Chapter 013: Survival or Extinction

The Eldest Prince looked up at his younger brother. He seemed to frown briefly, but moments later, he suddenly smiled softly and said, “Fisher… my dearest brother, we both know that things have come to this point today. How could there be any possibility of stopping now? Let’s not talk about such sweet words… Or do you think that winning one battle against me means you’ve already secured victory?”
Prince Fisher sighed and said, “My dear elder brother, of course I don’t think so. With all these years of your planning and strategy, such a small defeat really isn’t anything to worry about… The reason I’m so upset is that I never imagined our relationship would deteriorate to this extent… Dear elder brother, don’t you realize that this is a moment of survival or extinction for the Gavin Empire? By launching this coup rashly, aren’t you afraid of bringing about the destruction of our nation?”
The Eldest Prince laughed heartily and said, “Destruction of the nation? You even know that? But that foolish ruler behind you still can’t see it, right? Yes, the Gavin Empire is indeed at a critical moment now! That’s why I dare to launch this coup! If the country continues to be under that fool’s control, that’s when true destruction will occur!”
Hearing this, Austin III, who was seated on the high platform, couldn’t help but slap the armrest of his seat and shout loudly, “How dare you!”
The Eldest Prince sneered, “Since I dare to launch a coup, there’s no such thing as being timid! Father! Your Majesty! Can’t you see this even now?”
Austin III’s breath hitched sharply. He gasped for air but couldn’t utter a word.
Prince Fisher’s brows twitched slightly, but he still sighed and said, “Elder brother, aren’t you afraid of any negative consequences from launching such a coup?”
The Eldest Prince snorted, “What nonsense? Since things have come to this point, it means I don’t care about any consequences… Fisher, there’s no need to waste time either… The first battle just ended, and you won—it’s nothing special! Let’s have another one! Just now it was a magic duel; now let’s see a martial arts duel! If you win this one too, then it’s not too late to talk nonsense!”
Prince Fisher frowned slightly. He clearly knew that among the Eldest Prince’s subordinates was someone like Francis—a warrior who had reached the Saint rank.

With someone like this involved, no matter who we send, defeat seems inevitable!
Over there, the Crown Prince glanced backward and said calmly, “Sir, this battle likely depends on you… As you know, our recent defeat has greatly affected our morale. I demand that you not only win but do so decisively. Surely this isn’t too difficult for you, is it?”
A warrior standing behind the Crown Prince nodded slightly. He slowly removed his helmet, placed his right hand over his chest in a slight bow, and said, “Your Highness, then I shall do as you wish!”
With that, the warrior slowly stepped out of the crowd. It seemed like he had only taken a few steps, but in the blink of an eye, he was already at the center of the training ground. His armor had been completely removed, revealing a light silver warrior’s robe beneath.
A silver-sheathed sword hung at his waist, and his murderous intent remained intense, yet it did not diminish his warriorly grace.
He slowly raised his head and looked toward where Austin III and Prince Fischer were. Instantly, a fierce killing aura filled the air. Even just that brief glance was enough to make those with weak fighting spirits give up any chance of resistance!
This familiar feeling was like being suddenly plunged into an ice cellar on a hot summer day. Du Fan’s heart skipped a beat—he already guessed who it was!
Indeed, the warrior’s left hand rested on the silver sword hilt at his waist, while his right hand gently grasped the sword handle, pulling the long sword out slightly.
A “clang” sound was heard, and a red glow seemed to emanate from the hilt. Though only a glimpse was visible, it was enough to make one imagine the sword’s immense power!
The Blood Rose!
The continent’s greatest divine sword, the Blood Rose!!
And its master was none other than the Sword Saint Francis of the Silver Sheath!
He stood there in the training ground, holding his legendary weapon, without making any movements. Yet, just by standing there, he exuded an astonishing killing aura.
Austin III on the platform couldn’t help but frown, and even Prince Fischer’s expression changed slightly. But neither of them said much, merely staring at Francis in the training ground.

After a long silence, Francis suddenly smiled faintly and said, “Prince Fischer, it’s really been a long time… I regret not being able to take your life that night. It’s a shame we meet today… when I no longer have the chance to strike at you.”
A strange look flashed in Prince Fischer’s eyes as he stared at the Silver Sheath Sword Saint. After a moment, he sighed softly and said, “Lord Francis, why go to such lengths? We are quite rare friends after all… By doing this for my elder brother today, you’ve completely sided against me… As the saying goes, true friends are hard to find. Don’t you regret ruining that rarity?”
At these words, all the nobles in the hall took a deep breath. A few with sharp eyes couldn’t help but exclaim, “Francis? The Silver Sheath Sword Saint? Good heavens! It’s actually Francis, the Silver Sheath Sword Saint!!!”
Everyone in the hall was shocked. Even those from the elder prince’s side couldn’t hide their surprise. No one expected that the elder prince had not only convinced the Mage Guild but also brought in such a top figure on the continent.
Yet Francis seemed to hear nothing of this, nor to notice it. He simply continued to gaze at Prince Fischer faintly, seemingly smiling slightly. “Prince Fischer… You must be aware of my abilities. To deal with me, there’s only one person who might have a chance… If anyone else tries, they’ll only end up dying, nothing more!”
Prince Fischer frowned slightly and asked, “Lord Francis… are you referring to him?”
His tone carried a hint of hesitation.
Francis replied calmly, “Prince Fischer, there’s no need to doubt. Since the elder prince asked me to act, he must have already given me information about your people… I didn’t want to get involved at first, but after seeing his name, I had no choice. So, Prince Fischer, please bring him out now. Let’s not waste each other’s precious time, alright?”
Prince Fischer’s expression darkened slightly. Abraham, standing behind him, stepped forward and said in a low voice, “Your Highness, perhaps I should…”
Prince Fischer shook his head slightly. “Master Abraham, this isn’t a regular confrontation. You can’t get involved. Since my elder brother has sent a warrior, I must send one as well. Otherwise, even if we win, we won’t gain any honor… This is a coup, not a normal fight. So… we have no choice but to ask that man to act!”

Abraham frowned slightly, as if wanting to say something, but ultimately remained silent.
Prince Fischer glanced carefully at Francis in the training ground, then sighed and bowed slightly, saying, “Father… it seems I have no chance of winning this time. What do you think…”
Austin III, having heard the conversation, naturally understood the meaning of these words. He nodded slightly, his gaze seeming to sweep behind him before he said calmly, “Best, my old friend… it seems I’ll have to trouble you this time!”
“What’s the matter? My Majesty… it’s my duty as a court guard!”
With a faint sigh, a man slowly stepped forward from behind Austin III.
He was thin, with a sallow complexion, appearing to be in his fifties, yet his eyes sparkled with intensity.
He stepped forward lightly, as if he had always been there, like a shadow of Austin III.
If it weren’t for his actual presence there, no one would have noticed him at all.
Du Fan was puzzled and couldn’t help but use his mental power to scan that direction. He immediately felt nothing there, as if no one was present.
“It’s useless. Lord Best practices a type of combat energy that conceals one’s presence, so no one has ever known his true rank. Over the years, he has guarded the Emperor closely, killing anyone who tried to harm him. So I only know he’s strong, but no one knows just how strong…”
A faint sigh sounded beside Du Fan. He turned to look and found that Duke Green had somehow arrived beside him.
Du Fan quickly bowed and said, “Father, why have you come?”