Episode 87
The Grand Stadium, one of the iconic landmarks of Atlas, was teeming with thousands of spectators. They had gathered for the much-anticipated final match of the Draker Martial Arts Tournament.
This year’s final was particularly special, drawing attention from across the continent as it featured a duel between pureblood Draker awakeners and newly promoted Blue Knights.
As the stadium filled with eager onlookers, Arthur Draker, the head of the Draker family, made his entrance. He addressed the crowd with a booming voice.
“The final match of the Draker Tournament is about to begin!”
A thunderous cheer erupted, and dazzling lights illuminated the arena. At that moment, Zeke Draker and Helen Draker stepped onto the stage. Zeke was clad in light armor, while Helen wore heavier, more imposing armor. But what truly caught everyone’s attention was Helen’s weapon—a massive sword strapped to her back.
The audience murmured in awe. “Is that the legendary Dragon Buster of the Steel Knight?”
The Dragon Buster, a gift from the family head upon Helen’s promotion to Blue Knight, was crafted from the bones of a dragon, more akin to a greatsword than a typical blade. With her formidable armor and the enormous sword, it was no wonder she was known as the Steel Knight.
Arthur Draker left the arena, leaving Zeke and Helen facing each other. Zeke drew his Bahamut, while Helen unsheathed her Dragon Buster. The tension between them was palpable, reaching even the farthest corners of the stands.
The sound of a gong signaled the start of the match.
Zeke and Helen charged at each other, their swords clashing with a sound more akin to an explosion than mere metal meeting metal. They gritted their teeth, eyes locked in a fierce stare.
The force of their clash was so intense that the ground beneath them cracked.
After a moment, they both leapt back, creating distance between them. Zeke tightened his grip on Bahamut and assumed a stance.
“Dragon Slayer Technique: Crescent Moon Slash!”
A crescent-shaped aura shot from Zeke’s sword. Helen raised the flat of her Dragon Buster to meet it, neutralizing the attack with ease.
“Her defense is solid,” Zeke thought, shifting his stance to unleash another technique.
“Dragon Slayer Technique: Gale Force!”
Zeke began to circle Helen at high speed, creating the illusion of multiple Zekes surrounding her. Helen closed her eyes, gripping her Dragon Buster tightly. With a powerful shout, she swung her sword, dispelling the illusions in an instant.
The arena was left in ruins, but Zeke was undeterred. He leapt onto the Dragon Buster and charged at Helen, who quickly switched to an arming sword at her waist to parry his attack.
The clash sent a strange, piercing sound through the air as Zeke evaded Helen’s counterattack by leaping into the air. The audience, holding their breath, erupted into cheers.
“Zeke! Zeke!”
“Helen! Helen!”
Among the spectators, Rufus Agamemnon and the elders of the Agamemnon family cheered for Zeke.
“The true heir of Agamemnon! Zeke Draker!”
Zeke pointed Bahamut at Helen, contemplating his next move. “Her defense is tough. Time to shake things up.”
Switching to the Agamemnon’s Golden Sword Technique, Zeke charged at Helen. She attempted to block his lance-like thrust with her Dragon Buster, but Zeke suddenly changed direction, delivering a high kick aimed at her head.
Helen barely dodged, but the force of the kick sent her shoulder guard flying. Zeke’s unconventional attack had thrown her off balance.
“Zeke, you’re truly strong,” Helen admitted, surprised at being pushed by her younger brother.
Realizing she needed to end the match quickly, Helen gathered her energy, her aura enveloping the Dragon Buster. Zeke responded in kind, his Bahamut glowing with a brilliant blue aura.
Both fighters leapt into the air, their aura blades clashing in a dazzling display of light and sound. They landed back on the arena floor, immediately charging at each other once more.
The impact of their clash sent shockwaves through the stadium, but the protective barrier held firm, allowing the audience to feel the intensity of the battle.
Amidst the devastation, Zeke and Helen faced each other, swords at the ready. Helen, however, was visibly fatigued.
“There’s no point in dragging this out,” she thought, aware of Zeke’s superior stamina.
Accepting the reality, Helen prepared for her final move. She raised the Dragon Buster high, channeling all her energy into one decisive strike.
“Dragon Slayer Technique: Iron Wall Cleave!”
The legendary founder of the Draker family, Terracan Draker, was said to have split a fortress wall with a single strike. Helen’s attack, reminiscent of that legend, surged toward Zeke like a tidal wave.
Zeke met her attack with his own, swinging his sword horizontally.
“Dragon Slayer Secret Technique: Great Roc Emerges!”
A massive, bird-shaped aura burst from Zeke’s sword, slicing through Helen’s attack and continuing toward her.
Helen tried to block with the Dragon Buster, but her strength was waning. At that moment, Zeke seized the opportunity, charging at her with Bahamut.
“Dragon Slayer Technique: Dragon Scale Pierce!”
The technique that could pierce ten iron plates was unleashed upon Helen.
The arena was engulfed in dust and debris as the audience rose in shock.
“What happened?”
As the dust settled, Zeke stood victorious, his sword pointed at the fallen Helen.
The gong sounded, signaling the end of the match. The crowd erupted in cheers, while Rufus Agamemnon and the elders shed tears of joy.
Zeke extended a hand to Helen, helping her to her feet.
“I lost,” she admitted.
“It was just luck,” Zeke replied, though they both knew it was more than that.
Helen smiled, acknowledging his skill. “Lord Kali Draker wishes to speak with you soon.”
With those words, Helen left the arena, acknowledging the crowd’s applause for her impressive performance.
Arthur Draker returned to the stage, standing beside Zeke.
“This year’s Draker Tournament champion is Zeke Draker!”
The stadium roared with applause and excitement as Arthur placed the winner’s medal around Zeke’s neck.
He placed a firm hand on Zeke’s shoulder and spoke.
“You’ve done an excellent job with your mission.”
“I was merely following your orders, my lord,” Zeke replied, a hint of humility in his voice.
Arthur chuckled softly. Despite being the head of the Draker family, a name that shook the continent, his youngest son seemed unfazed by him, always maintaining a calm demeanor that made it difficult to read his true thoughts.
Arthur addressed Zeke again. “The winner of the Draker Martial Tournament is entitled to various privileges. We’ll get to those in due time. But as a father, I want to give my son a gift. Is there anything you desire?”
Without hesitation, Zeke looked at Arthur and said, “I want to hear about my mother.”
Arthur’s expression shifted subtly at the mention of her.
“Your mother, huh. Did you hear something from the Agamemnon family?”
“I’ve heard more about what I haven’t been told. That’s why I want to hear it from you, my lord.”
“I’m curious why, out of all possible gifts, you would choose that.”
Zeke met Arthur’s gaze and answered, “I want to know about my mother’s prophecy, the one that marked her as an Irregular.”
Arthur’s face hardened slightly at those words. After a moment of silence, he nodded and spoke to Zeke.
“Laura had a way of surprising me, much like you do. In my life, there have been few things that didn’t go as I planned, but Laura was the one exception.”
He looked at Zeke and said, “Come to the Four Seasons Castle. There’s something I want to show you.”
Zeke nodded in agreement, and Arthur smiled at him.
“Hold up your medal and smile. It will make the thousands of gold spent on this tournament worthwhile.”
Following Arthur’s words, Zeke raised his medal and waved to the crowd, who erupted in cheers, chanting his name. It was a warmth and recognition he had never experienced in his previous life.
“So, Zeke won in the end,” Abel remarked, sipping his tea as he spoke to William.
William’s expression was one of discontent. “Edward, that fool, only brought shame to the family.”
William was clearly displeased with how easily Edward had been defeated by Zeke.
Abel set his teacup down and laughed. “Once he receives the blessing, he’ll grow stronger. Why are you so upset?”
William shook his head. “Edward’s hopeless. The youngest is better. At least he knows how to use his head.”
Abel chuckled softly. “By the way, how’s the matter of the Guardian Knight progressing, William?”
William’s demeanor shifted as he began to speak slowly. “Carly Draker is still trying to persuade the elders. They’re desperately trying to block your appointment as Guardian Knight.”
“Can’t we propose it now?”
“We’re still short by two votes. Many elders claim neutrality, so we need at least two more votes to secure your position.”
Abel tapped his fingers on the table thoughtfully. “Two votes. William, I’m tired of waiting. You know how long I’ve been anticipating this moment.”
William nodded in understanding. “Once the Guardian Knight issue and the Carus matter are resolved, things will go your way. Just hold on a little longer.”
Abel rose slowly from his seat, his eyes glinting with a dangerous intensity as he looked at William. “I’m counting on it. But remember, if the wait drags on, you’ll need to be prepared for the consequences.”
With that, Abel headed into the torture chamber. Soon, the air was filled with horrific screams, not for extracting information, but purely for his amusement.
William listened to the chilling cries, cold sweat trickling down his back. The Knight of Massacre was becoming a monstrous figure unlike anything the world had ever seen.