Giant Dragon Lord: Starting from Daily Intelligence

Chapter 88: Chapter 88: ’Fast Sword’ Pledges Allegiance

’One of Black Stone Territory’s fiercest Knights, defeated just like that?’

’Just who is this Wandering Swordsman?’

The crowd fell silent, everyone stunned by the skill Alex had just displayed.

Raylo stood at the edge of the crowd, taking in the entire battle.

He nodded to himself. ’This Alex certainly has some skill. His Swordsmanship is exquisite, especially his Fast Sword technique combined with his swift Body Technique. His attacks are fast and fierce, giving him a huge advantage in one-on-one fights. In his battle with Thor, he only used Knight Level Power, not leveraging his superior rank as an Earth Knight to overwhelm him.’

”Ed.”

Raylo said.

”My Lord.”

Ed responded.

”You go test him.”

Ed nodded, took a Long Spear from a nearby weapon rack, drew a deep breath, parted the crowd, and stepped into the dueling circle.

”Ed of Black Stone Territory. I have come to request a lesson!”

Ed held the Long Spear, its tip angled toward the ground, his expression solemn.

”Please.”

Alex’s expression remained just as calm.

Ed’s gaze hardened. He thrust the Long Spear forward in a sudden burst, the tip striking like a viper’s tongue, aimed straight for Alex’s face.

The Long Spear’s advantage was its reach, and Ed played to this strength from the start, attempting to keep Alex within his attack range.

Unflustered, Alex sidestepped with exquisite footwork, effortlessly evading the spear tip. At the same time, with a flick of his wrist, his Long Sword bloomed in a flourish as he slashed toward the hand Ed used to grip his spear.

His movements were still shockingly fast. In a flash of sword light, he had already transitioned from defense to counterattack.

Ed hastily pulled his spear back to block. CLANG! The shaft of the spear and the blade of the sword collided, producing a grating screech that set one’s teeth on edge.

Ed felt a tremendous force travel up the spear’s shaft, and the webbing between his thumb and forefinger went slightly numb.

He was secretly astonished. ’This guy isn’t just fast. His Power is not to be underestimated either.’

The two exchanged blows, spear-shadows and sword-flashes crisscrossing the dueling ground.

Ed’s Gun Technique was steady and practiced; every one of his movements was methodical. The Long Spear in his hands seemed to come alive, at times striking like a sea dragon emerging from the ocean, at others coiling like a spiritual serpent, rendering his defense impenetrable.

However, Alex’s Fast Sword was even more deadly.

His Sword Techniques had no flashy, superfluous movements. Every slash pursued the pinnacle of speed and precision, and he always managed to find an opening in the gaps of Ed’s spear attacks, forcing Ed into a frantic defense.

”Such a fast sword!”

”It looks like Captain Ed is struggling!”

The spectators were dazzled by the display, letting out periodic gasps of amazement.

They had never before seen such swift and vicious Swordsmanship.

Raylo saw it clearly.

Ed’s Gun Technique was all about wide, sweeping movements, emphasizing momentum and suppressive force. It was extremely effective against multiple opponents or in a battlefield charge.

But in a one-on-one duel, against an opponent like Alex who specialized in speed and technique, it put him at a disadvantage.

With his Fast Sword, each of Alex’s attacks was incredibly efficient. There was no wasted motion, and the Power he applied was just right—enough to break through Ed’s defense, but not so much that it wasted his stamina.

’This guy is a natural-born Swordsman,’ Raylo thought.

The battle lasted for about fifteen minutes. Fine beads of sweat had formed on Ed’s forehead, and his breathing had become somewhat ragged.

Though he fought with all his might, he was still unable to turn the tables and seize the initiative.

Suddenly, Alex seized an opening when one of Ed’s spear thrusts became overextended, leaving him unable to pull back in time to defend. Alex’s figure blurred, and he reappeared at Ed’s left side as if he’d teleported, his Long Sword thrusting out as fast as Lightning.

Alarm bells screamed in Ed’s mind. He tried to bring his spear around to block, but it was already too late.

He felt a cold touch against his left ribs; the tip of Alex’s sword was resting on his Leather Armor.

”You’ve lost.”

Alex retracted his sword and stepped back.

Ed looked down at his Leather Armor, where a distinct mark from the sword’s tip was visible over his ribs.

He gave a wry smile, put away his Long Spear, and cupped his fists in a salute to Alex.

”Your Swordsmanship is superb. I humbly admit defeat.”

Alex gave a slight nod in acknowledgment.

His gaze swept over the surrounding Black Stone Knights, who were now deathly silent, and he spoke in a clear voice.

”Does anyone else wish to offer me their guidance?”

The square was silent. No one else dared to step forward and challenge him.

’Are you kidding me? Even Captain Ed lost. Wouldn’t going up there just be asking for humiliation?’

Seeing this, Raylo knew the time was right.

’This Alex is a rare talent indeed,’ he thought. ’His Fast Sword technique might not be ideal for charging enemy lines on the battlefield, but in small-scale conflicts and personal duels, he’s definitely an expert.’

He stepped out from the crowd and walked slowly to the edge of the dueling area.

”You must be the esteemed Alex.”

Raylo said with a smile.

Alex turned his gaze to Raylo, a flicker in his eyes.

”I am. And you might be?”

”Raylo, Black Stone Lord.”

Raylo announced his title.

Upon hearing this, a sharp glint flashed in Alex’s eyes.

He sheathed his Long Sword and gave Raylo a slight bow.

”My Lord.”

”Your Swordsmanship is exquisite. It was truly an eye-opening experience.”

Raylo said admiringly.

”May I ask what business brings you to my Black Stone Territory? Could it be that you intend to defeat all of my Knights and make me lose face?”

”I wouldn’t dare!”

Alex said.

”I travel far and wide, and I heard the Black Stone Knights were brave and formidable. I simply felt an itch to test my skills, which is why I set up this dueling ring. I had absolutely no intention of embarrassing you, Lord!”

Raylo smiled to himself. ’This fellow is certainly keeping his composure.’

”You flatter me. While the Knights of Black Stone Territory are courageous, they are still a cut below a master like you.”

Raylo’s tone shifted, taking on a hint of regret.

”It is a pity. Black Stone Territory is in great need of talent at this very moment. If I had the help of someone with your skills, I would have no worries about my domain’s future.”

Raylo offered him a perfect opening.

Hearing this, a flicker of emotion appeared in Alex’s eyes.

His mission for this journey was to find an opportunity to pledge his allegiance to Raylo. Now that Raylo was actively recruiting him, it was the very opportunity he had been hoping for.

However, he did not agree immediately. Instead, he hesitated for a moment before speaking.

”I am honored by your high opinion, Lord. But I’m used to a life of wandering, I’m afraid...”

Raylo smiled and cut him off.

”There’s no need to be so modest. A hero isn’t defined by his origins. As long as you have genuine talent, the gates of Black Stone Territory will always be open to you. Moreover, I believe that an eagle such as yourself needs a sky where you can truly soar.”

He paused, then continued in a sincere tone.

”Your Swordsmanship is both fierce and swift; you are a warrior of rare caliber. If you would be willing to serve, I will offer you the position of Vice Commander of the Knight Brigade. What say you?”

Vice Commander of the Knight Brigade!

Alex was inwardly stunned.

He had originally thought Raylo would offer him the position of a mere Knight Captain at most. He never expected to be valued so highly.

He took a deep breath and hesitated no longer. Dropping to one knee, he placed his right hand over his heart and declared in a solemn voice.

”I, Alex, pledge my life and service to Lord Raylo!”

A satisfied smile spread across Raylo’s face. He personally stepped forward to help Alex to his feet.

”Excellent! With you on our side, Alex, it is as if a tiger has been given wings!”

”Thank you, my Lord!”

Alex saluted once more.

Although the surrounding Knights were somewhat surprised, they all began to congratulate Alex.

Although they had been defeated by Alex, their respect for the strong was genuine.

Now that this powerful expert had become their colleague, it was unquestionably a great boon for Black Stone Territory.