Volume 7 Chapter 1 Permanent Council Members
Two weeks had passed since the Blood Duel Cup came to a close.
In the Bloodline Nation, Horace's victory had spread like wildfire. For the next four years, everyone would know his name — the strongest warrior of the era.
Of course, it didn't mean he was the strongest in the world. There might be others, hidden away in the shadows, stronger than even him.
For instance, the Bismuth Federation had stirred behind the curtains of this year's tournament. They'd brought dragons, hoping to unleash chaos. But they'd slipped away without leaving proof — only suspicions.
And in this world, maybes don't count. Not without evidence. Unlike religion, where belief alone can move nations, strength demanded proof.
Horace, now known as the strongest man alive...
"..."
...was collapsed in the first-floor lobby of the Brave Mansion, completely still, looking as lifeless as a dried branch.
The maids cleaning the marble floors nearby — all former adventurers and now his disciples — wore immaculate uniforms and carried themselves with grace. Their appearances were as polished as their technique.
"...Big brother. You might be the strongest in the world, but that's only true in the arena. Anywhere else, you're hopeless."
"Y-Yeah... that's fair..."
Nousa and Rangella sat at a nearby round table, sipping tea and nibbling sweets as they watched the scene unfold.
"This has been happening every day since we got back. What about Tiaris and the others?"
"Did the staff seriously just start picking people with weird... urges to work as maids?"
"There was barely any restraint back when we were traveling, so I'm not even surprised."
Overhearing them, magician Ulrika, merchant Ellie, and healer Cindy exchanged glances and chuckled, fully understanding the situation.
In this world, circulating magic through the body naturally boosts physical capabilities. That's why top-tier adventurers could battle dragons alone — their bodies were refined, strengthened by the magic running through them.
But the truth was deeper. Improving the body didn't just make muscles stronger — it enhanced every internal process.
Including desire.
Everyone in the Luster Report had undergone intense training under Horace's guidance. As a result, they possessed unmatched strength. But that strength came with side effects.
"When someone enhances their own body gradually, those urges stay manageable," Ulrika said casually. "But if you train someone else too fast, they can spike unexpectedly, right?"
"Exactly," Ellie nodded. "And Ramella's a perfect example."
"I'm not denying anything," Ramella said from the hallway, arms crossed.
"Wait... didn't you and big brother—?"
"Yeah," she answered, simply.
Ramella, head of the mansion's workshop, had her own share of complications. Like the others, she had trained under Horace and grown stronger. That included, unfortunately, her more personal drives.
"We really need to find a way to balance this," Ellie sighed, glancing at the wilted Horace on the floor. "Or he's going to wither away."
"He kinda already has," Nousa joked.
The casual teasing continued until the mansion door slammed open.
"This is bad!" Lucia shouted as she rushed in.
"Huh?" Rangella blinked, half a cookie in her mouth.
"The talks about our country joining the World Conference as a Permanent Council Member... they've been postponed!"
Lucia's tone was sharp, her expression serious. But to the others, it wasn't quite clicking yet.
"What do you mean?" Nousa asked.
"Well, first off," Lucia began, taking a deep breath, "we've got Horace here, right? And the Luster Report. Not to mention the SS-rank guild Worldsworn has its base here. Financially, politically, we're strong."
"Sure, makes sense."
"And since the Obsidian Magic Dukedom was removed from the council, we were one of the candidates to fill the vacant seat."
"But now someone else is being considered?"
"Exactly. The Drabream Kingdom. A new nation that's been gaining attention due to its advanced tech."
"Drabream Kingdom?"
"It's a place where dragons rule — and can even take on human form. It was founded not long after the Demon Lord's defeat."
Less than a year since its founding, and already being considered for the Permanent Council... It was impressive, to say the least.
"I don't think they owe debts to anyone either," Ulrika muttered.
"I haven't heard of any famous exports or products," Cindy added.
"It's said to be an extremely secretive nation. But right after the Blood Duel Cup ended, they started appearing in the global picture," Lucia continued.
"I think I remember His Majesty Valzeil mentioning something about them," Rangella said, thinking aloud. "But if their influence grows any further, other countries will start pushing their own candidates to counter them."
As they talked, the mood in the room shifted.
"Oh, and another thing," Lucia said. "There's a rumor going around that one of Drabream's new knights defeated Garboros."
That name made Horace stir.
Garboros — the captain of the Five-Star Pirates. A towering warrior known across the seas of the Gourmet Nation, wielding a cleaver the size of a boat. He'd been one of the major contenders in the Blood Duel Cup.
"Are you sure that's accurate?" Horace asked quietly.
"The information's solid," Lucia nodded. "If a newcomer from their order could beat Garboros, then their knights must be something else entirely."
"Do we know who rules that nation?" Rangella asked.
"Apparently, it's a dragon named Star Armored Dragon Pym Fuktam."
"...Never heard of them," Nousa admitted.
"Neither have I," added Ellie.
"A lot about them is still a mystery," Lucia said. "But right now, the World Conference is split between supporting the Chaos Stone Dragonstone Kingdom or the Drabream Kingdom for the open seat."
"...Lucia, are you aiming for that seat yourself?" Cindy asked, half-teasing.
"It's not even physically possible! We don't have enough staff to handle something like that!"
"I figured as much," Rangella laughed.
"But if His Majesty Valzeil is backing Drabream, there's definitely a bigger plan at work."
And so, the world continued to shift.
A new name had entered the game — The Drabream Kingdom, and with it, the mysterious Star Armored Dragon Pym Fuktam.
Notes:
• Bismuth Federation - A federation of small nations united as a single community. Originally planned to host the Blood Duel Cup but was overshadowed by Diamante Kingdom. Known for its massive debt and desire to maintain appearances.
• Nousa - Horace's little sister.
• Ran - A silver-haired, busty, and beautiful young girl with a dominating spirit. She is one of the 'Four Source Maidens' and is deeply affected by her mother's disappearance.
• Tiaris - Blonde, busty maid with a charming smile. Manages the mansion, prepares Horace's workspace, and works independently. Grateful for being raised by Horace, dedicates herself to serving him.
• Ulrika - Slender girl with short blue hair, calm and strategic. Sub-leader of 'Luster Report,' quick-thinking with a gentle demeanor. Speaks uniquely ('のだ～'). Critical role in information gathering, despite lacking specific knowledge. Appears in v2c34.
• Ellie - Black-haired beauty in a pantsuit, with a great figure and a blank expression, adding to her 'beautiful aura'. The one who like loli. Carries an attaché case, giving off strong career woman vibes. Speaks coldly and handles complex matters, as seen when she comments on Horace's tech.
• Cindy - A 'loli busty' character who is often the subject of Ellie's attention. Long green-haired girl with wild energy, often bouncing around. Same age as Ulrika but behaves very differently. Brings energetic chaos to situations, contrasting with Ulrika's calm demeanor. Was active in the Theocracy Nation with Ulrika until they were forced to flee due to Horace's wanted poster.
• Ramella - B-rank blacksmith from the hero community, known for advanced, dangerous creations requiring skilled magic manipulation. Her 'failed creations' carry significant meaning. Wears tank top, shorts, and sneakers, revealing yet energetic. Skilled in combat, trained by Horace, with enhanced physical abilities. Uses Smith hammer, refers to herself as 'me (ore)'. Strict about rules, refuses to sell special sword without certification. Dominates problematic adventurer with ease. Creations highly regarded, respected in hero community.
• Garboros - Known as the Royal Table. Captain of the Captain of the Five-Star Pirates. His appearance is not described, but he is known for his immense strength, capable of taking down powerful sea monsters alone. He is primarily interested in gourmet food and has little regard for honor or material possessions. His relationship with Horace is one of acquaintance, and he participates in the Blood Duel Cup seemingly for the experience.
• Pym Fuktam - Non-human. The dragon king of the Drabream Kingdom. Its appearance is not detailed, but it is a mysterious and powerful figure.
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