Is Is this real? a mercenary mumbled in the ensuing silence.

In some peoples eyes, they gazed upon a god. Some, a role model or a goal.

Barbarian fell. One of the Twelve Superhumans, the Mercenary King, a paragon of Igrantand he didnt land a single blow on his junior opponent.

Marquis Crombell trembled like an aspen tree in the wind as his reality was upended. Ryan Geiger, the Lion King, repeatedly opened and closed his mouth. After a moment of thought, he just smiled. Cain, Leo, and the Wilhelm Knights itched to speak but also remained silent.

Joshua took notice of none of that; his eyes were firmly fixed on the fallen warrior. The mans long braid had come undone and was splayed across the mud; his frightening best friend lay in the grime in two pieces as well. His body was covered in cuts, all weeping dangerous amounts of blood. The only indication that he wasnt a corpse was the faint sound of his breathing.

Even when the weapon is in front of you, you cant even look straight, Joshua told him, although the Mercenary King didnt seem interested in what he was saying. You failed to understand your opponent because you were certain that youre the best. You werent willing to settle for anything not even your current lofty position.

Barbarian was still silent.

You ought to know that youll lose if you try to fight someone stronger than you, given your years of experience.

The Mercenary King flinched. With his years as a mercenary, that was an outright insult to him.

Kkk Grrr. An animalistic growl slipped from between his grit teeth. Its incredible. The Mercenary Kings dark red eyes peered through his fallen, bloodied hair. You fooled me. To pin me down and shred my Aura OverlayIm not sure that even Absolute accurately describes you. I wanna know Who are you? The bloodied mercenary stared intently at Joshuas face.

My name is Joshua Sanders.

You know damn well that thats not what Im asking.

Im a knight and a soldier like youbut unlike you, I know my opponent.

That silenced the Mercenary King.

And Joshua began but was interrupted by the approach of the other mercenaries. Hostility was clear in their eyesthe Mercenary Kings defeat meant they would be forced to face the consequences of their choices. Of course, there was no reason to feel sorry for them when they made that choice of their own volition. That was simple cause and effect.

Joshua spared them a glance and quietly closed his eyes before continuing.

Those who stand by me consider me their master and king.

His knights came up behind him, ready to keep the mercenaries hostility in check while gazing at Joshua with soulful eyes.

Master.

My king

Even now, you come to me with the desire to kill, even when all Im doing is speaking to him.

The mercenaries shivered as the Wilhelm Knights roused their violent energy.

Its no surpriseto lead, you need skill and charisma. What a leader says can make or break the entire organization.

Then maybe you knew it all along. The Mercenary King ignored Joshuas confused look and raised his body. Listen, my dear comrade mercenaries. The war starts now. Kill everyone here, and seize Peril Castle.

M-Mercenary King, you mean?

He watched Marquis Crombell stutter and smirked. Are you worried about me? Dont. Just stick to the plan.

But When Marquis Crombell glanced at Joshua, fear flashed through his eyesthe fear of prey in front of a predator.

3,000 people abandoned us, but theres still 5,000 here. Even those 3,000 can be called back with the crystal ball. There are only a hundred people here; they may be knights, but we have time and numbers on our side. Before you start worrying about me, worry about the man behind us.

Pl-Please dont say that! Gehor exclaimed.

A man stepped forward, interrupting them. Do you think Im just going to watch?

Lion King.

You did think I was just going to stand here, didnt you? Barbarian, you swore that the war would end with the Battle of Superhumans. I heard it very clearly.

This is none of your business, though

The Lion King stared at him. What?

This is between Duke Pontier and Marquis Crombell of the Avalon Empire. I dont think you have any say in thisits outside the scope of the Battle of Superhumans. From their point of view, you and I are both outsiders. If you get involved, do you think the Emperor will stay still?

Do you have no sha

Barbarian stuck his tongue out at him. As a leader, Im more than willing to sacrifice my honor for the greater good.

His sarcasm left the Lion King speechless.

Give me a weapon.

What? The mercenary he ordered hesitated for a moment, then grudgingly pulled his sword off his waist. He was only a gold card, one of a million mercenaries, and not even a veteran. He had no choice but to obey the Mercenary Kings orders.

If we go back with nothing but the bitter taste of defeat Not only would the guilds reputation hit rock bottom, but theyd all starve. That cant happen.

The mercenary steeled himself and handed over his sword with renewed determination.

Ice Spear.

The mercenary went stiff as three shards of ice barely missed him.

Magic He spun around.

In the back stood a cloaked silhouette. Beside that figure was a familiar man. The Mercenary King stared; he knew exactly who he was.

Akshuler?

The mercenaries should never give up their honor.

Akshuler! The mercenaries broke out into confused shouts. The second-ranked mercenary, the second holder of a diamond card, Master Akshuler, had appeared.

Look at this. Barbarian grinned.

Barbarian.

Ah, I heard you became a Master. Im late, but congrats! Id congratulate you properly, but as you can see, Im not in good shape. Well have our party later, and Ill make it grander than any other banquet on the continent. Youre the face of our guild, and were proud to have you.

His emphasis on our guild made Akshulers mouth harden into a thin line.

Lead them for me. As you may know, I signed a contract with Marquis Crombell.

I will lead them in your place.

Oh Akshuler. The mercenaries were deeply surprised. Akshulers relationship with the Mercenary King was no secret within the guild. If he was accepting the Mercenary Kings orders, then

One by one, the mercenaries resignedly raised their weapons.

Marquis Crombell.

Ah, the famed Akshuler. Ive heard so much about you. The Marquiss lips curled into a small smile. They were still facing a monster, but with another Master on their side, they still had a chance. Plus, they had a clear numerical advantage.

Im breaking the deal.

What?

Listen, mercenaries. As your new commander, you are to obey my orders. The contract is now terminated. Every last mercenary here should leave.

This crazy! Marquis Crombell burst into a fit of cussing. You know what this means. The penalty for breaking a contract is ten times the initial down payment. Do you have any idea how much money your king got from me?

You know what? Our mercenaries peace of mind is more important than petty cash.

WHAT?! Gehor turned to the Mercenary King, his shoulders shaking with rage. Mercenary King, am I to listen to this dog shit?

Akshuler. The Mercenary King smiled at Akshuler, but his eyes were sad.

Barbarian, your time is over. Ill take care of the follow-up, but Im not going to clean up your mess.

Why are you so cheeky He ground his teeth. I am your king! I am the Mercenary King, Barbarian, one of the Twelve Superhumans! Obey me! I am your king! Kill them all! Barbarian glared at the unmoving mercenaries and prepared to regale them with another mana-filled shout.

Youre done. Joshua stepped forward with a soft smile. All of the participants in the Battle of Superhumans are to blame. The Nine Stars and Twelve Superhumans are established such that were never content with what we have, even though we have plentyisnt that right?

You are. The Lion King nodded.

As such, no one can get involved or be held responsible for conflicts between us, right?

Youre correct about that as well.

And Joshua turned to the Mercenary King. They locked eyes. The Battle of Superhumans hasnt ended yet, because you havent surrendered.

Barbarian glared at him.

Best you go away and let the guild start over from scratch.

This kid

He didnt get to finish. Joshuas spear flickered, and the Mercenary Kings head flew.

The bitter end of a powerful era.