As the news spread of the death of the Silent Reaper, it became a monumental problem for the Hunter Association. The Association relied heavily on National Hunters to control S-rank and below hunters, and its very survival hinged on their influence and power. The loss of any National Hunter threatened to weaken the Association's grip over the world.
Aldric Voss, the president of the Hunter Association, convened an urgent meeting with the remaining National Hunters.
Elias Vitalis, the Sacred Restorer, spoke first, his voice laced with concern. "What is happening? First, the downfall of the Dark Emperor, and now Dorian has been killed."
Elias does not know about cause of dead behind the Dark Emperor as no one inform him about the plan.
Aldric replied, "We are doing everything we can to find the culprit."
Alaric Spellbinder, the Arcane Sovereign, leaned forward, urgency in his tone. "The death of a National Hunter is a serious issue, President. I believe we should mobilize our personal guilds to track down the culprit."
Sebastian Stratagem, the Grand Tactician, nodded in agreement. "We must conclude the investigation swiftly, or soon the National Hunters will become a laughingstock."
Ignatius Emberlord, the Inferno Monarch, added, "You're right, Sebastian. The world will soon look down on us."
Aldric sighed, "Then you all should mobilize your members. The Hunter Association will also pursue this matter." The meeting ended with a heavy air of tension.
One Year Later
Lucian Blackthorne stood on a tall building, gazing out over the city under the night sky. His eyes were fixed on the window of a mansion where Caius Voltaris, the Thunder Sovereign, was resting after completing an S-rank raid earlier that day.
In an instant, Lucian teleported into Caius's bedroom. Caius, whose lightning-based powers granted him incredible reaction speed, appeared behind Lucian in a heartbeat.
Unfazed, Lucian activated the second form of the Blackthorne Tenfold Midnight Veil, shrouding the room in darkness that made escape nearly impossible.
Caius unleashed his full power, his body crackling with electric energy. He summoned the Thunderous Vortex, launching a colossal lightning beam that pierced the sky.
However, Lucian's power surged in his realm. He countered with the first form, Obsidian Genesis, banishing the lightning into the surrounding darkness.
Caius, eyes widening with realization, said, "This darkness... that technique... you must be the son of the Dark Emperor. To think, in just two years, you've reached equal footing with National Hunters."
Lucian replied with a smirk, "I'm grateful you recognize me, Caius."
Caius narrowed his eyes. "You must be the one who killed Dorian."
Lucian nodded, his voice cold. "Yes, he died a painful death. You should have been there to witness it, but it doesn't matter now; soon, you'll join him in the afterlife."
Caius growled, "You think I'm an easy target?!" He swung his lightning sword, each strike producing sparks that danced through the air.
Lucian's expression hardened. "Do not struggle further, Caius. Just die." He unleashed the third form, Sable Tempest, severing Caius's left hand with a swift cut.
Caius screamed in agony but quickly rallied, using Lightning Edge to move in a zigzag pattern, delivering rapid slashes of lightning toward Lucian.
With a fierce determination, Lucian activated the fourth form, Umbral Dominion, driving his blade into Caius's heart.
As Caius felt the life ebbing from him, he laughed maniacally, his eyes glinting with madness. "You may have killed me, but you can never restore the Blackthorne family, you brat! My legacy will linger in the shadows, and your victory will be hollow!"
Lucian leaned closer, his voice low and resolute. "Your legacy ends here, Caius. The shadows you cling to will swallow you whole."
Caius's laughter faded into a chilling silence as he collapsed, becoming nothing more than a lifeless corpse.
Just as the finality of the moment settled in, a powerful aura surged in the vicinity. The Sword Saints were in the same region as Lucian, their presence palpable.
Among them was Gideon Silversword, the Sword Saint, accompanied by four other S-rank hunters, members of The Celestial Swords. They could sense the otherworldly energy radiating from Lucian as he stood atop the mansion, an aura that sent chills down the spines of even the most seasoned hunters.