The sunlight pierced through the morning mist. Leylo rose and walked to the window. Outside the castle, the unrest of yesterday had subsided, and Ironthorn Territory had returned to a state of tranquility.
[Daily Intelligence Refresh]
The Serpent's Fang: "Venomfang," the son of the Nine-Headed Demon Snake, has led a lizardman warband out of the Emerald Swamp to invade human territories. A coalition led by Baron Barton of Golem Territory will face them; after a bitter struggle, the coalition will suffer heavy losses and retreat.
The Sulfur Mine: A young Black Dragon occupying the eastern Blackstone Mountains recently drove out an ogre tribe and seized their sulfur mines. Consuming large amounts of sulfur can strengthen a dragon's breath.
The Deep Evolution: Mana tides are surging in the depths of the Emerald Swamp; the Nine-Headed Demon Snake is undergoing an unknown metamorphosis. It has ordered its minions to plunder vast amounts of biological flesh as fuel for its evolution.
Eastern Alliance: The daughter of the Earl of Great Whale Island is set to marry the Viscount of Pale Wolf Territory. The union of these two powers may fundamentally shift the balance of power in the east.
Evolutionary Opportunity: Your tamed Storm Griffin has been lingering near the Dragon-Thorn Fruit tree. Consuming these fruits can help it break its bloodline shackles and evolve into a King-Class Griffin (Tier 4). Providing high-energy potions alongside the fruits will ensure a successful evolution.
Inquisition: Bishop Augustus led the Light Pegasus Knights to the territory of Viscount Poplar, finding evidence of his collusion with the Snake Cult. Augustus executed judgment, incinerating the Viscount's family and purging "cultists" through the pyre.
The Verdict: A meeting regarding you is being held at Thunder Dragon Castle. Your invasion of Ironthorn will be deemed justified defense by the Duke; you will receive Ironthorn as compensation.
The Guardian: Alex, the wandering swordsman lingering in the Blackrock Town tavern, was actually dispatched by the Duke to protect you. He has received orders to find an opportunity to pledge his loyalty.
The Knight Dragon: A young Gold Dragon calling himself the "Knight Dragon" is traveling through the southern Duchy, living by the Eight Virtues. He is currently clashing with local lords while championing the weak. Predictably, those lords have been soundly thrashed by the dragon.
Lilian's Rite: Your sister Lilian will undergo her coming-of-age ceremony tomorrow morning, including the soul-binding ritual with a Thunder Dragon hatchling. Lilian possesses immense magic talent and will awaken the "Heart of Fire." Because this talent conflicts with the lightning attribute of the dragons, the ritual will fail.
The Challenger
After a simple breakfast, Leylo was preparing to handle administrative affairs when a commotion from the Knight's Square broke the silence.
"Ed, go see what's happening outside," Leylo commanded.
Ed returned shortly with a peculiar expression. "My Lord, someone has... set up a challenge ring in the square."
"Oh?" Leylo raised an eyebrow. "Tell me more."
"It's a wandering swordsman calling himself Alex. He drew a circle in chalk this morning and claimed that no knight in Blackstone could last ten rounds against him. Our knights didn't take it well, but several have already been defeated. The fastest was downed in three moves."
Leylo smiled. Alex. He knew that name well from the intelligence. It seemed the man had chosen a flashy way to make his entrance. "Let's go take a look."
The Knight's Square was packed. In the center of a large chalk circle stood a lithe young swordsman in simple leather armor, his long hair tied back loosely.
"Is there another brave soul willing to offer guidance?" Alex asked calmly. Several Blackstone knights stood outside the circle, nursing bruised wrists or shoulders.
"I'll do it!" A roar erupted as Thor pushed through the crowd. As a warrior who had distinguished himself in recent battles, Thor was a favorite of the people. He stepped into the ring and slammed his greatsword into the ground. "You have a big mouth! Let's see if you have the skill to back it up!"
Alex remained unfazed. "Please."
Thor didn't hold back. He activated his Earth Bear bloodline, a brownish-yellow glow swirling beneath his skin. He lunged, his greatsword whistling through the air with enough force to shatter boulders.
Facing this thunderous strike, Alex didn't retreat. He stepped into the attack, tilted his body, and thrust his longsword at a cunning angle toward Thor's wrist. He moved like lightning, his blade a silver arc in the sun.
Thor felt a sharp sting, and his grip faltered. Too fast! He swung the hilt of his sword to force Alex back, but Alex was already gone. Like a ghost, the swordsman reappeared at Thor's flank, his blade pointing at the gap in Thor's ribs.
The next few rounds were a masterclass in precision. Thor's attacks were powerful and wide, but against Alex's supernatural speed and surgical strikes, he looked clumsy. No matter how much Thor roared or surged his combat aura, he couldn't touch Alex. Instead, he found shallow nicks appearing all over his armor.
Clang!
Alex parried a strike, sending Thor stumbling. Catching the opening, Alex closed the distance and tapped the tip of his sword against Thor's breastplate.
"You lose," Alex said, sheathing his blade.
Thor panted, looking at the mark on his chest. He was frustrated, but mostly shocked. "I... I lost."