Ruler's Awakening: Inheritor of the SSS-Rank Dimensional Talent

Sara and the others stepped away from the place. The floor boss was defeated, and they got floor access privileges up to the 11th floor. Still, Sara's decision to return to the city wasn't without reason.

She needed to get some equipment that might be needed during the raid on the next floors. It would be easier for them than struggling to find a store for equipment on the 11th floor.

The return journey felt faster than the departure. The route had been cleared of maze monsters, so Arthur no longer had to worry.

Sara and the others earned a great amount of money, about 10,000 RL, from helping with the fight. Many of them wanted to spend the money on the equipment they wanted.

Karen stepped closer to Arthur, her hand still holding the Sansevieria Sword. It was a good sword with the earth element embedded in it.

Karen could have used the sword, but it was much better to find another sword with the same element, fire.

"Arthur."

"What is it, Karen?" asked Arthur, turning his head.

"It's about this sword. This sword's element is earth, while mine is fire. That won't give me any significant power."

"Do you mind if I—"

"You can trade or sell it. The sword is yours, no need to ask my permission," Arthur explained, interrupting Karen's words.

Karen smiled, knowing Arthur could understand her without needing to explain further. Karen thanked him and said that she would exchange it for another sword.

Sara turned her head, seeing Arthur seemed familiar with Karen. She squinted, curious about their intense closeness.

From a distance, the 13th Squad could see the exit of the Dark Pillar. Not only them but many other adventurer teams began to end their raid, even though there were still six hours left.

Among them, Arthur didn't see a single flag from the Night Liberators group. He thought the raid team might not have completed their goal yet.

The door to the Dark Pillar was passed. There, Arthur turned to look at the stone of light used for travel across floors. Just after completing the raid, some adventurers emerged from the stone of light.

There were two possibilities, either he was the one who defeated the ninth-floor boss and directly teleported, or they were people from the upper floors who chose to visit the tenth floor for some reason.

'It looks like they just finished the ninth-floor boss,' Arthur said.

That was based on the travel time across floors that hadn't opened yet —three more days. Arthur and the members of the 13th squad would have to wait within that period to be able to travel to the next floor through the stone of light.

Arriving at the tenth-floor city, Mona and the others split up to buy the needed equipment. Karen followed them, while Sara and Arthur had to return to HQ to report to Andrew.

"I wonder what he'll say?"

"What do you mean?" asked Arthur.

"21st and 7th squads suffered heavy losses, Eros died a horrible death. I'm worried they'll be disappointed rather than happy with what the 13th squad has done."

"You can tell them that Eros and the others died honorably protecting the 13th squad. Their deaths were not in vain."

Sara cleared her throat. What Arthur said was true; if they failed to kill the Nymph, perhaps their hatred and anger would multiply many times. Arthur patted Sara lightly on the shoulder, trying to calm the anxiety and worry in her heart.

"Your fears will never happen. Trust me," Arthur replied. Sara nodded, happy to see Arthur beside her, and continued encouraging her.

Arthur could see the Sky Sword flag flying in a building with a vast area. Just as Arthur and Sara stepped through the headquarters gate, a flaming arrow rushed towards Arthur.

The young man was stunned. He grabbed Sara's hand and thrust his other hand forward, creating a purple shield to block the flaming arrow. Sara was shocked until she widened her eyes.

'I knew Eros' death would impact their attitude!' Arthur complained.

Arthur's left hand clenched into a fist, letting the shield wall explode to destroy the fire arrow. A small puff of smoke rose where Arthur stood, his hand again pushing the smoke away from his eyes.

Arthur and Sara clearly saw 10 people standing in the main field of Sky Sword headquarters. Sara knew who they were.

They were 10 captains of squad 1-10 on Sky Sword's tenth floor. Their strength was stronger than the main raid team.

"Is this the way you thank me?" Arthur sternly asked.

"They saw you kill Eros, the captain of 7th Squad, brutally. What's your plea, Arthur?" said Norman, captain of the 1st squad.

"My plea? He slapped Sara because the 13th Squad didn't help him defeat a weak monster. I acted because it's not the 13th Squad's job to protect Eros' ass from death!" snapped Arthur, gripping Sara's hand tightly.

"That's a great insult to us, damn it!" snapped Norman, pointing ahead while keeping his eyes focused on Arthur.

One by one, they unleashed their diverse talents on Arthur. Sara shivered, her legs and whole body trembling in extreme fear. Arthur noticed it. Sara's cold sweat felt on Arthur's hands.

When a clash was almost inevitable, Andrew suddenly appeared with Silvianna and Harold in their midst. Andrew's arrival surprised the 10 captains, unlike Arthur, who had expected it.

"What Arthur said is true!" said Andrew, standing tall and putting his hands behind his back, acting-wise.

"Eros and Leonil were assigned to clear the route from monsters. The 13th squad was only tasked with defeating the floor boss. I think my words are clear!" Andrew emphasized.

The ten captains deactivated their talents and knelt down to salute, but not Arthur. He may be a member of Sky Sword, but his power was stronger than Andrew's. Why would he salute a weaker person?

"Members of the 7th squad saw Arthur crush Eros' neck and kill him in place. We need an explanation from him and punishment for his murder!" Norman insisted.

Andrew turned his head to the side, staring intently at Arthur, who he thought was like a wolf, strong but uncontrollable.

Andrew sighed, stepping up to Arthur with a stride, Silvianna and Harold following close behind.

"Is that true?" asked Andrew, sternly.

"He did it because Eros had—"

"I did it to show you how weak you are!" interrupted Arthur, joking about Sky Sword to the anger of Harold and the ten captains. Silvianna was shocked, while Andrew smiled bitterly.

"I can kill you with one word from my mouth! Don't you know that, Arthur?" asked Andrew.

"Unfortunately, once an order is given, another order cannot be added!" snapped Arthur.

That's right! Andrew had planted a slave seal on Arthur, but the order was written in a paper agreement that evaporated in magic ink.

Even if Andrew wanted to add a new order, then he had to remove the slave seal on Arthur and write the order at the beginning.

'Damn! He's exploiting the lack of orders on the slave seal,' Andrew complained.

"You're wise, Arthur. I completely underestimated you."

Arthur stepped boldly forward, right in front of Andrew. He brought his head to Andrew's face, whispering something in the man's left ear.

"I have a power you never imagined would exist. It's a power that can defeat Bright easily!" Arthur whispered.

"Did you just threaten me?" asked Andrew, glaring.

"Just a warning. If you don't want to lose your pathetic squad captain again, don't mess with the 13th squad raid!"