"That's fast." In the kitchen of Hero Tavern, Kaslan sighed and carefully sized up the man and woman in front of him. "So, you two are the most outstanding seedlings in the tower, the ones who came to help?"
Cohen Karabeyan had already taken off his police officer uniform and put on a thick Northland leather robe, but his blond hair was still dazzling.
Miranda Arunde, on the other hand, was wearing snow boots and a dark half-body armor. Her shoulder-length black hair was tied into a ponytail behind her head. She did not look like a young lady of the Arunde Family at all.
After going through the strict training and trials of the Tower of Eradication, they knew how to disguise and hide themselves better. Survival in the wild was always a compulsory lesson for Swordsmen and Knights of Eradication.
But their disguises seemed to be ineffective in front of the old tavern man.
"I don't understand." The white-haired old man Kaslan frowned. "This is not a trial game … Shao sent two nobles here? My young master and mistress? "
Cohen's expression froze.
'Did I give myself away?'
He lowered his head and looked at his attire.
"Stop looking. I'm talking about you, silly boy," Kaslan said coldly to his junior, "Your posture and footsteps."
Cohen turned to Miranda in shock. The latter frowned and looked back at Cohen.
"Even from six kilometers away, I can smell the scent of a battlefield officer from all over your body." Kaslan shook his head. "Look at your frightened face, like a rabbit ready to jump up and bite someone. You just came back from the frontline of the Western Desert, right?"
Cohen looked at the old man in surprise.
'How is that possible?
I'm just being on guard. '
According to Zedi's suggestion, he had already adjusted himself well, and the symptoms of 'battlefield withdrawal' were almost non-existent.
'Unless …' Cohen looked at the old man solemnly. 'He was once one of my kind.
An animal that lives on the battlefield.
And a very terrifying kind. 'Cohen recalled the cold gazes of some of the suicide squad members in the desert, and he could not help but feel a chill in his heart.
Cohen looked at the old man in front of him and gave Miranda a look. Unfortunately, his former colleague ignored him. Left with no choice, Cohen could only smile and say, "Mister Kaslan, Master Shao gave us the task of tracking down the Disaster Swords —"
But his words were rudely cut off by Kaslan.
Kaslan ignored Kohen and continued to size Miranda up. He said stiffly, "As for you, little girl, you're dressed like a professional mercenary. You should be able to move about freely in a place like Alumbia." Kaslan ignored Kohen and continued to size Miranda up. He said stiffly, "But you should know that there aren't many mercenaries in Northland. The people here are fierce and aggressive. There are many things that the men in the family can handle with a sword. Mercenaries don't have any business here … Your attire will stand out."
Miranda's expression changed.
"And your temperament … Only a fool wouldn't recognize you as a noble, Miss Arunde."
"But forget it." Kaslan sighed. "At least you're much stronger than many young nobles, Miss Arunde."
Hearing this, Miranda opened her mouth in shock.
How could this be …
My identity.
How could he tell?
When I entered the border, there was no sign of the White Eagle on me at all.
"I say …" The old man on the chair placed his hands on his knees. His brows were raised and his face was full of suspicion. "Do you really know what kind of existence you're facing?"
"The descendants of two dukes and counts, and the Arunde family's people." Kaslan's face was full of disgust. He clicked his tongue. "The young masters and ladies of great noble families …
"Write a letter immediately and ask Shao to send more people here … It would be best if there's a supreme class elite …"
Kohen furrowed his brows.
'Sh * t.
The contact doesn't like us?
What should we do? '
At this moment, the lady from the Arunde family suddenly took a step forward and glared at Kaslan angrily.
"Listen, old man," Miss Miranda Arunde said with a hostile expression. "You do your job, and we do ours. This is the ideal situation. As for our abilities …"
"We know what kind of danger we're facing, and we're not some pampered young master or lady." Miranda's expression was solemn as she enunciated each word clearly. "Kohen is my peer. He's an Awakened from the Glory of the Stars. I know him.
"He has spent many years at the frontlines of the Western Desert, and he knows everything there is to know about battles and wars. He is an outstanding warrior and military officer. On the battlefield, his usefulness will not be any less than that of an old Limiteer who has not moved for decades," Miss Arunde said plainly.
Kohen looked at Miranda in surprise. He stared at his peer who refused to budge at all.
'My God.
When was the last time she praised me?
'Does a woman's temper really become better after breaking up?'
Kaslan revealed an amused expression as he looked at the little girl before him.
'An old body that hasn't moved for decades?
Interesting.
How energetic.
'If I were thirty years younger …'
"I served under the Fortress Flower. I led Constellation's army in Cold Castle, Lonely Old Tower, Overwatch City, and the border between the two kingdoms countless times. I also fought against the Lampard Family countless times." Miranda stared at Kaslan with a sharp gaze. "I know how to fight, old man.
"We're not those inexperienced newbies.
"Of course, from your outdated perspective, only supreme class elites like Master Chartier and Master Zedi can deal with such a situation."
"But Sir Kaslan, anyone can look down on our experience and abilities just because we're young masters and ladies of noble families. Only you don't have the right to say that."
Kaslan narrowed his eyes.
"The first time I heard your name, Sir Kaslan." Miranda slowly placed her hand on the sword at her waist. "It wasn't because of your reputation as the 'Earthshaker', but because of your family name, Kaslan Lampard."
Kaslan raised his eyebrows.
"Yes, every member of the Arunde Family must know the situation of their enemy's family like the back of their hand," the swordswoman said calmly and slowly.
"So?" Kaslan narrowed his eyes again.
Miranda stared at Kaslan. "So, if you have a problem with the Arunde family name because you're a member of the Lampard Family, you can just say it."
Miranda narrowed her eyes and observed every flaw on the old man's body. She tightened her grip on the hilt of her sword and said coldly, "We'll settle our differences with swords, old man."
Kaslan looked at Miranda's sword and smiled in disdain.
"Of course, or perhaps you're just trying to provoke us and want to see our strength for yourself?" Miranda said meaningfully.
"If that's the case, then let's hurry up and end this quickly. Then, we can continue with our mission instead of wasting our time here talking nonsense with an old man."
Kaslan stared at Miranda. His smile disappeared and he returned to his cold, expressionless face.
Looking at the impending conflict, Kohen was so anxious that he scratched his ears and cheeks. "Uh, Miranda … Shouldn't we —"
At this moment.
"Ha!"
Kaslan laughed angrily and interrupted Kohen again.
Kaslan slammed the table and stood up abruptly from his chair.
Even though he was in his sixties, he was nearly seven feet tall and his muscles did not seem to have regressed. He still looked very oppressive.
But Miranda's sharp gaze did not waver. She only bent her body slightly and adjusted the angle of her attack.
"Interesting, young lady." Kaslan suddenly laughed. "You look like a little female leopard when you're angry!
"Alright, that's the end of the test!"
Miranda clenched her teeth.
'End it?
'This old man …'
"Young Kroesch was right." Kaslan's gaze was sharp. He revealed his yellowish teeth and said slowly, "Miranda's observation skills are outstanding. She's resolute and decisive when she encounters problems. She doesn't procrastinate, but she's a little too arrogant."
Miranda was stunned.
'Kroesch …'
"Ah!" Kohen pounded his palms excitedly. "So, uncle, you know Kroesch … What did she say about me?"
"You …"
"Yes, she said …" Kaslan did not mind that Kohen's way of addressing him had changed from 'mister' to 'uncle'. He recalled for a moment and turned his head, revealing a strange expression. "Kohen Karabeyan isn't a bad person, but he's a slow idiot. That's all."
Kohen was stunned for a moment. Then, he scratched his head awkwardly and laughed.
He wailed endlessly in his heart.
'Is my image … so bad?'
Kaslan looked at Kohen and chuckled.
"Brat …
"You know, my wife used to call me a slow idiot!"
Kohen was stunned for a full three seconds.
"Go for it, brat!" Kaslan laughed loudly and slapped Kohen's shoulder.
Kaslan secretly applauded when he saw Kohen's unwavering posture.
"Enough." Miranda interrupted them with a frown. "Can we get down to business now?"
Kohen shrugged helplessly, indicating to Kaslan that she was like this.
"Hey." Kaslan stopped smiling and his expression changed. "Listen, I know why you were sent to deal with the Disaster Swords."
"You, brat, there's a reason you were sent here. Shao told me, you've encountered the Disaster Swords before, right?" Kaslan looked at Kohen sternly.
Kohen was stunned for a moment before he nodded subconsciously.
He lowered his head.
"In Constellation's capital city," Kohen said flatly. "They're related to Blood Bottle Gang."
'As for the other Disaster Swords …' Kohen recalled their reunion in the Hall of Stars. He gritted his teeth and did not say another word.
'It's not time yet.'
"You didn't tell me about this, Kohen." Miranda frowned and looked at her colleague from the same period.
Kohen frowned and gritted his teeth softly. He did not answer.
'It's not that I don't want to tell you.
But … if you want to talk about the Disaster Swords …
'Then Raphael …'
Kohen's expression did not change. He clenched his fists slightly.
"And you, young lady." Kaslan turned to look at Miranda. "You weren't pulled into the Purgers for no reason, right?"
Kohen's expression changed. He raised his head and looked at the swordswoman. She was his colleague from the same generation as him, had similar experiences, and had known him for many years.
Miranda gritted her teeth and did not say a word.
Kaslan did not say anything either. He only waited quietly for her to answer.
After a while, Miranda spoke with difficulty.
"This is related to my father, the Guardian of the Northern Territory … the former Guardian Duke of the Northern Territory, Val Arunde." When she said this, the young lady of the Arunde Family paused.
Kohen looked at her worriedly.
'That … duke who committed treason?'
But in Kaslan's eyes, even though the well-dressed young girl's voice was shaky, she still gritted her teeth and enunciated each word slowly. "In the past four to five years, I found out that he was in contact with some strange swordsmen from the north … and their Power of Eradication is very strange …"
Miranda raised her head and said with a solemn expression, "I told Chartier about this."
Kohen looked surprised.
"See, this is why you are here … You have all come into contact with the Disaster Swords. You have even fought against them and know their characteristics," Kaslan said slowly. "So you are included in the Purgers."
When he heard the familiar words, Kohen's expression became solemn.
"Uncle, you also know about the Purgers?" he asked.
"Know?" Kaslan could not help but laugh.
Kohen looked at him strangely.
"A long, long time ago." Kaslan's expression slowly became cold. "Shao and I formed the Purgers."
Kohen's eyes widened. Miranda stared at the old man in shock.
"Listen, the Purgers have existed for a long time," the old man said slowly. "Just like how the Disaster Swords have been active since a long time ago."
"A long time ago?" Kohen repeated solemnly. He remembered the records of Blood Bottle Gang and the Disaster Swords in the past hundred years.
"A long time ago." Kaslan nodded solemnly. "We were two young men who were crazy about swordsmanship and curious about the Power of Eradication. We tried to find out the truth about the Disaster Swords and finally eliminate their threat.
"At that time, we were about the same age as you. We were far from supreme class. We were impulsive and active, and did not care about the consequences," Kaslan said flatly.
"Shao and I did a lot of hard work … We used all kinds of methods, but the results were always ineffective. And at that time, the Disaster Swords were much more low-key and secretive than they are now. Most of the time, we could not find any traces of them for several years." Kaslan's expression was nostalgic.
"Later, I joined the White Blade Guards. As for Shao … he became the scion," Kaslan said slowly. "Then, the Purgers stopped.
"Until one day, Shao informed me that he was going to gather the Purgers again."
"Why?" Kohen was puzzled. "Why do you want to gather them again?"
Kaslan gave him a profound look.
"Because twelve years ago, they, the Disaster Swords, started their activities again." There was an oppressive solemnity in Kaslan's words. "And they were more active and deadly than before."
Kohen was stunned.
'Twelve years ago …
'Doesn't that mean …'
Miranda clenched her molars tightly. She was also shocked by this fact.
But the little girl's face was pale.
It was as if she had recalled some unbearable memories.
"Follow me." Kaslan stood up. "I will bring you to Kroesch and the clues about the Disaster Swords."
The old man turned around and led them away.
"This time, the matter involves more than just the Disaster Swords and the Tower of Eradication. It also concerns the Prince of Constellation," Kaslan said as he pushed open a door and led the way.
"Wait, what did you say?" Kohen asked in surprise. "You mean the Second Prince of Eckstedt, Thales Jadestar?"
Miranda furrowed her brows.
"Yes." When he said this, Kaslan smiled. "He's an interesting child. He just rested at my place not long ago."
"The heir of Constellation … What happened between him and the Disaster Swords?" Kohen asked solemnly.
"Didn't Shao and the others tell you?" Kaslan turned around, puzzled.
Kohen shook his head. Beside him, Miranda seemed to have thought of something and her expression changed.
Kaslan said slowly, "That's right.
"The Disaster Swords are trying to assassinate your prince."
At that moment, both Cohen and Miranda were stunned.
A few seconds later.
"Disaster Sword?" Kohen asked anxiously. "Why? Why did they assassinate the Prince and heir of Constellation? I thought their target was just us and the Tower of Eradication … "
"Listen, you don't understand the Disaster Swords, and neither do I." Kaslan's tone changed. He stopped and turned around. "But based on my earlier experiences …"
Kaslan's expression was solemn. "Their goal is definitely not as simple as defeating the Tower of Eradication and replacing it."
"As for the prince … Who knows? Maybe he's involved with some northern lords who want his life …"
"Impossible!" Miranda said calmly, "King Kessel used the oath related to the throne to restrain those who wanted to harm him. The prince will be very safe in Eckstedt. No one will dare to lay their hands on him."
"Really?" Kaslan laughed. After his laughter disappeared, he looked at the young man in front of him with a complicated gaze.
"The oath made by your prince and that king of yours … turned him into those precious ancient Alchemy Balls. Once they are destroyed, they will explode and hurt people," Kaslan said flatly. "Indeed, in Northland, no one dares to lay their hands on him. They don't dare to let him explode in their own hands."
At this point, Kaslan lowered his head and his gaze darkened. "But they all hope that he explodes in someone else's hands."
—
Thales stared at Nicholas and Marquis Shiles in a daze, thinking about King Nuven's invitation — or rather, request — which they brought.
"Wait a minute, judging from what you're saying," Thales had an ominous premonition, "King Nuven hasn't found his enemy, Archduke Lampard's collaborator?"
"See, this is why we came to you, Your Highness." Marquis Shiles nodded slightly and flashed a polite smile.
"Why must it be me?" Thales said gloomily, "I'm just a seven-year-old child. I can't play such a high-end game."
"You're not just a seven-year-old child, you're also a seven-year-old genius," Shiles added with a wink.
Thales closed his eyes, feeling a terrible headache.
'Haih.'
"As you said, Prince of Constellation, you're the one who should bear King Nuven's wrath," Nicholas said slowly. His tone was filled with a faint threat. "But now, there's a chance for you to get rid of the pain you shouldn't have to bear.
"Whether or not it's up to you, kid."
Thales heaved a long sigh.
"What do you know about Archduke Lampard's collaborator?" The diplomat group's vice diplomat, Putray, had already realized how things would go. He asked solemnly, "What do you know now?"
"We have a very obvious target now," Nicholas answered with a pale face. "When you were still under Broken Dragon Fortress, Lampard once besieged your diplomat group in order to take down the fortress. He tried to lure the garrison of the fortress to attack."
"Yes." Thinking of Arracca and his Fury Guards, Thales took a deep breath. "There was such a thing … It's definitely not a happy memory."
"The Mystic Gun unit in Lampard's army tried to assassinate you under the orders of a spy officer," Nicholas continued while riding on his horse. "And based on the information we and the Secret Room have, we're almost certain that the mastermind behind that spy officer is our target."
Thales remembered the bombardment from the Mystic Gun. He stared at the snow-covered ground in a daze. Fear lingered in his heart.
"As far as I know, Lampard is also investigating this matter. When we arrived at Lord Kaslan's Hero Tavern, they seemed to have made some progress in their investigation …" Putray frowned. "In that case, the mastermind who sent a spy in Lampard's army to kill Prince Thales and frame Lampard was coincidentally Lampard's collaborator when he planned to murder Prince Moriah?"
"It sounds very disappointing, doesn't it?" Marquis Shiles shook his head gently. His gaze was profound. "He and Archduke Lampard worked together to murder their own prince, but immediately betrayed Archduke Lampard in the murder of another prince from a foreign country."
"The nobles are like White Mountain Vultures fighting for rotten meat. They deceive each other and plot against each other," Aida suddenly said under the cloak. "Northland, and the Northlanders, even the nobles and suzerains, were not like this in the past.
"Without the Empire, all of you have fallen even faster."
The group of people who were marching forward fell silent for a moment.
"Northland, Northlanders." Nicholas seemed to have been triggered. He stared at a flag with a red border and a black background with a crimson dragon. He nodded slowly and said, "One day, we will regain our pride as the Dragon's children.
"In short, Archduke Lampard still does not know that the person who tried to frame him is his collaborator." Marquis Shiles coughed. "And we confirmed this from the progress of Lampard's investigation."
Thales raised his head. "Archduke Lampard definitely knows the identity of his collaborator. If that's the case, why not tell Lampard the truth and work with him?"
"Don't forget that Lampard is also His Majesty's enemy. Conspiring with him to take revenge on another enemy? I don't think the ruler of Black Sand Region will obediently cooperate with us. "Marquis Shiles sighed." Besides, the Northlanders' character … tsk tsk. "
"We won't work with scum like Chapman Lampard who killed his own family." Nicholas' eyes were filled with gloom. "And he and his collaborator have to pay the price for Moriah's death."
"Archduke Lampard and his collaborator are your enemies. One of them killed most of your men under the fortress, and the other tried to kill you with a Mystic Gun." Marquis Shiles' smile did not diminish. He took over the unpleasant topic and continued pressuring Thales. "King Nuven made it very clear that regardless of whether Your Highness agreed to it or not, you are already on this ship."
Thales closed his eyes and took a deep breath.
Even though he knew that from the moment he was crowned with that title, he would have to face everything he once hated the most.
But he still underestimated the power of the game of power in this circle.
It was a game where you could not choose whether you wanted to play or not, and whether you wanted to try your best.
'Born for Constellation.
'Is this how it goes?
'What an annoying feeling.'
The Second Prince of Constellation slowly opened his eyes.
"To lure out Lampard's collaborator, is it?" the prince said flatly. "What does Nuven intend to do?"
Nicholas was about to reply, but he was interrupted by the prince in a completely different tone.
Thales raised his head. His gaze was as bright and sharp as a sharpened blade. "Also, if I cooperate with his revenge plan, what benefits is Nuven willing to give me?"
Nicholas was stunned for a few tenths of a second. He noticed that Thales no longer addressed him as' King Nuven 'or' King Nuven '.
But the commander of the White Blade Guards immediately curled his lips and revealed a faint, cold smile.
"You will be satisfied." The Star Killer looked at the second prince and said slowly, "The Walton Dragon Spear Family is never stingy."
"One more question." Thales raised his head. His gaze was burning. "You said that from Lampard's investigation, his collaborator is the mastermind behind my murder using the Mystic Gun."
"That's right." Nicholas frowned. "Is there a problem?"
"Where did you get the details of Lampard's investigation, and how did you ascertain it?" Thales asked in a deep voice.
"This is our business." Nicholas shook his head. "You don't have to —"
But Thales immediately cut him off!
"This is my business!" Thales' expression was resolute. He emphasized his insistence. "Especially when Nuven wants me to risk my life to play such a revenge game with him. I should have enough information to ascertain whether his plan is feasible!"
Nicholas stared at Thales. His gaze was cold. As for what he was thinking, Thales had no way of guessing … until Shiles coughed softly at the side.
"Lampard has been tracking down the spy officer who commanded the Mystic Gun Unit. His men have efficiently found clues in the black market." Nicholas finally spoke slowly. "But just as he was about to discover the truth, a group of strange swordsmen suddenly appeared. They used a strange Power of Eradication and almost wiped out all of Lampard's investigators, cutting off the clues."
"Strange swordsmen? A strange Power of Eradication? "
Nicholas nodded. "This is not within Lampard's knowledge, so he sought help from a professional.
"And that professional …" The Star Killer lowered his head and looked at his White Blade Guard uniform. "He is our old acquaintance."
"And those strange swordsmen?" Thales asked.
Nicholas gave him a profound look.
"A few days ago, the people King Nuven sent to Constellation to collect the prince's body and investigate the assassination of the diplomat group sent back a message the day before yesterday." Nicholas revealed the crux of the information in detail. "The prince's last bodyguard used the Walton Family's secret method to leave behind an important clue. Among the assassins who attacked Prince Moriah, there were also a few strange swordsmen. Their Power of Eradication was very strange."
Thales figured it out. "Are you saying that the swordsmen who assassinated Prince Moriah and the swordsmen who cut off Lampard's investigation are the same group of people?"
Nicholas nodded slightly.
"Who are they?"
"According to the information, they are a group of traitors from the Tower of Eradication. They are like flies that seek personal gain, people who hide their heads and show their tails." Nicholas looked at each person. "The Tower of Eradication has a very special name for them."
The Star Killer's expression was profound.
He slowly said, "Disaster Swords."
Thales' thoughts were interrupted for a moment by this name.
'Disaster …
'Sword of Eradication?'
"Ah!" Wya, who was listening, suddenly exclaimed softly as he remembered something.
"Speaking of which, when I was in the Tower of Eradication, I seem to have inadvertently heard a few scions talking about this name." Wya felt everyone looking at him, and he said a little nervously, "But that has always been a legend. Disaster Swords … It is said that they are a group of traitors who want to replace the Tower of Eradication."
Thales furrowed his brows.
"Let's find some time to talk, Wya," the second prince said, "about the Power of Eradication and the Tower of Eradication."
Wya nodded.
"No matter what, this group of so-called Disaster Swords participated in the assassination of Moriah and the betrayal of Lampard at the same time. They must have a close relationship with Lampard's collaborator, that's why they listened to his orders and let him do whatever he wanted." Nicholas stared at the snowfield in the distance and frowned. "We also connected these two incidents and caught them."
"I understand." Thales nodded solemnly and said, "When will Nuven's plan begin?"
"Prestige Orchid Snowfield is right in front of us. Once we pass through it, we will reach Dragon Clouds City," Nicholas said slowly as he cast his gaze at the snowfield in the distance, which was almost in line with the horizon.
"The five archdukes should have arrived in Dragon Clouds City. The first obstacle you have to face is to meet them and King Nuven. Be prepared, Your Highness." Marquis Shiles rubbed his gloves. His eyes were filled with the excitement of the start of a great show. "In public, King Nuven will show a tough attitude towards you. He might … be a little rough."
"Rough?
Perfect, it's been a long time. "Thales stared at the horizon with a spirited gaze. He touched his neck gently and recalled the feeling of being strangled.
He said in a powerful voice, "I like rough the most."
Shiles' smile became even brighter.
A strange light shone in Nicholas' eyes.
Putray took a deep puff from his pipe.
Aida continued to lower her head under the cloak without saying a word.
Wya and Ralf just stared at each other in a daze.
Noon arrived. The sun hung high in the sky above the snowfield.
But everyone who had stayed in Northland for many days knew.
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