Chapter 6: Awakening of the Phantasm Beasts

Xiulante slowly scanned those present, as if collecting his thoughts. Then, he composed himself and turned to Mels, saying, "Actually, from the moment you agreed to come to the imperial capital, I wanted to use your abilities to secretly carry out a task. Thinking about it now, this matter might have some connection to you as well.

Although I am the Dragon Knight Regiment Commander and also serve as the deputy commander of the Imperial Capital Defense Corps, the true controllers of the capital, aside from His Majesty the Emperor, are Duke Bolt and the Left and Right Prime Ministers. Sometimes, Duke Bolt's methods may lean toward a fondness for power, but his loyalty to the empire has always been unmatched, which is why he is valued by His Majesty the Emperor.

Unfortunately, His Majesty is gradually aging, and the Duke is also troubled by the fact that his son cannot inherit the Eight-part Dragon King.

The reason Duke Bolt can firmly hold the position of imperial commander is largely due to the existence of the Eight-part Dragon King, aside from his own abilities and loyalty to the empire. However, according to legend, a Summoned Beast will enter a dormant state after a certain period of growth. If it cannot be passed down through bloodline inheritance, even the most powerful super Summoned Beast will gradually decline.

Unfortunately, Duke Bolt, who is only in his fifties, has been overworked, and the Eight-part Dragon King has already begun to show signs of decline. Although this is still a secret, it wouldn't be too difficult for those with ulterior motives to find out. It is precisely because of this situation that the civil officials, led by the Left and Right Prime Ministers, have begun to use the aging emperor to marginalize Duke Bolt, even preparing to eliminate Duke Bolt on trumped-up charges. Of course, the vast army under the Duke's control is their greatest concern, so they have already started extensively bribing military generals as preparation.

Although I want to help Duke Bolt thwart these people's schemes, as a Sword Guardian, I often have to travel far and wide to inspect the work of governors across the empire on behalf of His Majesty, and my time in the imperial capital is becoming increasingly scarce.

Originally, I thought their conspiracies could only proceed in secret, but after being attacked by Mosde last time, I suddenly realized they had already entered the practical planning stage. This is only natural—if I were the enemy, I would also want to cut off the Duke's right-hand men, and I happen to be their biggest target.

Given the current situation, the captain of the Imperial Guard Knights, my good friend Count Camus, remains absolutely loyal to the emperor and will not join this power struggle for now, which is at least good news for me.

However, although Camus values his friendship with me, he disapproves of Duke Bolt's arrogance in his youth. Therefore, if the enemy deliberately exploits this, he might become one of them.

So, when I discovered you, I wanted you to enter the empire as Probationary Knights. If that could happen, I could use my position as Knight Captain to assign you to Duke Bolt's side. That way, when I'm not by Duke Bolt's side, you could take my place to protect him, making the enemy dare not cross the line!

Haha, I must say it's my luck and Duke Bolt's fortune that your abilities far exceeded my expectations. What's even more delightful is that you are disciples of the Seven Immortals of Myriad Changes. I believe you also know that the Seven Immortals of Myriad Changes and Duke Bolt have been friends for many years, so I feel even more at ease entrusting Duke Bolt's safety to you.

What I lack most right now is time. As long as Duke Bolt's son can inherit the power of the Eight-part Dragon King, all the enemy's efforts will be in vain. And by using the battle between Mels and me and admitting defeat, I aimed to make the enemy understand that Mels, who suddenly arrived, could replace me and even surpass me.

Then, their attention toward you would increase, while their attention toward me would relatively decrease. This way, not only could I retreat behind the scenes and more easily uncover their hidden schemes, but I could also launch an unexpected counterattack against the enemy at a critical moment!

As for why I haven't been in contact with you during this time, it can be said to be a deliberate ploy to create suspicion. Since I recommended you, it would be normal for me to be in contact with you. But by deliberately avoiding you as if hiding from prying eyes, they would think I already had some agreement with you, and my absence was just to cover it up!"

"So there's such a profound reason behind it!" Mels pondered after hearing Xiulante's words.

"I'm very sorry. I shouldn't have kept this from you from the start. If you're unwilling, I can pretend this never happened. After all, protecting Duke Bolt must be done by those who are genuinely willing; otherwise, irreparable mistakes could occur at critical moments!" Xiulante looked at Mels and the other youths, his face showing apology.

"Uncle, you should have told us earlier! How could we not be willing to do something so exciting? Big Guy, Glutton, Boss, don't you agree?" Sol suddenly said excitedly.

After hearing his words, Mels and the others nodded in agreement. Only Bagina, who was standing to the side, was still pondering the matter and did not express any opinion.

Mels, standing in front of Bagina, didn't notice her expression and continued, "Of course, we're willing to protect Duke Bolt. Not only because our master instructed us to treat Duke Bolt well, but also because he's the person we've admired most since childhood! For both public and private reasons, we'll do our best!"

As soon as Mels finished speaking, he asked again, "By the way, Uncle, you said this matter is related to us, but I still don't understand how. What exactly has a little to do with us?"

"Oh, I'm still speculating about this. Your biggest purpose in coming to the imperial capital is to track down the true culprit behind the destruction of Blue Whirlwind, right? After I returned this time, I learned from my spies that they discovered a group of death warriors within the political alliance of the Left and Right Prime Ministers. These death warriors come from various places, numbering around three thousand, and are said to be completely mysterious individuals dressed in black and masked, making it impossible to uncover their true identities.

More importantly, I learned from my spies that these death warriors gathered in the south two or three years ago, seemingly to carry out some secret mission, but what exactly that mission was remains unknown. So, I think it might be related to the destruction of Blue Whirlwind.

However, all of this is just my speculation, and there's no evidence to prove it yet. Therefore, I believe that if you accept my proposal, it will greatly help you in tracking down the true culprit!" Xiulante said solemnly.

This time, after hearing Xiulante's words, Mels and the others fell silent. After a long while, Mels finally squeezed out a few words through gritted teeth: "If it's confirmed to be them, I'll make sure they 'leave no one alive'!"

Looking at Mels' expression at that moment, even Xiulante couldn't help but shudder, thinking to himself: The hatred in this child's heart can no longer be erased by anything, except the blood of the enemy...

Just as Xiulante was lost in thought, Mels suddenly said, "Since Uncle has told us everything, we won't let you down. Don't worry, Uncle, tomorrow we will definitely advance to the finals and become Probationary Knights!"

"Haha, that's good. It's getting late, so you should rest early. I believe you will all achieve victory in tomorrow's battles and smoothly advance to the finals! I'll take my leave now." With that, Xiulante bid farewell to the group and left the inn.

After seeing Xiulante off, Mels returned to his room. He lay on the bed but couldn't fall asleep no matter what.

The news brought by Xiulante once again reopened the wound in his heart. After tossing and turning for a while, Mels put on his clothes, left the room, and headed to the open-air garden on the inn's rooftop, hoping the cold night wind would gradually cool the burning blood of revenge in his heart.

Sitting on the edge of the rooftop, alone, Mels felt the clutter in his mind growing stronger. No matter how hard he tried to forget his unhappiness, it had no effect.

In his frustration, he suddenly remembered Little One, who hadn't appeared for a long time. So, he extended his left hand and gently called out to the Summoning Gem: "Little One, come out and talk with me, okay?" Green light immediately flashed with his words, and the little green dragon, who had grown quite a bit, appeared before Mels.

"Boss, you haven't called me in a long time," Little One said, hopping closer to Mels.

"Sigh, actually, I've been really troubled lately. There are many things I don't know how to handle, so I was afraid of summoning you and making you unhappy too. That's why I haven't called you," Mels said affectionately, stroking Little One's head.

"Boss, have you forgotten? I... I can no longer sense your feelings," Little One said sadly.

"Ah! I really did forget," Mels exclaimed in surprise. Then, he withdrew his hand from Little One's head, looked up at the sky, and said softly, "Yes, even if I summon you, you won't be affected by my mood. How foolish of me!"

Looking at Mels' desolate expression, Little One's heart suddenly ached as if pierced by a needle. Gazing at Mels' back felt like looking at a stranger, a master who was gradually drifting away.

No, this isn't my boss. I don't want a boss like this! A painful voice kept shouting in Little One's heart, as if foretelling a terrible fate.

"I refuse to accept this! I don't want this!" Little One fiercely resisted his own feelings. Finally, he mustered his courage, took a few gentle steps forward, raised his head, and said to Mels with hope, "B-Boss!"

Hearing Little One's strange call, Mels turned curiously and asked, "Hmm? What's wrong, Little One?"

"Boss, do you no longer need me? Has my inability to understand your feelings made me meaningless? Does my current form trouble you? Do you dislike me?" Little One said with difficulty, lowering his head.

"Silly, you're my most important partner!" Mels smiled, hugging Little One in his arms while gazing at the night sky. "I do have many troubles, and I do wish you could understand, but that's just my own thought.

Just as I'm gradually growing up, you'll also become more mature and more powerful. We'll both undergo some changes, but no matter what changes occur, you'll always be my Little One, and I'll always be your boss!

When you were still very weak, I hoped you would become stronger, a super Summoned Beast that would make any enemy fear you. But after your evolution this time, I realized that your existence is what matters most to me!

Even if you're weak, even if you can't understand my feelings, it doesn't matter. As long as you can exist safely by my side, that's enough! Maybe my thoughts are selfish, but I sincerely hope so, because you're my most important partner, the most important partner for life!"

Listening to Mels' words and seeing his sincere expression from the heart, Little One almost shed tears. He looked up at Mels and said, "Boss, do you really think so? Is this really how you feel?"

"Haha, you big silly, don't you know what kind of person I am? You don't need to overthink anything. Just remember that you and I are inseparable. If either of us disappears from this world, the other has no reason to live! We're the best partners!" Mels narrowed his eyes and smiled at Little One.

"Partner? Partner! Yes, what am I confused about? What does synchronization rate matter? What does not understanding the boss's feelings matter? We're partners. As long as we care for each other, that says it all!" Little One realized.

At that moment, a burst of identical green light suddenly flashed between the Summoning Gem on Mels' arm and Little One. Looking at the strange sight before him, Mels was stunned, while Little One sat motionless and steadily in Mels' arms. The green light, though dazzling, was exceptionally gentle, as if the blood flowing in their bodies was merging and communicating with each other.

Quietly feeling the warmth emanating from the light, Little One suddenly realized he seemed to sense Mels' confusion. Although it wasn't very clear yet, that familiar but lost feeling had indeed begun to return.

"Boss, are you wondering why this light appeared?" Little One asked nervously.

"Hmm? Yes, I was just... Ah! Little One, you've recovered!" Mels suddenly realized that the lost synchronization rate between him and his Summoned Beast had reappeared! Overjoyed, Mels immediately lifted Little One high into the air. At that moment, the green light gradually faded, and the surroundings returned to their original darkness.

The unexpected recovery of the lost synchronization rate was the most joyful thing for Mels.

Although Mels didn't understand why the synchronization rate between him and Little One had suddenly increased, Little One vaguely understood that the bond between him and Mels wasn't just that of master and Summoned Beast, but a union of two into one. As long as he wavered in his feelings toward Mels, the synchronization rate would quickly drop. But if he and Mels could maintain their usual closeness, their power would be immeasurable!

Due to the sudden recovery of the synchronization rate, Mels' troubles lessened considerably. By the time they returned to their room, the sky was already turning pale with the first light of dawn, as if heralding the arrival of a new day.

Although he hadn't slept all night, given Mels' current martial arts skills, it was insignificant. After everyone finished grooming and washing up, the confident group left the noble inn and headed toward the central arena.

Although it was still early, the crowd coming to watch the matches today seemed even larger than yesterday. The vendors hawking their wares around the central arena arrived early to secure good spots and make a profit. Meanwhile, the nobles dressed in luxurious attire lingered at the entrance, waiting to enter, chatting in small groups.

Although Mels and the others weren't specially dressed today, their dashing appearances quickly made them recognizable. Both commoners and nobles immediately put aside their ongoing tasks, smiling as they watched these young people who had become famous throughout the imperial capital in a single day.

It was unclear who first shouted, "Go, Mels! I came specifically to watch you today!"

Before the words even faded, the crowd erupted into waves of cheers. "Go for it! Do your best!" "We're waiting for your victory! I've bet all my assets on you!" and various other blessings left Mels, who was experiencing such treatment for the first time, at a loss for how to respond.

Yet, an unprecedented sense of satisfaction and pride echoed in his heart, and his confident gaze now carried an indescribable sense of pride!

Today's arena no longer had ten simultaneous matches like yesterday. Since the number of participants in the next stage had been reduced to one hundred and ten, and only fifty-five matches were needed, the spacious arena now only featured one large central stage and two smaller stages flanking it.

First, the non-seeded contestants would battle on the two smaller stages, while the matches involving the fifteen seeded contestants and their opponents would begin in the afternoon on the central large stage!

Although Mels and the others already knew this arrangement, they still arrived early to watch Bagina and Rek's matches in the morning.

Outside the gates, the crowd was massive, but the contestants' lounge was far emptier. The scene of a thousand people gathered yesterday was gone, replaced by true masters, each possessing extraordinary martial arts!

"Rek, Bagina, go get 'em!" Mels said solemnly to them as they parted ways at the entrance. Since the matches were split between morning and afternoon, Mels and the others could no longer enter the lounge as they had yesterday.

"Don't worry, boss. I'd be mortified if I lost!" Rek said with full confidence.

Although Bagina didn't say anything, Mels saw absolute conviction in her expression as well. Through their long time together, Mels had long known that Bagina had a very strong personality, and her determination to win was even fiercer than his own.

"Alright, I won't say more then. I believe you both can win!" After saying this, Mels took Sol and Akafir to their designated VIP seats.

About an hour after Mels and the others settled into their VIP seats, over a dozen referees appeared one after another, signaling that the matches were about to begin. The opening match of the day was Bagina versus a Thousand-Rider Commander from the Relkes Empire's military.

According to the information provided by Xiu Lante, the Thousand-Rider Commander was named Diados, an expert skilled in using a long spear for long-range attacks! Based on the information, he had placed third in the triennial Empire Generals' Martial Arts Tournament and had once single-handedly annihilated three hundred bandits. Just from this information, it was clear that this was a brave, decisive, and highly skilled opponent!

"Greetings to all our guests. I am the chief referee for this Probationary Knight Selection. First, on behalf of the Empire, I thank all the brave warriors participating in the selection. Although many were unfortunately eliminated in yesterday's elimination matches, this does not indicate their weakness. Instead, it makes us sincerely admire their courage even more!

I sincerely hope that you will strive even harder and make greater contributions to the revitalization of the Empire! Now, please, let's give them a round of applause!" said the elderly man, around sixty years old, as he stepped forward.

After the applause from the tens of thousands in the arena subsided, the old man continued, amplifying his voice with powerful Qi energy: "In yesterday's matches, I saw countless talented young people, and those appearing before us today are the best among them.

The fact that the Empire can gather so many outstanding talents not only demonstrates the Empire's prosperity but is also the best reflection of His Majesty the Emperor's diligent governance and care for the people! Although each of them is so outstanding, the Knight Order—the Empire's elite group—only needs the thirty most excellent warriors among them!

Although a large portion of the warriors appearing today will be eliminated, I believe they will still give their all, displaying earth-shaking power! Now, please welcome the first pair of combatants: Bagina Magik and the Empire's Twelve Frontier Army Cavalry Thousand-Rider Commander, Diados!"

"Whoa!" As the referee's words ended, earth-shaking cheers erupted from all around the arena. Amidst these cheers, Bagina, wearing female armor and looking heroic and spirited, and Diados, clad in military attire, walked out simultaneously from the east and west passages.

Bagina held a gleaming silver longsword, while Diados carried a heavy iron spear.

After both stepped onto the stage, Diados politely bowed to Bagina and said, "I saw Miss Bagina's match yesterday and greatly admire your martial arts. However, please be very careful during the upcoming match, because I will go all out from the very beginning. If I accidentally injure you, I hope you won't hold it against me!"

"Hmph, you should watch out for yourself. I show no mercy to my enemies," Bagina retorted coldly. As the two contestants moved to the red and blue corners of the stage respectively, the head referee raised his flag, signaling the start of the match. Although Mels and the others were now intently watching the match's progress, they never imagined that Bagina, in what should have been an easy victory, would find herself in an unimaginably difficult battle!

The Central Arena was originally an ancient structure built for nobles to enjoy gladiatorial performances. However, with the continuous development of civilization, the cruel gladiatorial performances eventually ceased. Yet, the VIP rooms designed in the center of the arena for high nobles to watch performances alone still remained. While Mels and the others were intently watching the match, in a VIP room in the northwest corner, two men were plotting.

"Well? Is everything in place?" the man sitting in the shadows asked the other beside him. "Sir, everything is ready. We have bribed the staff in the lounge to add a little something extra to Diados's drinking water! Hehe, he'll be dozens of times more powerful than usual! Those brats Xiu Lante brought in are in for a tough time!" said the man with a shrill and obsequious voice respectfully to his "master."

"Good! Well done! As long as we can undermine Xiu Lante's move this time, Bolt's arrogant days won't last much longer. Hahaha..." the man said triumphantly.

On the stage, the battle between Bagina and Diados had already moved from mutual probing to true close combat.

Seeing an opening where Bagina's footing seemed unstable, Diados, who had been maneuvering around her, instantly thrust his heavy iron spear toward Bagina's chest. However, this move was precisely because Bagina had intentionally revealed a flaw to give him an opportunity, so the result would naturally be far from what he hoped.

Suddenly, Bagina changed her previously somewhat clumsy footwork, her legs dancing in the air like fluttering butterflies. Not only did she successfully dodge the swiftly thrusting spear, but with her agile and nimble movements, she flipped over Diados's head, landing behind him, and simultaneously thrust her longsword toward the enemy's back with lightning speed.

Originally, this move was not only extremely fast but also clean and precise. As long as Bagina could make a small mark on the armor over Diados's back, the match would be judged in her favor. However, things did not develop as Bagina had anticipated.

It turned out that Diados's straight spear thrust was also a feint. Although Bagina's reaction speed afterward indeed surprised him, he was prepared and would not let her win so easily.

With equally agile movements, his body did not turn but instead lunged forward toward the empty space ahead. Thus, Bagina's thrust could only hit his afterimage.

Although Diados had just escaped danger, the counterattack he could make was far more than that. As his body lunged forward, the heavy spear in his hand, far from being a hindrance, was deftly manipulated with one hand to curve around his body and thrust toward Bagina behind him in a backward spear thrust (a 'returning horse spear').

Consequently, any follow-up attack Bagina could have made had to be halted to dodge the backward thrust. In the blink of an eye, both sides had executed two brilliant offensive and defensive exchanges.

Quickly resuming his stance against Bagina, Diados smiled kindly at his opponent. However, his smile was misinterpreted by Bagina as a provocation. Enraged by her opponent, Bagina lunged forward recklessly. Although fury burned in her heart, the sword techniques in her hands remained unchanged, and the ultimate skill of the "Seven Immortals of Myriad Changes" continuously flowed from her palms.

Before her longsword even reached Diados, Bagina had already executed nearly ten feints, with the real killing move yet to reveal itself.

For the spectators watching the match, this kind of battle filled with sword flashes was truly thrilling. Experts like Mels, however, could see that Bagina was very anxious inside.

Although seemingly at a disadvantage, Diados showed no sign of anxiety. He calmly deflected the feints Bagina executed while secretly gathering strength, waiting for Bagina's body to enter his attack range before delivering a fatal blow.

Perhaps Bagina felt that since her opponent wielded a long-range weapon, close-quarters combat was the best choice for her with her sword. Therefore, Bagina began to close in on Diados from the periphery with substantial feints.

And Diados was also waiting for the moment Bagina made a mistake. Just as he had planned, once Bagina entered his attack range but her sword could not yet harm him, it would be the best time for him to launch an attack using the length of his weapon.

Sure enough, the impatient Bagina began to make desperate attacks toward Diados like a moth to a flame. Diados dodged the occasional sword flashes that came close while waiting for his enemy to fall into his trap.

Moments later, when Bagina thrust her sword straight at Diados's chest and the latter dodged to the left, his footing faltered, staggering as if about to fall, Bagina seized the opportunity to defeat her opponent. It was at this moment that her body had completely entered her opponent's attack range.

Diados had been waiting for this opportunity! He knew no chance was better than now! His staggering posture corrected in an instant, and the spear in his hand suddenly stirred up a whirlwind of Qi energy, fiercely thrusting toward Bagina's chest.

"*Gale Spear: Silver Snake Emerges from its Hole!*" Amidst the explosive shout, the silver iron spear shot out, seemingly intent on piercing through Bagina's body.

Watching the scene before him, the corner of Mels's mouth lifted slightly as he smiled and said, "He's finished!"

The current situation clearly showed Bagina at a disadvantage, so why did Mels say Diados would fail? Could his eyes be playing tricks on him?

The subsequent developments indeed proved Mels's guess correct. Just as the spear was about to hit her body, Bagina suddenly floated up gracefully, leaping into the air like a fairy. That powerful thrust not only failed to pierce Bagina's body but also left Diados momentarily unable to move due to overexerting his Qi energy.

The unexpected change happened in an instant. In mid-air, after neutralizing the air vibrations caused by her opponent's attack, Bagina merged her body and sword into one, diving down to thrust toward the exposed chest and abdomen of her opponent. The battle situation reversed in a flash!

The diving Bagina almost had victory in hand. Even Mels, watching from the stands, believed that no matter how strong Diados was, in this situation where his forward momentum was spent and new force had yet to be generated, it was absolutely impossible for him to counterattack or dodge.

However, the development of the battle truly produced a "miracle"!

Bagina, with her sword diving down, only needed to close another meter to retract her sword perfectly and land lightly. Yet, at this very moment, Diados, who had lost his twisting force, had already readjusted his posture, desperately trying to retract the extended spear with his arm.

At the current speed, even with the length of the iron spear, he still couldn't block Bagina's sword with the spear held horizontally. No matter how hard he tried, he would fail.

But Diados did not raise the spear; one could say he had no time to raise it. Instead, his left hand suddenly twisted the base of the spear. Abruptly, the originally nearly two-and-a-half-meter-long spear split in the middle, leaving only about a meter of the shaft, which shot toward Bagina's sword at extreme speed.

The change in an instant greatly surprised Mels and once again thwarted Bagina, who had been ready to claim victory.

When Bagina turned her body and landed helplessly, the two once again faced each other in a standoff. However, in this standoff, Mels sensed that the real decisive battle was about to begin. The next strike from both sides would surely determine the outcome.