Three days have passed since we arrived at the Dark Continent.
Though, to be honest, it doesn't seem that way—given how calm and peaceful everything looks...
So we camped by the shore for a while to recover our strength after the ship that brought us here returned to the Immortals' Continent.
During our rest, I took enough time to scout around and make sure we had landed on the right continent, and not just some random place.
But... the strangeness of this land still pulls at me every time I wander through it.
A beach with golden sands and clear waters, bizarre-looking sea creatures that are oddly friendly—contrary to expectations...
And breathtaking trees that bear not a single fruit.
Well, with all that strangeness, I'm quite sure this really is the Dark Continent...
Although "Bright Continent" would be a more fitting name, at least at first glance.
.....
"Master, we're ready!"
Now that we've recovered and prepared sufficiently, we'll finally head toward our true destination.
It seems we won't learn anything more by lingering here.
*CRACK
Unfortunately, my beautiful and sharp sword can no longer withstand the force of my Sword intent. It seems I'll have to find a greater blade to accompany me through the rest of this journey...
You've done well to endure this long, my little companion...
Still, a sword like this deserves to be broken in a Great battle, not in a quiet place like this. So...
"Let's move!"
"Which way do we take, Master Tel?"
Hmm... the forest looks too ordinary, while the desert ahead appears much stranger...
And if I remember correctly...
"The desert. That's the right path."
"What? Won't we get lost if we cross the desert?"
"It's the same risk if we take the forest. But here's the key: anyone seeing this desert will think it's connected to the Great Desert in the far east of the world map—but that's wrong. The Dark Continent is not connected to any other continent.
So the desert is the right way."
After all, dragons are creatures that love the heat, aren't they~?
"Well, let's follow the master's lead, Kugssa. He knows more than us anyway."
Their relationship is improving steadily... Good.
.....
It's been hours since we began flying over the desert. And yet, we've seen nothing but endless sand dunes, despite covering dozens of kilometers...
Something feels off.
"Maria, activate a magic detection spell. Sense the area around you with your magical awareness, not your eyes."
"Okay."
〔Spiritual Magic – Magic Scan〕
Maria activated the skill she learned during our sea voyage.
As expected...
Mana fragments began to shimmer in the air.
"It's a high-level magical illusion."
"Magical illusion? Is that different from a regular illusion?"
"Of course. A magical illusion is a imaginar spell—only higher races can deploy it on such a vast scale. It doesn't just deceive your senses, it even confuses your magical perception."
"Then how do we pass through it?"
*RUSTLE
Tch. Looks like we've got annoying company.
"First, we'll deal with some pests…
Kugssa, Nature Spirit Magic—give it your all!"
"On it, Master Tel!"
〔Mana Blessing – Blessing of Mother Nature〕
As soon as she activated her skill, the desert before us turned into a vast green oasis.
This took our unwanted followers by complete surprise.
"Maria, protect Kugssa while she recovers her energy. Don't move, no matter what happens!"
I grabbed my cracked sword and rushed toward the first scream I heard ahead.
I struck with a blow infused with Sword intent—only to be surprised when it was blocked.
"Catch him! Surround him and restrict his movements at all costs!"
Immediately afterward, I noticed five others—two men and three women...
And they were strong.
I punched the guy who blocked my attack, aiming to knock him out—but even with my enhanced body, he didn't flinch. Meanwhile, the other two men attacked me from behind, supported by defensive spells from the others, and cursed-based attacks.
So I underestimated them… A grave mistake. Tch.
I grabbed the first guy by the neck and hurled him at the rest before their spells could land.
Then...
〔Holy Body Technique – Sword Path〕
〔Thelma Blade〕 + 〔Sword intent〕
I attacked them with the remaining Sword intent swirling around me...
*THUNDERCLAP
Tch... they're still standing...
But what is this feeling...
A feeling I haven't felt in a long time...
Am I... enjoying this battle? Against a group of warriors and mages at the level of Supreme Sovereignty?
Without realizing it, I began to smile, enjoying each swing of my sword...
With every strike, my blood surged with vitality and began to boil...
Battle Euphoria… it's been too long!!
"Hahaha! Keep holding out, as long as I'm enjoying this!"
〔Holy Body Technique – Body Path〕
〔Thelma Berserker〕
*DEAFENING-EXPLOSION
"Aaaghhh... Protect the others! Don't worry about me!"
"Where are you looking mid-fight, you amateur?"
Sound of bones shattering
"Gaaaah!"
One down.
Now for the rest...
〔Holy Body Technique – Sword Path〕
"Stop!!"
A barrier?
"Who dares interrupt my battle?"
A woman?
"What the hell are you doing fighting him instead of capturing the Sword Saint?!"
"But... but Your Majesty, he matches the description in the report..."
"What? This man is not the Sword Saint—he's far stronger! Didn't you realize he was playing with you?!"
Wha...
"What the hell is going on... And who are you? Why did you interfere with my fight?!"
"I... I'm truly sorry for what my subordinates caused you. They mistook you for someone else due to your Sword intent. I sincerely apologize on their behalf."
You're apologizing just like that? Then what about my fight!!!
'Damn it… damn it… damn it… I've never seen someone that strong before. If he wanted to kill us, we'd be in hell already!'
Haaah...
Looks like I got a little too excited...
"Who are you?"
"I-I am the Queen of the Warrior Kingdom on the Dark Continent. These are members of my personal unit."
Warrior Kingdom... No wonder they're all at the level of Sovereignty.
There are two Warrior Kingdoms that form the foundation of guilds across the world. The first, and strongest, is on this continent. The other is within the Racial Union.
But to attack me out of nowhere like that...
What did the Sword Saint do to them?
"Forgive me, sir, but... are you one of the legends? A Virtue?"
"So you've heard of them?"
"Yes! We Sovereigns dream of one day becoming Virtues!"
"I see... but no, I'm not one. Or... not yet, at least."
'Not yet? But I can feel the pressure of his Path from this distance—it means he's already sealed it... Then what is he, if not a Virtue?'
"That's not the point… How do you plan to compensate me—especially for what you did to my poor, frightened disciples?"
Damn, I completely forgot!!
"I'm sorry. I'll make sure to compensate you to the best of our ability, if you would kindly visit my humble kingdom."
Trying to take advantage of this even now? This is why I hate politicians.
"Forget it. I'll visit your kingdom myself—and I will ensure I get proper compensation for what you did to my scared little disciples."
'Scared? All I see are two girls completely calm and cheerful... Where's the fear? I don't see it...'
"What? Do you have something to say?"
"No, no, sir. Safe travels!"
Then we left.
"Master Tel! That fight looked so fun—I want to fight too!"
"Shut it."
"Ouch... That hurts!"
.....
The queen collapsed to the ground, trembling in terror.
"I... I really thought that was the end."
"Your Majesty! Are you alright?"
Meanwhile, not too far from the battleground...
"What a powerful man~ I can't wait to fight him!"