Assassins
"Grandfather, does this broken sword have some special history?"
Justin knew that his grandfather was an insider with profound knowledge of antiques. He would never make a move without reason.
Fernando smiled. "Although I've never entered the Ancestral Land, that doesn't mean I haven't studied it. You've heard of the guardians of the Ancestral Land, haven't you?"
Justin nodded.
The guardians were the strongest protective force within the Ancestral Land. Those who could join them were all powerful members of the imperial family, along with some who had been promoted from the Knight Order.
They would not leave the Ancestral Land lightly. Not even the Emperor of the Empire could command them at will.
"This broken stone sword is connected to the guardians?" Justin's heart stirred.
"This broken sword is far from ordinary." A glint flashed through Fernando's eyes. "It is called the Sword of [Glad], one of the eighteen Greatswords of Glory commissioned by [King Cleobulus] from the finest craftsmen of his era. They were meant to be bestowed upon those who had rendered great service."
"[King Cleobulus]..." Justin's breathing quickened.
That man had founded the Empire. Ever since Justin had been old enough to understand, he had admired him deeply with all the fervor of youth.
"It's actually one of the eighteen Greatswords of Glory..." Justin said in disbelief. "I've read about that period of history. The Greatswords of Glory were all crystallizations of technology... How did it end up like this?"
Fernando said, "The three great empires once went to war over something. Legend says it was for a Dao Beacon of the [Primordial] Fourth Node. Later, the Dao Beacon was shattered, and each of the three empires seized a portion. During that war, the Sword of [Glad] was bestowed upon the then-captain of the Knight