### Chapter 333
The Sea King, Dino Bardon.
In the Kingdom of Jeblam, he stands as one of the Ten Great Lords, guarding the vast ocean.
Revered as a hero in Poseus, he’s formidable enough to make even the pirate empress Kairan think twice.
His overwhelming abilities make him a force to be reckoned with across the seas.
The reason is simple: his skill, Aqua.
As the na suggests, it’s a power that commands water.
In the domain of the ocean, there’s no one mightier than him.
In fact, it’s because of his existence that the golden ships crossing Poseus can even sail through.
That’s why every soul refers to Dino as the hero of the Mariti Kingdom.
At that mont, Kraush was lost in thought about receiving the challenge for the Ten Great Lords from Dino Bardon.
“A candidate for the Ten Great Lords, huh?”
Hearing the term “Ten Great Lords” floated around made him hope it was more than just talk.
But to actually be considered as a candidate? That was unexpected for Kraush.
In the past, such a position would have seed unattainable.
To put it in perspective, in Balheim, it would be like reaching the status of Sword King, Arthur Gramalte.
Kraush suddenly recognized just how many sses he’d cleaned up along the way.
“If I actually beco one of the Ten Great Lords, I’ll be the youngest one ever!”
Of course, that’s only counting his physical age, so it’s not the biggest deal.
Still, it’s quite an achievent nonetheless.
“What perks are there for being known as one of the Ten Great Lords?”
There are a lot, naturally.
Just the na “Ten Great Lords” alone cos with nurous benefits.
Also, it allows for easier access to complex matters within the Kingdom of Jeblam.
The title itself would serve as proof.
“But there are also restrictions that co with it.”
The responsibilities tied to being acknowledged as a strong warrior.
Those entail more than expected.
“Also, while getting permission to enter Jeblam, there are constraints when crossing over to other countries.”
One could see the Ten Great Lords as a nation’s military weapon.
If such a weapon were to cross borders, it could create diplomatic issues if done without the other country’s knowledge.
“Already, with just being a candidate, so limitations arise, but if I were to officially beco one… it’d only get worse.”
Gains and losses go hand in hand.
While Kraush was contemplating these matters, he felt a gaze and lifted his head.
There stood a girl with fiery red hair and supple skin.
The Ninth Princess of Poseus,
Karandis Poseus.
She suddenly perked up as their eyes t.
“Wow, wow! It’s so hot being back in Poseus after a long ti! Must be because it’s in the south!”
She looked out as if she were avoiding his gaze, then made her comnt.
Kraush followed her line of sight.
Right now, he was riding in a carriage.
But not just any carriage—one pulled by sea horses!
In the Mariti Kingdom of Poseus, there are as many sea routes as there are land roads.
Kraush was currently moving through a waterway that extended right into the heart of the city.
The reason he ca here was to respond to Dino’s call.
To ascend as one of the Ten Great Lords, he needed the permission of more than half the current Ten.
And that’s what brought him to Poseus for testing.
Though he still hadn’t resolved the inner turmoil regarding his Aura.
Kraush was anxious, but he knew Dino’s nature well.
“He’s not exactly patient.”
Unlike the other Ten Great Lords, Dino was rather impulsive.
If Kraush didn’t show up after the summons, he’d likely co searching for him.
“I really don’t want to cause a scene.”
Deciding it was sothing he had to do, Kraush accompanied Karandis to Poseus.
Considering the past, it wasn’t his first ti here, but having the Ninth Princess with him made everything much easier.
More than anything, she was the one who brought him here with her own stories.
Karandis was whistling, pointedly avoiding Kraush’s eyes.
He watched her quietly before finally asking.
“Karandis, doesn’t it feel like you’ve been avoiding since last ti?”
At his question, Karandis flinched and shrank a bit.
Karandis was originally quite the bold character.
Originally, she aid to beco the ideal woman that Kraush adored so she could ascend to the position of his companion, being a Princess of Poseus.
She knew what he sought: a companion who could keep pace with him as he ventured forth.
Recognizing this, Karandis worked hard to present herself accordingly.
Kraush couldn’t help but admire her impressive determination.
Yet, now she seed nervous for so reason.
Gone was the bravado she once had.
“Oh, ha ha! Did I? That’s strange; I’ve always been the sa!”
Karandis twirled her hair innocently, trying to deflect the conversation.
Kraush, observing her, decided to change the subject.
He figured she must have her own reasons for acting that way.
Squeak.
Suddenly, a noise ca from Kraush’s pocket, resembling a squeaking rat.
[ Kraush, there are two candidates for the Ten Great Lords this ti. ]
Two candidates?
As expected, there was indeed soone else competing.
The world was ho to many strong warriors.
Unbeknownst to them, they are always on the candidate list for the Ten Great Lords and are called upon when a position opens up.
This ti, there was another individual alongside Kraush.
[ And it seems the Sea King called you both. ]
Just like Dino to make such a choice.
He believed in acting decisively.
It was evident that he would only acknowledge one of them.
“Inviting both of us? What a character.”
Kraush sighed briefly.
Then he gave the rat a nudge.
So, who is the other candidate?
[ The Empress’s second son, Glide Lacroix. ]
Kraush soon figured it out.
He was a mber of the legendary golden generation, who had erged ahead of the Sky Generation.
And Glide Lacroix would eventually inherit the title of Lacroix.
The Dominator.
He would be the rival Kraush faced for the Ten Great Lords title.
*
The Mariti Kingdom, Poseus.
The endlessly beautiful seas of Poseus spread before him.
Upon arriving at this kingdom, Kraush looked up at the buildings intertwined with shades of blue and white.
As expected of a mariti kingdom, they certainly went all out in shades of blue.
“Every ti I see it, I can’t help but think how hard it must be to maintain those buildings.”
The people of Poseus had a strong inclination for artistry.
So, unsurprisingly, they didn’t settle for diocrity in architecture.
Though budgets often leaned heavily toward the artistic side, they seed to suffer no losses due to their prominence as a tourist kingdom.
“Alright, let’s head in!”
Karandis, back in her hotown, appeared slightly subdued.
Seeing her usually confident deanor falter made Kraush raise an eyebrow.
But he soon found out the reason why.
“Ah, Kraush! What an honor to have you here! The hero who has stirred the world has co to Poseus! Truly a pleasure!”
“I’ve heard much about you too; you look stunning! Your presence is srizing!”
As soon as they walked into Poseus, Kraush shockingly found himself swept into a party.
As a culture-loving kingdom, a sudden party was imdiately set up to welco guests.
Though Kraush felt a throbbing headache coming on, he tried to navigate through it.
The problem arose when he suddenly found himself surrounded by won at the party.
Now he understood where Karandis’s boldness originated.
“Just so you know, I’m already married.”
Not one to be swept away easily, Kraush wasn’t the type to let himself be captivated by affections.
Truthfully, he absolutely disliked it when people laid their intentions bare with such overt advances.
Internally, he wanted to shout, “Get off , you clingy ladies!” but he held back.
[ What a ruffian. ]
Perhaps sensing his discontent, Crimson Garden chid in with a warning.
Touché, it is a different country after all; he wouldn’t act out.
Finally managing to restrain himself, Kraush spotted Karandis secluded in a corner.
She seed to have lost her usual bravado in that setting.
Seeing her like that didn’t sit well with Kraush.
“Karandis.”
Kraush casually called out her na without any formalities, causing so noble bystanders to gasp in shock.
Calling out a princess in such a public setting showed they must have a close relationship.
Upon hearing her na, Karandis turned, her expression surprised.
Kraush noticed she seed to be stuffing her cheeks with sothing.
She was diligently eating in her corner!
“…Could you kindly excuse us for a chat with Karandis?”
Kraush politely requested the nobles, who reluctantly stepped aside.
Finally freed, he turned back to Karandis, who swallowed her food with a sheepish smile.
“Oh, our royal chef is quite the talent! I’ve missed this taste since I left for the Academy, and it’s simply scrumptious!”
Not exactly the naive maiden from the countryside.
Kraush found himself chuckling at her unexpected response, “I thought you were shy.”
“Shy? Well, seeing my uncle might be a bit of a hassle, but this kind of gathering isn’t new for .”
Karandis shrugged, brushing off the mont.
“Besides, you, Kraush, seem to be a hit among the Poseus nobility. They must be impressed by your resilience against my advances.”
Such self-assurance, very much typical of Karandis.
“Above all, I know you dislike unnecessary attention. You held back, didn’t you?”
“You’re quick on the uptake.”
“Thus, I thought I’d just enjoy a al while I’m here.”
“Quite the gall you have.”
“It’s just what it takes to survive in this country.”
Karandis stood tall, revealing her distinct confidence after a long ti.
“More importantly, I believe it’s best to savor the food while it lasts.”
Bang!
As if on cue, a trendous noise echoed from outside, making the party guests retreat in panic.
Kraush quickly had an idea of who was arriving.
Boom!
Suddenly, the doors to the party room flew open.
As Kraush glanced in the direction of the sound, he saw a man standing there.
“Ha ha ha! Finally arrived! The Sword Dragon!”
With glimring blue hair that still sohow looked damp.
Where was his top half? Who knows!
He stood unlike any human should—with gills decorating his neck.
“Oh boy, it’s showti.”
Kraush let out a brief sigh.
Here stood the most lunatic among the Ten Great Lords.
Through an extended contract with the deity who granted him powers, he absorbed divine abilities, becoming the only demigod among the Ten Great Lords.
All hail the Sea King, Dino Bardon!
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