Vile Evil Hides Under The Veil



Two days after Eren visited Maya.

Around noon. The border region between Edinburgh and Layos.

On the desolate borderlands that separated Edinburgh and Layos, a scarred town and a sparse forest bore witness to the devastating aftermath of their warring flames.

The remnants of elemental spells marred the terrain, a haunting testament to the destructive power unleashed in this region.

Two companies of opposing Rankers stood poised, preparing to turn this ruined landscape into their battleground once again. One company, numbering around 100 Rankers, represented Edinburgh. It consisted of amalgamated squads from the city's army and affiliated guilds bound together by military contracts.

The other company, hailing from the kingdom of Layos, comprised approximately 120 Rankers, including army personnel, independent mercenaries, and sword-for-hire teams.

Gray and black clouds hung overhead, casting an ominous shadow and obscuring much of the sunlight. The region seemed shrouded in twilight, despite the midday hour. Storm clouds gathered, mirroring the mounting tension between the two companies.

One could question whether these atmospheric disturbances were mere coincidence or the result of mana agitation brought about by the convergence of powerful, high-ranking entities in one place.

Both groups stood at a distance of 500 meters from each other, lined up with hands clasped behind their backs, gazing fixedly ahead. Every Ranker present held at least the minimum Adept Rank, with a few Expert Rankers among their ranks. Each company boasted two Solid-Stage Master Rankers, apparent leaders of their respective factions.

Suddenly, a middle-aged man materialized in the vacant space, drawing the attention of both companies. Clad in simple attire, his unassuming appearance belied the immense mana radiating from him, proclaiming his status as a Grandmaster. Grim determination etched his face as he surveyed the leaders of the opposing companies.

"Karl Riverine of Edinburgh and Isen Osan of Layos, step forward and declare your intentions," the middle-aged man stated in a calm yet authoritative tone.

Instantly, Karl Riverine and Isen activated their movement spells, appearing on either side of the man. With stoic gazes, they locked eyes in a silent challenge. Karl, representing Edinburgh, took the initiative and spoke in a commanding and defiant tone.

"Grandmaster Luan, the kingdom of Edinburgh asserts its rightful claim to this region. Layos has unlawfully invaded our territory, and we shall do whatever it takes to reclaim it," Karl declared, fearlessly meeting Isen's gaze.

Grandmaster Luan, a middle-aged Grandmaster Ranker affiliated with the Anfang Alliance, oversaw the conflict between these two kingdoms as part of his role within the governing body. The Anfang Alliance had maintained oversight of the ongoing war between Edinburgh and Layos, ensuring that both kingdoms adhered to the agreed boundaries. Grandmaster Luan had been appointed by the Alliance to oversee such confrontations, making this day no different from countless others.

Listening attentively to Karl's declaration, Grandmaster Luan nodded in acknowledgment. It was a routine proclamation preceding the impending confrontation. He then turned his gaze to Isen, signaling for him to make his own declaration. This was a standard protocol mandated by the Anfang Alliance, and both kingdoms and their representatives were obliged to follow it.

Isen took a deep breath, his eyes fixed on Karl, before delivering his declaration with conviction. "Grandmaster Luan, the kingdom of Layos lays claim to this region. We hold Edinburgh accountable for its ruinous state and are determined to bring their forces to justice," Isen declared, his voice resonating with mana that carried his words across the entire expanse.

Grandmaster Luan nodded approvingly at Isen before granting permission for the two companies of Rankers to engage in a fateful battle.

"Very well. I shall now outline the standard rules established by the Anfang Alliance. Firstly, once this area has been won and claimed by either side, the opposing faction shall be barred from making a new claim for at least three years.

This rule shall be respected by both parties, and the Anfang Alliance will ensure its enforcement. Secondly, both sides shall adhere to..."

Grandmaster Luan's voice, amplified by mana, cut through the air as he enumerated the customary rules of engagement. While the first rule was unique to this conflict, the subsequent rules were familiar restrictions observed by Rankers from both sides under the influence of Rankers' Code of Conduct.

Grandmaster Luan concluded his interaction with Karl Riverine and Isen Osan, stepping away from the battlefield to allow the opposing forces to engage in their fierce struggle. He planned to return later in the evening to assess the outcome and determine the rightful owner of the contested region.

If any survivors remained from the defeated faction, he would ensure their safe retreat, safeguarding them from further harm by the victors. However, if the conflict persisted until evening, Grandmaster Luan would intervene and summon representatives from both factions to engage in combat. The outcome of this representative battle would then determine the victory or defeat of their respective kingdoms.

As the middle-aged Grandmaster finished stating the rules, Karl and Isen returned to their positions at the forefront of their groups, ready to lead their forces into battle. They awaited the departure of Grandmaster Luan, their anticipation mounting.

"You may commence," Grandmaster Luan's impartial voice resounded through the air, signaling the start of the confrontation. With those words, he vanished from sight, leaving the two factions to settle their differences within the scarred and desolate battlefield.

The battlefield crackled with anticipation as Grandmaster Luan's final words resonated through the air. The clash of elemental forces was unleashed as both sides activated their spells and tapped into the raw power of their mana.

Without wasting a moment, Isen Osan rallied his forces, bellowing the command to attack. Simultaneously, Karl Riverine spurred his own warriors into action, his voice carrying a fierce determination. With a swift incantation, Karl vanished from sight; his movement spell whisking him away.

The previously fixed distance of 500 meters held little significance for the Rankers, who possessed the movement spells and utilized powerful artifacts. In the blink of an eye, the divide between the two factions dissolved as the Rankers closed in on each other, charging forward with a fervor fueled by their unyielding resolve.

Swoosh. Zoom. Boom.

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AN: Karl Riverine was mentioned in chapter 1261.