Chapter 224

Nordian wore a look of utter disbelief.

Up until now, none of the things Christian had said had been remotely plausible, but this time, it was especially outrageous.

“Subdue the Kookdok Maga with poison? And in just two months?”

“That’s nonsense…”

Yet Nordian fell silent, remembering that Christian had never once lied. Every absurd tale Christian spun had somehow come true.

Christian grinned.

“So, put your worries aside and just wait. I’ll bring news that will make Grandfather very happy—something truly astonishing.”

He wasn’t bluffing.

After these two months, what Christian accomplished would shake the entire Magic Empire to its core.

And not only that.

‘It might even be a great gift for Grandfather personally.’

Christian’s gaze darkened slightly. He kept that thought to himself for now—he couldn’t be confident enough to say it out loud yet. The chance of failure was still high.

“But there’s just one thing I ask.”

“What is it?”

“Whatever news you hear along the way, don’t be shocked or alarmed.”

“…What?”

“Well… I’m planning to cause a bit of a stir.”

Not just a little stir—a major incident, right upon arriving at Kookdok Maga.

When the news comes, it will be quite a shock.

“So no matter what you hear, just stay calm and take it in stride.”

“Christian, wait a moment—”

Before anyone could say more, Christian swiftly stepped through the warp gate, with Melin, Mari, and Alos following close behind.

[Oh ho ho, just thinking about spending some thrilling time with the young master in an unfamiliar place makes my heart flutter.]

“Why am I being dragged along?! Are you planning something bad again?!”

“Quiet, Alos. You’re up for special training.”

“Waaah!!”

Amid the chaotic distortion of the pocket dimension, a cacophony of shouts echoed, and a new scene unfolded before their eyes.

A vast estate blanketed in lush greenery.

This was Jinrok Fortress, the main stronghold of Kookdok Maga.

---

A group had come out to greet the visiting noble from another family.

They were members of the Huam Duke faction.

At the front stood Marisa, representing them.

“W-welcome to Kookdok Maga.”

Christian tilted his head.

There was something off about Marisa’s expression.

She looked awkward, dressed far more elaborately than usual.

Though she was always an intelligent beauty, today she was radiant in her finery.

Christian asked, puzzled, “Why are you all dressed up? I’m not here as a duke, just to learn. No need for such formalities.”

“…It’s not because of you. I just wanted a change of pace, that’s all.”

“Is that so?”

“Yeah!!”

Marisa snapped, raising her voice.

You know those days when you just feel moody for no reason?

Today was one of those days—she simply felt like dressing up, nothing more. Really, absolutely nothing else.

“Anyway, it’s been a while.”

“Not really. It’s only been a month, hasn’t it?”

“……”

Every word grated on her nerves.

Marisa bit back her urge to snap again.

Still, she had looked forward to this meeting several times over the past month, checking the calendar.

Of course, she only wanted to see him as a friend—nothing more, absolutely nothing.

‘Still, I got my hopes up for no reason.’

Then Christian casually said,

“Well, it’s good to see you.”

“…Good to see me?”

“Of course. You’re my precious… sucker—no, friend.”

That simple remark melted Marisa’s irritation away.

There was a strange word in there, but the “precious” part made her blood boil so much she barely heard the rest.

“Ah, I’ll show you around. Follow me. You’ll be staying at the Dokhakgwan—the place where disciples first learn about poisons.”

As Marisa gave her explanations, Christian frowned.

The estate looked a bit empty.

“Where’s His Grace, the Huam Duke?”

“My father’s at the border. The Gold Cross faction has been acting disrespectfully.”

“Hm? The Duke himself? Is something serious happening?”

Christian looked puzzled.

“No, nothing like that. Apparently, some strange activity was detected on the Kalven Kingdom side. He went to check it out personally.”

Christian nodded.

‘That didn’t happen in my previous life. Could Olivia’s pressure on the Kalven Kingdom have caused a butterfly effect? I’ll have to keep an eye on this.’

Marisa changed the subject.

“But why are you really here? You’re not seriously planning to challenge the Dokjeong, are you?”

“I am.”

“That’s ridiculous! The poison mastery exam is less than two months away!”

Her expression darkened.

“Be honest. Have you been secretly practicing poison techniques?”

“No, I only know the basics.”

“Then?”

“I’ll learn the rest as I go. There’s time, right? Two months is plenty.”

Marisa was speechless, utterly dumbfounded.

The other Kookdok Maga members nearby shared her reaction.

Usually, challengers to the Dokjeong have studied poison arts for decades.

Two months? What?

‘No matter how confident you are…’

‘What do you even know about poison techniques?’

Though these people were from the Huam Duke faction and somewhat friendly toward Christian, they all looked uneasy.

His words sounded like an insult to Kookdok Maga’s poison arts.

At that moment, a voice they hadn’t heard before cut in.

“Haha, confidence suits you. That’s how a true poison master should be.”

“!!”

Turning toward the voice, they saw a young man standing there.

He carried an impressive air, followed by several formidable poison masters.

“Brother Fernand.”

The young man, Fernand, smiled.

He was the son of Marquis Goras and effectively regarded as the heir to Kookdok Maga.

“It’s an honor to meet the renowned Duke of the Dark Poison Maga. I am Fernand. Pleased to meet you.”

Christian stared at Fernand for a moment.

“Why are you looking at me like that?”

“Just surprised to hear a new name. I didn’t think a noble like you existed in Kookdok Maga.”

“!!”

From the very first meeting, Christian completely dismissed him.

The atmosphere stiffened instantly.

Fernand’s gentle mask cracked for a moment but quickly returned to its usual expression.

“Haha, compared to the Duke’s reputation, my name may seem insignificant. But please don’t underestimate me. I’ve been assigned to teach the Duke.”

“Teach? You?”

“Yes. I’m temporarily serving as the instructor at the Dokhakgwan.”

An unexpected revelation.

Fernand was currently under disciplinary action, stripped of his rank and working alongside ordinary poison masters.

Yet he was assigned to teach Christian at the Dokhakgwan?

It seemed like a deliberate move to keep an eye on Christian.

Though the Goras Marquis faction had recently been cornered, they still had enough influence for this.

Then Christian made a statement that turned the hall upside down again.

“You? Teach me?”

He snorted.

“You don’t look capable.”

Fernand’s mask shattered under the repeated provocation.

His face darkened.

“I’ve heard you’re arrogant… but you’d do well to watch your words.”

“What’s wrong with telling a fool he’s a fool?”

“Retract that.”

Christian gave a look of disdain.

“Retract? Are you stupid? After all I’ve said, you still don’t get my meaning?”

“…What?”

“Let’s settle this. You came here to mess with me anyway.”

“!!”

Christian shrugged.

“I can hear you scheming behind that fake smile. Don’t try any underhanded tricks like the Union. Just fight me here and now.”

The hall fell silent at this radical turn.

Everyone knew Christian was crazy, but to cause such a scene the moment he set foot in Kookdok Maga?

The poison masters froze, and Marisa hurriedly whispered to Christian.

“W-wait. What are you thinking? Are you crazy? Why cause such a scene? Brother Fernand is dangerous.”

It was reckless in every way.

Unlike when Christian fought Count Sesia, he couldn’t use the righteous spirit technique now.

Back then, he had used Sesia’s barrier-type spirit device to block outside eyes.

But Fernand specialized in human poison—there was no way to fight like that.

He’d have to rely solely on magic power, without the Union’s help.

“Even if you somehow win, it won’t be good. You already have many enemies here.”

Kookdok Maga was full of foes, and causing this kind of trouble would be irreversible.

But Christian just smiled.

“That’s exactly what I want.”

“…What?”

“Just watch.”

Ignoring Marisa’s confused expression, Christian flicked his finger at Fernand.

“What are you standing there for? Scared? If you’re afraid, fine. I don’t want to waste my strength on a coward. But don’t ever show your face here again—just go hide somewhere.”

Fernand’s face flared with rage at the endless provocation.

“Fine. I’ll duel you. But on one condition.”

“What condition?”

“If you die in this duel, the main house takes no responsibility.”

Fernand’s eyes burned fiercely.

“My poison shows no mercy.”

He was openly declaring his intent to kill Christian.

Melin and Alos’ faces hardened.

But Chris just chuckled softly.

“Why ask such an obvious question? Mind if I set a condition too?”

“Go ahead.”

“No crying allowed, especially from a dark guy like you. Even if I hit you hard enough to hurt, you better not shed a tear. My fists don’t know mercy.”

He mocked Fernand by throwing his own words right back at him.

Fernand’s face darkened with fury.

“Prepare yourself!”

Whoosh!!

A thick, poisonous green aura erupted.

It was Dokgang—poison-forged black steel.

The ominous, swirling energy made it clear that Fernand was a formidable warrior, at the peak of five-star strength.

But then—

Chris drew his sword.

“No crying allowed?”

And then, something unbelievable happened.

The darkness was split apart, cutting through the murky green poison like it was nothing.

In an instant.

*    *    *

“…”

Silence fell over the arena.

Every one of the poison mage’s minions stared wide-eyed, utterly unable to believe what they were witnessing.

Even though their own eyes confirmed it, the scene before them was beyond belief.

Thud!!