‘This guy again?’ Ikazuchi couldn’t help but sigh as he read through a letter that was delivered to him earlier that day. His last encounter with Augustus ended with the man acting as a supplier for the guild in exchange for regular guards. He didn’t think that anything else would happen, but it was impossible for friction between their guild and Paradise Dawn not to occur as they were active in their territory. The letter detailed how certain members of the guild were actively undermining his business, and even suggested that battles were likely going to escalate if someone didn’t step in.

‘It seems I will have to make a trip to Rush Valley…’ It was tedious to deal with Augustus, but he wasn’t particularly reluctant this time. His interest in the mine had decreased during his previous requests in the area, but the possibility of a proper battle enticed him to return. Ikazuchi naturally would have taken responsibility regardless, but an encounter with Paradise Dawn only motivated him more.

Word Count: 170

It was still early enough in the day when he received the letter that he was able to prepare himself to depart without concern. His equipment was regularly maintained, so that wasn’t a concern. He also kept various consumables and basic equipment packed in the saddlebags of the saddle for his wyvern. He simply entered the area where his wyvern rested and prepared the reluctant creature before departing.

The skies were clear and the wyvern flew fast, so it wouldn’t take long for them to arrive. During his flight, he thought about who the guild members were that were guarding it. He considered how he should handle issues, and whether it could escalate into a full blown guild war. He even contemplated whether he would be able to replace any of his equipment after receiving payment. His ring was certainly due for an upgrade, he thought that another sword would be welcome, and even the relic that had accompanied him for so long seemed to be slightly lacking. It seemed that there were several things that he would like to replace or improve, but it wouldn’t be easy for him to actually find something. He couldn’t help but sigh as he silently continued his flight until he arrived safely at Augustus’ office.

Word Count: 210
Total Word Count: 380

Ikazuchi’s arrival could only draw more attention compared to his recent visit. Many companies were aware of the tense situation, some specifically watching the office that he arrived at to report the sighting. His days of going unnoticed had unknowingly slipped away from him as it was rare for someone to not recognize him. Unfortunately, rather than his own reputation, this was due to the bounty that had been issued for his head. There weren’t many brave enough to seek it, and even those few had restrained themselves due to the king’s announcement.

Ikazuchi could only sigh with disappointment as he was openly avoided, while being secretly observed. ‘How did things end up like this?’ He couldn’t help but wonder as he approached the entrance that Augustus had just opened to greet him. Neither was close or particularly fond of the other, so this was mostly due to formality. They immediately proceeded to the office where they sat down across from each other and began discussing the various issues regarding the mine.

Word Count: 170
Total Word Count: 550

“Explain the situation, Augustus.” Ikazuchi very naturally commanded the man, making it apparent who the superior individual was between the two. This was only natural though, Augustus had relied on him and the backing of the guild to maintain his source of income. Ikazuchi had even given him the favorable conditions that included becoming a supplier for the guild, so he naturally didn’t feel the need to be overly polite or reserved. In a way, he felt as though he were dealing with his own employee.

“As you read in the letter, there have been some… disagreements with Paradise Dawn.” Ikazuchi restrained a smile as he nodded, waiting for the man to continue. “Based on the information that I’ve obtained, it isn’t something ordered by their Guildmaster. A certain group of members have simply accepted a request from a rival company.” The man looked away in frustration, something that made Ikazuchi raise an eyebrow.

Word Count: 150
Total Word Count: 700

“Is there something you want to say?” Ikazuchi couldn’t help but ask a pointed question at the man’s clear display of frustrations. Considering the context, he could easily guess what the man was frustrated about. He could even understand why he avoided expressing those frustrations. Still, he couldn’t ignore such a blatant display. If Augustus did wish to explain it, he shouldn’t have expressed his dissatisfaction so openly. “Out with it already!” Ikazuchi was more forceful this time as the man continued to hesitate.

“It seems that they were hired specifically because they belong to the guild that defeated Sleeping Calamity back to back…” Augustus’ words trailed off as he looked for any reaction from Ikazuchi. The fear that the young man may snap due to such words was a genuine concern, yet it seemed unfounded based on the calm expression displayed. “You mean to say, someone was brave enough to hire the fodder of Paradise Dawn to interfere with me?” Ikazuchi had a cold smile spread across his face as he realized that he was being underestimated despite the bounty on his head. ‘Crazy bastard…’

Word Count: 180
Total Word Count: 880

Augustus wasn’t sure what he could say at this point. Ikazuchi’s question wasn’t something he could easily respond to. Even in the privacy of his own office, it wasn’t as if he could guarantee that no one was using a spell to listen in. Ikazuchi wasn’t expecting an answer either, he was simply vocalizing his interpretation of that information. He would be able to understand if it were someone like Emil that he encountered previously, but not just some random individuals from the guild. More than the ones that were hired, he felt particularly upset about the person that hired them.

“Tell me about this rival company of yours and the brave bastard running it.” Ikazuchi had decided to settle this at the source rather than directly rushing off to the mines. If someone were going to act against him, it was naturally better for him to face that issue head on. He wouldn’t continue dealing with whatever mercenaries they hired. It wouldn’t resolve the issue long term and he wasn’t willing to return every time a minor issue appeared.

Word Count: 180
Total Word Count: 1,060

“You’re aware of the companies that treat their miners almost like slaves, right?” Ikazuchi responded with a nod before the man continued. “While this company isn’t technically like that, it secretly manages several smaller companies that do. They maintain their public image while using those underhanded methods to profit.” Augustus didn’t mind expressing his disgust about the company as it wasn’t able to threaten him in the same way that a guild like Paradise Dawn could. Ikazuchi naturally didn’t mind hearing more details, so he didn’t interrupt as the man vented his frustrations.

Augustus named the company, the owner, even the various companies that it managed. If it weren’t for the guild members that frequented his office, he would have likely done the same about Ikazuchi to someone at some point. “I will go take care of things then, look forward to the good news, Augustus.” Ikazuchi stood up and departed after saying this. Augustus realized who he was venting to after he heard Ikazuchi speak; this caused him to panic slightly. It was only after Ikazuchi completely exited the building that the man relaxed. It was clear that he also didn’t wish to see Ikazuchi more than he had to.

Word Count: 200
Total Word Count: 1,260

Ikazuchi waved his wyvern that had been waiting outside into the air after exiting the office. He decided that he would simply explore the town on foot as he made his way to the office. It was extremely likely that his target would call for reinforcements during this time, and that was precisely what he hoped for. If the man that Augustus described lived up to what Ikazuchi heard, it was likely that he was already preparing for him. Ikazuchi was simply giving the many the chance to prepare further.

He would have liked to visit shops and shop for equipment during this time, but the wary expressions of the citizens kept him away. It was likely that they would refuse him at the door or simply close their business. He couldn’t help but feel somewhat bitter as he never actually harmed the average civilian, he simply lived by the blade as a swordsman should. This meant that he naturally clashed with the law and those who uphold it due to killing so many due to his beliefs.

It likely didn’t help that he tended to associate with criminals and underground organizations as they valued his skillset more. He firmly believed that this choice was what allowed him to display the strength and skill with the sword that he currently did. In the end, what better way was there to improve your skill with a tool than using it effectively? A sword was designed to kill, so he killed and then killed some more. He could regret and repent once he became the best. Before that, he wouldn’t even bother to explain himself to others.

Even now, he was hoping for a proper battle in order to gain more experience. The pinnacle that his father described was faintly felt by him, and he found himself rushing towards it with greater zeal. No amount of danger would dissuade him from marching towards a battlefield at this point. His spirit as a swordsman had long since matured to the point that he would sooner break than bend as he faced any challenge head on.

Word Count: 350
Total Word Count: 1,610

As he neared his destination, Ikazuchi’s battle intent seemed to overflow as many people directly closed their shops. Others directly fled the area, all of them certain that they didn’t want to wait around for whatever battle would soon ensue. Ikazuchi had the urge to simply engage whatever guards there were in battle as soon as they entered his line of sight, only restraining himself due to needing to complete the request.

There were multiple rows of guards waiting for him when he arrived, most at the same level as those typically guarding the mine. Only the front three seemed better, but he could only raise a brow as one shouted at him. “Look at this, another trash from Sleeping Calamity looking to get crushed once again!!” The entire group laughed in response, but Ikazuchi’s expression only shifted slightly. ‘Where are the bastards from Paradise Dawn?’ This was all he could think, as he examined each and every person present. Not a single one of them were affiliated with a guild, so he was confused.

“Let’s show our employer the strength of Paradise Dawn!!” This shout was intended to rally the various men on that side, but they all paused due to Ikazuchi’s laughter that immediately echoed through the area. “Hey, trash, what’s so funny?!” One of the men was particularly offended by his laughter, but it didn’t even earn him a proper response. The popping veins of one of the three conmen made it apparent how upset he was.

Ikazuchi was holding his stomach, slightly bent over, laughing for several seconds longer. It was only then that he was able to control himself. “You three, you’re awfully brave, aren’t you?” He couldn’t directly out them as he was learned of the lack of affiliation with his bless, but he was actually amazed by their reckless behavior. Even if they were on the stronger side, he could only think they were crazy to masquerade as a member of Paradise Dawn and challenge his guild. ‘Well, it’s good to know that this won’t cause any friction with them...’ He wouldn’t hate fighting them, but he didn’t want to disrupt any attempts to resolve their enmity that other members may be a part of.

Word Count: 370
Total Word Count: 1,980

“The fuck did you just say?” The particularly hot tempered of the three wasn’t happy to hear Ikazuchi say that. ‘They don’t know who I am, do they?’ He finally realized why he felt confused by their actions, their crazy trio wasn’t from around here and didn’t know about which members of the guild they would have to avoid. They could certainly hold their own against the weaker members, it was likely that they had already beaten a few of his guildmates as well. Considering the pride most members had, it wasn’t likely they would easily admit to this or allow Augustus to do so either. Ikazuchi wanted to sigh as he learned many things through this encounter, but he held himself back as he drew Breaker in his right hand and summoned Clarent into his left.

“I don’t have anything else to say to a group of dead men.” This was the final thing Ikazuchi said before charging at the group, mana surging into his two swords. The dazzling red and gray auras caused the trio to step back due to shock. It was only now clear that they had chosen the wrong fight. Unfortunately, Ikazuchi wasn’t one to give his opponent time to regret.

The calmer individuals fired off spells, but he simply adjusted his pace or sidestepped to avoid them. He didn’t move in a consistent manner that allowed anyone to target him from far away, not to mention the fact that his speed exceeded that of everyone present. It was only when he approached within a few meters of the group that Clarent was naturally raised and wielded in their direction. The red aura surged more as it spread like an unstoppable wave towards the group.

Word Count: 290
Total Word Count: 2,270

The battle after that proceeded as anyone else would have expected, besides the employer who was fooled by the trio. Ikazuchi methodically killed one enemy after another, drawing on his experience during the army from the Dark Universe to easily dispatch the weaker enemies. He intentionally left the three phonies for last as he slaughtered the guards, only sparing them enough attention to note their rapidly worsening morale and mental state. Their only noticeable injuries were those on each of their legs that prevented them from fleeing.

His actions caused each to openly admit that they had been lying, apologize for what they said, even shifting the blame among each other before it finally settled on their employer. ‘Stupid bastards, no one in Rush Valley is stupid enough to cross Paradise Dawn intentionally…’ True to his previous words, he didn’t say a word as he swiftly decapitated the men with three clean slashes. After that, he simply sheathed Breaker and returned Clarent to the subspace of his ring and entered the building covered in blood.

“Let’s talk business, shall we?” Ikazuchi said this to the man who was waiting fearfully inside, having only remained there due to the awareness that he was more likely to die if he fled. What followed was Ikazuchi gently coercing the man to offer his various assets, including the dark companies he managed to Augustus. The man naturally couldn’t refuse these demands as Ikazuchi’s sword would have been wielded the moment he did. The process was expedited due to the danger looming, and Augustus had acquired the rights to many valuable areas in the mines as well as the contracts for the employees. As for Ikazuchi, he accepted his payment naturally and only reminded Augustus that he should treat his employees properly before departing for the guildhall.

Word Count: 300
Total Word Count: 2,570