Pleiades had a long history, and several countries had existed before the Sälen Kingdom and the Argon Empire.
Like Magellan, the magic kingdom founded by the ancient elves, or the Iron Kingdom, a kingdom founded by the ancient dwarves.
Among those countries, the Iron Kingdom was actually a union of seven city states, but each city was located far away from each other, so their cultural developments differed.
‘Sword Seeker.’
Sword Seeker was one of the Iron Kingdom’s seven cities and was considered together with Frost Anvil as twin cities.
As the city’s name implied, the dwarves living in Sword Seeker sought for the ultimate sword.
The most perfect sword.
The ideal sword.
The sword of swords.
Since it was a place where many dwarven artisans gathered, each dwarf naturally had a different opinion on what an ultimate sword should be, but the dwarves of Sword Seeker eventually came to a decision to focus their resources and skills into one goal.
‘Let’s make seven swords.’
If they couldn’t have the same opinion on what a perfect and ideal sword was, they should then make seven swords and not just one.
One could say that it was no longer an ultimate sword from the moment they decided it to be seven, but all the dwarven artisans enthusiastically cheered and approved that proposal.
‘Once we finish it, the swords that we made will be recognized as the ultimate sword!’
So until then, let’s keep it a secret so that we can still receive operating expenses. Maybe those other dwarves are thinking of the same thing, but maybe they aren’t either. ‘Coz In the end, we’ll the ones to make the ultimate sword!
It was said that King Endymion, the king of the magic kingdom of Magellan, heard this story later on and figured out the intentions of the dwarves, and he was said to have left the following comments.
“Those arrogant b*stards. But that’s just how dwarven artisans are.”
They were arrogant and self-righteous but were also the kind to pour endless love and effort to their creations.
Like King Endymion had said, the dwarves created those swords for their own reasons, and thus, the seven swords of Sword Seeker, the so-called ‘Ultimate Seven’ series, were born.
‘And the key you need to get that Ultimate Seven series.’
‘The Key Sword.’
Sword Seeker’s dwarven artisans made into a sword the key where the Ultimate Seven series were sealed, and as dwarven artisans of Sword Seeker, they didn’t just haphazardly create the Key Sword.
Because of that, the Key Sword was considered a proper sword and not a key after the fall of the Iron Kingdom, and nearly a thousand years after its collapse, it became a situation where only a few people knew of the existence of the Key Sword.
‘But it’s right here, right now.’
‘That Key Sword has appeared!’
Cordelia and Jude looked at each other and smiled again.
Lucas and the prospects from the north, who were sitting at the same table as them, were curious about the two suddenly looking and smiling at each other, but it was only for a short time.
It was a famous fact that they were a couple who acted so sweet that they would smile from just looking at each other.
Therefore, Jude and Cordelia avoided suspicion, and the two began to exchange a more detailed conversation through <Message> magic.
[The Key Sword is a jackpot, a jackpot.]
[If it’s the Ultimate Seven series, I agree, I agree. It’s almost a graduation item if I get this.]
[Ufufu, I like it. One of the Ultimate Seven series can be used by a wizard.]
She was talking about the magic sword, Magic Blaster, one of the Ultimate Seven.
[Explosive Blade?]
[Yes, the Explosive Blade.]
Cordelia’s eyes seemed to be sparkling, and she eventually began to be ecstatic.
The magic sword of explosions.
The Explosive Blade, Magic Blaster, could deal powerful explosions.
[Ah~ I want to have it.]
[Uuuh…yes. I’ll definitely get it for you.]
But Jude thought that it would have been better if she had wanted a pretty, cute, and lovely item.
‘Anyway, I have no choice but to get it since Cordelia wants it.’
[By the way, Jude. Are you aiming for that?]
[Yes, that.]
One of the swords in the Ultimate Seven series, and the one that seemed to suit the current Jude the most.
[Ufufu, I like it.]
[Well, I’ll have to get that Key Sword first.]
[Eh? Isn’t that ours already? Isn’t my Lord Jude the winner already?]
As Cordelia spoke in a cute manner after a long time, Jude took a deep breath before he turned to Lucas sitting next to him and the other prospects around them. He then recited a heartfelt apology in his mind.
‘I’m sorry, but I’ll be doing my best.’
I really need that Key Sword.
Moreover, Cordelia’s looking forward to it, so I have no choice but to do my very best.
But it was at that moment.
When Sir Cornwell stepped back after introducing the tournament’s prize, the true host of the banquet, Duke Spencer, appeared.
‘Princess Darianne is also with him.’
Cordelia saw them.
Princess Darianne quietly stood next to the tall and thin Duke Spencer, and as she looked around the banquet hall, she prettily smiled when she met eyes with Jude and Cordelia.
It seemed like she was looking around to find the two in the first place.
“I am Duke Spencer. The person next to me is Her Royal Highness, Princess Darianne, so be sure to greet her respectfully.”
It hadn’t been long since his chronic illness was healed, so he looked a little pale, but his voice sounded clear and strong.
Duke Spencer and all the prospects courteously bowed and greeted her, and Princess Darianne greeted them briefly in return. Duke Spencer then spoke again.
“I’ll cut it short and get to the point.”
Whether it was his original personality, or he found it difficult to speak for a long time, Duke Spencer’s speech was short and clear, and to summarize his words, it was as follows.
They were originally going to hold a tournament in a form of a fighting match, as per tradition.
But at the founding celebration, the kingdom would be hosting a fighting tournament too.
If someone got injured in the Banquet of Swords, they wouldn’t be able to participate in the kingdom’s fighting tournament, so after much consideration, it was decided that a somewhat different tournament would be held this time.
Having spoken so far, Duke Spencer turned to the side and greeted the man, who had mysteriously erased his presence earlier, as he now came up to the stage.
“I’m sure everyone knows him. He is the pride of the Sälen Kingdom and the First Sword of my Sword School, the Sword Saint of Light, Rhun Froud.”
Duke Spencer’s voice was full of pride as he introduced First Sword, and the way he looked at First Sword was also very warm, as if he was looking at his own child.
“Fortunately, thanks to Rhun’s cooperation, we are able to avoid any possible injuries and hold a tournament for all the prospects gathered here. Rhun, I’ll let you explain the rest.”
“Yes, Your Excellency, Duke Spencer.”
First Sword politely thanked him before he stepped forward and spoke with a playful smile.
“This tournament will be a match against me. Of course, that doesn’t mean that you have to win against me. Frankly, that would be a bit unreasonable. It would be more like a scam if we had a contest like that.”
First Sword said it while slightly jesting, but no one laughed at it.
It wasn’t because First Sword’s joke wasn’t funny. Rather, the prospects were excited about the fact that they would get a chance to fight against First Sword.
First Sword.
The strongest person in the Sword School.
A young genius who gained the title of Sword Saint in his late twenties.
They would be facing him with their swords.
They would be crossing swords with him.
Unlike Lucas and Jude who had someone from the Ten Great Swordmasters as their parents, the other prospects had never even crossed swords with a swordsman at that level.
But now, they would be able to cross swords with the Sword Saint of Light, First Sword.
It was natural for them to be fired up.
“The rules are simple. The first prospect to make me move six times is the winner.”
Six times.
First Sword raised five fingers before he winked, and the target of his wink was very obvious.
Jude Bayer.
The second son of Count Bayer, one of the Ten Great Swordmasters.
‘Actually, it’s because of you.’
The reason why they held this kind of competition instead of the usual tournament.
It wasn’t just because of the kingdom’s tournament.
There was one more important reason.
‘He’s too strong.’
He was much stronger than the other prospects.
Perhaps Lucas was the only one here who could compete against Jude.
Wouldn’t the prospects look too pitiful if there was such a difference in skill?
‘The Banquet of Swords is for the sake of the prospects.’
It was not to see a gladiator-like battle of the prospects from all over the country.
Since their growth was the goal, they couldn’t just force them to fight like a survival of the fittest.
“What do you think? Do you think it’s worth it trying to make me move just five times?”
First Sword asked in jest again, and the prospects’ eyes sparkled as they roughly breathed.
Everyone seemed to be very excited.
“Hmm, I like this. Don’t you think so, Your Excellency?”
“You’re right. The mood is very heated.”
Duke Spencer smiled like a teacher and glanced at Sir Cornwell, who stepped forward with a box that one could put their hands in.
“From now on, we’ll decide the order of who will fight First Sword first. Let’s begin with the prospects from the capital, please come forward.”
Lucian and the other prospects from the capital stood up with very nervous faces, and they were followed by those from the south and then the north.
‘Jude, Jude. What’s your number.’
’21.’
‘You’re the last one?’
‘It’s like I’m the main character.’
As Jude smiled and stared at her, Cordelia smiled in surprise and soon nodded.
‘Then, will you show me a protagonist-like performance?’
‘Yes, since the heroine is watching.’
‘Hmph, what are you talking about?’
Cordelia snorted but she looked pleased as she turned to the side.
She saw Lucas holding a slip of paper with an excited face like that of a child, and when she peeked at the slip of paper, the number 19 was written on it.
“Alright! Shall we get started now then? Number 1, come forward!”
First Sword spiritedly shouted before he climbed up the stage that had already been prepared.
It was a large stage with a length and width of nearly 20 meters each, and it was so high that one had to climb up five steps.
“You don’t have to be so reserved. Just don’t cross the line.”
At Duke Spencer’s words, the prospects blinked their eyes as they couldn’t understand his words right away, so Sir Cornwell smiled and pointed to the lines drawn around the stage.
In other words, they could stand and watch from the sides.
“T-then.”
“Then, me too.”
“Let’s go too.”
Most of the prospects were children of nobles so they were naturally quite reserved, but in the end, they were still humans.
As soon as they got up from their seats, their appearance as they quickly ran towards the line looked somehow cute.
“I wish the audience seats were a little higher.”
Cordelia spoke as she stood in tiptoes, and Jude smiled before he said.
“My princess, would you like to sit on my shoulders?”
“Hey, I’m wearing a skirt, okay?”
No, before that, what do you mean by sit on your shoulders? Everyone will look at us if that happens.
Cordelia clicked her tongue as if to tell him to consider the time and place, and she looked back towards the stage while Jude giggled before he looked in the same direction too.
“Alright, let’s get started.”
First Sword stood in the middle of the stage and casually spoke as he stretched out his arms, and the young man from the south, who pulled the number 1 slip, took a deep breath as he closed his eyes.
Because he didn’t want to waste this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.
He calmed down his excitement and regained his composure.
So that he could show them the best that he could do.
First Sword found such a prospect commendable. He waited for some time, and when the prospect finally drew his sword and charged, First Sword showed off his quick sword that made everyone call him the Sword Saint of Light.
Shwaaak-!
His sword made the other sword slip.
The sword swung by the southern prospect with all his might was flung out so naturally.
“When you swung the sword, your power was not fully transmitted. Let’s do it again.”
As First Sword gently smiled and said, the southern prospect looked shocked, and so did those who were outside the stage.
What his words meant.
His declaration of ‘let’s do it again.’
‘An educational sparring match!’
First Sword said that the person who could make him move six times was the winner.
In other words, he meant that he would play with his opponent up to five times.
“A bit of flashy technique is fine. Your skill is good even if you had trouble making it work well.”
First Sword’s words sounded reassuring.
The southern prospect almost looked like he was about to cry, but he soon picked his sword and repositioned himself while looking very moved.
He looked at First Sword with respect, gratitude and all kinds of good feelings, and First Sword answered with a smile.
“Come.”
“Yes!”
The southern prospect answered in reflex and rushed towards First Sword again, and First Sword very simply turned the attack of the prospect into nothing again this time.
Two more times left.
And after the five times were done…
The southern prospect missed in the last and fifth exchange, but his face was full of joy.
“Thank you very much.”
“Your skill isn’t bad. Will you be better by the next time we meet?”
“Yes!”
“Okay, I look forward to it.”
It was the words of First Sword and not anyone else.
The prospect had a boyish face as if he played with the sports player that he admired, and he came down the stage with tears of emotion. Rachel Bloom, the prospect from the north who picked the number 2 slip, climbed onto the stage very quickly.
“Ahem, I’m sorry for person #1, but I like person #2 more. Beauties are the treasures of this world.”
At First Sword’s joke, Rachel’s cheeks flushed red, but it wasn’t that evident.
Because her face was already red before she went onto the stage.
“I’ll begin.”
“Do as much as you can.”
And once again, it happened five times.
Rachel got off the stage with a very excited face, and the prospects stepped onto the stage one after another.
“Is this the Sage King’s Cross Sword? You have inherited well Count Hræsvelgr’s sword. Five times are almost not enough.”
First Sword said as he pointed his sword to Lucas’ neck, but it wasn’t idle chatter.
Unlike the previous prospects who he easily dealt with, even the First Sword had to be really sincere when he fought Lucas.
“Thank you…for the compliment.”
Lucas’ expression was also different from the previous prospects.
Rather than the joy of facing the First Sword with their sword, regret and frustration were in his eyes since he couldn’t make First Sword do it for the sixth time.
“That’s good.”
His expression made First Sword even happier.
Because he liked Lucas’ desire to improve.
“Next.”
The 20th prospect.
The boy, who was a prospect from the royal capital, was not much different from the previous prospects. Their spar was finished in five moves with a relatively calm atmosphere.
And the time had finally come.
Sir Cornwell’s eyes were filled with the light of anticipation as he watched with a relaxed face, and Duke Spencer also watched in seriousness.
“Jude Bayer.”
The second son of Count Bayer.
The younger brother of Gaël Bayer, who was said to be one of the next Ten Great Swordmasters.
Jude climbed up the stage, and all the prospects who had witnessed his fight with Lucian swallowed in nervousness.
Lucas also looked up the stage with mixed emotions.
This was because of the fact that only Lucas and Cordelia were aware of.
‘Landius-nim’s disciple.’
Iron Man Landius.
A man who might be the strongest among all the humans in Pleiades.
Jude was the only disciple of such Landius.
No, even before he was a disciple of Landius, he was a genius who had already shown amazing talent.
‘Cheonmujiche.’
The incarnation of martial arts from the heavens.
Lucas wanted to see Jude in making the First Sword move his sword for the sixth time.
But on the other hand, he didn’t want to see it. Because of the childish envy that still lingered in his mind.
‘No, it’s not like that.’
Because I just want to see him become much stronger.
Because I want to see the appearance of my rival moving far away, and make me want to pursue him even more.
With clenched fists, Lucas calmed himself and looked at Jude’s back, while Cordelia prayed as she held her hands together.
‘Please let Jude win!’
As always, let him be #1 again!
And as for First Sword.
The person who originally proposed this kind of tournament.
“The time has come.”
First Sword smiled as he looked at Jude standing in front of him.
His smile was very playful, but also felt creepy at the same time.
‘Don’t tell me…’
At the moment Jude had flinched, First Sword moved.
Unlike before, he readied his sword in his light-like swordsmanship style.
Among the numerous swordsmanship in the Sword School, his Light Swordsmanship boasted of being the fastest.
The fastest sword that gave First Sword his name of the Sword Saint of Light.
“Can I give you a little special treatment?”
First Sword said, and everyone around the stage became enthusiastic at that moment.
It wasn’t because they heard First Sword’s voice.
It was enthusiasm from the fact that Jude had made the First Sword drew his sword and made him take a stance.
‘F*ck.’
Jude thought to himself, and so did Cordelia who was outside the stage.
‘First Sword is a crazy b*stard!’
He’s shameless!
But First Sword did not hear Jude and Cordelia’s protests in their minds. Even if he had heard it, he would have ignored it.
“Come, let’s go.”
Show me your skills.
Jude took a deep breath at First Sword’s provoking look. He gently turned his head and looked at Cordelia as he asked with his eyes.
‘Cordelia. Shall I do it?’
At Jude’s question, Cordelia blinked her eyes, but she immediately smiled. She swung her fist into the air and answered.
‘Show them.’
How strong my Jude is.
What Cheonmujiche can do that made Landius say curse words out of his mouth.
Winning was impossible.
It was nearly impossible for the current Jude to subdue him who had the names of First Sword and Sword Saint.
But if it was just to make him move six times.
If Jude didn’t lose within those five times.
Jude took a deep breath.
He chanted the mnemonic chant of the Ninth Heaven’s Nine Doors, and stimulated his newly developed middle dantian.
It had risen to a new level during his time at the Temple of Life.
A power that had never been seen before.
The Supreme Sun Divine Art responded.
A black energy rose from Jude’s body, and at the same time, the doors of Ninth Heaven’s Nine Doors began to open one by one.
First door.
Second door.
Third door.
Fourth door.
And.
‘Fifth door.’
The fifth door.
The one that reached a completely different level from his previous ones!
Bang!
His energy exploded.
Not only the atmosphere, but the stage also shook for a moment. Everyone who were watching were surprised by the sudden rise of power.
First Sword was no different.
His eyes that had looked easygoing were now surprised.
And immediately after.
When everyone were still in shock of what had happened.
Jude kicked the ground.
He turned into a black gale and rushed towards First Sword.
Pleiades had a long history, and several countries had existed before the Sälen Kingdom and the Argon Empire.
Like Magellan, the magic kingdom founded by the ancient elves, or the Iron Kingdom, a kingdom founded by the ancient dwarves.
Among those countries, the Iron Kingdom was actually a union of seven city states, but each city was located far away from each other, so their cultural developments differed.
‘Sword Seeker.’
Sword Seeker was one of the Iron Kingdom’s seven cities and was considered together with Frost Anvil as twin cities.
As the city’s name implied, the dwarves living in Sword Seeker sought for the ultimate sword.
The most perfect sword.
The ideal sword.
The sword of swords.
Since it was a place where many dwarven artisans gathered, each dwarf naturally had a different opinion on what an ultimate sword should be, but the dwarves of Sword Seeker eventually came to a decision to focus their resources and skills into one goal.
‘Let’s make seven swords.’
If they couldn’t have the same opinion on what a perfect and ideal sword was, they should then make seven swords and not just one.
One could say that it was no longer an ultimate sword from the moment they decided it to be seven, but all the dwarven artisans enthusiastically cheered and approved that proposal.
‘Once we finish it, the swords that we made will be recognized as the ultimate sword!’
So until then, let’s keep it a secret so that we can still receive operating expenses. Maybe those other dwarves are thinking of the same thing, but maybe they aren’t either. ‘Coz In the end, we’ll the ones to make the ultimate sword!
It was said that King Endymion, the king of the magic kingdom of Magellan, heard this story later on and figured out the intentions of the dwarves, and he was said to have left the following comments.
“Those arrogant b*stards. But that’s just how dwarven artisans are.”
They were arrogant and self-righteous but were also the kind to pour endless love and effort to their creations.
Like King Endymion had said, the dwarves created those swords for their own reasons, and thus, the seven swords of Sword Seeker, the so-called ‘Ultimate Seven’ series, were born.
‘And the key you need to get that Ultimate Seven series.’
‘The Key Sword.’
Sword Seeker’s dwarven artisans made into a sword the key where the Ultimate Seven series were sealed, and as dwarven artisans of Sword Seeker, they didn’t just haphazardly create the Key Sword.
Because of that, the Key Sword was considered a proper sword and not a key after the fall of the Iron Kingdom, and nearly a thousand years after its collapse, it became a situation where only a few people knew of the existence of the Key Sword.
‘But it’s right here, right now.’
‘That Key Sword has appeared!’
Cordelia and Jude looked at each other and smiled again.
Lucas and the prospects from the north, who were sitting at the same table as them, were curious about the two suddenly looking and smiling at each other, but it was only for a short time.
It was a famous fact that they were a couple who acted so sweet that they would smile from just looking at each other.
Therefore, Jude and Cordelia avoided suspicion, and the two began to exchange a more detailed conversation through <Message> magic.
[The Key Sword is a jackpot, a jackpot.]
[If it’s the Ultimate Seven series, I agree, I agree. It’s almost a graduation item if I get this.]
[Ufufu, I like it. One of the Ultimate Seven series can be used by a wizard.]
She was talking about the magic sword, Magic Blaster, one of the Ultimate Seven.
[Explosive Blade?]
[Yes, the Explosive Blade.]
Cordelia’s eyes seemed to be sparkling, and she eventually began to be ecstatic.
The magic sword of explosions.
The Explosive Blade, Magic Blaster, could deal powerful explosions.
[Ah~ I want to have it.]
[Uuuh…yes. I’ll definitely get it for you.]
But Jude thought that it would have been better if she had wanted a pretty, cute, and lovely item.
‘Anyway, I have no choice but to get it since Cordelia wants it.’
[By the way, Jude. Are you aiming for that?]
[Yes, that.]
One of the swords in the Ultimate Seven series, and the one that seemed to suit the current Jude the most.
[Ufufu, I like it.]
[Well, I’ll have to get that Key Sword first.]
[Eh? Isn’t that ours already? Isn’t my Lord Jude the winner already?]
As Cordelia spoke in a cute manner after a long time, Jude took a deep breath before he turned to Lucas sitting next to him and the other prospects around them. He then recited a heartfelt apology in his mind.
‘I’m sorry, but I’ll be doing my best.’
I really need that Key Sword.
Moreover, Cordelia’s looking forward to it, so I have no choice but to do my very best.
But it was at that moment.
When Sir Cornwell stepped back after introducing the tournament’s prize, the true host of the banquet, Duke Spencer, appeared.
‘Princess Darianne is also with him.’
Cordelia saw them.
Princess Darianne quietly stood next to the tall and thin Duke Spencer, and as she looked around the banquet hall, she prettily smiled when she met eyes with Jude and Cordelia.
It seemed like she was looking around to find the two in the first place.
“I am Duke Spencer. The person next to me is Her Royal Highness, Princess Darianne, so be sure to greet her respectfully.”
It hadn’t been long since his chronic illness was healed, so he looked a little pale, but his voice sounded clear and strong.
Duke Spencer and all the prospects courteously bowed and greeted her, and Princess Darianne greeted them briefly in return. Duke Spencer then spoke again.
“I’ll cut it short and get to the point.”
Whether it was his original personality, or he found it difficult to speak for a long time, Duke Spencer’s speech was short and clear, and to summarize his words, it was as follows.
They were originally going to hold a tournament in a form of a fighting match, as per tradition.
But at the founding celebration, the kingdom would be hosting a fighting tournament too.
If someone got injured in the Banquet of Swords, they wouldn’t be able to participate in the kingdom’s fighting tournament, so after much consideration, it was decided that a somewhat different tournament would be held this time.
Having spoken so far, Duke Spencer turned to the side and greeted the man, who had mysteriously erased his presence earlier, as he now came up to the stage.
“I’m sure everyone knows him. He is the pride of the Sälen Kingdom and the First Sword of my Sword School, the Sword Saint of Light, Rhun Froud.”
Duke Spencer’s voice was full of pride as he introduced First Sword, and the way he looked at First Sword was also very warm, as if he was looking at his own child.
“Fortunately, thanks to Rhun’s cooperation, we are able to avoid any possible injuries and hold a tournament for all the prospects gathered here. Rhun, I’ll let you explain the rest.”
“Yes, Your Excellency, Duke Spencer.”
First Sword politely thanked him before he stepped forward and spoke with a playful smile.
“This tournament will be a match against me. Of course, that doesn’t mean that you have to win against me. Frankly, that would be a bit unreasonable. It would be more like a scam if we had a contest like that.”
First Sword said it while slightly jesting, but no one laughed at it.
It wasn’t because First Sword’s joke wasn’t funny. Rather, the prospects were excited about the fact that they would get a chance to fight against First Sword.
First Sword.
The strongest person in the Sword School.
A young genius who gained the title of Sword Saint in his late twenties.
They would be facing him with their swords.
They would be crossing swords with him.
Unlike Lucas and Jude who had someone from the Ten Great Swordmasters as their parents, the other prospects had never even crossed swords with a swordsman at that level.
But now, they would be able to cross swords with the Sword Saint of Light, First Sword.
It was natural for them to be fired up.
“The rules are simple. The first prospect to make me move six times is the winner.”
Six times.
First Sword raised five fingers before he winked, and the target of his wink was very obvious.
Jude Bayer.
The second son of Count Bayer, one of the Ten Great Swordmasters.
‘Actually, it’s because of you.’
The reason why they held this kind of competition instead of the usual tournament.
It wasn’t just because of the kingdom’s tournament.
There was one more important reason.
‘He’s too strong.’
He was much stronger than the other prospects.
Perhaps Lucas was the only one here who could compete against Jude.
Wouldn’t the prospects look too pitiful if there was such a difference in skill?
‘The Banquet of Swords is for the sake of the prospects.’
It was not to see a gladiator-like battle of the prospects from all over the country.
Since their growth was the goal, they couldn’t just force them to fight like a survival of the fittest.
“What do you think? Do you think it’s worth it trying to make me move just five times?”
First Sword asked in jest again, and the prospects’ eyes sparkled as they roughly breathed.
Everyone seemed to be very excited.
“Hmm, I like this. Don’t you think so, Your Excellency?”
“You’re right. The mood is very heated.”
Duke Spencer smiled like a teacher and glanced at Sir Cornwell, who stepped forward with a box that one could put their hands in.
“From now on, we’ll decide the order of who will fight First Sword first. Let’s begin with the prospects from the capital, please come forward.”
Lucian and the other prospects from the capital stood up with very nervous faces, and they were followed by those from the south and then the north.
‘Jude, Jude. What’s your number.’
’21.’
‘You’re the last one?’
‘It’s like I’m the main character.’
As Jude smiled and stared at her, Cordelia smiled in surprise and soon nodded.
‘Then, will you show me a protagonist-like performance?’
‘Yes, since the heroine is watching.’
‘Hmph, what are you talking about?’
Cordelia snorted but she looked pleased as she turned to the side.
She saw Lucas holding a slip of paper with an excited face like that of a child, and when she peeked at the slip of paper, the number 19 was written on it.
“Alright! Shall we get started now then? Number 1, come forward!”
First Sword spiritedly shouted before he climbed up the stage that had already been prepared.
It was a large stage with a length and width of nearly 20 meters each, and it was so high that one had to climb up five steps.
“You don’t have to be so reserved. Just don’t cross the line.”
At Duke Spencer’s words, the prospects blinked their eyes as they couldn’t understand his words right away, so Sir Cornwell smiled and pointed to the lines drawn around the stage.
In other words, they could stand and watch from the sides.
“T-then.”
“Then, me too.”
“Let’s go too.”
Most of the prospects were children of nobles so they were naturally quite reserved, but in the end, they were still humans.
As soon as they got up from their seats, their appearance as they quickly ran towards the line looked somehow cute.
“I wish the audience seats were a little higher.”
Cordelia spoke as she stood in tiptoes, and Jude smiled before he said.
“My princess, would you like to sit on my shoulders?”
“Hey, I’m wearing a skirt, okay?”
No, before that, what do you mean by sit on your shoulders? Everyone will look at us if that happens.
Cordelia clicked her tongue as if to tell him to consider the time and place, and she looked back towards the stage while Jude giggled before he looked in the same direction too.
“Alright, let’s get started.”
First Sword stood in the middle of the stage and casually spoke as he stretched out his arms, and the young man from the south, who pulled the number 1 slip, took a deep breath as he closed his eyes.
Because he didn’t want to waste this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.
He calmed down his excitement and regained his composure.
So that he could show them the best that he could do.
First Sword found such a prospect commendable. He waited for some time, and when the prospect finally drew his sword and charged, First Sword showed off his quick sword that made everyone call him the Sword Saint of Light.
Shwaaak-!
His sword made the other sword slip.
The sword swung by the southern prospect with all his might was flung out so naturally.
“When you swung the sword, your power was not fully transmitted. Let’s do it again.”
As First Sword gently smiled and said, the southern prospect looked shocked, and so did those who were outside the stage.
What his words meant.
His declaration of ‘let’s do it again.’
‘An educational sparring match!’
First Sword said that the person who could make him move six times was the winner.
In other words, he meant that he would play with his opponent up to five times.
“A bit of flashy technique is fine. Your skill is good even if you had trouble making it work well.”
First Sword’s words sounded reassuring.
The southern prospect almost looked like he was about to cry, but he soon picked his sword and repositioned himself while looking very moved.
He looked at First Sword with respect, gratitude and all kinds of good feelings, and First Sword answered with a smile.
“Come.”
“Yes!”
The southern prospect answered in reflex and rushed towards First Sword again, and First Sword very simply turned the attack of the prospect into nothing again this time.
Two more times left.
And after the five times were done…
The southern prospect missed in the last and fifth exchange, but his face was full of joy.
“Thank you very much.”
“Your skill isn’t bad. Will you be better by the next time we meet?”
“Yes!”
“Okay, I look forward to it.”
It was the words of First Sword and not anyone else.
The prospect had a boyish face as if he played with the sports player that he admired, and he came down the stage with tears of emotion. Rachel Bloom, the prospect from the north who picked the number 2 slip, climbed onto the stage very quickly.
“Ahem, I’m sorry for person #1, but I like person #2 more. Beauties are the treasures of this world.”
At First Sword’s joke, Rachel’s cheeks flushed red, but it wasn’t that evident.
Because her face was already red before she went onto the stage.
“I’ll begin.”
“Do as much as you can.”
And once again, it happened five times.
Rachel got off the stage with a very excited face, and the prospects stepped onto the stage one after another.
“Is this the Sage King’s Cross Sword? You have inherited well Count Hræsvelgr’s sword. Five times are almost not enough.”
First Sword said as he pointed his sword to Lucas’ neck, but it wasn’t idle chatter.
Unlike the previous prospects who he easily dealt with, even the First Sword had to be really sincere when he fought Lucas.
“Thank you…for the compliment.”
Lucas’ expression was also different from the previous prospects.
Rather than the joy of facing the First Sword with their sword, regret and frustration were in his eyes since he couldn’t make First Sword do it for the sixth time.
“That’s good.”
His expression made First Sword even happier.
Because he liked Lucas’ desire to improve.
“Next.”
The 20th prospect.
The boy, who was a prospect from the royal capital, was not much different from the previous prospects. Their spar was finished in five moves with a relatively calm atmosphere.
And the time had finally come.
Sir Cornwell’s eyes were filled with the light of anticipation as he watched with a relaxed face, and Duke Spencer also watched in seriousness.
“Jude Bayer.”
The second son of Count Bayer.
The younger brother of Gaël Bayer, who was said to be one of the next Ten Great Swordmasters.
Jude climbed up the stage, and all the prospects who had witnessed his fight with Lucian swallowed in nervousness.
Lucas also looked up the stage with mixed emotions.
This was because of the fact that only Lucas and Cordelia were aware of.
‘Landius-nim’s disciple.’
Iron Man Landius.
A man who might be the strongest among all the humans in Pleiades.
Jude was the only disciple of such Landius.
No, even before he was a disciple of Landius, he was a genius who had already shown amazing talent.
‘Cheonmujiche.’
The incarnation of martial arts from the heavens.
Lucas wanted to see Jude in making the First Sword move his sword for the sixth time.
But on the other hand, he didn’t want to see it. Because of the childish envy that still lingered in his mind.
‘No, it’s not like that.’
Because I just want to see him become much stronger.
Because I want to see the appearance of my rival moving far away, and make me want to pursue him even more.
With clenched fists, Lucas calmed himself and looked at Jude’s back, while Cordelia prayed as she held her hands together.
‘Please let Jude win!’
As always, let him be #1 again!
And as for First Sword.
The person who originally proposed this kind of tournament.
“The time has come.”
First Sword smiled as he looked at Jude standing in front of him.
His smile was very playful, but also felt creepy at the same time.
‘Don’t tell me…’
At the moment Jude had flinched, First Sword moved.
Unlike before, he readied his sword in his light-like swordsmanship style.
Among the numerous swordsmanship in the Sword School, his Light Swordsmanship boasted of being the fastest.
The fastest sword that gave First Sword his name of the Sword Saint of Light.
“Can I give you a little special treatment?”
First Sword said, and everyone around the stage became enthusiastic at that moment.
It wasn’t because they heard First Sword’s voice.
It was enthusiasm from the fact that Jude had made the First Sword drew his sword and made him take a stance.
‘F*ck.’
Jude thought to himself, and so did Cordelia who was outside the stage.
‘First Sword is a crazy b*stard!’
He’s shameless!
But First Sword did not hear Jude and Cordelia’s protests in their minds. Even if he had heard it, he would have ignored it.
“Come, let’s go.”
Show me your skills.
Jude took a deep breath at First Sword’s provoking look. He gently turned his head and looked at Cordelia as he asked with his eyes.
‘Cordelia. Shall I do it?’
At Jude’s question, Cordelia blinked her eyes, but she immediately smiled. She swung her fist into the air and answered.
‘Show them.’
How strong my Jude is.
What Cheonmujiche can do that made Landius say curse words out of his mouth.
Winning was impossible.
It was nearly impossible for the current Jude to subdue him who had the names of First Sword and Sword Saint.
But if it was just to make him move six times.
If Jude didn’t lose within those five times.
Jude took a deep breath.
He chanted the mnemonic chant of the Ninth Heaven’s Nine Doors, and stimulated his newly developed middle dantian.
It had risen to a new level during his time at the Temple of Life.
A power that had never been seen before.
The Supreme Sun Divine Art responded.
A black energy rose from Jude’s body, and at the same time, the doors of Ninth Heaven’s Nine Doors began to open one by one.
First door.
Second door.
Third door.
Fourth door.
And.
‘Fifth door.’
The fifth door.
The one that reached a completely different level from his previous ones!
Bang!
His energy exploded.
Not only the atmosphere, but the stage also shook for a moment. Everyone who were watching were surprised by the sudden rise of power.
First Sword was no different.
His eyes that had looked easygoing were now surprised.
And immediately after.
When everyone were still in shock of what had happened.
Jude kicked the ground.
He turned into a black gale and rushed towards First Sword.
