Nobilis of War

The tense air between Darren and several men was palpable. The charged atmosphere piqued the curiosity among the disciples. They gathered around them, wanting to have a good look at the commotion.

"This is going to be interesting," one of the disciples gestured towards the group from School of Blade Skill. "These guys often bully the newcomers."

"That guy is Darren, the fallen genius."

"I see. I heard he gets lots of resources each month. No wonder these guys are giving him a hard time."

Whispers and murmurs could be heard all around as the crowd started to scrutinize. They were eager to see what was about to unfold.

"Brat, it looks like you don't know what you're doing. If you mess with us, you will be in a lot of trouble," one disciple of the School of Blade Skill threatened.

"Shut up!" Darren snapped brashly. "Aren't you planning on stealing my resources? I'd like to see you try." Darren did not flinch one bit. He did not find those guys daunting at all. They were nothing but revolting scoundrels for him.

"Oh? You're one arrogant guy, aren't you? Let's see if you can still be haughty later," the disciple continued.

He pulled out his blade to attack Darren.

One person decided to put a halt to this madness. He rushed forward and interjected, "What are you doing? If you continue this brash display, the Elder is sure to know about this. Fighting on the square will get you severely punished."

Darren shifted his gaze towards the speaker. It was Keller, the one who led him to his place yesterday.

Keller walked towards his side and whispered, "Darren, get out of here. These are notorious tyrants. I will stall them for you. Go to the Sword Mountain. You'll be safer there."

"Who the hell are you, you bumpkin? Get lost!" One member of the group spat.

"Guys, it's best for you to let go of Darren. If you don't, the Elders are going to know about this. Disciples are not allowed to fight out of personal matters. I'm sure you know that," Keller continued grimly.

This made them uneasy. They were familiar with the rules of the sect, and they didn't want any trouble.

"Son of a bitch! You better watch your back. We will not spare you." They threatened before walking away.

"Get to the Sword Mountain and stay there in the next few days. I'm afraid they might return soon," Keller suggested, a concerned expression clear on his face.

"What about you?" Darren asked with a frown, looking at Keller. He had already considered him as his friend.

"Don't worry about me. They might hit me but I'll be fine as long as I don't fight back," Keller assured him. "I'm going to go out to buy some items. Take care of yourself." Keller headed down the mountain hurriedly.

anything happens," Darren urged. A small smile formed on the corner of Keller's mouth. Without looking

corner on the square. They talked to two ominous looking men

for you to provoke him and trick him into going to Life and Death Valley, but you couldn't even do

Elder. That could mean so much trouble for us. Please don't be mad at us," one of them explained. All of

want him dead no matter what," Karl, his brother, chastised.

said, "Karl, take Jimmy here. Use him to goad Darren and beguile him to the Life and Death Valley. I will ask

go challenge him yourself?" Karl

him. He will not accept my challenge,"

as he called for one of their subordinates, "Bring Jimmy

off. Karl gathered

long after, he came face to

you remember me?"

a bad luck! What do you want, you freak?" Darren

his feet furiously. "You little bastard, I bet you haven't forgotten Jimmy. Aren't you curious how

direction of Karl's finger. There, Darren saw a dirty

fell

this to me," Darren bellowed, anger swelling up within

me. He is nothing but a pawn to us. Do you want to save him? If you

the blade intent seed. But now, any

blood. His clothes were an utter mess. Jimmy looked like he was hanging on for dear life as his hands and feet were pierced

appalled by the horrible picture

raise his head slowly to look at Darren, and tears ran down his cheeks.

his cracked lips failing as he formed his

a wolf eating his chest. The nausea swirled unrestrained in his stomach. The sight of Jimmy

vise-grips. He felt anger like acid—burning, slicing,

want? Just say it!" Darren

to

"Ha-ha-ha. Can't you see it?

my challenge? Fine, I will torture him to

was all for naught because his

Sadness

only fueling the fire that burned inside of Darren. Every violated phrase was like gasoline to it, and his fists began to clench and his jaw rooted. He felt sorry

you go, all of you. I'll meet you at the Life and Death Valley!" Darren declared, rage coursing through his