[You mean, you lost a Darksteel Grandmaster, but couldn't even manage to leave the Black Knight with a scratch?]
"Someone else is causing trouble, and that guy... he's ridiculously strong."
Old Darksteel's voice was low and deep as he attempted to explain.
"Our arrows were completely ineffective against him; he even..."
I don't want to hear excuses.
[The new Cavaliers Tournament starts in three months. What if the Black Knight win their fourth title...?]
"... We will do our best to make amends."
[... This seems quite troublesome. Is it a retired Campaign Knight? Or some knightly family that refuses to fade into obscurity?]
"No..."
Old Darksteel recalled the scene from that time, his tone becoming somewhat strange.
"It's a weirdo... with a TV on his head."
"He caught our sniper shot with his bare hands and even threw the arrow back, which collapsed half of the building."
Are you kidding me?
"No..."
[... Find out his background and purpose, and what his relationship is with the Black Knight.]
[As for the Black Knight himself... two Darksteel attacking simultaneously should be enough to solve the problem, right?]
"As long as... that monster doesn't cause trouble." Darksteel didn't dare to speak too definitively this time.
That's your problem. Don't let the Federation think that your arrows... have gone dull.
Click--
Communication was unilaterally cut off.
In the dimly lit room, the old man slowly put down the communicator, his face unusually pale.
A weak voice came from the shadows beside him; it was another Darksteel who had narrowly escaped but was severely injured.
"Feel sorry..."
That's enough.
Old Darksteel interrupted him, his voice weary.
"I should have taught you that if you miss your first strike, you must flee immediately..."
"But that's a monster! You saw it yourself! Even a full-force sniper shot couldn't make him move an inch!"
"..."
"I'm sorry... I lost my composure."
"Let Roy and Monique investigate; assign any extra manpower to them."
"... Aren't you afraid those two Lazurite will take advantage of the situation and become too powerful? They weren't that loyal to begin with."
"I almost hope they have some other intentions." Old Darksteel's voice was cold and disgusted.
"In that case, perhaps we'll have two more pieces of Darksteel that we can put to use..."
"Huh? You want the two of us to investigate a monster that even Darksteel couldn't handle?"
Roy, a blue-haired Kuranta youth and one of the two current Lazurite, has a handsome face etched with trouble.
"Yes, and they generously assigned all the personnel to our command."
Another woman in Feline, Monique, his partner, was leisurely trimming her nails.
"This level of attention is truly overwhelming."
"Doesn't this clearly show that the target is so difficult that even Darksteel failed?" Roy put down the command book, scratched his head, and
"Could it be a retired Silverlance?"
"Who knows?" Monique blew on her nails, then looked up at Roy.
"'A strange person with a TV on their head'... that's quite interesting. Have there been any related rumors or eyewitness reports in the city lately?"
"Not yet, it might be a disguise." Roy shook his head.
"However, the Black Knight has reappeared in the public eye... no wonder those old men up there are getting restless."
"Roy, I know where the target is..."
"So fast?"
Monique handed the terminal to her partner, Roy, who took it and read out the title.
"Shocking! The Black Knight was being kept by someone while he was gone... Aren't these lunatics afraid the Black Knight will come knocking on their door?"
Roy was shocked, but he still managed to find the hotel's name in the picture.
"It's so simple, could it be a trap?"
"Let someone give it a try."
"Someone too weak is pointless. Who would be more suitable...?"
The two Lazurite brethren exchanged a glance, and both saw the same name in each other's eyes.
"Let Platinum go." x2
"Boss, hurry up! Silence and the others are already waiting downstairs!"
"Don't rush, drink the medicine first."
After drinking the potion, Ifrit jogged downstairs, and Gregor looked at the trio of Kjerag.
"Aren't you going? They specifically chose a large private room."
"Thank you for your kind offer, but I have an appointment with the Business Federation. Watching the game on TV is just as good."
"Hehe, I'm a bodyguard after all, I have to stick with the boss."
"Don't look at me, one third wheel is enough... Pfft!"
SilverAsh elbowed Gnosis, covering his friend's mouth.
"Then I'll be going now..."
Have fun, my friend.
Gregor left and reunited with Saria and the others. Silence was still somewhat intimidated by Gregor, but she still managed a smile and greeted him.
Seeing this, Gregor wisely moved to the passenger seat, leaving space for the three people in the back.
On the way to the arena, Gregor calmed himself down and discussed things with his brothers in the group.
[Gregor: According to Saria's tests, Ifrit's condition seems to have stabilized. Do you have any leads?]
[Vera: Perhaps it's the effect of the medicine.]
[Gorth:@Wei Vane]
[Vane: The potion's effect is part of it, but the cleanroom environment must also be a factor... Does Originium lose internet access in another world?]
[Gregor: Anyway, it's good that the illness hasn't worsened. Second brother, you don't need to rush things. Just be careful.]
[Vera: Don't worry about me. Take Ifrit and relax.]
[Gorth: Boss, do you have some free time later? I'd like to borrow the Ten Percent Off.]
[Gregor: Yes, I'll give it to you in a bit.]
[Vera: What happened?]
[Gorth: A group of refugees have come to this part of the forest. I'm trying to communicate with them.]
[Vane: Aren't you learning Ursus? Where are your teacher and students?]
[Gorth: We've only been learning for three days... As for Alina and Talulah, they've taken leave.]
[Vane: Then be careful, those Ursus commoners are really disgusting.]
[Gorth: This isn't like playing Stellaris...]
[Vane: You'll understand.]
We've arrived.
A calm voice interrupted Gregor's thoughts; they had arrived at the arena.
The group entered the passage and headed upwards, after Gregor suggested they leave for a while.
Saria offered to come along, Gregor politely declined.
"If you can't find your room, you can ask the staff. I'll have someone wait here."
"I'm not a child..."
After saying goodbye to the others, Gregor found a secluded corner and returned to the hall.
"Are you kidding me! I'm a newbie, and you've arranged for me to face the Rusty Knight in my very first match?! Are you trying to kill me?!"
The knight, clad in light black armor, slammed his hands heavily on the desk. Behind the desk, a middle-aged merchant kept wiping his forehead with a handkerchief, a forced smile on his face.
"Calm down, this is the Business Federation's decision. I can add more money, why don't you think about it..."
"Consider? You're pushing me into a fire pit!"
The young knight's voice trembled as he pointed to the game footage playing on the screen on the wall.
In the scene, the knight, like a steel beast, is smashing his opponent's arm armor, bones and all, to pieces.
"That guy fell from his high position because he intentionally crippled his opponent and violated safety regulations, resulting in heavy penalties and demerit points!"
"You want me to be his 'stepping stone for comeback'? Do you think I'm stupid?!"
"You can't say that..." the merchant tried to appease, forcing a smile.
"Look on the bright side, a duel with the Rusty Knight will definitely garner a lot of attention! This is your best chance to make a name for yourself! As long as you show... uh, a little tenacity..."
"[Kazimierz's profanity!]" the knight interrupted him, turning and walking towards the door.
"I want to be famous, but I don't want to lose my life! You should find someone else!"
"Wait! Don't forget the contract we signed!" The businessman exclaimed, rushing out from behind his desk to try and stop him.
"Get out of my way!" The knight drew his sword with a backhand motion, pointing it directly at the merchant's nose.
"I can afford the penalty for breach of contract! As for you... you'd better think about how to explain this to the Business Federation!"
Bang--!
The door slammed shut, and the young knight's chest heaved violently, a mixture of anger and lingering fear.
He knew he had completely offended the Business Federation, but he preferred this path to being crippled by the Rusty Knight in the arena.
He needs to leave here immediately and get out of Kazimierz as soon as possible...
The knight quickened his pace and turned the corner.
The knight stumbled back a few steps after colliding solidly with the sturdy body.
"[Kazimierz's profanity!] Are you blind...?!"
Gregor: Silent gaze (jpg)
"I'm so sorry!"
The knight ducked and dodged, rushing towards the distant exit as if fleeing.
Watching the rash knight disappear into the distance, Gregor shook his head and headed for the elevator.
The indicator light flickered and gradually reached his floor, just as he was about to enter.
A series of hurried footsteps came from behind...
After the knight left, the merchant became anxious, as the staff were already urging him to make preparations.
But the knights are already gone, what can he do? Go in himself?
Gritting his teeth, the merchant prepared to flee, but the entire Grand Knight Territory belonged to the Commercial Union; where could he possibly go?
He rushed out the door in a daze, only to Big Mouth Mob's impassioned opening remarks already ringing out.
Just as he was about to run out the door, staff members rushed out from both sides and started hurling insults at him.
"What are you doing? The game is about to start! Where are the Cavaliers?"
Faced with the other party's questioning, the businessman broke out in a cold sweat:
"I'm all ready, I'll be there soon."
Walking back under their suspicious gazes, the merchant was filled with despair.
He gritted his teeth and prepared to go on stage himself.
But just then, Gregor, who was waiting for the elevator, came into his view.
"My lord knight! Please! Follow me! I'll pay! Any amount will do! Please!!!"
Gregor: "..."
Are the staff here so highly professional?
Is it really necessary to go to such lengths just to show someone the way?
With doubts in his mind, Gregor followed the other person into the elevator.
As he watched the other person press the button for the lower level, Gregor's doubts deepened.
Are there private boxes on the basement level? Is it a special viewing area?
Inside the private room, Ifrit pouted and looked towards the door:
"Why hasn't the boss arrived yet? Did he get lost again?"
Saria gently ruffled her hair:
"Don't worry, I've arranged for staff to wait in the passageway to guide us. We can watch the game while we wait."
"All right..."
Ifrit reluctantly turned her attention to the massive arena below.
Big Mouth Mob's inflammatory voice resounded throughout the venue through the loudspeakers:
"Dear viewers! Let me hear your cheers! Today, we will witness a showdown full of 'contrast' and 'suspense'!"
"Stop talking nonsense! Start already! I specifically bought a front-row ticket to see the Rusty Knight!" someone in the audience shouted.
"Haha, it seems our audience is already impatient!"
Mob didn't care at all, pointing one finger at the huge screen in the air.
"So, first of all, let us welcome with the warmest cheers the one who has returned from setbacks, vowing to reclaim everything—"
He drew out his voice and roared with all his might:
"The Rusty Knight - Ormer!!!"
"Oooooooooo--!!!"
Amidst the roaring cheers, a tall, imposing figure strode out from a side passage.
His armor was thick and menacing, its dark red and Rust Copper paint resembling dried blood and decaying metal.
He brandished his weapon at the audience, eliciting even more frenzied screams.
Inside the private room, Saria's brows immediately furrowed.
The aura emanating from this knight was far too violent; he was definitely not a benevolent person.
She glanced at the enthusiastic Ifrit, a pang of regret crossing her mind—she really should have checked the match schedule more carefully before buying the tickets.
Mob's commentary continues:
"And his opponent... cough cough, is a newcomer who has just stepped into the arena!"
A chorus of boos immediately erupted from the audience. Mob, experienced as ever, quickly raised his voice.
"However! This newcomer should not be underestimated! According to reliable sources, before coming to Kazimierz, he was a top mercenary active in multiple countries!"
The hissing subsided slightly, while curious and scrutinizing gazes increased.
"Then let's welcome this mysterious newcomer with equally enthusiastic applause—"
The spotlight suddenly shone on the exit on the other side.
"Black Iron Knight!!!"
Inside the passageway, it was dark and silent.
One second, two seconds, three seconds...
No one came out.
The room gradually quieted down, and whispers began to circulate. Big Mouth Mob broke out in a cold sweat, forcing a smile as he tried to smooth things over:
"Ahem! It seems our new friend is a little shy and needs more enthusiasm! Come on, let's give him a warmer round of applause!"
Scattered applause and urging whistles rang out, but the passageway remained deserted.
The sounds of staff members shouting angrily could be faintly heard from backstage, and obvious dissatisfaction and restlessness began to emerge from the audience.
Just as Big Mouth Mob was about to give up and was about to insert a commercial break to change the subject—
A tall figure emerged from the shadows, but his steps were unsteady, with a hint of... hesitation?
"Here it comes! Here it comes! Haha, just like the protagonist of all legendary stories, it always makes its grand entrance last!"
Mob breathed a sigh of relief and quickly composed himself.
"It seems our Black Iron Knight is well-versed in this art, aiming to leave a lasting impression on everyone!"
The spotlight followed closely, until the figure was clearly projected onto the big screen—
The entire arena fell into a deathly silence.
Everyone stared intently at the screen, then suddenly turned their heads to look at the truly "outstanding" figure in the center of the arena below.
The brief portrait of the "Black Iron Knight" shown on the screen just now depicted a young knight of average build wearing thin black armor.
And this person under the spotlight...
Tall and imposing, with a menacing appearance, though also clad in black armor...
But it's not the same person at all!
Big Mouth Mob was momentarily stunned, then cursed the staff a thousand times in his heart, but on the surface he immediately explained.
"Haha, it seems the Black Iron Knight is taking this match very seriously! He even changed into a stronger suit of armor before setting off..."
After a brief silence, a burst of laughter and skepticism erupted!
"Hahaha, what is that thing? Is that tattered armor supposed to be a joke?"
"This is clearly a change of personnel, isn't it? Has the Business Federation gone mad?"
"I bet my money on a guaranteed instant kill by the Rusty Knight! What's this?!"
"Black Iron Knight? This is more like the Black Steel Knight!"
Inside the private room, Ifrit stared in disbelief, while Silence instinctively covered her mouth.
Saria jumped up from her seat, her eyes filled with astonishment and horror.
Why is he on the field?!