Chapter 135: Are You Crazy? Why Aren't You Meeting Them? (2)
Chapter 135: Are You Crazy? Why Aren't You Meeting Them? (2)
It was the greatest Arcana in history.
It was so spectacular that people wondered if such an event could ever happen again.
First of all, the level of the competition itself was dazzling. As many as three participants demonstrated the 7-Star Realm.
Petrick Schneider, Garcia Reinardo, and Sierion Byssus Yuzef.
The names of these three would be etched into history.
There were other formidable contenders as well. Riman Sierra, who wielded five Soul Weapons at once, and Antorius Denar, who displayed the mighty power of miracles.
There were truly many remarkable individuals. In any previous Arcana, it wouldn't have been strange for any one of them to take the trophy.
Yet, the winner of such a high-level tournament was someone entirely unexpected.
How long had it been since an Arcana winner emerged from somewhere other than the Three Great Powers?
Public interest surged toward this new sensation. The name of the champion, Petrick Schneider, spread rapidly across the entire continent, drawing every eye toward him.
* * *
King Heidel Falcon Magellan of the Magellan Kingdom gnawed at his fingernails.
"That damn Petrick Schneider..."
How much had he prepared for this Arcana?
He had poured a massive portion of the royal budget into ensuring the tournament's success and had even granted his talented son, Jeyton, the last of the remaining Dragon Blood.
And yet, the result was his son’s elimination in the first round.
Watching it happen in person, King Heidel had nearly fainted, foaming at the mouth.
He wanted nothing more than to seize Petrick and break him right then and there, but approaching another nation's representative during the Arcana was strictly forbidden.
He had suppressed his rage and waited for the tournament to end, but...
"To think that brat was a 7-Star Knight."
Worse, Petrick had surpassed the grandson of the Sword Saint—who was also in the 7-Star Realm—and claimed victory.
Furthermore, the overwhelming swordsmanship he displayed in the finals was still burned into the King's mind.
What on earth was that?
Was it even possible for a human to achieve such things with a sword?
"Duke Landero."
"Speak, Your Majesty."
"If you were to fight that fledgling Petrick, could you win?"
At that question, Duke Landero fell silent.
Duke Landero was the strongest knight in the Magellan Kingdom, a man who had reached a mature 7-Star Realm. But when asked about his chances against Petrick...
"I would have to fight him to know for sure."
"Ugh..."
The kingdom's greatest knight couldn't give a definitive answer about handling a mere boy. For King Heidel, who had been planning his revenge the moment the tournament ended, this was maddeningly frustrating.
Just then, the Chief Chamberlain standing nearby spoke up.
"Your Majesty, it might be best to step back and observe the situation for the time being."
"Am I, the King of a nation, supposed to back down because of a single brat?"
"Petrick Schneider is no longer just a 'brat.' The eyes of the entire continent are upon him."
"Hmm..."
"In particular, the Tower of Truth and the Elves of Evergreen are said to be very proactive."
"Elves? Why are the Elves getting involved?"
He could understand the Tower of Truth. Those curiosity-driven scholars would naturally be burning with a desire to research Petrick’s mysterious swordsmanship.
But Elves? This was completely unexpected.
"The reason is unknown, but there have been reports of Elves actively contacting the delegation from the Atronia Kingdom for several days now."
"Those isolationist bastards... why?"
"What is certain is that all eyes are on Petrick Schneider right now. If we touch him recklessly, arrows of criticism will fly from across the continent."
"Hoooo..."
Ultimately, King Heidel let out a long sigh and slumped into his throne.
‘There’s no way. No way at all...’
Thinking of his son, who had locked himself in his room and refused to come out, filled him with pity and rage. But realistically, there was no way to take revenge.
The fledgling he thought he could easily crush had become far too big a figure.
* * *
"Young Master Schneider, I am Count Doon Mana of the Magellan Kingdom."
"It is an honor to meet you, Count."
"Hahaha. The honor is mine, to meet the champion of the Arcana."
"I was simply lucky."
"Hahaha. Modest, as well! Ah, this is nothing much, but please accept it as a gift."
"I shall accept it with gratitude, Count."
After sitting down, Petrick spent about ten minutes conversing with the Count. The conversation meandered, but the Count’s ultimate goal was obvious.
"What do you think? I’m not just saying this because she’s my daughter, but she truly is a beautiful and kind child."
"I am sorry, Count. I still wish to devote myself entirely to the Way of the Sword. I appreciate the offer, but I have no thoughts of marriage at this time."
"Hahaha, is a swordsman who reached the Supreme Realm at the age of sixteen still lacking?"
"It is embarrassing. This is merely the result of hard work. I still have a long way to go."
"Hahahaha!"
To any observer, he looked like a remarkably innocent, kind, and wholesome young man dedicated solely to the diligent pursuit of the sword.
‘Darn... it’s troublesome if he’s this lacking in greed.’
The Count continued to tempt Petrick with various offers, but Petrick’s reaction remained steadfast.
Eventually, after a while...
The Count stood to leave with a look of regret.
"I shall take my leave for today. But please, do not forget my proposal. You are welcome anytime."
"I shall keep it deep in my heart."
Petrick bowed politely.
Looking at him, the Count thought, ‘What a well-mannered young man. To possess such skill and humility... such youths are rare indeed.’
And the moment the Count left the room with that regretful expression...
"Ehehehe! Who said the Arcana doesn't have prize money? Look how well they're taking care of me!"
Petrick immediately tore open the gift wrapping and looked at the expensive statue inside with immense satisfaction.
"Let’s see. These decorations look like rubies, and is that a pearl at the bottom? The material is marble, but the carving is so delicate—it’s a masterpiece. Keee... this has to be worth at least 50 gold."
Petrick was now an expert at appraising goods.
He hurried to move the gift to another room, which was already piled high with expensive-looking presents.
Petrick gazed at the treasure with an ecstatic expression, while his companions looked at him with pity.
"Senior Alex."
"Yeah?"
"He really is the Arcana champion, right?"
"He is."
"The world is rotten."
"I was just thinking the same thing."
After winning the Arcana, countless people sought to meet Petrick. His companions thought Petrick, who hated bothersome things, would flatly refuse such meetings, but...
[Are you crazy? Why on earth wouldn't I meet them?]
Petrick had jumped up in excitement and began meticulously scheduling appointments so they wouldn't overlap. Watching Petrick hold a pen and paper, carefully arranging meeting times, his companions were bewildered.
Why was he acting like this?
The answer came quickly.
"Ehehehe, earning money is the best~♪. Come to me, you pushovers~♪. Offer your gold to me~♪"
And to think this guy was a Great Hero in his past life.
* * *
Over the past few days, Petrick had been steadily meeting guests, converting the honor of his Arcana victory into cold, hard cash. He did it with a proficiency that suggested he had done this many times before.
The pushovers, blinded by the halo of an Arcana champion and a 7-Star swordsman, brought him expensive gifts without knowing his true nature.
Witnessing this tragic scene, Alex and the other companions lamented, feeling as though justice had died in the world.
"Still, he's not shaking down the nobles of our own country, so in a way, isn't this just earning foreign currency?"
"I suppose so."
"If you look at it in the best possible light... wait?"
A dark thought suddenly crossed Alex's mind.
"What is it, Senior?"
"Do you think what he's doing will end here?"
"Huh? Ah! No way..."
"He could do the same thing when we get back to the kingdom, couldn't he? He’s the Arcana champion and a 7-Star, after all."
It was entirely possible. Especially since the Atronia Kingdom had been steeped in a sense of defeat and inferiority after never winning a single match in the Arcana.
If a champion returned under those circumstances, the impact would be beyond imagination.
"...Oh, Goddess Yupinel."
Day by day, Petrick diligently focused on his collection work. He avoided meetings with figures who were too powerful and focused on nobles he could easily ignore later without much trouble.
And as he did, Petrick’s wealth grew.
"Ehehehehehehe."
Then, one day...
"Petrick, you have a guest."
"Huh? The next guest isn't for another thirty minutes."
"They came without an appointment."
"How rude. Who is it?"
"The Sword Saint."
"Tell him to go away."
"......"
Isabella stared at Petrick with a blunt expression that said, 'Does that even make sense?'
Petrick scratched his head and grumbled.
"Ugh, fine. Tell him to come in. I’ll make it quick."
He was likely the only person in the world who would treat the legendary Sword Saint like a bothersome pest.
A moment later, the Sword Saint entered. But he wasn't alone.
"Hahaha. It is good to see you again, Young Master Schneider."
"I feel the same, Young Master Schneider."
The Sword Saint had come to visit Petrick along with his grandson, Garcia.
Petrick looked at the grandfather and grandson duo with a grumpy face.
"Why did you come as a set? I'm busy as hell."
"I came because I have something to say."
"I'm not becoming your disciple."
"Ahem, not a disciple. How about we become peers who exchange insights on the sword?"
"Exchange?"
"Yes. A relationship where we fill in each other's deficiencies and strive for a higher realm together."
Look at this old man's audacity.
Petrick crossed his arms and snorted.
"Do you really think you still have something to teach me?"
"......"
The Sword Saint turned his head away, looking awkward.
"My, you're quite harsh on an old man."
"I'm pretty old myse—never mind. What do you want?"
"Tsk."
The Sword Saint clicked his tongue and thought, ‘What a shame. Such a shame.’
He had seen Petrick’s Intent technique from right beside him during the finals. He had drawn his sword and leaped toward nine violent dragons to save his grandson’s life.
Because of that, he knew. Petrick’s skill was by no means below his own. In fact...
"Hahaha. Where on earth did a monster like you come from?"
"Usually, people keep thoughts like that to themselves, don't they?"
"Hmm? Did I say that out loud?"
"Yes. Right in front of the 'monster,' which is quite offensive."
"Hahahaha!"
"Whatever..."
Petrick said dismissively, "I'm busy. If you don't have anything important to say, please leave."
"I do have business. First... ahem, Garcia."
"Yes."
At his grandfather's word, Garcia stood up abruptly.
He walked past Petrick and strode toward Alex, who was standing behind him. And then...
"Sir Alex Rowenski. I am sorry. I was disrespectful to you before."
"Young Master Reinardo."
"Please, accept my apology."
Alex was genuinely flustered. He never imagined that Garcia would apologize to him—and so politely, with a deep bow.
As he stood there stunned, Petrick spoke up.
"What are you doing? If someone apologizes, you should give an answer."
"Uh... ahem."
Alex cleared his throat, straightened his posture, and said, "I accept your apology. Please, raise your head."
"Thank you."
Garcia looked up. And the moment Alex met Garcia's eyes, he knew.
‘He’s grown.’
Alex’s realm was below Garcia’s. Therefore, it should have been difficult for him to tell if Garcia’s level had risen or fallen.
Yet, he could tell at a glance. Whether as a swordsman or as a human being, the current Garcia had clearly grown more than when they had fought.
‘The world is so unfair. Dammit...’
The guy who was already talented had become even more impressive. While he felt a twinge of annoyance...
"Let us forget the past."
"Thank you. However, I think it will be difficult for me for a while. I have many people I must apologize to once I return to my home country..."
"Hahaha."
For some reason, Alex felt good. His goal had become even higher.
But rather than despair, he felt a surge of competitive spirit.
‘One day, I too...’
And so, one ill-fated relationship was finally resolved.