Qi Yan was impressed. The events at the city gate had reached the King's ears that quickly. To rule a kingdom bordered by the monstrous Demon Beast Great Forest, to make it prosper, and to even dare to plot the death of a Dragon—this King was far from a simple figurehead.
Erza, ever pragmatic, cut through the appreciation. "Since His Majesty is so prepared, why issue an SS-rank quest and entrust it to us?"
The King clasped his hands, the gesture echoing in the large chamber. "The purpose of the entrustment is simple. The Demon Dragon's sealing grounds lie deep within the Great Forest. The creatures there—long influenced by the Dragon's dark power—have become terrifyingly potent monsters. I sent troops once. We suffered heavy losses. Without clearing those monsters, it is impossible to reach the temple."
"So, our job is to clear out the Demon Beasts?" Qi Yan asked.
"Yes," the King confirmed, "but that is not your main task. Your primary assignment is to protect the Dragon-Slaying Swordsman. More precisely, to protect this sword."
Erza's brow furrowed in confusion. "With all due respect, Your Majesty, since it's a Demon Dragon, wouldn't it be more reasonable to report it to the Magic Council?"
The King's expression twisted into one of open disdain. "The Magic Council? I reported it two years ago. And what was their 'solution'?" He paused for effect.
Qi Yan and Erza waited.
"It was to use Etherion."
"Etherion!" Erza's face went white.
The Magic Council's ultimate super-weapon. A satellite magic array capable of precise, continent-spanning destruction—power that could utterly erase a country.
"Exactly!" the King spat. "First, we don't know if Etherion can actually kill a Dragon. Second, if fired, the blast radius might annihilate this city! Even if it spares us, the Demon Beast Great Forest would be destroyed. That forest is a vital strategic resource for my people. The Council's solution was to destroy my nation's livelihood!"
Qi Yan nodded in understanding. The King was defending his domain and his economy. Given the circumstances, how could he not despise the Magic Council's callousness?
"I have told you all the details of this mission truthfully," the King said, meeting their eyes. "What do you both think?"
Erza looked to her companion. "Qi Yan, your thoughts?"
Qi Yan considered the odds. A Dragon, even in a weakened state, was a disaster. Its resistance to human magic was legendary, and its body was inherently impervious to ordinary steel.
Without the Dragon Slayer Sword, their odds of victory were less than ten percent. With the sword? Maybe thirty percent.
Logically, anything under fifty percent was too dangerous. But Qi Yan felt a fierce heat in his chest, a primal thrill that transcended logic. Slaying a Dragon. Those two words were enough to set any young adventurer's blood on fire.
And then there were the two ten-pull rewards waiting on his system panel.
"I think we can give it a try," he finally said.
Erza nodded slowly, having come to her own conclusion. "I agree. His Majesty will not abandon this plan, and he is right. If this Demon Dragon emerges and regains its strength, the casualties will be immense. I cannot stand by and do nothing."
She faced the King. "Your Majesty, we have discussed it. We accept this mission."
A satisfied grin spread across the King's face. "Good! Anyone who accepts an S-rank request must be formidable. Your involvement greatly increases our probability of success!"
"You may both stay in the palace for now," he offered. "Tomorrow, the preliminaries for the 'World's Strongest Swordsman Tournament' begin. You may participate if you wish. After the victor is determined, we proceed with the subjugation."
"No need to trouble yourself," Erza politely declined. "We will stay in a local hotel. It's a good opportunity to experience the city."
Qi Yan slept soundly, exhausted from three days of hard travel. He woke the next morning to an empty room—Erza was likely out exploring or shopping. Feeling refreshed, he decided to do the same.
As soon as he stepped out of the inn, he noticed the unusual bustle. The streets and alleys were packed, everyone streaming in one direction. He caught fragments of conversation and realized: the King's tournament was starting today.
He followed the throng toward the arena. Though he now carried the memories of the legendary swordsman, Tsugikuni Yoriichi, Qi Yan knew he was still a novice in this body. He wasn't about to overestimate himself and make a fool of his new persona.
Still, a large-scale event was too interesting to miss.
Soon, he reached the massive structure. True to the kingdom's style, the arena was gargantuan—twice the size of any football stadium he'd ever seen.
"Final deadline for preliminary registration! Only ten minutes left! Those who haven't registered, hurry!" a voice bellowed near the entrance.
"The King is offering a massive prize for this," someone whispered in the crowd.
"How much?"
"I heard the first place winner gets 20 million J!"
"$20$ million J! That's why masters from all over the country—even abroad—have come!"
At the registration desk, a clerk sighed, checking his watch. "Hmm... time's almost up. No one else should be registering."
Suddenly, a new voice cut through the air, confident and eager.
"Wait a moment! I want to register! I want to register to compete!"
The clerk looked up. "Your name."
The young man stepped forward, the name tasting strange and powerful on his tongue.
"Tsugikuni Yoriichi."