Way of the Knights

Chapter 795: Peace? No.

The Divine Knights exchanged brief greetings with the Sect Master, Grand Elder and Gaia. 

Raven was the only one who didn’t speak with anyone. He just remained silent behind them, unbothered even if the rest didn’t acknowledge his presence. 

Well, it’s not like the Divine Knights didn’t see Raven at all. In fact, they are very aware of presence. How can they not be? With that much aura hidden within him, he stuck out like sore thumb. The only reason why they didn’t speak to him just yet is because they need to formally acknowledge the three Elders of the sect first…it’s a form of respect and Raven himself is aware of it. 

After a few rounds of exchanging pleasantries with the Divine Knights, the Sect Master beckoned at Raven. The latter then stepped forward and stood beside him once more. 

“Gentlemen, I introduce to you the Heir to my title and position.” The Sect Master stated, placing a hand on Raven’s shoulder. 

“Greetings, Benefactors. My name is Vendrick Valorheart. Simply refer to me as Raven.” 

Raven clasped his hands and performed another curt bow to them as he introduced himself. He called them Benefactors since they are the sworn allies of the Sect. These Divine Knights once received great help from the Ancient Elysium Sect and when they reached their current positions, they sworn an oath to help out the sect in order to return the favor. 

Raven could feel the intrusive gazes of the Divine Knights. He could feel their senses trying to penetrate his defenses and wanting to peer through his private matters, unfortunately for them though, Raven’s defenses are a little too tough to crack. They’d spend days, if not months or even years, just to punch a little hole to his defenses. 

“Impressive!” Iron Fist Hal stated in a gruff and straight-forward manner. His face didn’t show any kind of warmth or actual praise but his tone was more than enough to send the message across. 

“Indeed. You’ve picked a good candidate, Sect Master.” The bald monk – Gabriel nodded. 

The gloomy and brooding Malachi just silently nodded at Raven. Felton the adventurer smiled kindly at Raven and Deimos was still calculating using his fingers. 

“Right, pleasantries aside, let’s move on to the main dish.” Grand Elder Gin interjected, he looked at his fellow Divine Knights and said: “Any movements on their side?” 

“None.” Deimos was the one who answered. “I’ve been watching their movements from here but they didn’t do anything. Except for their daily routine, nothing drastic changed in terms of their attitude.” 

“My, it sure sounds like they’re not putting us in their sights.” Felton muttered with a crafty glint on his face. 

“None of them even stepped out to invite us in. It’s either their scared or extremely confident.” Iron fist Hal furrowed his brows as he looked at the direction of the Dawn Council. 

Raven remained silent, however it doesn’t mean that he’s idle. 

A faint rainbow colored light blossomed on his pupils as he gazed at the direction of the Dawn Council. He swept his senses all over the place, ignoring the remaining distance between them still. 

After scanning for a bit, Raven couldn’t help but to raise a brow and sneer inwardly. He then murmured to himself: 

‘So that’s why they feel very confident.’

‘This will be fun.’ 

Raven returned to his senses when he heard the discussions between the Divine Knights. 

“We’ll follow your lead, Sect Master. Doesn’t matter whether you plan on toppling the entire council or not, we’ll be there to support you.” 

“I’m honored by your sentiments, Gentleman.” The Sect Master said, “Rest assured, whatever’s going to happen will not pose any risks or damage to Humanity as a whole. Today, just like any other day in the past, my Sect’s actions are always just and right.”

“We believe you, Sect Master.” 

“To that matter, I’m going to let my Heir take the helm for this operation.” The Sect Master’s words certainly surprised the Divine Knights. “I know that you may feel some uncertainty towards my judgement but rest assured, the Heir is very capable. He had proved himself time and time again, we Elders could personally attest to that.” 

“After all, if it weren’t for him, the sect might’ve already fallen due to the invasion of The Exiles. However, because of his efforts, we won, didn’t suffer any casualties and even heavily profited from it. That should at least garner some kind of faith for his abilities. Wouldn’t you say so, too? Gentlemen?”

The Divine Knights kept their silence for a brief period of time. Surprisingly, it was Malachi who agreed to it first. 

“I see no problem to it.” He stated, “If the Sect Master has faith in his capabilities, then we ought to believe in it as well. Should complications rise, it’s not like he’s alone, we’re here with him and could provide assistance.”

“Indeed, it’s as Good Friend Malachi stated.” Gabriel mentioned, “I see no problems with it. Let us see what the Inheritor has up his sleeves.” 

The rest of the Divine Knights nodded and were finally convinced. Although they still hold some uncertainties within their hearts, it’s not like all the odds are against them. If worse comes to worst, the Sect Master is there. 

Getting the support of the Sect Master, Raven smiled and graciously said: “Thank you for placing your trust in me, Elders, Benefactors. I won’t let you down.” 

“What plans do you have in mind, Little Chronos?” Deimos curiously asked. 

“Nothing too complicated, Benefactor Deimos.” Raven smiled, he then stepped forward followed by the Sect Master. 

“I have been gathering some really private intel during the past few days, you see.” Raven continued explaining, “I’ve been busy scouring any kind of clues, even the smallest ones, collecting them for a definite proof for today’s operation.” 

Raven then took out a thick book from his spatial ring and passed it down to everyone. Out of curiosity, the Elders started flipping the pages of the book. 

At first, the intel they’ve read was pretty tame. It’s a little ugly but nothing to ridiculous. In fact, squinting really hard, one might see that they weren’t too bad. 

It was when they reached the mid-sections of the book that they began frowning. The things listed in there were just downright disturbing. Going towards the later parts of the book and their faces vary from disgust, anger, shame and ruthlessness. 

“Despicable.” Malachi spat, closing the book a little to harshly. 

“It seems that the Dawn Council had been sitting in their seats for too long. Something has to change.” Gabriel stated. 

“I can’t believe that even my school got done in by these folks.” Iron Fist Hal was furious, his large palms nearly crumpled the book he was holding.

“Little Friend, are you certain that everything in this book is real?” Felton asked after a brief moment. 

“I am, Benefactor Felton.” Raven nodded solemnly, “I’m willing to form an Oath of Transparency to prove it.” 

“There will be no need for that Little Friend, I can see that you’re telling then truth.” Deimos stated with his eyes glowing with a profound light. 

“Since the Truth-seeker confirmed it, then there’s no need.” Felton smiled, “Don’t get me wrong, little friend, I didn’t mean to doubt you, I just want some clarifications.” 

“It’s Benefactor. I understand.” Raven nodded. 

They continued walking forward, going closer and closer to the borders of the Dawn Council. Raven decided to continue explaining his actions. 

“Now that everybody saw it themselves, at this this point, I think all of us agrees that the Dawn Council has greatly deteriorated. Rotten to its core. Letting this continue will bring even more disadvantages for Humanity as whole. At this point, we can no longer turn a blind-eye to it. It has to stop.” 

Raven decided to end his explanation here. Partly because he trusted that the Divine Knights already understood his intentions. Another is because they’re already standing at the territory of the Dawn Council. 

“Halt!” Someone said from the other side. “This is the territory of the Dawn Council. Nobody shall approach without permission. If you do not heed my warning, then we can only apologize for what’s going to happen next.” 

“Oh?” Raven raised a brow, amused at the words thrown their way by the guard. “Apology? How sad. We don’t need that anymore. After all, you guys already went too far.” 

Raven took a brave step forward and his whole body suddenly released an overwhelming aura that flooded every corner of the Dawn Council. 

“Show yourself.” Raven coldly stated. 

As if the world bent to his will, the formation that distorting the space and time around them exposed itself. 

Raven could feel the panic of the Dawn Council with the sudden changes of their surroundings. Raven sneered and ordered once more:

“Shatter.” 

Just like that, the formation that had protected the council was now gone, it shattered under one order from Raven.

It was unbelievable to think of but the truth was plainly visible. At this point, everything was clear. 

No matter what’s about to happen next, nobody should expect it to peaceful.