The Red Moon ritual and the bonfire festival were both on the same day.
They were intrinsically linked.
The bonfire festival celebrated the complete sealing of the Cursed Holy Sword, a tradition passed down through generations.
The Red Moon ritual, however, was a unique phenomenon that only appeared after the Cursed Holy Sword's emergence.
The moon in the sky now had a faint crimson hue.
An old woman among the villagers noticed this and was startled.
A bad feeling arose in her heart.
Unlike the old woman, Saga, on the outskirts, felt his body lighten upon seeing the Red Moon.
The feeling of power surging within him.
Filled Saga with unprecedented obsession.
Since the Red Moon ritual had begun, he didn't need to stay here.
He had to reach the highest peak on Asuka Island; only then could he obtain greater power faster!
Just as Saga turned to leave, Ain stopped him.
"Saga, today is your most important bonfire festival. Why don't we spar now and liven things up?"
Ain's voice echoed in Saga's ears.
Suddenly.
Saga's hands clenched.
His back to them, Saga's face wore a terrifying expression.
His brow furrowed, his eyes filled with intense killing intent.
But in a flash, these expressions vanished.
Saga turned around with a smile, "Ain-sama, you jest. You're Admiral White Dove's subordinate; your strength is evident. I'm just a small instructor; I'm no match for you."
"The path of the sword demands constant improvement. Are you afraid?!"
Ain showed no mercy to Saga.
She used a goading tactic.
And this perfectly stimulated Saga.
Or rather, his Cursed Holy Sword.
Saga slowly extended his hand, wanting to grasp the hilt.
But his remaining rationality prevented him from revealing the Cursed Holy Sword's power before Ryuya.
The Cursed Holy Sword's evil influence and Saga's rationality battled.
It seemed long, but it only lasted a few breaths.
Saga and the Cursed Holy Sword seemed to reach a balance and returned to calm.
"Then, please enlighten me, Ain-sama!"
Saying this, Saga drew the Cursed Holy Sword from his back.
The malice on him erupted!
The Cursed Holy Sword unleashed its power before everyone.
As the Red Moon became more prominent, Saga's aura grew stronger.
He casually pulled open his clothes.
Saga revealed his muscular physique.
Holding the sword in one hand, Saga used the other to playfully stroke his white hair.
His malice intensified!
"Come!"
Clearly, in the battle between Saga and the Cursed Holy Sword,
the Cursed Holy Sword had won!
Sensing Saga's change, Ain couldn't contain her doubts, "Saga, you killed the Rear Admiral, didn't you!"
"He's been… consumed. He talked too much, wanting you to stay for the bonfire festival!"
Saga continued indifferently, "But it doesn't matter. As the Red Moon ritual progresses, I'll merge completely with the Cursed Holy Sword and become the strongest person on this sea!"
Saga's arrogant words echoed in everyone's ears.
Now, everyone knew Saga wielded the Cursed Holy Sword.
For a thousand years, this was the first time they had seen the Cursed Holy Sword's true form.
It turned out Saga had obtained the Cursed Holy Sword long ago!
That's why the Red Moon appeared now!
The old woman thought to herself.
"Child, be careful. That's the Cursed Holy Sword. Don't let it injure you; it might absorb your blood energy!"
The old woman shouted from afar.
Hearing the old woman, Ain glanced at Ryuya, then said to Saga, "Justice will not fall!"
Saga: "The victor is justice!"
As Ain and Saga finished speaking, they moved!
Sword shadows flashed.
Under the Red Moon, they appeared even more eerie.
Unlike the tense villagers,
Ryuya's side seemed relaxed.
"Who do you think will win, Saga or Ain?"
Roran gnawed on her meat, glancing at the battle, "I think Ain-sama will win!"
Stella said, "Ain. She's a mid-level Supreme-Grade Swordsman, definitely stronger than Saga."
Kaya and Perona remained silent; they didn't understand swordsmanship well.
"Indeed, before, Ain was much stronger than Saga. But the Red Moon has begun! As the Red Moon intensifies, Saga's power will also increase. Let's see how strong he becomes!"
Ryuya continued, "Don't forget, the real purpose of this trip is to train and have fun!"
Ryuya looked at the moon.
His expression showed no tension, but rather anticipation of Saga's strength.
Perona floated in the air, looking at Ryuya, softly saying, "Captain, you're so mischievous. If Saga knew what you were thinking, he might die of frustration…"
Before Perona could finish, the sound of clashing swords interrupted her.
A sharp aura emanated from Ain.
Gripping Grimoire, one of the twenty-one Supreme-Grade Swords, she slashed at Saga's Cursed Holy Sword.
Instantly, two completely different sword energies erupted.
Stirring the wind and clouds, sweeping up fallen leaves.
The fire was fueled by the wind!
The nearby bonfire burned even more intensely.
Providing a more theatrical effect for the contest—no, the battle.
The flames cast their shadows.
The shadows constantly intertwined, attacking!
The sound of clashing blades echoed across the island.
Saga felt the intense sword intent emanating from Ain.
The Cursed Holy Sword in his hand erupted with even greater power.
Saga grinned, "No one can defeat me. I will be the strongest person on this sea!"
As Saga finished speaking…
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