Rygar ran at great speed, his silhouette streaking through the air like thunder.
At his side, keeping up closely, was Ornthorn, the North Emperor. The two clashed repeatedly, and with each impact, the platform beneath their feet cracked, yielding under the brutality of their blows.
Ornthorn, despite asuring only one and a half ters tall and having an apparently slim build, wielded his gigantic three-ter golden sword with absurd dexterity.
Rygar had already suspected, but after so conversations and training with the Emperor, he confird what he had already imagined: Ornthorn was like him in so respects. Since childhood, he had possessed extraordinary physical strength, but for him, that beca more of a curse.
Ornthorn's life had been marked by disadvantages. Mixed-race, green hair, and colossal strength—everything contributed to him being treated as a reincarnated, bloodthirsty demon.
His own family rejected him, seeing him as a monster, and he ended up being sold as a slave when he was a child.
Only when Kalman II found him was he freed and began to carve his own path in the world of the sword.
And then, there he was, the North Emperor, overcoming everyone who had despised him.
From recent training sessions, Rygar knew that Ornthorn was as strong as Larax, perhaps even stronger. The only reason he had lost to him was the special ability of Larax's scimitar, which split his sword in half.
At that mont, Tsukikage collided once more with Ornthorn's golden blade, and both smiled as they moved apart. Ornthorn planted his sword into the ground and took a deep breath.
"Your talent never ceases to amaze , boy..." he said, still smiling.
Rygar sheathed Tsukikage and replied naturally:
"It's nothing special."
Ornthorn had said many tis that Rygar's talent was astounding, and that he believed Rygar would beco a legendary figure in the future.
During his ti there, Rygar had tried to defeat him repeatedly, but he knew that, if it were to count, he would destroy the entire stronghold of the North God Style in the process.
Of course, he could defeat him.
He could simply challenge him out of there, but Ornthorn already knew that Rygar was stronger than he was, so he saw no real need.
Rygar crossed his arms and faced the North Emperor.
"Ornthorn... I usually defeat people before making this proposal, but... would you be my subordinate?"
Ornthorn turned his back and began to walk away, leaving his sword planted in the arena.
"Why would I do that?"
Rygar smiled slightly.
"I don't know. Tell , what is it that you still wish to do in this life that you haven't done yet?"
Ornthorn laughed and, without turning around, replied:
"I'd like to get married, have so descendants, see so disciple surpass ... There's nothing you can offer , boy. I may admire your talent, but I don't want to fight your wars, nor do I need to get involved in them. Even if soone plots against the Kingdom of the Dragon King, the stronghold of the North God Style will remain neutral and impassive, as it always has."
Rygar fell silent for a mont, frowning in thought. Then he walked over to Ornthorn and asked:
"If you want to get married and have children, why haven't you yet?"
Ornthorn picked up a gourd of wine, removed the cork, and sat at the nearest table, beginning to drink.
"I never found the right person."
Rygar sat beside him, watching the stronghold of the North God Style below the platform. Even as darkness fell, many still trained tirelessly.
Ornthorn continued:
"Maybe my prospective partners are too demanding? Elves and demons don't like short ones. Dwarves find too feminine. Humans think I look like a child. But you know what's best? No one likes green hair."
Rygar laughed.
"Have you ever tried to find a Superd to marry? Or another person with green hair?"
Ornthorn raised an eyebrow.
"You're strange... few speak so freely about those demons."
Rygar replied indifferently, "I don't know why people care so much about that; so many atrocities have occurred throughout history, yet people seem to especially dislike the Superd."
Ornthorn didn't respond and took another sip from his gourd.
"How could you help with that if I accepted to be your subordinate?"
Rygar smiled broadly.
"Man, I was never a good cupid..."
Ornthorn frowned in confusion, while Rygar began laughing to himself.
"Ah, if only there were soone else to understand these things..."
The two fell silent for a mont, observing the stronghold below them. Then Ornthorn broke the silence:
"You're leaving today. Are you sure you don't want to try to defeat and earn the title of Emperor?"
Rygar shrugged.
"No need. I'm already near the Sword Sanctuary, and I'm creating my own style. Soon, I'll obtain whatever title I desire..."
Ornthorn nodded slowly.
"I understand..."
He stood up and looked at Rygar with an assessing gaze.
"I'm glad that such talent and power haven't fallen into the wrong hands, Rygar Adoldia."
Rygar also stood up and raised an eyebrow.
"How do you know they haven't fallen into the wrong hands?"
Ornthorn smiled slightly.
"You're strong, but not arrogant. You're powerful, but you possess discernnt. You're impetuous, but you're not an idiot."
He walked over to his sword, touching the hilt before continuing:
"Many great n falter at these points."
With a fluid motion, he swung the enormous golden blade over his shoulder and looked at Rygar with a defiant gleam in his eyes.
"Let's make things interesting—here's a challenge..."
He looked toward the sky as if recalling a mory, "So twenty years ago, the current Sword God, Gall Farion, passed through here."
He paused for a mont, "Now that I rember... Ghislaine, your wife, was with him back then, but she was a child at the ti, about Eris's age. Well, I was as strong as I am today back then, yet he defeated in a single blow. I didn't see his blade for even a second; I can say with certainty that he is the strongest person I've ever known, even stronger than Kalman II, my master."
Then he looked at Rygar challengingly, "Defeat him. Beco the sixth of the Seven Great Powers in five years. In five years, I will go to the Tablet of the Seven Powers. If you are there, I will be your subordinate. But even so, I won't fight pointless wars, even if you ask."
Rygar smiled, watching Ornthorn depart.
Then, without hesitation, he dashed toward the Adventurers' Guild, where his group was likely gathered. From the platforms of the headquarters below, several mbers raised their eyes, impressed to see Rygar streaking across the sky like a falcon.
As he flew, a thought crossed his mind:
'Five years? You're making it too easy, man!'
---
Rygar arrived at the Adventurers' Guild with an agile leap, landing lightly on the roof.
His golden eyes quickly scanned the area, locating the large carriage parked near the entrance of the Guild.
Eidar was sitting casually on the edge of the carriage, biting into an apple while watching the bustling streets. The carriage was sturdy and well-equipped, carrying travel supplies, the magical tos Rygar had taken, books on various subjects, and other essential belongings.
At the front, two well-trained horses waited patiently, while next to the carriage, Skoll rested, his imposing presence intimidating anyone who dared to co too close.
Inside the carriage, Aisha and Lilia were seated comfortably. As soon as Aisha noticed Rygar approaching, her face lit up with excitent.
"Master! Master! Look!" she exclaid animatedly.
In front of Aisha, a sphere of water began to form in the air, spinning gently before gradually molding into a translucent blade.
"Look, stre, I can already shape water!" she repeated proudly.
Rygar smiled and tousled the girl's hair affectionately.
"Very well, Aisha! You were even faster than I expected!" he praised.
Lilia, watching the scene, smiled contentedly.
"She started practicing whenever you weren't looking," she comnted, as Aisha, embarrassed, looked away.
"Mom!" the little one protested, her cheeks puffing out.
Rygar let out a low laugh, but before he could continue, Eidar interrupted the mont.
"I hate to interrupt this adorable master-disciple scene, but we're late for the banquet, aren't we?" he said, tossing aside the apple core he had just finished eating.
Rygar turned to the Guild, frowning.
"Weren't we just supposed to create a group? Why the delay?" he asked.
Eidar shrugged.
"I have no idea!" he replied.
It was at that mont that Ghislaine and Eris finally erged from the Guild.
Ghislaine maintained her usual expression—serious and unwavering—while Eris displayed a satisfied smile and a glimr of excitent in her eyes.
As soon as she saw the group, Ghislaine said bluntly, "I didn't choose the na."
Eris crossed her arms and puffed out her chest, her tone full of pride.
"I chose it myself!" she declared.
Eidar felt a shiver run down his spine, while Rygar, for so reason, had a bad premonition.
"Eidar... didn't I tell you to go with them?" he asked, narrowing his eyes.
Eidar, unfazed, replied, "Ahh, I didn't think it was necessary..."
Eris frowned.
"You haven't even heard the na yet! It's a great na!" she insisted, clearly irritated by the lack of enthusiasm.
The group waited apprehensively.
"Now we are the Gods of Combat!" she announced proudly.
Silence fell over the carriage. Skoll barked softly, as if even he sensed the strangeness of the na. Aisha was the first to react, covering her mouth to stifle a laugh, but failing miserably.
"Pfft!" she burst into laughter.
Rygar, not wasting any ti, threw a water ball at her. Aisha's cheeks puffed out, inflating in feigned indignation.
He sighed deeply.
"Okay, everyone, let's head to the palace. After that, we continue our journey. Now we are the... Gods of Combat," he said in a resigned tone.
Eidar shook his head in disapproval.
"What a horrible na!"
Eris imdiately rolled up her sleeves, ready to start a fight.
"How so?!"
Eidar said, indignant, "What a terrible sense of naming! We don't even have a God-level warrior in the group yet!"
The two began arguing about better nas while the group made its way to the royal palace.
Rygar watched them from the corner, a slight smile forming on his face. The na might be bad—in fact, it was even worse for him.
In this world, these exaggerated nas weren't yet considered Chunibyo, so they were a bit more acceptable, but Gods of Combat was really terrible nonetheless.
At the very least, it would make for a story to tell in the future.
---
The banquet was in full swing when Rygar and his group entered the grand palace hall.
The atmosphere was luxurious, filled with nobles and influential figures of the Kingdom of the Dragon King. However, few approached to greet them.
Everyone knew that Rygar disliked superficial conversations or political gas. King Leonard, however, received them warmly, with a broad smile and an assessing gaze over the group gathered before him.
His many children sat side by side at a long, noble wooden table, laden with refined dishes and ornate goblets. Rygar advanced and stopped before King Leonard's throne.
"King Leonard, I believe you have already heard about my wife, Ghislaine Dedoldia." He gestured toward Ghislaine, drawing everyone's attention to her.
Apart from Eidar and Aisha, no one else from the group had visited the palace yet.
Ghislaine glanced at Rygar, seeking so guidance.
He had not bowed.
She hesitated for a mont but decided to follow his example, standing tall and firm. King Leonard observed this and let out a hearty laugh of approval.
"Hahahah! I haven't had the pleasure yet! A legendary warrior whose na is heard even across the sea! It is a pleasure to et you."
Ghislaine maintained her gaze fixed on him, visibly uncertain about how to respond. Normally, she addressed a king with respect, but Rygar had not done so.
Then, sowhat confused, she replied, "The pleasure is mine?"
King Leonard laughed as if trying to dispel the slight awkwardness in the air.
Beside him, a woman with long light-brown hair stepped forward. Her eyes were perceptive, and her posture impeccable.
"This is my wife. She is not a warrior, but an incomparable regent!"
The woman made an elegant bow. "It is a pleasure to et you. I am Queen Sabrina. I have heard much about your battles in Milis, Ghislaine! I would like you to tell more about them."
She took Ghislaine by the arm, guiding her to a more secluded corner of the hall. It was clear to Rygar that the queen was forcing a topic that would not normally interest her, yet Ghislaine did not imdiately perceive this and appeared eager to speak.
anwhile, Lilia and Aisha were with Eidar and Gertan, the noble from the Grovewood house who had been their guide during their stay in the capital. They conversed calmly.
Eris and Skoll, on the other hand, had thrown themselves onto the banquet table with voracious appetites.
Skoll intimidated the servants with his fierce gaze whenever soone ca too close, while Eris grabbed generous portions of at and devoured them without any decorum.
Rygar, anwhile, was engaged in conversation with King Leonard, along with his son Julian and his brother Stevio.
There was also Philip, the court mage, who was present but kept to himself, staring fixedly out the window as if being tornted just by being there.
The party was livelier than Rygar had expected. His greatest relief was that he did not have to interact with sycophantic nobles or engage in unnecessary formal pleasantries.
King Leonard seed to understand his personality and, by all accounts, had inford the guests in advance. The difference was palpable compared to other palace festivities. This attitude made Rygar respect him a bit more. Even though he had been king for a long ti and was already old, Leonard still demonstrated an open mind.
The only real problem was Julian and Stevio, who tried to beco his friends throughout the banquet. Rygar did not dislike their company, but their persistent attempts at conversation annoyed him.
Furthermore, many of the king's daughters tried to seduce him, and the king even blatantly offered so of his daughters for him to take as a wife.
It almost worked, as so of them were very attractive.
After a while, Rygar decided that it was ti to depart. He stood up and began to say his goodbyes.
Ghislaine, returning from her conversation with Queen Sabrina, appeared shocked, as if forced to listen to a discussion about matters that would never interest her.
King Leonard, before they left, made sure to present them with so gifts. There were high-quality weapons, magical items, precious stones, and, most importantly, an emblem of the Kingdom of the Dragon King, which would signify their friendship with the crown.
However, Rygar noticed that despite the generosity, nothing truly valuable was given. He had a hunch about the reason.
Throughout the party, he heard discreet ntions of the Sealing Chain of the Mad Dragon King, an item that Rygar had 'stolen' during an ambush but would never admit.
Conversations about how "it would be nice to recover it sohow" were ntioned several tis. However, Rygar remained impassive, pretending not to know anything.
And then, they left the palace; the king's retinue saw them off, as did many nobles, including Gertan. One could conclude that the party was fun, but even so, he began to think that in his previous life, he was actually a dwarf.
After all, he had enjoyed dwarf parties much more than those of the royalty of the Kingdom of the Dragon King. But perhaps it was just the royalty; well, the party wasn't entirely bad.
And so, finally, they left the capital.
The carriage slowly pulled away from the city, and the city walls beca increasingly distant.
There was much ahead, and the journey to the Kingdom of the Dragon King, filled with both good and bad 'surprises', turned out, in the end, to be more positive than negative.
---
Skoll
Age: 3
Monster Rank: A
Mana Reserves: Advanced Level
Combat Skills:
Fenrir God Style: Bites and Claws
Battle Strength: Saint
Languages:
Woof, woof
Practical Skills:
Sit, roll, play dead, Excellent runner
Aisha Greyrat
Age: 3
Mana Reserves: Interdiate Level
Magical Skills:
Water Magic: Interdiate
Combat Skills:
---
Battle Strength: Elentary
Languages:
Reading and writing in Human language and reading Beast-God
Practical Skills:
Basic Mathematics, Near-eidetic mory
Ghislaine Dedoldia
Age: 32
Titles: Black Wolf
Demon Eye: Eye of Magic Power
Mana Reserves: Saint Level
Magical Skills:
Fire Magic: Elentary
Water Magic: Elentary
Healing Magic: Elentary
Combat Skills:
Sword God Style: King Level
Beast God Style: In developnt
Battle Strength: High King-level
Languages:
Reading and writing in Beast-God and Human languages
Practical Skills:
Basic Mathematics, Always choosing the right option between two choices
Eris Boreas Greyrat
Age: 11
Titles: Red Lioness
Mana Reserves: Saint Level
Magical Skills:
Fire Magic: Elentary
Water Magic: Elentary
Healing Magic: Elentary
Combat Skills:
North God Style: Elentary
Sword God Style: Advanced
Battle Strength: Advanced
Languages:
Reading and writing in Beast-God and Human languages
Practical Skills:
Basic Mathematics, Infinite energy, Greeting in the Boreas style, Bad cook
Eidar
Age: 18
Titles: Flowing Blade
Mana Reserves: Saint Level
Weapons: Darkpray (Sword made with Erathium)
Magical Skills:
Healing Magic: Elentary
Combat Skills:
North God Style: Interdiate
Water God Style: Saint
Battle Strength: High Saint-Level Warrior
Languages:
Reading and writing in Beast-God and Human languages
Practical Skills:
Basic Mathematics, Good Bodyguard, Good Cook, between others
Rygar Adoldia
Age: 12
Titles: Flaming Beast, Red Wolf, Lightning Emperor
Mana Reserves: God Level
Demon Eyes: Eye of Magic Power, Eye of Sharpness, and Eye of Fragnted Reflection
Weapons: Tsukikage (of the 49 Blades of the Dragon King Kajakut), Night Hunter, Hidden Daggers
Magical Skills:
Fire Magic: King
Earth Magic: King
Water Magic: King
Wind Magic: King
Healing Magic: Saint
Detoxification Magic: Saint
Barrier Magic: Saint
Divine Attack: Advanced
Howling Magic: Conqueror's Haki
Combat Skills:
North God Style: King
Sword God Style: King
Water God Style: Saint
Beast God Style: In developnt
Battle Strength: Middle Emperor-Level Warrior
Languages:
Reading and writing in Beast-God, Fighting-God, Demon-God and Human languages
Practical Skills:
Advanced Mathematics, Excellent hunter, Good teacher, Very bad cook (It's almost inedible, but it can be eaten to avoid starving to death), Excellent Builder (Earth Magic), Good swimr, between others.
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