Collection

"During my fight with Sora Tiamat, something unusual happened," Shun Xshasi explained, addressing the others' confusion as he studied the mechanical spider legs of Vivid Nollen. "Our ethereal arms—mine and Sora's—merged, in a way. It was likely what allowed me to harness a part of her abilities. My ethereal arm is creation-based, molding weapons as I will them into existence. But Sora's might have broken that boundary, albeit for one specific type. I can't say for certain, but it's the only explanation that fits."

The spider legs on Vivid's back began to fade, a natural process following their owner's death. However, this time, the vanishing wasn't caused by the cessation of life—it was Shun's doing.

[Embodiment of the Spider]

Class: Complete

Weapon Type: Implant

Ability Type: Mechanical/Incantation

The 55th complete ethereal arm of its time. Taking the form of a mechanical spider. It grants a tremendous boost to agility and strength while controlling eight indestructible spider legs and a finite supply of webbing.

"Ten legs always beat two, especially when eight of them surpass anything human flesh can offer."

The thrill of acquiring another complete ethereal arm coursed through him, intoxicating. And there was yet another waiting for him, buried underground. It would take time to find, but for Shun, it was worth the effort. Alice Clayton's life would be claimed later—when he was stronger—for the sake of adding her arm to his growing collection.

For now, it made more sense to leave at least one Blackguard alive to command the capital outskirts. If Alice remained loyal, an army of outlaws and exiled scoundrels would serve under his command. More followers meant more power.

"Mission accomplished," Shun said, turning to his companions with a smile that belied his earlier coldness. "How was your first taste of a real battleground?"

Albert, who hadn't fully engaged in the battle, shrugged nonchalantly. "Not much different from a tournament—just an extra step of finishing them off."

Dharma Leyndra chuckled darkly. "You wouldn't be saying that if one of us had died."

The remark cast a shadow over the group's mood. Their excitement stemmed solely from one fact—they had won. Had things turned out differently, had one of them fallen, their answers would likely not be so carefree.

Cloudy broke the tense silence. "Scoundrels or not, killing leaves a stain on the soul, especially when you start to imagine things from their perspective."

Emilia sighed deeply. "If only people could live together in harmony, without all this violence. It would be so much better."

Jaylen, however, shook his head. "Peace is easier said than done. Crimes arise from one fundamental cause—differences. And in a world like ours, where everyone's abilities set them apart, conflict is inevitable."

His words carried weight, as Jaylen had spent time studying law and civil affairs, reshaping his view of the world and its inevitable strife.

Shun kept silent, his thoughts drifting to Danica's final words and the painful truth she hinted at about Daniel Amnir's revolution. Alfred Eldran had altered Daniel's memories, warping his thoughts and fueling an illusory hatred that sparked the revolution. Two aristocratic families had been slaughtered, providing Eriq Ranborg with enough life essence to heal Albert's muteness.

He decided to keep this knowledge from Emilia, at least for now. The unpredictability of her reaction posed too great a risk, one that could threaten the fate of every SIGMA Academy graduate.

Shun snapped back to the present, breaking the contemplative quiet. "The first part of our plan is complete. Now, all that's left is to deliver the good news to the King."

"You go ahead," he added, a sword materializing in his hand. With a deft twist, Vivid Nollen's head tumbled from his body, hitting the ground with a thud. "I have some unfinished business here."

Shun turned to Jayden. "You don't mind carrying Vivid's and Danica's heads, do you?"

Seeing the others' disgusted expressions, he sighed, shaking his head. "Never mind."

"Well," Dharma said with a chuckle, collecting Danica's head. "It's my job, after all."

Once the others had disappeared into the distance, Shun set to work examining the remnants of the Underground Web, searching for Hugo Goldsmith's body. Finding it wouldn't be difficult, given his connection to Hugo's ethereal arm.

Before long, a smile crept across his face. A massive hammer materialized in his hand, an ordinary mortal class ethereal arm with no combat benefits, but perfect for smashing rocks to pieces.

With a mighty swing, the ground gave way beneath him, revealing a gaping hole where the underground structure had been crushed. Digging his way through the debris was slow, laborious work, but eventually, Shun reached Hugo's body.

His reward was, indeed, worth the effort.

[Terrainiac Axe]

Class: Complete

Weapon Type: Axe

Ability Type: Elemental

The 94th complete ethereal arm of its time. Earth, rock, and sand gather upon the axe, allowing it to grow in size and power without increasing in weight. As long as the element of Earth is present, its potential is limitless.

"The axe devours every stone it touches, much like its owner's insatiable greed."

Under normal circumstances, the axe possessed power far exceeding its rank, but its lack of versatility held it back. Still, it was a formidable addition to his collection.

Shun turned and faced the path he had constructed, quite impressed by his effort and accuracy. As he prepared to climb out of the hole, something shifted beneath Hugo's lifeless form. A delicate letter slipped from the corpse's pocket, contrasting starkly with the man's brutish identity. It bore an air of nobility—perhaps even royalty.

A rare flicker of apprehension crossed Shun's heart as he tore the envelope open, retrieving the letter inside.

Three bold words dominated the centre of the page, flanked by two elegant cranes, their wings gently cradling the script.

White Crane Manor