Chapter 155

Chapter 156. What the Hell Is This Guy? (2)

Everyone thought Norman was insane.

A 2-star knight defeating two 4-star knights with just his pinky? That was beyond crazy—it was downright madness. But—

“…”

“Did he really do it all by himself…?”

Norman kept his promise.

Using only his pinky, he brutally took down all 75 participants except himself. He didn’t kill anyone, but he mutilated their bodies so badly they couldn’t even scream “surrender.” He made sure to slit their throats first.

Drenched in blood from head to toe, Norman smiled and looked up at the screen.

Gasp!

Those who saw Norman’s smile flinched and looked away. Even Keter, who had shown immense divine power earlier, evoked a completely different reaction.

Keter had defeated his opponents cleanly, with a sense of amusement. But Norman’s performance? There was no amusement—just pure slaughter. It felt like watching a human stomp on ants, a one-sided display of cruelty.

The audience didn’t praise Norman; they cursed him as a lunatic or turned their backs on him.

“What kind of crazy bastard is that?!”

“He attacked even those who screamed surrender! What a coward!”

All participants except Norman were incapacitated, but the match didn’t end. Tournament officials intervened, restraining Norman and launching an investigation.

“We’ll confirm if he’s a disguised proxy. Cooperate willingly.”

Keter had appeared out of nowhere, so no one knew him. His strength was extraordinary, but he wasn’t under investigation. Norman, however, was different. He had a clear identity, and many knew him.

Everyone said Norman wasn’t like this. He wasn’t cruel, nor did he possess such combat prowess.

In the history of the Southern Sword Tournament, there had been similar cases. Assassins who skinned participants alive and took their places. Back then, the assassin wasn’t as reckless or powerful as Norman, but they were caught midway. This time, Norman’s case was even more serious. He didn’t even try to hide his suspicious actions.

An investigation committee was formed, and Norman was detained. He went willingly.

“I’ve gained enlightenment and grown stronger. I’m innocent and will cooperate fully with the investigation.”

While officials interrogated Norman, others speculated about his identity.

“What kind of place is the Shadabon barony Norman belongs to? I’ve never heard of that family.”

“I know. They mainly handle supply duties. They’re not a family that trains knights.”

“I saw him at a tavern two days ago, and he wasn’t like this. What happened in those two days?”

Norman’s divine power, overshadowed by his cruelty, was clearly at the level of a 5-star master. His swordsmanship and aura control surpassed Henya and Pasian.

Meanwhile, Keter, who had witnessed everything, roughly guessed Norman’s identity.

‘That guy… isn’t he Philip?’

At Aleron’s casino, the Red Siren, Keter had met a young noble on the top floor while gambling with Ultima. Of course, that didn’t mean he was Norman. The two were completely different people.

But at the same time, they were the same person.

‘I thought it was just his habit of smiling without showing his teeth. But after defeating the last participant, the corner of his mouth twitched.’

Philip had left a strong impression on Keter, from his excessive interest in Ultima to his ability to manipulate Aleron. Keter remembered his habits.

But now, an unexpected figure appeared, acting just like Philip?

‘Non-humans can disguise themselves as humans.’

But even that has limits.

Even if they transform, their appearance is fixed. They don’t change into a new form every time.

‘Besides, that guy confidently submitted to arrest. He’s confident he won’t be exposed. He’s completely transformed into Norman.’

A mere physical transformation isn’t enough. Magic can do that.

‘He must be confident he has all the information about Norman.’

Keter crossed his legs.

Norman, transformed into Philip. Even if Philip was a pseudonym, Keter assumed he was Philip.

‘If he were a doppelganger, he could perfectly replicate both appearance and essence.’

Doppelgangers are monsters that only live in the Demon Realm. Did one suddenly leave the Demon Realm?

‘No, he’s not a doppelganger. A doppelganger’s strength is replicating everything about their target, but that’s also their weakness.’

If he transformed into a 2-star knight, his strength should remain at that level. But Norman’s divine power was at least 5-star.

‘Close to 6-star, actually. His understanding of swordsmanship and combat was clearly at the level of a grandmaster who grew through real battles.’

Keter’s lips curled. When he first met Philip, he thought he was just a mischievous non-human.

Snap!

Keter flicked his finger. Everything fell into place.

‘The reason Dopema, the 9th Southern Sword in his past life, is weak in this life… is because Philip transformed into Norman, not Dopema.’

Then why did Philip transform into Norman instead of Dopema?

‘At the Red Siren, during the gambling and victory predictions, Dopema’s name wasn’t there. But Norman’s was. I bet on everyone losing.’

Out of all the people, why did he choose Norman?

‘Probably because he was the easiest target.’

Keter didn’t care about the details.

‘At first, I thought he might be connected to the Empire, but no. That guy has no decorum.’

He couldn’t pinpoint what was “Imperial” about him, but acting like an attention-seeker wasn’t the Empire’s style.

Then, Taragon approached Keter and asked, “Keter, do you know Sir Norman?”

As Taragon spoke, Mail and Anis showed interest.

“If by ‘know,’ you mean we’ve met, then yes.”

“Who is he? Tell us.”

“I don’t know.”

“You said you knew him.”

“I meant we’ve met.”

Even Keter didn’t know Philip’s true identity.

‘Maknun would know.’

Keter’s knowledge was “broad but shallow.” Maknun, on the other hand, was “broad and deep.” His ability to deduce was superior to Keter’s.

‘I’ll bring him at the right time after the tournament. If Maknun were here, he’d figure it out immediately.’

Even if he didn’t know, Maknun would find a way to bring the answer.

Meanwhile, Mail pressed his temples and muttered, “I thought the only strong opponent we had to worry about in this tournament was Sir Rajis, but now there’s this mysterious powerhouse. And he seems obsessed with you, Keter.”

Keter shrugged at Mail’s concern.

“Whoever he is, it doesn’t matter. Since we’re all participants, we’ll meet eventually. I’ll ask him then.”

As a fellow participant, Keter didn’t feel the need to know his opponent’s identity in advance.

* * *

The first round of the Southern Sword Tournament, the Battle Royale, finally ended. Both Group A and B had unexpected results.

Group C was no different, but the atmosphere was distinct.

Norman wasn’t disqualified. He proved he was the real Norman. He wasn’t a fake with a changed face or a non-human mimicking his appearance. He was the perfect Norman.

Norman’s family and friends confirmed it.

“He knows secrets only Norman would know. The vibe is completely different, but… it’s definitely Norman.”

Key witnesses testified that he was the real Norman, and there was no evidence to the contrary.

The tournament officials interrogated Norman one last time.

“How did you become so strong in such a short time?”

Norman’s answer was infuriating.

“I gained enlightenment.”

“…”

“Gaining enlightenment and becoming stronger” was a universal phrase among martial artists. It happened often.

The officials couldn’t press further but issued a stern warning.

“If you act inappropriately in the next round, you’ll be disqualified.”

“That’s strange. Didn’t Prince Keter also act inappropriately? He attacked opponents who had already lost their will to fight, leaving them in terrible condition. I just did the same.”

“Don’t be childish. To answer, Prince Keter showed mercy. No one suffered fatal injuries. But you went as far as using methods that even elixirs couldn’t heal.”

“Ah, was that so? I didn’t know. I’ll be more careful in the future.”

“Your arrogant tone. If you do it again, you’ll be disqualified immediately.”

“I’ll keep that in mind.”

And so, the Battle Royale for Group C ended with Norman scoring a solo 7 points, officially concluding the round.

A tournament official appeared on the screen and announced the next schedule.

“The second round, the Team Tournament, will begin one week from now. Team members will be randomly assigned, and the bracket will be revealed the day before the matches begin.”

Participants were given a week to prepare for the Team Tournament, a completely different format from the Battle Royale.

For the audience, it was time to tour the city and build anticipation.

During this period, most participants prepared thoroughly for the tournament.

New dark horses emerged: the Archers of Sephira, Henya, and Norman.

With the unexpected appearance of strong opponents and variables, the week felt too short for those serious about the tournament.

The Team Tournament, fought in a limited space with unfamiliar teammates, was entirely different from the Battle Royale on a vast deserted island.

There were many variables. What if you ended up on a team with someone you disliked or from a hostile family?

Of course, it wasn’t just about teamwork. Leadership, charisma, and the team’s victory itself were also important.

So, what were the Bloodline of Sephira doing to prepare for such a variable-filled Team Tournament?

“Brother, are we really leaving the palace?”

“Yes. We can’t stay under the lord’s shadow forever.”

As soon as Mail returned to the palace, he announced to the group that they would leave.

“Thanks to your good performance in the first round, the name of Sephira has become known to many. While some may harbor ill will, even more have taken an interest in us. This is clearly an opportunity.”

As Mail spoke, he glanced at Keter. Even if Keter opposed, Mail would push forward, but opposition itself was a heavy burden for him.

But Keter just yawned and said, “Why are you looking at me, Brother?”

“Ah, no. I was looking at Lady Catherine behind you.”

Catherine, suddenly pointed out, gestured to herself with a ‘Me?’ expression and approached Mail.

“Did you call me?”

“Yes. Please check with Sir Didos to ensure we’re not leaving anything behind.”

“Understood.”

Catherine’s cheerful response lightened the mood. Mail took a deep breath and continued.

“I’ve already arranged our accommodations. We’re going to the Tremond Hotel.”

The Tremond Hotel.

It was the second most luxurious hotel after the Pedders Hotel. However, it was also the place where the Sephira group had been rejected before.

Before anyone could ask, Mail explained.

“Before the Group C match began, we were given three days. During that time, I approached the general manager of the Tremond Hotel with a proposal. I said we’d forget the insult they gave us if they provided us rooms.”

Anis twitched, making a frustrated expression. Mail looked at him and said, “It seems you’re not happy that I approached the hotel that ignored us first.”

“…”

“Anis. I’m angry too. Back then, I felt like my heart was being torn apart. You all must have felt the same. But waiting for the other side to admit their mistake and apologize is foolish.”

“…!”

“We need to give them the opportunity to apologize first. Only then can they apologize comfortably. Just because they were our enemies once, does that mean they’ll be our enemies forever? For the sake of pride, will we arrogantly look down on them until they bow? Is that what Sephira is?”

“No.”

“Of course not.”

Even Taragon, who wasn’t asked, answered Mail’s question.

Though he could have raised his voice in excitement, Mail continued calmly.

“Being ignored was the past Sephira, not the present. We must think that way first, and other nobles will follow. That’s my opinion. So, I approached them first. I said Sephira’s status has changed, and I’d give them a chance to change their minds.”

After Mail finished, Anis knelt.

“My perspective was narrow. I thought we could protect our family with pride alone.”

Taragon, who had supported Mail from the beginning, also knelt to match the mood.

Mail chuckled and helped Anis and Taragon up.

“The general manager of the Tremond Hotel thanked me for proposing first. As an apology, he offered us the entire top floor’s special suites for free during the tournament.”

“The tournament still has three weeks left, and it’s all free? That’s worth forgiving.”

“The top-floor special suites should make it hard for other nobles to cause trouble.”

“Let’s have lunch at the hotel! All together!”

As the Sephira Triad laughed and celebrated, Catherine and the Lunar Knight Order members smiled warmly. Keter, watching from the corner, smirked and muttered, “Looks good.”

* * *

When the Sephira group left the palace, Lord Eslow didn’t come to see them off.

Mail wasn’t disappointed. In fact, he was relieved that Eslow didn’t stop them.

As they rode the carriage calmly and steadily toward the Tremond Hotel, Didos, sitting in the coachman’s seat, reported to Mail.

“Young Master Mail. There’s a crowd ahead. They seem to be waiting for our carriage.”

Mail muttered with a tense expression, “Don’t tell me they’ve gathered soldiers to attack us on the main road?”

Didos, looking puzzled, said, “That’s not what I meant, Young Master. They’re women wearing flower crowns. You can relax.”

“Women wearing flower crowns? Why are they waiting for us?”

“It’s a traditional custom among citizens. They’re courting nobles.”

“Courting… us?”

“Yes. Of course, not as wives but as concubines. By the way, women wearing forget-me-not flower crowns want to spend even just one night together.”

Didos’s concise explanation made Mail understand, but at the same time, he couldn’t comprehend it.

“This is the first time I’ve experienced something like this. It’s bewildering.”

“Other nobles often experience this. Young Master Mail, and the other young masters, should get used to it.”

“Hmm…”

While Mail debated whether to stop the carriage, the women came into view and swarmed the carriage.

“Why is it so noisy outside? What’s happening?”

“Where’s all that squealing coming from?”

Anis and Taragon stuck their heads out the window. The women grew even more excited.

“Gasp?!”

“Who are these women?”

Anis and Taragon were startled. Thinking they might be assassins sent by hostile nobles, they frantically searched for arrows.

Like Mail, the two brothers were experiencing this custom for the first time.

“Sir Didos. We can’t ignore the women waiting for us, so handle them appropriately. I’ll go back into the carriage.”

Mail, anticipating trouble, went back inside.

The women, too, had learned from history and their mothers. The long-standing custom began with not blocking the noble’s carriage path.

Even if the noble young masters showed no interest, the women would pray for their luck, thanking them for their time.

The other brothers were indifferent, but Taragon, dazed, occasionally waved at the women.

Mail clicked his tongue at the sight.

“Close the window, Taragon. We don’t have time to indulge in women.”

“Ah, right. Yes.”

“It’s not about chastity. You can do that after the tournament.”

“Yes, Brother. Right…”

Taragon, though understanding, couldn’t hide his disappointment.

It was natural. Taragon was at the peak of his sexual desires.

Mail and Anis, with their low priority on such desires, remained indifferent, but Taragon’s reaction was normal.

“By the way, Keter, you don’t seem interested in women. I’ve never seen you like this before.”

Mail spoke to Keter, who didn’t even glance out the window.

Catherine nodded vigorously in agreement.

“You’re eighteen, right? Just asking… are you a virgin?”

Snap!

Mail’s sudden question made everyone’s ears perk up.

Of course, everyone thought Keter, being from the Lawless City, couldn’t possibly be a virgin. His appearance and personality suggested he lived a life driven by desires, not restraint.

But precisely because of that, could he be a virgin?

The Sephira brothers were excited. Would the usually confident Keter blush in embarrassment? Would he dodge the question?

Keter, lying in the carriage, casually replied, “I’m married, you know?”