Demon Bible

Chapter 174: Decisive Blade

"What is your purpose in coming here? You should know that the local bishop, Rhine, is a member of our family!" Even though the Nitton Family Head looked down on these secretive, lowly commoners, their opponents' strength did not seem weak. If this could be resolved peacefully, that would be for the best.

"Heh... Since we dared to make a move, we naturally know all about that."

"We only came looking for you to acquire some information."

"If you can tell us the details of Rhine's birth, we will turn around and leave immediately." Opper knew exactly why the other party looked down on them.

These Nobles cared about their so-called 'dignity'. When they did things, they had to appear entirely open and aboveboard, so they rarely covered their faces when taking action.

The only time they ever wore masks was to let loose during masquerade balls.

In terms of classification, all life was simply divided into the Black Iron Rank, Iron Rank, and so on.

However, in the eyes of these Nobles, even those within the Black Iron Rank needed to be further segregated. To them, Nobles were of a highborn breed, while all other commoners were nothing but a lowly species.

This Cognition was essentially the universal mindset among the nobility.

Opper was not particularly angry at this moment. Naturally, their primary focus was on completing Lord Nemus's mission.But if the other party refused to cooperate...

Upon hearing Opper's words, a subtle shift immediately appeared in the Nitton Family Head's expression.

"Rhine is a member of our family. If you wish to pry into his secrets, then I advise you to retreat now, or else you can stay here forever!"

The moment the Nitton Family Head finished speaking, the Dual Swordsman on the other side sprang into action.

The black robes enshrouding his entire body did not hinder his movements in the slightest.

To conceal his identity, he did not use his twin swords, but instead drew a single standard-issue longsword.

Lowering his body slightly, he crossed the distance in an instant, appearing right in front of Leydo.

The Blade Edge trembled slightly before transforming into a streak of white light, thrusting straight toward Leydo's face.

"Bring it on!" Leydo grew excited. Although he frequently fought with Swordsmen hired by his family or captured Dangerous Creatures...

...those were all opponents prearranged by his family. This was his first time clashing with a genuine, life-and-death enemy.

The Sword Art he had painstakingly practiced for years finally had a chance to shine!

"You should call for a few more helpers!" Leydo parried with a strike of his own. Feeling the force behind the Dual Swordsman's blow and confirming that his opponent's Attribute Value was no higher than his own, he smiled with brimming confidence.

Flicking his wrist, he resolved to show these unknown intruders what true Sword Art looked like!

The Blade Edge spun with the turn of his wrist, rapidly unleashing a flurry of strikes like a violent storm.

It looked like a single thrust, but in reality, his sword was simply too fast. Several strikes overlapped along the same trajectory, creating a visual illusion!

However, facing this kind of Sword Art, the Dual Swordsman barely moved. With just a slight Deflection of his Blade Edge, he blocked the multiple strikes.

His movements did not seem fast, yet Leydo's countless strikes failed to achieve any results.

"You have some talent, but it is not enough." The Sword Light flared brilliantly and vanished in a flash.

Amidst that storm of chaotic slashes, the Dual Swordsman's blade seemed to slip through countless gaps, thrusting toward his opponent's body once more.

But at the critical moment, a sword flew in from afar, interrupting the Dual Swordsman's follow-up attack.

Leydo's expression filled with belated realization and terror. As he stumbled backward, he stared at the longsword embedded in the ground.

On the balcony, the Nitton Family Head—who had thrown the longsword—knew that this situation would not end well.

Their opponents this time were not petty thieves, but genuine, ruthless outlaws.

From the Dual Swordsman's technique alone, it was obvious that his Sword Art was absolutely top-tier.

Leydo was not weak; his Sword Art was merely a bit too unpolished. If he continued to grow, becoming a master swordsman would not be a problem.

The issue was that the current Dual Swordsman was not an enemy he could handle. Right now, Leydo needed to focus most of his energy on increasing his Attribute Value. Later, once he reached the Iron Rank and gradually experienced more real combat, he would naturally be able to fulfill his innate talent for Sword Art.

Since just one of the intruders possessed this level of ability, the Nitton Family Head understood that these people meant business.

"If you retreat now, there is still time." Nitton leaped down from the balcony.

His aged body suddenly surged with a robust, powerful Vitality.

Having once been a renowned Holy Knight, his strength was naturally impressive. If not for his lingering injuries, he could have wiped out all these thugs by himself. Why would he need to act so constrained?!

"Grandfather!" Leydo didn't even have time to feel frustrated over his failure in swordsmanship. He immediately retreated to his grandfather's side, looking at him with worry while offering his own sword.

"Be careful. The moment you find a chance to escape, go find Rhine immediately!" Nitton instructed. He took the sword and glared at Opper's group.

Seeing that Opper and the others did not back down, he shook his head slightly. "It seems that living out one's retirement in peace until death is truly a difficult thing to ask."

With that said, Nitton straightened his posture. His hunched frame fully expanded, instantly making him a head taller.

In the blink of an eye, he transformed from a frail old man into a robust Giant.

"Do you know why I am known as the Decisive Blade?"

In Nitton's grip, the longsword now looked more like a conductor's baton.

Following Nitton's point, a sharp, piercing power materialized in the very next moment.

The Dual Swordsman instantly felt as though a blade was being pressed directly against his forehead.

"So this is a former Iron Rank master of Sword Art?" The Dual Swordsman trembled with excitement.

Under normal circumstances, if Nemus had free time, he would guide his Sword Art training.

If the timing was right, Nemus would even spar with him personally.

Under such conditions, the Dual Swordsman's Sword Art had improved by leaps and bounds.

However, a problem soon emerged: Nemus's level was simply too high.

In front of Nemus, the Dual Swordsman's Sword Art was still several leagues beneath him, so fighting Nemus offered absolutely no thrill of an even match.

He was practically crushed every time, forcing him to rapidly realize where his flaws lay under extreme pressure.

But now, Nitton's arrival was absolutely perfect.

Nitton was strong. His Attribute Value was high; after all, he was a veteran Iron Rank. Although he had been injured, exerting a certain level of power for a short time was not difficult for him.

His Sword Art was formidable, perhaps even surpassing his own to some extent.

Yet, it was exactly this kind of enemy that could draw out even more of his potential.

The Dual Swordsman could not care less about anything else right now.

Flicking his Blade Edge, he kicked up the sword Nitton had hurled earlier, snatching it out of the air.

Crossing his twin swords, the Dual Swordsman took a deep breath, focusing his entire body and mind. A pitch-black dot on his chest began to bloom into intricate patterns.

On the other side of the battlefield, Opper also slightly raised his hand.

Several formless entities streaked through the air.

Summoning System Spell: Feather Sky Serpent Summon!