Honestly, when Lux obtained several powerful templates, he was slightly surprised. But what shocked him even more was that the system had unlocked two new features...
[Character Template Power-Up: This feature allows the Host to permanently enhance Star templates by consuming Achievement Points and certain 'items' that correspond to the template. The more points invested and the rarer the items used, the higher the percentage increase for that template]
[History Template Creation: This feature allows the Host to modify or create a 'background' for any desired template. The template's background will be integrated into the world's history, directly altering people's memories, though there's a possibility this modification may fail. Additionally, the Host cannot use this to create entities that have never existed. The stronger the background being modified, the more points it will consume]
At first glance, people might think both features were incredibly advantageous. However, Lux immediately recognized their shortcomings from the system's explanation.
Both Character Template Power-up and History Template Creation carried very real potential for failure, with the consequence of losing terrifying amounts of points.
If Lux rashly spent hundreds of millions of points on an enhancement only to fail... there was no doubt it would be a loss capable of shaking even someone who was now considered quite 'wealthy'.
Although Lux currently possessed abundant Achievement Points, he wasn't the type to carelessly waste his resources. Especially when he knew that maximizing his ✯✯✯✯✯ templates would require an astronomical number of points.
Still, these two new features were too valuable to ignore. They could prove useful in all situations...
Surprisingly, Lux didn't need a system update to unlock these features. The mere existence of the Son of Destiny was enough to trigger these new capabilities—further proof that Sons of Destiny truly couldn't be underestimated. At least, as long as they still possessed their "golden finger" or cheat abilities, Lux had no intention of letting them die meaninglessly.
'Now for Character Template Power-up, this feature would be extremely helpful for some of my weaker templates, including the Inaba Tsukuyo template...' Lux thought, recalling his experience on Cthulhu Island.
At that time, he had spent tens of millions of points to temporarily upgrade the Inaba Tsukuyo template (✯✯) to Inaba Tsukuyo (✯✯✯✯). Her power immediately skyrocketed to S+ Rank equivalent, even daring to fight one-on-one against SS Rank opponents. Unfortunately, the enhancement wasn't permanent and disappeared after the one-hour time limit.
With this new feature, Lux could make Inaba Tsukuyo's power permanent. But of course, there were troublesome requirements...
'I figured it wouldn't be that simple.'
Lux narrowed his eyes as he read the detailed requirements. As the system explained, for permanent character enhancement, he didn't just need insane point consumption, but also several specific 'rare' items.
What made it more difficult was that these items weren't available in the System Mall. In other words, he had to find all these materials himself...
It sounded troublesome but was still within his capabilities. Besides, with the number of templates he currently possessed, hunting for rare items shouldn't be a major problem.
That was why he was currently in one of the border regions between the human continent and demon continent—a location famous for the appearance of rare items he needed.
'But a Son of Destiny in a place like this? Very strange.'
Lux gazed at the six-year-old golden-haired girl sleeping soundly in his arms. Her innocent face contrasted sharply with the danger surrounding them.
Currently, they were in the territory of a famous kingdom, the Heavenly Sky Kingdom—a northern kingdom that received direct blessings from two Transcendent beings: the God of War and God of Heaven.
As the northernmost territory, this kingdom naturally had brutal and merciless winters, but that only applied to the territory of the famous northern duke family... the Frozen Sky Family.
When this knowledge surfaced in his mind... somehow Lux felt a strange familiarity... Like he had heard similar stories in his previous life from some of his female friends?
Shaking his head to dispel that premonition, Lux then focused on the last new system feature he had obtained.
'History Template Creation.'
Manipulating history... a power that sounded almost god-like. Even Lux himself acknowledged its extraordinary potential. But its weaknesses also couldn't be ignored.
High failure potential, fantastic point consumption, and strict limitations... all of this made the feature feel useless.
Calmly, Lux tried using it for the first time, attempting to create new history, but as expected...
[Ding! Creation of 'History Seven Archon' failed]
"..." Lux fell silent, his eyes narrowing.
In an instant, hundreds of millions of Achievement Points he had painstakingly accumulated vanished without a trace. An amount that could buy countless high-class Talents now evaporated without results.
Lux had tried to create a history about Archons in this world, considering he already possessed Electro Archon and Geo Archon templates. Previously, he had researched deeper into the meaning and history of 'Archon'.
According to the system's explanation, the concept of Archon was quite simple. They were winners of the god wars and represented the elements they controlled—essentially "Gods" who ruled their respective nations.
There were seven Archons representing different elements: Anemo Archon, Geo Archon, Electro Archon, Dendro Archon, Hydro Archon, Pyro Archon, and Cryo Archon. Raiden Ei represented the Electro Archon, while Lux's newest template—Morax—represented the Geo Archon.
With basic knowledge from the system, he tried to create Archon history in this world—not only to provide official identity for his templates, but also to create a background that would facilitate his operations.
However, it ended in failure. Of course, that wasn't truly surprising. Both Morax and Raiden Ei had histories of terrible wars against powerful beings, slaughtering "Gods" in large numbers. Integrating such history into this world that had countless powerful beings was certainly not easy.
Moreover, changing the memories of Transcendents in this world required an insane number of points.
Fortunately, although he failed with the Seven Archon, there was another history he successfully created...
***
Yozakura Family—that was Lux's created history that successfully embedded into the world. In the original story, the Yozakura Family were assassins, but in this world Lux modified it slightly for his own purposes.
Instead of being known as a professional assassin family, the Yozakura Family was now known as one of the founders of Master Swordsman City—the center of honor and power for swordsmen.
Lux didn't implement the Yozakura Family history without calculation. There were several strategic reasons, one directly related to the Son of Destiny, Chen Ye, while others served as Lux's power foundation in this world.
Since losing the Shadow Order Guild that had collapsed, it was very difficult for him to operate without an information network and connections. The Yozakura Family was the perfect solution to that void—a strong network with a history respectable enough to be unquestioned.
The templates related to Yozakura Family history in this world were numerous. Lux had deliberately incorporated most of his templates into this family.
Yozakura Tsubomi, who literally became the respected founder of the Yozakura Family.
Aoi Sui, who came from the same world as Yozakura Tsubomi. In the original work he was a government agent, but in this world he was a loyal member of the Yozakura Family and Yozakura Tsubomi's personal guard.
Then there were Inaba Tsukuyo, Tomioka Giyū, and several other template characters who joined the Yozakura Family...
Lux had prepared many high-class templates that would not only surprise the Son of Destiny, but also make even the World Organization think twice before interfering with his affairs.
'Now don't disappoint me, Son of Destiny...'
Lux closed his eyes, his consciousness shifting to all his template bodies...
***
Never once in his life had Chen Ye imagined he would face one of the founders of Master Swordsman City directly. What was even more surprising was that the founder turned out to be a young girl!
Chen Ye's mouth fell open in unbearable shock. Although he knew there were some special individuals capable of living hundreds or even thousands of years, he never expected to meet one of them so quickly...
"You must be surprised."
The figure before him smiled warmly. She possessed unusual beauty—soft white hair like snow with sea-blue strands framing her perfect face. What drew the most attention were the small cherry blossom branches growing on the right side of her body... instead of making her look strange, it gave her a mysterious and enchanting charm.
"Suddenly entering and being greeted with something unpleasant, you must be unhappy," said the girl who introduced herself as the leader of the Yozakura Family. Her gentle smile never faded from her face. "Please forgive this inconvenience."
"N-no, I wasn't really thinking about that." Chen Ye laughed awkwardly while rubbing his wrists that still ached from the previous "welcome." "Besides, I'm curious. Is the entrance exam for the Yozakura Family really this brutal?" he asked hesitantly.
"Idiot, even after all that, you still think this was an entrance exam?"
"W-what did you say?!" Chen Ye shouted with a mixture of annoyance and anger.
The young man who had just insulted Chen Ye had short blue-green hair and an emotionless facial expression. Despite the previous fight being intense enough to dishevel his clothes, strangely he still looked fresh and calm as if nothing had happened.
"Stop it, Sui. He is our guest," Yozakura Tsubomi said with a gentle voice.
"...I understand." Aoi Sui nodded slightly, stepping back respectfully.
Yozakura Tsubomi smiled warmly at Chen Ye again, her pupils shaped like cherry blossom petals gleaming softly. "He's always like that, please understand."
"Y-yes, I know." Despite saying that, Chen Ye still felt annoyed and couldn't help but glare at Aoi Sui, who indifferently ignored his angry stare.
Yozakura Tsubomi chuckled softly seeing their interaction, as if she had witnessed thousands of similar encounters throughout her long life. "Honestly, I'm very surprised someone of your caliber came here. Especially..."
Yozakura Tsubomi's gaze moved slowly and stopped at a vague figure floating near Chen Ye—a figure that shouldn't be visible to ordinary people. "...Meeting with a disciple of the Sword King himself."
"..."
'...'
Not only was Chen Ye stunned, but even the Sword King himself—the sword spirit who had been confident only his disciple could see him—appeared utterly shocked.
"W-wait, you can see Master?!" Chen Ye couldn't hide his amazement.
"Rather than seeing him, it might be more accurate to say I only 'sense' him." Yozakura Tsubomi answered with a gentle smile.
"H-how is that possible?!" Chen Ye grew more curious.
Yozakura Tsubomi wasn't offended by the somewhat impolite question. "It's difficult to explain. I'm just very sensitive to life energy... even those who have long departed the physical world."
"I-I see..." Chen Ye was at a loss for words. He had to admit that the girl before him was far from normal—perhaps even beyond the limits of humanity he understood.
"Hah, that little girl already made me suspicious earlier, but this time I truly didn't expect one of Master Swordsman City's founders could detect this old man's presence. The world has truly changed much since my glory days."
The authoritative voice of the Sword King finally revealed itself. His ghostly figure of half a body floated with a long white robe and a long white beard hanging down.
"It is truly a great honor to meet the legendary Sword King." Yozakura Tsubomi gave a light bow with her voice gentle yet full of respect. Aoi Sui standing beside her also bowed formally.
The Sword King nodded with a satisfied expression. Finally someone who recognized his greatness! Not like his foolish disciple who didn't even know who he was when they first met!
Still, he remained curious. "You said you can't see me directly, but how did you know I was the Sword King who became this child's master?"
Yozakura Tsubomi smiled mysteriously. "Just guessing. Among all the strongest human swordsmen who ever existed, only you disappeared without news for centuries..."
"O-oh, I see." The Sword King felt slightly embarrassed and coughed several times before his expression turned serious.
"I know this might sound impolite, but... this old spirit would be extremely grateful if the Yozakura Family would be willing to train my foolish disciple. Not half-heartedly, but with all your heart and strength."
"W-what?!" Chen Ye protested angrily at being called foolish in front of honorable people!
But at the same time, he was also shocked by his master's bold request. From any perspective, the Sword King's request sounded extremely presumptuous and shameless.
Wasn't this the same as asking the Yozakura Family to teach their secret sword techniques and knowledge to an outsider they had just met?
"If the Yozakura Family is willing to do that, this old man swears to you, after I regain my body, I will help the Yozakura Family in any situation even if I must risk my life."
"M-master... I didn't expect you to trust me so much." Chen Ye was moved. Initially, he roughly thought the Sword King was just an arrogant and unreliable teacher, but apparently behind his rough attitude...
"..." The Sword King's lips twitched hearing Chen Ye's words, but he chose to ignore it and remained focused on Yozakura Tsubomi before him.
His offer might sound unreasonable, but the Sword King had complete confidence in this matter.
The Sword King in spirit form indeed couldn't do much currently, but the situation would be very different if he could regain his new body.
As one of the few humans who had ever reached Transcendent Tier, assistance from a being of his caliber wasn't something any family could obtain...
Moreover...
"This old man is certain you must have realized my disciple's special destiny, right? He possesses luck that exceeds reasonable limits, and the Yozakura Family will surely receive part of that luck if you help him."
"Huh? What do you mean, Master?" Chen Ye grew more confused with the direction of this conversation.
Unlike his insensitive disciple, the Sword King as a Transcendent had sharp intuition to sense that something was abnormal about Chen Ye's luck—something capable of influencing people who helped him, like a hidden blessing.
This was the trump card the Sword King possessed to convince the Yozakura Family to seriously train his still-foolish disciple.
The Sword King wasn't entirely certain, but his instincts told him that Yozakura Tsubomi surely knew something about Chen Ye's special destiny...
And as he hoped...
"Truly, you offer several very interesting proposals, Sword King. Even I am unable to refuse them outright." Yozakura Tsubomi smiled meaningfully.
"Then—" The Sword King's expression appeared bright with hope.
"But—" Yozakura Tsubomi gently interrupted. "Which Yozakura member will train him depends on the child's own abilities and potential. I'm sure you understand this."
"..." The Sword King fell silent for a moment. Not because he didn't understand, but because he understood very well what was implied in Yozakura Tsubomi's words.
Although Yozakura Tsubomi was the leader of this legendary family, in reality she didn't have absolute authority to force other members to share their secret knowledge with outsiders. Each Yozakura family member had autonomy to choose their own disciples—that's what she meant.
The Sword King sighed deeply and nodded with understanding. "Very well, that's more than enough."
Yozakura Tsubomi smiled with satisfaction. "Thank you for your understanding, Your Majesty. And now..." She glanced at Chen Ye who still looked confused by all this discussion. "Welcome to the Yozakura Family... Chen Ye."
***
"Master, why did you do all this?" Chen Ye asked hesitantly when they were finally alone together. "Although I admit I'm very interested in this family's techniques, was it necessary to go this far? We could look for other places that are more... accessible."
"My disciple, you're truly foolish," the Sword King said bluntly, making Chen Ye's lips twitch in annoyance at being called foolish for the umpteenth time that day.
"You might have already sensed it—this family isn't an ordinary family. That girl, although not a great Hunter at first glance, strangely she could sense my presence while even SS Rank Hunters struggle to do the same thing."
"Yes, but..."
"Besides, your own Talent also said this place is the best for you, right? So stop asking so many questions and just accept your good fortune."
"...Alright." Chen Ye finally gave in. Actually he still had many questions, especially about the mysterious conversation regarding his 'destiny' that he heard earlier...
But maybe it wasn't time to ask too many questions yet. He could ask another time...
"We've arrived. This is your room from now on."
Chen Ye's thoughts were diverted by Aoi Sui's flat, emotionless voice.
His attention now focused on the traditional room before him—a luxurious guest room with classic design that implied long history and high status.
This would be Chen Ye's residence during his training period. Before getting approval from other family members, he'd better rest first and start everything tomorrow morning with a fresh mind.
Seeing Aoi Sui's expression that remained cold and emotionless, Chen Ye felt annoyed again and somehow a strong urge arose to punch that flat face. However, he wisely restrained himself.
After all, he knew the annoying young man before him might become one of his teachers later—better not make a bad impression too early.
"Tomorrow, someone will come to be your guide. Do you still have any questions?" Aoi Sui asked in a monotone voice.
"Is there anything else I should pay attention to while staying here?"
Aoi Sui stared at him sharply for a moment before answering coldly, "Don't wander around at night."
"...That's it?"
"Yes. Otherwise, you might die."
"..." Chen Ye fell silent with his lips twitching in suppressed annoyance before finally saying, "Alright then, move aside. I want to go in and rest!"
Aoi Sui stepped aside with efficient movement, allowing Chen Ye to enter before the room door closed with a loud sound. The blue-haired young man glanced at the door briefly then slowly walked away from Chen Ye's room, his footsteps almost inaudible on the old wooden corridor.
Meanwhile, Chen Ye lay on his new bed with mixed feelings. Die? Seriously, just how scary was this place? Were there demons or man-eating monsters roaming around here?
What Chen Ye didn't know... as he closed his eyes that night, fate had prepared something far more terrifying than any demon to confront him the next morning...
***
The Next Day...
The peaceful morning silence was shattered by a cold voice that suddenly pierced through the air.
"Disappointing. For a swordsman, sleeping in a foreign place without full vigilance... even animals aren't that foolish."
"WAAHH!!"
Chen Ye jolted awake with a terrified scream when he found a pair of lifeless blood-red eyes staring directly at his face from uncomfortably close. The mysterious figure hung upside down from the ceiling, positioned right above his lying body.
Shocked beyond measure, Chen Ye tumbled ungracefully from his bed. The petite figure from the ceiling landed on the floor with graceful movements without making even the slightest sound, contrasting sharply with the commotion Chen Ye had created.
Snow-white hair flowed in distinctive twin-tail style. The girl wore a red and white dominated kimono that was open at the sleeves, revealing pale skin rarely touched by sunlight. In her small hands, a sheathed katana was held with full alertness. Her blood-red eyes were now closed again, as if they had never opened from the beginning.
Chen Ye recognized her as one of the reasons he came to Master Swordsman City—Inaba Tsukuyo.
"Y-you! How did you get into my room?!" Chen Ye shouted with labored breathing, still shocked by this sudden appearance.
Inaba Tsukuyo frowned, her expression showing clear displeasure. "Stop being so loud, it's extremely annoying." Her voice was flat yet sharp like the blade of the sword sheathed in her hands.
The girl tilted her head slightly, an uncomfortable expression clearly visible on her usually emotionless face. "As for how I got in, blame yourself. The door wasn't locked, so I entered. It's that simple."
"D-don't you know about privacy?! This is my room!" Chen Ye protested with his face reddening between anger and embarrassment.
"Your room?" The corner of Inaba Tsukuyo's lips curved upward forming a cold smile that was barely visible. "That's quite amusing."
In a blink that couldn't be caught by normal vision, Inaba Tsukuyo's figure vanished and reappeared beneath Chen Ye's frozen gaze. A lightning-fast movement that made Chen Ye feel his hair stand on end.
"Until you get approval from the others, you're just a stranger here." Her voice was like a winter wind whisper that pierced to the bone. "Remember that well."
Chen Ye fell silent, memories of his conversation with Yozakura Tsubomi and the Sword King spinning in his mind again. He sighed in frustration, gathering his courage to ask, "Then why are you here?"
"As your guide, of course," Inaba answered with a slightly lighter tone.
"So you'll be my guide?"
"It's easier if it's someone we know, right?" There was a faint trace of playfulness in her voice. "Well, even though we've only met once." She paused for a moment, choosing her words carefully. "Or perhaps, would you prefer if that person—Aoi Sui—became your guide?"
"No, thank you," Chen Ye firmly refused, his shoulders tensing just from hearing that name. Instead of a guide, he might not be able to restrain himself from punching Aoi Sui's annoying face as soon as they met!
Inaba Tsukuyo seemed satisfied hearing that spontaneous answer. However, her expression changed and her voice suddenly sounded annoyed. "But it's very disappointing. It should have been only me as your teacher, but other people were also given the right to train you." There was an undisguised possessive tone in her words.
"Hahaha..." Chen Ye laughed awkwardly, not knowing how to respond.
"But it doesn't matter." Inaba Tsukuyo straightened her back proudly. "In the end, the one who's serious about training you is me."
"T-that's right." Chen Ye quickly nodded, choosing not to oppose that statement.
"Yes, now change your clothes." Her command was firm and indisputable. "We'll be leaving soon."
"Leaving? Where are we going?"
"Isn't it obvious?" Inaba Tsukuyo shook her head, as if talking to a small child though her eyes remained tightly closed. "I'm going to introduce you to the other members of the Yozakura Family."
***
"I'm ready." Chen Ye stepped out of his room, this time with a much neater appearance. Though not overly luxurious, at least his appearance was presentable enough to meet members of a distinguished family.
Inaba Tsukuyo, who had been waiting patiently, nodded briefly and began walking. "In that case, follow me. While walking, I'll explain some important things to you."
"Important things?" Chen Ye matched his pace with the petite girl.
"Yes, you might have already heard it from Aoi Sui." Her voice was so low that Chen Ye had to sharpen his hearing. "But don't wander to other places without me, or you might die."
Hearing that deadly warning, Chen Ye furrowed his brow deeply. "...Why?"
"The answer is simple," Inaba Tsukuyo replied with an almost unnatural calmness. "Only a minority of Yozakura members like me are willing to train you," she paused for a moment, "while the majority... They don't take you seriously."
"What? They're opposing the family head's orders?" Chen Ye couldn't believe what he was hearing.
"You're exaggerating too much." Inaba Tsukuyo shook her head slowly. "They're loyal, of course. But their attitude toward strangers has never been good." She glanced toward Chen Ye, as if she could see despite her closed eyes. "Moreover..." her voice changed to a sharp whisper, "they look down on you for relying too much on that 'old ghost' to help you."
"W-what?!" Chen Ye gasped. "We haven't even met, but they already look down on me?"
"That's natural," the heavy voice of the Sword King suddenly echoed between them as his transparent figure appeared.
"Master?"
"Don't be surprised by what the girl said, Chen Ye." The Sword King folded his arms with a serious expression. "The fact is, your arrival is like trying to forcibly steal their techniques and make them yours. Not all swordsmen are happy to share their knowledge."
"But I have two SS Rank Talents!" Chen Ye couldn't hide his frustration. "Shouldn't they be happy to train me?"
The Sword King shook his head wisely. "Not necessarily. There are also some swordsmen who simply don't want disciples, regardless of how talented the potential student is. Besides that..." he looked at Chen Ye deeply, "finding a student isn't just about Talent."
"The old ghost is right." Inaba Tsukuyo nodded. "Someone's personality or appearance can also be a reason they like you." Then her closed eyes seemed to look toward the Sword King. "So... You're the Sword King? That's somewhat surprising."
"Yes, that's me." The Sword King nodded with slight pride. Ah... It truly felt wonderful when someone recognized and acknowledged his existence.
"At first I thought you were just an ordinary wandering spirit." Inaba Tsukuyo shrugged slightly. "It seems you've been in trouble all this time, old man."
"And this old man is curious." The Sword King folded his arms, his gaze sharpening. "How can you know of my presence? You're not like that Yozakura girl, are you?"
"Well... My situation is somewhat similar to hers." Inaba Tsukuyo nodded slowly. "If the Family Head is sensitive to life energy, I'm sensitive to sound." She turned toward Chen Ye. "Previously, I heard this person—Chen Ye—talking like a madman, but after hearing that necklace often emit strange light sounds, I just drew a logical conclusion."
That explanation sounded amazing from another perspective, but there was something odd that began to disturb the Sword King. Not just him, even Chen Ye began to raise questions in his mind...
Their first meeting where Inaba Tsukuyo pointed in the wrong direction, her habit of always keeping her eyes closed, her way of relying on hearing for navigation, and this morning—Chen Ye had glimpsed her red pupils that held no light.
"Little girl... Are you..."
"You guessed correctly, Sword King," Inaba Tsukuyo said with an indifferent tone. "Yes, perhaps because I have extraordinary sword talent, I was born with blind eyes."
"..."
"..."
This time, not only Chen Ye but even the Sword King fell silent, shocked by that confession.
"That's..."
"No need to think too much about it." Inaba Tsukuyo raised her hand, stopping any sympathy that was about to emerge. "I'm already used to living like this. But," her voice changed slightly threateningly, "stop talking loudly or shouting because it's really annoying to the point where I want to cut you."
"Alright, I'll do that." Chen Ye quickly nodded, cold sweat flowing down his forehead.
"So now-" Inaba Tsukuyo was about to continue, but a casual voice that suddenly appeared cut off her words.
"Oh? So this is the student of the famous Sword King?"
"?!!"
Both of Chen Ye's eyes widened in shock, while Inaba Tsukuyo's expression hardened, her small hand ready at the katana's hilt.
A young man who seemed to emerge from nothingness now stood before Chen Ye, observing him with undisguised curiosity. There had been no sign of his presence a second before, as if he had just melted from thin air.
His eyes were brilliant blue, radiating a cheerful and relaxed aura that contrasted with the intimidating aura emanating from his body. His long dark blue hair was tied carelessly into a ponytail, giving a mysterious yet dangerous impression.
His clothing consisted of an elegant peach-pink kimono with beautiful purple cloud patterns flowing along the bottom. Over it, a bright blue haori covered his kimono. A pair of handmade wooden sandals completed his appearance that looked so traditional yet captivating.
At first glance, the young man appeared quite friendly and approachable, but Chen Ye's instincts screamed warnings! Cold sweat began to dampen his back as he felt the terrifying aura hidden behind that friendly smile.
'Who is this person?!'
Chen Ye felt horrified. Though the young man before him appeared friendly, he carried a deadly aura—especially from the two katanas sheathed calmly at his left waist. Even the Sword King, who had experienced thousands of battles, trembled invisibly.
As the young man was about to step closer to examine Chen Ye, a katana blade suddenly appeared, pressing against his neck with terrifying precision.
"Come any closer, and my katana will cut you," Inaba Tsukuyo's voice sounded cold as ice. Her empty blood-red eyes were now open, radiating frightening intimidation despite being unable to see.
However, even Chen Ye could sense that Inaba Tsukuyo's voice also trembled slightly—a sign that the girl wasn't as calm as she appeared.
The young man blinked several times, looking surprised before his laughter broke out, light and carefree. "Oh my, it seems I'm not welcome here." He raised both hands in a surrendering gesture. "Well, since our cute Tsukuyo has said so, I'll back down."
With a casual tone that was almost playful, he looked at Chen Ye from head to toe, then nodded several times. "I see, no wonder you need intensive training." He assessed sharply. "Regardless of your extraordinary Talent, it seems your body can't keep up with its development. No wonder the Sword King asked for our help." His smile widened, showing a row of teeth that were too perfect. "If I had to compare..." he paused for a moment, "It's like a super-powered insect," he said carelessly, as if he had just given a compliment.
"..."
"..."
Not only Chen Ye and the Sword King were silenced by that subtle insult, even Inaba Tsukuyo remained motionless.
The girl finally sighed deeply. "I didn't bring him here to meet you."
"Yes yes I know." The young man chuckled softly. "You're always so rough, Tsukuyo, but I also have to train him, don't I? I just came here to see what kind of person he is for a moment."
Inaba Tsukuyo ignored him and firmly pulled Chen Ye's arm, leading him away from that dangerous young man.
The young man didn't try to follow them both, only waving his hand casually while smiling meaningfully, watching their departure with an indecipherable gaze.
"That person just now..."
"I warn you, stay away from him," Inaba Tsukuyo said firmly, her tone leaving no room for argument.
"Who is he?" Chen Ye asked nervously. He still felt uneasy, the shadow of that young man still dancing in his mind.
"Cecilus Segmunt." Inaba Tsukuyo's expression darkened. "He's..." the girl seemed to search for the right words, "consider him a madman. This is my advice, old man..." She looked toward the Sword King seriously. "Stay away from that person. I'm afraid you'll be destroyed forever."
"Master can be killed by that person?!" Chen Ye was stunned, unable to believe anyone could kill his master.
"..." The Sword King fell silent, but secretly followed Inaba Tsukuyo's advice. Though it slightly hurt his pride, it was better to play it safe for now. He also admitted that he shuddered when facing that young man named Cecilus Segmunt...
"We've arrived," Inaba Tsukuyo stopped in front of a large wooden door decorated with intricate carvings, "but before that, I'll give you one last warning."
"W-what is it?" Chen Ye swallowed, feeling his throat dry.
"Never be offended by their words or try to do something stupid." Inaba Tsukuyo's voice lowered, almost like a whisper. "Even I myself can't help you if you make a mistake."
"..." Chen Ye was silent for a moment, thinking about the implications of those words. "There's something I want to ask... How strong are you in the Yozakura Family?"
"..." Inaba Tsukuyo didn't answer for several moments, oppressive silence enveloping them. Finally, with a voice barely audible, she answered, "This is a disappointing answer, but in the Yozakura Family... I'm the weakest."
"?!" Chen Ye's eyes widened in disbelief. "Wh-"
"We're going in." Inaba Tsukuyo cut him off, not giving a chance for follow-up questions.
"W-wait!"
Chen Ye hurriedly followed Inaba Tsukuyo who had stepped into the large room waiting for him behind the door...
***
On the other side of the Yozakura complex, the figure of Cecilus Segmunt walked with light steps through the vast courtyard. A gentle breeze played with his long blue hair while his gaze wandered far.
He appeared carefree, as if the world was merely his playground stage and he was free to do whatever he desired.
Suddenly, his steps stopped. He stood still, his head slightly tilted to the side while his hand casually held his chin, a contrived thinking gesture.
"Hm... Why don't you just come out?" His voice was calm but full of provocation. "Besides, your hiding is like children's hide-and-seek. Quite embarrassing to imagine."
As those words echoed in the air, several black-clothed figures suddenly flickered and appeared before him, as if created from shadows themselves.
Their appearance resembled professional assassins at first glance—all-black clothing that clung to their bodies, masks covering their identities, and thick killing auras. However, with the conspicuous snake-patterned symbol carved on their backs, it was quite clear they weren't a Guild focused on assassination.
Cecilus Segmunt raised his eyebrows, looking slightly interested. "I don't remember the Yozakura Family inviting guests other than that young man?" He said with a light tone, as if discussing the weather.
"Hand over that person," a heavy, deep voice came from one of the masked figures.
"Oh?" Cecilus Segmunt blinked several times, his expression changing to undisguised interest. "So you can speak. Well, I don't really care about that young man, but..." his eyes sharpened, "what will you offer in return?"
"We won't disturb the Yozakura Family," the masked figure answered with finality.
"..." Cecilus Segmunt was stunned for a moment, his eyes widening slightly... then explosive laughter burst from his mouth. Not just light laughter, but thunderous laughter full of mockery. "Hahaha!! You said something very funny! I don't remember you being a circus group?" He wiped imaginary tears from the corner of his eyes. "Oh, or perhaps..." Cecilus Segmunt's gaze flashed dangerously, "...'Black Mamba' has indeed just changed professions to become circus clowns?"
"You're seeking death, brat?!" One of the Black Mamba members hissed angrily, dark aura beginning to emanate from his body.
"Brat?" Cecilus Segmunt chuckled softly. "Oh yes, compared to you all, I am still-"
BOOOMM!!!
His words were cut off by an explosion of dark energy that swept the position where he had been standing. Dust and wood fragments flew everywhere, obscuring vision for several moments. However...
"Not bad. That attack just now was enough to instantly kill a Rank B swordsman." Cecilus Segmunt's casual voice came from behind them. "Even Tsukuyo might struggle against it."
"?!!!"
The Black Mamba members were stunned, their bodies tensing when they realized Cecilus Segmunt was standing calmly behind them, without the slightest scratch. There was no trace of how he could have moved that quickly.
"Kill him!" Their leader shouted furiously, rage enveloping his tone.
The Black Mamba members scattered with impressive speed, their movements coordinated with precision that could only be achieved through years of training. One by one, they drew swords that had terrifying dark auras, black energy emanating from those sharp blades.
"Hm... Weapons that have become the symbol of Black Mamba's pride." Cecilus Segmunt observed with interested expression. "Demon Sword, that's what you call them? A little advice from me," he smiled, "those weapons aren't good for your health-"
"DIE!!" The Black Mamba swordsmen shouted in unison, cutting off Cecilus's words which they considered insults.
"Hah, you're all really stubborn." Cecilus Segmunt sighed dramatically, as if facing naughty children. "In that case..." his eyes flashed coldly, "I'll show you the difference in our strength, insects."
All the Black Mamba swordsmen swung their weapons simultaneously, trying to stab and slash toward Cecilus Segmunt who still stood casually without moving an inch.
Cecilus Segmunt took one small step forward and-
His figure flickered in a blinding blue flash of light.
BOOOOM...!!
"?!!"
All the Black Mamba swordsmen staggered backward when Cecilus Segmunt's footstep created tremendous shock waves that shook the entire area! The ground beneath his feet instantly cracked like a giant spider web, and their balance was disturbed by the unreasonable force.
"You're a thousand years too early to face the Yozakura Family."
That bored whisper was the last thing they heard before-
SLASH! SLASH! SLASH!
Blue sword flashes almost invisible to the naked eye spread in all directions like a deadly light storm. But strangely, those flashes seemed to have their own consciousness, automatically targeting the Black Mamba swordsmen without missing even slightly!
Unable to dodge attacks too fast for their senses to capture, the Black Mamba members were torn apart in horrifying ways. Their screams didn't even have time to emerge as their bodies were split into irregular pieces.
Blood spurted in all directions like red rain, creating pools of death on previously clean ground. Body parts and human flesh scattered horrifyingly, some headless bodies still standing for several seconds before collapsing, spurting blood from severed necks.
And standing in the middle of that bloody chaos was the figure of Cecilus Segmunt—still with a casual expression, as if he had just finished light warm-up exercises. Not a single drop of blood stained his clothing.
"Black Mamba turned out not to be as strong as I thou-oh?" Cecilus Segmunt was slightly surprised when his eyes caught the figure of the Black Mamba leader still breathing weakly among the pile of his comrades' corpses. "You're still alive? I have to praise your vitality."
"D-damn monster..." The swordsman hissed, blood flowing from between his pale lips.
"Inaccurate," Cecilus Segmunt smiled gently, creating a horrifying contrast with the massacre he had just performed. "More precisely, this is the difference between my strength and you frogs in a well who have never seen the vastness of the ocean."
"Pffft..." The Black Mamba swordsman spat fresh blood, his breathing growing weaker. "O-our group won't let the Yozakura Family... Just wait," his eyes flashed with hatred, "Black Mamba will soon prepare its main forces to attack you..."
"Your words make me look forward to it." Cecilus Segmunt smiled widely, pure joy radiating from his face. "The Yozakura Family will happily welcome you with open arms."
"P-psychotic madman..."
With those last words, the Black Mamba swordsman breathed his last. Cecilus Segmunt looked at that dying body with a flat gaze, before casually kicking it. The nearly lifeless body was thrown against the wall with unimaginable force, instantly turning into horrifying red paste upon hitting the hard surface.
Cecilus sighed deeply, his eyes gazing at the bright morning sky—a perfect contrast to the massacre that had just occurred. He seemed lost in his deep thoughts.
'Everything will become troublesome, but that's not a problem because everything is according to plan.'
Immediately after that thought ended, a system notification appeared before him.
[Ding! Obtained 5,000,000 Achievement Points!]
***
The template that Lux currently has:
1. Raiden Ei / Shogun
• Origin : Genshin Impact
2. Takamiya Mayuri
• Origin : Date a Live
3. Artemisia Bell Ashcroft
• Origin : Date a Live
4. Inaba Tsukuyo
• Origin : Busou Shoujo Machiavellianism
5. Dabi / Todoroki Toya
• Origin : Boku no Hero Academia
6. Tomioka Giyū
• Origin : Kimetsu no Yaiba / Demon Slayer
7. Kiana Kaslana – Herrscher of the Void
• Origin : Honkai Impact 3rd
8. Takamiya Mio (Limited)
• Origin : Date a Live
9. Itsuka Kotori
• Origin : Date a Live
10. Aoi Sui
• Origin : Mission, Yozakura Family
11. Yozakura Tsubomi
• Origin : Mission, Yozakura Family
12. Morax
• Origin : Genshin Impact
13. Cecilus Segmunt
• Origin: Re;Zero kara Hajimeru Isekai Seikatsu