Star Embracing Swordmaster Chapter 122 Review: Critical Crossroads for the Story

Star Embracing Swordmaster (also known as The Stellar Swordmaster) is moving forward with the story, and the plot just took an enormous leap. Vlad of Shoarra, now a Knight Errant, has protected the World Tree from the assault of a raging Dragon. With his second dragon slayed and a new emblem on his banner, this protagonist is proving his growth time and time again.

From a lowly street urchin to the most honorable of knights and a legend in the making. Learn why Chapter 122 of Star Embracing Swordmaster is a critical crossroad for the story.

If you haven't read Star Embracing Swordmaster, or you are catching up with the latest translated version, we suggest you to flee the other way. This post contains spoilers!

The Story So Far

Before diving into a full review of Chapter 122, it would be wise to do a brief recap of the events happening in Aushrine, the Elven Village, and the cradle of the World Tree.

First and foremost, Vlad arrived from Dobrecheti, on the behest of the local Lord who tricked him into capturing an alleged "brigand" who was assaulting his merchant caravans.

The caravans in question were actually some shady "tea deal" (not gonna say the D word here, but you take the hint) between the elves and the corrupt nobles, and the brigand was none other than the former Knight Captain of the Imperial Guard, who was just doing what honorable knights are supposed to do: Beat evil guys to a pulp.

The conflict between Vlad and the Old Man (whose name wasn't revealed yet) ended up in a tie, since both contestants decided it was worth talking it out. After finding out what was really going on there, and that the elves were not conspiring with the corrupt nobles, but instead tricking them to weaken the human Empire, they tried to parley.

Vlad immediately got attuned to the local spirits, and the Elven Priestess (in charge of caring for the World Tree) was also smitten by Vlad (of course, she was). Definitely, this Manhwa is going places, but let's hope it doesn't develop into a harem,

Vlad Slays His Third Dragon

With a new romantic interest in tow, Vlad was permitted to contact the spirit of the World Tree, since he was carrying an heirloom from House Heinal, which contained a remnant of the Old World Tree.

When Vlad entered this zone, he was met with the Spirit of the First Swordmaster, someone key to the worldbuilding of the story, and also a character deeply linked with Vlad's mysterious 'self-taught' sword-style.

The sword rejected Vlad at first, but when a new Dragon appeared (actually, they were two dragons) and attacked the Elven Village, Vlad's own sword was shattered, so he reached out and grabbed the sword of the Swordmaster. This time, it worked like a charm, and he slew his third dragon (he had to slay another one on his way, since he is so broken and OP and had some time to spare).

With his armor marking him as "Vlad, Protector of Children" shattered to pieces, and relinquishing the Swordmaster's Sword (which seemed to have a will of its own and wanted to stay protecting the Elves), the Elven Priestess and Elders offered Vlad some vacation time in the village, while they prepared a ritual to craft him new gear.

After participating in the ritual, Vlad was finally able to meet the old man who gifted him his first sword, and reforged a blade made of mysterious spiritual materials. Now comes the interesting part; what happens next will be critical for the story.

Star Embracing Swordmaster Chapter 122 - The Crossroads, A Full Review

The story so far has led to Vlad nailing achievement after achievement. Now, with three dragons slain and six blazons on his banner, he is a prim and proper knight errant. Knowing that this story is all about Chivalry fans have already started to figure out where this is going: There are lots of spaces to fill on that banner, just like in Ash Ketchum's Badge Collection (Am I Right or What?).

Parallelisms aside, the fact that Vlad can now stand his own against an adult Dragon puts him back on the path to cross paths again with the Dragon Slaying Knights, and Duke Dragulia has made an impressive apparition (sort of). The story is finally pushing for a confrontation between Vlad and his alleged family.

It is a strong fan theory that has been going around a lot. The similarities between Vlad and Mircea Dragulia (the Eldest son of Duke Dragulia) are far too evident. Even though they're both on opposite factions, they are bound to meet eventually: Either as sworn enemies or collaborators in the fight against the rising Dragon remnants.

Knight Errant and banishment aside, Vlad is still a member of House Bayezid, so that could play a bit in his disfavor if these two were to go face-to-face at this point in the story.

And surprise, surprise, the ending of Chapter 122 does seem to hint in that direction. The Elven Priestess kind of warned Vlad by saying something like: In the Crossroads, don't go left. And then we are left with a scene that sends shivers down our spines: the nameless mystery knight we've just met is about to be turned into mincemeat by none other than the leader of the Dragon Slaying Knights.

This incredible cliffhanger brews even more tension as what happened throughout the plot starts to fit in, piece by piece. The Dragulia Dukedom seems to be interested in finding the Elder Dragon Shards, and the Iron Duke (who is the clear Big Bad Evil Guy/Final Boss) is absolutely opposed to them.

There's conflict brewing on the horizon, and the story carries us over in a spectacular fashion. This tale has been more than captivating; no wonder it has become one of the top 10 Action Manhwa.