Chapter 371 - Kendo Ranking Test ( 1 )

The eight dark elves soon became Reiji's Slaves as they barely offered a fight. 

Though they have higher magic resistance, a single use of the Arcane Stone's Spiritual Pressure crumbled their defenses and became vulnerable to his ability. 

"What are you here for?" Reiji asked as he started his interrogation.

"We are looking for the wooden sword Arcana. It is a Sentient Arcana that had escaped from us." 

One of the Dark Elves with a large build answered.

"Tsk… Who ordered you? Is it Dark Elf King? Did he come out of his territory?"

"No, Master. The King can't get out of the forest because he needed the restriction it has to keep himself from becoming a real Deity. The one who gave us an order was his son."

"The Elf Prince?"

"Yes."

Reiji sighed recalling his experience with the Elf Princess whom he followed before he was trapped within the Dark Elf King's territory and became marked. 

"Whatever… That King has a few Sentient Arcana serving him. Why does he keep pursuing me?" 

"I do not know the answer, Master. However, the prince said that the one we are searching for is most likely a Blessed by a powerful Deity and he needed to collect those Blessed." 

"He needed to collect Blessed Arcana? Wait—is it related to the Dark Elf King being half-step Deity? Does he need the powers of Blessed Arcana to ascend?"

Reiji made a wild guess after hearing the Dark Elf. After all, they certainly have a powerful army with powerful Arcana. However, if they are searching specifically for a Blessed one like him. Then it must mean that they have other use for it!

"Master Reiji, I agree with your guess. It does make sense." Szaaz couldn't help but agree. 

Although the Trident Arcana had never seen someone ascend to such a level of power, using the powers of the Deity to assist the ascension would explain how it can be done. 

The Blessed of the Deities must possess the power of divinity or some unique energy that only the Deities have. The Dark Elf King must've wanted it as well.

"Perhaps he sent you out to lure the other Arcana that was Blessed by your Patron, Master Reiji."

Szaaz pointed out again. 

"Right, your fellow Sentient Arcana from Mind Collection also mentioned that the Sacred Sword and other two Blessed Arcana fought against the Dark Elves. Perhaps, they know another Blessed Arcana that was captured and they are to save that Arcana?"

"What? Do you mean they are saving me? They might even be colluding with the Dark Elves. Perhaps they aren't even fighting in the first place." Reiji doubted but he also know that Szaaz's words has merit.

Anyway, Cyril continued his interrogation with the Dark Elves to ensure that he knows that situation.

Unfortunately, these Dark Elves were only scouts with a v­­­ery weak combat prowess. In short, they weren't trusted with vital information.

At the very least, he can still use them to return to their base and report back that he and his team weren't in the village.

Of course, this is only one of the solutions. He still needs to ask Rufus for help setting up a stronger array.  That young man has graduated from an Academy and was also one of the elites during his stay in the Tower.

After giving his instructions, Reiji ordered them to return. 

If they died as soon as they returned, it means that they have been found out that they have turned sides.

"Whatever… It's up to you guys." Reiji then led his team back to the village to report what had happened. 

***

On the next day, Diether's group has finally arrived in front of a plateau.

"That's hallowed. There is a huge Half-Imp village inside. Let's go in." Jacob said as they approached one of the huge boulders connected to the huge wall of rock.

Jacob touched the boulder just like he was taught by the half-imps before until it opened automatically. 

Soon, the group of werewolves and humans entered the secret tunnel connected to the village inside.

"Whoa~ This looks incredible."

"Right… It feels like we are going to a fantasy world."

"Hmmm… I can feel Master's aura and the others. The boulder isn't just blocking the path, it's also stopping the people outside to detect any presence of life inside." Rufus muttered as he observed the rocks.

"Ahh… These aren't simple rocks at all! Enchanted Marbles!" Rufus added after recognizing the material used. 

"You guys are here. Head to the Dojo now…" Reiji's voice suddenly echoed to their minds.

Their Master Reiji is obviously using their Sense Link now that they are close to each other.

"Master, I brought my friend with me, she's Calliope. She was from a fallen noble family in Losea Kingdom. She knows a lot of things in that kingdom including the Enetha Empire. She wanted to join us, is that okay?"

Diether said using their sense link.

"Great. I do not mind. I'll set her as my wielder later so I can use my Sense Link for her as well. It'll be more convenient to speak with her that way."

Reiji replied as he recalls Calliope. If he wasn't mistaken, Calliope is included in three versus three battle that has happened in the Arcanist Tower before.

He remembers that Calliope is also a very good swordsman so it would be a great addition to their strength. 

After all, he barely increased his Spiritual Energy and Mystical Energy in the past few years. However, his skills are just getting stronger and it consumes a lot more energy from him. IT means he can be exhausted a lot easier than before unless he solves his problem about his Spiritual Energy. 

Unlike Stella with Energy Bank, he doesn't have such a convenient ability that can be used during an emergency after all. 

Soon, Reiji gathered all his disciples including Calliope within the Dojo.

Diether and Stella looked at the place curiously. They heard the term Dojo from their master and they have only imagined it before. 

However, it seems that it looks a lot better than their previous imagination.

"Everyone… We will be leaving the Chaotic Land after four days. In the meantime, I need to test everyone's skills so I can see how much improvement you've all made."

Reiji spoke with authority as he floated in front of everyone.