The Comprehensive Evolution of American Comics.

Chapter 1252 Damian: I Want to Join the Illuminati

The sharp claws magnified in Lei Xiaogu's eyes. If it were someone with a phobia of sharp claws, they would probably have fainted from fright long ago.

However, Lei Xiaogu was not afraid at all. Instead, he kept staring at the grappling hook. He was calculating the distance. Just as the grappling hook reached the right distance, he drew the short knife hidden in his glove with his left hand, which he had prepared in advance.

"when!"

Sparks flew as Lei Xiaogu's short sword blocked the path of the hook claw, thwarting Damian's killing move.

However, the latter did not stand there idly grappling. The katana he had released was now in free fall. Damian raised his knee and hit the hilt, then pushed it back up.

Damian grabbed the katana with his free left hand and swung it at Lei Xiaogu without giving the latter a chance to catch his breath.

Damian knew that he couldn't hold back when fighting his grandfather; he had no right to be lenient. If he didn't go all out, he would be cut down in the next second.

Lei Xiaogu followed Damian's example and released the knife, then withdrew, putting distance between himself and the latter.

Normally, the person who backs down at this point would engage in a mutual flattery session with their opponent, but Lei Xiaogu has no intention of doing so.

He simply stepped back a short distance, and then, using some unknown means, pulled himself back.

This was completely unexpected by Damian, and in his panic, he had no choice but to force himself to fight Lei Xiaogu with his sword.

To be honest, Lei Xiaogu's performance was nothing like that of an old man. His sword strikes were powerful and heavy, and each strike seemed to be the first and most sharp strike after a long period of preparation.

That's not the scariest part. The scariest part is Lei Xiaogu's stamina. A normal human would feel their arms go numb and weak after swinging the knife about ten times.

But as for Lei Xiaogu, Damian calculated that he and his maternal grandfather had exchanged more than ten blows, reaching twenty.

However, his maternal grandfather was still in good condition, looking neither red nor nervous, and he didn't even sweat much.

'Is this also the power of the Lhasa Pool?'

Damian, on the other hand, was already struggling to hold on.

The armor he's wearing now is a power armor suit, but it doesn't give him much of an advantage; the biggest boost it provides is his height.

The power armor simply elevated him to an adult level, so that he wouldn't be considered to be taking advantage of the situation.

Now it seems that not only did he not gain any advantage, but this level of power armor was actually a bit inadequate in front of his grandfather, who could already see the armor's warning on the panel.

If this continues, they will lose. Damian dared not gamble on whether his armor would break down first or whether Lei Xiaogu's stamina would run out first.

Left with no other choice, Damian instinctively drew the Soul Sword hanging at his waist.

"brush!"

Lei Xiaogu felt his hair stand on end, every cell in his body telling him to dodge. Just as he subconsciously stepped back, a white light flashed past him.

The next second, Lei Xiaogu felt a lightness in his hand. He glanced over out of the corner of his eye and realized that the ninja sword in his hand had been cut in two.

The cut surface is very smooth, as if this ninja sword was born to be this way, perfectly formed.

What does this prove? It proves that the knife in the opponent's hand is extremely sharp, beyond description as "cutting through iron like mud," more like a hot knife cutting through foam.

Lei Xiaogu looked at the Soul Sword, a sword that radiated white light and was entwined with wisps of black energy. Judging from its appearance, it should be closer to the style of a samurai sword.

This sword was so special that even Lei Xiaogu couldn't help but take a few more glances at it.

"A magic sword?" Lei Xiaogu asked.

“That’s one way to put it,” Damian said bitterly. He knew he would never have been a match for his grandfather without that sword; he had essentially already lost the battle. Letting out a long breath, Damian was about to sheathe his sword, admit defeat, and reveal his identity when Lei Xiaogu threw away the dagger before he could.

"Clang!"

The crisp sound startled Damian. He didn't know what his grandfather meant by doing this. Unlike his previous behavior, this act of discarding weapons was undoubtedly an admission of defeat.

"What...does this mean?"

"Don't you understand yet, Damian?"

Lei Xiaogu's words startled Damian, who broke out in a cold sweat. He tried to retort, but several times he opened his mouth but could not utter a word.

Finally, he sighed, sheathed his sword, and removed his helmet, revealing his youthful face.

"When did you find out it was me?"

“From the very beginning, my child.” Lei Xiaogu’s expression changed, becoming a look that Damian rarely saw. How to put it? It was like the expression of an ordinary old grandfather looking at his grandson.

“You know the Assassin’s Guild and me too well. I only know of no more than five people who could do this,” Lei Xiaogu said with a smile.

"These people only have you, and you're not under my control right now. Plus, you're wearing a mask, which is like writing the answer on the riddle itself."

"Couldn't it be that I leaked information to others?"

Damian's question was rejected by Lei Xiaogu.

"Batman wouldn't put you in danger. If he did it, he wouldn't have bothered with such a ridiculous costume show."

"Besides, you are my grandson, and I believe I know you quite well."

Lei Xiaogu pointed to Damian's hand holding the sword and continued, "Although you tried your best to hide it, you still inevitably exposed some of the Assassin's Guild's methods during our sword fight."

"If I still can't see it, I might as well just kill myself."

"Then I..."

“No need for further explanation, Damian.” Lei Xiaogu shook his head. “Whatever your motives for doing this, I won’t blame you; on the contrary, I’ll be pleased.”

“You have shown me your ambition and strength, and I am very satisfied with that. I believe you are qualified to inherit the League of Assassins.”

"is this real?"

Damian couldn't help but show an excited expression. All he had done was for this one sentence.

“Of course.” Lei Xiaogu nodded. “Perhaps you are still inexperienced in some aspects, but you have already shown me everything a leader should have.”

"If you are ready to succeed to the throne now, then I will assist you and teach you well. Damian, you will surpass me and become the next leader of demons."

"Perhaps." Damian's answer was ambiguous, clearly showing he wasn't interested in the matter, which caught Lei Xiaogu's attention.

"What? The Assassin's Guild can't even get your attention?"

“I have another goal, but it might require you, Grandfather, to play a part in it for me.”

Damian said seriously, "I am prepared to take your place and join the Illuminati."

(End of this chapter)