Chapter 66 I Came to Pick a Fight

Chapter 66 I Came to Pick a Fight

In a clearing one afternoon, a woman was brandishing a sword. Her hair, a blend of black and gold and tied back short, was distinctive. Each swing of her sword cleaved the air, a clear sound slicing through the quiet. Then, amidst the ringing of steel, a set of footsteps echoed.

Wow, practicing every day like this. Is this why you made it to master?

At the same time, a portly man with a greasy laugh emerged. Even with his appearance, the woman continued her silent sword dance. The man settled himself on a bench provided at the training ground without much care.

Or are you swinging your sword to forget being defeated by Nakcheon?

The womans swordplay halted abruptly at those words. She was Lakradiyon, known as the Light of Demonic Bastion, and the only person to have reached the threshold of master level there. Drops of sweat poured off her like rain as her eyes slowly shifted towards the man with obvious displeasure. Seeing her look, the man simply smirked.

Dont glare at me with those pretty eyes like that. Its thrilling.

Derrick, did you come here to pick a fight? I thought the place you were hit last time for running your mouth hadnt healed yet.

No, I came because I heard a story thatll make our Lakradiyons heart race. Or maybe youve already heard it.

The man, Derrick, rummaged through his pocket and with a flick, sent a paper airplane gliding towards Lakradiyon. She caught it and unfolded the paper, quickly realizing it was an announcement.

Balheims direct heir is challenging Nakcheon. Hes gathering people to join him.

And whats that to me?

It means Nakcheon might fall before you get another chance to challenge him.

Lakradiyons brows twitched. She tore the paper and tossed it to the floor.

It has nothing to do with me.

Derrick sighed deeply.

Lak, I know how you felt the day you were broken by Nakcheon. Hes a disaster, a monster. And youve been swinging your sword alone, trying to overcome that monster.

He rose from his seat, continuing.

But how long will you remain bound by Nakcheon? Its stubbornness, obsession. You could be exploring a bigger world.

Derrick was once her comrade, pained by the thought of her being tied down by the tragedy named Nakcheon.

Think about it this time. Seeing Nakcheon being defeated might change your mind.

With that, Derrick left. Lakradiyons gaze lingered on the torn announcement.

Nakcheon defeated?

She scoffed inwardly. Derricks words were unlikely to come to fruition. Nakcheon was a true ghost, beyond mere skill. Just as she couldnt overcome him with her swordsmanship, Balheim would likely face the same outcome, she thought.

I just got distracted from training.

With a frustrating thought, she resumed her training, which continued well into the evening. Wiping the sweat from her forehead, her stomach growleda sign that it was time for a late meal. She went to her usual room for a quick wash before heading to her favored eatery.

Pff, that kid sitting there with his steward, looking all cluelesspriceless.

Nakcheons defeat, it wont be by some newcomer, but by our Pendalord. Balheim, strutting around like they own the place. Right, boss?

Obviously.

As she heard the raucous voices inside the tavern, Lakradiyons eyebrows furrowed.

Came for a late dinner and there are already guests.

After all, this was the best place for food near Demonic Bastion. It wasnt unusual for others to be there, but these were members of a group she wasnt on good terms with.

Recognizing the newcomer, Pendals realization dawned. The dark hair and blue eyes were unmistakable.

Kraush Balheim.

The very Balheim heir whod come to Demonic Bastion. Pendals brow furrowed at the confidence and the gaze that seemed to know everything.

This brat, he knows Ive been interfering.

Pendal approached Kraush with swagger. Though still growing, Kraush stood nearly as tall as Pendal, who tried to use his height to intimidate.

What brings Mr. Balheim here?

Hearing the mention of Balheim, Lakradiyon turned to look as well. But Kraush calmly rose from his chair.

Im usually quite generous.

His sudden comment hung in the air.

But I have no mercy for those who interfere with me.

Ha, so are you suggesting we duel?

Pendal scoffed, seeing before him just a kid whod barely stepped into the highest rank of expert. Kraush was undoubtedly a prodigy, especially for his age.

Well, of course. Hes Balheims direct heir.

But to Pendal, that also meant Kraush was still beneath him. The difference between someone new to the top rank of experts and one who had gathered experience there was clear. Pendal stood right before the wall of mastery; the gap between him and Kraush was evident.

Top-ranked experts arent common. Even the Balheim Knights would consider you employable.

Even under Pendals threat, Kraushs tone remained even.

Pendal looked puzzled by his words, then Kraush allowed a smile.

So, Pendal, Id like to hire you for the Balheim Knights.

Pendal paused.

The Balheim Knights.

Being king in Demonic Bastion was one thing, but being inside the ranks of Balheim was a whole different story. Here, you could never escape being a back-alley thug. Pendal knew all too well the disdain from knights of lesser stature, their families prestige preventing him from retaliating.

But within Balheim?

Those same knights would look up to him. A flash of greed crossed his eyes; hed accumulated enough power and wealth in Demonic Bastion. What he sought now was recognition.

Is that for real?

Sure, bring all these guys along too.

The prospect of having his entire Pendalord crew hired caused Pendal to swallow hard, greed evident in his gaze. Kraush smiled slowly.

The name Balheim Dog Troupe would suit you. Just like dogs, good at barking.

Pendal stiffened at the words as indignation flared across his face.

Are you mocking me?

Kraushs face lost all traces of amusement as he turned to Pendal. The disdain for someone who boasted of being king in Demonic Bastion but showed true colors when faced with Balheims offer was repulsive.

Yeah, I am mocking you, you fool.

After all, provocation was his specialty.