Chapter 2: 0002.
"This sword!" The sudden exclamation drew attention as the soldier who had tested the armor held up the new sword for inspection.
Commander Fang, having come to terms with the situation and accepting that Su Jin hadn't swindled them despite his forceful offer and high price, approached with a hint of concern.
"What's wrong?" he inquired, hoping that there were no issues with the weapon they had just acquired.
"This sword! It's so easy!" The soldier exclaimed, his voice filled with surprise.
"Easy? What do you mean?" Commander Fang reacted swiftly, reaching out to take the sword into his own hands.
As soon as he lifted the sword, he could feel the difference. There was a noticeable change in the weight of the sword, making it feel lighter and more agile.
The balance between the hilt and the main blade was perfect, making it effortless to handle. The sword felt like an extension of his arm, and he could maneuver it with unparalleled ease.
It was unlike any other sword Commander Fang had wielded in his life, its unique characteristics unsettling yet strangely easy to adapt to.
Its shorter length provided a surprising advantage, offering more space for maneuverability and allowing for swift, precise movements.
Despite the initial discomfort, Commander Fang found himself quickly adjusting to the sword's unconventional design, recognizing its potential for unparalleled effectiveness in combat.
This sword wasn't designed for duels or single combat; it was crafted for the chaos of close-quarter brawls, the relentless melee of battlefield skirmishes.
Its compact size and effortless maneuverability made it the perfect weapon for soldiers, particularly well-suited for inexperienced recruits who lacked the finesse of seasoned warriors.
In the thick of battle, where precision mattered less than swift, decisive strikes, this sword would prove invaluable, ensuring its wielder had the upper hand in the unpredictable violence.
However, that was not the easy part. As Commander Fang channeled his cultivation base into the sword, his eyes widened with shock. Never before had he experienced such effortless channeling of his spirit essence.
He scrutinized the sword with deeper focus, noting its unusual characteristics. Unlike other swords that would light up brightly when infused with a cultivation base, this one remained dim.
Yet, upon closer inspection, Commander Fang noticed a thin glowing line along its edge. A sense of unease crept over him, a veteran of countless battles now feeling a sudden fear of its sharp edges.
Deep within, he felt a certainty: this sword would cut through metal like tofu, its deceptive appearance concealing its true potency.
Not only was the channeling of his cultivation base effortless, but Commander Fang also noticed that the rate of consumption was remarkably economical.
In fact, it felt as though the sword was not consuming his cultivation base at all. Despite wielding it with fervor as if he were in the midst of combat, he sensed no depletion of his spiritual energy reserves.
It was as if the sword possessed an innate ability to utilize his essence with unparalleled efficiency, maximizing its effectiveness while minimizing wastage.
As Commander Fang continued to examine the sword, marveling at its effortless channeling of his cultivation base, he couldn't shake the feeling of disbelief.
Never before had he encountered a weapon with such exceptional capabilities, typically achievable only through the presence of a master-ranked formation etched into its form.
Yet, the price they had paid for this sword was far from reflective of its true value—it was a bargain, a steal. At that moment, understanding dawned on him.
"You there! Quickly don the entire armor, without delay," He commanded the soldier, urgency evident in his tone.
The soldier complied, slipping into the armor with surprising swiftness. To everyone's amazement, the armor molded itself seamlessly to his form, as if it were made of a flexible material rather than hardened metal.
"Put on the helmet as well," He instructed, gesturing toward the distinctive headpiece. It covered the wearer's entire face, including the front face too with a unique dark glass.
As soon as the helmet was secured in place, something clicked into place, and the armor seemed to come to life. It enveloped the wearer completely, creating a barrier between him and the outside world, sealing him within its protective embrace.
For a moment, panic gripped everyone as they wondered how the wearer could possibly breathe within the sealed armor.
"Wait! I can breathe in this," the soldier announced, breaking the tension.
"You can?" Commander Fang inquired, surprised by the revelation.
"Yes," came the confident reply.
"No discomfort or anything?" Commander Fang pressed, seeking confirmation of the remarkable claim.
"His voice is also so clear. How is this possible when it's covering his face entirely?" one of the veterans exclaimed in amazement. "Are you sure, Commander, this is meant for us? For us, common soldiers?"
Commander Fang could only nod, his mind swirling with questions and uncertainties.
"What are you all wasting your time for? Gear up immediately!" Commander Fang's voice rang out with renewed determination.
With his command, the atmosphere shifted, uncertainty replaced by enthusiasm and hope as the soldiers dispersed, eager to don the new armor and weaponry.
"And don't forget to deploy all the new recruits and volunteers too," he added, ensuring that every available resource would be utilized in their upcoming endeavors.
The Serene Jade City streets erupted with clamor as an army of silver-armored legionnaires emerged, their synchronized march resonating with a sense of purpose and determination.
Dark and faceless, they appeared almost indistinguishable from one another, a formidable and seemingly mindless force sweeping through the city.
To the panicked and fleeing citizens, they seemed like silver saviors descending from the heavens, instilling a renewed sense of hope and security amidst the chaos.
The towering western wall stood adorned with rows of silver-armored soldiers, their stoic figures casting imposing shadows as they stood sentinel, vigilant in their duty.
The flag of Serene Jade City fluttered proudly in the breeze, a symbol of prosperity and unity in the face of unknown terrors of the Ghostwind Canyon of Veiled Western Desert.
They gazed out across the horizon, awaiting the impending darkness of Veiled Western Desert to devour them, knowing that with it would come the onslaught of the bestial tide upon the walls of Serene Jade City. Yet, despite the looming threat, there was a newfound hope that flickered within their hearts.
Clad in their new armor and wielding their new swords, they felt a renewed sense of protection, a surge of confidence, and a steadfast faith that they might live to see their families again.
With determination etched upon their faces, they stood ready to defend their home, prepared to lay down their lives if need be, but now with a glimmer of hope that they might emerge victorious.
At the top of the western gate, Commander Fang observed the preparations, now clad in the same silver armor and wielding a silver sword, with his family heirloom sword resting at his back. As Mayor Yi Nang ascended the stairs to inspect the preparations, he couldn't help but notice Commander Fang's attire.
"Commander Fang?" Mayor Yi Nang inquired, a hint of confusion in his voice. "Why are you in soldier's armor? What happened to my grandfather's armor that I gifted you?" There was a faint note of disappointment in his tone as if his thoughtful gift had been disregarded at such a crucial event.
Commander Fang turned to Mayor Yi Nang, a flicker of regret in his eyes. "My apologies, Mayor. Your grandfather's armor holds great personal value, but I must don the suitable protection as the situation demands in this crucial hour," he explained earnestly, his voice carrying a tone of determination.
He gestured to the silver-clad soldiers standing vigilant along the wall. "This new armor and these weapons... They are like nothing I have seen before. Lighter, stronger, more effortless to wield. My duty is to my men and this city first, so I must avail myself of the best possible equipment, same as them," he explained, emphasizing the importance of the current situation and the reason for his decision.
Mayor Yi Nang studied the strange silver armor, nodding slowly in understanding. Its sleek and foreign design was puzzling yet oddly reassuring. "No need to apologize, Commander. You are right - duty comes first, personal matters second. If this unusual equipment gives us an advantage, making victory more attainable, then so be it," he affirmed, acknowledging the necessity of prioritizing the city's defense over personal sentiments.
Glancing back at Commander Fang, Mayor Yi Nang gave a pale smile. "Grandfather would understand. All that matters is defending our home." He gripped his fingers tightly, his knuckles turning pale, staring anxiously out at the looming darkness. "Do you think we stand a chance now, with these...advantages?" he inquired, a note of hope threading through his nervousness.
Commander Fang, who looked confident and much more imposing in this new silver armor, remained silent. His stance conveyed the answer clearly; despite gaining the advantage of superb gear and weapons, he still harbored doubts. His uncertainty lingered, casting a shadow over the otherwise hopeful scene atop the western gate.
CREATORS' THOUGHTS 
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