THE VANGUARD OF THE CRIMSON CREST

The screaming of Commander Vane was the only sound echoing across the stone courtyard as private house medics rushed forward to bind his severed wrist. The gathered veteran mercenaries stood entirely frozen, their eyes darting between the pool of dark blood on the cobblestones and the plain, unpolished black blade that the silver-haired rookie had just slid back into his scabbard.Eren stood stoically, his fingers still resting on the hilt of the Legendary First Hero Albert's Katana. Underneath his traveler's cloak, his breath was shallow and jagged. The internal system interface in his vision remained completely unchanged:[Current Status: Level 2][Class: Magic Swordsman]He hadn't unlocked a secret power-up. His muscles still burned with the baseline limits of a Level 2 mortal, and the drop of blood on his chin was the physical toll of his body forcing a rapid movement. He had won this exchange purely because the legendary weapon possessed a passive sharpness attribute that cut through physical armor like paper, and his gamer brain knew the exact frame to move. But as a weapon, it was a crutch. To truly face the heavens and reach Level Infinity, he still needed to hunt monsters and raise his actual character level.From the high balcony, Duke Nileges, Marine's father, slowly raised his hand, gesturing for the guards to clear the courtyard. His sharp, streaked-silver hair caught the afternoon sun as he looked down at the silver-haired boy."The trial is concluded," the Duke's deep voice boomed, carrying a heavy, unreadable weight. "Rean. You have proven that your weapon carries a terrifying lineage, and your intent to kill is unmatched by anyone in this yard. Step inside the palace. You are officially assigned to my personal vanguard."Eren didn't look back at the whispering mercenaries. He walked straight through the grand archway of the inner estate.Before he could reach the vanguard briefing room, a soft hand suddenly caught his cloak, pulling him into a secluded, columned alcove. It was Lady Marine. Her noble hood was thrown back, her pristine face flushed with an intense, burning crimson blush that reached all the way to her ears. Her breath came in short, rapid gasps, her heart hammering violently against her ribs. Seeing him bleed, seeing the terrifying, stoic ferocity in his golden eyes when his wooden sword broke—she was completely, helplessly under his spell.Eren... you fool," Marine whispered, her voice trembling as she quickly pulled a small, silver glass vial from her robes. "You forced your body too hard. This is a high-grade Royal Vitality Elixir from the Duke's private store. Drink it before my father calls for you."Eren took the vial, a cool, high-energy gyaru smirk returning to his lips despite the lingering ache in his chest. "Thanks, princess. Told you I wouldn't let anyone else claim the spot."He uncapped the vial, downing the liquid. A cool, soothing wave of mana spread through his strained pathways, sealing the small tears in his muscles, though his level remained firmly at Level 2.The next morning, the Imperial Diplomatic Summit commenced.The grand central cathedral of the capital was transformed into a high-security fortress. Golden banners of the Nileges Empire hung alongside the crimson crests of the neighboring foreign factions. High-end nobles, foreign delegates, and top-tier diplomats filled the velvet rows, their conversations low and sharp with hidden political tension. Because of the global food shortages caused by the Demon King's blockade, the surrounding empires were desperate, plotting to betray Nileges to secure their own survival.Dressed in a formal dark vanguard uniform that completely hid his modern gold chains, his silver hair neatly combed, Eren stood strictly three paces behind Duke Nileges's high-backed chair.His eyes weren't watching the boring political arguments. Instead, his Absolute Adaptability grid was active, scanning the entire perimeter structure like an interface map.Ding.[Sensory Grid Configured. Spatial Fluctuations Detected.][Warning: Multiple high-tier hostile signatures concealing their mana signatures behind the eastern stained-glass windows.]Eren's grip tightened on the hilt of Albert's katana under his cloak. The envious factions within the summit weren't just planning to talk; an assassination squad was already inside the walls, preparing to execute Marine's father to throw the empire into absolute chaos.