Chapter 34
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Translator: uly
Chapter: 34
Chapter Title: Reunion with the Princess (2)
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The Asktalin Empire’s banquet hall, the “Hall of the Imperial Dragon.”
It was a dazzling hall that screamed extravagance, as if they’d poured money into it without a second thought—befitting the empire. Vast enough to comfortably seat hundreds.
During the Founding Festival, banquets were scheduled here every evening. It was the empire’s gracious gesture, allowing the young participants of the Imperial Martial Tournament to mingle.
[Is this really a place for mingling?]
‘I told you. The Imperial Martial Tournament is basically a proxy war between nations.’
Since it was hosted by the Asktalin Empire, every participant seemed to have shown up without fail. But it didn’t feel like friendly exchange.
Far from building bonds, they eyed each other warily, full of suspicion and rivalry.
‘I’ll just stuff my face with the good stuff.’
Knowing the tournament might get canceled due to the impending disaster, their posturing seemed pointless to me.
That’s what I was thinking as I leisurely sipped my drink, ignoring everyone else.
“There don’t seem to be any mutants like last time.”
“They’re average level. Nothing to worry about.”
I overheard murmurs nearby.
They were relieved that Talua Kingdom’s participants this time lacked anyone on Byan Deolic’s level.
“Guh!”
Alex Shane, ever proud, flushed red at the words.
He wasn’t the only one. Everyone except Gelvin looked much the same.
‘Yeah… mid-tier Sword Expert is pretty average in this crowd.’
Excluding me, Talua Kingdom’s representatives were all mid-tier Sword Experts.
Impressive for their age, no doubt.
But among the powerhouses gathered in this Hall of the Imperial Dragon, they were just ordinary.
It wasn’t surprising they judged us that way.
‘Truth is, our current lineup doesn’t even measure up to Byan from four years ago.’
Thinking of Byan, I gave a wry smile.
Annoying bastard, but his skill was undeniable.
Byan Deolic had reached high-tier Sword Expert at just 19, four years back. And even among high-tiers, he stood out.
He’d stormed to the finals in the previous Imperial Martial Tournament, only falling to Reinhardt, now vice-captain of the empire’s 4th Knight Order.
Anyone who remembered that would find Talua’s current reps laughable.
“Talua Kingdom’s gonna be boring this time.”
A taunting voice approached us. A hulking man with dark skin.
“You’re from Darsha…”
Alex recognized him immediately, narrowing his eyes.
The desert nation of Darsha.
Formed by twelve tribes united as one, where warriors would lay down their lives at their Great Chieftain Khan’s command.
‘Arsavin Hochen.’
I narrowed my eyes as I checked his profile.
His arrogant tone made sense once I saw his specs.
“Arsavin, even as the Great Chieftain’s heir, isn’t that a bit arrogant?”
Alex bristled at Arsavin’s words.
Proper as befitted a ducal heir, but his aura was icy cold.
“Arrogant? Call it confidence from real strength.”
Arsavin bared his gleaming white teeth in a grin. His presence shifted. Murderous intent leaked from his entire body, his red eyes flashing.
‘High-tier Sword Expert, huh.’
Those facing his aura blanched—especially Alex, whose eyes trembled.
“That’s why you’re boring. Want our respect? Earn it with power.”
“I’ll… make you regret those words.”
Alex snapped back sharply, but Arsavin just smirked.
“Regret? With that skill? Good luck.”
“Pfft!”
Onlookers watching the exchange between Alex and Arsavin snickered at his retort.
[These are national reps, and they’re okay with this?]
‘That’s exactly why they do it.’
This was commonplace at the Imperial Martial Tournament.
Arsavin’s words were rude enough to spark international incidents, but the tournament’s nature tacitly allowed such provocations.
So, hit provocation with provocation.
“Didn’t expect Darsha’s warrior to be so petty. Still sore about losing to Byan?”
My voice wasn’t loud, but everyone here could hear it crystal clear.
The chuckling died instantly, replaced by a chilling silence.
“…What?”
Arsavin, who’d been mocking Alex, froze and turned to me.
I flashed him a bright smile and continued.
“Yeah, tough break. A tribal rep warrior losing in one strike to a younger knight.”
“You little…”
“But credit where it’s due. Must’ve been real desperate, dumping elixir after elixir to ‘make’ a warrior like you.”
Crunch!
Arsavin ground his teeth at my words. Raw killing intent flickered in his eyes.
He couldn’t refute me. Everything I said was stone-cold fact.
Sure, elixirs alone wouldn’t cut it without talent.
But I knew that and provoked him anyway.
“Anyway, doubt it’ll end any different this time.”
“Ku, kuku. A fresh-faced newbie warrior talks big.”
Darsha calls Sword Experts “warriors.”
Sword Masters are “great warriors.” By their terms, I was low-tier, he high-tier.
“Newbie? Makes sense with your poor eyesight. They say you can’t gauge those above your level.”
“Above my… level?”
“Don’t believe me?”
I slowly extended my index finger, pointing straight at him.
He scowled at my odd gesture.
“What the hell are you—”
Pop!
A small burst echoed as something shot out.
It grazed Arsavin’s earlobe and flew past.
No injury, but he’d felt it whistle by.
“Ki… ki bullet!”
“No way. A finger-fired ki bullet?!”
Murmurs exploded across the Hall of the Imperial Dragon.
Arsavin’s pupils shook.
Shock and disbelief in his eyes. He’d mistaken my Blood Dagger shot for a ki bullet.
Ki bullets required Sword Master-level mana and control.
“N-No way, a great warrior…? I-Impossible! At that age…?”
I just smiled at his stammering.
As the buzz around the hall swelled into chaos—
Creak!
The hall doors opened, and five people entered.
The Asktalin Empire’s symbol: the black dragon.
Thus, imperial royals always wore black formal attire.
Princess Riya Asktalin’s dress was pitch black.
Embossed golden dragon motifs, and a black dragon seal hung from the horn sprouting at her temple.
Her presence was so commanding, the four men behind her seemed like mere shadows.
“Looks like I’ve ruined the banquet’s mood.”
The noisy hall fell deathly silent, breaths barely audible.
All eyes turned to the princess.
The stares that had been on me vanished.
[Overwhelming.]
Gransesia remarked.
[If those behind her are the empire’s reps, the winner’s basically decided.]
‘If the princess is competing, it’s over before it starts.’
[That lizard girl’s always been strong, and even without her, we can’t win. Check behind her.]
Only then did I tear my gaze from the princess and look at those trailing her.
I couldn’t help but be stunned.
‘My god.’
==
[Ian Silverst]
Age: 20
Gender: Male
Role: Fabian’s first companion and sworn friend (major supporting)
Abilities: Dragon Fear Twin Swords (8 stars)
Notes: Fabian’s first companion. Son and disciple of Continental Seven Heroes member Ban Silbest. Asktalin Empire’s youngest Sword Master. Never lost to a peer until defeated by protagonist Fabian. Joins Fabian’s journey after being saved by the empire and awed by the one who first beat him.
==
‘Sword Master?!’
Unlike my mere act, that was a real monster.
And Fabian beat him?
‘No, insane! Even for a protagonist, how strong was he?’
The world’s unfairness made curses spill out.
Gransesia snorted in disbelief.
[Pot calling the kettle black—you’ve got absurd powers too.]
Fair point, but…
“Is that the empire’s Silver Wolf?”
“That genius…”
The knights whispered about Ian Silverst behind the princess.
Ian Silverst.
The knight known as the Silver Wolf—no one on the continent hadn’t heard the name.
I knew the rumors well too.
‘But Sword Master? Didn’t see that coming.’
No one would’ve dreamed someone could reach Sword Master at 20.
Even Byan and Gelvin’s talents paled in comparison.
‘Rest look normal, though.’
Fortunately, no other empire reps matched Ian’s monstrosity. Mid-tier Sword Experts, by the look.
“But the princess… I heard she’s an amazing mage, but I don’t sense it.”
“Shh! She’ll hear. Rumors must be exaggerated.”
“What’s with the horn?”
“Rumors say she awakened dragon blood while hiding her appearance, but…”
I chuckled dryly at their chatter.
None here could pierce her power. Dragon might wasn’t for mortals to fathom.
“Hmm.”
The princess surveyed the Hall of the Imperial Dragon silently, as if searching for something.
Moments later, our eyes met. Hers curved into lovely crescent moons—a beautiful smile, yet chillingly eerie.
‘Seems fine, thank goodness…’
I’d used Divine Blood to cure her Dragonization Curse, but it wasn’t perfect.
It fixed the symptoms, but couldn’t reverse the transformation already underway.
Thus, the dragon horn lingered on Riya Asktalin’s head like a scar.
Unsure if the empire would accept her back, but it looked okay.
‘Still feels off?’
Click.
As an ominous chill hit me, the princess’s steps turned my way.