Battle at Hal Family Estate

  As the two observed the garden, they heard a loud explosion at the entrance. Hearing it, Ryker's face turned grave as he ran towards the entrance, his sword already pulled out from his storage ring.

  When he got close enough, he swore. A large number of Genesis Core experts, at least 10 had appeared at the front gate, launching attacks on the defensive formation of the Hal Estate. He looked at the young lady of the Hal Family, asking,

  "How long should the barrier last against this kind of onslaught?" before Shuri could answer, the barrier exploded, allowing the attackers to enter the Estate. Thankfully, before the Genesis Core experts could do any damage, Hal Family Genesis Core experts made their move, though their number is slightly less than their attackers.

  However, the Genesis Core experts of the Hal Family seemed stronger. A glance allow Ryker to see they were protected by some shields, allowing them to be more aggressive. 

  "Looks like the formation can be used by the elders to help them defend themselves," Ryker exclaimed, seeing that even though they were outnumbered, they were able to hold their ground against their enemies though they were still pushed by them.

  A scream shocks them both out of their thoughts, their eyes falling towards another group, this one larger than the Genesis Core experts but not less threatening.

  "Genesis Foundation experts!" Ryker hissed. The number of such experts seemed to reach about 100, maybe even more. If that were the case, the Hal Family forces would have trouble beating them, maybe being pushed back and slaughtered by the incoming force.

  He looked at Shuri, "Get away from here. Head back towards the mansion. I'm going to handle this," he told her, growling as he headed towards the enemies, his sword glinting as it thirsted for blood.

-x-

  Shuri wished to leave, but he couldn't leave Ryker alone. She knew she couldn't help but maybe there was something she could do to help him. After all, he was alone against nearly 100 experts in the same major realm as he is!

  Her thought was broken when Ryker proceeded to kill 3 enemies in one attack. She could barely watch it as Ryker's sword danced through the air, cutting through the enemies, forcing them to defend themselves, lest they met the same fate as their friends.

  While they manage to avoid death, they still lose their limbs, making it harder for them to avoid the next strike. As he moved on the battlefield, scores of enemies fell to the ground, their lives ceasing as he seemed to dance, sword qi moving through his entire body and sending anyone close to him to the afterlife.

  Shuri could only watch with awe as he seemed to change a little, his eyes more calculating as he waded towards the enemy's lines, the other guards following him and pushing the enemies back.

  His presence seemed like a war deity, smiting those who dared come close enough to challenge his might, breaking through their ranks like it was merely a clay wall. His very presence invigorates their forces, the guards roaring and unleashing their strength, further sending their opponent to disarray.

  Seeing him as a threat, 5 peak Genesis Foundation experts head towards him, unleashing their full strength from the get-go. Seeing the attack, Ryker surrounded himself with sword and fire qi, creating a powerful barrier that absorbed most of the attack. 

  Some did get through, though damage was minimal at best, the worst injury was a gash on his side. With them already throwing everything they had at him, Ryker was inclined to do the same.

  Gathering both fire and sword qi, he performed a simple thrust. For his target, it might as well be an attack from an elder instead, his mastery of Law of Fire and Lore of Sword making the attack even more frightening. 

  The experts tried to defend themselves but didn't realize why he used a thrust instead of a slash. A thrust focused on attacking a singular target, the force applied channeled through the tip, making the attack capable of piercing through their defense.

  Simply put, his attack penetrates his target's defense, the sword qi breaking the shield created and the fire qi burning him down. The man couldn't even scream for help as he was burned so thoroughly.

  The sight of their fellow being killed so quickly made them pause, uncertainties and fears clouding their judgment. Ryker took the chance to rush towards them, his blade cutting through another one before they realized their blunder, applying some defense before attempting to retreat.

  Their retreat was stopped by some of the peaks Genesis Foundation experts of the Hal Family, knowing killing them would make the enemies' position even worse. Their opponent tried to break free but failed to do so.

  This allows Ryker to support them, his attacks focused on crippling rather than killing. He simply cut off their arms and legs, making them weaker as the sudden loss of limbs allowed the guards to end their foes quicker.

  After finishing some of the more dangerous threats, he once again rampaged on the battlefield. With no one capable of challenging his might, the enemy's condition turned even more downhill, unable to do much except put up a fight before dying to Ryker's and the guards's blades.

  As they pushed the enemies, the guards couldn't help but have a complicated look at the young man. His strength already surpassed all of them, even equal to a Genesis Core expert, despite only being at the 5th Stage Genesis Foundation realm.

  If, no, when he gets stronger, he might even surpass the patriarch. The thought made them feel complicated. Even so, they were not ungrateful, after all, he had helped them change the battlefield to their favor so quickly, reducing their casualties by a lot if he didn't interfere.

  For that reason, they were grateful for the young man, who shouldn't have any obligation to protect their estate despite being a guest. They could also see the reason why the patriarch and young master treated him well. Someone like him deserved to get their patriarch recognition.

  Unknown to them all, they fail to spot someone on the side, watching the entire fight with disinterest. He merely watched the fight, not even intervening, making it hard to pin his allegiance. 

  However, he occasionally glanced at Ryker, observing the young man. He then took out a communication token, before receiving a message that made his brow raise. Another message confirmed it, making him nod. 

  He looked at the young man before walking towards his location.