The Neutral Lands. Mythpoint Reach. The Tree of Darkness.

The air was tense and mood, foul. Towering men looked sluggish as they dragged their feet through the mud, patrolling every nook and cranny of Mythpoint Reach. Umbras and Spirit Beasts alike did the same. They trudged through the open fields, wary of any intruder that might come their way. Overseeing the entire ordeal, two figures crossed their arms in relative displeasure.

“This is bad...” One of the figures said gloomily. “Morale is at an all-time low…”

“It can’t be helped… Losing the Gate of Hell is by far the worst setback that our organisation had faced.” The other Brahmin replied with a sigh. Dark undulations pulsated out of his veins and bent the air around him, showing off his immense might even when idle. “Furthermore, the Allfather has gone into hibernation after that defeat. No army in the world could be happy at that fact.”

“It’s a pity… If not for Junius’ betrayal, we wouldn’t be in such a sorry state.” At this point, all of the higher-ups knew that the Blade of Death had defected right before his passing.

“Seymour, back in your day, what did you do to boost morale?” All of a sudden, the other Brahmin raised his question towards the former Sword Baron.

“Shouldn’t you know better than me? Fallen comrade of the Meijing Clan?” The colossal man teased his compatriot, Meijing Xuenkai. That’s right, the two Spirit Venerates that were overseeing the defence of the Tree of Darkness, were precisely the duo responsible for the fight in Lantis Waters just a few months back. The Sword Baron Seymour Fielder and the fallen son of the Meijing Clan, Meijing Xuenkai.

“I’d never grown influential enough to command an entire army,” Meijing Xuenkai chuckled. “Otherwise, why would I have betrayed the clan I sought to protect?”

“Hmmm, I guess you’re right.” Seymour didn’t deny his partner’s words and instead, gazed towards the empty-minded soldiers. “From the beginning, the reason why our forces were so devoted to the Black Masks was due to the Allfather’s overwhelming might. He could crush the established governments, handing them defeat after defeat. However, this time, it’s the Black Masks that are facing defeat after defeat.”

Seymour instantly got to the root of the issue. “We’ve lost all of our Payircis in the Lantis Republic, and our naval forces had suffered a heavy blow during the recent raid. The Obsidian Gate that was meant to bring the entire Kori Federation and the rest of the Terre Continent into chaos was also destroyed. All of our major plans, the deeds that we’ve spent so many decades to build, had all disappeared into a puff of smoke.”

“It’s all because of that Shin Iofiel… That stupid rising star of the Lantis Republic...” Meijing Xuenkai gritted his teeth. He couldn’t wait to see the Lantis Archipelago burn and yet, Shin was lifting it to greater heights. It was evident that the Spirit Venerate wouldn’t look at the young Prince favourably.

“Precisely… Now that the Allfather has gone into hibernation and the Nine Nobles were frantically recalling their forces… It’s no wonder that morale is low.” Seymour wasn’t called the Sword Baron for nothing. He knew what it was like to lose the faith of his subordinates, and it wasn’t a pleasant feeling.

“To answer your question, the best way to boost morale is to show results. Go into another battle and score an overwhelming victory. One that would wipe away the shame of previous defeats.”

“But the Allfather has ordered us to stand guard over Mythpoint Reach...” Meijing Xuenkai frowned. The Black Masks had many rules governing over them; however, there was only one law that mattered. The Allfather’s orders were absolute. It doesn’t matter if they were a Rank 80 Spirit Venerate or a mere powerless Dalit, every single one of them had to listen to the Allfather’s orders, their opinions be damned.

“I know that, so all we can do is trust in the Allfather’s plans.” Seymour Fielder shook his head. “Judging from his hibernation, I can safely assume that the Allfather is planning something big. All of Spirit Immortal Dream’s devices had been moved from the Uncharted Wilderness into Mythpoint Reach as well. I believe that the Allfather has a large-scale plan, one that we can’t fathom just yet.”

“I hope that you’re right… Staying in this small Mythpoint Reach is getting real stuffy!” The Spirit Venerate complained. “And it’s all cause of that bratty Prince of Water,” and he finished off with a snort.

“You’re kind of obsessed with that kid, huh?”

“Who wouldn’t be?! He foiled two of our greatest plans. Both of which we’ve been working on for decades! If not for his interruption, the Grand Scheme would have been at fifty-percent completion, and millions of lives would have been eradicated! Particularly in the Lantis Republic! Have you heard? Now he’s even creating his own organisation that’s specifically built to target us! Who wouldn’t be infuriated?!”

“I guess you’re right...” Seymour sighed. “Still, an organisation to hunt Black Masks, huh? Isn’t he a little too conceited?”

Shin had foiled two of the Allfather’s major plans. That was a fact. However, that didn’t mean that he had the capability of hunting down the Black Masks. The criminal syndicate may be weakened, but it was far from beaten. They still boasted a wealth of Spirit Venerates, Spirit Emperors and Spirit Kings. Over a hundred thousand Dalits that were willing to do whatever the Allfather wanted and if push comes to shove, either one of the Nine Coloured Noble Beasts could intervene in affairs. In terms of overall power, the Black Masks may trail behind the Alliance, but it wasn’t that far behind. In fact, in terms of single-target attacks, the Black Masks were far superior to any force from the three superpowers.

“Hmph! If he comes into our crossfire, I’ll be sure to rip his skin from his flesh. Then, I’ll deliver it back to the Lantis Republic and the fucking Meijing Clan bitches that support him.” Xuenkai spat.

The Sword Baron shook his head. Just before he could give a simple retort, the Tree of Darkness unleashed a wailing siren, bursting the eardrums of any weaklings that stood near.

“This is...”

“The Allfather is calling us! His preparations must be complete!” Meijing Xuenkai beamed. “It’s about fucking time!” With a shout, the Spirit Venerate leapt back into the Tree of Darkness and sped all the way to the central hall. The slumbering giant was finally going to make his move, and it was going to shake the world. None of the Black Masks would dare to miss it for the world.

Seymour was a little less enthusiastic than his compatriot. Sauntering back into the gargantuan structure, the man looked at the orange skies that graced the Neutral Lands.

‘I wonder if you can handle the Allfather’s wrath the next time, Shin Iofiel...’

❖❖❖

The Lantis Republic. Celestial Island. Two weeks later.

Setting up Guardian Sword was harder than Shin had imagined. Logistically and financially, Guardian Sword was in a stable place due to Elrin’s expert handling. Geographically, since the Lantis Republic was shouldering all costs for the organisation’s physical locations, Shin didn’t have to worry about that either. Diplomatically, Kanari was handling the gifts from all organisations throughout the world with a humble smile. So what was Shin’s true challenge?

Manpower. Or to be precise… An overabundance of it.

When Shin had announced that they were recruiting talent, thousands of elites signed up from all parts of the globe, hoping to join the successor of the White Knights. Not to mention, every single entity in the world wanted to gain positive relations with Shin and the myriad of talents that came under his rule. Therefore, Shin had to begin an insane vetting process and was forced to eliminate talents in the hundreds.

Guardian Sword may have a powerful backing, but their resources weren’t infinite. If Shin were to accept every elite that knocked on his door, Guardian Sword would be bankrupt within the hour. Therefore, Shin had to limit the number of places to a measly hundred people. Taking out the positions given to the Lantis Republic and Himmel Empire, there were barely eighty spots left. Thousands came from all parts of the world, and the elimination process was as gruelling as it was cumbersome. Shin had to personally evaluate many of the elites that came through his gates, which took out a vast amount of time.

However, in the end, Shin had managed to narrow down the numbers to the people he’d felt would serve Guardian Sword the best. And now… It was time to reap the benefits of his hard work.

Shin stood at the apex of his lofty throne. A luxurious white coat decorated with images of golden dragons hung down his shoulders, keeping his grand violet ceremonial robes in check. His rich, black hair charmed anyone that laid their eyes on it, and his azure eyes shone like a transcendent lake. By his side, there was an equally dashing woman. Same black hair, but her eyes were shining like blood rubies that had been doused with the eternal flames of heaven. White porcelain skin and a perfect body proportion, there was possibly no better fit for Shin’s companion.

The Prince and Princess stood close to each other as a number of men and women, mostly in their early twenties and thirties, respectfully bowed down to the two royals. At the side, numerous esteemed guests stood watch with great pride. Names such as the Lantis Republic’s Chancellor, Jingyu Shenxian. The Kori Federation’s Prime Minister Duncan and the Himmel Empire’s Sovereign Emperor himself, Tenno. They were all present to witness this historic moment.

Today was finally the day… Today was finally the day where Guardian Sword would be formally formed. In Shin’s right hand, a two-metre-long hiltless odachi glistened in the afternoon light, beaming out a holiness that couldn’t be compared by any entity in the building. Shin smiled as, and his sonorous voice echoed through the chambers.

“Isadore Himmel!”

“Present!” A silver-haired young man instantly took centre-stage. It is said that a dress made a man. His glorious royal garb made the man seem rather majestic, a stark contrast to his usual sloppy attire. Isadore originally possessed androgynous features, making him a beautiful man to begin with. So if one paired Isadore with great clothes, one couldn’t help but drop their jaw.

Though Shin was undeterred. Smiling, he declared: “Son of Himmel and master of whispers. Your contributions to creating Guardian Sword is no inferior to mine. In accordance with our promise many years back, I shall give you a home in Guardian Sword, a place where you can use your talents to the utmost greatest and influence the entire world. From now on... you’ll be the Hall of Whispers’ Master!”

“I appreciate your grace!” Isadore immediately replied and bent his left knee. Shin took the chance to gently touch the Hofuku’s blunt side on both of Isadore’s shoulders.

In truth, all of Shin’s speeches were rehearsed a day before, so everything was moving according to plan. Once Isadore had accepted his position, Shin instantly moved onto the next person.

“Elrin Zedcris!”

“Present!” Elrin replaced Isadore at centre-stage as she wore her signature impish smile.

“Daughter of Zedcris and master of coin. I can think of no better person to run our Hall of Gold. Are you willing to accept the position?”

“How could I not?” Elrin chuckled and got on one knee. “I appreciate your grace!”

“Good!”

Shin continued on with the ceremony, crowning all of the Hall Masters one by one. In order, they were:

Master of the Hall of Whispers. Isadore Himmel.

Master of the Hall of Gold. Elrin Zedcris.

Master of the Hall of Diplomacy. Kanari Saniela.

Master of the Hall of Protection. Zishen.

Master of the Hall of Hunts. Meijing Bingying.

Master of the Hall of Science. Lady Seraphim.

And finally, last but definitely not least. Master of the Hall of Guardians, and Founder of Guardian Sword... Shin Iofiel.

These seven Halls would become the cornerstones of Guardian Sword, guiding it through the turbulent times that lay ahead. Seven halls, seven masters. Each one performing one function that could only be produced by their own expertise. In future, these seven Hall Masters would have their names resonate throughout the entire world, and few wouldn’t have heard of their names. But first… Shin had to write his own history.

Hofuku, the sword that inspired the name of Shin’s organisation, started to vibrate wildly as vast amounts of mana flowed into its blade. Spectral stardust dripped down from its core and filled the marble floors with a dense, yet strangely calming fog. Shin was directing all of his Celestial mana into the former legendary-grade weapon, and with a shout, he declared his intent:

“With the world as my witness… I shall make this oath!”

Shin's muscles turned sore as he forced all of his power into his right arm. The Hofuku was barely able to keep up with Shin’s dense mana and overwhelming power. Fortunately, it didn’t have to endure for long. With one fell swoop, Shin forced the treasured blade into the golden throne that sat towering above all.

“I swear to the earth below and the heavens above. Guardian Sword will not rest until every single ounce of the Black Masks are eradicated from the planet! I shall bring down every Payrici and tear down any structure that houses the Allfather! I will destroy every Umbra and jail every Brahmin! And only when the Allfather had been torn apart from the planet would this blade...”

Shin looked at the Hofuku in fervour. It was the only keepsake he had of Junius. It was the blade that killed thousands, but it was also the sword that gave Shin a new lease of life. It was, without a doubt, the Guardian Sword of Shin’s heart.

“Only after I kill the Allfather… Would the Hofuku see the light of day again.”