Chapter 2: The Dragon Clan of the Abyss Mountains

“Heh, very well, it’s about time the King got to know me.”

Time slipped by, and three days later, at high noon under an unforgiving sun, the coliseum was abuzz with anticipation. Harlaus X, the King of Swadia, born of dragon’s blood and phoenix essence, graced the event as expected.

Uxkhal’s citizens greeted their sovereign with fervent cheers and unbridled admiration.

A prime seat, situated at the heart of the coliseum’s grandstand, had been reserved for the King. Surrounding this central seat, others with the most optimal views were allocated based on nobility’s hierarchy. Various lords from neighboring towns and strongholds also gathered, eager to witness the spectacle.

Even if the man wasn’t his biological father, the very idea of such a patricidal betrayal churned Draxel’s insides. The embers of revenge sparked within him.

Standing at the epicenter of the coliseum, Draxel was a formidable sight. Clad in a crimson gladiatorial armor, donning premium leather boots, and armed with a Germanic battle sword, his presence was intimidating. A cloak draped over his shoulders, signaling his readiness.

Opposite him, his brother was almost similarly garbed, except for the sword, It was a standard longsword of an infantryman.

With a ceremonious raise and subsequent sweep of his right hand, King Harlaus X ushered in the duel, declaring, “The moment is upon us, my lords. Let the heavens reveal their chosen.”

With agility that mirrored a meteor, Draxel lunged, sword leading the way. Within moments, the two combatants locked in fierce clash. Several exchanges ensued, their iron swords clashing with such ferocity that they sent sparks flying.

Instead of intricate swordplay, Draxel banked on sheer brute force. It wasn’t long before his brother was on the back foot, his grip shaky, blood seeping from his palm’s gash.

“Today, you won’t escape my wrath, you patricidal, debauched scum.”

Seizing the fleeting advantage, Draxel thrust his sword with blinding speed. Following closely was a savage elbow strike from his left, aimed ruthlessly at his adversary’s collarbone and jaw.

Soaked in sweat, his brother barely managed to block the sword’s thrust. But he couldn’t avoid the subsequent elbow strike, taking the full brunt of the blow. He crashed to the ground, sand filling his mouth. He couldn’t get up. His shoulder scarf was cast meters away.

“Time to face the music, you scum,” Draxel whispered softly to his fallen brother. Perhaps the phrase remained a mystery to him, even to his last breath.

With power gathered in his hands, Draxel fiercely stabbed his brother’s forehead. Such was the might of the blow that it splintered the skull, sending eyes and teeth scattering in a macabre display.

[Character Experience Gained: 200 Points]

[Denars Earned: 100]

[Honour: +1, Reputation: +10]

‘What a cheapskate,’ Draxel mused internally. ‘He wasted money on his pleasures, yet he’s broke.’

The one-sided duel sent a wave of exhilaration through the crowd. Their collective relief was palpable as the kingdom had borne witness to the rise of another powerful noble. If it had merely been a tussle between two novices, the prospects for Uxkhal might have seemed far gloomier.

The King, having observed every nuance of the duel, approached Draxel with evident satisfaction. “Count, what might your name be?”

Kneeling gracefully, Draxel gazed up at the monarch, responding, “Your Royal Majesty, I am Draxel, the younger son of Count Delinard.”

“Excellent, Count Draxel. Henceforth, you shall assume your father’s title and lands. All the villages under his domain are now entrusted to you. You may raise your banner and recruit troops in my name. Now, pledge your loyalty to the Kingdom of Swadia.”

The duel had been straightforward for Draxel. However, the oath he was about to recite was one he had diligently practiced throughout the previous night.

“I pledge my loyalty to you, King Harlaus X, the rightful sovereign of the Kingdom of Swadia. As long as my heart beats, I stand as your steadfast servant. When the time comes, I’ll wage a relentless battle against our foes. Lastly, I vow to forever defend your rightful reign and ensure the succession of your legitimate heirs.”

‘Damn, what a lengthy oath,’ Draxel cursed inwardly as the system notified him of the new territories that are part now of his domain.

[Acquired Fief: Town – Uxkhal]

​​[Acquired Fief: Village – Nomar]

​​[Acquired Fief: Village – Ibiran]

[Acquired Fief: Village – Tahlberl]

With a pleased smile, King Harlaus X assisted the dashing Count to his feet as a gesture of acceptance.

“Very well, Count Draxel. Serve the Kingdom of Swadia with all your heart and might from now on.”

A grand banquet unfolded in Uxkhal, boasting a spread of beef, chicken, sausages, honey, malt beer, fresh fruits, and vegetables. The array was sumptuous, and all reveled in the feast, except for Draxel.

Even though he had acquired a significant amount of land, King Harlaus X brazenly took with him the former lord’s entire army, horses, and riches. By leaving behind a desolate city, Harlaus exhibited no reservations or worries about Draxel rising too quickly.

It became clear that to the royals, tangible gains and losses overshadowed all else. Personal feelings were mere afterthoughts.

The question of who truly masterminded the lord’s assassination went conspicuously unspoken.

By the next dawn, with satisfaction brimming, King Harlaus X took his leave, as did the other nobles, each retreating to their respective domains.

Presently, Draxel found himself bereft of any military force. Should a rival nation mount an assault, even with his uncanny ability to take on ten adversaries at once, he’d be hard-pressed to hold his ground. Prioritizing the recruitment of his own militia became the task of utmost urgency.

[Uxkhal, along with its three subordinate villages, has amassed a total of 0 Denars this week.]

[Each village can recruit 3 Swadian recruits every week for 10 Denars per recruit.]

“Zero denars? It seems my esteemed father already scoured these lands to the bone. Anyway, recruit all 9 for now.”

[You’ve acquired 9 Swadian recruits. Remaining funds: 2010 Denars.]

[You don’t possess the ‘Coaching’ skill. Currently, recruits can only gain experience and level up through the battlefield.]

“Perfect. So I can expect some of them to fall in the process of leveling up. Just the news I needed,” Draxel mused sarcastically.

As Draxel was contemplating his predicament, the system promptly presented a fresh mission.

[New Quest]

[Venture to the Eastern Abyss Mountain Range to solicit the Dragon Clan’s assistance.]

[Note: Provide food for your troops during the march to prevent starvation. A daily ration for one person costs 5 Denars.]

The mention of the Dragon Clan immediately intrigued Draxel. He had always presumed that only horses and donkeys were suitable for riding. The idea of soaring on the back of a dragon offered an aggressively straightforward approach to warfare.

He quickly reviewed his current gear, taking note of each item he possessed: a common linen turban, a basic linen outfit, standard leather boots, plain leather gloves, a regular Germanic battle sword, and, not to forget, a notably stubborn travel horse.

[Required: Riding Level 1 skill. Your current status: Riding Level 0. Hence, you’re unable to mount.]

“Seriously? I’m expected to trek all the way to the Eastern Abyss Mountain Range on foot? This horse sure earns its stubborn label. System, how do I acquire skills?

[No specific method identified at this moment. Please proceed with the game.]

“Wonderful. Just wonderful.”

Count Draxel resolved to embark with 5 Swadian recruits. He stationed the other 4 at Uxkhal’s cardinal gates, entrusting them with essential sentry duties as the journey was about to begin.