"Thank you for your assistance."
In the National Assembly, Gregor thanked Russell again.
"No, I should be thanking you for providing this talent." Russell smiled and waved the file in his hand.
"The Adeptus Sprawiedliwy in dire need of personnel right now. Ability is a minor matter; character is the most important factor, especially since this gentleman is also highly capable and competent."
"Thank you for your help anyway."
After leaving the National Assembly, Gregor and his companion wandered the streets, unsure of what to do next.
Thanks to Jian's swift and decisive actions, the farewell, which was originally estimated to take a whole day, was completed very quickly.
The farewell is over... Now, it's time to leave.
Is this how you handle things?
Suddenly, Jian asked a question, and it took Gregor a while to understand what she meant.
You mean Mr. Markowitz?
"Otherwise, you must have only met once."
As more people gathered around, Jian paused, then led Gregor to the other side.
"As I've said before, I just hope that every act of kindness will receive a corresponding response."
Don't you find this tiring?
"Tired... but I'm alright."
Gregor held the back of his head, enjoying the long-lost feeling of the sun warming his body.
"I didn't have the ability to do this before, but now that I do... consider it paying for my past self."
"Paying the price for your past self..."
He repeated this phrase, his trump card remaining unspoken.
Continuing along the road, led by Mace, Gregor arrived at an unexpected location.
"Knight's Arena? How did we get here?"
Mace didn't answer, Gregor was astonished to find that a large crowd had gathered around him without him noticing.
Before he could ask a question, the crowd shoved the two of them into the arena.
He looked up and slipped a ticket into Gregor's hand.
This is your seat.
Having said that, Jian turned and left.
Confused, Gregor instinctively asked a staff member for a question and received an unexpected answer.
"Oh, the Adeptus Sprawiedliwy decided to continue the previous matches. After all, the finalists have been chosen, so why not watch?"
Suddenly, Gregor remembered the phone call he'd received that morning.
Were they talking about this? But why did they hide it from me?
Gregor shook his head, then felt he had been presumptuous.
No, no, no, it's most likely that Jian felt there was no need to say it.
Well, watching one game before leaving is not bad.
While pondering, Gregor went to his seat indicated on the ticket.
As for myself, I'm also a participant...
With the crisis resolved, Gregor had long since given up on competing again.
Surprisingly, there were many people at the stadium.
Despite the huge upheaval last night, the Kazimierz people remain enthusiastic about the match.
With Mob's familiar commentary, the preliminary contestants from each round were displayed on the screen.
As expected, several people, including Gregor, did not attend for various reasons.
Only four people participated in the battle.
Mace vs. Margaret, Jeston vs. Nolan.
Gregor was somewhat surprised, not expecting Nolan to have participated in the competition and even win in the subsequent matches.
The match began soon.
The match between Machete and Margaret was spectacular. Margaret's Originium Arts were so impressive that it goes without saying that she was able to unleash a sword flash that was just as impressive with her martial arts skills, which impressed Gregor.
However, the young rider was too inexperienced. Under the constant pressure and relentless attack from the veteran champion, Margaret revealed her weaknesses and suffered a regrettable defeat.
On the other side, since Jeston's abilities had already been revealed beforehand, Nolan, who went on stage, was not wearing any protective gear, and his weapon was a wooden stick without a spearhead.
Therefore, due to his overconfidence and lack of armor, Jeston was severely tortured by Nolan using martial arts techniques.
Given that both sides felt they were in good physical condition, the final match proceeded quickly.
The Black Knight versus the Silverlight Knight.
A hundred battles won without a single defeat versus a repeated defeat and a relentless fight.
It's clear that Nolan used every trick in the book, and many people recognized the shadow of Silverlance in that familiar style.
Unfortunately, he was facing a living legend.
Nolan lost, but he lost without regret.
Encouraged by the audience, he went to the stands to comfort his daughter.
After he left, the audience spontaneously showered all their cheers upon the new legend.
"Four-time champion! The Black Knight have surpassed themselves! They've achieved an unprecedented four-time champion title!"
Just as Mob was about to continue praising him, he suddenly saw the Black Knight beckoning to him.
Filled with excitement, Mob slowly descended with the aircraft.
Just as he was about to ask a question, Jian snatched the microphone away.
Can you hear me?
The loudspeaker broadcast the champion's voice throughout the entire Grand Knight Territory, and the people cheered once again, eagerly awaiting the champion's speech.
Under the watchful eyes of everyone, Jian calmly said:
"I will exercise the privileges of the victor."
The crowd paused briefly, then became even more excited.
The winner of the Honor Championship would gain the right to have their wishes granted by the Business Federation. Although the Business Federation has collapsed, isn't there still the Adeptus Sprawiedliwy?
Everyone pricked up their ears, ready to hear the wishes of the triple crown winner.
Gregor was equally curious, and at the same time, his gaze searched the audience, meeting Greg's eyes.
"I have an unfinished match, and now... I hope that person can bravely step forward and fulfill our promise."
"I want to have a real duel with the opponent I've always wanted to face, in front of everyone!"
After a brief silence, the entire city erupted in excitement.
The audience followed Jian's gaze, trying to find out who the Black Knight couldn't forget.
As the person involved, Gregor wants to say that these are all rumors.
He never directly agreed to fight Jian; this is moral blackmail! It's coercion!
Should he say that?
The longer the hammer remained in the room, the hotter Gregor felt the chair become.
He got up and left, attracting a lot of attention, but it was quickly drawn away by his unremarkable appearance.
They were looking for him, but it wasn't him.
To be precise, everyone is waiting for the Black Iron Knight.
But the Black Iron Knight won't be coming...
Walking through the dark passageway, Gregor felt a little resentful of Mace's presumptuous decision.
No wonder you asked those strange questions before; it turns out it was all premeditated.
Gregor didn't stop walking; the noise outside gradually subsided.
It's better to let them know in advance; what if things get awkward and embarrassing?
He was further away, and the cheers of the audience had stopped.
Gregor stopped in his tracks.
[Gregor: The fourth one.]
[Vane: What's wrong?]
[Gregor: Give me the Dark Grand Knight's Sword.]
"..."
On the field, despite the prolonged cheers, no one went up on stage.
The crowd whispered amongst themselves, but then fell silent under the solemnity of the mace.
They had never seen the Black Knight so serious, either during the game or in past videos.
What kind of opponent is she waiting for?
People were eager for the answer, but also frustrated by the person's continued absence.
Throughout the Grand Knight Territory, countless people stared intently at the screen.
The camera was pointed at the entrance to the arena, hoping someone would walk out from there.
As time slowly passed, people's moods plummeted.
The Mob low-flying aircraft attempted to dissuade the Black Knight.
"That..."
Suddenly, Jian raised her hand and smiled brightly.
Everyone immediately perked up and stared at the screen.
In the dark passage, a red light appeared.
The camera zoomed in, and when the figure emerged from the passage, everyone froze.
Not the Black Iron Knight.
The tattered martial arts uniform, the ill-fitting helmet, the only eye-catching things were the red scarf fluttering in the wind and the strange pair of swords.
Is this the opponent the Black Knight has been waiting for?
Subconsciously, everyone felt a little disappointed, but then they realized what was happening.
How could someone so mediocre be the one that makes the Black Knight wait?
Amidst the expectant gazes of the audience, Gregor stepped into the ring.
"We've really kept you waiting."
He brandished the greatsword, as if trying to get a feel for it.
Gregor belatedly realized that the Black Knight wielding the greatsword must have been using all his strength, and he should have noticed it sooner.
He sighed.
"Is it necessary? A private duel wouldn't be out of the question, would it?"
Stop pretending.
Jian's lips curled up in a wild smile, assuming a fighting stance.
"You've never tried to hide your aura; at least try to make it convincing."
Gripping the sword hilt tightly, feeling the legendary martial arts from another world, Gregor asked:
"So you could still hide it? Then what does my aura look like in your eyes right now?"
The two faced each other from a distance, their eyes fixed on Gregor. In her vision, a fierce black knight slowly enveloped Gregor's figure.
"I'm so incredibly excited!"
The moment the words left his mouth, the two knights shot forward.
Only when the terrifying dazzling light and the deafening roar resounded did people belatedly realize that the battle had begun.
"Too fast! Too fast! The two knights were completely out of reach, and even the high-speed camera could only capture blurry afterimages!"
"Where are they? To the left! Or to the right!? I can't see Mob at all!!!"
Within the arena, the golden and red sword lights continuously appeared.
As Mob said, the audience couldn't see any figures on the battlefield at all.
Only the constant roar and the scars tearing apart the battlefield tell the story of the battle between the two ferocious beasts.
For the first time, the people of Kazimierz rediscovered the knightly arena, and for the first time, they also rediscovered the Black Knight.
So this is what a legend truly looks like.
The audience stared intently at the ring, not daring to look away even if they couldn't catch a glimpse of the figures.
They knew that the outcome of this battle would determine the birth of a new legend.
"Unprecedented! Unprecedented!"
"Mob is willing to risk his life for this; it's absolutely the most exciting battle in the history of knightly competitions!!!"
"Who exactly is it? Who has the upper hand?!"
"Never mind! I don't want commentary anymore! Just being able to watch this battle intently... even if I die, it'll be worth the ticket price!!!"
As if in agreement with this assessment, the sword light in the arena became even more dazzling.
The sword light, which had originally been waving in the center, now began to circle the arena.
The crimson and gold light intertwined endlessly, like lovers entwined, yet like enemies tearing at each other's throats.
Like the excited audience, the two people in the center of the arena were equally thrilled.
As if satisfied with the battle, the twin swords in Gregor's hands shone even brighter.
The figure that had previously only appeared in the Black Knight's sight now transcended reality, enveloping Gregor's body in a hazy shadow.
In response, the mace's attack became even more swift, as if it wanted to unleash all the martial arts skills it had accumulated throughout its life in an instant.
I've never felt so exhilarated!
Without a doubt! This is an affirmation of each other by legends from two different worlds!
In this fierce duel, the mace's instincts took over the battle, but his thoughts drifted away.
When exactly did I become so interested in this guy?
Was it that moment when we first met?
No, at that time, I was only curious about that immense power.
What I'm truly interested in is... that obnoxious act of kindness.
The weapons clashed once more, but the mace's consciousness drifted further and further away, while its movements became increasingly fluid.
She had shown such kindness long ago.
Using a broken sword he'd scavenged from scrap iron, he saved a girl from being kidnapped in an alley.
However, instead of receiving a reward, the girl he saved betrayed his information, and despite his fierce resistance, he was captured by the sorcerer.
They said this--
[To be able to defeat an adult at such a young age, she seems like a good candidate for spellcasting.]
However--
[What? Originium adaptability is zero?]
The mace was thrown out, like a piece of trash.
She returned to the alley and picked up her sword.
She wants to become stronger, strong enough to control her own destiny.
Through continuous battles, the three-time champion of Kazimierz was born.
But on her journey to becoming stronger, she always felt like she had lost something.
The weapons clashed once more, the prolonged, high-speed attack turning the specially crafted greatsword a deep crimson.
The weapons won't last much longer...
Having grasped the limits, the mace's attacks became even more ferocious, and Gregor also understood the meaning behind it.
It's coming! x2
In an instant, the sword light and the roar ceased simultaneously.
The two knights stood very close, like intimate dance partners at a banquet.
The next instant, sword light flashed.
There was no sound of wind breaking, as if space itself was being sliced apart, as the swords clashed against each other.
I still don't quite understand...
Without any hindrance, half of the sword flew into the sky.
He didn't stop swinging his sword, continuing his attack against the blade.
One legend has extended an invitation; will the other refuse?
Of course not.
The shadow of the Dark Grand Knight suddenly swelled, and a crimson glow enveloped the entire arena.
To kill your opponent... is the greatest respect!
The shadow of death loomed over Jian's mind, but she still did not stop swinging her sword.
The Black Knight stared intently at her opponent, searching for the answer she had always sought.
Fortunately, Gregor did not disappoint her.
The figure of the Dark Grand Knight suddenly froze, the shadow shattered, and Gregor's figure reappeared.
Instead of attacking in the manner of the Dark Grand Knight, Gregor suddenly raised his knee, firmly stomping down the broken sword that was swinging towards him.
In the stands, the bandaged knight stood up in disbelief.
"This move... this move is!!!"
The two swords landed on the ground, and the muscles in his upper arms bulged.
In the utter silence, the decisive Iron Fist swung fiercely toward the Black Knight's face.
Call--!!!
A sudden, violent gust of wind blew, and Jian's hair flew wildly backward.
Gregor withdrew his fist from in front of his face, looking regretfully at the broken sword of the mace:
"Sorry, I got the weapon."
Seeing Gregor apologize, Jian laughed again.
She still doesn't understand what she's missing, but...
She already knew where to start.
Before Gregor could continue apologizing, Jian grabbed his hand and raised it high.
"What are you waiting for? The new champion is right here!!!"
After a brief silence--
"Champion!!!" xN
A new champion has been crowned, which is undoubtedly a big event for Kazimierz.
Before Gregor could react, Margaret and the others, who seemed to appear out of nowhere, had already surrounded him and led him away.
After a short sprint, they arrived at the Champion Corridor.
Gregor was pressed into his chair, and opposite him, the painter who was to paint the champion's portrait was ready.
"Excuse me, could you please take off your helmet?"
The artist pointed to the Champion Wall behind him, where the true faces of each champion would be revealed.
"Can I not draw it?"
Tears welled up in the young painter's eyes; he never expected that his first winning painting after leaving his teacher's tutelage would be rejected.
"Never mind... can you leave my face blank?"
The artist sniffled, looking troubled:
"But everyone has a face, if I don't paint it..."
"Then tell them this—"
After a brief exchange, the artist looked at the champion with admiration.
"Don't worry! Although I won't have a face... I will definitely paint your body perfectly... no! Absolutely perfect!"
"Just make it realistic..."
The artist was indeed very talented; the painting was completed quickly and immediately hung on the Champion Wall by the staff, right next to the portrait of the Black Knight.
The moment it was completed, reporters swarmed in like locusts.
Countless lights flickered, then slowly came to a stop.
"What's going on? Is this painting still unfinished?"
The painting that should have shown faces in front of everyone was now completely blank.
Despite persistent criticism, the artist angrily walked out, ignoring all advice.
"You bunch of mosquitoes who suck blood by fabricating facts! Stop questioning my abilities!"
"This blank space was specifically requested by that knight!"
Ignoring the insults from the reporters, they immediately asked what the reason for the demands.
"Ahem... The knight said that as long as the people of Kazimierz have the heart to become knights, then the face in this portrait can be any one of them!"
"Therefore, he doesn't need a face, and his portrait doesn't need a name!"
The crowd was in an uproar. These days, who becomes a champion without a bit of fame and fortune? Is there really such a knight from a fairy tale?
The noisy crowd fell silent briefly due to the shocking facts, before reporters quickly recovered.
"By the way! That knight won the championship. Although he doesn't have a name, shouldn't the Adeptus Sprawiedliwy at least give him a knighthood?"
(In Kazimierz tradition, the champion knight will have a single-word title.)
"No, this knight has no title."
Rosso walked down the passage, and everyone's eyes lit up, sensing big news. They immediately questioned him:
"Does the Adeptus Sprawiedliwy look down on country knights?"
No, quite the opposite.
Russell shook his head and said solemnly:
"That was a true knight, Kazimierz ... I have no right to award him a medal."
This caused another uproar; the official recognition from the Adeptus Sprawiedliwy clearly carries far more weight than the words of an artist alone.
"Where is that knight? Please let us see him!"
The crowd erupted in noise once more, Russell said helplessly:
"That knight is too shy... he's already eloped with our champion."
"..."xN
"[Kazimierz swear words!]" xN
Looking at the excited crowd, Russell gave a brief, wicked smile.
Just now, the Duke Caster of Victoria sent an invitation, and Russell learned from it what had happened outside.
Before things had even settled down in Kazimierz, another creditor came knocking.
(Since you've caused me so much trouble, I'm sure you won't mind causing me a little trouble too.)
The old rascal thought to himself, then cleared his throat, preparing to clarify.
"Roar--!!!"
The dragon's roar drowned out the words, and the reporters' cameras all shifted away.
The dragon's silhouette disappeared into the horizon, and the reporters who took the photos gasped in shock.
In the photo, the main characters from the previous topic are positioned atop the dragon's head.
"Oh no! The champion eloped with the champion!!!"
On the horizon, as if sensing something, the two sneezed simultaneously.
Jian steadied himself and looked down curiously.
"Just leaving like that? Without even saying goodbye?"
"No, it would be strange to say goodbye a second time."
Gregor turned back and took one last look at the city.
In his eyes, this city wasn't all that great.
But it was in this city that he made all sorts of friends.
[Vane: Boss, boss, are you done on your end?]
[Gregor: It's over. I'm gone.]
[Vera: Did you bring her along?]
[Gregor:... I brought it.]
[Vane: Son, you're not getting any younger. When are you going to bring someone back for your father to see?]
[Gregor:... You'd better be home when I get back.]
[Vane: I'm outta here.]
[Gorth: So... boss, what's your takeaway from this trip?]
[Gregor: To summarize...]
Gregor closed his eyes, recalling the events of this past few days.
[This trip was worthwhile.]