Chapter 10 Wolves bite back

Ragnar was sitting on the cold marble floor as he anticipated his opponent's arrival. He was wearing his formal armor and his battle gear. His breathing pace was steady and he knew he would come here if he wanted to save the king.

Step*

An old man with one eye came from the corner as he speed up his pace. His eyes were filled with rage and disappointment despite his calm face. He raised his head and saw Ragnar who was waiting for him in the hall. He saw he was holding his axe and wearing his armor.

" Ragnar, what is the meaning of this?"

The old man asked, showing his ferocity towards Ragnar. Although his aura was scary, Ragnar didn't change his face as he kept his cool. He got up from the floor and lifted his axe to challenge him in the duel. This was his last longing wish for a long time since Mery's untimely death. He wanted to rip out this man's heart and crush it in his palm.

" You dare to challenge me in this crucial time! You are courting death, Ragnar."

The old man spoke while drawing out his rapier. He dashed toward him with a burst of air and aimed at his heart, but Ragnar grabbed his rapier with a single swift motion. He pulled the old man toward him and grabbed his neck like it was nothing.

" You know I used to admire you, grand general Bat. You were the strongest duelist in our country and you were undefeated in a duel, but your ignorance caused you to sit back. You had lost your vision and became a loyal dog of the puppet. I am ashamed to see you like this."

Ragnar spoke, tightening his grip. Bat struggled to free himself despite their great strength differences. He couldn't understand how Ragnar was able to overpower him even though he was at the same level.

" Mana isn't everything, general. I have transcended my body beyond my mana because of that you will die here."

Crack*

He twisted his neck and threw him on the ground. Bat fell like a puppet that was cut off from its strings as his eyes gradually lost their vitality. This was the end of the greatest duelist in the kingdom. Although his strength was great, he underestimated Ragnar who was already walking towards the great path.

" So, he had died meaninglessly. What a boring way to end this battle!"

A man said while gazing at him. He was wearing extravagant and expensive clothes to fully show his identity. However, he couldn't hide his desire for power in his heart. Moreover, he saw the great potential of this mortal.

" Scatlet claw- Jackson, I know about you. You have lived through centuries, witnessing countless things. You should have died a long time ago, old monster."

Ragnar said, pointing his axe toward him. Jackson laughed at his remark with a humored look. He wasn't the type to be offended by this kind of provocation. Instead, he was amused to hear such bold words.

Jackson placed his finger and his mouth and gestured his interest in his ability to overcome the mana levels. He saw only a handful of people who could do the same thing as him. The most talented geniuses could reach the enlightenment like him and he wasn't one of them.

" You are a really interesting person, Ragnar. Perhaps, you will cure my boredom after the first emperor."

Jackson said, showing a bright grin, but Ragnar could trace obesity in his voice. This man was dangerous and he wasn't kidding about anything since he had lived countless years.

" Don't go too far. Besides, why didn't you stop me from killing him?"

Ragnar asked, guessing his intent. He wasn't here to stop him. He was here to observe his movements. This man was acting as the observer in this battle.

Jackson also noticed Ragnar who had probably guessed his goal. His smile deepened when he thought about Ragnar who had both brain and brawl.

" I will see you again, general. Please amuse more at that time."

Jackson laughed while bidding farewell to him. There was no point to stay here anymore. The crown was already predetermined when they saw the tides that were heading toward the throne.