Start of the Dark Ages

"Dauntless Swordsmanship 3rd Technique: Sword Aura Monolith."

Sora impales the greatsword down into the ground. A pitch black Aura surges and overtakes the surroundings. With both hands on the handle, the Aura explodes outward as Sword Aura, a manifestation of the wielder's Will to cut. It slashes the air apart, nearing and aiming at the body parts of Orashiki with deadly precision.

"Dragon Sword: Head Crest!"

Orashiki's unique Aura envelops him and forms a barrier to stop the incoming Sword Aura.

Ting Ting Ting!

A head of a Dragon forms to protect Orashiki. Though the Sword Aura quickly scuff it a lot and rough too.

"Kuuhhhhh…"

Orashiki struggles to stand his ground. The relentless Sword Aura assault made it hard to keep constantly focusing, reinforcing the Aura in order to not be diced to chunks of meat.

"Shunpo."

Sora uses a Movement technique similar to the Spell Blink, and arrives in front of Orashiki with his sword raised. A few more Sword Auras were under way, but the raised sword was a bigger problem.

'Shit!'

Orashiki can't tank it with his Aura, that's what his guts is telling him.

'I need to dodge!'

His body moved before he even thought of it. His leg muscles pumped tense and with one swift motion, he seems to have teleported to the left side of Sora's vision. But, he saw it clearly.

'Shunpo…'

The first thing a Swordsman must achieve is total body control. This allows for more fluid movement without being hindered in the flow. Upon achieving this feat, a Swordsman shows a substantial increase in winrate while battling.

And not just that, they also unlock the Body Skills. A list of Skills and abilities related to human anatomy, and one of them is Shunpo. A Skill that compresses the muscles in one's thighs and calves, pumping either Mana or Aura, allowing for a burst of short distance movement, looking like you just teleported.

It is a neat Skill to have, and an invaluable movement option for Swordsman Builds in general. Those that don't rely on this Skill or don't need it are generally headed to a Tank Swordsman hybrid.

Anyway, the greatsword misses and Orashiki finds an excellent gap. He strikes when the iron is hot and finds the full-body armor surprisingly sturdy. It didn't cave or dent, and it successfully fulfilled its duty as protection.

"Too weak."

Sora utilizes Sword Aura as a burst and discharges it. Orashiki immediately dodges back, far enough that the Sword Aura is weaker considerably and blocks it.

"Dauntless Swordsmanship: Red."

He positions his greatsword like a baseball bat, over his shoulder while turning his body. A Stance that's geared towards aggression. Enhances Agility and Stamina, while lowering the defensive capability of his Aura.

"Demonic Oni Transformation."

""YEEESSSS~!""

The red cracks get brighter. The Item Effect of the Cursed Oni Greatsword is unleashed, and the Soul within it merges with Sora's current form. The green colored full-body armor gets mixed and distorted with a black smoke, making it more and more resembling that of a samurai's attire.

"Shunpo."

He teleports in front of Orashiki, taking the latter off guard slightly and begins his swing motion.

""Get ready for a fucking beatdown!""

"?!!!"

Orashiki's muscles tensed up, unable to respond. This seems like a checkmate for the Swordsman. However, even with Death literally in front of him, he still had that smile on his face. This made Sora instantly react, stopping the swing motion and jump steps backward. An arrow went by where his head was.

'Ah…'

Sora was watching the fight between Alan and Orashiki for a while now, not paying any attention to the bound and trapped group. It came back to bite him, as now they're free.

"So, a numbers game."

"You alright!"

"I'll keep him at bay."

Rogan holds three arrows between his fingers and fires them off individually. They all accurately aimed at Sora's thinner armored sections, all while being at least 7 kilometers away. How he got there in a short period of time after the dome was down is a mystery.

'This is gonna be annoying.'

Sora judges the current situation as it unfolds. Twelve opponents, with one ranged checker. An assortment of unique weapon wielders, all with experience in battle.

""Well, it seems like this took a turn for the better.""

"Quiet."

Sora looks with a contemplating expression.

"Hahhh~."

With a sigh, he sticks the greatsword into the ground.

''It seems like you've brought this to yourselves. I was gonna spare some of you, but it seems like you prefer duty unto death than living to give experience. A poor choice of decision, but I'll honor it nonetheless.''

A whispering wind breezes by.

"Spectral Swordsmanship: Whispering Death."

Something went out. It was quiet, but a subtle change was picked up on by Rogan.

"Duck!"

Everyone followed Rogan's order as soon as he spoke. Still nothing. They were confused, puzzled. But soon, it was revealed in extreme detail what would've happened if they were still standing.

BOOM!!

Behind them, on the slope of the hill Rogan was on, the earth suddenly erupted in an explosion. It sent dirt flying violently.

"Spectral Swordsmanship: Apparition."

Once again, nothing was visible. But Rogan's voice resounded once more.

"Everyone blocks up!''

They raise their weapon to guard their front, and it is then that something hard and strong hits them.

"Kuack!"

"Urk…!"

"Tch…"

They were pushed back, while some of the physically weaker Generals got flung back. Rogan in the distance also evaded something by ducking down. He quickly shoots a glowing arrow at something, and then looks back.

"Flash Lightning, Consecutive Four."

Then, in an instant, Sora teleported through space and slash four times. It was done with blinding speed that left behind after-images, and a deep cut ran across the chests of two Generals.

"Kuh!!!"

"Arghhh!!"

Elcham and Kreg received fatal injuries across their chests, tearing roughly through their armor and then their flesh like butter. Blood spurted out like a fountain, and their eyesight blurred considerably along with their body sense.

"Mana Strengthening, Freezing Sub Zero!"

At the end, Sora with his greatsword raised, cast a tier 6 Spell. A Magic Eye formed at the tip of the greatsword, and a puff of cold, freezing air burst out in great volume. The Generals' eyesight got consumed with white flakes, and their bodies numbed to extreme extents.

"Charge Aura."

He makes a lowered stance, greatsword ready for a wide swing. Arrows came in rapidly, an attempt to shake Sora out of the stance. They were critical hits, all 20 and more arrows after a few seconds. Sora became a porcupine after long and even though he suffered some minor injuries, he didn't stop charging up the Aura.

""This is going to be a fucking blood bath!""

"Wait!"

Then, another character made her appearance. Wide strides, a determined and stoic expression, and her red blazing hair to accompany her defiant look. She drags her greatsword along, and her body shakes from time to time.

"I request… a duel. One on one."

"Elinora…"

"Oi, the fuck… you think… you're do…ing?"

"Sister, no."

"Young lady, we talked about this! Get back here this instant, that's an order!"

The Generals shouted or muttered out loud their confusion. But, their voices enter one ear and out the other for the defiant young woman. She stood tall in front of Absolute Death, and even looked him straight in the eyes.

"Accept, or be a coward."

"Forcing me to accept, isn't that too desperate?"

Sora replied back with a mocking tone. But, ultimately he let out a chuckle at her little provocation.

"Alright, this is… certainly something that you could've said from the beginning, but it's fine. At least you said something."

Sora was standing tall, more than two heads taller than Elinora who's 1m86.

""Tch, last minute saves, what a fucking blocker.""

"I accept your challenge for a duel. I win, you die."

"Then, if I win you will have to serve me."

"?!!!!"

A bold and straightforward statement. One that made even Sora shocked.

'A feisty one…'

He watched her every move very closely, as he had one of his Shadows stationed within her. He gathered information on all the Generals, their strength and weaknesses, their mentality, their battle style. He knows them inside and out as an opponent, and he knows of their camaraderie to each other.

'She, in particular, is the most selfless of them all.'

Strict, but with kind intentions. Admirable and an idol most of the soldiers and trainees look up to. She is perfect, in Sora's mind, as a puppet best kept on the enemy's side.

"A bold statement, though I guess mine is kinda plain."

With that, Sora turns his back to her and walks away to an appropriate distance. He points his greatsword at his rival, with a calm mind expecting nothing to really happen outside of his calculations. At most, he would suffer a hit here and there but nothing too disastrous.

'I am thousands of levels above her…'

With that wide of a disparity, he predicts nothing will go astray as long as he's cautious and not dumbwitted like recently.

"Come, if you can."

Death beckons, and our heroine responds with a stoic look.

........

''I need to go there!"

In the realm of the Gods, one of them, a woman, shouted fiercely at one of her own. The man could do nothing but sigh, as he seems to be in a lot of mental fatigue.

"You need to have a clear mind on this one, Alice. As a tactician, you need to clarify the risks and rewards before thinking of personal matters."

"I don't give a shit! Get out of my way, now!!"

Her fiery temperament ignites the surroundings, making the air hotter to the point a normal human would faint in an instant. The male God once again sighs, his long blue hair fluttering as it floats like there's no gravity.

"Even so, I cannot do that. The opponent is someone who holds immense power that rivals even us Gods. We need more information before risking something, or in this case, someone."

"She's going to die! I need to help her, so get the fuck away or I'll fucking cut your head and stick it onto a stake!!"

The Aspect of Tactical War, a mindful and cautious individual, but right now her rumors and religious texts fail to describe her calm and calculative facade. She's impatient, rash, and most of all stupid and blinded by personal feelings.

"Is the human descendant really worth your while? If she is recognized by you, an Aspect of War, then she must be powerful enough to handle a foe such as that."

"Last warning, get out or get fucked."

Her vocabulary has also diminished to vulgar utters. She manifests her weapon, a greatsword with a blazing fire engulfing it. The opposing God looks at the sword, not a bead of sweat dripping down his forehead. It was like he's immune to the surroundings, and his calm and rational voice didn't fade with the slowly escalating situation.

"Alice War, a moniker to hide away the true name of a Mortal who attained Godhood through decades of battle, even unto old. Alice Evamir Elinor Franches, the Battle Tactician Queen."

"Do not… bring out… my name."

Her eyes began to dull, her murderous intent clear and blazing hot. Even then, the male God didn't flinch one bit. He continues his calculative procedure.

"Forsaken her Mortality, she swears a life of servitude to the Goddess Seraphim, Beholder of Truth, All-Knowing Eye. She becomes the sword that'll guide the most righteous side in massive, large scale wars. Only, and only under the order of Goddess Seraphim."

"..."

Alice War, or better known to the people who're now dead and deceased, Alice Evamir Elinora Franches. A remarkable and admirable woman whose life was dedicated to the art of warfare. She specializes in a tactical approach, using brains and terrains to her advantage rather than exercising outright brute force.

Her purpose was to, as the male God described, a sword to guide the most righteous side to victory. She's an absolute powerhouse, able to use all known weapons with great proficiency. She's a beacon for Humanity, and the most worshipped Aspect of War between the four.

"Calm down, Alice. It isn't time to be rash. Goddess Seraphim must be looking at the situation as well, so it wouldn't be wise to act on your own without her judgement."

"...fine."

Eventually, logic wins her over like it should. She stops her aggression and a calm expression dawns on her once more.

"There we go, good job."

"Shut it."

She turns around. The two were at the Gate of Heaven, a large golden entryway that's only reserved to the Gods they deem worthy to join. Amongst the Gods, two of the Aspects of War, the Goddess of Love, Warmth and Motherhood, the God of Wisdom who was the blue-haired male God, and the God of Earth were of Human origin. The others are from beliefs, and they hold a special seat within the Fael Pantheon.

"I'm going back."

"There we go, great decision. Let me take care of this, you just go and wait for orders."

The male God let out a sigh as he watched Alice walk off into the distance. He then redirects his attention to the Gate of Heaven, with a curious and dangerous-looking gaze.

'Who are you…'

He heard the announcement that resounded through possibly everywhere if he's right.

'Death…'

He searches his memories, records from his time to now. Myths, legends, prophecies, and ancient knowledge. All to solve or at least give some sense to this sudden development.

'Goddess of Creation… ARCEUS… Absolute Dea-?!!'

Suddenly, out of nowhere a migraine assaulted him badly. It made him grovel and take a step back, a scream almost resounded.

"Urrkkk…!"

[Level of Conscience for NPCs have yet to be allowed for this designated World]

[Restrictions have been given to individual code: MKS_133]

'What…'

A pair of screens showed up in his view, and this made him all the more curious and baffled. He inspects it briefly, before it disappears into oblivion.

'Was that… ARCEUS?'

........

"First blow is yours, show me your strength, and then I shall respond with appropriate force in return."

I was making yet another dumb decision, but this works both ways really. It's to lower the guard of my opponent, while also giving me a rough estimate of the strength and power. A good strategy, but one that should only be used for situations where it won't have a high chance of getting out of control.

"..."

The stoic, machine-like face of my opponent makes it a hard task to discern what she's thinking. But, I didn't really need to tell facial expressions when I can just read minds.

'I shouldn't go full out, this could be a trap.'

'Of course.'

Her line of thinking is so predictable, especially considering she's smart. The smarter one is, the easier it is for another smart person to predict their move.

'So, in order to not be so easily read, High Rankers have developed a way to divert their current flow of thinking.'

The process was like splitting the brain into multiple sections for their individual purpose. This is to make quick Mind Scans harder to actually get any useful information. Though, through the progression of WSO, some have acquired Items or Skills to become fully immune to mind-reading entirely.

''Sword Technique: Cleave."

A different feel to it. The normal Skill Cleave, although I am not a Sword Saint, feels different than those I have seen used before.

'Heat…'

The golden red greatsword travels through the air, producing a sizzling noise all around as it moves. I discern the Skill, interested in how it functions.

[Eye of Laws and Rules]

My eyes should be lighting up in a green neon color now.

[Targeted Skill analyzed]

[Generating Skill Biography]

[Sword Technique: Cleave]

[Skill Rating Possibility: B-A Tier]

[Skill Perfection Achieved: 37%/100%]

[Generated Description: A Skill that overcharges Aura to a dangerously hazardous degree of heat. Possibility to sever a tree with a width of 18m cleanly, or a 13 cubic meter solid chunk of earth at this level of Perfection]

[Skill Consumption Range: 30-80 Sword Aura ; 400-680 MP]

A rough estimate description pops up in front of me, and I quickly scan my eyes over it. I was surprised at the Skill Perfection Achieved being so low.

'Maybe this isn't one of her specialized Skills?'

"Aura Repel!"

A barrier of thick, hard Aura envelops me completely. The sword bounces off as it makes contact, vibrating audibly and the shock transfers to Elinora's entire body.

"Khh!!"

"Too slow."

I tightly grip the handle of my weapon, subtly charging up my Aura.

"You have two more tries, I would consider using it wisely."

I gave her a warning while emitting some of my Aura to back up my statement. I wanted this fight to be long for the thrill, but it seems at this rate I won't be able to do anything but end it prematurely.

'...'

I can't read anything coming from her mind anymore. Either she is so shocked that she can't form words, or something else happened that triggered this.

[A Divine Being is attempting to descend]

'???'

I was momentarily caught off guard, and then suddenly some kind of bright pillar of light aimed at an angle fell down from the sky.

[Warning!]

[A Divine Being has descended onto the surface]

[Your Sealed Status has been cracked by the Divinity of the Divine Being]

[Warning!]

[Your Item, Omunda's Power Sealing Ring, has lost some of its effectiveness]

[Your Item, Holy Suppressant Chest Crest, has lost some of its effectiveness]

[The Effect, Holy Sigil Binding Marking, has lost some of its effectiveness]

[The Effect, White Angel Blessing, has lost some of its effectiveness]

[Warning!]

[Your Status is slowly spiraling out of control]

[You have approximately 8 minutes before your Status is released]

Immediately, I was assaulted with three warning notifications right in front of me. I dismiss them for now as I have new problems.

'For fuck's sake, can I have some normal fun?'

Well, it is pretty hypocritical or more like impossible for me to have fun, but I tried to be reasonable and restrict myself greatly.

'But, it seems like Life has other plans.'

Life and Death. Now that I think of it, I laughed inwardly. Death and Life and vice versa, they pair up so well with each other. And I am Death, though I deny my responsibility for some time now.

'I guess… This is how Life is reminding me? Getting in my way, it is petty.'

If so, then I can only laugh.

[You, Elder Lich, turn back to whence you came or have the Punishment of Fael befall upon you.]

A smooth, yet forceful and mighty voice resounded. The beautiful visage of the God was revealed to me, and I wasn't that much impressed.

'Blue hair, strikingly handsome or beautiful face, and androgenous features.'

A typical standard of a male God that isn't geared towards violence or war-related aspects. I tilt my head, looking at the threat with an amused mind.

'Punishment of Fael…'

I almost laugh, almost.

'I'm getting arrogant by the second, maybe Life really is plotting my downfall.'

I am getting out of control fast.

[What is your answer, make it fast before I decide on the spot.]

"You know, I'm curious, who is the strongest of you all?"

[...]

An unexpected question for sure. I laughed inwardly at the puzzled expression of the male God.

'Who…'

'What is… happening?'

'A… God?'

I could passively receive the thoughts of the other Generals. I snicker at their gawking expressions and lack of words, though I should be so hard on them.

"Tell me, I am curious.''

[...I will not answer such a childish question for more time. It is decided then, your death shall be here.]

Suddenly, aqua blue Magic Eyes formed above him and fired off beams of high concentrated water. The width was enough to engulf me and at the time I'm done, it was already halfway towards me.

"Dauntless Swordsmanship: Sword Aura Monolith."

I recast one of my newly learned Skills. The Sword Aura I have is more than enough to completely sever the magically formed water to bits of droplets. This scene must've been quite shocking to the male God, as his eyes widened slightly.

'How…'

I could pick up some of the male God's thoughts, though the signal is kinda blurry and static.

'My full power is yet to be released, so it's to be certain I can't read his thoughts.'

But, this also confirms something of mine.

'He's at least Level 600…'

At my current restrained level, I could at most read the thoughts of those Level 580 and below with perfect clarity. Above the threshold, I can only partially read their thoughts and the higher their Level is, the harder the mind reading gets.

'So, I'm dealing with a Magic Caster in the 600s at least…'

Magic Caster Builds have a lot of diversity, and this God might not entirely be a Magic Caster yet. His build and frame might suggest so, but form can be deceiving from my previous experiences.

"Let's go, then. I would much rather have some spectacular fights, than to stand around with words flying about.''

I pick up my sword from the ground and charge forward without a care. I took out an Item from inside my Inventory and chant the activation words.

''On coldest and darkest nights, on warmest and brightest days, I swear that I shall fulfill the promise of slaying sinners whomever they be."

A blue aura envelops me and gives me invigorating strength. It came from a pendant that's shaped as a cross with a silver color and sheen. Most holy Items have the same design, only with a slight color difference or maybe even a special design if the religion it's attached to is named or has a big impact on the World.

[Targeted entity's Sin is insufficient to activate the effect, Cleansing Ritual Ceremony]

[The activation has been canceled]

'Tch.'

I quickly return the Item into the Inventory without any profit. I raise my sword up and ready to smite the God into two.

[An undead using Holy relics…?]

It must've puzzled the male God greatly. Sure, an undead shouldn't and even couldn't use Holy Items, as that would mean plain suicide. However, I have a Godhood, something that transcends common laws and gives me more freedom.

"Ultimate Sword Art: 1 Million Ton Sword."

The Sword Aura coats and hardens my greatsword, increasing its weight to what I've just said. An oppressive and domineering feeling spread to the mortals behind the male God, though the person in question still hasn't made any notable facial expressions.

[Hmph, trivial.]

It seems like this male God has the same sense of arrogance like many others. Though, I do not doubt his judgement to be arrogant.

'I am but a mere Elder Lich, after all.'

Comparing hierarchy, the male God would be far superior. I do not have my Godhood fully exposed yet, so he can still afford to be arrogant.

[These Swordsmanships, it is unfamiliar in my records. Where did you get these, Elder Lich?]

As he said that, a blue barrier was created that completely swallowed his figure within it. My Skill made a crack in the barrier's surface, but not enough to make any lasting effects as it restored itself almost instantly.

"These are my prized collections of knowledge, something that a lowly God such as you is unworthy to know."

[Such arrogance, you really must be a long living Elder Lich to be able to call me 'lowly'.]

I back step and swing my greatsword horizontally.

"Cleaving Mountain Sword."

The strike made an audible boom sound as the barrier shook once more. I back step again, this time farther than before.

"Ultimate Sword Art: Heavenly Sword of Light!"

One of the strongest Skills I have in my arsenal of Swordsmanship and Skills. I raised my greatsword up high and a Sword Aura as bright as the sun with a yellow color exploded upward. The spectacle was one that mortals of this World must've never witnessed before, and this also goes for the male God.

[Unbelievable…]

It seems like I've made an impression. I swung the sword downward, and this made the male God react noticeably.

[You think this fight will be so easy?]

Of course not, that is only for fools. The swing speed was lacking, so it was easy to dodge if it weren't for the massive width that makes it more challenging. Nevertheless, it is still an easily avoidable Skill with Movement Skills like Shunpo or Spells like Far Blink.

[Aqua Vortex.]

The male God teleported to a safe place and casted yet another Spell. This time, a massive Magic Eye appeared before the male God and a whirlpool of water accumulated and swirled like a saw blade. He launched it at me, and I laughed uncontrollably in response.

"You forgot, even if I use Swordsmanship to fight, I am still an Elder Lich."

I quickly saw through the Spell with my Racial Skill Eye of Arcane. I dissected the Spell with perfect accuracy and made a Counter Magic Formation to nullify it. The process took less than the time one would need to blink.

[Tch…]

My expertise apparently didn't sit well with the male God. He began creating numerous Magic Eyes to his side in what seems to be one final assault.

[This has been a joke for long enough. A lowly undead such as you are unfit and unworthy to even speak like that to the Gods and still live. Face oblivion of grand Magic, Elder Lich. Know that your life is killed by the hand of this God of Magic, the absolute pinnacle that your Race shall never achieve while I breathe.]

The male God made quite a speech, and completed his chant. I just stood still while he pulled his trick off, amusing myself with my own thoughts in the meantime.

"Then, show me the absolute pinnacle that other Elder Lich shall not be able to achieve, weak God of Magic."

My last taunt to set the male God off. I watch as the now enraged God launches his barrage of Spells.

'So many…'

Most of the Spells were 9th tier, not the absolute pinnacle yet and not something that I can scoff at either. The barrage looked like a rainbow from afar, and they converged at one point to try and defeat me with overwhelming energy.

'Mediocre performance.'

A custom made Spell, one that converts Mana to raw power. I have many such Spells in my arsenal, and this is also where most Magic Casters will be differentiated from the rest. The ability to manifest and create their own versions of Spells or completely new ones. It is when and how a Magic Caster Build becomes truly whole and unique to each individual, and this also applies to the Sword related Builds.

I stood there, inside a cloud of dirt and smoke as the air slowly settled down.

'Is he… dead?'

'Woah…'

Surprised and shocked thoughts traveled to my mind. I step forward, revealing to them all that this much is still weak.

[Warning!]

[Your Sealed Status is reaching critical condition!]

Suddenly, without my control, a dark burst of my own Aura exploded throughout the surroundings.

'Shit…'

The Aura was relatively weak, but still it inflicted great pain to the mortals and even disturbed the male God.

'Kuh?!!'

[!!!!]

"Oh. This is… a time for me to go. Greetings!"

I hurriedly rushed back, shrouding the surroundings in shadow before disappearing. I thought it to be quite comical, my speedy walking. The Demonic drake came to my side and I jumped on its back. I quickly got out of there by flying, now just a dot in the distance.

'This thing is fast.'

I marveled at the speed, but of course I wasn't out of the clear just yet.

"Crippling Body."

I directed my gaze to the teleported and Spell ready God that just showed up behind me. His face twisted and his body should experience a painful, full-body cramp right now. He falls downward fast but I strike one more time to make sure.

''Life Force Negative."

I casted a percentage Health delete Spell, but when my curse took effect, the body of the God disappeared in bright light dots.

'Huh?'

I was surprised, but didn't pay much attention to it. I'm now safe out of danger, and I couldn't detect anything else that was spying on my current location.

[Your Sealed Status has been stabilized]

[Your Items and Effects have been stabilized]

[Your Status is now in 43% effectiveness]

[Two of your Divine Skills are in effect]

[The Sky is now always dark]

[Warning!]

[Blue Sky is looking out for the cause for the dark Sky]

'Oh?'

A God that resides in the Sky. A God that governs the Sky is a pain in the ass, as they can see to the mortal realm through the Sky as a medium. They're living cameras in the wide Sky, and the number one target for when I do Generated World conquerings.

'Well, that's a problem for later.'

Useful information did came from this little stupid expedition. One of my objectives is completed as well, the protection of my alliance, and this will buy time for me to make more detailed plans of manipulation against my current roadblock, Humanity.

'Let's see who shall join, and who shall kneel.'

I am Death, I am unstoppable, and I should act accordingly.

'But unstoppable force never brings any excitement.'

Before I am a God of Death, I am a Conqueror.