Robin's shocking display at the Mount Netheris Martial Arts Tournament sent tremors through every tier of the Netheris Domain.
Since taking power, Kage had maintained control over Netheris through a brutal blend of violent repression and relentless indoctrination. Under the Dark Syndicate, the commoners had long been molded into obedient sheep—docile, unquestioning, and easily swayed.
When word of Robin's actions spread, these same people were inflamed with fury. Fired up by propaganda, they rushed to local fortress lords, demanding to be sent into battle. Many declared they would gladly give their lives to preserve the honor of the Dark Syndicate and eliminate this foreign threat.
Some were so malnourished they couldn't even afford a full meal, yet they gathered in droves, sobbing and swearing vengeance. They vowed to protect the Dark Lord's name, even if it meant abandoning their families or starving to death on the battlefield.
Several people who hadn't eaten in three days collapsed on the spot from sheer rage. Yet, even after regaining consciousness, they forced themselves to their feet, shouting their curses against Robin with renewed determination.
In contrast, the nobility remained largely indifferent.
Most of them came from long-established martial families or powerful financial clans. Outwardly, they adhered to the rules of the Dark Syndicate, but behind closed doors, each pursued their own agenda. They were neither deeply indoctrinated nor blindly loyal.
These people were like weather vanes—ready to shift allegiance the moment the political winds changed.
As for Robin's dramatic performance at Mount Netheris, they remained silent. Quietly, some began to make inquiries, trying to establish a connection with this once-in-a-generation powerhouse.
To them, loyalty was never absolute. Worship was reserved for those who offered a future—or at least treated them like human beings.
The pride or shame of Netheris? That meant nothing to them.
So, while the masses stirred themselves into a frenzy, dreaming of killing Robin with their scrawny bodies, the noble houses and sects of Netheris were scheming, searching for a way to curry favor with him.
They could smell the shift in the air.
Anyone capable of single-handedly overwhelming the Thirteen Guardians and taming the beast of Netheris Valley had to be terrifyingly strong.
That one battle at the summit of Mount Netheris was enough to elevate Divine Drakebane to a level where he could challenge the High Pontiff himself.
In response, every martial sect and aristocratic family issued secret orders. No one was to show the slightest disrespect toward Divine Drakebane.
Most of them remained cautious and watchful. They knew Robin had slaughtered numerous guardians and young elites from the Dark Syndicate—but the High Pontiff's nine sons and his chief guardians were another matter entirely.
"The High Pontiff's sons and the top guardians aren't like those 13 that Robin killed. Their strength is on a completely different level."
"Let's not act rashly. Better to see how far Robin can go before we decide whether to back him."
Among the major martial sects, caution reigned supreme.
To them, Kage's grip on the Netheris Domain was still solid—too solid to be shaken by just one or two exceptional fighters.
In Duskwell Keep, the capital of Netheris, a man sat motionless atop a throne of cold crystal in the center of a massive chamber.
This was Kage Lupton—the High Pontiff of the Dark Syndicate.
Suddenly, a red-robed saint burst into the hall and hurried to the center. "High Pontiff!" he cried. "At the Mount Netheris Martial Arts Tournament, all the young elites of the Crownward Syndicate were slain—except for Vania and Hacyon.
"All 13 officiating judges were killed as well.
"The one responsible is a man named Robin, from Earthend!
"He's currently heading for the Ninth Syndicate!"
Kage's eyes snapped open. "I already know.
"Let the Ninth Syndicate deal with this anomaly."
The Red Robe Saint bowed respectfully. "Understood, High Pontiff. However, Alessia was also caught in this disaster ... "
Kage waved a hand dismissively. "I know. Let Talmud kill him.
"If the Ninth Syndicate can't handle it, have Caym take care of it.
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