Chapter 176: Big News and Storms of Influence
Currently seated within the Royal Palace inside of a meeting room with many nobles from all over Brawlmanica was crowned Prince Hunter Helmsley.
After much talk about the affairs of the country, a certain topic cropped up that left the room silent with mixed thoughts plastered onto the faces of many people here. Some nobles had grim expressions, others looked sharp and calculating, some even smiled faintly with intrigue. Count Carlos Leon Sr., recently elevated once again from Viscount, could not hide his pride as he sat amongst them.
Even powerful figures like Duke Jabok Helmsley and Duke Shane Michaels the 3rd were present, summoned after learning of such serious matters.
"I'm sure many of you are aware, but I will say it once more. Daoist Black Devil Blades, whose true name we've learned is Zoro Tatsumaki, has done something rather shocking. He managed to kill two Mortal Lord experts within a week's timeframe."
The voice came from a towering man with a heavy presence, the Royal Judge of Brawlmanica, a former general now serving as neutral arbiter between nobles. Though officially under the King, in practice he partially serves under Prince Hunter until succession. His words silenced the room.
Murmurs broke out, but with a single cough and a wave of Mortal Lord aura, the Judge stilled the air.
"Let me give a list of actions taken by this person since rising to power. Over three years ago, he was just a boy fighting on the front lines at Gold tier 3. Alongside the Black Reaper Corps, under the banner of White Star Radiance, he gained great merit by striking the traitorous Nights Light Devouring Church. They destroyed hidden branches, absorbed their methods, and grew rapidly.
"In the war then, Daoist Black Devil Blades slaughtered countless enemies and even defeated a Golden Lord and multiple Gold tier 4 experts — while still at Gold tier 3. His infamy grew alongside his reputation as Vice Leader of White Star Radiance.
"But that was when he was still manageable. Since then…"
The Judge's tone hardened.
"In recent times, perhaps with the Bright Brilliant Blade Sect behind him, he has bared his fangs again — but this time outside of Brawlmanica. He now commands numerous Gold tier experts, including his right and left hand commanders, known as Kuro Akuma Sōjin (Twin Blades of the Black Devil). Together, they've run roughshod over the Nights Light Devouring Church's allies, and recently pushed into Grimhollow Valley through Duskharrow.
"There, he killed a peak Golden Lord half a step into the Mortal Shedding Realm. He killed a Mortal Lord — a crippled war criminal of the Church. Still shocking, yes, but within expectations.
"And then…"
Silence fell once more.
"A week ago, the Church sent a full-health Early Stage Mortal Lord with an army to destroy him. And yet Zoro Tatsumaki… killed him. Single-handedly."
Gasps broke out across the room. Some clenched their fists. Others looked pale.
"And with that, the Black Reaper Corps and their allies shattered every opposing force. Their influence has spread far, shaking the status quo not just in Duskharrow but even across nations tied to us. And here is where complications arise…"
The Judge's sharp gaze fell on two individuals: a Soloman clan expert with a neutral mask, and an Aka Boshi no Tengan clan representative whose narrowed eyes betrayed a hidden smile.
"Daoist Black Devil Blades' words and actions have indirectly aimed ire at both the Soloman and Aka Boshi no Tengan clans — even as it's obvious he has allies within them. Probing this would be… pointless. Still, his precedent has shaken kingdoms and sects alike."
He paused again.
"Count Carlos Leon."
Carlos Sr. stiffened as all eyes turned to him. "Yes, your honor?"
The Judge's lips thinned.
"Your son, the Dragon Spear Hero, Ramiro Leon… is our greatest headache."
"Eh?! Your honor, why do you say that?" Carlos Sr. asked, startled.
"Because even among this generation's heroes, his influence is far too widespread. Garfle, Brassaint, even beyond. And in these past weeks, his voice has grown thunderous — especially after this incident with Black Devil Blades."
Carlos Sr. faltered. How could he not know? His pride in Ramiro's meteoric rise had blinded him to the political storm he created.
Before he could reply, another Count interjected. "With respect, your honor, perhaps this is not for Count Leon alone. The Dragon Spear Hero is more a core member of the Bright Brilliant Blade Sect than the Leon clan. That sect is the true problem, is it not?"
The Judge nodded. "Correct. But that does not mean the Leon clan holds no influence over him."
Carlos Sr. sighed and spread his hands. "I will speak to my son. But I cannot promise much. His path is entwined with White Star Radiance."
"…Do what you can," the Judge said curtly. "We still have much to discuss, including new discoveries these past months."
Prince Hunter, throughout, sat relaxed. His sharp eyes, however, studied every face and movement in the room, while armored figures — twenty in total — lined the walls in cloaks of grey with streaks of personal colors. One, directly behind him, bore a rifle on his back. He smirked ever so faintly when Zoro's killing of the Mortal Lord was mentioned.
…
Meanwhile, in a Soloman clan estate, Erica faced her parents and other clansmen. Their expressions were mixed — worry, irritation, resignation. Hers was defiance.
"Eri," her father said sternly, though with a hint of plea. "The pressure you've put on our clan is immense. Can't you relent and try another strategy?"
"I'm sorry, Father. But for White Star Radiance, for my closest friends — for him — I will not stop. To think they plot against him, even knowing he is mine!" Erica's body erupted in white flame, her aura surging with tides beyond a simple Peak Golden Lord's.
Clan experts shifted nervously. Even her father could not say with certainty he could suppress her. Pride flickered through his stern face.
Her mother, calm and gentle, spoke. "Then do as you will, my little Eri. But take care not to cross the clan's bottom line."
"Trust me, honorable Mama and Papa! I'm able to confidently do these things not only thanks to the methods I learned from big sister Chris but also thanks to the backing of our Masters in the Bright Brilliant Blade sect." Erica said with a confident smile.
Her words made both parents and the clansmen in the room nod, but their gazes carried subtle weight. They respected her resolve, yet in truth, their faith in the Bright Brilliant Blade sect was limited. To their knowledge, that sect, while powerful and deeply established, was still rooted in the Desert Star Continent. It had existed for perhaps over a thousand years, but they had no record of the sect's true depth of influence beyond that region.
In the silence that followed, the elders of the clan exchanged glances. They didn't outright dismiss Erica's conviction, but in their hearts they couldn't be certain whether this sect could really support her if the wider power structure of the clan or other ancient forces bore down on her.
…
Elsewhere, across cities, forests, and battlefronts, voices rose:
"We will follow you, Dragon Spear Hero!"
"I pledge my clan to your cause! None shall touch Daoist Blue Heavens Sword or Daoist Heaven Star Eyes!"
"Hahaha! I, Lalana, will prove I'm no burden to the man I've chosen!"
Ramiro stood before roaring supporters, chest thrust out, spear gleaming. And then he shouted:
"Anyone who dares to harm my Brother, Daoist Blue Heavens Sword, or touch one of his beloved women, Daoist Heaven Star Eyes, will face me personally! Even if you are clans of their own blood!
"And as for that ridiculous katana-wielding baffoon, Daoist Black Devil Blades — only I am allowed to put that dark, brooding, wannabe-cool idiot down!!"
"Y-yeahhh!! As the Dragon Spear Hero says!"
"R-right! We'll… um… cheer that too!!"
"…H-Hail the Dragon Spear Hero!!"
The cheers wavered, faltered, then boomed again as his charisma swept them up. Loved, feared, and laughed at in equal measure — Ramiro Leon's influence only grew.
And so the tangled web of loyalties and rivalries deepened.