Bright light streamed into the hall.
A man with his hair tied in a topknot, a scar at the corner of his eye, and dojo training clothes knelt at the head of the hall. A katana lay across his knees, his eyes slightly closed, completely unresponsive to the noisy unrest outside.
Only when faint footsteps drew nearer did the man in the hall suddenly open his eyes, a sharp glint flashing through the air.
"Thunderclap Swordsman, Eric!" Apophis stood at the doorway, his tall frame blocking out the sunlight and exuding an invisible pressure.
Eric grabbed the katana from the ground and looked into the scarlet eyes beneath the Ghoul Mask. He could not help taking a deep breath. "After waiting so many days, I almost thought you would not come for me. It seems you truly have not disappointed me, Crimson Swordsman, Apophis!"
Seeing Apophis remain silent, merely standing there quietly, Eric narrowed his eyes slightly. Was this arrogant bastard looking down on him?
"Have your achievements in Paradise made you lose sight of reality, Apophis?" Eric said in a low voice. "You should know that this is the New World. Those people in Paradise who call themselves swordsmen would not even count as first-rate swordsmen here."
"Even among swordsmen, there is still a difference as vast as heaven and earth between the strong and the weak. You had better..."
"I know I am far stronger than you, but no matter how much you emphasize it, I will not go easy on you," Apophis interrupted coldly.
"Cough, cough..." Eric nearly choked. "Bastard, are you playing dumb with me? What I mean is that I am the strong one in this battle! If you do not want to die here, then get the hell back to Paradise and play your