The Grand Duelist

The journey of the procession was solemn and peaceful. Opposite of what the players and the media stations around the world expected.

Shouldn't these residents be angry at the Legend who committed treason against the Kingdom of Nether?

But instead of being angry... The residents peacefully followed Krid. Some of them even repeatedly hurled lush, and green leaves towards the skies as the procession continued.

Soon...

The procession arrived at the Central Square of the Capital City Reinhardt.

There, a large number of people were gathered.

They all had solemn expressions on their faces as they faced Krid's direction.

At the center of the Central Square stood an ancestral monument dedicated to the previous Kings of the Kingdom of Nether. The names of the previous Kings belonging to every generation was engraved on its surface.

Amongst these names, the most eye-catching one was the name: 'Oliver Oligarch'.

It was because this name was written in fierce and brilliant calligraphy that mysteriously glittered in a golden light whilst under the illumination of the sun.

In front of the ancestral monument was at least a fifty meters wide platform.

Seeing that the platform looked like it wasn't embedded on the ground...

It was clear that it was added on top of the ground of the plaza. 

The sides of the two meters tall platform were decorated with red and weaved with the lush colors of Spring. Indicating that a single life may vanish today...

But another life would appear in compensation for it.

"The condemned has arrived!"

The Jail Warden loudly announced, his voice awakening everyone from their trance.

Just when everyone thought that nothing could surprise them anymore.

Another voice rang out and reverberated through the skies.

"Honorable Duke Heathrow has arrived!"

A person that looked like a mountain of meat suddenly appeared on top of the decorated platform.

With his appearance, everyone turned silent...

But then another bombshell was dropped.

"The Queen, The Crown Prince and His Majesty are here!"

These few words sounded like it was five kilometers away, but when the sentence reached its end...

It sounded like the words were spoken next to your ears as everyone.

Including commoners, players, and nobles alike, all shivered in astonishment and shock.

But when everyone understood the message contained within the voice. All of them stood up. Those who weren't paying attention to what was happening before.

Now had their eyes glued towards the skies.

Three figures suddenly appeared in the air. One of them was a middle-aged woman. From the light within her eyes, it was clear that she had experienced far too many experiences in life, yet at the same time, her figure radiated the vibrancy of youth.

Her expression, devoid of any wrinkles gave everyone the impression that she was in her early twenties.

But this wasn't the end of the surprise. It was because floating beside the woman was a young man that clearly resembled the young woman. The only difference was that not a smile could be seen on his lips.

His expression looked detached and his eyes radiated coldness, and majesty that only existed from those of nobility.

The young man landed slowly on the platform and stood beside the woman.

But there was still someone floating in the air.

That person was a middle-aged man wearing a well-embellished tunic, embedded with golden thread. A surcoat was wrapped around his body depicting figures of his Royal Family, and on top of these, was a royal mantle that exuded his authority as the King.

When he appeared, delighted expressions appeared on the faces of every commoner and they looked like they all wanted to scream. But since today was a solemn day according to their traditions and culture. They held themselves back and kept themselves silent.

The King, her Queen, and the Crown Prince swept their gazes at everyone. All three of them slightly nodded before they took their seats. The King sat at the center, on his right was the Queen, and on his left was the Imperial Prince. Standing before them was Duke Heathrow who greeted.

"I thank His Majesty for his presence."

The King nodded his head and Duke Heathrow then turned his head towards the direction of the condemned procession. A sly smile appeared on his face, and he exclaimed.

"Present the condemned before his Majesty!"

When his voice rang out. Krid who maintained his silence and remained obedient all this while slightly trembled when he heard the words 'his Majesty'. But after a few moments, he sighed for he really couldn't do anything other than face the King, his Majesty, and also...

His precious sworn brother back then...

The Jail Warden deeply gazed at Duke Heathrow. Before he turned to look at Krid. 

Krid nodded his head and the Jail Warden then dragged his chains towards the direction of the platform.

"The condemned is here, your Majesty!"

The Jail Warden loudly announced. 

His Majesty, Oliver Oligarch raised his head and stared at Krid.

Krid also stared at him and for a few moments, and the gazes of the two met in mid-air.

Although no words were exchanged...

They were brothers that spent countless life and death situations together. They know far too much about each other to the extent that they could communicate with their gazes.

Krid's eyes flashed with an apologetic light, while the King's eyes revealed a hint of relief and understanding. This communication method of the two could only be understood by those who had close brothers or sisters.

Such a method could never be understood by those that do not have any close kin or friends.

After this brief discrete communication between the two. Krid hung his head low, and then he was ushered towards the platform and forcefully had his knees broken by Duke Heathrow so that he wouldn't be able to move nor stand up.

A sadistic smile appeared on Duke Heathrow's lips as he had Krid kneel on top of the platform and face everyone who came here to observe.

"I present, in front of every ancestor of the Kingdom of Nether, and all the current residents of the Kingdom... The traitor who insists on remaining selfish until the end!"

His voice boomed like thunder, and before everyone could awaken from their shock.

He continued...

"I am sure that everyone present knows that in a few year's time. The three Kingdom's Thousand Years Reign Competition will finally begin. This is a grand affair that involves everyone from the three kingdoms..."

"This competition is always held every hundred years, but since the Kingdom of Nether is now about at its thousandth year since its foundation along with the Kingdom of Burning Heaven and the Kingdom of Absolute Frost..."

"It is necessary for us to create an astoundingly strong army that can repel those two Kingdoms in the competition so that we could keep our dominance against them."

"We have kept them at bay for about nine hundred years now, but it is clear that the Kingdom of Burning Heaven and Absolute Frost are getting stronger as the years go by..."

"It is predicted by an Astrologer from the Astrological Guild of the Empire of Truedawn that if the Kingdom of Nether did not do anything to further improve its force for the upcoming Thousand Years Reign competition. We will surely lose our dominance and in turn..."

"Lose our influence and territories."

"That is something that cannot be allowed to happen at all costs..."

"That was why I, Duke Heathrow scoured through the entire continent in an effort to find a method that could allow us to drastically increase the strength of our forces without further burdening our soldiers that are already enduring our hellish training."

Duke Heathrow paused and his gaze landed towards the several dozens of envoy coming from all sorts of different sects and groups.

"This Thousand Year Reign competition, we must definitely not lose!"

"Yeah, the previous Reign competitions were only named as Hundred. This is the first time that the competition will be named Thousand-Year Reign. I am pretty sure that the three Kingdoms will go all out, holding nothing back.

Amidst this commotion, the Crown Prince suddenly spoke up in a cold voice...

"Alright, no more unnecessary words Duke Heathrow. I don't want my time wasted."

... startling Duke Heathrow and everyone who heard what he was said.

Duke Heathrow's expression flashed with complex emotions for a moment before he continued: "Since this is what the Royal Prince wants then, I shall not say any more unnecessary words. However..." He changed the topic and sternly declared to everyone present.

"I am sure that everyone knows about the identity of the condemned today... His name is Krid, and his surname is unknown but the tales of his journeys could be heard everywhere..."

"After all, he is the one and only Legendary Blacksmith of the current generation, and knowing that he came from our Kingdom..."

"My heart became filled with warmth pride and childlike joy. But unfortunately... When I came over and visited his residence and pleaded for his help for the upcoming Thousand Years Reign..."

"I was vehemently refused for reasons, unknown to me and the comrades that came with me..." Duke Heathrow paused and glanced at the Crown Prince.

A barely imperceptible light shone within the Crown Prince's eyes as he raised an eyebrow and asked: "Oh? You had comrades with you when you visited the Legendary Krid?"

Duke Heathrow nodded his head, and a smile leaked on his lips: "Yes, honorable Prince. I did have comrades with me. But sadly, when I insisted and earnestly pleaded for the Legendary Blacksmith's help. I was not only refused, but he also killed my comrades so that he could kill the chicken to warn the monkeys."

"I could do nothing at that time, other than retreat in sorrow and report everything to his Majesty..."

"After my report, his Majesty then ordered the capture of Krid to which, I obliged. Bringing with me the powerful knights of the Kingdom to capture Krid and his disciple."

At the end of his sentence, Duke Heathrow revealed a sorrowful expression. Looking like he was reminiscing of the time when his comrades were still alive before they were apparently killed by Krid.

The Crown Prince revealed anger when he heard Duke Heathrow's 'revelation'. His Majesty was astonished by what he heard and fury flashed on his face. But before he could say anything...

The Crown Prince exploded in anger, astonishing everyone who heard his words.

"Is that so? How vicious!"

"Knowing that you are an honorable Duke of the Kingdom where he was born. He not only refused you but he also killed your comrades so that he could instill fear and hesitation that will prevent you from pursuing what is good for the Kingdom?" 

"How atrocious! He must definitely be executed today!"

"Even if he's a Legend!"

But those who were in the know understood that something fishy was going on.

"Heh, what a brilliant play these two are displaying. Since they can coordinate as good as this. I will believe you if you told me that the Crown Prince's true father is Duke Heathrow instead of his Majesty." In the area where people from the Divine Sword Sect was seated.

A young maiden suddenly whispered these words.

"You... What are you saying! Do you want to get killed like that old man?" A bulky man who reeked of alcohol hurriedly closed the mouth of that young maiden in a panic. 

But the young maiden didn't reply to what Juzo was saying, clear mocking could be seen on her face as she stared at the King, Oliver Oligarch.

"Don't ever say that again... At least until we're back at the Sect..." Juzo warned before removing his hand from the mouth of the young maiden.

"Then, Juzo. Are you also suspicious about what I am saying?" The young maiden lightly chuckled and Juzo glared at her before the two finally closed their mouths and stopped their conversation.

On top of the platform. Krid revealed a small smile on his face, seemingly without any intention to answer Duke Heathrow's accusation and the Crown Prince's outburst.

Duke Heathrow's expression changed into anger when he saw Krid's calm and composed manner.

"Look at this traitor smiling like nothing is happening... He really doesn't have the intention to repent! No matter what happens, he will definitely die today! Treating the Royal Family like nothing but air... That is a crime, worthy of death itself!"

Duke Heathrow accused him again, and Krid finally sighed before saying: "Everything has already come to this. I don't mind dying, but will you at least let me see my disciple?"

Krid's voice rang loud and clear and everyone frowned when he heard what Krid was saying.

Duke Heathrow hesitated for a moment, but his Majesty intervened. Anger and fury flashed on his face for a moment, but he managed on suppressing it before he said: "Duke Heathrow, didn't you say that you also captured his disciple?"

"Let the two of them meet, but not on top of the platform. Only those that are about to die from the executioner's blade and members of the Royal Family and Nobility can climb on top of this platform."

Duke Heathrow revealed a smile on his face. He nodded and said: "Since his Majesty wills it. They shall meet."

He then turned to look at the distance and exclaimed: "Vladimir! Bring the Legendary Blacksmith Krid's disciple over here!"

Everyone's attention all turned to look towards the distance. Joseph and Ezreal also turned to look behind them.

Amidst the gazes of everyone, a man wearing all-red appeared. Behind him was a young maiden that had blond hair that reached until her shoulders. Her clothing looked like a washed-out, used cum-rag that had a lot of holes and scratched on its surface.

Normally, a young maiden would feel incredibly humiliated whilst wearing such clothing.

But in contrast, she had a stern expression on her face.

Her eyes that previously gleamed with stubbornness slowly softened when she saw the figure of an old man kneeling on top of the platform.

Anger flashed on her eyes, and she wanted nothing right now but to run towards the old man.

But unfortunately, Vladimir was keeping her in check...

"This..." 

"His Majesty ordered the kidnapping of such a young woman? What the?" Some players within the crowd were visibly shaken by what they saw. Fury appeared on their faces, but they knew better than interrupting this event.

If they did act according to their emotions then they would undoubtedly suffer...

But they still couldn't believe what they were seeing.

Witnessing the sad and desperate plight of the young woman, most of them flared in anger and fury that they all directed towards Vladimir.

"Vladimir... that guy... So this is the reason why he had those powerful knights... He's actually directly connected to Duke Heathrow... I thought that he was only a subordinate."

"Yeah..."

The Guild Leaders of Knights of Justice and Dark Flame whispered towards each other. The battle that happened that day was a battle that they would never forget in their lives.

Back then, they had the players of Crimson tightly surrounded, but just as they thought that they could finally make Crimson suffer a huge loss...

The tables were suddenly turned against them due to the presence of those powerful knights whose levels they estimated to be at least at two hundred. 

"Alice..." Tears welled up in Krid's eyes when he saw the bedraggled appearance of his disciple. His body moved in an effort to stand up, but with his knees broken. He looked more like he was wiggling his way out from the platform towards Alice.

"What a disgrace..." Duke Heathrow uttered under his breath. Seeing a Legend squirming like a worm on the ground, he felt utterly disgusted to the extent that he wanted to kick him off the platform facing the ancestral monument.

But since his Majesty was just behind him and observing everything...

How could he possibly do such a thing?

Duke Heathrow glanced at his Majesty and the latter sighed before saying: "Have someone from the Underground Penitentiary fetch the Legendary Krid."

Duke Heathrow was astonished by His Majesty's command. 'Didn't he say that only those of nobility or about to be executed can ascend this platform? Why is he giving such a command?'

"But your Majesty..." Duke Heathrow said in hesitation and his Majesty narrowed his eyes and replied.

"Did I stutter, Heathrow?"

"Y-y-yes..." Duke Heathrow had no other choice but to swallow everything that he wanted to say. Facing towards the members of the Underground Penitentiary.

Indignance and anger momentarily flashed on his face as he commanded.

"Someone from the Underground Penitentiary. Fetch the Legend Krid and have him reunite with his disciple."

The Jail Warden nodded his head and he then turned to look at Joseph. 

Joseph responded with a nod, but before he could even take a step forward.

Vladimir suddenly spoke up.

"Halt..."

Vladimir's voice rang loud and clear, astonishing even Duke Heathrow himself.

"What are you saying, Vladimir? Are you trying to disobey me?"

Vladimir shook his head and replied: "No, that is not my intention honorable Duke. But I just feel like he should not be the one that should fetch Senior Krid from the platform."

A meaningful smile appeared on his face when he stared at Joseph who he now confirmed as a legitimate player instead of an NPC.

The players who heard what he was saying were shocked.

But before they could even think about what was going on, his Majesty nodded his head and said. 

"That's not a problem. Pick someone else other than him and fetch the Legend Krid."

The Jail Warden nodded.

"Ezreal, you go and fetch Senior Krid." He then commanded.

Ezreal didn't say anything in response.

He just took a step forward and started walking towards the direction of Krid.

Meanwhile, Joseph made a sidelong glance at Vladimir and the latter grinned at him in a sly manner.

"I don't know about what you are planning, but I will never let you succeed under my watch!"

Vladimir inwardly exclaimed.

He also took a step forward and dragged the young maiden behind him, closer to Krid.

At this point in time. Ezreal had already ascended the steps.

"My brother..." Ezreal softly uttered.

Krid revealed an apologetic smile: "I'm so sorry about this, brother."

"Nah, you do not have to worry about anything, brother," Ezreal revealed a mysterious smile.

While he carefully guided Krid down the platform...

He continued speaking in a cryptic manner.

"In fact, I am the one that should be sorry to you, brother..."

Krid's eyes suddenly widened in shock. When the two of them reached the ground.

Ezreal suddenly took out a mysterious looking bead and amidst everyone's confusion...

He crushed that bead into smithereens.

Kacha!

As soon as the bead burst into pieces, an incomparably mighty suction force suddenly appeared behind Ezreal and Krid.

"Bead of Absolute Escape! Shit, stop them!" 

Duke Heathrow exclaimed.

His Majesty abruptly stood up, and everyone's eyes widened into saucers.

"Like I'd let you!"

Vladimir who was the closest to Ezreal rushed at the latter. But when he took his third step, a wave of green energy swept his body causing him to stumble and fall miserably onto the ground.

"You... What are you..." This was the first time that Krid experienced such shock and despair. That Bead of Absolute Escape was reserved for his disciple, but Ezreal crushed it so that he could drag him away from this place? What would happen to his granddaughter then?

Bang!

The might of a legend was fully unleashed at this time and a domineering might swept through everything. That might then concentrated into a beam of formless energy that assaulted Ezreal intent on sending him flying.

Bang!

The formless energy exploded on Ezreal's body but he remained steadfast on its assault. Blood dripped down from Ezreal's seven orifices and he coughed a mouthful of blood.

But his endurance paid off for he managed on hoisting Krid on his shoulder before going to the portal opened by the Bead of Absolute Escape.

"NOOOOOOOOOO!!!!" 

Krid wildly struggled on Ezreal's shoulder, but he couldn't do anything other than scream and struggle.

The current Ezreal was unleashing everything that he had in order to suppress a Legend like him.

Even though that suppression would most likely not last that long...

It was enough time for him to drag Krid into the other side of the void into the safe house that Krid himself created for his disciple.

The two then disappeared under everyone's astonished eyes.

Then...

"C-C-C-CRUSH IT!!!" 

... Duke Heathrow suddenly pointed at Vladimir and screamed in fury.

The shocked Vladimir was still in the middle of his trance, so he acted a step too late. But when he recovered from his trance and removed the other pair of the Heart Binding Worm from his Inventory and was about to crush it with his hand...

A furious scream suddenly rang out. 

"Like It'd let you, you bastard!"

Joseph was already beside him.

His rapier glowing in dazzling radiant light as Joseph attacked with [Point].

"Guah!" Vladimir coughed a mouthful of blood. Joseph's attack penetrated his chest and pierced through his heart. 

[You suffered tremendous damage in an instant and your body is in a state of shock!]

[You are currently under the effects of Stiffness. This is caused by a natural phenomenon and cannot be resisted!]

"You..." Vladimir stared venomously at Joseph.

Joseph quickly snatched the other pair of the Heart Binding Worm from Vladimir's hand.

"KILL HIM!" Duke Heathrow loudly screamed and several figures clad in black suddenly appeared in the air above Joseph.

In an instant, they unleashed dozens of attacks towards him.

"Parry!" 

Joseph didn't even bother to dodge in the face of these attacks. He endured them all through the use of Parry before he ran towards the direction of Alice.

"Shit! His goal is Krid's disciple! Capture her before he gets to her!" Duke Heathrow commanded once again and the figures clad in black, all pounced towards Alice...

But a smile emerged on Joseph's lips...

"IT'S OVER, YOU FAT PIECE OF SHIT!" He loudly exclaimed and pointed his Rapier at Alice.

"GRAND CHALLENGE!"

The Grand Duelist's Grand Challenge banishes a target with him to the Arena of the Gods.

In other words, the moment Joseph uttered these words...

He and Alice were instantly shrouded with the dazzling pure light of the Grand Duelist's divinity.

Under the shocked and dumbfounded gazes of everyone...

The two swiftly vanished before their eyes. The attacks of the figures clad in black passed through their already incorporeal body, and before Joseph could disappear from this place...

He loudly declared.

"Let's see if you bastards dare to follow us to the Forbidden Region!"

After his declaration, he finally disappeared from the Central Square of Reinhardt.

Leaving behind an astonished crowd of NPCs and players alike.

1. An idiom for intimidation