The Rise of the Sword Expert
Beheadings and Rules

I asked Hayd and Levian to round up all the inhabitants of Aurus. Just giving them food supplies for the next month did not solve this problem.

They will starve again, and the region will remain behind. They need a way to defend themselves.

As Alexander Graham Bell said, "Before anything, preparation is the key to success."

Levian nodded when he saw me. It seems like they've all gathered here.

I came out with a firm body, and without hesitation. Right now, they need a leader who looks strong and knows the way out.

I saw their hopeful faces, faces that were also full of worry for their fate.

"I am Akion Naal Sanktessy, the second son of Baron Eihns Naal Sanktessy. I was ordered by my father to help the Aurus region and solve the problem here."

They looked at me not believing.

"As you know, the Sanktessy region is not a rich and prosperous region. Moreover Aurus, a region that deeply felt the impact!"

I kept quiet for a while just to see their expressions return. They should focus on me.

"The head of Aurus Village, whom Baron Sanktessy believes, is corrupt, takes tribute, and the worst is treason,"

I stared hard at them all. The corner of their eyes all looked furious. Some clenched their hands and bit their lips.

"For so long, I think my father was too lenient with those criminals. So, I took firm action by giving them the proper punishment." I glanced at Levian.

"Bring them in!"

They came out with their heads covered, their hands tied by ropes. The guards took them violently, they were dragged away by force.

Their trembling bodies were clearly visible, but I didn't care.

I saw them like eagles chasing prey. If my gaze were a sword, they would have become slices of meat by now.

Their cowardly bodies were dragged to the stage of beheading.

I stared from a height. I let people scream curses. They must have realized, their death was near and it gave them a painful fear.

Their necks are already in the decapitation. The executioner was ready beside him.

Their headgear was taken off violently. The tears of some who were about to be beheaded did not make me waver at all.

"On my father's wishes, cut off their heads." I became the original Akion slowly.

Then the sharp swords descended at high speed and decapitated them. Their heads rolled and blood spurted from the carotids.

Even when the head had slipped from his neck, their eyes were still winking as if regretting their actions.

People were screaming happily. The oath is still heard. The grudge of being bullied finally came off. The perpetrator got the heinous thing, right in their eyes. So, the contentment that has been held up so far is released as a sentence of condemnation and congratulations.

"You have to remember this well. Anyone who betrays and tyrants, will be punished like this!"

They were silent because my smile looked uncomfortable in their eyes. A smile filled with pressure, that I am a dangerous person.

They're whispering.

"There is no need for you to doubt my choice!" My glance made them shut up again.

"Hayd was a respectable and loyal soldier. My orders to Hayd are absolute and Hayd's orders to you are the same!"

The atmosphere is gripping, they must know about my rumors, the powerful and feared son of Baron Sanktessy. This sharp face supported the rumor and frightened them.

"Of course you can express your opinions and criticisms. In my territory, there will always be a place for those who contribute." My face is softened, this time I smile kindly.

Their expressions changed as well. It's not my style to use absolute authoritarian power. But, authoritarian will always be needed in certain matters.

"Aurus needs the cooperation of all of us to get out of this kind of situation."

I heard some of them talk. They refused to believe me. For hundreds of years now, Aurus and Sanktessy have gotten worse every year.

The empire even hands off. The only thing they want from Sanktessy is me. A genius in the sword.

"Doubt is not important. If we keep quiet like this alone, then Aurus and the Sanktessy realm will completely disappear. As your leader, I would rather die on the path I choose than accept all of this in silence."

"I'll farm in Aurus." My voice was calm, their eyes were shaking. The mistrust that should be. But it's not a joke because I'm sure it works.

"Sorry, Mr. Akion...." Hayd who was standing next to me hesitated.

"Say, Hayd,"

"Aurus is an arid region. Even the cactus has trouble growing here, Mr. Akion."

I know Hayd reminded me back that farming here was a waste.

"I understand that!" I grinned, Hayd slightly retreated. He seemed to understand that I had a plan that was believed to get out of this situation.

"But the water here can be used, right?"

Hayd's face was full of question marks, but he nodded quickly.

"Didn't you guys believe me?"

I wait for their response. For a second, four seconds, there was no answer I expected. Then, the figure of the little girl I knew shouted out loud.

"I believe you, Mr. Akion!"

That's Agnes' voice.

Then his other sisters followed Agnes screaming. After that, people screamed to believe me.

The sound of screaming made me comfortable and calm to carry out this plan.

"Hayd, I'll give you a job!" I gave Hayd the documents. He's nodding.