I looked at the exhausted Claw members and said to them,
"Last time I remember, I was your client and you were my escorts. By any chance, have you hired me?"
They all looked ashamed.
I sighed and threw healing potions at them — but this time, low-level ones.
Not because I was saving money, but because they didn't need high-level healing potions.
I said to them,
"We shall rest a little, then move."
Raven asked me,
"Sir, you… you moved…"
Well, what he wanted to say was that I moved very fast — faster than all of them.
This was the power of the last Nature Force.
Blitz.
It was a mobility-based power. It increased my movement speed — but it also enhanced the speed of my hands and other body parts, meaning I didn't just run fast. This ability wasn't only for running; it was for increasing the speed of any part of my body I wanted to move fast.
However, it didn't help in seeing at that increased speed — well, I could see because of Omniscient.
What I mean is, it only helps in moving fast. Other than that, it doesn't provide any other benefit.
If not for Omniscient, unlocking it fully would have been impossible.
The previous owner actually died because he moved faster than he could see. He wanted to bypass some guards, so he thought of moving so fast they'd miss him. But his foot struck a pillar decoration, and he was sent flying. The speed was too great… he died instantly. His corpse became nothing more than meat paste.
It's not a power where I have to use it at full speed or not at all.
It's like having a car that can run at 250 miles per hour — you can drive it at any speed between 0 and 250.
I can move at Blitz's maximum speed or slower, according to my needs.
For example, when avoiding that mage's attack, I just moved fast enough to not get struck.
By the way, its maximum speed is that of an average Powerhouse.
Before I got this Nature Force, I had to move my hand beforehand to use Apocalypse, but now I'm fast enough to move my hand after I teleport.
Also, I don't really need to use Apocalypse from my hands — I can release it from any body part or even my whole body. It's just easier to control the surface area when using my hands.
Well, I did mention that if I slept with more Nature Mana absorbed, I'd release Apocalypse in every direction. So it must have been obvious — but I said it just in case you missed it.
Coming back to the current situation, I think it's about time we moved.
Emma looked like she wanted to say something but didn't have the courage.
I stared at her and said,
"So you do have a break in your mouth. Speak whatever you want to."
Brock and Emilia quickly made some distance from her.
She coughed and asked,
"Well… where are we going exactly? I mean, if we're going, no point hiding it."
I nodded and said,
"Ashenrise Highlands. Drakemount."
Ashenrise Highlands is a region ruled by one lord, and Drakemount is the city that serves as its capital.
The Highlands are filled with small mountains and hills.
Drakemount is said to be built atop a hill that's the resting place of a dragon.
Emma nodded.
Soon, we started moving again.
This time, with no disturbances, we reached Drakemount.
We entered the city and found the most expensive inn. I mean it must be obvious by now I sleep at the best place available.
I knew that all the lords would meet here — the only question was when.
I'd have to wait.
So we all went to eat at a restaurant. Meanwhile, I overheard others talking:
> "You know, all the lords are in this city."
"My brother works near the castle. He said there'll be a meeting today, so only knights are allowed inside."
"Really? All the lords?"
"Well, I think so."
I suddenly stood up.
Everyone looked at me — every eye in the restaurant turned my way.
I started walking outside.
The Claw members followed me.
Raven asked,
"Sir, is there a problem?"
I turned and looked at the Claw members seriously.
"I'm going for a big fight. If I get defeated, here — take 500 platinum coins and use them for my recovery."
Ten platinum coins are enough for an elixir, but just in case…
They all looked shocked.
I turned again and started walking — heading toward the center of Drakemount.
I was going to the castle.
Soon, I reached its gates.
The knights noticed me and began walking toward me.
I activated Sixth Sense and felt eleven presences.
Alright — everyone's here.
I turned to the Claw members and said,
"Go somewhere high, where you can see everything… though you'll miss most of it except the end. If the Twelve Lords lift me, go back to the hotel."
Everyone nodded.
The knight was now very close to me, but before he could say anything, I disappeared.
He looked around and glanced at the Claw members, who acted shocked and also looked around. It'd be difficult to explain otherwise.
Where was I?
I had teleported to an open area just inside the castle walls.
Before, I was outside the boundary — now I was inside.
Around me stood hundreds of knights, and on both sides stretched a well-maintained garden. The air smelled of fresh flowers, with trees providing shade and places to sit, eat, and relax. Someone was even tending to the garden.
Didn't they say no one was allowed entry?
I guess the garden was important.
Soon, the knights noticed me and began approaching. But I didn't have time to talk or fight with them.
I placed my hand on the ground.
"Apocalypse."
I didn't want to destroy the place — I just used enough power to make sure everyone knew something had happened.
Still, the force rippled through the earth. I expected minimal damage, but I guess I don't have good control yet.
The whole ground began to shake. The spot where I used Apocalypse looked like a meteor had struck it.
A small part of caste walls broke.
All the knights steadied themselves, now looking at me with full caution.
---
Inside the castle
A huge round table sat at the center of a large room.
Around it were twelve massive chairs.
Except for one, none of the people seated reached even a fourth of their chair's height. The chairs were straight-edged, designed more for durability than comfort — but they looked formidable.
On the headrest of each chair was a round decoration engraved with a number — from one to twelve.
The chair numbered twelve was empty.
One of them said,
"We need to find a successor soon."
Another replied,
"Well, isn't that the reason we're all gathered here?"
The third said flatly,
"You all waste too much time. Bring your nominations and meet again in a month."
The fourth began,
"How about meeting next time at my p—"
Suddenly, the entire room shook.
None of them spoke. Some frowned, some smiled, some looked confused, and others angry.
The one in chair number five growled,
"Who the hell dares to play around in my castle?"
They all stood and started moving toward the source. Their emotions varied but they were all curious. Even in the whole world if they think they can't find anyone who had such courage.
---
One of the knights in the garden came forward and said,
"Surrender now! All the Lords of the Coalition of the Twelve Lords are present here. By now, they must have felt the disturbance you caused. It would be in your favor to surrender quickly."
I shook my head and said,
"Aren't they already coming? Why waste time arresting me?"
The knight shouted again,
"This is your last warning! Do you surrender?"
I said,
"I don't."
The knight, though unwilling, charged at me at full speed. The other knights watched for now.
He slashed diagonally —
"Blitz."
I moved a foot away from him.
He stopped, wide-eyed.
Now he was sure — he couldn't overpower me.
He yelled to the others,
"Mages and knights, support me! Don't hold back — he's strong! Be ready to sacrifice something, or everything!"
Then he glared at me fiercely and rushed again — even faster this time.
I could see the mages casting strengthening and speed spells.
Many other knights charged at me as well.
I sidestepped the first one. The second swung vertically, but I retreated. The third stood ready, perfectly timed — but even then, he couldn't touch my clothes.
Suddenly, I felt heat behind me — a massive fire spell aimed to engulf me — as more knights closed in.
I just shook my head and said,
"Apocalypse."
The spell disintegrated instantly.
If I wanted to please the master, I couldn't let their pets get hurt,
now could I?
Smiling, I said to them,
"Time's up. Your masters are here."
A loud, commanding voice echoed:
"Who dares?"