In the cold streets of the Capital City, Emor, a hooded man is scene walking. He enters the near by Inn, his dark cloak instantly catches the eyes of the adventures near. The loud roars now fell into deep silence. He walks slowly over to the counter, seats down and takes out his pouch. "Your best food and drink, please." He says laying a single gold coin on the counter. The bar man stares at him for a brief second as he walks off. "Coming right up, sir." He said, and a few moments later brought the food.
As he was busy eating, a big drunk fella walks our. "That's some big money you got there, mind buying us a few rounds? I'm sure it wouldn't be a problem for you, right?" It was clear that he didn't come here for a friendly chat and his statement right now was more of a order then a demand. However, the clocked man still kept his composure. "Hey, buddy. Are you ignoring me? That's not a nice thing to do, you know. Matter of fact, lets see what you'rereally like under that cloack!!" The big guy said as he pulls off the clock. Or at least attempted to, in that brief second, A figure cane out of the cloaked man's shadow, grabbed the man by his hand and pinned him to the ground.
The other men, triggered by this transaction took out their weapons and got ready to fight. As they charged at the the figure and clocked man. In that instant, even more figures emerged from his shadow and easily subdued the enemy. The cloaked man finally got up from his seat after eating. "4th-Rank mercenary, 'Iorn fist' Mike. You're under arrest for breaking the imperial law number 23 of section 1. " he said In a cold way.
Mike, the big drunk spoke. "Who the hell do you think you ate to say that to me? Huh? "
The man slowly turned and reviled his face as he took the cloak. Everyone in the room suddenly felt like they saw their eyes glash before their eyes. "N-n-no way, you're him....Brown skin, red crimson eyes, white hair...you're Raven Kincaid?"
The man standing in front of them was none other than Raven Kincaid, the man who defeated one of the Demon lord Luciffero's generals 5 years ago. As a reward he was given the title of Arch-Duke and position of Minister of Security over the Emor Empire. They say that no one has ever made it past his one sword thrust and fir that reason he became known as "The Swift Judgement". One of the men pinned to the floor finally spoke. "Wait, if that's 'The Swift Judgement'...then this must be his private unit that only listens to his words. The 9 Shadows of Kincaid!!"
Mike who was now cowering on the floor spoke. "Please, let's just get this over with. I know I can't beat Special Grade master as yourself." Raven didn't say much, he looked at Mike then finally nodded to the Shadows. Mike was defeated by just the mere sight of those red eyes and it has been going on like this for the last 1 and a half year now. Ever since he 'beat' the Demon lords 7th general, Raven has been busy with his duties as Minister of Security.
As he walks to the carriage, he takes a deep breath inside. What comes next is what many wouldn't espact. "Holy shit, that was close. That guy was really scary." Raven thought to himself. "Stupid emperor making me come all this way to catch a lousy Rank 4, why the hell does this place even have knights to begin with? Honestly, all this misunderstandings started on that day."
Flash back.
I was originally from Earth, but one day I died and git reincarnated into this world. I was the son of a hunter in a remote village in the Baron Felix's territory. Everyone in this world was born with talent in some way...well excluding me that is. Although I have a good knowledge on swordsmanship, I could never improve and dream of being something big, simply because I lacked the Prana(Aura) to learn advanced swordsmanship. However, one day, our village was attacked by the Demon kings Right hand man's Army. We had no chance of winning and a lot of people died, including my parents. I don't know if it was a moment of craziness or what, but I picked up the swords and challenged that Demon bastard to a dual. Just as he was about to kill me, that's when it happens.
Time moved slow and a notification popped up in my head
[Hidden skill: 'Absolute Reign Unlocked]
What's AbsoluteReign?
It's a skill that powers me up insanely, if my opponent is a Special Rank Clamity like Alucard, the Blood Demon was. All my stats get increased to match that person's level. I know, you're probably thinking that that alone couldn't close the gap between experience. Well, call me carry but I think it has something to do with the old saying "Never fear the man who practice a thousand kicks, but fear he who practices a sing kick a thousand times." Well,in my case a single thrust a thousand times. At least that's why I won,either that or the fact that he kept his guard down while fighting a weak guy like me..hack it can even be both.
Anyway, I don't know if it was by luck or a twist of fate. But, at that moment after my Thrust hit the Demon, the local lord and his army were already on the scene. They witness what happened that day and fast forward long story short the Empror found out and my fame instantly sky rocketed over night.
Back to the present.
Raven opens his eyes due to a knock on the door. "Lord Kincaid, we have arrived." The guard outside said. Raven tool in another deep sigh as he exits the carriage and finds himself at the Emperor castle. He takes a step forward as the gates slowly open, the guards all around bow as a sign of respect. After a long walk into the palace he finally reaches the meeting room. He knocks and a fee moments later he his instructed to come in.
"Let's get this over with." He says as he pushes the door open. The moment he enters the room he felt the attitude change, everyone there became quiet as he walked. His walk, the same as always. It was a slow long walk, but for others it was like listening to death coming for you. Every step he took was as heavy for other. Finally he reached his seat, as one of the 5 arch-dukes of Emor Empire, his throne was placed under the one of the emperor. He took his seat, hit the Itachi pose and looked at the other lords as they all faced down. "What?" He said in a confused voice
One of the local lords, a Baron spoke up. "We are just shocked that you're here into days meeting. Normally, someone of your caliber doesn't attend, that's all."
Raven who was quietly staring at the Baron didn't speak but his silence spoke for him. "Are you undermining my position and authority?" That's what the Baron thought, but he couldn't be so far from the truth.
Ravens actual thoughts. "Yes, I played the nonchalant role so well that I make them feel uncomfortable by me just being here. This will make them stay away from me now."
The other lords all looked at each other in fear. In their eyes, the man that stands infront of them was a breathing, walking disaster. Normally it takes a total of 30 Rank 3 Swordsman, the highest level that a human can reach to beat A Demon General. But now I front of them stood a man who went to to toe with with one of the Seven generals and walks out only with a scar across his chest? To them, he was Even a bigger threat than the Demon General, so pissing him off was not a mistake they cam make.
The silence got heavier with every passing second until the Baron finally broke. "Lord Raven, I'm sorry. Forgive me for the great sin I've shown you. I ask you over look my foolishness just this one. Please....I beg for your mercy." The Baron, who was dripping more sweat than a man in a suna got on his knees. "Please, Arch-Duke Kincaid! I meant no disrespect to your esteemed presence! It was merely... a comment on your dedication to field duties! A compliment, even!" His voice trembled, echoing slightly in the immense, silent hall."
Raven stared at the Baron, his Iconic crimson eyes wide, unblinking and totally out of reach. His thoughts "Oh no, oh no. Did I stare too much? Damn this pose. It was supposed to make me look good as I aura farm, not make a man Old enough to be my grandpa cry!! Damit all, Was it the silence? Did I stare too long? I swear, if this ruins my chances of getting out of this meeting early..."
The other four Arch-Dukes watched in silence as all of this happened. They didn't not dare to make eye contact with Raven. They could feel the atmosphere had long shifted since Ravens Arrival in the room.
One of the Arch-Duke's, Duke Valerius the greatest mind the Empire has seen up in til now and the teacher of both the current and last Empire thought to himself. "Kincaid is testing us. He allowed the Baron to grovel, but gives no reply. He wants the fear to simmer, to be a weapon in this room. An absolute master of psychological warfare. His silence is louder than any threat."
Another Arch-Duke's, Duchess Helia, the wealthiest women in the empire thoughght "He has no use for the Baron, no political alliance to be gained. The Baron insulted him, and now Raven Kincaid is simply debating the most efficient way to dispose of the body. Gods, he's a monster."
For what felt like a eternity, Raven finally spoke. His voice low and smooth, yet demanded authority. " Hey, gramps. It's fine, whatever." He said in hopes to break the awkwardness in the room.
But, what was ment to finally bring peace back to the room only escalated things worse. The Baron, who had a hard time hearing what Raven said mistake his words for "Hey, Gramps. That's a fine weapon". the Baron stammered, his mind instantly leaping to the idea that Raven was demanding a Blood Price for the insult, a personal weapon as a sign of submission. "A blood price? But that means I'll become his subordinate...the McCall family has always stayed neutral. But, if I anger him any longer I fear there won't be a McCall family by sunrise tomorrow. Father, grandfather, I'm sorry. But this is what was best fir us to see another day." He thought to himself.
"Yes! Of course! Arch-Duke Kincaid, please, take it!" Scrambling on his hands and knees, the Baron fumbled to unbuckle the ceremonial, jewel-encrusted rapier from his hip. He lifted it up like an offering to a wrathful god, his entire body shaking.
Raven's Thoughts: "A weapon? Why is he offering me his sword? I just said it was fine! Did he think I was asking for a 'wad' of cash? No, wait. I said 'Whatever.' Maybe it's a cultural thing? Like, 'The apology is accepted, now give me your shiny stick'? Okay, fine. Just take the stick and make him stop crying."
With a innocent smirk, Raven slowly reached out his hand. His movements was precise, deliberate. But to the nobles it was utterly predatory. After he grabbed on to it, Raven thought of something else. "Wait, isn't it the Emprors birthday today? Shit, I didn't get him any present...wait, since this is mine now, I'm sure he'll understand."
Raven who now got up to his feet with the reaper in hand climbed the stares and made his way to the Throne. The Guards present couldn't move as the aura around him was too much, the Empror closed his eyes and just accepted what was next. "I knew this day would come, the day you strike me down and take the empire for yourself." He thought to himself, however. Raven kneeld and presented the swords he just took from Baron McCall to the Empror.
"Happy birthday, Your Grace. I hope this present is to your licking." He says
He didn't kill me. He... honored me. And with the weapon of the Baron who dared to disrespect his presence! This isn't a gift, it's a public declaration of absolute, unquestioning loyalty! A message that he views my authority as the only worthy recipient of a subordinate's submission. He is affirming my throne with the blood price of his rivals. Brilliant!" The Emperor, fighting to keep a tremor out of his voice, took the rapier. He held it aloft for all to see. "Arch-Duke Kincaid," the Emperor declared, his voice ringing with sudden, manufactured conviction. "This gift... is not just a present. It is a symbol. A symbol of fealty, of justice, and of the unbreakable bond between the Emor Empire and its mightiest shield, The Swift Judgement! I accept this pledge of loyalty!"
The nobles erupted in a thunderous applause. They understood the symbolism perfectly.
The other Arch-Dukes shared on thought in mind. "The Arch-Duke had just executed a masterful political power play. He took the Baron's submission, immediately elevated the submission to the Emperor, and then used that moment to remind everyone that the reason they were all alive was him. The implication was clear: Submit to the Emperor, or answer to Kincaid."
Raven, meanwhile, stood up, slightly confused by the Emperor's overly dramatic speech. "Man,it's like I got isekaid to a land of weirdos. Whatever though. As long as his happy." He thought to himself.