Author: Pray for me. No seriously pray, bullshit has been calling me a lot lately. Made this chapter longer.

I also took the time to fix some past mistakes while I had the chance. I don't guarantee I got everything though but it should be better now. (Got rid of the 18+ scene also since I’m just gonna focus on story advancement)

-------------------------------------------------

“Surround the complex and prepare for the first assault, and make sure to use the newly acquired troops for the front line, it’s better not to waste good men when we have a suitable alternative.” (Kuro)

“Yes, we will be ready. Men! Take your positions!” (Commanding Officer)

“Ou!” (Soldiers)

“Are you three ready?” (Kuro)

“Yea.~” (Puerial)

“Ready whenever you are.” (Belle)

“No problem.” (Shiro)

Right, no need to delay any further since everyone else that was in power in the city has been taken care of. We also have plenty of meat shields to throw at the sect as well that can mitigate casualties along with various weapons provided to the soldiers to test for any issues.

Based on the intelligence gathered so far; this group shouldn’t be much stronger than my family so I have an idea of what to expect, give or take. Testing out a few things with the troops for improvement shouldn’t be an issue.

This event can also provide valuable experience to the troops about laying siege to large compounds as well. Though, it's better if this ends quickly as well. I want to continue on to Puerial’s village.

-------------------------------------------

Concord Sect Grandmaster POV

The Grandmaster (Oldest and strongest family member) of the sect based in Concord city gazed at the people gathered around him with a dark expression. The possible fall of his home and legacy by the hands of some crazy brat made his insides churn in frustration. All of his efforts laid on the brink and his only support left were these frightened chickens that he leered upon coldly. With a heavy voice, he continued the discussion of how to possibly stave off the crisis.

“What's the status of our defenses and that ancient array we discovered in those ruins deep in the forest.” (Sect Grandmaster)

“Father, we have gathered most of our defensive arrays into the central area as instructed and placed 1/2 of the slaves across the walls to stall the enemy along with the defensive weapons. The array has also been completely constructed, but needs time to charge using the rest of the slaves we gathered before we were cut off from the outside...we still don't know what it does. Should we really-” (2nd Son)

“Yes, we are going to use it. Right now we are on the brink of destruction because of that black haired brat. We are surrounded, and our options are nil. This array shows signs of being a high class grade array that could set us apart from everyone else in this area. I would have prefered to study it further as well, like the rest of you, but we have no time left.” (Sect Grandmaster)

Everyone in the room didn’t utter any other protests as their situation was very clear. Many having expressions of fear and uncertainty. They could only hope their discovery would lead them to a brighter future.

The Grandmasters cold gaze moved about as it landed on a young woman with fair looks that were overshadowed by her despondent expression, some warmth emerged in his eyes as he spoke.

“Little Ming, are you alright?” (Sect Grandmaster)

“*Sigh* If only I had the strength to have killed him back then, then maybe…” (Girl who escaped from Kuro when he was attacking his family. She soiled herself at the time and was with his brother if you still can't remember.)

“It’s not your fault little Ming, it was that damn Crimson Shit sect who made such a monster.” The grandmaster looked warmly at his granddaughter before his thoughts drifted back to his predicament restoring his unsightly and cold expression that was directed at the rest of the present members. “If I had the chance I would-.” (Sect Grandmaster)

*Bang!*

“Grandmaster, the remaining groups in the city except for us have been defeated. The enemy is mounting up their forces to attack us at any minute!” (Subordinate)

The Grandmaster’s face grew darker after hearing this news from the subordinate that barged into the room in panic with a haphazard salute before leaving meekly under his sharp glare. He gazed around at everyone in the room as his thoughts grew more and more angered at the looks of fear in everyone's eyes.

“Get out and support the troops, hold the line until the array activates before grouping back up at it's base.” (Sect Grandmaster)

“Y-Yes father.” (2nd Son)

“Yes Grandmaster!” (The rest of the higher ups)

As he spoke in a domineering tone he signaled with his eyes for his Little Ming to remain behind before continuing.

“They won't stop until we are all either dead or enslaved, so I don't want to see any turncoats or I’ll kill you all myself!” (Sect Grandmaster)

“Y-Yes!” (Everyone in the room)

Gazing coldly at everyone leaving, the grandmaster turned to the only one left in the room. His expression softened as he spoke.

“Little Ming, stay by my side during this conflict.” (Sect Grandmaster)

“Yes grandfather.” (Little Ming)

“Sigh, if your father was still here I would have been more at ease about passing on control of the sect. These bastards though, they have no backbone.” (Sect Grandmaster)

“Grandfather…” (Little Ming)

“It’s alright, let’s not linger any further.” (Sect Grandmaster)

The two left towards the ancient array in silence, their thoughts unknown. Walking down the dark corridor a cold gleam could be seen in the grandmasters eyes, its meaning, only he knows.

---------------------------------------------

Kuro’s POV

I watch my troops as they charge the wall in separate points to divide the enemies focus. Using the slave collars, we commanded the meat shields to disable enemy slaves for the rear guard to usurp control over them for later evaluation. So far they have properly maintained their formations and a making decent enough progress.

As I moved in after them, I noticed gouges along the walls. They were on fixed points across and immediately reminded me of a similar pattern I used on the walls for arrays in other cities. I can only conclude with some certainty that there were arrays here before, but were removed from the walls recently. Yet the purpose for why eludes me since doing this doesn’t make much sense to me.

As for the fighters on top of the walls, they were all slaves with no real purpose other than being fodder to hinder us. This made disabling them pose no issue as we paved the way into the enemy territory.

The only real hassle came when we started receiving fire from the fields down below. Weapons similar to siege weapons from earth were directed towards us as we made way to descend the walls. The ammunition appeared to be enchanted as they ignited with various effects on their own as the various boulders and spikes flew in the air. Preventing their attacks wasn’t impossible since it could be countered with magic and fighting techniques, but the range and number of targets wasn’t small so the meat shield group took a massive fall in numbers.

However they don't seem to be well practiced in using these weapons as they often miss their targets (main forces) for the most part.

“Crossbowman, aim at the artillery troops! Defenders, give them cover! Let’s see how well these crossbows kill compared to standard bows!” (Commanding Officer)

“Ou!” (Soldiers)

The crossbowman take aim with their crossbows modeled after the Barnett Ghost 410 from Earth that was introduced to me from a hunting enthusiast among the sub-chosen. It was of course enhanced with materials found here which made it more powerful and durable. Compared to it's original from earth, these can reach more than double its original firing range before losing power among other improvements.

“Fire!” (Commanding Officer)

...It was far more powerful than I gave credit. Gaping holes are protruding from almost all the targeted enemies. The bolts appeared to be too fast for them to avoid. I’m not a professional in this area, but I believe this crossbow will be a standard weapon for the troops since we can easily mass produce it for the military.

Various other weapons were tested, however, looking at this...I’m disappointed. I’m starting to wonder why I was told not to attack these sects sooner. It would've been far harder with the resourced I had back before I took over Birgen and the other cities, but it wouldn’t be impossible if I avoided direct confrontation and stuck to sabotage. Yet, when I brought it up with Amare she says I will understand later and refuses to answer my question.

As such, I continue on with the attack. It didn’t take long before the walls and outer perimeter of the sect estate was already subjugated. Many of the sects people have already been slain while anyone who meets certain criteria have been captured.

The thing I’m bothered about is the lack of major players. Even if this sect became far too complacent in their reign, they should have quite a few capable people around. Hmm.

“Don’t waste time, assault team, group up to push toward the central area.” (Kuro)

“Ou!” (Soldiers)

My orders were quickly relayed to the other points of assault, and after a quick reorganization we prepared for another push.

In moments, as we began to lay siege to take the center area, we finally started encountering defensive arrays that are pretty tyrannical in nature. They seem to cause your blood to run in reverse and forcefully expelles it from the body along with a few other types, based on what I can see. There was also a rather thick barrier behind the enemy.

The amount of arrays that appeared was rather staggering. These were obviously placed upon the walls previously. As they have been placed in a more compact formation, these arrays became far more difficult to deal with.

Fortunately, I have become a lot more proficient in how an array works, so disabling them didn’t take long to figure out. The more knowledge I gain the faster I improve. My [Soul Bound Mind] skill makes research easier as I gain knowledge on various things. Identifying the function of an array, even if I’ve never seen it before, isn’t even that hard at this point.

Another method to destroy an array besides disabling it's activation key would be to over charge them with mana that opposes its nature. Which was what a lot of the troops had to do when I used an AOE neutral magic to reveal their locations along with assisting them in identifying which were which. I should set up a tutorial for rudimentary understanding of formations/arrays for the troops in order to avoid this in the future since it isn’t really that efficient.

After long and arduous fighting due to the countless arrays and preventative tactics to delay us, the enemy suddenly retreated. I was annoyed by the amount of tricks and traps the enemy threw at us. It was highly apparent they were simply stalling.

I wanted to push through on my own, but I refrained since I didn’t want the troops I gained with a lot of effort to have too many casualties. Plus this is a good opportunity to teach them a few things so I took advantage of the situation.

The girls were also letting loose all over the place. From what I can feel, they are letting out some stress over some things that disturbed them while we laid siege to the place. Not that I blame them. There were quite a few children in the enemy slave troops. Plus a few of the sect members seemed to have decided to ‘enjoy’ themselves before their deaths rather than fight. They weren’t killed though, that would be a mercy I won't allow.

Cries of anguish and pleads from the fallen enemies echoed around me as I moved forward through the last of the arrays before reaching the barrier. Looking at it, a barrier of this level won't take too much time to take down. It won't be long before the sect falls.

-------------------------------------------

Concord Sect Grandmaster’s Area

“Useless! How are they already at the barrier!” (Sect Grandmaster)

“Th-They are too strong. Before we realized it, the arrays were being destroyed before the enemy took on any major casualties. We tried as best we could to delay them, but we couldn’t even make a significant impact on their numbers. We were overwhelmed before-” (sect grunt)

“Silence! Don't speak anymore. If you bastards took the sect training more seriously than they wouldn’t have pushed you all back so fiercely.” (Sect Grandmaster)

The grandmasters words echoed across the area as his veins visibly bulged from his head. Many of the sects people indeed paid little effort in self discipline and focused on enjoying themselves due to their social standing. Only those with high ranking family members were unable to escape mandatory training. Even so, it's not like they didn’t try to sneak out to have various types of fun whenever it was possible.

The amount of true elites via sect standard can only amount to no more than 100 at the most. These elites however can be suppressed with the minimum of 5-7 soldiers on the enemies side. With the amount of enemies they are facing and with how coordinated they are, fighting head on would be suicidal. Especially when the one leading them is capable of completely keeping their elites in check on his own. Not to mention if his companions assisted.

This however was secondary, what the grandmaster needed was time. Enough time to activate the array that could save them. Yet instead of fighting, his clansmen retreated in fear with tears and wet pants.

This settled it for him, there was no saving his home. Not with these people. The grandmaster gazed at Little Ming with a strange expression that she had never seen before. With a crazed resolve in his eyes he made a decision that could only be considered mad.

“Fine then, let this sect fall! I’ll just make a new one with your corpses!” (Sect Grandmaster)

--------------------------------------

Back to Kuro’s side

*Shatter*

The echo of a broken barrier filled the surroundings.

But the cheers of the soldiers who charged in with me was quickly halted by the sudden smell of pungent blood and sharp pressure that filled the air. A ghastly sight filled our eyes as many gaped in shock and terror. In front of us when we entered the central courtyard where the images of men, women, children, and elderly shriveling away as blood spilled from their orifices. Their cries echoed as the blood around them vaporized into a red mist heading toward the center of the formation.

“Grandfather! Why!” (Little Ming)

A young woman fearfully gazes at an old man slowly being covered by the blood vapor. Tears stream down her face as she lays bound with mana.

“Don't worry Little Ming, everything will be fine.” (Sect Grandmaster)

“Y-You’re killing everyone! Stop!” (Little Ming)

“They don't matter anymore. Their sacrifice will give me new life, and together we will remake the sect anew.” (Sect Grandmaster)

“I don't understand!” (Little Ming)

“You will soon.” (Sect Grandmaster)

I’m not one to stay idle when the enemy takes action, so I quickly call for everyone to form a defensive perimeter. The pressure being given off by the array isn’t something these guys can handle and I’d rather not add more fuel to the fire.

I signal the girls to defend to troops as well, I can only judge enough from my knowledge that this array is far more cruel than the ones we encountered before and isn’t so easily disabled. The previous ones were most likely derived from this one as a downgraded variant. Using Alchemy to forcefully change the structure crossed my mind, but sudden instability in arrays can lead to massive explosions and this array is really big and I’m not fond of blowing myself up. So that option will be shelved.

However I can at least prevent it from affecting me. Simply countering the effects using [Magic Clad] can do just that. Especially due to its advancement into the advanced stage not long ago.

Spoiler :

Magic CladActive SkillAdvanced Level 1Description:The user clads him/herself or objects with mana for various effects depending on the element and understanding of application.EffectsPhysical Armament +30% Elemental effect

Equipment Armament +15% Elemental effect

Partial Clad Armament - Upkeep depends on amount clad

Density Increase

Initial activation: 5,000 MP

Upkeep: 300 MP /s minimum output

My skills criteria for evolution is still a bit strange in some aspects to me, but now the skills activation changed while developing a minimum output requirement and can become more powerful as you increase the upkeep. My current MP recovery rate would still be short of the upkeep if it wasn’t for my [Full Body Control] offsetting the consumption rate. With this I don't have to worry about exhausting my mana by simply standing in the array. As long as I’m careful I shouldn’t have any problems advancing.

Activating my skill, I walk into the array and feel no discomfort. As expected, it was a success.

Glancing around at the arrays structure as I move forward, I can only understand that it pulls out the victim's blood like the previous ones. But there are additional functions that seems to rework the blood into something else. It’s obviously not just some mere vapor. However this array is far more complex from what I have read so far. The only solution I have to stop it is to take down the person controlling it.

In but moments I closed the distance between me on the center of the array. The old man is now completely covered by the blood vapor to the point I can't see anything of his figure.

Wielding my glaive, I strike down with a mana clad explosive strike to break through the membrane. Like tearing through clothe, the blade passes through easily but is stopped and repelled by a sudden impact emerging from the target. A powerful shock wave pushes me back as the membrane dissipates to reveal a middle aged man who seems to be approaching his later years. Yet the vigor within his appearance was unmistakable. With this I have determined what the purpose of this array may be. To steal vitality from within people's blood.

The efficiency is low, but the results from a massive sacrifice speaks for itself. If my troops would have been added to the mix, the likelihood of this man returning to his youthful self is not an impossibility.

“Remain at a distance! This array will steal your life essence!” (Kuro)

“Men! Surround the area at a distance! Provide support fire when possible! Young Misses please provide support!” (Commanding Officer)

“Ou!” (Soldiers)

“You got it.” (Puerial)

“No problem.” (Shiro)

“Yea.” (Belle)

Seeing as I don't have to worry too much about the back, I can put more focus on the guy in front of me. He is giving of a stronger pressure to when I met my father in this world. Plus I was a lot weaker back then and yet the guy in front of me is giving off such a sharp feeling, like knives cutting my skin.

However, even if this guy is strong. So what? I planned on fighting strong opponents from the beginning.

I firmly grasp my blade as I strengthen myself further with [Magic Clad]. Activating [Bloodwake Step] I move forward in an unpredictable manner. The man in front sneers as he makes a casual swing towards me. But such a haphazard attack will never reach me as I activate the newest function of my movement skill from when it passed into the intermediate level. As my blood surges I find myself suddenly behind the man as I strike with my full strength.

*Clang*

My blade is parried and held in the mans grasp as he turned around with a shocked expression. His fist appears clad in stone, but my attack is far from finished. Channeling mana into the glaive, it bends into an L shape as it digs into the mans shoulder releasing it from his grasp as I swing it again at his vitals.

He curses at me vehemently as we both start utilizing various techniques to try and kill the other. The weight of his strikes sends ripples down my arms at I try to offset the effects with mana. Blow for blow our attacks speed up as shock waves start flying towards the surrounding drowning out the cheers of the troops.

Using magic within an active array is not possible, so my battle strength is affected. But since I trained to not rely on magic, I’m not too heavily disadvantaged. My opponent also appears unable to fully grasp his current strength.

I don't waste time and fill my blade with mana and prepare it for another explosive strike with quadruple the initial cost. I’m not worried about the expenditure as I can refill my reserves very easily.

*Clang*

As my blade pierces his stone skin defense on his arm a rumbling noise can be heard subtly from within as he wails in anger.

“You bastard! I’ll kill you for all the trouble you’ve caused me and sacrifice all of those cretins too!” (Sect grandmaster)

Saying such his body swells to double it's original size as waves of mana circle around him. A massive palm of energy appears above him and is hurled toward me. I activate [Bloodwake Step] once more and barely evade the attack.

Giving a cold snort the enemy forms more energy palms and hurls them at me with all his might. I waste no time to augment my blade as I try to divert the attacks trajectory as I evade. Slicing through would take too much effort as it is.

This exchange goes on for a short while before his attacks suddenly stop.

“Get away from her!” (Sect grandmaster)

Before I realized it, the young woman he was with ended up behind me. Gazing back all I can hear from her are incoherent cries and a killing intent that is slowly getting stronger. But I refocus on the man again as he charges toward me with unabated strength. In moments we clash once more trying to strike down at each others vitals.

A thought flashes through my mind as I hurl a grenade at the girl. Immediately the man flashes me a fierce look as he halts his assault to stop it from reaching her as it ignites in a bright light blinding him. The grenade is nonlethal at far distances as its main effect is obviously to blind people.

Using this chance I strike at his vitals with all my strength as I hear a notification ring in my ears. The blade fully pierces through his tough defenses as his insides are ignited in a fiery explosion. He drops to his knees unable to speak as he gazes at me with unwillingness in his eyes. I unceremoniously swipe my blade across his unguarded neck.

I initially didn’t think to use such a method to take him down as I figured she was a tool to him. But seeing his crazed abandon to protect her it was obvious he would do anything to keep her safe. Which is what lead to his own demise.

He now lays beheaded on the floor as the array slowly powers down. The energy binding the girl also dissipates as she charges towards me with a knife from her bosom.

“I’ll kill you!” (Ming)

I easily dodge her frantic attacks as she cries out how I ruined everything for her. About how I ripped away her perfect life.

In all honesty, I don't really care. I didn’t come to this world to please people so her complaints are falling on deaf ears. I disabled her as the girls and a few troops approach me. I gave quick orders to ransack the area and find any stragglers. Everyone complied as no room was left unturned. The young woman was also detained with the others.

Not long after, the clear sign was given as the spoils were collected. With this The assault on Concord can now draw to a close as I now officially control all the cities in this location.

After checking through everything, my group will leave to Puerial's home. I believe I also got a notification during the battle.

--------------------------------------------------

The previous post won't be up for too long as well.

Please post if I made any mistakes. Thx. (I took a glance at my rep since I haven't been on in awhile, how the hell did it jump from 2 all the way to 900)