Chapter 17 - Crazon [Neutral Zone]

A morning atmosphere that was so calm yet tense.

All the guilds in the world sent their strongest representatives to Crazon.

Meanwhile, the condition of the Crazon region:

Vast plains stretched out, lush and green.

Towering trees reached up to the sky, forming a dense and beautiful forest.

In the middle of the forest stood a mighty and magnificent fortress.

The trees were neatly arranged along the path leading to Crazon Fortress.

A few minutes later...

From a distance, people who looked very powerful were approaching Crazon.

"A neutral zone, rarely visited," said an unknown adventurer.

Some individuals could be seen entering Crazon Fortress.

On the other side—

Syura, his body covered in wounds and blood, with slightly long hair and torn clothes.

"This is still not enough!!!"

"I will destroy him!!!"

"ARGHHHHH!!!!" Syura's furious scream echoed.

Back in Crazon.

Inside the fortress was a very luxurious castle.

The adventurers began to enter the castle.

Inside, ancient carvings of dragons and prehistoric beasts adorned the walls.

The castle's interior was white, with gold-covered pillars and golden lights.

All the adventurers had gathered in the castle hall.

Suddenly, footsteps were heard on the red carpet of the hall.

"Tap... tap... tap" —footsteps heading toward the center of the hall.

The hall fell silent, all eyes turning toward the source of the sound.

Then, someone stood in the middle of the castle hall.

"Thank you, and welcome, mighty warriors."

"I am Yosu, Guild Master of The One."

Then, whispers could be heard.

"The... The One!?"

"They're the strongest."

"Why are they here?" murmured several people.

"I've summoned you all because a very dangerous problem has arisen," Yosu said.

Then, a muscular man approached and asked Yosu:

"Tap... tap... tap" —footsteps nearing Yosu.

"Why are you asking for our help?"

"You are the strongest," said the muscular man.

Then, a very beautiful and graceful woman stepped toward the center.

"A threat of this level..."

"This problem..."

"It's completely absurd," said the woman.

Then...

"Calm down first."

"This issue cannot be handled by The One guild alone."

"A Galaxy-level threat, an extremely dangerous one."

"There are only two choices—die as warriors, or die as cowards," Yosu said firmly.

Then, a gray-haired muscular man approached.

"I am Tetsu, from the Ark guild."

"So, what is your plan? We don’t have much time."

"Only five days left," Tetsu said.

Then...

"Our only choice is to form an alliance to defeat him," Yosu declared.

Suddenly, someone descended the stairs to the lower floor.

"Tap... tap... tap" —footsteps down the stairs.

The entire room suddenly fell silent and focused on one point—the staircase.

"You're all too noisy, I couldn't sleep," said the figure.

Then...

"Th-th-the Lord... Raisu," muttered an unknown adventurer.

And then more whispers followed.

"He's a living legend."

"Every adventurer knows him."

"Lord Raisu once lifted two mountains with a single finger."

"He chose to remain neutral rather than join a guild."

Raisu wore a white cloak with golden lines, wielding two long swords.

His hair was black with streaks of yellow, and his gaze was sharp, ready to cut down anything in sight.

"Tap... tap... tap" —Raisu’s footsteps moved toward the center of the hall.

"You're all panicking too much."

"There are actually two more—stronger than all of us," Raisu said.

Yosu was shocked.

"T-t-two more? Who are they?"

"I only know of three people in this world," said Yosu.

Raisu walked toward the castle entrance.

"Their names are rarely mentioned."

"But they protect from the shadows."

Then...

Two overwhelming auras surged, nearly causing everyone in the room to faint.

One was bright like light.

The other, dark like shadow.

They slowly emerged from behind the castle entrance.

Gradually, two figures became visible—one woman and one man.

The woman had a stunning, radiant face, wore a golden gown, and had a gentle yet terrifying gaze.

The man, not very muscular, wore all black with a hood, holding a hammer in one hand.

"They are Sealsin and Kyoya."

"The two strongest individuals in this world."

Then...

"Ice, Fire, Light, Lightning, and Shadow..."

"Step forward, the five strongest humans in the world," said Raisu.