Chapter 281

Chapter 281

Jeirutt lightly vaulted over the railing to descend to the lower floor. Despite the height of several meters, his movements were light and precise. Imperial Guard members gradually gathered behind him. Each individual was imposing on their own, but collectively in their uniforms, they were overwhelming.

Naturally, all eyes were drawn to them. This was such a natural flow of the scene that no one found it strange. Not even those conducting the examination.

“That’s one of the Three Great Captains, right?”

“Aren’t we continuing the exam? He’ll be disqualified.”

“Come on, just wait a moment. Everyone’s stopped, haven’t they? Do you know how rare it is to see something like this? We might only see it during monster battles, if we’re lucky.”

“If we’re lucky? What if we’re unlucky?”

“If we’re unlucky, we die as soon as we join the battle.”

Whisper whisper, the murmurs grew louder. Isn’t the position of the Three Great Captains an honor bestowed upon the strongest in the empire? Even the battles of ordinary mage-knights were eye-catching, so how much more impressive would a captain be? The anticipation was hard to contain.

“Beric.”

“Why are you calling me? I won’t go easy on you even if you ask.”

Jeirutt rolled up his sleeves as he took off his uniform jacket. The way he rolled up each sleeve of his shirt was not just neat, but almost reverent. Though Beric was a ruffian, he was still an outside participant. Showing courtesy was the proper conduct for a host.

“I will go easy on you if you ask. Rein in your recklessness a bit, and try not to risk your life. Remember that you’ve only recently risen from your sickbed.”

“Ugh. What’s with the concern.”

Beric waved his hand as if gagging. It was clearly a rejection and mockery. The Imperial Guard members frowned and were about to snap at him, but Jeirutt raised his hand to stop them.

“Were you so angry about being pitted against Xiaoshi?”

“Yeah! It felt like shit!”

“Do you know why I did that, and why you did it?”

“Don’t know. What good would knowing do? It’s already happened.”

Ziiiing! Ziiiing!

Swoosh!

Beric raised his black sword as he dramatically increased his magical power. The corners of his mouth lifted slightly as his red hair began to flutter.

Perhaps due to his slightly visible canines.

He looked like a demon born from a pit of fire.

“Beric, move back further! There’s no protective barrier there!”

“Damn it, is he even listening? Has he lost his mind? Expand the barrier!”

“L-Lord Ian!”

The mages watching from above shouted in panic. Some quickly turned their heads towards Ian, as if asking him to stop Beric.

But it was too late. Beric leapt into the air, swinging his sword. Once again, he shouted his determination.

“I’ll be the captain-!”

Bang! Kwaaang!

It happened in an instant. Jeirutt grabbed Beric’s face, released his magical power, and threw him backwards simultaneously.

Beric, propelled by the explosion, tumbled and crashed into the protective barrier wall. A small cloud of dust rose. Jeirutt slowly walked towards him.

“This is supposed to be an exam. I’d appreciate it if you followed the procedures, Participant Beric. Do not attack outside the boundaries, and unlike the duels so far, there are no restrictions on weapons. You can also forfeit, and if you become unable to fight, I’ll stop the exam at my discretion.”

“Yeah. Mumbling to yourself. I can’t hear a thing.”

As Beric stood up, dusting off his clothes, an Imperial Guard member behind him couldn’t hold back and berated him. Wasn’t this behavior beyond insolent and bordering on brazen? It was utterly intolerable.

“Shut up! How dare you keep trying to climb above your station, not knowing your place? You don’t even understand the dignity of the captain’s title, you ignorant fool!”

“Ignorant? If I’m ignorant, then you’re a blockhead.”

“W-what? B-block?”

To think he’d hear such words from Beric! Romandro and Jin burst out laughing simultaneously. That man probably doesn’t know. He has no idea how great an insult he just received in return.

Beric pointed his sword at the Imperial Guard and shouted.

“You should be cheering for me! Think about it! If the old geezer dies here, the captain position becomes vacant, right? Then three people can rise instead of two! Ah, you idiots, do I have to spell everything out for you? Tsk tsk.”

A miraculous twist of logic. The Imperial Guard members gaped in shock. His way of thinking was truly unique. Judging by his performance, he’d likely join the Imperial Guard, but do they really have to accept someone like him as a colleague?

The Imperial Guard members all looked at Jeirutt at once. Their expressions of disgust were identical.

“This won’t do. He’s insane. That’s grounds for disqualification.”

“Captain, please teach that bastard a lesson!”

“Yes, nothing else is needed. Just beat him half to death so he can’t join. I’ll work twice as hard to make up for his share. If possible, I’ll even give up my salary. I’m serious.”

Beric whistled and winked at the members. He gave two or three consecutive winks especially to the one who said he’d give up his salary.

“I’ll remember you well. When I become captain, you’ll work for free. I’ll use that money to buy meat.”

Peeeeep!

The whistle blew piercingly. As if trying to cut off Beric’s words. It was Romandro’s action, judging that further argument wouldn’t help either side with so many watching.

Beric said he’d been waiting, gripped his sword again, and charged at Jeirutt.

Tap tap tap!

Jeirutt raised his sword as if cracking a whip.

An attack swung down with all his might. Beric barely avoided it by rolling to the side, but the relentless pressure made him feel dizzy. A trail of blood smeared on the floor following his movements.

“Ah, shit!”

“Shut your mouth!”

Every time Beric exerted force, blood gushed from his side. At this rate, he might end up rolling around the Ministry of Magic corridor for a while again. Just as Romandro was about to intervene and call for a stop—

Swoosh!

“Urgh!”

The sword Beric swung properly cut Jeirutt’s chin and ear. Not missing the chance as his opponent stepped back in surprise—

“Huh?”

“What’s he doing?”

Beric also stepped back. Then he quickly looked up, glancing around, and upon spotting Ian, he jumped up.

Everyone watched curiously, wondering what on earth he was trying to do.

“Ian!”

“...Beric?”

Beric clung to the railing and stretched his other hand towards Ian. And very boldly—

“Give me some magic power.”

Was he actually asking for magical power? The Imperial Guard members were shocked and collectively protested. They even rushed forward as if to pull him down immediately.

“That’s cheating! You, you coward!”

“Come down! Leaving the arena means disqualification!”

“Hey, disqualify him already! What are you all doing?”

But Beric just picked his ear, pretending not to hear. If anything, he just sniffled as if ignoring them.

“Hey, blockheads.”

“B-block!? Block again? You bastard!”

“Didn’t you hear what the old geezer said earlier? Don’t attack from outside the arena, right? I’m staying perfectly still. And he said to use any weapon we want without restrictions, right?”

“How is supplying magic power a weapon?”

“If it’s not a weapon, is it meat? Even a stick rolling on the ground becomes a weapon when you fight with it. If you’re jealous, you do it too.”

If only they could.

Beric gestured for Ian to come closer. If he enters the Imperial Guard, or even more so if he takes the captain position, there’s no need to mention how much Ian’s influence would grow. That’s tantamount to expanding the Ministry of Magic’s power.

In this situation, what mage would breathe magic power into the Imperial Guard?

“Ian, hurry. My side hurts.”

“Beric.”

“Come on. Hurry up. I’m dying here. The old geezer is surprisingly spry for his age.”

Even mimicking a solemn tone. Ian smiled wryly and shook his head. As if thinking he’s utterly incorrigible.

Swoosh.

Ian approached Beric and grabbed his arm. The mages nearby also followed, flustered.

“Lord Ian. Is, is this okay?”

“It doesn’t violate the rules.”

“No, that’s not what I mean...”

This action not only announces to the world that Beric, who will enter the Imperial Guard, is Ian’s subordinate, but also reaffirms it.

Moreover, it’s tantamount to a declaration of war, saying he’ll plant his influence in the Imperial Guard while risking controversy over preferential treatment.

Even though the Ministry of Magic has been drawing attention lately...

Ziiing. Ziing.

Ian resolutely activated his magic and transferred it to Beric. His golden eyes shone as his hair fluttered slightly. This wasn’t just for Beric’s victory. It was a fuse to provoke a check.

“Go, Beric.”

“It feels good eating this after so long!”

Whoosh!

Beric jumped down with a satisfied grin. He could see the top of Jeirutt’s head as he wiped away blood. Jeirutt reflexively raised his right hand to deflect the attack, but he could clearly feel that something was different.

Crackle! Boom!

Jeirutt’s lightning-like magic sword was broken and shattered. Through the sparkling sparks, Jeirutt and Beric’s gazes locked. Beric grinned and winked.

“Old geezer. I told you clearly earlier. I won’t go easy on you.”

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Extra!MBSE Chapter 197 - Opening the City GatesMBSE Chapter 198 - Amidst the CommotionsMBSE Chapter 199 - The Atan, Tribe of BloodMBSE Chapter 200 - Wound Me TooMBSE Chapter 201 - The Emperor MageMBSE Chapter 202 - For the Sake of PositionMBSE Chapter 203 - D-7MBSE Chapter 204 - Rainy DaysMBSE Chapter 205 - D-6MBSE Chapter 206 - Imperial GuardMBSE Chapter 207 - Breaking the Black ArmorMBSE Chapter 208 - Chatur Zone 3MBSE Chapter 209 - Premium Grade A+++MBSE Chapter 210 - D-5MBSE Chapter 211 - The Trial BeginsMBSE Chapter 212 - The DefenseMBSE Chapter 213 - The VerdictMBSE Chapter 214 - The One Who Was the First PrinceMBSE Chapter 215 - In the GreenhouseMBSE Chapter 216 - I ObjectMBSE Chapter 217 - A New ProphecyMBSE Chapter 218 - D-4MBSE Chapter 219 - One Step BackMBSE Chapter 220 - One Body, One MindMBSE Chapter 221 - A Trap ScriptMBSE Chapter 222 - PushMBSE Chapter 223 - Stamp ThudMBSE Chapter 224 - D-3MBSE Chapter 225 - The Voice of GodMBSE Chapter 226 - Little DevilMBSE Chapter 227 - A Silent ResponseMBSE Chapter 228 - D-2MBSE Chapter 229 - The Demon's WhispererMBSE Chapter 230 - D-1MBSE Chapter 231 - What are You?MBSE Chapter 232 - Of Royal BloodMBSE Chapter 233 - D-DayMBSE Chapter 234 - The Owner of the VoiceMBSE Chapter 235 - The LastMBSE Chapter 236 - Consider it an HonorMBSE Chapter 237 - Leaving BehindMBSE Chapter 238 - Without IanMBSE Chapter 239 - Three Hours AgoMBSE Chapter 240 - WhisperingMBSE Chapter 241 - Calling NamesMBSE Chapter 242 - Ruswena DelegationMBSE Chapter 243 - Purge While on BedMBSE Chapter 244 - This is the BloodwindMBSE Chapter 245 - Central NobilityMBSE Chapter 246 - A Secret for RuswenaMBSE Chapter 247 - Melania's PleaMBSE Chapter 248 - Jin's RequestMBSE Chapter 249 - Pat-pat and Bicker-backerMBSE Chapter 250 - Opposition Noble's SignaturesMBSE Chapter 251 - Leaving the PalaceMBSE Chapter 252 - Mud PitMBSE Chapter 253 - RumorsMBSE Chapter 254 - PillarsMBSE Chapter 255 - Caught in a TrapMBSE Chapter 256 - The Trial of the Seven Families BeginMBSE Chapter 257 - Jin's BarielMBSE Chapter 258 - The VerdictMBSE Chapter 259 - Side Effects of the Mana Amplification StoneMBSE Chapter 260 - Before Preparing the Appointment CeremonyMBSE Chapter 261 - Introduction of Three Countries' FiguresMBSE Chapter 262 - The Reason for Remembering TimothyMBSE Chapter 263 - Each Person's ThoughtsMBSE Chapter 264 - A Side BranchMBSE Chapter 265 - EmancipationMBSE Chapter 266 - The First Secret InspectionMBSE Chapter 267 - Secret EaterMBSE Chapter 268 - Pretending to KnowMBSE Chapter 269 - Each Other's Well-beingMBSE Chapter 270 - Underground BrawlMBSE Chapter 271 - The Best BanquetMBSE Chapter 272 - The King's CircumstancesMBSE Chapter 273 - What Only Ian KnowsMBSE Chapter 274 - Selection ExamMBSE Chapter 275 - Who Rigged the Tournament Bracket?MBSE Chapter 276 - Each Other's PurposeMBSE Chapter 277 - CriticismMBSE Chapter 278 - Their Own ReasonsMBSE Chapter 279 - A Different WorldMBSE Chapter 280 - Head-onMBSE Chapter 281 - Beric Goes ForthMBSE Chapter 282 - After Victory????85MBSE Chapter 283 - The Award Ceremony????85MBSE Chapter 284 - The Half Moon Rises????85MBSE Chapter 285 - Time to Trade Secrets????85MBSE Chapter 286 - Damon Runkvis????85MBSE Chapter 287 - Forgotten Page????85MBSE Chapter 288 - The Guests are Coming????85MBSE Chapter 289 - Young Lion Cub????85MBSE Chapter 290 - A Queen's Provocation????85MBSE Chapter 291 - A Peculiar Taste????85MBSE Chapter 292 - Things to Endure????85MBSE Chapter 293 - A Private Talk with Jeirutt????85MBSE Chapter 294 - The Carriages Stop????85MBSE Chapter 295 - Pointy Ears????85MBSE Chapter 296 - And Then, This and That Happened????85MBSE Chapter 297 - Examination????85MBSE Chapter 298 - The Fox Prince????85MBSE Chapter 299 - The Variable????85MBSE Chapter 300 - Inner Thoughts????85MBSE Chapter 301 - Time to Change the Meaning????85MBSE Chapter 302 - The Taste of Magic????85MBSE Chapter 303 - Banquet of Kings????85MBSE Chapter 304 - The Whereabouts of the Jewels????85MBSE Chapter 305 - According to Plan????85MBSE Chapter 306 - This is an Opportunity????85MBSE Chapter 307 - Noah Gets Drunk????85MBSE Chapter 308 - The Appointment Ceremony????85MBSE Chapter 309 - Don't Look Down????85MBSE Chapter 310 - Just Ten Steps Please????85MBSE Chapter 311 - There are No Eternal Secrets????85MBSE Chapter 312 - Who Knows?????85MBSE Chapter 313 - Three Passes????85MBSE Chapter 314 - A Bond Woven by Secrets????85MBSE Chapter 315 - The Dilemma????85MBSE Chapter 316 - Through Alenara????85MBSE Chapter 317 - I Want to Go????85MBSE Chapter 318 - A Small Engagement Ceremony