Duke Ardbad

Duke Ardbad is the Blood Land guardian who embodies “power,” a swordsman sent wherever the Gluttony Emperor's interests require overwhelming force.

Biography

An auction costs the Duke an arm

Ardbad's presence at the Philosopher's Stone auction signals the Gluttony Emperor's direct interest, placing Blood Land against the Elohim, Red Dragon, and Walpurgisnacht. When the auction becomes a battlefield, Old Sword Hanan severs Ardbad's right arm. The Duke returns to his subordinates with an empty sleeve and deliberately minimizes the injury so panic will not spread, preserving command even while the clash has permanently reduced his physical options. (Chapters 223–226)

A mistaken rescue creates a temporary alignment

Ardbad later saves an exhausted Yeon-woo because the masked player appears connected to the Gluttony Emperor, then confronts Benteke's and Waltz's competing forces. Yeon-woo exploits the confusion by redirecting Fire Lightning into Waltz's Nascent Soul Body, allowing Ardbad to behead it; he then escapes before the Duke can correct the mistaken alignment. Ardbad subsequently dies, and Blood Land keeps the office of Ruk intact while searching for another person to fill it. (Chapters 281–284, 418)

Appearance and personality

Ardbad is a dangerous middle-aged man who carries a giant bastard sword. After the auction, his right sleeve hangs empty, but he moves and speaks as though the loss should not concern those around him. (Chapters 223, 226, 281–282)

He is disciplined, practical, and protective of Blood Land's morale. Although his power invites direct confrontation, Ardbad can suppress pain, assess unfamiliar combatants, and seize a brief opening. His service remains tied to the emperor's interests, which also makes him vulnerable to false assumptions about who is an ally. (Chapters 226, 281–284)

Abilities and powers

Ruk and greatsword power

As Ruk, Ardbad represents raw power among the four War Spirit Guardians. His swordsmanship is reputed to cut through oceans, and his aura exceeds Benteke's when Yeon-woo first encounters him. He can battle Waltz's Nascent Soul Body and finish it when lightning exposes its neck. The lost right arm is a concrete limit, though the text shows him continuing to wield a giant sword afterward. (Chapters 223–226, 281–283)

Institutional title

Ruk is an office rooted in the Gluttony Emperor's four-guardian system rather than a unique personal power that vanishes with Ardbad. Blood Land has replaced individual dukes while preserving their titles, and after Ardbad's death the emperor seeks a new holder. The exact transfer mechanics are not shown, so the title should not be treated as proof that all successors inherit Ardbad's sword techniques. (Chapter 418)

Relationships

• Gluttony Emperor: Ardbad protects the emperor's interests and holds the guardian title representing power. (Chapters 223–244, 418)
• Yeon-woo: Ardbad mistakenly saves Yeon-woo, then unknowingly benefits from his attack on Waltz before Yeon-woo escapes. (Chapters 281–284)
• Waltz: Ardbad clashes with Waltz's Nascent Soul Body and destroys it when Yeon-woo creates an opening. (Chapters 282–283)
• Benteke: The Duke's intervention prevents Yeon-woo from finishing Benteke during their first major duel. (Chapters 281–284)

Items

None. Ardbad's greatsword is not included in the finalized notable-item roster.