Chapter 348: Chapter 227: I’m Looking Forward to It_2
But as the saying goes, even a dying camel is larger than a horse. The Vitali Empire once relied on the Ares Cult as its state religion and reaped the benefits of war. Today, at least on the Central Earth continent of Elariya, it remains a colossal entity that Luwalden can only look up to.
It is said that the War God’s setback was instigated by Tiamat, the five-colored goddess worshipped by the Crimson Calamity.
Consequently, the Ares Cult now harbors a deep-seated hatred for dragons.
The news that their Port of Wallens in Luwalden had been occupied by an offspring of the Crimson Calamity was the most critical opportunity for cooperation between them.
Klinsmann knew he had to seize this chance to bind the Vitali Empire to this dragon-hunting war.
The King arrived and, with a gesture, bade the assembled courtiers and guests to be seated once more. He then began to make tentative small talk.
Martial Master Kasim cast a meaningful look at the young king, who, though only three years on the throne, had at least ensured the continuous and orderly recovery of Luwalden’s Royal Capital.
"Your Majesty Klinsmann," Kasim said, "I must say, your call to arms has far exceeded my expectations. I never imagined that, besides the renowned legendary Dragon Slayer Baptiste whom you invited, you would also manage to gather so many enviable warriors from such diverse races."
Klinsmann was somewhat surprised by this but feigned humble foreknowledge, saying, "Doesn’t this merely prove the sincerity and determination behind my invitation to the warriors of the Central Earth nations? To organize this grand ceremony, we in Luwalden have truly exhausted our national strength."
Having missed the earlier, perhaps more tedious, selection contests—as no one would have been thoughtless enough to interrupt his enjoyment with the dancing girls—he began to wonder if Martial Master Kasim was actually, and uncharacteristically, complimenting him.
In my experience, Kasim is known for his pride—this is out of character for him!
His right hand, resting on the armrest, curled slightly, and a guard immediately presented the list of participants and a summary of the results.
Klinsmann offered an apologetic smile and, while sipping his tea, scanned the information on the list.
Some of the more striking battles on the list immediately matched up with the names of neutral powerhouses he knew in Central Earth.
However, as he read on, his brow gradually furrowed:
Drow Alianna, with her exceptional combat skills, defeated a Dracolich in five minutes without sustaining a scratch.
Impressive... a Drow. Could she be from Naferutali’s personal guard?
Ogre Monado engaged an adult Dracolich bare-handed, subduing it with sheer strength.
...Where did this Ogre come from? Klinsmann was puzzled.
The Barbarian Warrior Rosinde ended the battle with a single move, sending the arena into a near frenzy.
Barbarians? Klinsmann began to sense something was awry.
Mage Tania descended into the arena using her "Dance of the Air." At her appearance, the draconic beast submitted without a fight, trembling like a leaf. After a light, dissatisfied scolding from the Mage, it collapsed unconscious, foaming at the mouth.
What in the world?! Klinsmann felt like these competition records were mocking him! That damn recorder must be a Bard in disguise!
Mages are naturally at a disadvantage when facing draconic beasts, which possess partial elemental resistance. A powerful Mage might be able to toy with or even overwhelm a draconic beast.
But for a powerful draconic beast to cower without a fight? What was going on?
A legendary Mage, perhaps?
He couldn’t be so arrogant as to believe he could invite a legendary Mage, nor could the national treasury necessarily afford one.
Then Klinsmann’s gaze froze on the next entry.
After the Dwarf Bergin entered, the assembled Dracoliches grew agitated, none daring to enter the arena, suggesting...
A legendary individual.
Legendary individuals are almost invariably figures of renown across the planes.
Yet Klinsmann wracked his brain; he could not recall ever hearing this name before, especially for a dwarf.
Just as a bead of sweat began to form on Klinsmann’s forehead, his uncle’s voice reached his ears.
"I’ve checked. These individuals of unknown origin all came through Naferutali’s recommendations. Shall we prepare to clear the area as a precaution?"
Klinsmann, however, immediately shook his head at Martial Master Kasim, who had also grown suspicious, signaling that this legendary dwarf’s sudden appearance was equally surprising to him.
Simultaneously, he cautioned his uncle, "No. If Naferutali dared to bring this legendary fighter into the open, she must have a backup plan. If a fight breaks out, it might not be a simple three-versus-two situation."
As he spoke, he glanced again at Drow Naferutali, who was clinging to Count Pablo and feigning ignorance. He responded via Magic Messaging, "Besides, the situation remains unclear. If I were Naferutali, I would never choose this moment to attack me. Even if she succeeded in killing me, she would only gain a completely shattered Luwalden. Moreover, she would risk provoking an attack from the Vitali Empire for ’openly challenging’ its authority."
"Most importantly, for a Drow, a hidden hand is always most powerful when held in reserve, not played."
"Let’s ’wait and see’ for now. I have a feeling she intends to use this card to gain something from me. In other words, she might want to negotiate."
He was interested to see what kind of gifts and surprises this Drow would bring him.
As long as he could successfully deal with the dragon threat at the Port of Wallens and reclaim the vital tax revenue from the port, he wouldn’t mind making some concessions.
As time passed and dusk settled, a series of ’brave warriors fighting Evil Dragons’ matches brought the grand ceremony to its climax. The crowd already knew of the headline act: a legend who had resolved dragon threats for the nations of Central Earth multiple times and, in his younger days, had even slaughtered a young Red Dragon.
"Finally, please welcome our special honored guest, the key figure in our dragon-hunting plan, a legend known throughout the lands, the bane of dragons, the slayer of the Crimson Flame—the Dragon Slayer, Lord Baptiste!!!"
With the announcer’s grand introduction, the excited audience erupted in cheers and applause.
"Correspondingly, we understand that neither Dracolich nor draconic beasts can fully showcase our Dragon Slayer’s prowess. Therefore, for this grand ceremony, we have specially leased a True Dragon—a mature White Dragon from the Drow of the Gloomy Region—to serve as Lord Baptiste’s opponent and the ’prey’ for this exhibition match..."
At this point, the announcer’s voice faltered unnaturally. He cleared his throat twice before continuing, "My apologies, an unexpected situation has arisen. The White Dragon, apparently intimidated by Lord Baptiste’s renown, bit off its own tail in distress and is now unsuitable for the exhibition match. However, esteemed guests, please rest assured. We anticipated such contingencies and have a young Red Dragon prepared. Lord Baptiste, would you object to a last-minute change of opponent?"
Hearing this, Klinsmann’s expression on the viewing platform grew even more troubled, his hands clenching tightly.
When had he heard about a dragon being prepared in advance? True Dragons weren’t as common as cabbages!
Yet the uninformed public praised and cheered their king’s boldness and foresight.
"Of course, I don’t mind," Baptiste’s voice boomed. "Besides, you’ve made a mistake. What challenge is a White Dragon? A Red Dragon, even a young one, isn’t necessarily weaker than a mature White Dragon. On the contrary, a Red Dragon might offer a far more spectacular performance. Release it. I am quite looking forward to this."
"Very well! Since our legendary Dragon Slayer has no objections, then let us introduce Lord Baptiste’s ’challenger’ for today—the great offspring of the Crimson Calamity!
"The Flame Steel Dragon!
"Lord of the Katjana mountain range!
"The Guardian of the Port of Wallens—
"Saphistouin Karatrulka David Uthos Sed Ponga!!!"
The entire square instantly erupted in a tumultuous uproar.
"What?!!" Klinsmann shot up from his seat as if his backside were on fire, looking incredulously towards another exit of the arena, but he did not see the nightmare that had haunted his waking thoughts today.