Everett
Today's the day we finally arrive in KDK, more specifically near the Knight's Order Headquarters. Apparently, the minute we arrive there, we should expect to be greeted by a pink haired man in all black armor and a light blue haired woman, with a little pink on the tip of her hair in all black robes… I don't get why they are all black, but what can I say when the knights who protect Mother and Father dress in all gold armor. The trip here wasn't really that long or bad considering the fact that Kath decided to tag along, however Arthur wanted to stay. I wonder if the two go into a fight or something.
While riding on my horse, we came to a stop. The walls for getting to the Knight's Order Headquarters were crazy tall, I wouldn't even get in if I used [Earth Lance] to get over it! Suddenly, shivers ran down my spine as I felt someone glare at me back. I stopped freaking out right after that.
"Everett you must be on high alert during this. There's no room for trying to admire the wall they have built here." Eleanor said with a cold and serious tone to her voice. It never fails to scare me.
"R-Right, my bad Eleanor-"
Just like that I was cut off by the gate opening and two people walking out to greet us. It was just like we were told except the man and woman are a little taller than I expected. Like holy shit that man is tall! Can't forget to mention that his hair is long and wild, it's almost like he is radiating with strength. I have a bad feeling about the woman too. She may look like she is weak but I definitely have a feeling that she is strong with magic and curse magic.
"Greetings outsiders! I am the [Bloody Dragon Knight] Anastasius, and by my side is the [Peace Knight] Victoria. We will be your guides while the noble you are escorting meets up with Master Pax and Master Saladin." He explained. His voice is a little loud though…
I got off of my horse and walked up to Anas with caution, "It's a pleasure to meet you Anastasius. I'm sure you are already aware of who we are, but introductions are important after all. I am the [Red Lion] Everett Greyrat, I hope that nothing can mess up the peace and calm we have going on right now."
"Likewise Everett. For now though, have everyone enter the gates so we can get everything situated alright? It would suck if this whole thing took forever now."
"Right."
I turned my attention toward the woman who is named Victoria apparently, and now that I got a closer look. She's pretty big alright- but enough of that. If I stare for too long I think El, Kyra, and Kathlyn would all kill me at the same time. There was one thing that bothered me though. The fact that she has an eyepatch that's almost covered up by her bangs.
I got back onto my horse and we entered the walls of the Knight's Order Headquarters. This place was filled with a lot of training grounds, dining halls, and buildings for what seems like planning and so on. Who knew that a place for headquarters could be so nice looking… especially since there will be times where the whole entire place will be empty or something.
We finally came to a stop as we stood outside of the boarding house that looked like it was made for visitors and what not. It was nicer than I expected, good job KDK.
"Well then, this is where you will stay during your visit. If you have any questions then feel free to make your way over to the barracks where I stay."
"Wonderful. Thank you for your job today Anas." I gave him a nice Asura noble bow.
He tilted his head at the way I was bowing, but paid no attention to it. Everyone else besides me went to find their rooms to stay in while I stayed behind to have a little chat with our good friend Anastasius. I have a couple questions for him while he obviously has some for me.
"Let's head outside before we start asking each other questions Everett." His tone went from cheerful and playful to something more serious. His face was also a tiny bit tense. Don't tell me this will end up being a situation where I have to fight him.
The minute we stepped outside and gained some distance away from the house I was staying at, he stopped walking and turned towards me. He shot a glare so cold that my muscles started to tense up. It was as if I was getting a message that I should either turn back and run or fight him right here and now. As soon as I got ready to conjure myself a weapon, Anastasius broke his character and started to laugh as if he was testing me or something.
"Hahahaha! Wow just from that expression of yours and your ability to stand strong in the face of danger is truly magnificent Everett Greyrat! I can see why Master Saladin was curious about you, even if it was because of your last name."
I calmed down the second he laughed. Surprisingly enough, I also laughed alongside him.
"You almost had me for a second there Anastasius. Could this Master Saladin of yours be Sieghart Saladin? I was actually planning on asking you about him anyways."
"You know him?" He dashed at me, "Amazing, so you must really be related to him in some way if you have heard of him!" He grabbed my hands, and looked me directly in the eyes. It made my heart skip a beat somehow…
"Y-Yes, he is my uncle in a way. I have only heard of him from stories my mom would say about him. I never met him officially yet, so I doubt he would know anything about me. He doesn't even talk to my mom or grandparents by the looks of it."
"I see… Maybe if you were to introduce yourself to him then he'd be able to have some type of connection with you! Not that I know anything about connections of course." He let go of my hands and looked off into the sky.
"What do you mean that you don't know anything about connections, Anas? You don't have any type of connection with that Victoria chick or something?"
Anastasius made eye contact with me again before chuckling, "Well aren't you the observant type Everett. Yes I do, but that isn't of any importance to you unless you're trying to make a move on her. That is one of the few things I will not allow. Even if you are related to Master Saladin, just as you claim of course."
Holy shit… That glare of his will never get old by the looks of it. How can one be so high energy, yet so fucking scary when they are serious? I wasn't going to go after her anyways, I have two amazing and beautiful women waiting for me anyways!
"Woah there, I wasn't planning on going after her anyways. I was just simply pointing out something I noticed alright?"
"Alright, good. Before it's time for you to head back to the place you're staying at, let's have a little sparring match alright? I'm curious to see how strong you are, since you are a famous adventurer of course." He smiled at me with his eyes closed. It was clear to me though that he had other intentions.
I might as well go along with whatever he has planned for the time being I guess.
"Alright, will you lead the way to one of the many training grounds then my amazing guide."
Anastasius
So the [Red Lion] does claim that he is a relative of Master Saladin. As much as I want to ask him all about Master, I have to confirm that he really is somehow related to him. Plus I kind of want to see what he is made of. From what I heard the Greyrats, no matter what branch of that Asura shithole it is, are strong people.
I led him to one of the main training grounds and grabbed a wooden sword for the both of us to use. I took off all the armor I had on and only kept on my training pants. It looked like Everett Greyrat did the same, though it looks like he has more scars than me, on his arm and multiple areas on his chest. The minute that we got prepared for this spar, I noticed that he was taking a somewhat unorthodox Sword-God Style stance. It was either that or he was a North-God Practitioner.
"Ready when you are Anastasius." He said. That red-haired freak even smirked as he said that. Is he taking me lightly?
"Fine. I won't hold back in this spar though." I warned him.
As soon as I said that, I leaned forward before attempting to use a [Longsword of Light] against Everett. Before I even noticed it, he was doing the same thing, I was just a little bit faster than him due to me boosting myself with wind magic.
I thought I had the edge on him, but he somehow countered my [Longsword of Light] with [Light Reversal], despite the fact that I was faster than him. Don't tell me he's a Sword King or something? Either way, instead of swinging his sword down on my wrists, he kicked me back to gain some space.
He dropped his unorthodox Sword-God stance and switched to a full on North-God stance. It looks like he was just testing me or something… I won't let this slide. I got back on my feet and assumed a Water-God stance. I'm sure he doesn't know that I'm [Water King] and that I can use one of the hidden techniques.
I dashed towards me while holding out his hand. He muttered these two words while he was doing so.
"[Stone Cannon]."
I tried to reflect the spell, but instead of being reflected it exploded into dust. The son of a bitch used a smoke bomb so he can throw me off! I won't be thrown off that easily though. I closed my eyes and tried to heighten my hearing.
I heard multiple footsteps coming behind. Once it got close enough to me I got ready to parry his swing. To my surprise he actually went for the attack. Now it's time to go on the offensive.
Everett
Shit! Why did I think I could get the best of him, even if he is weaker than me! As soon as he parried my sneak attack I quickly tried to guard myself with the wooden sword. He went on a rampage with his sword swings, not giving me a second to breath or cast any magic. This is part of the reason why I hate going against Sword-God Practitioners who can also use Water-God.
If this keeps up I might even lose to him. There was just one mistake on his part though. With every time he swung his sword, there was just a small moment for me to swing back. Instead of going with the counterattack, I decided to use a little Rudeus Greyrat special for him. Right after he swung his sword for the last time I held out my hand and yelled.
"[Quagmire]!"
He stepped into the puddle I created and finally stopped his attacks. I got back and assumed the one stance I've been practicing ever since I learned how to pick up a sword. One thing I wasn't expecting though was for him to get out of it so fast.
We both clashed with our swords about five times before coming to a tie. His wooden sword was at my neck while mine was at his. If we both continued our strikes, it may have ended with both of us on the ground. It wasn't until then we heard a shout so terrifying that the both of us dropped out wooden swords and started shivering out of pure fear.
"Enough of this duel!"
Standing right besides us was none other than the man who I was expecting to see this whole entire time. My own uncle, Sieghart Saladin. The Death God and ranked 5th on the Seven Great World Power list. That's higher than Grandpa Rudy.
We both turned towards him. I just stood there looking at him while Anastasius got down on one knee and lowered his head. I stood there shocked at what he was doing, but I decided to follow suit anyway.
"Welcome back Master Saladin!" Anas proclaimed, "I'm sorry for not being there for your arrival!"
I wasn't expecting Anastasius to act so scared of Uncle Sieg…
"It's alright Anastasius. Please tell me who this outsider is though." Sieghart commanded.
"R-Right! This is the person I told you about Master Saladin, the [Red Lion] Everett Greyrat. The two of us were simply having a duel to see where we both stood when it came to strength."
"I see…"
"It's a pleasure to finally meet you Mr. Death God. My name is Everett Greyrat, Grandson of Rudeus Greyrat and Eris Greyrat. I've heard all sorts of great tales and stories about you, however, please don't treat me any differently just because I am family."
Uncle Sieg was shocked by what I said, but it didn't bother him too much. I am only putting up this wall because I know just how important his job is, considering the fact that he is here protecting his good friend whom he first met years ago at the Asura Academy. Pax Shirone Jr. I just hope I don't turn Uncle Sieg into an enemy. Having a World Power as an enemy is not what I want right now.
"I see. So you're either Ars's son or Christina's son… It doesn't really matter who your parents are or what you've heard of me. I will do what you have asked though and treat you no different. Stand up this instant." He ordered.
I listened to what he said and waited for him to continue.
"Head on back to where you are staying and wait for either Anastasius or Victoria to come pick you lot up. Can't let our guests come over and starve now." He shot me a warm smile… It somewhat reminded me of White-Grandma.
I gave him an Asura noble bow, "Thank you so much Sieg."
With that being said, Anastasius led me back to the house that No Name and the High-class noble were staying at and left. I still have no idea about just who the hell we are escorting, but I'm sure it's someone important for sure. Maybe a Greyrat, someone from Leo's family, or someone from Art's family.
I didn't even realize that it was night time by the time I arrived to be honest. This day has just been one thing after another, with meeting Anas and Victoria, and finally seeing Uncle Sieg in person. I can't wait to brag to Grandpa Rudy and the family when I get back! When I first walked into the boarding house though, El and Kyra were waiting for me.
"Where the hell have you been Evie?" Kyra asked as calmly as she could. It's clear that she is pissed off though.
"You know Everett… I agree with Kyra. Did you forget that we're in the middle of enemy territory right now?"
Jeez, now they're both teaming up on me. Where's Kath or Leo when you need them!
"Listen girls… The only reason why I was gone for so long was because I was trying to get to know that Anastasius guy. He's actually pretty cool despite his high energy attitude alright? Plus I wanted to see how strong he was, and to my surprise he was as strong as me. Oh yeah I also go to see my uncle, Sieghart."
I explained the best way I could. I didn't get roundhouse kicked towards a wall by Kyra so I see this as an absolute win. She was standing there with her hands covering her mouth though for some odd reason. Eleanor was also shocked surprisingly. Is it because of the fact that Anas is equal to me in terms of strength or is it because I was able to meet a World Power and survive? Either way I'll never understand how girls feel most of the time.
"What was he like Everett!" Kyra said in an excited way. What the hell?
"I'm impressed that you didn't try to fight him Everett, considering the fact that you overestimate yourself most of the time. Surprised that the so-called [Bloody Dragon Knight] is only equal to you and not stronger." Eleanor added on. Jeez so is that how she sees my amazing strength?
"Wow. So nice to see the loves of my life think so highly of me. I'll definitely remember this, you two."
I rolled my eyes as I made my way to the room we were staying at and got ready to sleep.
I hope you all enjoyed this chapter of Spellcasting Swordsman! Be on the look out for chapter 25 coming out within the next 3 days, it'll be a part 2 to this chapter.