The Grand Duelist

Back at the world of Victory.

A crowd could be seen gathered on the courtyard of the Royal Palace.

Their numbers surpassed several hundred and there were frowns plastered on their faces. They all stood in front of the double doors that led to the narrow passageway, but unexpectedly, there was a barrier blocking their way.

Standing at the helm of these players was Kristian, the first and one and only known Legendary Player of Victory.

The Absolute Monarch.

After suffering a strange defeat one-hit-kill defeat against a player.

Kristian deduced that the player who killed him in an instant was probably the first Mythical Ranked Player of Victory. Kristian's defeat against that player was bizarre and one shouldn't probably blame him for his defeat since Joseph's attack was completely unexpected.

However...

He was the very first Legendary Player!

He was prideful and he had the strength to back that pride of his, but with just a single attack...

He crumbled and was defeated. 

Kristian was unwilling.

He wanted to face that player once again and fight him in a duel.

"Kristian... Don't you think that we are going too far if we barge in there now?" One of his subordinates asked in concern.

"Going too far? Even though he claimed this Abandoned Kingdom as his territory. That does not mean that we are not allowed to go inside his territory!

We are only here to reclaim the items that we lost after we died. Don't you also want to claim the items that you dropped?" Kristian asked with a frown.

His subordinates who looked to be a Knight scratched his head and said, "Of course, I want to do that, Kristian. But let's be realistic here. That player is probably the First Mythical Ranked Player, the Sun that Overlooks Everything!"

"Look at me!"

"My Health Points is a little more than a hundred thousand, yet he killed me in a single hit!"

Kristian's frown deepened as he replied: "That's true. Let's follow your mindset of being realistic. Do you really think that P.H Works would allow the usage of such a broken skill? I bet that skill that he used against all of us was a skill that's probably a one-time-usage skill, or something that requires a lot of sacrifices before it can be used."

"Using a skill like that..."

"Do you think that he can keep on using a skill like that every time he wants?"

"Ah..." His subordinate Knight revealed a look of enlightenment and he was finally convinced: "Yeah, it really does not make sense that P.H Works would allow the existence of such a character. It's clear to us that they want a Sun that Overlooks Everything, but I don't think that they would want a Sun that Scorches Everything beneath it."

Kristian nodded his head and smiled: "That's right."

He felt that it really was too easy to talk with someone who could read along the lines.

This was why Kristian felt blessed to have these comrades of his that could easily adapt depending on the circumstances.

Kristian stared at the humungous double doors in front of him.

One of his subordinates spoke, this time...

It was a man clad in a gear that made him look like an Assassin.

"Kristian... What do you think should we do against these people?" 

Kristian made a sidelong glance at the guilds and their members behind him as he lightly chuckled: "What do you think?"

The man, clad in an Assassin's armor frowned and said: "On the surface, they placed us at the front of this strange formation so that we could get the honor of taking our lost items first. But to be honest, Kristian. I think these bastards are taking advantage of us. I can sense their ill intent behind their fake smiles."

Kristian's eyes narrowed into slits as he said: "Yes... Earlier, they proposed that we should be at the front since we are from the prestigious guild, Strongest Under Heaven. They even told us that it is an honor for them to stand behind such a powerful and popular guild, but really... the guild masters of these guilds are quite cunning..."

"By letting us go at the front, that means that we would have to handle the onslaught of those monsters..."

"In other words, they are essentially using us to defeat those monsters, all while without attracting the disdain of their members and the world by hiding their schemes behind the facade of honor. Hahaha, these guild masters... Really, I never did expect that they would try to do such an obvious scheme under my nose." Kristian explained.

His subordinate swept his gaze at the members of the guilds behind them and said: "What should we do, Kristian? Do we just let them ride our coattails so easily, like that?"

"Of course not! Since they are planning on using us. We will have them pay the price..." Kristian's lips lifted.

A look of excitement flashed across his face as he raised his arm and pushed the double doors leading to the narrow passageway.

...

Joseph sat on a table by the window on the second floor of his restaurant. By now, under the support of Matthew and his subordinates. The small shop had transformed into a bigger restaurant. It now had a seating capacity of several dozens of customers at once instead of just a handful.

Despite the growing number of customers, Joseph didn't feel that tired of serving them food. In fact, cooking became somewhat of a catharsis for him due to his growing frustrations of not being able to formally break through the Nascent Soul Realm from the Pseudo-Nascent Soul Realm.

It has been half a year since Joseph established his restaurant and gained Matthew's trust and admiration. Joseph never stopped cooking and he even added beverages, desserts along with pastries to his menu, but his cultivation never moved...

He felt like he was stuck in a quagmire.

A bottleneck that was slowly shaving away his courage to continue on the King's Trial.

Joseph stared at the endless night that had no moonlight for there was no moon.

A jug of wine could be seen on his table. He picked that wine up and took a drink.

Joseph could feel that within the past months, he was now slowly forgetting the fact that he was an immortal. Even though he was still looking for that opportunity or enlightenment to break through to the next realm.

Joseph was growing comfortable with his life as a mortal but at the same time. He felt frustrated for if this continued, he would definitely not be able to complete the King's Trial.

"Master..." Pixie Fairy Elizabeth had a look of worry on her face.

She stretched her hand and sent a wave of purifying energy towards Joseph's body. 

Joseph gave her the order to constantly cleanse his body so, that he wouldn't get drunk even while drinking alcohol. 

Pixie Fairy Elizabeth obliged, but she couldn't suppress the growing worry in her heart.

It was because she could see that Joseph was slowly becoming dependent on alcohol to the extent that he would drink it as if it was water.

This wasn't something good at all, and it endlessly worried her within the past few months.

Thankfully, her master didn't do anything drastic. Although he kept on drinking alcohol every day. He was still the same old Joseph, he hadn't changed at all. Aside from not using his cultivation strength ever since the day he convinced Matthew about his identity...

Joseph hadn't changed at all. 

This was a good development for Pixie Fairy Elizabeth.

Joseph picked up the jug of wine once again and downed a gulp. Then, he suddenly frowned.

At that moment, three people arrived outside his store.

Their bodies looked illusory and one of them walked towards the walls of the store. He went straight and walked through the walls as if he was a ghost. The person who barged into the store gestured to his comrade and the main doors of Joseph's small restaurant slowly opened.

The remaining two outside quickly entered, and the passing winds closed the doors.

"Intruders!" Pixie Fairy Elizabeth gasped and an angry look appeared on her face. She was about to go down below and face off against those intruders when Joseph stopped her with his hand.

"Master! Why are you stopping me?" She asked in a low voice.

Joseph shook his head and replied: "Calm down. I want to see their intentions first."

He then took the jug of wine on the table and downed another gulp.

Seeing that Joseph had no intention of withdrawing his orders...

Pixie Fairy Elizabeth could only sit in front of him and pout.

When the three men entered the kitchen, their eyes widened in shock when they saw how many spiritual ingredients Joseph had at his disposal.

"Woah... There are so many spiritual ingredients! So this is the secret behind how delicious the food in this restaurant!"

Under Matthew's fervent advertisement and the overwhelming flavors of the dishes that Joseph cooked every day. There was no one within the City of Eichenwalde that didn't know his name. In fact, with how many influential people visited Joseph every day...

The Main Street that was supposed to be where most of the foot traffic of Eichenwalde concentrated was now irrelevant.

The main street couldn't be considered as the main street anymore. It was replaced by the narrow strip of land that could barely be considered as a street behind it.

What was the reason for all of these?

It was because of Joseph!

The shopkeepers and hawkers were infinitely grateful to Joseph due to the traffic that his popularity brought over to this street.

One of the intruders had a black bag and he stuffed everything that he could into this bag.

As for the others, they strolled around and looked for any valuables but to their dismay...

The only valuable objects within this kitchen were the ingredients, apart from the spiritual ingredients, there was nothing of value.

But that was enough!

It was because...

"With this... My Prestigious Luxury Restaurant can finally dethrone this unassuming restaurant!"

One of the intruders whispered to himself.

Joseph's appearance along with his culinary skills became a tragedy to the restaurant owners whose restaurants focused on flavors and luxury. Their dishes were as expensive as Joseph's, yet the flavors of their dishes couldn't even compare to the flavors that Joseph introduced to those who were truly rich and capable.

These three intruders were owners of the three most expensive restaurants within the City of Eichenwalde.

Their objective was to steal the superior ingredients that Joseph had so they could confirm their theories that Joseph wasn't really that skillful when it came to cooking.

He just had better ingredients, that was all.

"Dang... I heard some rumors that there is something or someone guarding this restaurant, but right now. It seems like that was just a bunch of nonsense!"

"This is too easy!"

"Now we have something to work with! I'm planning on handing over some of the seeds of these ingredients to one of my experts. I think he will be able to understand it better than me..."

"Yeah, that's definitely a good idea. I will also do that and once we have understood how that brat owner procured his spiritual ingredients here in Eichenwalde. We will also be able to strike it big and return to our peak!"

"That brat..."

"If only he didn't come here and establish that restaurant of his... We wouldn't be forced to do this! It's all his fault!" 

The three restaurant owners casually walked towards the exit of the restaurant. Their faces were calm, yet the spiritual energies within their bodies were surging. It was clear that this calm and composed postures and expressions of theirs were just a mere facade. 

They were men who experienced the various vicissitudes of life.

How could they possibly let their guard down so easily?

But that didn't matter at all...

It was because when they had just opened the doors of the restaurant to go outside and escape. A figure suddenly appeared right in front of them with this languid smile on his face.

Joseph drank a mouthful of wine: "Those spiritual ingredients are quite expensive. I'll be taking them back. But if you really want to take it away from here. You must pay me a thousand gold coins at least."

When Joseph suddenly appeared in front of the three, they suddenly stopped and stared at Joseph in horror.

In their eyes, Joseph's appearance was just too strange and abnormal. Before they even entered the restaurant. They used their spiritual energy to check if there was someone inside, and they didn't find anyone. That was the reason why they felt confident about going inside.

But now... 

Someone actually silently appeared in front of them. They felt like a bolt of lightning struck them out of nowhere causing them to be dumbstruck. However, even though they were struck dumb at this moment. That didn't mean that they couldn't recognize how powerful this young man was.

"You... You are that... You are that owner of this shop!" One of the men recognized Joseph.

Joseph merely glanced at the man and kept his silence.

The three of them looked at each other before respectfully saying: "Greetings, Senior. We juniors have the Immunity Token of the City Mayor." They reached out to their robes and revealed a token that had an air of magnificence and antiquity to it.

On the surface of the token, the word, "Immunity" was written.

The three expected that Joseph would definitely let them off once he saw the Immunity Token. After all, no matter how powerful you were, even if you were as powerful as the Astolfo Family. There was no way that you could disregard the authority of the City Mayor and those favored by him.

But Joseph plainly replied: "Do you have a thousand gold coins?"

The three of them looked at each other once again.

If Joseph asked them for Spirit Stones. He had them right now in their possession, but gold coins?

They were cultivators so, they didn't have that much use regarding gold coins.

In other words, they don't frequently carry gold coins with them when they travel.

But of course, if given enough time...

They could prepare a thousand gold coins or maybe even ten thousand.

Joseph saw through what they were thinking and he sighed.

He waved his hand and a powerful force swept the three outside.

They flew for about five kilometers before they managed to stabilize themselves.

Their expressions revealed unimaginable fear and shock.

They couldn't comprehend how powerful the young owner of that small restaurant.

The three thought for a moment and they considered themselves lucky that the young man didn't kill them. After all, with the unfathomable cultivation of that young man. He could've easily killed them without anyone knowing about their deaths.

The three quickly left and dispersed...

From now on, these three would never scheme against that small restaurant anymore.

But of course, little did they knew that when Joseph pushed them away from the store. He had placed a seed of Discord and Disorder inside their minds. If they had any malicious intent against the small restaurant or Joseph himself...

That seed of Discord and Disorder would trigger, killing them instantly.

Joseph went back into the store and contemplated: "Elizabeth... Could it be that I am too nice to the residents here and that is the reason why I am now on this bottleneck?" He asked Pixie Fairy Elizabeth with some hesitation.

Pixie Fairy Elizabeth shook her head and replied: "I don't know, master... All I know is that you will definitely succeed."

"Hehehe..." Joseph lightly chuckled. He didn't mind praise nor admiration, but baseless praise like what Pixie Fairy Elizabeth was doing really did grind on Joseph's nerves.

But since he didn't want any trouble today.

He kept his thoughts to himself and drank until daybreak came.

When the small restaurant opened again. It was once again completely packed with people. Matthew came along with his subordinates to eat and Matthew personally requested that he wanted to talk with Joseph.

"Kenneth, you handle the customers here for now, all right?" Joseph turned to look at Kenneth.

Kenneth, under the nourishment of the spiritual ingredients that Joseph added onto his dishes that he gave to Kenneth, now looked taller and sturdier than ever before.

Back then, even though he was already twelve-years-old, he looked as if he was just a five or six-year-old kid.

He really was grossly malnourished several months ago.

"Boss, I have the payment here!" One of the customers cried out.

"Just put it in the basket!" Joseph gestured to a nearby basket.

Kenneth glanced and saw that the customer paid ten gold coins for a bowl of Egg Fried Rice.

A complicated look flashed on Kenneth's face as he said: "Uncle... I really admire how much money you earn with just a single bowl of Egg Fried Rice."

Joseph paused and turned to look at Kenneth: "Oh? Really?"

Kenneth nodded his head: "Yes, Uncle... Our wooden workshop only earns about seven gold coins a year and in your restaurant, you can earn ten gold coins in just a single bowl of Egg Fried Rice! I really am envious... Is it possible for me to learn your culinary arts, Uncle?"

Joseph stared right at Kenneth and found that there was a determined look on his face.

He smiled, ruffled Kenneth's hair, and replied: "You want to learn my culinary arts? Won't your father get angry if you do that? I heard him talk a few days ago that he wants you to be the successor of the wooden workshop."

Kenneth puffed his cheeks and pouted: "No, uncle! I don't want to be a worker in the wooden workshop! The work is too tedious, but the pay is too low! If I learn your culinary arts, I'll be able to earn ten gold coins in just a bowl of food..."

"Why would I bother being a worker in the workshop when I can learn your culinary arts?"

He raised his head and stared at Joseph with twinkling eyes.

Joseph lifted a smile of amusement.

"Let's see, maybe I'll take you as my disciple someday. But for now, you're still too young! You've got to enjoy life, all right?" Joseph ruffled his hair and continued: "You go and handle these customers, okay? I'll go talk with your Uncle Matthew for now."

Kenneth obediently nodded his head and didn't stall Joseph any longer.

He turned around and faced the customers.

Joseph directly walked towards the second floor of the small restaurant and there, he met Matthew who had a look of excitement on his face.

But was he excited that Joseph was going to meet him?

No!

It was because of the food that Joseph was carrying on his tray.

Joseph lightly chuckled and placed that tray on the table.

Matthew didn't even start his discussion with Joseph as he went for the food first and started eating with gusto.

Joseph really didn't mind that Matthew seemed to be disrespecting him by going for the food first.

Instead, he was happy that Matthew was enjoying his food.

Finally, in just several minutes. Matthew was done with the food.

A look of satisfaction appeared on his face as he sighed.

"This food... I really regret that I will not be able to eat this much longer..."

"Oh? What's wrong?" Joseph furrowed his eyebrows and asked.

"Well, I will still be able to eat this in the future, but after ten years? Nah..." Matthew shook his head and sighed in regret.

"What's going on?" Joseph asked him once again.

Matthew finally raised his head and said: "The thing is, Senior. With the connections that I have, I predict that an inescapable war will happen in the next five years to ten. I'm not so sure when will it happen but at least, it's still five years from now. I still have about five years to come here every day and enjoy this food."

Matthew lightly chuckled, but it was clear that there was bitterness in his laugh.

"Are you going to participate in the war?" Joseph asked with doubt.

Matthew turned to look at him and said: "Yeah... I have no choice but to participate."

"Our Kingdom of Evergreen will fight a three-way fight against the Kingdom of Shade and Iblis. Honestly, I don't think that we will be able to win when we're alone and those two powerful Kingdoms are joining forces together just to fight us."

Joseph fell silent.

Despite the casual air that Matthew brought with him whenever he was traveling. He was still the Head of the most prestigious family in the City of Eichenwalde, the Astolfo Family. It was impossible for him to escape his responsibility of leading the experts of his family to battle.

War...

Perhaps, I will be able to gain enlightenment in that war, but bloodshed?

Sigh...

Joseph shook his head.

Matthew turned to look at him and asked: "Senior, do you have any plans for that upcoming war?"

"No..."

"Nothing?" Excitement flashed across Matthew's face for a moment before he restrained himself: "In that case, how about I invite you Senior to join us to the war? With your help and how powerful you are. I bet you'll be able to easily annihilate those dogs from Shade and Iblis."

Joseph stared right at Matthew and revealed a look of irritation: "No... Don't bother inviting me. I will not be joining the war.

"I see... That's too bad..." Matthew stood up and smiled: "I'll be going now, Senior... Thanks for the meal and here's the payment for the dishes." He placed several Spirit Stones on the table and walked out of the restaurant. Leaving Joseph who was still in deep contemplation behind.

War, eh...

I wonder how many lives will be lost in that war...

The faces of every shopkeeper, hawkers, neighbors, and residents that Joseph remembered in his City within the past few months of staying here flashed across his mind. Particularly the image of Kenneth and his parents who were both hard at work.

When Joseph awakened from his trance, it was already closing time and the restaurant was empty.

The only person remaining in the restaurant was only Kenneth who unknowingly fell asleep leaning on a table.

Joseph walked downwards and smiled when he saw him passed out from exhaustion.

After secretly placing several gold coins into his pocket.

Joseph woke him up with a push.

"Hmm? Ah! Uncle!" Kenneth immediately realized the situation he was in as he panicked: "No, Uncle! I wasn't slacking! I was working for the entire afternoon!" 

Joseph gave a boisterous laugh. He ruffled Kenneth's hair and said: "It's fine, I won't deduct your wages for that. But I have some good news for you."

Kenneth's eyes twinkled: "What is it, Uncle? Are you giving me a bonus?"

Joseph's lips repeatedly twitched for he could literally see the greed in Kenneth's eyes when he mentioned "bonus". 

However, Joseph shook his head and said: "It's even better than a bonus. Can you guess what is it?"

Kenneth puffed his cheeks and pouted: "Don't make me guess, mean Uncle! Just tell me already!"

Joseph loudly laughed once again.

He decided to stop teasing the young boy anymore as he declared: "I've decided to take you as my disciple in the culinary arts! I'll teach you everything that I know about cooking!"