43 – Hero
The sound of swords clashing reverberated through the training grounds. Cedric Silverbaum and the current Sword Saintess, Angelica Snowcrest, were engaged in an intense sparring session.
Cedric, a tall man around in his early 20’s, with an athletic build, exuded an aura of confidence and power. His long, silver hair flowed behind him as he moved with grace and precision. His eyes, a piercing blue, glinted with determination and focus. His attire was a blend of practical and ornate—a black tunic with silver embroidery that highlighted his muscular frame, paired with dark leather trousers and sturdy boots. A silver amulet, a gift from the Goddess of Light, hung around his neck, shimmering with a faint glow. He was a man that had collected quite a few titles: Demon Slayer, Master of All, Offspring of War and many more.
Angelica Snowcrest, on the other hand, was a striking figure. Her platinum blonde hair was tied back in a high ponytail, revealing a face marked by sharp features and intense green eyes that seemed to pierce through any deception. She wore a set of gleaming white armor with intricate blue patterns, designed to both protect and allow for swift movement. Her sword, a masterpiece of craftsmanship, glowed with an ethereal light, reflecting her mastery and status.
Their swords met with a resounding clash, sparks flying as they tested each other's limits. Angelica, despite her level of 295, found herself pushed to her limits by Cedric, who was at level 243.
"Your growth is astounding, Cedric," Angelica praised, parrying his strike and stepping back. "To think you've mastered both your Aura Core and Mana Core in such a short time; combining both into the White Flame Aura… You're already stronger than me."
Cedric smirked, his eyes never leaving hers. "Strength isn't just about levels, Angelica. It's about understanding your own power and knowing how to use it."
Angelica nodded, a smile tugging at the corners of her mouth. "You've surpassed me in that regard, without a doubt."
As they paused, Cedric's mind drifted back to his past. Unlike many heroes chosen for their noble qualities or exceptional talents, Cedric was chosen by the Goddess of Light purely based on his looks. He was an otherworlder, much like Magnus, but his initial motivations were far from heroic.
Cedric was reincarnated and born into a noble family, the prestigious Silverbaum lineage, in the kingdom of Valoria, ruled by King Aldric. From a young age, Cedric's striking appearance and charm gained him the favor of not only his family but also the king and the entire kingdom. King Aldric saw in Cedric the perfect hero to inspire and lead the people.
Cedric saw himself as the protagonist of a grand story, destined for greatness. He cared little for the plight of others, focusing instead on his own glory and appearance. His arrogance was unmatched, and his charm was his greatest weapon. The unique "charm" skill granted by the Goddess allowed him to bend the will of others, a form of hypnosis that worked on those weaker than him.
This charm made Cedric appear as the perfect hero—charismatic, brave, and noble. But beneath the surface, he was manipulative and self-serving, using his charm to control and dominate those around him.
In the beginning, Cedric reveled in his newfound power. He amassed a following, people who were drawn to his charm and charisma, oblivious to his true nature. He led them into battles and quests, always ensuring he emerged as the hero in every story.
However, unlike the traditional hero's journey, Cedric's true self never changed. His experiences only taught him how to mask his arrogance and manipulate others more effectively. He sought out the greatest masters of combat and magic, not out of a desire to improve for the sake of others, but to ensure his own dominance. Angelica was his sword teacher. As for his magic training, he received guidance from one of the Green Tower Master. The Magic Tower Master is known for having 6 disciples, that together with him are part of the Grand Council of Magic. The Red Tower Master, The Green Tower Master, The Blue Tower Master, The Gold Tower Master, The Dark Tower Master and the White Tower Master. Meanwhile, Abel Detrius, the strongest magic caster of the current era was simply referred to as the Magic Tower Master.
That aside, with the help of Angelica and the Green Tower Master, Cedric learned to harness his Aura Core and Mana Core, blending physical prowess with magical might to become a formidable spell blade warrior.
Despite his facade, Cedric's true nature was cold and calculating. He viewed people as tools to be used and discarded once they had served their purpose. His charm skill, once a tool of manipulation, became a means to inspire and lead with a facade of integrity.
Back in the present, Cedric looked at Angelica, admiration in his eyes. "I've come a long way, thanks to the people I've met and the challenges I've faced."
Angelica nodded, her respect for Cedric evident. "You've earned your place as a hero, Cedric. Not just in power, but in spirit."
If we were to compare the current Sword Saintess, Angelica and the Former Sword Saintess, Leona… well you can't exactly compare them. The two have never met and both have their distinct combat styles. In short, although it makes for an interesting topic and allows imagination to run wild, nobody knows who is actually stronger between the two. All that being said, for Cedric, Angelica was the strongest in his eyes.
“Speaking of growing stronger, I think it’s time for the next phase.”
The next phase that Cedric was talking about was conducting the 5 rituals needed to bestow upon him the artifacts needed to vanquish the Demon God. The Hero that managed to seal away the Demon God, achieved that feat by using 5 sacred artifacts blessed by the gods. The Gauntlets of Kalendra, The Boots of Memphis, The Armor of Vanaheim, The Shield of Aegis, and last but not least, The Sword of Light.
“If you believe the time has come, then I will offer you my full support. Please remember that it will be a long journey, though.”
“Which is why it is better to start it as soon as possible. We don’t want the demons to get in our way.”
Cedric smiled, a genuine warmth in his expression. "Thank you, Angelica. Let's continue to grow stronger together."
But inside, Cedric was laughing. These fools had no idea who they were dealing with. To them, he was a hero—a paragon of virtue and strength. To him, they were just pawns in his game.