Episode 89
Zeke’s eyes widened in surprise at Carly’s words.
“Are you talking about Abel’s deal with the Empire?”
She nodded.
“Yes. We’ve received intelligence that Abel is planning a major transaction with the Empire. We don’t know the exact details, but it seems to be linked to the card he’s playing to gain the position of Guardian Knight.”
Zeke asked, “Are you sure you want to entrust such an important mission to me?”
“Abel is already on high alert regarding our faction. If any of us make a move, he might cancel the deal immediately. But it’s too risky to assign this to an ordinary knight.”
Zeke fell into deep thought at Carly’s words.
‘If I take on this mission, I’ll officially become one of Carly Dreiker’s people.’
As the winner of the martial arts tournament, Zeke was set to enter the Four Seasons Castle, the heart of the Dreiker Alliance. It was a place teeming with nobles, lords, and high-ranking politicians from all over the continent. To survive there, strong connections were essential.
In that regard, Carly Dreiker, the first in line to inherit the Guardian Knight title, was a formidable shield for Zeke.
‘The problem is that Carly is destined to die at the hands of the Pirate King in a few years.’
But Zeke had already changed many events by returning to the past. Considering this, he believed he could intervene in Carly’s battle with the Pirate King and save her.
‘If she can stop Abel and safely inherit the title, we might even prevent the Empire from starting the Third Continental War.’
That would allow Zeke to focus more on his training to become the strongest on the continent. After gaining power beyond that of a Black Knight, he planned to formally challenge Carly for the title and become the absolute ruler.
‘I don’t want to rule over a ruined Atlas because of a war with the Empire.’
Having made up his mind, Zeke responded to Carly.
“Understood, sister. I’ll take on the mission.”
Carly was taken aback by Zeke’s calm acceptance. It wasn’t an easy decision, yet he had agreed so readily.
“Are you sure you want to do this?”
Zeke nodded. “Yes. When should I leave?”
Carly composed herself and replied, “The deal is set to take place at a casino in the Republic of Dorta in a week.”
“Then it’s best to leave soon. I have a request for this mission.”
“What is it? Tell me.”
“I’ll need an invitation from someone in the Republic of Dorta. Under the guise of a victory tour for the martial arts tournament.”
Carly nodded in understanding. “You want to conceal the mission with a formal invitation.”
“Yes. It would be difficult to enter the casino in Dorta without revealing my identity. And if I move, Abel’s side will hear about it anyway, given my tournament victory. It’s better to go openly with an invitation. However, since I’ve declined all invitations so far, I’ll need one from a prominent figure in Dorta.”
“I’ll contact Dorta and arrange for a suitable invitation.”
“Thank you, sister.”
Helen, who had been listening, spoke to Zeke. “Zeke, Dorta may seem glamorous and full of joy, but it’s a place where demons lurk. Always be on your guard.”
Zeke gave a wry smile at Helen’s warning. In his past life, he had run a casino in the Republic of Dorta as a hitman for the Southern Cartel. He knew all too well what Helen meant.
“Thank you, Dame Helen. I’ll keep that in mind.”
“One more thing.”
“Yes, please.”
Helen looked at Zeke. “Feel free to speak casually with me.”
She blushed slightly, embarrassed by her own request. Zeke grinned and nodded.
“Understood, Helen.”
Helen finally looked satisfied with his response.
The next day, an invitation from the Republic of Dorta arrived for Zeke.
He was astonished when he saw it.
“The Zayed family? The wealthiest family in Dorta sent me an invitation?”
The Republic of Dorta was famous for its auctions and casinos, but also as a major producer of magic stones. The Zayed family owned the underwater magic stone mines, supplying 70% of the continent’s magic stones.
The fact that Carly Dreiker could move such a powerful family spoke volumes about her influence.
Zeke nodded as he looked at the invitation.
“An invitation from the Zayed family should appease the other families I’ve declined.”
Just then, Decker approached Zeke.
“Young master, all the necessary documents for portal travel have been issued.”
Zeke accepted the special entry and exit pass for Dreiker knights from Decker.
“Thank you, Decker. When do I need to be at the terminal?”
“The portal operates this evening, so you should leave soon.”
Large-scale portals only operated twice a day. Missing the evening portal to Dorta would mean waiting three more days, which could take longer than traveling by ship.
‘The portal system is truly remarkable.’
Despite its limitations and the high karma points required, the ability to travel anywhere at will was a tremendous advantage.
Zeke marveled at the system as he headed toward the waiting carriage.
Outside, in the garden, Farrell was training Liam and Felix.
“Once more!”
Farrell was a knight of the esteemed Thebea Kingdom and a Blue Knight candidate, a direct descendant of the noble Achilles family. He was also a renowned master of traditional swordsmanship, making him the perfect instructor for the two Purple Knights.
Zeke had specifically requested Farrell’s training.
Felix gasped for breath, complaining loudly.
“Ugh, Sir Farrell, I feel like I’m going to die if we keep going.”
Liam, however, picked up his sword and charged forward.
Felix groaned and followed, despite his protests.
“Ugh! Liam, please, let’s stop!”
Watching them, Zeke turned to Decker.
“Tell Sir Farrell to push Felix a bit harder.”
“Understood, young master.”
Zeke observed Decker’s respectful demeanor and spoke again.
“Decker, reconsider returning as a knight. I need talented and trustworthy people.”
Decker bowed his head in response.
“Thank you for your words, young master. But I’m too rusty to be called a knight.”
“Hmm.”
Far from rusty, Decker’s skills were still sharp. But Zeke respected his decision and nodded.
“Alright. But if things get urgent, I’ll need you to step up.”
“Understood.”
With that, Zeke boarded the carriage, Decker seeing him off. Having been raised by Decker since his past life, Zeke found himself reverting to a more childlike demeanor around him.
‘I wonder why he’s so stubborn about the sword. Is there something I don’t know?’
Lost in thought, Zeke headed to the terminal.
Upon arrival, someone was waiting for him.
“Welcome, Master.”
It was Fainan, dressed in a sharp suit. Zeke had chosen him as his companion for this mission.
The two of them went through the VIP process at the terminal and waited in the lounge.
“Sir Fainan, is this your first time in the Republic of Dorta?”
Fainan shook his head.
“I often visit Dorta to acquire items for my research. But this is my first time traveling by portal.”
Just then, an announcement came over the speakers.
“The portal to the Republic of Dorta is about to open. Passengers, please proceed to the portal shuttle and take your seats.”
Zeke and Fainan used the connected passage to board the first-class seats of the portal shuttle. They were treated to luxurious leather seats, wine, and various services.
As Zeke nibbled on the provided peanuts, he felt the surrounding magic fluctuate.
‘Fascinating.’
Soon, the magic circle surrounding the shuttle activated, and the large-scale portal opened. The shuttle slowly entered the portal.
A slight vibration was felt.
Then, the shuttle came to a stop, and the portal gradually closed.
“We have arrived in the Republic of Dorta. We wish you a pleasant journey.”
People began to move about, and Zeke and Fainan disembarked, stepping outside the terminal.
Outside, a lavish carriage awaited them. It was a golden carriage adorned with various ornaments, pulled by six double-humped camels.
Zeke’s expression darkened at the sight.
‘Could it be?’
“Sir Zeke Dreiker!”
A typical Dorta native, wearing a turban and white robes adorned with expensive magic stone jewelry, approached Zeke.
He confirmed Zeke’s identity and embraced him warmly.
“Welcome! We are honored to have you!”
His continental common language was quite fluent.
Zeke responded in Dorta’s native tongue.
“Thank you for the warm welcome.”
The Dorta native was taken aback by Zeke’s use of their language.
“My goodness! You speak Dortan! The Earth God will surely bless you, Sir Zeke!”
With an exuberant prayer, he ushered Zeke into the opulent carriage.
Once seated, the Dortan introduced himself.
“Apologies for the late introduction. My name is Muhammad bin Abuda Zayed, the second son of the Zayed family.”
Zeke was taken aback. He had guessed from the lavish carriage that his host was someone important, but he hadn’t expected a direct descendant of the Zayed family to greet him personally.
Muhammad looked at Zeke and said, “First of all, congratulations on winning the Draker Tournament. Your acceptance of the Zayed family’s invitation brings great honor to us.”
“The Zayed family’s illustrious reputation is known across the continent,” Zeke replied.
“Indeed, Sir Zeke, you are a knight of great honor. I am truly moved,” Muhammad said, completing the formalities with a change in his expression.
“I have heard from Kali Draker,” he continued.
Zeke straightened up at this.
“Then I suppose there’s no need for lengthy explanations. It would be helpful if you could arrange a casino for our dealings,” Zeke suggested.
Muhammad waved his hand with a smile. “Sir Zeke, with all due respect, there’s no need for that.”
“What do you mean?” Zeke asked, puzzled.
Muhammad smiled slightly. “No casino in the Dortan Republic can escape the influence of the Zayed family.”
Zeke understood what Muhammad was implying.
‘Back when I ran casinos during the cartel days, these guys were a constant headache. The Zayed-backed thugs attacked so often.’
This was precisely why Don Juan had sent Zeke to the Dortan casinos. After Zeke dealt with the attackers and hung them in front of the Zayed estate, they finally proposed a truce.
Given the Zayed family’s wealth, rumored to surpass even the Emperor’s, their confidence was understandable.
Zeke spoke to Muhammad. “Very well. This is Feynan, an exceptional mage. He will set up a listening spell at the meeting venue with the Empire.”
Zeke hadn’t brought Feynan along for nothing. He aimed to gather evidence of Abel’s dealings with the Empire, which violated the Draker family’s neutrality pledge.
Muhammad grinned, showing his white teeth. “That’s no problem at all. Don’t worry.”
“And there’s one more favor I must ask,” Zeke added.
“What is it? Please, go ahead.”
Zeke leaned in and whispered to Muhammad, who looked startled.
“That… that is…”
“Please, I must insist,” Zeke urged.
Muhammad hesitated, then nodded. “Understood. For you, Sir Zeke, I will do my best.”
“Thank you, Muhammad.”
Zeke turned to gaze out the carriage window. The splendid vehicle rolled from the barren roads of the Dortan Republic into a dazzling city.
The city, known as the place where night never falls, shimmered with vibrant lights. As Zeke took in the magnificent view, he sharpened his focus, ready for what lay ahead.