Lord of Caldera - Chapter 261

Chapter 261: Chapter 261

“Simply a test of skills and a quest for truth.”

“What does that mean? Who’s your opponent?”

“Sylas Corleone.”

“…!”

At the mention of Sylas’s name, the atmosphere shifted dramatically. Who in the Empire hadn’t heard of Sylas Corleone? Especially in the heart of the capital, where all rumors converged. However, the glances directed at Sylas were anything but favorable.

“The one from those outrageous rumors?”

“Yes, I requested this duel to witness his true strength.”

“Well done. Knock him down a peg.”

Though spoken in hushed tones, Sylas’s keen ears caught the words easily. He barely managed to suppress a chuckle. Just how far had Dani spread these ridiculous rumors?

“Alright! Let this duel be a fair and honorable fight, unashamed before the Goddess!” Taylor, the senior knight, declared, clearly eager to see Sylas’s real abilities.

Dietrich and Sylas each picked up a training sword, facing each other.

“I’ll give you the first strike, Dragonslayer.”

“What a generous gesture,” Sylas replied with a sigh, rolling his shoulders casually. His relaxed stance irked Dietrich, who frowned.

“What are you doing? Stop messing around and get over here!”

“I’m not messing around. I’m just adjusting my strength.”

“What?”

“This much power should be about right. Get into position—I’ll attack soon.”

“What are you even…!”

Dietrich was about to express his indignation at Sylas’s seemingly playful attitude when something blurred past him, leaving a streak of light in its wake.

Stunned, he instinctively tried to backstep.

Thwack!

“…!?”

In the next instant, Dietrich found himself airborne.

.

“What in the…!”

Shock filled Dietrich’s mind. He hadn’t even crossed swords with Sylas, yet he had been hurled into the air. What on earth had just happened? But there was no time to stay stunned; the ground was rushing up to meet him.

“Damn it!”

Years of training and natural reflexes kicked in, allowing Dietrich to adjust his body midair. Just before hitting the ground, he managed to position himself for a safe landing.

Thud.

“Ugh…!”

Dietrich’s entire body throbbed with pain. It wasn’t just the impact from falling; it felt as though he’d been struck from all directions. The pain made it difficult for him to even attempt standing up.

“Oh, that was a graceful landing. Truly worthy of the Royal Guard’s youngest apprentice.”

“….”

Dietrich remained silent at Sylas’s comment. Or, more accurately, he couldn’t bring himself to respond. He feared that if he opened his mouth, only groans would escape.

“….”

The apprentice knights who had gathered to watch the duel were equally speechless. In the tense silence, they shifted their gazes back and forth—from the motionless Dietrich to the relaxed Sylas, who held his practice sword casually. Then, as a bead of sweat rolled down Dietrich’s forehead and fell to the ground, an uproar broke out.

“What was that?! The rookie just went flying!”

“I was watching the whole time, but somehow Sylas got behind him…!”

“Is it some kind of relic? Or Elven magic?”

No one fully understood what had happened. All they had seen was that Sylas, who had been standing in front of Dietrich, suddenly appeared behind him—and then Dietrich was sent soaring through the air.

“Huff…!”

Amidst the commotion, Dietrich finally managed to push himself up. The pain hadn’t lessened in the slightest, but he couldn’t just stand there hunched over.

“Let’s resume… the duel!”

“Now that’s some determination.”

Sylas smirked, raising his practice sword again. Dietrich gritted his teeth and steadied his stance, his eyes sharp with focus. This time, he was determined not to lose track of Sylas’s movements.

‘I don’t know what trick he pulled, but I won’t fall for the same move twice. If I watch his movements closely, I can counter as soon as he charges…!’

Thunk.

“Ugh?!”

Dietrich’s carefully laid plan shattered instantly. As soon as Sylas stepped forward, a powerful shock ran through Dietrich’s practice sword. The impact was so intense that he nearly lost his grip.

‘But… I didn’t let go! Thankfully…!’

Despite the pain, Dietrich felt a glimmer of relief. Losing consciousness or dropping one’s weapon in a duel was considered defeat. As long as he was conscious and armed, he hadn’t technically lost.

“It’s not over yet!”

Whoosh.

With a brave shout, Dietrich swung his practice sword backward. Sylas had dodged the first strike by moving behind him, so this time he anticipated Sylas would try the same trick. His prediction was spot on; Sylas was indeed lowering his sword after the initial attack.

‘Perfect! I got him!’

Dietrich braced for the satisfying impact of his strike… but his sword met only empty air, spinning uselessly.

“What?!”

“What are you doing?”

Embarrassed by his missed swing, Dietrich flushed at Sylas’s comment. What had happened? His practice sword should have been within striking distance, so why hadn’t it connected?

Just then, Dietrich looked down at his sword and noticed something was off. The upper half of his sword’s hilt was nowhere to be seen. Where had it gone? As if answering his question, something fell from the sky a beat later.

Thud.

“….”

Dazed, Dietrich stared blankly at the broken piece of his sword, which had just landed at his feet. How high had it flown? Sylas looked at Dietrich with mild amusement and spoke.

“If you want, you can switch weapons and try again.”

“…No.”

By this point, Dietrich understood. His opponent’s skill was far superior to his own, and Sylas’s strength was indeed as formidable as the rumors claimed.

“I concede.”

Dietrich admitted his defeat with a bitter expression.

The apprentice knights fell into silence. Who was Dietrich? He was known as the Royal Guard’s most promising recruit, hailed as the genius of his generation. He’d joined the Royal Guard immediately after graduating from the Academy, becoming the youngest apprentice knight.

‘And yet, he lost without being able to put up much of a fight.’

The shocking outcome left everyone speechless. Of course, Sylas wasn’t just any ordinary person either.

Sylas Corleone. The Dragonslayer, heir of Godfrey, slayer of demons—the man whose name was followed by a host of impressive titles. Still, doubt had lingered in their minds.

Surely his reputation is exaggerated. How could one person kill seven dragons?And he’s got a bad reputation. His half-brother claims he’s nothing but a fraud.Of course. He’s probably more skilled with his tongue than with his sword.