A Dragonslayer’s Peerless Regression

Chapter 84

Boom!

The rippling waves shook the connected ropes, causing some knights to lose their balance and fall.

Sieg and Helen were flung to the opposite ends, landing on the pillars to which the ropes were attached.

Helen assumed a stance, holding her sword aloft.

Then, she immediately leaped into the air and swung her sword toward Sieg.

Dragonslaying Art

Steel Claw

Armor Splitter

Helen struck down with a force meant to cleave Sieg in two.

Sieg raised Bahamut to block Helen's sword.

Ping!

A sharp sound echoed as Bahamut clashed with Helen's sword.

Sieg gritted his teeth as he felt the energy from Helen's sword.

"If not for Bahamut, my sword could've been broken."

With Bahamut's indestructible attribute, he managed to withstand Helen's Steel Claw.

"Hah!"

Sieg let out a battle cry, flicking Helen's sword away.

Then, he immediately launched himself off the pillar, swinging his sword at Helen.

Dragonslaying Art

Swift Wind Technique

Wind Slash

The Swift Wind Technique passed down from Duke encompassed more than just footwork.

It integrated with the Dragonslaying Art, harnessing the power of an extremely honed body to execute a sword technique.

This was the true essence of the Swift Wind Technique.

Helen twisted her body in mid-air, gripping her sword tightly as Sieg's sharp blade descended.

Then, she exerted aura throughout her entire body.

Dragonslaying Art

Steel Claw

Wall Enclosure

In his previous life, Sieg had known Helen Draker to be famed for her defensive sword techniques rather than offensive ones.

True to her reputation, Sieg's Wind Slash dissipated against Helen's solid defense.

Both Sieg and Helen landed back on the tightrope, their swords pointed at each other in stalemate.

The spectators focused entirely on the high-level duel between the two.

"Indeed, Sieg Draker. His skills are worthy of the continent's top prodigy."

"But who is Elin Sabrina? Was there another knight as skilled as her besides Reina Draker?"

Ignoring the murmurs of the audience, Sieg and Helen closed their distance.

It was at the point when their swords were close enough to touch.

Jiiing!

A loud ringing sound echoed through the arena.

Before anyone realized it, the match time had run out.

Gareth climbed onto the arena stage and announced the end of the match.

"The second round of the finals has concluded. The third round will proceed with the remaining eight contestants."

The eight participants would include Sieg and his companions as well as Helen and three from the Zimmens group, including Edward.

Sieg and Helen lowered their swords aimed at each other.

After a brief moment of thought, Sieg spoke to Helen.

"I look forward to seeing you again in the third round, Helen Draker."

Helen was startled when Sieg used her real name.

"... You knew?"

"Well, we are siblings, after all. Wouldn't one at least recognize their own kin?"

In reality, he hadn't known.

Had it not been for seeing Helen Draker's portrait in his previous life, he wouldn't have recognized her.

Helen nodded as she looked at Sieg and sheathed her sword.

She said to Sieg, "See you in the third round."

Sieg and Helen descended from the stage amidst the cheers of the audience.

In the Agamemnon camp, they chanted Sieg's name in excitement.

"Sieg! Sieg!"

Sieg waved to the crowd as he exited the arena.

* * *

After the second round, Sieg and his party gathered at the mansion for a much-needed rest.

The next day, Katherine came with information about the third round.

"As expected, it's going to be a duel."

Pharel nodded as though he had anticipated this outcome.

Sieg also agreed with Pharel.

"With eight people left, they'll likely finish it with quarterfinals, semifinals, and a final match."

Katherine nodded.

"Yes. The third round is open to the public, so a duel format is best for drawing attention."

Pharel smiled at Sieg.

"If this is a duel, then Sir Sieg's victory is almost certain. There's no participant who can defeat Sir Sieg, the Azure Knight, in a one-on-one match."

Sieg tilted his head at Pharel's remark.

"That's a bit strange. I thought Zimmens would choose a more favorable competition for Edward."

At that moment, Katherine spoke to Sieg.

"Actually, there's a specific rule in this duel."

Sieg nodded, as if he had been expecting it.

"What is the rule?"

Katherine spoke with a slightly troubled expression.

"Well... The basic rule is that the use of aura is prohibited and the contest relies solely on pure physical strength."

At this, Pharel jumped up.

"What! What nonsense is that! Banning the use of aura!"

While there was an unspoken rule that participants from the Purple Knights onwards wouldn't use aura blades, it was rare not to use aura at all.

But Sieg was not surprised.

Katherine commented on Sieg's demeanor.

"Sir Sieg, it seems you expected this."

He nodded.

"I figured Zimmens wouldn't conduct an ordinary duel. But I didn't expect the rule would be against using aura."

It was an obvious move to target Sieg, the Azure Knight.

Edward, being six years older than seventeen-year-old Sieg, would likely have the advantage in terms of physical growth and maturity.

Excluding aura, measuring just physical ability, Edward calculated that he would be the favorite.

Sieg reassured the perturbed Pharel, rising from his seat.

"Sir Pharel. Please, don't worry too much. Even if I can't use aura, I am confident I can overcome Edward's spear techniques by employing the traditional swordsmanship we've practiced together."

At this, Pharel stood with a reassured expression.

"Sir Sieg, I will assist with training as much as possible before the match! Just leave it to me!"

"Thank you, Sir Pharel."

* * *

After the meeting, Sieg snuck out of the mansion late at night.

It was due to an urgent message from Kay.

He discreetly made his way to Kay's hidden abode in Atlas.

The secret hideout was massive.

Kay, who controlled the southern cartel, had achieved a higher position and much faster than in his past life.

As soon as Sieg arrived, he was greeted by Feynon.

"Welcome, master."

Sieg shook hands with Feynon warmly.

"Have you settled into the new environment?"

At Sieg's question, Feynon chuckled wryly.

"It's a bit overwhelming to suddenly take on such a big role, but I'm committed to learning diligently."

Feynon had taken the position of the head of Sieg's newly established pharmaceutical company.

In the shadows, Kay would run the syndicate, while in public, Feynon would handle external affairs.

"Is there anything difficult in the preparation process?"

Feynon replied with a smile.

"I think it's Kay who has the difficult part. Let's go inside."

Sieg entered Kay's office with Feynon.

Kay's office was, in one word, a mess.

Documents were piled up all over her office.

Amidst it all, Kay, looking gaunt, was reviewing papers.

"Kay, what is all this?"

Kay looked up at Sieg.

"Uuugh."

Making an odd noise upon seeing Sieg, Kay slumped over.

Feynon approached her familiarly and handed Kay a potion for fatigue recovery.

After downing the potion in one go, Kay caught her breath.

"Whew. Thanks, senior. I'd be dead from overwork without it."

"It's fortunate my minor was alchemy."

It seemed that being fellow mages led Kay and Feynon to address each other as senior and junior.

Kay gulped down another potion while looking at Sieg.

"You must be busy with the tournament. How did you manage to spare the time?"

"You said it was urgent, so I came straight away."

"Ugh, right. Let's take a break and have some tea."

Sieg, Kay, and Feynon moved to the sitting room and seated themselves on the sofa.

As Sieg savored the aroma of the tea, he asked Kay.

"Did you send an urgent message because of all the paperwork?"

Kay shook her head.

"That's problematic too, but there's a bigger issue."

"Is there a problem with the cartel?"

"No, Simon's handling the cartel well. The rebuilding in the Cusco Kingdom is going smoothly."

"Then what's the problem?"

Kay pointed at Sieg.

"It's you."

Then she handed a document to Sieg.

As Sieg read the document, a serious look firmed on his face.

"... The Empire's Intelligence Bureau and Draker's Shadow Corps are simultaneously investigating the southern region?"

Kay nodded.

"To clarify, the Intelligence Bureau is seeking the party that decimated the Pavela Cartel camp, and the Shadow Corps is seeking the party that took down Don Juan."

Both factions were ultimately chasing after Sieg.

Sieg had an inkling regarding why the Imperial Intelligence Bureau was after him.

'Cain Zimmens Constantinus.'

A suspicious figure from the empire's royal family, possessing the ancient Hersion.

Sieg had killed him and taken the Hersion at the empire's experimental facility discovered at Pavela's camp.

Given his usage of the imperial family's surname and holding a unique Hersion, Cain was likely an important figure in the empire, giving the Intelligence Bureau ample reason to track Sieg.

However, Sieg was unsure about Draker's Shadow Corps.

'Why is the Shadow Corps after me?'

Kay spoke as Sieg intently examined the Shadow Corps's documents.

"There's no need to rack your brain over why the Shadow Corps is pursuing you. Because that's just how Draker's Shadow Corps operates."

Sieg nodded at Kay's words.

The Shadow Corps, being Draker's eyes and ears, was relentless in seeking and extracting every piece of information across the continent.

Sieg furrowed his brows upon learning both the Intelligence Bureau and the Shadow Corps were after him.

'This is becoming a hassle.'

Although Sieg hadn't left any traces of himself, there could be some accidental evidence left behind.

If they pry into that thread, it might eventually lead to him.

Kay suggested to Sieg.

"If you're concerned, should I tell Simon to get rid of any spies who show up in the south?"

Feynon, standing beside, appeared a bit startled at Kay's suggestion, seemingly not accustomed to her way of thinking.

Sieg clicked his tongue paternally at Kay.

"We're not some cartel. We can't just kill everyone for tailing us."

Feynon let out a sigh of relief at Sieg's comment.

For someone who had recently become an ally in the underworld, his nerves seemed frail.

Kay also nodded in agreement with Sieg's words.

"You're right; spies from the Intelligence Bureau are one thing, but taking out Shadow Corps agents won't be easily handled."

In fact, it would fire them up even more.

"Let's leave it for now, just keep me updated on the situation. If there ever comes a time when there's evidence linking back to me, then we can act."

"Got it. I'll relay that to Simon."

"How's the Black Yaksha handling his adjustment to the south?"

"Actually, it was that guy who brought this information. Being ex-Intelligence Bureau, he's adept at sourcing intel from the empire. Simon said he's doing a great job."

"Good, there's merit in not killing him and bringing him along."

At that moment, Kay addressed Sieg again.

"And there's one more issue."

"What issue?"

Kay nudged Feynon a couple of times.

Feynon then spoke to Sieg with a troubled expression.

"This is related to an issue with the newly hired alchemist."

"An issue with the alchemist?"

"Yes. They were invited for developing a new drug using Soma, but suddenly they want to strike, refusing to conduct any research."

"Huh?"

Sieg knew how prickly alchemists could be, but even for them, striking was unexpected.

Sieg inquired of Feynon.

"Is there a reason for this sudden strike?"

Feynon answered cautiously.

"The thing is, the alchemist we invited are somewhat... unique in personality."

Sieg shook his head.

"That's not what I meant. What's the grievance from the alchemists?"

Feynon awkwardly replied.

"They're not just one alchemist, but a duo."

"A duo of alchemists?"

Something clicked for Sieg as Feynon spoke.

"Are they, by any chance, twins?"

"How did you know?"

Sieg put on a complicated expression at Feynon's response.

'It's them. The genius twin alchemists, Al and Jeff.'