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Chapter 121: Settling the Past (2)

“Kill him!”

The deaths of Wetton and Shalom completely changed the atmosphere and Diallo roared in anger.

Slice!

However, Hagler was one step—no, two steps faster. In an instant, he had narrowed the gap; he twisted his hips and, with the force of his momentum, he cut through the torsos of the men closest to him.

“Argh!”

“What are you waiting for?”

Halger had natural talent and trained nonstop with a genius master, Von. However, Hagler’s skills had not grown dramatically because Von was his only sparring opponent. Even though they were both Experts, their Auras were different from each other.

Slice!

The sword Henry had given Hagler tore through the breastplate of the soldier like a claw. Blood splattered in the air and before the blood could even reach Hagler, he was already facing his next opponent.

“What are you guys doing? Catch him!”

Diallo thought that no matter how fast Hagler was, the soldiers still had the advantage of numbers. The remaining soldiers rushed at Hagler with even more anger.

/p>

“Damn it!”

Clash!

Hagler looked like an angry tiger attacking its opponents by sinking its claws in vital areas like the head, neck, chest, and abdomen. The tiger didn’t have a single scratch on its body even though it seemed to be moving in an unbelievable way.

‘I’m slow. Compared to my master’s movements, I’m very slow!’

However, the difference in numbers was nothing more than a slight inconvenience to Hagler, because Von had taught him that no matter the size of the opponent, they were only a ragtag bunch.

‘He’s an Expert?’

Hagler had an incredible spirit and the other Experts were astonished by the destructive power on the tip of his sword.

‘It’s only that his power is restrained, but with that level of skill, it’s almost…!’

The amount of Aura Hagler released made them think that he had already surpassed the level of swordmaster. Von watched from afar and nodded in satisfaction.

‘Yes. Then turn around and cut the throat of that guy that’s hesitating… Nice. That\'s it!’

Hagler was on a different level from other Experts. In order to awaken Aura, one had to feel like one’s life was in danger. On the other hand, one needed a less dramatic realization for the level of a master. Hagler remained at the level of an expert only because he hadn’t yet experienced that small realization.

The difference between an expert and a master was how well one could manage the unstable Aura. In addition, Aura was power influenced by the mind. Von guessed that Hagler’s unstable psychological state was the reason why his Aura was unstable.

‘I bet he was feeling anxious. He has a stable job and house but being chased by Diallo tormented him.’ After consulting with Henry, Von had created an opportunity for Hagler to eliminate the cause of his anxiety himself.

‘Now, go wild and use your strength to prove that you\'re a useful guy.’

Even though they hadn’t known each other long, Von thought that Hagler was a reliable person, which is why Von wanted Hagler to grow even stronger.

“Arghhh!”

As the number of private soldiers on the ground increased, Hagler’s Aura grew larger and larger. It looked like a terrifying fire that engulfed everything as it grew.

His fighting spirit was growing. With each opponent he struck down, his resentment transformed into fuel for his anger and intensified his Aura even further.

Soon, there were only 3 soldiers left.

“W-what are you guys doing? There are so many of you, why can’t you defeat one guy?”

Diallo had been laughing like a fox, but now he seemed impatient. His impatience turned into anger and his growing anger intimidated his soldiers even more.

“Move,” said Hagler after he cut down one of the soldiers and raised his sword. He had an angry and murderous look in his eyes. A soldier with a mace and a soldier with a polearm started to run as fast as they could after seeing Hagler’s gaze.

However, things didn\'t go as they wished.

Slice!

The swordsman guarding Diallo swung his sword and cut the soldiers down.

“Tsk, they’re so pathetic.’”

The swordsman shook the blood off his sword and greeted Hagler with a calm expression.

“It’s been a while, Hagler.”

He wore a suit of plate armor over his entire body. His name was Wafer, and he was the sole representative of the Dexter family and the only swordmaster. He had a long, distinctive scar across the bridge of his nose. He was the leader of Diallo’s private army.

“Wafer!”

Wafer had almost caught Hagler the day Hagler fought Diallo and ran away. He was a veteran swordsman who had attained the level of a master, and he was also a former knight with a good reputation who once served in the imperial army.

“Saying your superior’s name as you wish is an arrogant act even for a criminal like you.”

“How funny!”

Hagler had been in Dexter\'s army at one point, so Wafer was technically Hagler’s superior. Hagler swung his sword at Wafer.

Clank!

“It looks like you’ve been doing well, considering that you’re always running away.”

“...!”

Something completely unexpected happened. Hagler thought that his sword would cut through Wafer’s sword, but instead, Hagler’s sword stopped halfway.

“From your expression, you seem quite surprised. You won’t even be able to kill a rabbit with an Aura like that, let alone kill me.”

“Nonsense!”

Tzzz!

Wafer’s mockery made Hagler even angrier and his Aura grew larger, affected by his emotions.

“Oh wow.”

Hagler’s Aura was almost as tall as he was as it floated in the air. It was a rare phenomenon.

Wafer pursed his lips in interest, but soon, the corners of his lips rose as he smiled.

“But.”

Slice!

Hagler’s Aura was now over double his height, but Wafer cut it as easily as if he were cutting a scarecrow in half.

Two swords collided again. Hagler’s spirit was crushed in an instant. Aura was also a part of a swordsman’s force, so it was only natural for his spirit to weaken since his force had been cut in half.

“Argh!”

However, Hagler didn\'t let go of his sword. His fingers trembled as if he were hanging off a cliff, but he clenched his jaw and held onto his sword. His hands bled, and his skin peeled because of the tremendous pressure. His hands grew tired.

“I had been happy that someone as useful as you joined us, but why’d you do that?” asked Wafer.

He asked, even though he knew the answer. Wafer didn’t care about the safety of his subordinates. His cold-bloodedness gave him strength of mind, and that stability allowed him to reach the level of a master.

Hagler glared at Wafer with fierce eyes. “A guy like you will never understand until you die.”

“Well, I don’t need to understand.”

Clank!

Wafer pushed his sword even further along with his answer and…

Slice!

He swung his sword diagonally, using both hands. His sword cut through without any trouble, as though he were cutting tofu. Hagler’s blood started pouring out.

“Argh!”

Splat!

Hagler supported himself by leaning on his sword as though it were a staff, but his wound was too deep. It couldn’t be helped. No matter how much Aura Hagler released, the difference between them was like that of wood and iron since Wafer’s Aura was that of a person who had reached the master level.

‘Are you still scared?’

With his arms crossed, Von continued to watch the situation. In fact, he had no choice but to watch because he knew that if he intervened, Hagler would never improve.

“I won’t kill you, Hagler. As the count said, your crime is too great for you to die in peace, so I’ll make you pay for it your entire life.”

“Hahaha, yes! As expected of you Wafer, my one and only family member! I will give you that bastard’s daughter as a reward!”

“Thank you, count.”

He was insulting Hagler’s daughter right in front of her father. If he failed, Hagler knew very well that those words would turn into a reality. However, his wound was too deep. Too much blood was coming out and he was already starting to feel dizzy.

“Hahaha, isn’t her name Nia. She is turning 4 this year, right? She\'s basically an adult! There’s a need to educate her well, hehehe!”

It was disgusting.

He was feeling dizzy from the loss of blood and his vision was turning blurry, but Hagler could still hear the terrible and disgusting things being said.

‘No!’

His one knee touched the ground. As he clung to his sword, Hagler desperately tried to stay awake and alert.

“And Sona, I will use her as a punching bag and pull out all of her teeth since I hate bitches who whine!”

Diallo looked impatient as he watched Hagler collapse. He approached Hagler and started insulting him.

‘Is this really the end?’

Eventually, Von couldn’t help uncrossing his arms. It seemed hopeless. No matter how talented Hagler was, he wouldn’t be able to reach the level of a master if he didn’t make a breakthrough.

Just when Von’s right hand was about to reach for his sword…

Clank.

‘Huh?’

Hagler stood back up like a zombie.

“Oh wow. Are you still able to stand after that attack?”

Clank.

‘Can it be that Hagler is…?’

Hagler’s Aura had been burning like a flame, but now it started to fade. Finally, just when his Aura had shrunk to a very thin layer that was barely visible…

“I… will… kill you…”

“I admit, you do have a strong will. Okay! Give me your best shot. I will make you realize how weak you are, and how you can’t even protect your family.”

Wafer, full of himself, sheathed his sword. He opened his arms wide as Hagler moved forward without consciousness, the whites of his eyes showing.

Wafer showed great confidence. An expert user’s swordsmanship couldn’t put even the slightest scratch on a master user.

However, Hagler raised his arm and gathered the last bit of strength he had and swung his forearm like an arrow.

Thud…

“...!”

Wafer’s head tumbled along the ground.

Thud!

Hagler fell back and collapsed.

“W-Wafer!”

Diallo quickly picked up Wafer’s sword. He was about to swing it at Hagler when a blue light flashed. Both of Diallo\'s hands were severed.

Flash!

“Ahhh!”

Diallo’s stumps gushed blood like a fountain. Von kicked him, then turned his attention to his fallen disciple.

“What a crazy guy. It’s said that extremes meet, but I never expected him to reach the master level this way.”

Hagler passed out from blood loss. However, Hagler’s desperate desire to protect his family allowed him to pass far beyond the master level, which he hadn’t been able to do before.

“My hands! My handsss!”

“Ugh, you\'re too loud.”

Von approached Diallo and pulled out a piece of paper. He showed it to Diallo.

“Look closely. This is an exemption letter handed down by Grand Marquis Eisen himself. As of today, all of Hagler’s crimes will be excused and any retaliation will be considered a challenge to the Shonan family.”

“W-what? W-what they hell are you talking about…!”

“If you don’t think this is fair, then look for me later. Oh, and also…”

Slice!

Von’s sword pierced Diallo’s groin. Blood soaked his pants like urine and Von could his sword ripping skin off. “I won’t let you die in peace either. Don’t feel too angry since I\'ll be taking your hands and your groin as punishment for desiring another man’s wife.”

Thud!

Diallo passed out from the excruciating pain,

Von clucked his tongue and took out a bottle of healing potion. He poured it on Diallo. His crimes were too great to allow him to die from blood loss.

“Live long and strong like a cockroach.”