Within a few weeks, the Sovereign Legion had swept through two more cities—efficiently, decisively. Each had been rooted in crime, but like a tide washing filth from the shore, the Legion restored order. Recruitment soared. Citizens, tired of fear, embraced the banner of the Sovereign.
But as they approached the third target—Kardun City, things changed.
This city wasn't ruled by petty traffickers or low-level thugs. No, here stood Masters—veteran warriors, cultivators of power who held influence over the people. A-rank and B-rank Hunters who had once served as protectors, but now lived in moral grayness, detached from law or chaos.
As the Legion approached, the city gates were lined not with bandits, but seasoned hunters.
Tension hung thick in the air.
Before blades could be drawn, the elite squad of the Sovereign Legion stepped forward—Zareth, Maruna, Lena, and the three leaders. Instead of charging, they did something rare: they spoke.
"We're not here to burn this place to the ground," Zareth said.
"We're here to bring peace, order… something this world has forgotten," Lena added.
"We don't want enemies. We want allies," Maruna finished.
The masters listened, skeptical, arms folded. Some eyes glowed with power, others with curiosity.
And then—Zairon descended.
He didn't land with thunder. He simply walked through the Legion ranks, calm as always. His aura alone silenced the crowd.
He stood in front of the A-ranked leader of Kardun, looked him in the eye, and spoke loud enough for the whole city to hear.
"What I'm doing—what we're doing—is necessary."
"This world… is soaked in blood. In corruption. In the screams of the weak that no one hears."
"If you want to stop us—then draw your weapon. If you want to support us, then stand beside me. And if you don't want anything to do with us… then don't get in our way."
A beat of silence.
Then murmurs. Discussion. Something changed.
Several B-rank masters exchanged glances and took a step forward.
"I've seen too much rot," one said.
"Maybe… it's time for something new," said another.
Zairon smiled faintly.
"Good choice."
The future of Kardun now hung in the balance. The question was—how many more cities would resist… and how many would join the Sovereign Legion's cause?