Chapter 18-Battle of Saints

Uproars happen everywhere in the imperial capital of Channe, after Ernst declaration to challenge all Saint-level combatants of the O'Brien Empire. In every venue and gatherings, people are talking about the incoming battle in one month, making them excited.

In a bar where people are drinking.

"It's really insane, challenging every Saint living on our empire."

"The youngest 8th rank magus in the history of the Yulan continent at 15 years old and youngest Saint-level combatant at 19 years old."

"This battle will become a history in our empire, no, in the entire continent."

"Yes, you are correct. It will be more spectacular than the battle between the Prodigy Swordsaint Olivier and Stellar Swordsaint Dillon."

"If Ernst fights against Olivier, who do you think will win?"

"It's hard to say, both are young geniuses. But I think Olivier has a high chance of winning, since he had defeated many Saint-level combatants before."

"Ernst was just a newly promoted Saint, he wants to get a recognition from this challenge. Do you guys think the personal disciple of War God will also accept the challenge?"

"Of course, they will accept it. If they not, they will lose the face of being the personal disciple of the War God."

"I'm very excited. It doesn't matter who wins as long I can see Saints battle each other."

A discussion like this is very common and occurs everywhere in the imperial capital. Events like battle of the Saints rarely happen in the empire.

On the imperial palace, Emperor Johann was listening to the reports. "Is it true?"

"Yes, your Majesty. Based on our investigation, the events occur earlier were cause by Marquis Jeff. According to the people who witness the situations, Marquis Jeff wants to terrorized people. It happens that Ernst and his sister was riding their magical beast and touring the city. They become Marquis Jeff target. Marquis Jeff horse carriage almost hit the two siblings, thankfully the magical beast stop on time. Marquis Jeff was outraged, but seeing the beautiful appearance of Ernst sister. He wants to possess her."

"Marquis Jeff orders his guard to seize the girl and kill Ernst. Ernst and his sister were irritated. Ernst sister order her magical beast to kill the guards. The magical beast is an 8th rank Thunderwing Pegasi."

"Damn that Marquis Jeff. Though, he is my nephew, he always likes to make trouble." Emperor Johann grips his seat tightly in anger.

"Did you investigate Ernst?"

"Yes, your Majesty. Ernst was from the Holy Union. He graduated at Ernst Institute at 15 years old. He is the youngest 8th rank magus in the entire history of Yulan continent. Likewise, he is also a grandmaster sculptor. Now, at 19 years old, he is already a Saint-level combatant. His family is temporarily living in the northeast part of the imperial capital. His father James is a 9th rank warrior, while his mother Sarah was a 9th rank Arch Magus. Lastly, his sister Anna, a 13 years old 6th rank magus."

"That formidable? Wait! Dawson? Are they part of the Dawson Conglomerate?"

"Yes, your Majesty. Ernst father, James, was the cousin of the chairman of the Dawson Conglomerate."

"I don't know that there is such a genius in the Dawson family. It will be good if their family and our royal family will be closer." Emperor Johann dreams of having another Saint-level combatant closer to their family.

"Tell Prince Julin to not let his son Marquis Jeff out of his mansion until the battle is finish."

"Yes, your Majesty."

Emperor Johann is already excited to observe the incoming battle. It is very rare to watch such an event.

On War God Mountain, Kenyon and Lanke returns to the War God College. They told their fellow apprentice the events that happen in the imperial capital.

"What? Is he out of his mind? Challenging all Saints of O'Brien Empire. If we don't have enough skills, we don't need to participate? So arrogant."

"Hahaha!"

Every personal disciple of War God laughs greatly as if they hear a good joke.

"Is he looking down on us? A new Saint dare to challenge us. Young Saints are not fearful of death."

'Senior brother Castro, do we participate in this battle?

"Of course. We will teach him a lesson, so as not to mess with our War God Mountain. Does he think, he can win against us who had train for centuries? Many of our senior brothers even trained for thousands of years."

In a secluded mansion of the imperial capital, a middle age man with an earth-colored heavy sword on his back suddenly opens his eyes.

"Hmmm!"

"Challenge all Saints of O'Brien Empire. The youngest 8th rank magus in the entire history of Yulan continent. A young Saint-level combatant, Ernst. Interesting! I, Haydson has been undefeated, let me see what you got. Don't get me disappointed."

Ernst and Anna returns to their mansion. They were not aware of what happening in the city after they leave. Anna told their parents about what happened. After hearing Anna's narration, they are also angry. But, after hearing Ernst declaration to challenge every Saint in the empire, they are flabbergasted. They know their son is strong, but challenging every Saint in the empire seems impossible.

Ernst knows what his parent is thinking. "Father, mother. Don't worry about this. I had already planned everything, the moment I saw Marquis Jeff, gathering fame will become simple. Before, I plan to seek for a Saint to fight, but now they will gather for me to challenge them. Our plan for conquering a territory will be implemented early because of this. Just wait for the battle next month, you will know how strong your son is."

James and Sarah just shook their head, but they supported their son's decision.

One week later, on a secluded mountain outside the imperial capital. A man with a black hair mixed with streaks of white are meditating quietly, suddenly opens his eyes.

"Second brother, what are you doing here? Don't you have a class?"

"Big brother, are you interested in the battle of Saints three weeks from now? Ernst, a newly Saint, issued a challenge to every Saint of our O'Brien Empire."

"Saint battle? Interesting! It has been over a year since my last battle. For this, Ernst, I'm not interested, he is not my match. I will challenge Haydson if he is there."

On a certain assassination organization, a lazy middle age man with playful smile was a reading report.

"Interesting! I've been bored recently. Now there is a good show. How come I, Cesar, miss such good event? Grandmaster Ernst? Excellent."

On the 9th floor of the Radiant Temple in the Sacred Isle. Cardinal Guillermo was standing in front of Holy Emperor Heidens. The latter was reading a report. After finishing the report, he sighs.

"It's just been four years, and he was already a Saint. If he was part of Radiant Church, he will be our strongest pillar, but the mission to abduct him failed."

"Guillermo, what happen to the investigation four years ago?"

"Your Holiness. We did not find any evidence involving Ernst to the death of our people. During that year, we did not find any Fire-style Grand Magus Saint roaming in Fenlai Kingdom."

"Could it be Ernst becomes a Saint-level combatant four years ago and killed our people? To hide evidence, he burned the dead bodies to make it look like a spell cast by a Fire-style Grand Magus Saint?"

"I'm not sure about this, your Holiness. Everyone knows that Ernst is a talented Earth-style magus. At the age of ten, he was promoted to 5th rank magus. At that age, he already travels around the Mountain Range of Magical Beast for training."

"Could it be, he is hiding his strength all this time? During his graduation, he only shows his strength as 8th rank magus, but the truth is he is already a 9th rank Arch Magus? Throughout the apocalypse, many students, and instructor of Ernst Institute witness him battle tens of thousands of magical beast without dying. Do you think an 8th rank magus can do that?"

"Your Holiness, your words seems plausible."

Holy Emperor Heidens grins and look at Cardinal Guillermo seriously."If he really killed our people, he is our enemy. Although, he was already a Saint, but he is just an early stage Saint. He was not a match for Saint, who trains for centuries."

"Go look for Stehle. Tell him to challenge Ernst, and tell him our suspicion of the events four years ago. If he has a chance, kill Ernst."

"Yes your Holiness."

On the eve before the battle, many people in the imperial capital were unable to sleep. Many of them are already staying at the outskirts of the city, bringing their tents. Some people create bonfires to warm them up.

There are full of stars and bright moon signifying good weather in the morning.

Many citizens of the O'Brien Empire had come with lanterns. They travel in groups. Aside from them, many people from other places also flocks the already congested Channe River.

On the Channe River, the imperial army was maintaining the law and order.

Millions of people are already in the Channe River although, the battle will only start tomorrow.

Yulan calendar, year 10001. August 26.

In the morning, the weather was excellent. The sky was blue and had very few clouds. The wind wasn't strong and blew comfortably against everyone's faces.

Millions of people were standing on each side of the Channe River. Both sides of the river were already filled with people. They are watching Ernst standing in the sky above the river. They are eagerly waiting for him to start the battle.

There are over one hundred of thousand imperial armies together with their magical beast, maintaining order.

There are also many magical beasts among the crowd. The constant chatter of people and cries of magical beasts, making the atmosphere chaotic.

"Silence!"

A powerful voice rang out. "Everyone who is on the boat on the Channe River, get to the land quickly. If you are in the river during the battle of Saints, it is highly that your boats will be swept by waves. People on the shore, all of you, move backwards by twenty meters. The soldiers will maintain order here."

The imperial army began to organize the viewers.

The leaders of the empire didn't dare to be careless if something to happen, many people will suffer injuries or even death. Seeing the battle of Saints was once in a lifetime opportunity. They couldn't let it turn into a tragedy.

Emperor Johann had arranged early. After the common people retreated from the river, the nobles of the empires replace their original positions. Within the Channe River, spanning several hundred meters, there was plenty of space for battle.

"Lord Kenyon, why hasn't the battle started yet? Master Ernst was already standing in the sky above the river." Emperor Johann said to Kenyon.

"Don't be impatient, your Majesty. It is still very early. Besides, the crowd are not yet properly arrange."

On the other side of the river, Ernst family, Steward Greg, Andrea, Douglas, and Roger are also watching Ernst in the sky. They are worried about the battle.

"Father, do you think the brother will be alright?" Anna ask worriedly.

"Trust your brother, he knows what he is doing." James assured his daughter.

"Anna, don't worry about Master. Instead, worry about his opponents. Those opponent Saints are too weak. Just watch as Master beat them easily." Nadia spoke while lying on Anna's shoulder.

On midair above the river, Ernst opens his eyes. He is observing every Saint below. Many Saints present below are weak, except Olivier and Haydson. He also saw Stehle with a murderous look at him. The Radiant Church seems sure, that he is the culprit who kills their people four years ago. Ernst ignores Stehle angry glare. His hands are itching for a fight now. He looks at the Saint below and said. "I, Ernst Dawson, challenge every Saint present below. If you are not afraid of death, come up! Let see if every Saint of O'Brien Empire are worthy of their title."

Hearing many people below were crazed.

"He is too arrogant. Does he think he can beat every Saint in the empire?"

"Hahaha!"

"I like the arrogant young man, but do you have the strength to back it up? Let me, McKenzie, were the first to challenge you."

A black robed, skinny man with few flecks of white hair flew above the river carrying his spear. He looks at the youngster in front of him with casual clothes and a sword on his back.

"So, the first to battle is McKenzie, the ancestor of the Jacques clan of the Northeast Administrative Region." Emperor Johann casually mentioned.

"Consequently, you are Grandmaster Ernst. The youngest Saint to challenge every Saint-level combatants of our empire. Let me see what you got?" McKenzie pointed his spear to Ernst.

"Mr. McKenzie, I've heard of you when I was in Blackrock City. You are a respectable opponent. I suggest you use your full strength and not hold back." Ernst looks at McKenzie seriously. Although McKenzie is weak, he respects him.

"Then let's begin."

McKenzie's body begun to radiate a boundless desire for battle. His body begun to cover with flames and the spear in his hands emits flame as well.

Ernst observes McKenzie's action while building his power. He just stands in the air doing nothing.

A hint of a smile appears on McKenzie's lips.

"Haaargh!"

McKenzie suddenly moves. He lifted his hands, pointing his spear in the sky. With McKenzie as the focal point, endless waves of flames began to discharge out in every direction. Within several hundred meters had turns into a 'World of Flames'.

The people below feels the blazing flames coming from McKenzie, they retreated more.

The world of flames seems suppressing Ernst, but in reality he did not feel anything. For him, the opponent is just using the basic application of 'Impose' on his weapon and his understanding is not high.

"Rumble!"

One spear shadow after another appears and pierces through the air, thrusting towards Ernst.

At the same time, behind Ernst another McKenzie appeared out of nowhere, as he thrust his spear toward Ernst.

A simultaneous attack, one from the front and one from behind.

Ernst without looking back unleashes his sword and block McKenzie's spear. With his spiritual energy, he can sense the spear shadows in his front were not real and only an illusion.

"Clang!"

Ernst sword and McKenzie's spear collided. Ernst did not move and did look back, but McKenzie's hand was trembling and bleeding. McKenzie was amazed. He immediately distances himself from Ernst.

The world of flames vanishes.

Ernst turns around and faces McKenzie. "Is that your most powerful attack?"

"Yes it is." McKenzie felt discourage.

"Then it's my turn to attack. Be careful." Ernst casually makes a sword strike towards McKenzie. A sword beam with indomitable will, slice through the air, tearing the space along its path.

"Whoosh!"

Seeing the sword beam, McKenzie begins to panic. He wants to evade, but he can't, he seems to be lock by a certain force. Wherever he goes, the sword beam will follow him. Again, he uses his Flame of the World technique, as countless spear shadows mixing the real spear and the illusion blocking the incoming sword beam.

"Boom!"

The spear shadows were instantly shattered, while the sword beam continues towards McKenzie.

"Aaargh!"

McKenzie cries in pain. He was almost cut in two. Just a casual swing of a sword is enough to kill him. From his shoulder to his hips, a very deep sword cut wound showing his bones. He was cover in blood. When the sword beam was about to cut him in half, its power vanishes. He knows Ernst shows mercy to him.

In reality, the battle is very fast. It is over with just one move.

"I admit defeat."

"Thank you for showing mercy." McKenzie said with gratitude.

"Can you tell me about your attack?"

Ernst thinks, first, it's not bad if people know about his technique. "That sword strike is a technique I just comprehended recently while training in the 'Way of Destruction'.

"Way of Destruction, so that's how it is." McKenzie smiles and flew back to the ground.

"Quickly, heal Lord McKenzie." Emperor Johann orders the Light-style magus on his side.

"What a wonderful strike. A sword strike infused with the 'Way of Destruction' which reminded me of Tulily's attack. This kid is very young, but his understanding of the Edict of Destruction is very high." A lazy middle age man murmured while drinking wine.

Many of the Saints watching were amazed by Ernst sword strike.

Olivier and Haydson blood boils, they are very to fight.

Meanwhile, Stehle with a furious look in his eyes, looking coldly at Ernst. "To think, that you are already this strong at a young age. I must eliminate you early, to avoid future troubles for the church."

"Mother, brother has won. Hahaha. Brother has won." Anna jumps happily.

"He did not show his true strength, while fighting us in the Foggy Valley." James sighs.

"Young master, becomes powerful." Andrea praise.

"Master is mighty. What you saw just now is the tip of his strength. I don't know if any Saints here can push him to unleash his true strength." Nadia boast while lying on Anna's shoulder.

Ernst observes the two Saints from the War God College, he met last month, and he grins.

"The two people from the War God College I met last month, Kenyon and Lanke."

"Come up!"

Everyone were looking at the direction of Kenyon and Lanke. Kenyon gritted his teeth. "You think you can beat me just because you defeat McKenzie? McKenzie was just an early stage Saint, while I'm stronger than him."

"Enough bullshit. Come up and fight. Don't waste my time."

Kenyon was angry at Ernst provocation. He flew above the river facing Ernst.

"You said, you're stronger than McKenzie? Come then! Prove with your action, not just empty words." Ernst taunted Kenyon with his fore finger turn to hook, gesturing him to come.

Kenyon takes out his war blade and charge at Ernst with full speed. He hack his war blade on Ernst head.

"Hahaha!"

Kenyon laughs as he saw Ernst was not moving. He thought Ernst was afraid that he can't move, but suddenly, Ernst vanishes.

A punch hit Kenyon at the back of his head.

"Boom!"

"Aaaargh!"

Kenyon screams and passed out. His bloodied body falls from the sky and landed on the river.

"Splash!"

His fellow apprentices jump to the river and rescued him. They felt thankful that Kenyon was still alive, but they look at Ernst hatefully.

Ernst looks at the still unconscious Kenyon and said. "For me, McKenzie is stronger than you at least he forced me to draw my sword to block his attack, but you did not."