Chapter 95: Slaying the Grand Knight

Chapter 95: Slaying the Grand Knight



A few days later, in the evening.

Recently, the Dragon King's Merchant Guild had been in disarray, with various forces eyeing them from the outside.

As a member, Susan was overwhelmed, her skin rough from neglect, and her spirit was low.

"Squeak..."

Pushing open the wooden door of a private room in a tavern, a strong scent of alcohol wafted over.

The flickering light illuminated a golden-haired man sitting alone by a wooden table, his golden locks flowing like a river of gold.

Conny held a glass of dark wine, his eyes closed as if savoring the wine's aroma.

A smile tugged at the corner of his mouth, appearing mysterious and profound in Susan's eyes.

The commotion outside seemed unrelated to the man in the room, who always stirred people's hearts unconsciously.

"You're here."

Opening his eyes, Conny stood up and bowed politely like a noble:

"It's an honor to invite you to this dinner, my lady."

"Hmph!"

Susan rolled her eyes:

"I suspect you couldn't find anyone else, so you chose me. But as agreed... I didn't bring any money today."

"Susan, you always think so little of me." Conny sighed:

"You know I never deceive a woman's feelings. Hmm... You look a bit haggard."

"Do you want me to give you a facial massage? I've studied this specifically."

"No need." Susan removed her large cloak and hung it on a nearby rack, saying:

"I've been busy. A rest is all I need."

"Perhaps..." Conny hesitated, then said:

"Putting aside your current matters might be a better choice. There's no need to shoulder such a heavy burden."

"What do you mean?" Susan frowned:

"Didn't you invite me for a drink?"

"A drink!" Conny laughed:

"Come, let's finish this glass first."

"Bang!"

They raised their glasses and drank, and with the alcohol, any unpleasantness dissipated.

"Remember when we went to sea together? You saved me."

"Haha!"

"..."

As the alcohol took effect, the two, burdened with thoughts, leaned against each other like friends or lovers, slowly savoring their drinks.

"Susan."

Conny leaned in and said seriously:

"I heard you encountered danger recently. If I hadn't been away, I don't know what I would have done if something happened to you."

"Heh..." Susan chuckled lightly:

"Now you're concerned about me?"

"You know I have a ship, and I can only stay on land for a limited time each year." Conny shrugged:

"Consider coming to sea with me?"

"To sea?" Susan shook her head:

"Ten days or half a month is fine, but I can't stay at sea all year. Why don't you consider selling your ship and staying on land like me?"

"Alas!"

Conny sighed.

This was the fundamental conflict between the two.

He couldn't abandon his ship and crew; he had devoted his life to the endless sea.

Susan, on the other hand, clearly preferred life on land.

Both were aware of each other's intentions but also of the gap between ideals and reality.

"I'm worried about you."

Conny spoke softly:

"Without Dragon King Zhaomuerman's presence, the Dragon King's Merchant Guild... the Sea Serpent incident might happen again."

"Heh..." Susan's beautiful eyes sparkled:

"If you're really concerned, why not join the guild? With your abilities, the guild will offer you a generous reward, Miss."

"I'll be safer, too."

"I have a better suggestion." Conny extended his hand:

"Come to sea with me. Leave these worries behind and explore the endless sea's mysteries, which we can never fully uncover in a lifetime."

The two fell silent again.

They had tried this many times, but unfortunately, neither could convince the other.

"Heh..."

Susan chuckled lightly:

"I heard the endless sea hasn't been peaceful lately."

"The endless sea is always turbulent." Conny shrugged, then looked puzzled:

"But... Recently, more and more people have been in trouble at sea, or I wouldn't be on land."

"How's your guild doing?"

"The guild?" Susan asked:

"You're the captain of the Windbreaker, with so many admirers. Surely, you have some inside information?"

"My information isn't always accurate." Conny said:

"But your situation doesn't seem good. The Dragon King's Merchant Guild needs a strong ruler."

"Miss Lula and the two vice presidents are at odds. The situation will only worsen if they keep butting heads."

"Butting heads?" Susan smiled:

"Not necessarily!"

"How so?" Conny asked:

"Is there something I don't know?"

"The two vice presidents won't work together. Each has a Grand Knight by their side." Susan said:

"In other words, both sides have two Grand Knights!"

"Miss Lula is different. She has Lady Emma and Raven, loyal partners of the Dragon King, and now Grand Knight Karl, too. We have three Grand Knights, firmly occupying the upper hand. Moreover, Miss Lula inherited the Supreme Seal, making her no weaker than them."

"I didn't expect that Karl, the potion master, is a Grand Knight. He's quite low-key."

"But according to my information, both your guild's presidents have other forces backing them."

"The forces aren't as you see them!"

"Really?" Susan's beautiful eyes sparkled, and she asked:

"Conny, how long will you stay on land this time?"

"Conny:

"Probably a month. Of course, if you ask, Susan, I can stay a few more days."

"Then be our guild's guest advisor for a while.

Susan extended an invitation:

"Your presence could help Miss Lula more quickly smooth over the dissent in some people’s hearts and reorganize the guild."

"Me?" Conny laughed, "You're giving me too much credit!"

"No!" At that moment, a slightly hoarse voice sounded as the door was pushed open, and several figures entered the room.

"The Galebreaker is a legend of the Endless Sea. As the captain of the Galebreaker, your influence far surpasses others."

Lula stepped in, her face serious, and said, "In my capacity as the young vice president of the Dragon King Merchant Guild, I sincerely invite you to join the Dragon King Merchant Guild."

A Grand Knight who roamed the Endless Sea deserved her personal invitation.

"Conny." Susan stood up, a hint of apology on her face, "It was I who told Miss Lula where you were. Don't be upset; really, I feel this is an opportunity."

"Join the Dragon King Merchant Guild..."

"You won't lose your freedom."

"Susan!" Conny sighed, "I thought this was a private gathering between the two of us, never mind, I'm glad to see Miss Lula."

His face showed no sign of joy or anger as he bowed. He then looked at the plain-looking man beside Lula.

"Mr. Karl, we meet again!"

"Captain Conny." Karl returned the bow, "Pleased to meet you again."

"Odysseus." Lula gestured to the guard behind her, "Stay outside and don't let anyone disturb us. We need to have a good talk with Captain Conny."

"Yes, Miss."

The guard named Odysseus bowed and slowly retreated, closing the door behind him.

"Nice to see you both."

"Sit down, please!" Conny offered.

"I've brought a fine wine from a special place in the Endless Sea, rarely found in Free Harbor."

"Oh!" Lula sat down and asked, "Could it be from Tortuga Island?"

Karl's eyes flickered.

Tortuga Island, also known as Pirate Island, is a base for many pirates in the Endless Sea. Its location is a secret, hidden at the center of a storm vortex, accessible only by invited pirates. Many tales surround the island, some say it can fulfill any wish, be it for fine cuisine, excellent wine, or beautiful women. Others claim the island is built on human flesh and bones, with human heads as dishes, a place of slaughter.

Regardless, those who can set foot on the island are not to be trifled with, a force distinct from Free Harbor.

"I didn't expect Miss Lula to know about pirates."

Conny lifted his wine glass without confirming or denying, and simply urged, "Please, taste!"

"Thank you." Lula drank it in one go and nodded in approval, "Very good, the wine is strong and has a unique flavor, I like it."

"Good to hear that." Conny said, "When we dock next time, I'll bring more for Miss Lula, and Mr. Karl as well."

"Thank you." Lula smiled, "I apologize for the intrusion, but the Dragon King Merchant Guild truly needs your help."

"Miss Lula," Conny said slowly, "I appreciate your recognition, but I've declined invitations from the Sea God Guild and said no to the Pirate King's demands. Joining any faction isn't what I truly want."

"You are Susan's friend, and thus my friend. Let's enjoy a good drink and conversation today, and we can put the invitation aside."

"This..." Lula's hand paused, and her expression turned awkward. The refusal was clear, polite in tone, but dismissive in nature.

"Captain Conny."

Karl, however, didn't look at either of them; instead, he raised his gaze toward the roof. "Did you invite others today?"

"Others?" Conny was taken aback, "No..."

"Hmm?"

Before he could finish, his expression suddenly changed, and he unconsciously lifted his gaze to the tavern's roof.

"Bang!"

At that moment, two thick black chains burst through the thick roof. The chains, as thick as a child's arm, were topped with two hooks.

The hooks clung to the wall, pulling upward.

"Snap!"

"Crumble..."

The entire tavern roof was torn apart and ripped off by a powerful force,, exposing the second floor to the night air.

A cold, rushed in, and a chilling presence filled the room.

"Clack..."

In the darkness, the two chains danced in the air like two venomous snakes, their eyes fixed on the people below, sending shivers down their spines.

Not far away on the rooftop, a man stood upright. Two chains emerged from behind him, a vast wave of life energy surged out in relentless waves.

A Grand Knight! Only a Grand Knight could exude such overwhelming presence.

"Clawbat Bartley!"

Susan stood up abruptly, her voice stern, "A Grand Knight of the Sea God Guild!"

In Free Harbor, every Grand Knight was renowned, let alone with such a distinctive weapon.

The unique hooks, crafted from deep-sea iron, were agile and sharp, a weapon that struck fear into the hearts of those who encountered it.

"Miss Lula."

Clawbat Bartley nodded at the group, "Long time no see!"

"Karl, the Potion Master, I've been hearing your name frequently, and today I finally get to meet you in person."

"Bartley!" Lula's face darkened, and she stepped forward, "What do you want?"

"Nothing much." Bartley shrugged, "Just a friend's invitation to drop by, and to invite Miss Lula to visit the Sea God Guild."

"Miss Lula, you wouldn't refuse, would you?"

"Hmph!" Lula snorted, "Just you?"

Clawbat Bartley was indeed a renowned Grand Knight, but he wasn't at the peak of Grand Knights.

Lula's forceful abduction was far from enough.

"Lula," Karl whispered.

"He did mention a friend earlier."

"Indeed!" Clawbat Bartley nodded.

"But it won't be easy to take Miss Lula away if it's just me. However, with one more person, it's a different story."

"Who?"

"Me!"

A figure emerged from the darkness, walking slowly.

He was dressed extravagantly, wearing a deep blue velvet coat with gold trim on the collar and cuffs. His white silk undershirt was slightly open, revealing his firm chest muscles.

The man was tall and slender, with distinct features. Despite his age, he stood straight, as if once he made up his mind, he would never change.

"Jasper!"

Lula's eyes narrowed.

"It's you!"

Among the two vice-presidents, Jasper was the one Lula feared the most, not only because of his outstanding abilities but also due to his relatively extreme personality.

Cunning and venomous, he would either not act at all or go all out when he did, leaving no room for mercy. No one wanted to offend such a person lightly.

"It's me," Jasper said coldly. "Lula, Dragon King Zimorman is dead. Why do you insist on taking the position of president?"

"Step down, and you might still have a good outcome."

"Jasper!" Lula spoke softly. "Do you have to go against me? Even with the Sea God Guild's power, if you become the president, you'll only be a puppet."

"Go against you?" Jasper shook his head. "These two words are truly childish. You don't think the fight for the president's position is like a child's game, do you?"

"You don't have to wait for Crow and Emma. They have other matters to attend to and can't come for the time being."

Lula's expression darkened.

She was well aware of his personality. Since he dared to show up, he must have a way to hold Crow and her mother back.

Connie's eyes flickered, and he looked down at Susan beside him.

"Susan, this has nothing to do with me."

Today's events were too coincidental.

What was supposed to be a private gathering for two people had instead drawn out two factions, taking turns to appear.

Lula's arrival was naturally informed by Susan.

But why were Bartley and Jasper also here? And from their words, they not only knew Lula was here but had also used means to delay the reinforcements, leaving Lula isolated and without aid.

6◇9◇Book◇Bar

It was obviously premeditated!

"I believe you."

Susan looked at him and smiled.

"The message definitely wasn't leaked by you."

"Thank you." Connie's expression relaxed, expressing gratitude for her trust. A bright light suddenly flashed through her mind, and she looked intently at Susan.

If the message wasn't leaked by her,

Who could it be?

Susan pursed her lips and responded with a smile.

…………

In the field.

"Mr. Karl."

Jasper stepped aside, placing one hand on his chest and bowing slightly.

"I apologize for my previous rudeness. I hope you won't take offense, and I sincerely invite you to join my team."

"The vice-president is too kind," Karl smiled faintly. "But you're too late. I've already promised Miss Lula, and her offered reward is hard to refuse."

"Oh!" Jasper raised his eyebrows.

"My reward is also not low."

"Is that so?" Karl said with interest. "Tell me about it."

"Aya, Lyon, and Mr. Karl's life," Jasper said, his voice calm.

"I agree."

"Then you can live."

Upon hearing this, the smile on Karl's face gradually faded, and his eyes turned cold. He shook his head and sighed.

"Vice-president Jasper, you've made a mistake that's hard to rectify."

"No!"

Jasper said,

"You've made a wrong decision."

"Gaga..." Clawbat Bartley laughed maniacally.

"Jasper, you're talking too much. Take Lula away and hand her over to the president. Deal with the others."

"Miss Lula."

His eyes narrowed, and his gaze turned cold.

"Either you come with me willingly, or I'll have to take action, and that might result in injury."

"Hmph!"

Odysseus, the guard standing at the entrance, stepped forward, drawing his Potion Longsword and pointing it at Clawbat Bartley.

"If you want to take the lady away, you have to get past me first!"

"You?"

Clawbat Bartley laughed, looking up at the sky.

"Asking for death!"

"Huff..."

A gust of wind blew.

Clawbat Bartley's figure suddenly disappeared from the rooftop, only to reappear above Lula's head.

Two chains, wrapped in the howling wind, descended from above at a speed comparable to lightning.

Damn! Connie's eyes narrowed.

Facing a knight, Bartley showed no mercy, clearly intending to leave no survivors.

Hmm? Just as he was about to take action, he suddenly realized that neither Susan nor Lula showed any signs of fear on their faces.

Instead, they seemed to be expecting something.

"Dang..."

A resonant clanging sound echoed.

"Hmm?"

"How could this be?"

Several people in the field showed surprise.

Odysseus, who was originally regarded as an ordinary guard, had blocked this strike with his sword.

Although his face turned pale, he didn't retreat a single step.

Grand Knight! "You're a Grand Knight!"

Clawbat Bartley's facial muscles twitched, his eyes first filled with surprise and then turned fierce. He struck out with his claws again.

"So what if you're a Grand Knight? I'll still take you on!"

The boundless life force merged into the chains and claws, like two dark lights flashing in the night.

Just a few collisions caused the entire tavern to shake violently.

The intertwining darkness suddenly surged, engulfing Odysseus entirely.

"Haha..."

Clawbat Bartley roared.

"Die!"

"Buzz..."

The chains trembled, and their killing power surged again.

As Odysseus' defense crumbled, a chain seized the opportunity to strike, but just as it was about to pierce him, a pale and delicate arm appeared out of thin air, grabbing the chain with a mere touch.

The agile and venomous chain, at the moment of capture, seemed to lose its resistance like a snake being held by its seventh inch, instantly becoming powerless.

"What?"

"Miss Lula!"

"Great Knight!"

Surprises kept unfolding.

Who would have thought that Lula was also a Great Knight, and not just any Great Knight, but one who had inherited the ultra-grade seal from Dragon King Zimorman.

Dragon King's Rage!

"Boom!"

Terrifying battle aura surged from Lula's not-so-muscular body, materializing around her like a solid force.

This imbued her every move with immense strength.

"Bang!"

With a clenched fist, she struck forward, sending Clawbat Bartley's approaching claws flying dozens of meters away.

Bartley's claws were not light; on the contrary, they were extremely heavy.

If Lula's punch had landed on Bartley, even a Great Knight might have suffered a severe injury.

It wasn't just her fist.

"Ah!"

Lula raised her head and roared towards the sky.

Dragon Aura!

A terrifying, vast, and mysterious aura appeared out of thin air, enveloping everything within a hundred meters.

"Boom..."

The tavern collapsed.

Shouts of panic and cries for help rose and fell, as nearby drunkards and passersby fled in all directions.

Bartley, who was at the forefront of the attack, stood there with a blank stare, his body stiff and motionless.

Dragon Aura originated from the life essence of ancient giant dragons and had a suppressing effect on all lower-level creatures.

Humans were no exception!

"Whoosh!"

Lula took a step forward, her clenched fist ready to strike.

Bartley, being a Great Knight, had his life force enhanced twice, and although he was momentarily stunned by the Dragon Aura, he quickly recovered and swung his sword to block Lula's oncoming punch.

"Bang!"

Battle aura surged.

A figure flew backward, landing on the ground, and a stream of blood spurted from their mouth.

Bartley was injured after all.

"Whoosh!"

Lula showed no mercy, stepping forward again, her fists like heavy hammers pounding down relentlessly.

Odysseus, also a Great Knight, drew his sword and joined the fight, posing a significant threat to Bartley.

In the blink of an eye.

The once-fierce Clawbat Bartley was now in a precarious situation, facing death at any moment.

"Stop!"

Jasper's face changed, and he flashed forward to intervene.

"Huff..."

A gust of wind suddenly rose in front of him.

Karl, without anyone noticing, had drawn his double swords, their blades pointing at Jasper's throat and heart, the intent to kill palpable.

"I'm your opponent."

"You?"

Jasper's face contorted, his eyes narrowing, and two storm-like shadows appeared in his eyes.

Ultra-grade Seal - Storm!

"Whoosh!"

A figure appeared before Karl, and numerous sword lights suddenly materialized, aiming for his vital points.

Fast!

So fast that it was hard to react, even with the suppression of a minor mage field.

"Guna!"

Karl's face turned solemn, and he muttered under his breath. Armor pieces appeared abruptly, enveloping his body, tightly sealing it within.

At the same time.

Enchanted Item - Gravity Control!

Combat Technique - Gale Slash!

The double swords swung like a fierce wind, creating numerous sword shadows that collided with the incoming sword lights.

"Clink..."

"Clink, clink, clink..."

The sound of collisions was like a sudden downpour, and a sharp and deadly force seeped through the impacts, forcing Karl to retreat repeatedly.

Jasper, with his years of fame, was still a formidable opponent, even if he wasn't a peak Great Knight like the Dragon King.

His physical qualities,

Slightly superior to Karl's.

Not to mention the boost from the ultra-grade seal.

"Haa!"

"Get back!"

Combat Technique - Blossom!

A massive aura centered on Karl, surging in all directions, also affecting the incoming sword shadows.

Zero-Ring Spell - Wave Guardian!

A ball of water appeared out of thin air, expanding rapidly, enveloping Karl within and restraining his opponents.

"Boom!"

The water ball, just formed, was torn apart by a force of gravity.

Ultra-grade Seal - Storm!

In the hands of a Great Knight, the power of an ultra-grade seal surpassed that of an intermediate wizard apprentice casting a zero-ring spell.

Even with the storm's dispersed attack, it was still formidable.

A twenty to thirty-meter-high hurricane appeared, sweeping across the entire street in a single strike, shrouding it in dust.

The might of the storm,

Like a giant wielding the power of storms.

With the storm's assistance, Jasper's speed, attack frequency, and strength far exceeded their normal state.

Moreover,

Whenever his body showed signs of exhaustion, a melodious sound would emanate from his waist, restoring his energy.

"Ah!"

Amidst the chaos, Karl roared towards the sky, and his body suddenly expanded.

Secret Technique - Titan Transformation!

Instantly, a five-meter-tall armored giant appeared, each hand holding a three-meter-long giant sword.

Minor Mage Field - Gravity Control!

Water Vortex!

Wave Guardian!

Various spells and enchanted items were cast simultaneously, colliding with each other.

The giant stood amidst the swirling water, as the fields of force clashed, a domineering and overbearing energy surged forward.

"Shatter!"

Like a titan opening the heavens or a deity creating the world, amidst the chaos, the giant swung his giant swords, sweeping in all directions.

The ground shook violently.

Ultra-grade Seal - Earthquake Impact!

"Boom!"

The ground within a few dozen meters radius trembled, and numerous stone spikes pierced through the earth, shooting upwards.

"Die!"

The double swords tore through the storm, accompanied by a fog capable of petrifying everything, along with various spells and attacks, all landing on a single figure.

"Bang!"

The figure fell.

Jasper!

Dead!

(End of Chapter)

Chapter end