I, who was eager to retire, became an Imperial General.

Chapter 189 The Gears of Fate (Part 2)
"..."

Inside the church, looking at Mephisto's corpse, Serbia, after some thought, casually cast a mid-level fire spell, 'Explosive Flame,' on the body.

Only when she watched the other person's corpse completely turn to ashes in the flames did she finally believe that her revenge, which she had waited twelve years for, had finally come to a perfect end today.

But looking at the ashes before him, the expected sense of satisfaction after the revenge was not felt; instead, he felt an indescribable emptiness.

Especially after considering that Celestine might actually have a sliver of hope of survival, as the other party had said.

A look of inner conflict welled up in Serbia's eyes.

But in the blink of an eye, this hesitation was replaced by determination.

She did not regret her decision, and she believed that if Celestine were still alive, she would not want her to give up the opportunity for revenge so easily.

After all, if the other person is still alive, Serbia believes that one day, guided by fate, the two of them will be able to reunite.

Even if it takes a long time, she can accept it!

"Let's go back……"

Looking at the dilapidated church in front of him, Serbia let out a long breath and then turned to walk out of the church.

But just as she turned around, she was shocked to find that a figure holding a sword and staring at her had appeared at the entrance of the church.

What surprised Serbia the most, and could even be described as unbelievable, was the other person's appearance, or rather, hair color.

That was a creature she remembered vividly, even though they were no longer enemies.

Every time I see those beautiful silver hairs, I feel a strange pain in my chest.

Léa Binoche?
Damn it, didn't that idiot woman go to Faoken with that John guy?
How would it appear here?

Did John Maslow have her secretly spying on him all along?

So, in that guy's mind, am I really that untrustworthy?

What do you take me for, you bastard?

Could it be that treacherous beast, Micah?
Upon seeing that silver hair, countless thoughts flashed through Serbia's mind.

But when her gaze fell upon the other person's expression, she instantly realized that she had misunderstood.

Because this girl with the almost iconic hair color of the Binot family could be anyone, but she could never be Leia Binot.

After all, given that monster woman's personality, even if the other party was about to draw their sword and kill them, they would still be at her mercy.

The other party will just act like a wooden puppet and kill you on the spot.

Even when faced with their own corpse, the other party would expressionlessly chop off their own head with a knife to ensure that they were truly dead.

It's impossible for him to be like the girl in front of him, showing such a fearsome attitude when facing him.

However, these two look far too alike; they're practically identical.

So, the other person is Leia's sister?

But if it's the younger sister, why is she wearing the uniform of the Loran Kingdom Military Academy instead of the Imperial uniform?
So, what is going on?
For a moment, Serbia, having discovered the new continent, fell into deep thought.

Meanwhile, Anna Splinter, a silver-haired girl, is confronting Serbia.

After feeling the uncontrollable tremor emanating from the unique technique within his body, as if he were staring into an abyss.

I felt an unprecedented sense of solemnity and tension.

Her hands, gripping the sword hilt, also became damp with sweat from the uncontrollable secretion of perspiration.

As a senior student in the Army Department of the Canlton Military Academy in the Kingdom of Loran, he achieved the highest score, a feat never before accomplished.

Anna once believed that she had inherited the Splinter family's unique "equality of all things" magic technique, and that her magic power had reached the middle level, only a step away from the upper level.

He is already considered the strongest among his peers.

After all, with her unique spells that far exceeded the standards of a mid-level mage, none of her classmates could withstand her full-force attack head-on.

Moreover, she single-handedly led her class to win first place in the National Army Military Exercise Golden Dragon Cup during her junior year, and even received a personal commendation from His Majesty the King and was awarded the title of Honorary Knight.

This honor is something that even the current commander of the Steel Legion, who is now active on the southern front of the Kingdom of Loran and is recognized as the strongest warrior in the world, has never received. He was thirty years old when he successfully reached the Grand rank and inherited the title of the strongest 'Sword Saint' of the Camrofi family.

Such an honor is enough to prove how amazing her talent is.

But even with such extraordinary talent, after witnessing firsthand the half-dragon woman in the church personally kill the innocent priest, her usual technique of judging the strength of a target by their aura was rendered useless.

But it began to send her warnings uncontrollably.

Moreover, the level of danger is unprecedented!
It was as if she were facing not an ordinary half-dragon, but a monster dressed in human skin.

"...Phew, calm down, Anna. You need to calm down. Although the enemy is strong, as long as you can calmly use the Equality of All Things technique to deal with them, you can definitely hold out until Instructor Erwin arrives with reinforcements."

"So now you only have one thing to do, which is to hold them off and not make a move rashly."

Anna slowly overcame her fear and discomfort, then focused her gaze on the female half-dragon who seemed lost in thought for some reason. She took a deep breath and said in a low voice:

"Who are you, and why did you come to Gooseberry Village to commit murder?"

Upon hearing this, Serbia snapped out of her daze, then looked at the familiar yet unfamiliar girl in front of her with great interest, a playful smile slowly curving her lips.

However, she didn't answer the question from the girl who seemed to have the bloodline of the Binot family. Instead, she manipulated her magic to dispel the red dragon spell and revert to her human form. Then, she lazily brushed her long, fiery-smooth hair aside and smiled warmly at the girl, saying:

"……May I have your name?"

"...Anna Splinter, do you know me? Also, please answer my question directly!"

"I wouldn't call it knowing each other, it's just that I happen to know an ugly woman who looks a lot like you."

Serbia said with a smug look on his face.

Anyway, Leia, that monster, isn't around, and this girl who seems to be related to her by blood only has the magical aura of a mid-level mage, making her someone Leia could easily deal with using half her power.

It's true that she can't beat that monstrous idiot Leia right now.

But what's wrong with finding a weak person who is suspected to be related to the other party by blood and hurling a few insults at them to vent your anger?
What, you're not convinced?

If you're not happy, come and chop me up!
If you can't do it, then stand at attention and take your scolding. I've been displeased with the Binot family for a long time!

"..."

Upon hearing this, even Anna couldn't help but twitch her lips, and felt an uncontrollable surge of anger in her heart.

Although I don't know why this ugly guy suddenly targeted me, it's really infuriating to be humiliated in public like this!

Moreover, she was a well-known beauty in the academy, and the number of men who pursued her during her studies could stretch all the way to the Kingdom of France. She was not at all like the so-called ugly woman!

Just how twisted must this despicable half-dragon's aesthetic sense be to have the audacity to utter such insincere words!

Anna felt a surge of annoyance, but seeing Serbia's mocking gaze, she realized that he didn't seem to have any intention of attacking her.

Feeling confident that she could keep the other party calm for the time being, she suppressed her displeasure and tentatively asked Serbia again:

"I have already answered your question. According to etiquette, shouldn't you also answer my question?"

"Ha, why should I answer you? What makes you think I'll do exactly what you ask?"

Seeing the other person's astonished expression, who seemed never to have imagined that he could take revenge on that monster woman Leia in this way, Serbia's smile grew even wider.

Freed from the constraints of that monstrous Leia, her sharp tongue, which had been forced to be hidden under the threat of death, was now unleashed once more, reaching an unprecedented peak:
"I'm telling you, have you gone crazy from reading too much? You're acting like an idiot. Well, to be honest, you do fit my stereotype of you academic types."

"You have theories but no practical application. You always assume everyone will act according to your ideas, and you always act like everyone has to revolve around you. Who do you think you are? The God of Gold?"

"Tsk tsk, I really don't know if you guys are studying or being studied by books, to be able to say such naive things like a little kid who only knows how to play in the mud. It makes me want to laugh, hehehe!"

Serbia, with one hand on his waist and the other covering his mouth, chuckled softly, intensifying his humiliation of his opponent.

At this moment, the images of men who both inspired her admiration and anger inexplicably surfaced in her mind, causing the insults that were about to be uttered to falter.

Then, a strange irritation began to creep into my heart, and even the thought of insulting Anna for pleasure vanished. Instead, I muttered angrily:
"You idiots, yes, you're no different from a pig, you two are exactly the same kind of idiots!"

"!"

Hearing these undisguised and vicious insults, Anna's temples bulged with veins, and her heart roared with fury.
What on earth is wrong with you, you crazy woman?

I was just conducting a routine inquiry according to the detention procedure, why do I have to get yelled at by you right away?

Wait a minute, could it be that this old woman was cheated on by her boyfriend, and that she happens to look somewhat like him?

So that's why the other person insulted me so maliciously after seeing how pretty I am?
I thought he was a real strongman, but I never expected him to be such a loser in love.

But that makes sense. With her flat chest and terrible personality, it's no wonder her boyfriend cheated on her!

And coincidentally, she found a woman who looked similar to herself. Hmm, not bad, she certainly has good taste!

Anna thought to herself, glancing disdainfully at Serbia's barren chest while secretly applauding the man who had cheated on her and abandoned her.

"Huh? What's with that expression? Are you trying to provoke me?"

Serbia raised an eyebrow upon noticing the other person's unusual expression.

Although she didn't know what the other person was thinking, she could tell from their smug and foolish expression, as if they had won a victory in their imagination.

Serbia immediately realized that the other side was definitely up to no good.

But then, the corners of her mouth couldn't help but slowly curve upwards into a smile.

After all, she originally wanted to find an excuse to beat up this woman who called herself Anna Splinter, in order to vent her resentment at having her hands dislocated and being kicked by that monster Leia last time.

What she didn't expect was that before she could even start to make trouble for the other party, this idiot delivered himself to her doorstep.

This act of deliberately asking for a beating made her incredibly happy.

Of course, considering that the other party has the same signature silver hair as Leia, that idiotic and violent woman, if the two of them recognize each other in the future, I should be careful not to bully this girl who calls herself Anna too much.

If that person were to report me to Leia, I'd probably get beaten to a pulp by that idiotic, violent woman. That would be a huge loss for me.

Therefore, it's best for me to play conservatively this time, so as not to suffer losses later.

Moreover, if I go too far, what if that idiot who broke his promise finds out? He'll definitely come and nag me again, and I'm afraid I'll be driven crazy by him.

Of course, this situation certainly won't continue indefinitely.

Once I return to Longyan Territory, I will double my efforts in studying magic.

Meanwhile, that monster Leia is currently busy fighting alongside that idiot John, so she certainly doesn't have time to study.

With the tides turning and the tides rising, I, who have been working hard, should be able to surpass that guy soon and truly avenge my previous defeat.

At that time, I will not only get my revenge for all the beatings I suffered before, but I will also make that idiot John kneel on the ground and ride me like a horse, and teach that stupid pig who abandoned the agreement and ran away a lesson!
I'll teach him a lesson he'll never dare to stand me up again!

However, for now, let's bully the kid and collect some interest from that monstrous idiot woman in advance!

Thinking of this, Serbia's smile became more intense than ever before. Before Anna could react, she activated the Red Dragon spell again, instantly transforming into a red shadow and rushing towards Anna.

"!"

Anna's pupils constricted as she watched the Serbian attack suddenly.

She never expected that this half-dragon woman, who seemed to have no intention of attacking, would suddenly launch an attack on her.

However, the swordsmanship instruction from the academy, as well as the fighting instincts inherited from her bloodline, caused her body to react before her brain could finish thinking.

Take a step, bend down.

Then, perform an upward slash!

"bass!"

The blade flashed with a dazzling, cold light as it was swung swiftly like a gust of wind.

In an instant, it tore through the darkness, unleashing a raging wind that roared and howled.

And under the operation of that unique spell called Miracle, the sword was shrouded in a white mist-like gas produced when magical elements annihilated.

However, compared to the Léa style which completely covers the blade, making it impossible to discern the true length of the blade.

Moreover, it is incredibly dense and can extend according to its own will.

The annihilation mist created by Anna's activation spell was only a thin layer, barely covering the sword. In terms of both effect and imposing presence, it was far inferior to that of her sister whom she had never met.

Therefore, when faced with this slash that could crush those of the same rank and even barely kill an ordinary high-ranking mage.

Although Serbia's magic power was high, her actual combat strength far exceeded the limitations of her class, and she unsurprisingly blocked this attack with great potential for growth.

"when!"

A dull thud and a burst of fire erupted simultaneously in the dimly lit church.

To Anna's incredulous gaze, a dragon claw covered in scarlet scales, looking particularly ferocious and terrifying, was now firmly restraining the blade that could cut through almost everything, preventing it from advancing even an inch!
But didn't Father say that the Equality of All Things technique he inherited from his ancestors could sever the existence of all things?
Why, why can't I even tear apart the dragon scales of this guy in front of me?

A look of confusion flashed in Anna's eyes.

Before she could even react, a sharp pain shot through her chest, and she collapsed uncontrollably to the ground behind her.

The intense pain caused the longsword in his hand to slip from his grasp, striking the ground with a crisp sound.

"Clang!"

"Too weak. Compared to that monster, you're far too weak! So weak that you don't even deserve to make me use a tenth of my power!"

Looking down at Anna, who had been kicked away by him and was completely powerless to fight back, he realized that Anna had been defeated in just one move.

Serbia's expression was full of disdain and sarcasm.

But he felt the pain in his right hand, which was being eroded by the opponent's stripping power because he had just faced the stripping technique. The pain had now spread to his palm.

She couldn't help but think to herself that she had been a bit too presumptuous.

Fortunately, she kicked quickly, and the time she had to hold onto the power of separation smoke screen from beginning to end was less than a second.

Otherwise, if it had been two more seconds, her right hand would probably be paralyzed now, just like when she was forced to endure Leia's spiraling spear of dismemberment.

All I can say is that this woman named Anna truly lives up to her reputation as someone who inherited the bloodline of the Binot family, even though her current strength is indeed that of a weakling.

But its potential is on par with that monster, Leia.

In addition, this woman is completely different from her idiotic sister; she is a person with brains.

If you give the other party enough time to grow to the same rank as you, they might be able to dominate you in the future.

That's why I hate you bunch of bastards who can become stronger just by relying on your bloodline!
Disgusting, absolutely disgusting, ugh!
Serbia was filled with resentment, but outwardly remained calm as she looked ahead, clutching her chest as she stood up, where Anna was staring at her with a resentful expression.

Then, feigning nonchalance, she extended her right hand and beckoned to the other person with her finger in a provocative gesture:
"What? You're not convinced? If you're not convinced, come again. I can play with you all day long so you can realize the difference between the weak and the strong."

"Evildoer!"

Hearing this unvarnished insult, Anna's face showed a rare hint of anger.

Without hesitation, he picked up the fallen longsword and activated his spell to attack the opponent again.

At the same time, he used the Canlton style sword technique, which he was most proficient in.

In an instant, the longsword in Anna's hand almost became a phantom, and countless cold lights, like a violent rain, began to pour out rapidly towards Serbia in front of her.

The density of the clusters was so great that it seemed even a fly couldn't get through them.

It's unimaginable what methods one would use to survive such a terrifying attack that felt like the arrival of death.

"Whoosh whoosh!"

The sharp sword shadows, accompanied by a piercing whistling sound, swiftly attacked Serbia. However, facing this seemingly powerful but actually flawed attack, Serbia showed no sign of seriousness from beginning to end.

Instead, it gracefully raised its left hand, the dragon claw, and then, as if a skilled pianist were playing the final note of a piece of music, it moved its index finger downwards with a free and skillful motion.

The next second, an invisible blade of energy slashed out rapidly as she moved.

Then, amidst the impenetrable rain of swords, it struck the sword shadow's true form with precision and lethality.

And with irresistible force, it suddenly tore the longsword apart!
"Crack!"

The sound of shattering steel echoed throughout the dilapidated church, and the countless sword shadows vanished completely at that moment.

The silver, broken blade, enveloped in a white mist of peeling force, was thrown into the air before falling back to the ground under the influence of gravity, its tip embedded in the stone slab.

Then, illuminated by the dim kerosene lamp that was the only surviving lamp in front of the church's stained glass window, Anna's shocked and bewildered face was reflected on the broken blade.

"Fighting is not a game. If you only follow the textbook moves, you may be able to win against opponents of similar skill levels. However, when facing a truly strong opponent, such flashy but impractical skills will only expose your fatal flaws and lead you to your death."

Anna stood there dumbfounded, seemingly unable to accept that her proud moves could be so easily defeated by the enemy.

It was as if he felt he had gone too far in hurting this girl who was still mentally a child.

Serbia shifted her wrists somewhat awkwardly, intending to teach the other party some things to avoid in a real fight, when, as if sensing something, she abruptly stopped talking and unleashed a slash of energy forward without hesitation.

Almost at the same moment Serbia unleashed her strike, a flash of cold light burst forth from the sky and shot straight toward her heart.

However, it could only end in failure due to the invisible slash that was detected in advance.

"Ding!"

A burst of fire erupted as the throwing knife shattered into countless fragments upon impact, scattering on the ground with a clanging sound.

Serbia, who was almost killed by this unexpected sneak attack, was not angry at all. Instead, he looked ahead with admiration. There was someone who had somehow turned his right hand behind his back, pulled out a throwing knife from behind, and used superb magic control skills to suddenly use the magic of threads to launch this insidious attack, trying to kill his Anna.

His tone was full of appreciation and amusement:

"Not bad, quite cunning. I like it. At first, I thought you were a bookworm who had gone stupid. I didn't expect you to have such a mind."

"If my perception technique were a little weaker, I'm afraid I would have really been injured by your move just now."

"However, your awareness is correct, after all, the most taboo thing in a battle is benevolence..."

"Shut up! I don't need you to teach me how to fight, you damned villain!"

Anna stared coldly at Serbia, whose expression was slightly surprised. She slowly tightened her grip on the broken sword in her hand, and then fully activated her spell.

As silvery-white magical circuits continuously emerged from her body, a large amount of white mist-like peeling power also gathered on the broken sword in her hand, covering and extending it.

And they coalesced into a massive column of mist that was at least three times denser than before!

Unlike the silence during their previous encounters, this time, with Anna's full-force attack, the strange noises emitted by the explosion of a large number of magical particles became exceptionally clear, like pine branches being thrown into a furnace.

The burning branches made a sound like dancing fairies as the flames rose.

"Crack!"

At the same time, Anna slowly held the broken sword, which was enveloped by the pillar of energy, in front of her. Her emerald-like eyes, which were fixed on Serbia, began to turn silver and burst forth with boundless killing intent.

His tone was no longer as gentle as before; it had become exceptionally cold and violent.

"I have no reason to talk about morality with a villain like you who indiscriminately kills innocent people!"

"My goal is to defeat you, or even kill you!"

"Under the witness of the flawless god Orihius, who represents justice and judgment, you will pay the price for your crimes!"

"That's all!"

……

(End of this chapter)