Bargan glanced behind him. Lukas was following him with a hood tightly wrapped around his face. This was to avoid causing a commotion.
Currently, Lukasâ reputation in the city was at its worst.
It had already reached its lowest after he had lost 12 fights consecutively, but now it had somehow dropped even lower.
It was for this reason that Bargan had initially not wanted Lukas to take the position as Champion. Of course, this wasnât because he doubted Lukasâ strength or because he didnât think he was fit to be the Champion.
Instead, it was because he felt that the timing was not good.
The citizens of Lirua had never seen Lukasâ true power. Far from it in fact. They all thought that Lukas was a fraud, a runaway, and a coward.
The citizens of the city were not bighearted or foolish enough to cheer him on just because he was currently sitting in the Champion seat.
Instead, they regarded him as a target to point their growing dissatisfaction at.
âDammit. I donât even feel like going to the arena anymore.â
âWhy is that cowardly son of a bitch still holding on to the Champion title? We want to see his skills.â
âSince he got the position through cowardly means, he naturally wants to avoid fighting.â
ââŚwe should just move to another city. I heard the Babylon Arena is pretty good.â
âI doubt there are any houses left.â
The square was the center of the city.
Even if you didnât try to actively listen for it, you could easily hear gossip about Lukas while walking by.
For Dragonmen on Combat Island, moving from one city to another wasnât that big of a deal.
They were the type who thirsted after high quality matches in the arena, and people would always flock to cities with large arenas.
Of course, as a result of this, the population of the major cities was always saturated. So even if they wanted to go, they couldnât just pack their things and leave.
Because of that, very few Dragonmen actually chose to leave Lirua, howeverâŚ
âThis is only temporary.â
If the issues in the arena werenât solved urgently, then within a short period of time, Lirua would become an empty city.
And in Barganâs opinion, the easiest way to solve these issues was for Lukas to go forward and show his abilities. (TL: Iâm wondering why he hasnât done it yet⌠perhaps waiting for a big reveal.)
If he were to show the overwhelming power heâd displayed while overpowering Kangki, the citizens would definitely be left speechless.
Nevertheless, he had no intention of forcing the issue.
Bargan knew his position well.
âItâs not just about relying on the Lord.â
He had to take responsibility for his own choices.
With that thought in mind, he continued to walk quietly. After a short while, Lukas spoke to him.
âHowâs the city operation going?â
âNot bad. Aram is a big help.â
âAramâŚâ
Lukas mumbled his name for a moment before continuing in a soft tone.
âItâs natural that heâd be like that.â
âHuh?â
âAram is a fox. It might seem like heâs lowering his head to you now, but he will betray you without hesitation if the chance ever presents itself. Youâd better be careful not to get hit in the back of the head.â
âAh. Yes. I will keep that in mind.â
In truth, when it came to Aram, Barganâs thoughts were the same. But in the current situation, he had no choice but to use him even with the risk.
Seeing that he understood what he was saying, Lukas didnât say anything else and instead changed the subject.
âHow is your body?â
âIâm a lot better now. Iâm not sure if you were aware, but there is a life support apparatus in the armor. It has helped me a lot.â
âI see. Thatâs good.â
âThank you for your concern.â
Lukas nodded and continued.
âThe [Creed of Kamesh] will become a major weapon for you. As long as you use it well, it will be of great assistance. AndâŚâ
Lukas was about to say something more, but he closed his mouth. Realising something, Bargan also turned his head to look to the front once again.
Before they knew it, they had already arrived at their destination.
They were now in front of Kangkiâs castle, which was so tall it seemed to pierce the sky.
* * *
âThis is the room.â
Kangki stood in front of the room that the envoys were staying in before asking again.
âAre you really fine with doing this alone?â
His expression was filled with worry and the reason was simple.
He couldnât figure out the purpose behind the visit of the envoys from Dragon God Island.
Although it was unlikely and he didnât dare to think about it, there was still a possibility that Lukas was in danger.
Nevertheless, Lukasâ expression didnât change at all because of this.
âItâs fine. Just wait outside. They said they didnât want a third party joining in.â
ââŚthatâs true, butâŚâ
After hesitating for a while, Bargan sighed and he had no choice but to say,
âIf anything happens, give me a signal. I will join you immediately.â
âRight.â
Lukas knocked on the door and opened it after hearing an answer from within.
Click.
ââŚâ
The interior of the room was quiet, so it didnât feel like anyone was there.
Nevertheless, in the dim light, the figures of the envoys were barely visible.
Both of them were wearing hoods, so he couldnât see their faces.
Without any hesitation, Lukas took a few steps towards them. Then, after he was about two steps away, he opened his mouth first.
âI am Lukas.â
âWhy donât you take your hood off first?â
ââŚâ
He complied.
As the hood lifted and revealed Lukasâ face, he felt one of the envoys take a deep breath.
âWhat kind of business does Dragon God Island have with me?â
ââŚhoh.â
One of the envoys let out a soft exclamation of admiration. It was the envoy on the left. His voice sounded older than Lukas expected. From his small stature and the curve of his back, it was clear that this was probably a fairly old man.
âYou certainly do have some skill since you managed to kill Kangki.â
He knew about him killing Kangki.
It didnât seem like someone had leaked the secret, so Lukas didnât show any external reaction as he replied.
âI showed my face, it would be polite of you to do the same.â
âHuhu! This kid who canât tell the difference between heaven and earth is really talking to us about courtesy?â
ââŚif you wishâŚâ
When he heard the tone in the manâs voice, Lukasâ voice became cold.
âI can say something even worse. Would you like to hear it?â (TL:âŚis this really Lukas?)
âImpudent!â
This time it was the one on the right who spoke.
He also seemed to be an old man, but the vigor behind his voice was formidable. His short shout was like a clap of thunder.
âDo you know who we are to talk to us like that?â
âI donât know. Did you introduce yourselves to me?â
âWhat did you say?â
âIf this is all you called me for, then Iâll be taking my leave. Iâm a very busy person, and I have a lot of work to do.â
ââŚâ
A rough breath was heard.
It seemed that the old man on the right was at the end of his patience.
Just as the momentum in his body was beginning to seep outâŚ
âPriests of East and West, please contain yourselves.â
He was interrupted by a sudden voice which was as refreshing as a stream flowing in a forest.
The moment he heard this voice, Lukasâ eyebrows twitched slightly.