Episode 75
As the champion of the Achilles family stepped into the arena, he announced his name with a commanding presence.
“Pharrell Achilles.”
In response, Zeke introduced himself with equal respect.
“Zeke Draker.”
Exchanging names before a duel was a gesture of mutual respect and honor.
Zeke sensed something different about this warrior from the Achilles family compared to the previous opponents.
“His stance is unwavering.”
It was a testament to Pharrell’s deep mental discipline.
With shield and sword in hand, Zeke slowly advanced toward Pharrell. But Pharrell was the first to make a move.
Whoosh!
A massive shield came crashing toward Zeke, its weight threatening to unbalance him.
Boom!
Zeke deftly sidestepped, deflecting Pharrell’s attack and minimizing the impact. Yet, the force was undeniable.
Zeke realized that Pharrell was not an opponent to be underestimated.
Pharrell seized the opportunity, swiftly moving to Zeke’s side and swinging his sword toward Zeke’s waist.
Swish!
The blade sliced through the air with precision.
Clang!
Zeke parried Pharrell’s sword with his own, the clash sending a jolt up Pharrell’s arm.
Pharrell was impressed by Zeke’s skill.
“His fundamentals are solid, and his combat experience is extensive.”
Zeke maintained his balance, defending firmly and counterattacking with precision whenever an opening appeared.
The two warriors engaged in a fierce, close-quarters battle, their shields clashing and swords striking with relentless intensity.
Clang! Clang! Swish!
The lords and family heads watching were astounded by the unexpected level of skill on display.
“My goodness, a knight who can hold his own against Pharrell Achilles!”
“The undefeated Pharrell Achilles has finally met his match!”
Pharrell Achilles was the reigning champion of the central region’s knight league, known for his undefeated record. As a direct descendant and champion of the Achilles family, he had greatly contributed to the family’s honor and legacy.
Swish!
As the spectators marveled, Pharrell’s sword narrowly missed Zeke.
Zeke stepped back, then surged forward, deflecting Pharrell’s sword with his shield and spinning to deliver a powerful strike.
Boom!
Pharrell’s shield reverberated with a sound like an explosion, and his body staggered.
“Huff, huff.”
Heavy breaths echoed from within his helmet.
In contrast, Zeke’s movements remained as steady as ever.
Pharrell had to admit that Zeke was physically superior.
“What a formidable opponent.”
Determined, Pharrell decided to put everything into one final attack.
Shuffle!
He stepped forward with his left foot, channeling all his strength into it.
Boom!
With incredible agility, Pharrell launched himself forward, his shield raised and sword poised to pierce his opponent.
Achilles-style Shield Spear Technique
Ultimate Charge
Wrath of the Black Spear
Pharrell seemed to transform into a massive black spear, capable of piercing anything.
Zeke, too, prepared his ultimate technique, aiming his sword at Pharrell.
Agamemnon Golden Swordsmanship
Ultimate Counter
Majesty of the Golden Sword
Zeke extended his shield and raised his sword high, meeting Pharrell’s ultimate attack head-on.
Crash!
The Wrath of the Black Spear shattered Zeke’s shield into pieces.
Zeke spun, bringing his sword down on Pharrell.
Pharrell raised his shield to block Zeke’s golden sword.
Crash!
Pharrell’s shield shattered under Zeke’s strike.
Boom!
With a tremendous sound, both warriors were thrown back.
Thud!
They stood in the center of the arena, facing each other with their swords, their shields in ruins.
At that moment, Rufus stood and called for the match to end.
“This match will be declared a draw! Such a magnificent duel deserves no winner or loser!”
The spectators rose to their feet, erupting in cheers and applause.
“Pharrell! Pharrell!”
“Zeke! Zeke!”
They chanted the names of the two warriors, celebrating their exceptional skills.
Zeke and Pharrell removed their helmets and approached each other.
“An excellent match, Sir Pharrell.”
Pharrell grasped Zeke’s hand.
”…I concede defeat, Sir Zeke. Thank you for your consideration.”
Pharrell realized that during their final clash, Zeke had held back, choosing only to break his shield rather than deliver a decisive blow.
It was a friendly match, after all, and Zeke saw no need to defeat such a skilled knight as Pharrell.
Pharrell was deeply impressed by Zeke’s maturity and generosity, especially at such a young age.
Meanwhile, the heads of the three families stood in the audience.
“The Aegis family recognizes Sir Zeke Draker’s right as a successor.”
“The Hector family also acknowledges Sir Zeke Draker’s qualifications.”
Finally, the head of the Achilles family spoke.
“The Achilles family, too, recognizes Sir Zeke Draker’s right as a successor.”
With unanimous agreement from the three families, Zeke was officially recognized as the successor of the Agamemnon family.
“Blessings to the new heir of the Agamemnon family!”
The arena was filled with fervent cheers and applause.
“Phew. I’m exhausted.”
After the match, Zeke finally removed his armor and took a moment to rest.
Felix brought him a cold drink, still buzzing with excitement.
“Master, that was an incredible match. I had no idea you were skilled in traditional dueling. My goodness, a draw with the league champion!”
Zeke replied to Felix.
“Don’t make such a fuss.”
“Sir Pharrell Achilles is a renowned champion! He has a huge fan base even in Atlas.”
“Sir Pharrell was considerate enough to hold back. Besides, the Achilles family is famous for their spear techniques, not just swordsmanship.”
“Spear techniques? But Sir Pharrell only used a sword in the match.”
“That’s what makes him an exceptional knight. You should learn from him, Felix. Instead of always trying to escape your training.”
“I-I don’t try to escape!”
“Enough with the excuses. Go make some tea.”
Felix grumbled as he prepared the tea, but the temperature was off, earning him another scolding from Zeke.
“I thought he was sharp at first, but he’s getting lazier. At least I know Felix isn’t a spy.”
As Zeke sipped the poorly made tea, a servant approached him.
“Young master, Sir Pharrell Achilles has requested to see you.”
Pharrell Achilles, fresh from their match, had come to visit.
“Sir Pharrell? Show him to the drawing room.”
Zeke quickly changed into formal attire and headed to the drawing room.
Pharrell, now dressed in the formal attire of a central noble, sat with a composed demeanor. His strong jawline and thick sideburns gave him a distinguished appearance.
He greeted Zeke with a respectful bow.
“Sir Zeke, I apologize for the intrusion, but I wished to speak with you directly.”
Zeke addressed Pharrell.
“It’s an honor to have a knight of your caliber visit. Please, have a seat.”
A maid served tea, and Pharrell spoke first.
“Sir Zeke, I learned a great deal from today’s duel.”
“The feeling is mutual.”
Pharrell’s voice took on a serious tone.
“I have a request.”
“Please, tell me. If it’s within my power, I’ll do it.”
“Though I am lacking, I wish to offer my assistance to you.”
Zeke was taken aback.
“What do you mean, Sir Pharrell?”
Pharrell’s eyes gleamed with determination.
“I heard you plan to participate in the Draker Martial Tournament.”
News traveled fast in the Midlands. Zeke nodded.
“Yes. I thought it was just a test of skill, but I’ve heard it’s more than that.”
Pharrell nodded in agreement.
“You’re right, Sir Zeke. The Draker Martial Tournament is akin to a battlefield.”
“My mentor, Duke, described it the same way. He mentioned it would be difficult without a sponsoring family, but I didn’t get the details. Could you explain?”
Pharrell answered Zeke’s question.
“The Draker Martial Tournament is quite unique. The events and rules change each time.”
“The events and rules change?”
“Yes. They’re determined by the tournament’s organizing committee, which is made up of influential elders from the central continent’s prominent families.”
Zeke’s expression shifted.
“So, these elders become the committee members and set the events and rules?”
“That’s right. Soon, they’ll announce the events for the preliminaries and finals. From the round of 16 onwards, the events and rules will be revealed just a day before the matches.”
“So, if the committee members support a particular candidate, they could choose events and rules that favor them?”
“Exactly. When competitors have similar skills, the more favorable the event, the higher the chances of winning. If they decide on an extreme rule like ‘no aura usage in this tournament,’ then that’s how it will be.”
“What kind of tournament is this?”
In his past life, Zeke had been expelled from the Draker family and hadn’t even been eligible to participate in such tournaments, so he had no idea such absurd competitions existed.
Only now did Zeke understand why Duke had said it was nearly impossible to win the tournament without a sponsoring family.
“If they collude to set events and rules to hinder the favorites, there’s a chance of being eliminated in the preliminaries.”
Farel spoke to Zeke with a sense of urgency. “Sir Zeke! If you allow me, I’d like to assist you in preparing for the tournament!”
Zeke was taken aback by the offer. “Are you saying you’d act as my aide, Sir Farel?”
Farel nodded with a determined expression.
“Why is he suddenly doing this?” Zeke wondered. Having suffered and been betrayed in his past life, Zeke was naturally suspicious of others’ kindness.
He looked into Farel’s steadfast eyes. “It’s a bit overwhelming, but having a renowned knight like Farel on my side would certainly be advantageous.”
Zeke nodded at Farel. “It would be an immense honor to have a distinguished knight like you assist me.”
Farel’s face lit up at Zeke’s acceptance. Without delay, Farel began pulling out what he had prepared, piling a massive stack of documents on the table.
“What is all this, Sir Farel?”
“It’s the basic manual for the Draker Tournament. The advanced strategy guide is at the main house; I’ll have the attendants bring it over soon.”
Zeke had never heard of a tournament having not just a manual but a strategy guide as well.
“Maybe I shouldn’t have entered this tournament,” Zeke thought, regretting not refusing Arthur Draker’s request, even if it meant getting on his bad side.
Then Farel spoke again, his tone serious. “Sir Zeke, with only a month left until the tournament, we’re quite late. Typically, preparations start two years in advance, sometimes even three.”
“Is that so?”
Farel nodded. “In this situation, what we need most is a broker.”
“A broker? You mean the kind of broker I’m thinking of?”
“Yes, though some prefer the more elegant term ‘lobbyist.’”
Broker or lobbyist, it was all the same.
Farel pulled out a file from the stack of manuals and opened it. Inside was a profile of a person.
“In the central region, it’s said nothing moves without this person’s involvement. They have a firm grip on the social scene.”
Zeke glanced at the photo in the profile and read the name. “Catherine Graham. The lady of the Graham duchy.”
Farel turned to Zeke. “To prepare for the tournament, we must bring Duchess Catherine to our side.”