Darma? Do you wish to surrender now? Hahaha!” he taunted, deliberately crushing his opponent’s morale.
Chief Darma was cornered. He never anticipated that the Fire Kingdom would deploy an assassination vanguard consisting of two 8-Star Seal Cultivators simultaneously. “Dema… You may take my head, but let them go!” Chief Darma pleaded, attempting to barter his own life for the safety of his followers.
”Chief Darma! We are not afraid of death! We will fight by your side!” shouted the Tavern Uncle, suddenly pushing his way to the front lines. His burning resolve was instantly backed by the rest of the warriors.
”That’s right, Sir! We refuse to surrender!” the entire vanguard roared in unison, their battle cries shaking the earth.
Hearing the Tavern Uncle’s declaration, Chief Kre clicked his tongue, feeling both annoyed and mildly amused. “Hahaha… A mere 4-Star insect dares to challenge us? Very well, I shall show you the unfathomable abyss between our strengths!” Chief Kre threatened. “I will end this tedious chore quickly!” he sneered, lunging straight for the Uncle.
The lopsided slaughter commenced. The disparity in power was far too massive. The Crimson Axe completely dominated the battlefield. One by one, Chief Darma’s men fell, bathing the earth in their blood. Chief Darma himself was locked in a bitter, evenly-matched duel against Dema—as both were at the 8-Star level. However, his remaining forces were being brutally decimated. In another corner, the Uncle was being mercilessly battered by Chief Kre, utterly helpless against the vast gap in cultivation.
The Uncle’s body was sent flying like a broken kite. Fresh blood spilled from the corner of his lips. “Hahaha… Is this all a King-level General can muster?” the Uncle mocked through ragged breaths.
”Hah… You still have a big mouth. I will end you right now!” Chief Kre channeled a torrent of scorching energy to the tip of his weapon. “Flame Spear!” His roar shattered the air as he unleashed a blinding, ultimate strike.
Realizing he had no strength left to evade, the Uncle remained perfectly still. …so this is where my journey ends! he thought in quiet resignation. He closed his eyes, welcoming the inescapable embrace of death.
But the fiery explosion never touched him.
A blur of motion tore through the battlefield with imperceptible speed. In a heartbeat, the lethal strike was flawlessly deflected, its searing energy snuffed out entirely, snatching the Uncle from the jaws of death. The Uncle slowly opened his eyes. His pupils dilated as he recognized the broad back of the youth who had just dined at his tavern.
Hah… What just happened? he wondered in disbelief. “What… what are you doing, Young Man?” he managed to ask, his voice hoarse.
Ken did not look back. His left hand simply extended, offering a pill. “Swallow this, Uncle.”
The Uncle took the pill with trembling hands. “This… th-this medicine…” he muttered, his eyes widening as he recognized the pill’s staggering medicinal quality.
”Rest, Uncle. I will help you slaughter them,” Ken stated coldly. Without wasting another second, the youth dashed toward Chief Kre.
A relentless barrage of heavy blows rained down upon the enemy. Chief Kre, who was impossibly arrogant just moments ago, was now forced into a panicked retreat, his eyes wide with shock. He couldn’t comprehend how he was being cornered by a nameless brat.
A devastating punch crashed into Chief Kre’s torso, launching him through the air until he slammed into the earth with a thunderous crater-forming impact.
”Curse you! Who the hell are you?!” Chief Kre snarled, coughing violently. He struggled to his feet, his fists clenched tight enough to draw blood. “Without using a single shred of Star Seal energy, how are you matching my speed?!” he roared in sheer frustration. The veins on his visage bulged as he prepared to push his cultivation to its absolute peak.
”To face you… there is no need to use the power of a Star Seal,” Ken replied, his voice as cold as eternal ice. Not a single ripple of fear disturbed his calm visage.
”Bastard! Fine, I will hold nothing back!” Chief Kre bellowed in absolute fury, letting his aura detonate to its zenith.
”Hah, very well…” Ken responded, his physical strength surging to terrifying extremes.
As his oppressive energy radiated outward, the very air upon the battlefield seemed to freeze. Every pair of eyes that registered the anomaly widened in sheer terror. A legendary phenomenon was unfolding before them: a youth without a trace of Star Seal power was exuding an absolute pressure that rivaled the apex masters of cultivation!
Giant Gold Aura… Who is this youth? How can he possess that legendary power? thought Chief Darma, profoundly shaken by the sight.
Hah! Th-this power… The Uncle gulped hard, only now realizing exactly what kind of monster he had just treated to a free meal.
”What?!” Chief Kre didn’t even have time to process his shock. Ken had already vanished, tearing through the void to pummel him without an ounce of mercy.
Despite having unleashed his cultivation to its absolute limit, Chief Kre was entirely incapable of weathering the storm of Ken’s relentless strikes. The so-called 8-Star master was utterly broken and helpless before him.
Having ensured his opponent was crippled, Ken reached into the empty void. Iron chains rattled menacingly, rapidly weaving together to form a colossal, intimidating sword.
”Ba… ba… bastard… Wh-who are you…” Chief Kre groaned, his battered body drenched in crimson blood.
”Scum like you have no right to know my name,” Ken whispered coldly.
Thrust!
Ken plunged the massive blade straight into Chief Kre’s heart. In mere seconds, the weapon pulsed with an eerie light, violently siphoning every drop of Star Seal energy and life essence from Chief Kre’s body. The stolen energy coursed through the chains, condensing and crystallizing until it formed a radiant Crystal Orb. Chief Kre died instantly, his corpse reduced to a hollow husk.
A deathly silence fell over the battlefield. Their minds simply could not comprehend how the youth had butchered Chief Kre with the ease of flipping his hand.
”Chief Kre!” screamed Chief Hea, his visage turning deathly pale at the gruesome sight of his comrade. “Brat! You don’t know who you’re messing with! Our supreme leader will definitely make you pay for this!” Chief Hea threatened, pointing a trembling finger at Ken.
Instead of cowering, Ken merely flicked his sword with a casual flick of his wrist. “Is that so? You scream threats at me, yet… why is your body shivering in fear?” he mocked ruthlessly.
”Hah! You underestimate me!” Chief Hea roared. His eyes widened in panic as Ken’s phantom-like silhouette suddenly appeared right before him. “Hiiiyaaah!” Forcing past his terror, Chief Hea unleashed a desperate, lethal slash aimed at Ken’s neck.
The second clash erupted. However, Chief Hea’s fate mirrored his fallen comrade’s. No matter how masterfully he manipulated his 8-Star energy, not a single strike could match Ken’s ethereal speed. Realizing the disparity between them was like the gap between heaven and earth, Chief Hea’s survival instincts completely took over. He abandoned the direct confrontation, frantically searching for an opening to flee.
Excellent! With this youth’s intervention, we can launch a counterattack! Chief Darma thought, his fighting spirit reignited as he watched Chief Hea being brutally suppressed.
”Where do you think you’re going?” Ken hissed. He stomped his foot, instantly cutting off the target’s escape route. A flurry of precise, bone-shattering strikes landed flawlessly, completely paralyzing Chief Hea’s movements.
Seeing his opponent stagger, Ken drew his right arm back. A swirling, golden energy coalesced violently around his fist. “Star Fist!”
A meteor-like blow crashed directly into Chief Hea’s chest.
”Ho… how… is this possible…” Chief Hea whimpered. As he lay dying, he simply could not accept that his decades of cultivation had been shattered to dust by a mere youth.
Without a shred of pity, the chain-blade lashed out, piercing straight through Chief Hea’s chest.
”Moksha…” Ken murmured softly, his right hand clenching into a tight fist.
”No—Nooooo!” Chief Hea shrieked before his voice choked on his own blood and slowly faded into the void.
Just like his comrade before him, the essence of his Star Seal power was forcibly ripped from his body. The radiant energy condensed into a second Crystal Orb. Chief Hea’s lifeless body crumbled into ash, slowly scattering into the wind.
Witnessing his two strongest pillars utterly annihilated in rapid succession, Chief Dema’s courage evaporated into thin air. He was paralyzed by profound shock and sheer terror. The moment he turned his back to flee, Ken was already blocking his path. With a blindingly fast motion, the youth slammed the hilt of his Chain Sword into Dema’s chest, followed immediately by a devastating hook to the jaw that sent the commander crashing into the dirt.
Realizing all avenues of escape were tightly sealed, Dema attempted one final, desperate bluff. “Sir! Listen to me! If you kill me, you will become an eternal enemy of the Fire Kingdom!” he threatened, his voice trembling uncontrollably.
Hearing the name of the great kingdom, a faint, almost imperceptible smile tugged at the corner of Ken’s lips.
”The Fire Kingdom…?” the youth murmured. His expression instantly froze back into a mask of pure apathy. He stepped forward, looming over Dema’s shivering form.
Dema’s pathetic attempt to save his own skin was utterly futile. Ken did not care about his threats in the slightest. With hollow, dead eyes, he drove the sharp tip of his Star Chain-Sword straight through Chief Dema’s heart.
”A-a-aargggh! This weapon…!” Chief Dema howled in excruciating agony. His cultivation energy was violently sucked out, flowing into the blade until it condensed into the third Crystal Orb.
Ken’s weapon was no ordinary artifact. It was the Star Chain-Sword; a lethal, divine armament whose blade was forged from a myriad of flexible links. Not only could it solidify into a colossal greatsword or extend into a bladed whip, but it also possessed the absolute, terrifying ability to devour the Star Seal power of his slain foes.
The remnants of the Crimson Axe forces, having witnessed their three commanders butchered like livestock, were now engulfed in total confusion and paralyzing terror.
”The Chiefs are dead! Fall back! Run!” one of the Crimson Axe bandits shrieked hysterically. He stumbled backward, trembling, urging his surviving comrades to flee the slaughterhouse immediately.
”Don’t let those dogs escape!” roared one of Darma’s village guards, readying his weapon to give chase.
”No… let them be. Everyone, fall back,” Chief Darma commanded with a heavy, authoritative voice, outstretching his arm to halt his vengeful men.
”As you command, Chief,” his forces answered in unison, obediently adhering to their leader’s directive.
Ignoring the subsiding chaos, Ken walked calmly toward the Tavern Uncle to check on his condition. “How are you holding up, Uncle?” he asked.
”I am fine. Thank you, Young Man. Thanks to you, this old life was spared,” the Uncle replied, slowly rising to his feet. “Hahaha! Who would have thought that behind your calm visage, you hid such monstrous power.” The Uncle patted the youth’s shoulder with profound gratitude.
Chief Darma also stepped forward to join them. “Young Man… Thank you immensely for your aid today.”
”Think nothing of it, Sir. Your unwavering benevolence in protecting the people is what truly saved this place,” Ken replied humbly, returning the praise to honor Chief Darma’s integrity.
Chief Darma smiled in profound relief. “Very well, we should all head back into the village immediately.”
Following Chief Darma’s lead, Ken, the Uncle, and the surviving warriors marched back through the village gates. Tonight, their priority was tending to the wounds of their fallen brothers.