Early morning, the Vitality Hall.
That's about enough.
"That should be about right."
Watching the mountain of flesh in front of him being quickly wiped out by the baby dragons, Vane nodded and stepped back a little.
"It's yours now, boss."
[Do we really want to do this?]
Looking at the young dragon lying on the ground, Gregor hesitated:
[Is it really necessary to use battles to burn off the calories just to lose weight?]
"Otherwise what? Boss, do you expect me to take him out for a run?"
Grabbing Reshiram by the tail and dragging him toward the Nursery, Vane couldn't help but complain:
"Look at him, he's only two days old, and he's already almost a ball."
[Isn't it normal for cubs to be a bit rounder?]
"Isn't the Daichi already very thin?"
Looking at the much slimmer Zekrom compared to his brother, Gregor's hesitation gradually subsided:
[Understood.]
Regardless of whether he understood or not, Gregor explained to Reshiram what he was going to do next.
Contrary to expectations of resistance, the baby dragon seemed quite excited.
Bang--!
Without warning, the punch sent the young dragon flying backward like a ball, then hovering in mid-air as if the pause button had been pressed.
With an excited howl, Reshiram swooped back and began the actual hand-to-hand combat.
As the sound grew louder, Zekrom, who had been resting quietly, became restless and roared before joining the battle.
Reshiram charged forward like a missile, while Zekrom observed Gregor's movements and was even able to evade counterattacks.
The rapid whooshing sound and violent vibrations spoke of the danger of the battle, but under Gregor's "head-patting handbrake," they became somewhat comical.
"It looks more like playing than fighting."
Watching the two baby dragons frolicking around, Gorth suddenly hallucinated his own husky and border collie.
"Is it possible that they are learning hunting techniques?" Vane suggested.
"Just like wild beasts in nature teach their cubs, perhaps Daikū and the others also need to learn?"
"Then what is this? The People's Education Press edition?"
Gorth couldn't help but complain, Vane pointed to his shadow:
"How about we let Shadow Wolf teach us?"
"... Let it go. Even summoned creatures can feel pain." Gorth shook his head and looked back at the battlefield.
As time went on, Gregor began to increase his strength, his powerful fists slamming into her repeatedly.
The young dragons, whose ferocity had been aroused by the battle, gradually regained their clarity of vision.
Gorth: "That's about enough, they're still just kids."
[It would be good to train him; after all, he's the lord's child.]
A message came through the group chat; it was Vera watching from the perspective of the two of them.
[Vera: The Dungeon's timer is about to reset; we might need their help then.]
[Vane: That's true, but I remember you were on the road, weren't you?]
[Vera: The mount will run on its own; you just need to control its direction.]
[Gorth: It's okay to stop for a bit, right? Anyway, it won't take long to watch the boss's game.]
Yes, a competition.
Apart from Vera, who was heading to the Babel Tower, the other three were there for the upcoming match.
Although they couldn't be there in person, the group decided to experience it from Gregor's perspective.
[Vera: No, Scout detected signs of the Catastrophe Cloud gathering, I need to hurry on my way.]
[Gorth: Be careful.]
[Vera: Yeah, wake me up when the game starts.]
[Vera: By the way, if Daikū and the others don't see the desired results in their weight loss, I'll take them out for a few flights.]
No one refused.
After all, compared to where the other three were located, the wastelands of Kazdel were clearly more suitable for the young dragons to roam freely.
After replying to Vera, Gorth slapped away Vane's hand that was reaching towards him.
"Don't move it, we're not even sure if it will survive."
Vane habitually shook his hand and asked, puzzled:
"Why are you growing flowers now?"
"I just wanted to test if my power could bring other plants to life."
"And then what happened?"
Gorth patted the empty flowerpot and sighed.
"... As you can see."
[The fairies in the story live in a great forest; they provide food and shelter to lost travelers and can even conjure up beautiful fields of flowers!]
Remembering the children's wishes, Gorth tightened his grip on the flowerpot.
Seeing his worry, Vane couldn't help but roll his eyes:
"You're already thinking about harvesting flowers after just planting seeds? I didn't realize you were such a greedy person."
"I call this pursuing efficiency."
He instinctively retorted, Gorth suddenly remembered their previous agreement.
"By the way, didn't you say you were going to retrieve equipment from the sea? Where's the finished product?"
"What's the rush? The Bloodline Heir have already placed it in the city; we'll send it to you all together later."
Having confirmed that he had given the order, Vane straightened his back with a resolute air.
But instead of the expected retort, Gorth simply nodded sullenly.
"... Third brother, are you tired?"
"Hmm? I'm alright."
Gorth subconsciously shook his head and asked curiously:
Why do you think that?
"Look, you've been quite busy lately."
Vane started counting on his fingers:
"Teaching classes, inventorying supplies, designing blueprints, studying magic books, and now we have to study seeds too."
"Now that you mention it... it does seem like a bit much."
"How about you take a break? Anyway, the boss won't use Ten Percent Off for the competition, so let you relax a bit."
"... Let's just forget about it."
Although somewhat tempted, Gorth still shook his head and refused.
Time may be running out; he needs to leave something for everyone in the forest.
Vane was about to say something when the shrill electronic voice interrupted him.
[Time's up--Time's up--]
Upon hearing the Ten Percent Off notification, Gregor stopped what he was doing.
"Are you leaving?" Gorth stepped forward and caught the baby dragon.
[Well, it's about time to leave.]
Using spring water to lower the temperature of his armor, Gregor, fully prepared, opened his arms to the two.
[Do I look fine?]
What could be wrong with making a Baby Cup?
Vane squinted, flew up, and patted Gregor on the shoulder.
"Boss, just make sure you don't get lost and arrive on time. It's ridiculous to be disqualified for something like this."
Gregor's body stiffened involuntarily, while Vane continued rambling:
"... I really like that trophy, boss, why don't you ask Jian for one?"
[That's just a cup. You can easily make one yourself out of Pure Gold.]
Gregor slapped Vane down and picked up his shield.
[Well then... I'm off.]
Gorth: "May your military prowess flourish."
Vane: "Be careful on the field, and don't hurt my pony."
Gregor gave Vane the middle finger and vanished in a flash of light.
"Are we really not going to wake Mr. Gregor?"
Seeing the door still tightly closed, the Courier anxiously glanced at the clock.
"All the other contestants have arrived and are ready. The competition will begin in two hours!"
"No need to rush, because rushing won't help."
Gnosis walked to the window, where blinding flashes of light continued to illuminate the scene.
"Look at those reporters, they didn't complain."
The Courier hearing this, then followed him to the window:
"There are just too many people! Are we going to have to step on them to get out of here!?"
"No need, Rhine Lab will provide a vehicle."
Saria hung up the communication device.
"After all, nominally he's representing Rhine Lab, so the security department will handle all transportation."
The Courier's expression softened considerably, and he then secretly glanced at the figure at the end of the corridor.
"What's up?"
"No... no!"
He couldn't help but swallow hard; with the match approaching, the Black Knight's fighting spirit Courier a chill down the courier's spine.
That's why he couldn't understand why the other party would make such a choice.
He patted the Courier on the shoulder, and SilverAsh patted his chest in thanks.
"In any case, thank you for your willingness to fight for Karlan Trade."
"It doesn't matter, anyway, this is my last battle in Kazimierz."
"The final battle... is even more valuable now."
With a cold snort, SilverAsh maintained his smiling face.
The Karlan Trade was a rough draft of his plan, intended to be established after his return from this trip, but a series of unexpected events brought it forward.
The soon-to-be-acquired Business Federation, and the Black Knight's brand promotion.
The creation of this masterpiece... is surprisingly lavish.
Torn between pain and pleasure at the prospect of a massive future job, SilverAsh couldn't help but cast his gaze toward the door.
As if in response, a figure that brought about many changes emerged from it.
"Sorry to keep you waiting."
"No, for you... no amount of time is too long."
Although there was no tangible body, Gregor still felt a chill.
"It's time to go."
Saria interrupted at the opportune moment, and everyone got up from their seats.
One by one, figures descended the stairs and converged on the main entrance.
Outside the hotel, reporters raised their cameras like sharks smelling blood.
The main door opened outwards, and blinding light illuminated the darkness inside the hotel.
As those figures appeared, the reporters had no time to marvel; they simply kept pressing the shutter button.
Gregor, leading the way, stepped forward first, flanked by --
"The Black Knight! He's fully armored... Could the rumors about him participating in the competition be true!?"
"The head of Rhine Lab's defense department? Could the love triangle rumors also be...?"
Clang--!
Looking at the iron mace embedded in the ground in front of him, the reporter swallowed hard, his mouth trembling.
"My hand slipped."
No one answered; the surrounding troops simply retreated in unison.
Even so, the roads leading to the outside were still completely blocked.
Just as Gregor was considering whether he should use fire to clear a path—
"Get out of my way! Don't block my path!"
As the sound rang out, the reporters' cameras floated into the air, pulling the crowd apart to both sides.
Beside the familiar figures, the Rhine Lab convoy was parked.
Gregor felt the other person looked somewhat familiar, and looking into that complex gaze, he suddenly remembered—
Isn't that the guy who had steel plates inserted into his body?
While reminiscing, people also moved forward, squeezing into the carriage amidst the noise.
Unaware of how the group had met, Saria took the initiative to introduce them to Gregor and the others.
"This is a new member of the defense department, Jeston Williams, who will also be participating in the game this time."
Several people turned their gazes toward them simultaneously.
Gregor's curiosity, SilverAsh's scrutiny, and Mace's calm.
The gazes of the first two made Jeston involuntarily puff out his chest, but he suddenly stopped under Jian's gaze.
He thought of those silver knights.
The same gaze, the same calm, the same... contempt.
Instinctively, Jeston prepared to lean back, but the cold carriage wall instantly pulled him back to reality.
Jian seemed to glean something from this reaction and withdrew his gaze, looking bored, but this reaction clearly made Jeston even more embarrassed.
He instinctively wanted to loudly proclaim his name and achievements, but in the instant he thought that, he stopped.
A violent sandstorm, Silverlance Pegasi.
Memories resurfaced, along with information about the person before him.
A triple crown winner, a living legend, and undoubtedly a true powerhouse.
Jeston instantly calmed down, which surprised Saria, who was about to stop him.
It seems the newcomer has indeed made some progress during his time in Kazimierz...
Saria nodded to herself.
In her opinion, Jeston was strong enough and talented enough; the only thing he needed to work on was his arrogant personality.
Perhaps in the future, I really can pass the position to him?
Just as Saria was thinking this, Jeston suddenly looked up.
"You're the other knight representing us in this battle, aren't you?"
Gregor instinctively looked to both sides, then pointed to himself.
"Yes, it's you."
Jeston crossed his arms, his eyes flashing with an alarming light.
This Black Iron Knight is the Black Knight's lover... so she must have some extraordinary abilities.
If he could subdue the Black Knight, wouldn't that mean he was superior to the Black Knight?
The equation holds true, and practice begins.
Under Silence's horrified gaze, Jeston leaned out and patted Gregor on the shoulder.
"Don't worry, even if we're assigned to the same group, I'll go easy on you."
"With me here, the championship will surely belong to Rhine Lab!"
"Oh oh."
Gregor looked somewhat bewildered, but Jeston took it as a sign of weakness.
Nodding in satisfaction, Jeston was quite pleased with the [admiring?] looks he received from the crowd.
He certainly has that confidence.
In this knightly kingdom where everyone is made of iron, his Originium Arts (manipulation of iron) allow him to win effortlessly.
Although Gregor has a record of instantly killing Rust Copper... who exactly is Jeston?
He immediately recognized that this was a match-fixing scheme secretly arranged by the Business Federation!
It must be that the Rusty Knight has a notorious reputation, and the Business Federation wants to use him as a stepping stone to promote a new knight.
The proof is this: the Rusty Knight never appeared again!
Defeat the Black Iron Knight, intimidate the Black Knight, and claim the championship under the watchful eyes of all of Kazimierz.
Just imagining it made Jeston tremble with excitement.
Seeing his trembling, Ifrit had originally intended to mock him, subconsciously thought of the patients she had seen in the laboratory.
Ifrit glanced hesitantly at the toy in her hand, then reached out.
"Um, you dropped something."
"Um?"
Upon seeing the red bouncy ball the girl offered, Jeston instinctively wanted to refuse, but a chill ran down his spine.
"Oh... maybe I dropped it?"
As soon as the words were spoken, the chill vanished instantly.
Seeing the poor "patient" accept her toy, Ifrit was also happy.
"This can bounce; if you throw it on the ground, it will bounce very, very high!"
Seeing the looks on everyone's faces, Jeston curled his lip.
It's just playing with the kids.
"Of course I know!"
The bouncy ball was thrown to the ground, and as it bounced rapidly inside the carriage, it struck Jeston in the face.
A hint of disdain flashed in his eyes as Jeston spread his five fingers.
At the same time, red lights illuminated at the front of the convoy.
With a sudden stop, his body instinctively veered off course, and the bouncy ball he was supposed to be holding slammed hard into Jeston's nose.
"Hungry--!"
"Puff--!"
Saria looked helplessly at Silence, who was covering her face. Himer's face was flushed, as if she were the one who had been hit.
"I'm... sorry."
Unaware of the atmosphere inside the carriage, Ifrit instinctively picked up the red ball that had rolled to the ground.
The girl raised her head, her eyes widening slightly.
"Uncle, your nose is red."