The imposing walls of the capital of the Dragon King's Kingdom rose before Rygar's group, a true fortress that stood out against the horizon. Nad as Black Dragon, the Dragon King's city exuded an air of power and grandeur.
Even before they fully approached, the massive iron gates were already being opened to allow Skoll's passage.
Currently, Skoll had reached about three and a half ters in height, making him even more imposing. His fur, which had already begun to transform due to his species' natural ability, was the reason behind the na given to his lineage.
This gradual transformation allowed his coat to change from a soft, smooth texture to sothing rigid and resistant, capable of withstanding blade cuts and impact spells.
Combined with his strength, speed, and natural sharp weapons, this trait earned him an A-rank monster classification. His fur, which resembled the bark of an ebony tree in both texture and dark color, led to his species being known as Ebony Wolves.
The official eting with the King was scheduled for four days later. Thus, after settling in, Rygar planned to visit the headquarters of the North God Style to test his skills.
Many months had passed since they had left Tinaver, and it was about to be a full year of journeying.
Rygar himself was also close to turning twelve. The mating season was finally nearing its end, which was both a great relief and a disappointnt for him.
One of the main reasons he wanted to visit the North God Style headquarters was a growing feeling that he was on the verge of reaching a new level in the Longsword of Light.
If he continued evolving gradually, he would likely reach this milestone in ti. However, if he could be pushed through an intense challenge, wouldn't that be even better?
As they passed through the gates, they were welcod by a noble-looking man. He had long dark brown hair, piercing blue eyes, and a remarkably handso face. His attire was a refined combination of aristocratic garnts and those of a seasoned warrior. He carried an adorned sword, a sign of his prestige as a swordsman.
Mounted on his horse, he addressed the group, calling them by na in a firm tone:
"Lord Rygar Adoldia, Ghislaine Dedoldia, Eris Boreas Greyrat, Eidar, and the two young ladies whom I regret not knowing." His gaze shifted toward Lilia and Aisha.
Before anyone could ask, Aisha responded confidently:
"I'm Aisha!"
The man smiled at the energetic response of the young girl and, in a warm tone, said:
"Alright, little Aisha. Ladies and gentlen, I am Gertan Grovewood, North Saint and heir to House Grovewood. I have the honor of being assigned as your 'escort' and guide through the Dragon King's capital. Welco to the city!"
He bead widely, exuding a vibrant and welcoming energy. Rygar, observing his posture and expression, got the impression that Gertan had a radiant personality. His enthusiasm in greeting them seed genuine. Despite his apparent youth—seemingly no older than twenty—his position and title indicated he was a remarkably skilled warrior.
The man then addressed the group:
"The King has already arranged accommodations for you at the residence designated for emissaries from other kingdoms. However, if you prefer, you may choose another place to stay."
Rygar stepped down from the carriage without hesitation and firmly replied:
"There is no need."
At the sa ti, Gertan dismounted from his horse. Rygar approached him and, in a respectful gesture, extended his hand.
"Thank you for the reception. In fact, I have a few questions I'd like to ask."
The two began walking together, followed by the rest of the group. As they walked and Rygar asked several questions about the royal family, Eidar asked:
"How old are you?"
Gertan promptly replied:
"I'm twenty years old!"
Lilia, impressed, comnted:
"It's truly remarkable to have achieved such a level of skill at such a young age."
Gertan offered a humble response.
"It's nothing compared to what we have here... A Sword Saint at eight years old, a Water Saint at seventeen, a Sword King, and a girl who beca an Advanced-ranked Sword God Style practitioner at ten..."
Eidar laughed, shaking his head.
"Hahaha, it's not quite like that. You're also the heir to a noble house, aren't you? Surely, you don't have as much ti to train as we do..."
Gertan let out a sincere laugh. The group continued conversing in a lighthearted and harmonious manner.
anwhile, Rygar analyzed the young man in front of him. Besides being talented, he seed incredibly friendly. Even though they had just t, Gertan already demonstrated an ability to engage in captivating conversations with each of them.
Furthermore, Rygar sensed no malice or ulterior motives in his words. Was he truly like this all the ti? Or was he simply trying to befriend them from the very start?
While the others spoke, Ghislaine remained expressionless and watchful, always observing.
Deciding to change the subject, Rygar asked:
"Is there currently a North King at the North God Style headquarters?"
Gertan thought for a mont before answering:
"Yes, we currently have two ranked Kings and one Emperor at the headquarters... In fact, a new North Emperor has recently erged..."
Rygar slightly furrowed his brows, intrigued.
"A new Emperor?" he repeated.
Gertan nodded, crossing his arms as he walked alongside the group.
"Yes! He arrived about a month ago and easily defeated all of us." His voice carried a mixture of admiration and frustration. "After that, he challenged my master, the North Emperor, Ornthorn, the Dragon Hunter. It was a long and intense battle, but in the end, my master was defeated."
The group listened attentively. Gertan continued:
"Even after facing all of us beforehand, he still had enough strength to defeat a North Emperor. It was unbelievable. In the end, my master officially recognized him as a North Emperor, as did our entire school."
There was respect in his voice, but also a hint of disappointnt. Rembering his master's defeat was not easy. Gertan took a deep breath before continuing:
"His fighting style was truly deadly and relentless. He used various types of weapons, but his main one was a scimitar..." His expression darkened for a mont. "A scimitar that cut my master's sword in half."
Eidar was shocked.
"He cut down his master's sword?" His voice carried genuine surprise.
Gertan nodded.
"Yes. It was an unbelievable scene. I've never seen a warrior like him."
The group exchanged glances. Eidar, curious, broke the silence:
"And what was he like?"
Gertan ran a hand through his hair, trying to recall the details.
"Dark skin, desert clothing... And he laughed. All the ti. Even in the middle of battle."
Rygar narrowed his eyes. A ruthless warrior, wielding a terrifying weapon, laughing as he fought... Who was this man?
"Did he say his na?" Rygar asked.
Gertan shook his head.
"No. He only said that, eventually, we would hear about him. He was alone. My master seed to know him, but respected his choice to remain unknown... perhaps because his life had been spared. Before leaving, that man said my master was a 'true man.'"
There was a mont of silence as everyone processed the information. Rygar felt his curiosity grow. He wanted to fight the warriors at the dojo, test his progress... But this mysterious Northern Emperor intrigued him even more. It was sothing he needed to experience for himself.
However, at the very mont that thought crossed his mind, a chill ran down his spine. Sothing instinctive.
'What was that? Why did I suddenly get this feeling?'
He subtly glanced around but saw nothing out of the ordinary. Still, the sensation bothered him.
The group continued their conversation, unaware of Rygar's brief unease as they made their way to their designated residence.
Gertan was eager to learn more about the Iron Legion, showing great interest in their efforts to unite the beast races and liberate slaves. Rygar noticed that the young warrior not only had talent but also possessed a genuinely curious and empathetic spirit.
Upon arriving at the house, they were greeted by a grand structure. The building was made of fine wood and expertly crafted stone, with a broad roof and large windows that allowed the late afternoon sunlight to stream in. A vast courtyard surrounded the house, adorned with well-maintained gardens, towering trees, and an open space for training.
While Eris, Lilia, and Aisha went inside to organize their belongings, Gertan stopped and turned to Ghislaine. His previously cheerful expression turned serious as he called her na:
"Now that the children are not around, I have sothing to tell you, Lady Ghislaine."
The woman lifted her gaze upon hearing her na, her expression unreadable.
"I assu you are returning to Fitoa to find the lord you once served, correct?"
The atmosphere around them shifted instantly. Rygar, Eidar, and even Ghislaine herself grew serious, tension thick in the air.
"The news hasn't yet spread here among the people, but the King asked to inform you ahead of ti. The lord you served, Sauros Boreas Greyrat, was executed—beheaded—after being held responsible for the Fitoa Teleportation Incident."
The entire courtyard seed to fall silent. A murderous aura surged from Ghislaine like an invisible blade cutting through the air.
"Ghislaine..." Rygar called her na in a low, firm tone.
The warrior realized the bloodlust she was unleashing and withdrew it, though her sharp gaze still burned with fury.
"Who was responsible?" Her voice was heavy, carrying the promise of death.
"According to information gathered by the Grovewood family, the main perpetrators were the head of the Notos Greyrat house, Philemon Notos Greyrat, and Minister Darius Silva Ganius."
Ghislaine's lips barely moved as she muttered their nas under her breath, engraving them into her mory, ensuring she would never forget. A silent vow of vengeance.
Gertan provided further details about the events, explaining that the Dragon King Kingdom would not interfere in the affairs of the Asura Kingdom, but that this information was shared as a gesture of friendship toward the Iron Legion.
After storing their belongings and with night already falling, they decided to postpone their visit to the North God Dojo until the following day. Instead, Eidar challenged Gertan to a spar, which he readily accepted. Eris, excited, joined in as well, while Skoll, Aisha, and Lilia stayed to watch.
anwhile, Ghislaine sat atop the house, gazing at the horizon. The moon had begun to rise, its silver glow illuminating the night.
Rygar approached in silence. Ghislaine didn't turn to face him but glanced at him briefly before returning her gaze to the sky.
"Ghislaine..." She remained silent.
"I'm not going to tell you to give up on your revenge..." he began, his tone serious. "But you must understand that you can't kill those two alone. Even as a Sword King..."
Ghislaine remained silent.
"Maybe if you were a Sword God, you could. But you're not."
The warrior took a deep breath, her expression hardening.
"I still have to train Eris until she can fend for herself. After that, I need to find Lady Hilda. I won't attack them yet," she declared, eyes fixed on the moon.
Rygar nodded.
"But after Eris grows up, I don't want you to simply charge into the Asura Kingdom and throw your life away."
Silence deepened between them.
"As I said, I'm not asking you to give up your revenge." Rygar sighed, looking up at the stars. "I want you to join the Iron Legion. I want you to be the first lady of the Iron Legion—as my wife."
Ghislaine hesitated, her eyes finally turning to him fully.
"I was supposed to serve Lady Hilda after this..."
Rygar held her gaze firmly.
"Ghislaine, you are far too extraordinary to resign yourself to serving a lord for the rest of your life. No matter how many debts you have, they will all be repaid when you avenge his death. You have far more talent than you realize. You are determined, powerful..." he paused, his gaze intense, "and one of the most stunning won I've ever seen."
Ghislaine's eyes widened slightly before returning to normal. Her heart beat faster, but her mind was still filled with conflict.
"And Eris?" she asked after a long silence. "You must know she likes you. Lilia told ."
Rygar glanced toward where the others were still sparring.
"She's still a child. She doesn't truly know what she wants yet. If her feelings remain when she grows up, I'll answer her then." He turned his gaze back to Ghislaine, watching as her hesitation slowly faded.
At last, Ghislaine took a deep breath and said:
"I accept."
She smiled faintly before adding:
"But you have to defeat first."
Rygar smiled back.
"Of course... I will make you my 'first' wife."
She watched him for a mont, a small smile playing on her lips. Then, she murmured:
"There was a saying Paul used to repeat in his adventurer days... 'Extraordinary n never settle for just one woman...'"
---
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