Chapter 151 : Chapter 151

Chapter 151. Welcome, Double Dragon (3)

Matthew shook his head and spoke.

“Anyway, he’s a guy I just can’t understand.”

Three years.

Matthew had been with Patrick for over three years.

But it seemed he would never be able to understand the creature known as Patrick Schneider, even if it were 30 years, not just three.

Last night.

While having a drink in the hall of the inn they were staying at, he heard the conversations of the villagers.

[Damn it, it's so hard to live like this.]

[Did you also get targeted by those guys?]

[They took my goods, said it was on credit, and didn't pay. Rotten bastards.]

[Watch your mouth. You know what happened to Tom from the smithy when he badmouthed them, right?]

Listening to their words, it was a fairly common story.

Retired mercenaries who had settled in the village had formed an organization and were tormenting the villagers with all sorts of illegal activities.

They took goods without paying, forcibly collected protection money, and harassed the village maidens.

Listening to the stories, they were typical thugs.

Matthew spoke in a small voice.

[What are you going to do?]

[What do you mean, what am I going to do? Just leave them be.]

[You're not going to help?]

[It’s a hassle.]

[But their situation is so pitiful.]

[Get a grip, you punk. This is strictly a security issue within the fiefdom. It's the responsibility of the lord who rules this land.]

[Ummm….]

[If we get involved in every single thing like this, there’ll be no end to it. Just leave it. If it gets too out of hand, the guards will take care of it.]

After saying this, he went up to his room.

But the next day.

[Damn it.]

Patrick, who woke up with hollow eyes, ground his teeth and said.

[Where are those thug bastards?]

[Why are you looking for them?]

[To beat them to a pulp.]

[I thought you weren't interested.]

[I’m not. I’m not interested. But….]

Patrick, who had stopped mid-sentence, let out a deep sigh and continued.

[Damn it, even in my dreams, the nagging….]

[Huh?]

[It’s just something.]

Patrick ground his teeth and left the inn.

And now….

“You bastards, do I have to lose sleep because of you? Do I have to be scolded even in my dreams!?”

“W-what did we d-keok!”

“Shut up! Just die!”

“Kuaaak!”

This was what was happening.

Afterward, the thugs, who were mercilessly stomped on by Patrick, were dragged away to apologize to each and every villager before emptying their pockets to pay compensation.

Then, they went to the guards on their own and confessed to the crimes they had committed against the villagers.

Matthew, who had watched the entire process, shook his head and said.

“Just how many times has it been….”

If there were thugs in some back alley, he would wreck them.

If there were bandits on some mountain, he would go and smash them.

If there was a loan shark in some city making people cry, he would beat them until they cried tears of blood.

At first, he seemed uninterested, but in the end, he would grumble and help them all, and even handle the cleanup afterward.

He repeated such actions every time they visited a village or city….

From the perspective of an observer, it was incomprehensible.

“Does he want to do good deeds? or not?”

“Don’t ask me. How would I know?”

“Isn’t he your friend?”

“You’re his fia— my apologies.”

As Isabella put her hand on her sword with a murderous expression, Matthew hastily bowed his head.

Sometimes, this senior was scarier than that madman.

“Aish, why is the world so full of trash that causes trouble for others? It's hard to have a quiet journey.”

Seeing Patrick returning and complaining after dealing with the thugs, Matthew said.

“If it’s such a hassle, why don’t you just take a less-traveled road?”

“Sleeping outdoors is a pain in the ass, isn’t it?”

“That’s true, but….”

“Besides, we’re about to arrive at our first destination, so where would we go.”

“First destination?”

Matthew showed interest.

Until now, when he asked where they were going after Patrick had set the destination, the answer that came back was….

[Somewhere nice.]

That was all.

And he had vaguely led the group to the northeast.

‘I’m anxious. This is ominous.’

A place that Patrick Schneider likes?

Only hell or the demonic realm came to mind.

In any case, it would definitely not be a good place.

But what could he do?

Since that madman had decided on the destination, he had to follow….

‘What’s around here? We can’t go north, that’s the border of the Decator Kingdom. So it’s either west or east….’

As befitting the son of the Elbador Merchant Guild, which engaged in international trade, Matthew was well-versed in geography.

‘To the west is the Haldern fiefdom. And to the east is the Great Forest. Is he planning on hunting monsters in the Great Forest?’

It made sense.

He could gain real combat experience by hunting monsters there and earn money by selling their materials.

It was a place Patrick would like.

However….

‘Will that guy really move as I expect?’

Matthew looked at Patrick with a gaze full of anxiety.

Patrick, feeling his gaze, shrugged and said.

“Don’t worry and just follow me. Have you ever lost anything by following your big bro?”

“You bastard, because I was following you….”

“You became a magnificent 4-star swordsman.”

“Uh…. that…. uh….”

That was true.

As Matthew was at a loss for words, Patrick put his arm around his shoulder and said in a friendly voice.

“Just trust your big bro and follow. Then someday, the realm of 7-stars won’t be a dream for you either.”

“Keeeeung….”

Matthew had no choice but to shut his mouth.

Did he know what was the saddest thing in this situation?

It was that what that devil said was right.

‘Damn it….’

Although he would go through mental and physical hell, if he was with a Patrick, an increase in skill was definitely guaranteed.

So what could he do?

He had no choice but to follow….

* * *

Two days later.

“Let’s go back.”

Matthew said firmly.

Next to him, Isabella also spoke with a desperate expression.

“This is crazy.”

Unlike the two, April didn’t oppose Patrick’s decision, but she wore a considerably surprised expression.

What was before her eyes was a sturdy fortress wall, three times higher than a normal castle wall.

A gateway fortress on the border between the Kingdom of Atronia and the Decator Kingdom, and humanity’s defensive base to fend off the overflowing monsters from the Great Forest.

It was Raines Fortress, the ironclad barrier that the Decator Kingdom prided itself on.

Beyond this point was the Decator Kingdom, not the Kingdom of Atronia.

Well, that was fine.

In fact, it was common for knights to cross borders for their training journey.

As long as they went through the legal procedures to cross the border, it was fine.

However, the problem lay in Patrick’s objective.

The moment they heard that objective, Matthew and Isabella had no choice but to try and stop Patrick.

“There’s a branch of our merchant guild nearby. Let’s go there. I’ll treat you to the finest service.”

“That sounds like a good idea.”

The two desperately tried to stop him, but what could they do?

“Ah, let go!”

He wasn’t the type to be stopped just because someone tried….

Patrick shook off the two of them and headed for the border fortress.

“Halt, state your identity and purpose of visit!”

As Patrick approached, those who appeared to be soldiers of the fortress stepped forward to stop him.

And Patrick said with a grin.

“Aigoo, you’re working hard. I am Patrick Schneider of the Kingdom of Atronia.”

“Patrick…. Double Dragon?”

“Oh, looks like I’m famous in the Decator Kingdom too.”

Patrick’s fame had already spread wide across the continent.

Once the soldiers identified Patrick, they adopted a more polite posture and spoke.

“This is Ralph of Raines Fortress. Please state your purpose of visit.”

“I’m a 4th-year at the Academy, currently on a knight’s training journey. I’m planning on crossing over to the Decator Kingdom this time.”

“Ah, I see. Welcome to our country.”

“Hahaha, thank you. By the way, is the lord present right now?”

“Yes. Of course.”

Marquis Adolph Raines.

The person in charge of defending this Raines Fortress, and one of the three 7-star knights in the Decator Kingdom.

And he was also the reason Patrick came here.

“Good to hear he’s here. Please tell him that Patrick Schneider has come for a fight.”

“Yes. Underst—what?”

From behind, the lamenting voices of Matthew and Isabella could be heard.

“That madman….”

“He actually did it.”

* * *

Radiant Dragon Great Master Jin Cheon.

When did that name truly begin to make a name for itself?

For ordinary rising stars, it was common to distinguish themselves through martial arts tournaments.

Martial arts tournaments where rising stars, cultivated with great investment by prestigious orthodox sects, gathered to compete.

The winners there gained fame and made their name known in the Jianghu.

However, for Jin Cheon, who was a disciple of a small sect like the Twin Dragon Sect, even that opportunity was not given.

When he went to participate, his application was not accepted.

Even if it was accepted, they demanded a large sum as an entry fee.

[Are these bastards taking me for a sucker!?]

In the end, Jin Cheon did not participate in any tournaments.

While the brats from the prestigious orthodox sects were being called some dragon or phoenix, Jin Cheon didn’t even get a chance.

[So these bastards are going to act like this, huh?]

So, what Jin Cheon chose was real combat duels.

The Nine Sects One Gang, the Five Great Clans, the Eight Gates of the Unorthodox, and so on.

He didn't discriminate and went to challenge anyone who was a big shot.

When he achieved a hundred victories in a hundred battles in those duels, everyone in the Jianghu came to know Jin Cheon of the Twin Dragon Sect.

To become a big shot, one had to take down a big shot.

There was no greater proof than that.

Patrick knew this better than anyone.

A knight’s training journey, in the end, had the main purpose of gaining real combat experience and raising one’s fame.

It was no different from roaming the Jianghu.

That’s why Patrick came in search of the nearest big shot.

And that was…

* * *

“Marquis Raines. Now do you understand?”

“As if I would!?”

The one who shouted back at Patrick’s kind (in his own opinion) explanation was the knight commander leading the knightly order of the Marquis Raines family.

Right now, Patrick and his companions were surrounded by over a hundred knights and thousands of soldiers.

One might call it an overreaction, but since Patrick's publicly known level was 7-stars, this was by no means excessive.

And the knight spoke with a face full of hostility.

“Go back. If you turn back now, we will not make this an international issue.”

“What a strange fellow.”

“What did you say?”

“I just came to have a fight, why is something like an international issue coming up? Is this something to be so sensitive about?”

At Patrick’s words, he made an incredulous face.

Did that guy even know what he was trying to do?

A 7-star knight was a being that could be a measure of a nation’s military power.

And he was saying that such beings dueling each other was no big deal?

“…Madman.”

“What? I’ve heard enough.”

The moment Patrick rolled up his sleeves, Matthew and Isabella quickly rushed over.

“Hey, calm down!”

“Let’s endure it, you can endure it, right? Patrick.”

However, Patrick dragged Matthew and Isabella, who were holding him from both sides, forward and said.

“Madman? You bastard. Calling me a madman to my face is the eighteenth thing I hate the most!”

“Uwaaaaah. Stop!”

“You, apologize first. Quickly!”

The knight watching this mess didn't back down at all and said.

“If you come any closer, we will respond with force. All units, prepare for battle!”

At that, knights from all sides came forward and soldiers aimed their weapons.

From a distance, the sound of archers drawing their bows could be heard, along with what appeared to be mages holding staffs and chanting spells.

At that, the corner of Patrick’s mouth tilted upwards.

“You want to go at it? Fine. Guys, are you ready?”

“Yes. Young Master.”

“What do you mean, ready?”

“Ace, why are you like this too!?”

One madman, one obedient kid. Two sane people.

This must be what they call a chaotic party.

A touch-and-go moment.

“Stop!”

A resounding voice clearly reached everyone’s ears.

It wasn't just a loud voice.

It was a voice that felt powerful, like the roar of a wild beast.

At that voice, the corners of Patrick’s mouth curled up.

“Looks like he’s here.”

And the soldiers who had formed the encirclement parted to the left and right as a man walked through.

He was a tall man with sharp features, wearing a cloak made from the hide of a Saber Tiger.

Marquis Adolph Raines.

The 7-star knight had appeared.

As soon as Marquis Raines appeared, he looked around and shouted.

“What in the world is all this commotion?”

“My lord, this is….”

“Explain.”

At Marquis Raines' words, the knight who had been glaring at Patrick until just a moment ago opened his mouth with difficulty.

“We were in the process of repelling an intruder.”

“An intruder….”

Marquis Raines' gaze fell upon Patrick and his party.

Then, with a faint expression of admiration, he spoke.

“Impressive. Truly the Double Dragon.”

“Oh, you know me?”

“Although dual-wielding has become popular lately, there can be no other person who shows this much spirit at your age.”

“You have a good eye. I’ll give you a passing grade.”

At Patrick’s words, sparks flew from the eyes of the knights of Raines Fortress.

“How dare you to….”

To the knights of the Marquis Raines family, their lord was not only an object of loyalty but also an idol.

But for a young brat, no matter how high a realm he had reached, to speak in such a manner.

If the opponent hadn't been the Double Dragon, they would have launched an all-out attack right now.

However, Marquis Adolph Raines himself did not show a displeased expression.

No, rather….

“Seeing my subordinates’ reactions, it seems you’re not just passing by for no reason.”

“I came to have a fight.”

“……”

The moment he heard Patrick’s words, Marquis Raines' body trembled.

But it was a trembling far from anger.

Rather….

‘Yupinel, I thank you.’

This was a feeling of joy.

Patrick looked at Marquis Raines, smirked, and thought.

‘Yeah. I understand how you feel.’

* * *

In this world, a 7-star knight was equivalent to the top master of a sect in the Jianghu.

And it was rare for these top masters of sects to cross swords and compete in martial arts.

When you think about it, it’s natural.

The top master of each sect was the symbol or the military power of that sect itself.

Even if they wanted to fight, the sect wouldn't allow it.

It would be good if they won, but if by any chance they lost, the damage would be immense.

Not only in the current generation, but if things went wrong, they could be shamed for generations to come.

In fact, the anecdote of the Hebei Peng Clan's head from two generations ago losing in a duel against the Namgung Clan's head from two generations ago was still talked about in the Jianghu even after three generations had passed.

Therefore, it rarely happened that the strongest of the sects competed against each other.

Between the orthodox and unorthodox sects, there might be occasions to fight in real combat, but it was even rarer among the same orthodox sects.

Was it because of that?

Around the time he had over 70 matches, there were even elders of the Nine Sects One Gang who sent him invitation letters requesting a duel.

There was the sect’s calculation that they could raise their fame by catching the Radiant Dragon Great Master, but more than that, the individuals themselves wanted it.

A sincere duel with a master of the same level, or even higher.

* * *

Marquis Raines spread his arms wide, smiled brightly, and said.

“Welcome. Double Dragon.”

“Thank you. Marquis Raines.”

***

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