Just call me Thor

In the Abyss, demon creatures never wield swords.

To them, a sword symbolizes death.

Three hundred years ago, the Tower of Truth descended.

A black-haired middle-aged man from the human race emerged, exceptionally fierce.

His sword cut through gods and demons, unstoppable, earning him the title of the world's greatest swordsman. This man was Cedric Blackwell, who was nearly 50 when the Tower of Truth descended. He had a son named Gregory.

The title of the world's greatest swordsman is rarely mentioned now, gradually forgotten, existing only in the memories of the older generation who experienced the Blood War.

The disappearance of the world's greatest swordsman was due to the emergence of a swordsman named Ares in the human race.

In front of Ares, no one dared to claim the title of the world's greatest swordsman.

When potential Supreme Being Ares made his debut, Cedric Blackwell challenged him and was utterly defeated.

Since then, Cedric followed potential Supreme Being Ares in campaigns against the Abyss, fighting in countless battles over a hundred years, killing innumerable enemies.

The title of the number one nine-tier Lord was held by Cedric for nearly a hundred years, long before Maxen came along.

Maxen, as the Supreme Son, rose to prominence later, but that's another story.

During this time, the Supreme Demon God awakened. After a great battle with Supreme Being Morpheus, Supreme Being Morpheus chose to retreat, and the Supreme Demon God fell back into slumber.

Ares then broke through to level 999, achieving Supreme status and founding the Valor Sword Corps.

Cedric, as Ares' trusted lieutenant, served as the corps deputy commander, enjoying great prestige.

Until the new generation potential Supreme Being Apollo emerged, Ares fought a great battle with the Supreme Demon God and then retired, with the Supreme Demon God falling back into slumber.

It was then that Cedric Blackwell, who had killed countless enemies on the battlefield, sheathed his sword.

He left the stage to the new generation of young people, like Maxen.

Until today, he came to save his son.

Three hundred years had passed, and Cedric showed no signs of aging, instead growing younger.

His son Gregory, however, had become old and frail.

But a father is always a father. When Gregory Blackwell fell into the Ninth Abyss, Cedric Blackwell brought his sword and arrived immediately.

The long sword on his back hadn't been unsheathed for seventy years.

When Cedric Blackwell appeared on the battlefield, the million-strong demon army dared not advance an inch in front of him!

However, this deterrence wouldn't last long.

The demon army's numbers were still increasing, and once they gathered enough demon creatures, they would still try!

They would throw their lives at this sword!

This was the demon race's most adept tactic.

Facing the silently accumulating demon army, Cedric Blackwell also remained silent.

The rift behind him didn't disappear; instead, a gentle voice came through.

"Shall I?"

These two words immediately caused the entire Abyssal Plane to tremble!

A terrifying pressure descended on the battlefield, making it hard for everyone to breathe, even causing Cedric Blackwell's face to change slightly.

The Ninth demon god was watching!

The Ninth demon god slowly spoke, "Ares, you don't have many chances left to strike. There's no need to waste your sword on me."

Ares, outside the Abyss, nodded, acknowledging the point. "Let them go."

The Ninth demon god was straightforward, "Let's make a deal."

With the world's greatest swordsman Cedric Blackwell stepping in and Supreme Being Ares backing him, killing Gregory Blackwell was impossible.

It was better to settle for the next best thing and gain some benefits, at least not losing out.

Mike could see it clearly: demon gods were masters of changing faces, best at betraying their allies.

They never missed an opportunity to sacrifice their teammates for their own gain.

"Speak."

The Ninth demon god stated his condition, "Tell me, what are your next three sword slashes, and who will they target?"

"Alright."

Ares named the sword moves and added the targets,

"These three sword slashes will each target the Fifth demon god, the Fifth demon god, and the Fifth demon god."

Having received the desired answer, the Ninth demon god's will departed, and the demon army retreated.

Mike let out a sigh of relief, the crisis averted!

Only now were they truly safe.

The moment the Ninth demon god's will descended was the most perilous moment of this journey!

At this moment, Mike's probability of surviving until tomorrow: 100%!

"Retreat!"

Without further delay, the group split into two teams to evacuate.

Joseph led the rescue team back to Earth through the human defense line.

This SSS-level mission was completed without any casualties, a miraculous achievement destined to be recorded in history. They were undoubtedly heroes.

Meanwhile, Mike, Amari, Shadow Eleven, and Professor Gregory followed Cedric Blackwell to meet Supreme Being Ares.

The ultimate goal of this trip was to bring Gregory to Ares for his Second Awakening.

Mike felt great, appreciating the beauty of being alive!

After leaving the Ninth Abyss, Cedric Blackwell, who had been leading the way, suddenly stopped,

"Guardian Shadow restricted area ahead."

Shadow Eleven emerged from Professor Gregory's shadow.

Mike also stepped out of Amari's shadow, ignoring Cedric Blackwell's curious gaze, and walked to Gregory's side, warmly saying, "Professor Gregory, let me escort you a bit further!"

Mike added in his heart, "And meet Ares."

The Guardian Shadow restricted area was clearly not Cedric Blackwell's rule but Ares'.

As they were about to part, Mike turned to Amari and seriously asked,

"Amari, can you tell me your real name?"

Even Guardian Shadows have their own names.

The current Shadow Seven was named Violet Jones, which Mike could easily see with the Eye of Truth.

But Amari had more concealment, and the Eye of Truth couldn't see through it. Clearly, Amari wasn't his real name.

Mike looked at Amari, wanting an answer.

After meeting Ares, Amari would likely go on a new mission.

Although their time together wasn't long, they had become life-and-death comrades.

Without Amari's protection, Mike might not have survived, let alone earned so many Lord merits.

At this moment of parting, Mike felt he should at least know Amari's real name.

When Mike had the combat power of a nine-tier Lord, Amari would also know Thor's real name.

It was only fair.

Asked by Thor, Amari's face showed a look of reminiscence, and he smiled, "I haven't mentioned my name in many years. In the Guardian Shadow, we don't ask about the past."

"But telling you is no problem. Just... can you keep it a secret?"

Facing Amari's request, Mike nodded in agreement.

Amari revealed his name, "In the real world, I have another name, Terraon Morrow."

Mike's expression froze slightly.

Terraon Morrow?

Blaze Morrow?

The old fox's big brother?!

Mike had seen Terraon Morrow's name on the Monument of Faith, and his last words were left for Blaze Morrow!

Mike had never expected to meet Terraon Morrow in the Guardian Shadow!

And he was still alive, which was... great!

Collecting his thoughts, Mike smiled and said, "Bro Terraon, let's have a drink together sometime."

"Sure."

As Mike bid farewell to Amari, Gregory also had some words for Shadow Eleven.

Upon returning, Shadow Eleven would also leave, as per Professor Gregory's wishes.

Even if another Guardian Shadow continued to protect Professor Gregory, it was time for a change.

"No matter how many words we say, we must part. We've been together for so many years; thank you for your hard work."

Professor Gregory looked at Shadow Eleven.

This person, who had always hidden his face in the shadows, had never shown his true face.

In the past years, they hadn't talked much.

Who said you couldn't become close without words?

Walking together, accompanying each other, Gregory was very grateful.

He bowed deeply to Shadow Eleven, who quickly returned the gesture.

As he straightened up, Gregory found it difficult to stand upright, and Shadow Eleven helped him up, slowly straightening.

Gregory coughed lightly and spoke again, "As we part, I also want to ask this question. Can you tell me your name? After all, you know... the Second Awakening, I might really die."

Having gone through countless hardships to get to this point, Gregory still hadn't escaped the shadow of death.

The Second Awakening had less than a 10% success rate.

If he failed, given Gregory's current condition, survival was unlikely.

Shadow Eleven fell silent for a long time before speaking, "On the day I awakened in the Guardian Shadow, I swore. I would never show my true face again, never mention my name... consider death my rebirth..."

Shadow Eleven didn't want to say.

Moreover, just from Shadow Eleven contacting the Blood Sea Corps earlier,

with Professor Gregory's wisdom, he had probably already guessed Shadow Eleven's true identity.

But even so, Professor Gregory chose to ask directly.

He was tired of guessing.

Having spent a lifetime busy with research, scheming with various monsters and demons, exhausting his mind,

this time, Professor Gregory wanted to see the answer directly.

"Can't I ask either?"

Shadow Eleven fell silent again, the black mist gradually dissipating, revealing an old face, full of wrinkles and stories.

It was him!

Cedric Blackwell and Terraon Morrow recognized Shadow Eleven's identity and were also shocked.

Shadow Eleven's lips moved slightly, and he slowly spoke, his voice trembling, as if each word drained his strength.

"I am a sinner of the human race... Darian."

As he spoke, Shadow Eleven lowered his head, his shoulders hunched, his whole body bent, like an ostrich trying to bury its head in the sand.

He didn't want to show his true face because he felt he owed too much, had no face to show, living in regret and shame, unable to escape the shadows.

Shadow Nine could save him, but couldn't untie his heart's knot.

Darian chose self-exile, leaving the battlefield to join the Guardian Shadow.

He clearly had greater potential and combat power, but he voluntarily took the position of Shadow Eleven, silently protecting Professor Gregory.

Gregory walked to Darian's side, helping him stand straight,

"Darian, you were never a sinner of the human race. If anyone judges you guilty, then no one in the human race is innocent."

Everyone present fell silent, listening to the conversation between the two old men.

"Darian, you must promise me one last thing."

Gregory patted Darian's shoulder and said seriously, "From this moment on, stand tall. Your heart should be full of light, without guilt."