Chapter 33

"Who is that woman? She seems to be on familiar terms with Sieg-sama, doesn't she?"

"Wait, isn't that a boy, not a woman?"

"Lies!? With such a beautiful face!?"

"I know! That kid is the leader of Azure Outliers!"

"What, I don't know the details, but I can feel a very decadent vibe from them!"

"Me too, miss! I can see full-blooming roses in the background of the two of them!"

The women were getting excited, making unfounded comments. I felt a slight twitch in my temple but kept a smile as I stared straight at Sieg.

"Is this not Sieg von Fanstein, the sub-master of the Empire's strongest clan, the Tyrant Dragon Squad? It's an honor to meet you. Yes, indeed."

"To know about me is an honor to me, Noel-kun."

Sieg responded with a refreshing smile.

What a pretentious guy. There's no way an explorer who doesn't know you exists.

In this capital, there are three people who have reached the EX rank.

One is the third star of the Seven Stars, the master of 'Hyakki Yagyō,' the Lion King who devours kings, Rioh Edin.

Another is the first star of the Seven Stars, the master of the Tyrant Dragon Squad, the mighty general of creation, Viktor Krauser.

And the last one is this man, the sub-master of the Tyrant Dragon Squad.

According to the information Alma let slip when she was drunk, the leader of the Assassin Cult is also apparently EX rank, but since I've never met him, I can't confirm it.

What is certain and important is that there are only three explorers.

However, Viktor is already close to his sixties, so his prime has long passed. Although he is EX rank, his actual combat ability is only at A rank. Of course, he has a wealth of knowledge, experience, and skills accumulated over the years, so in terms of overall strength, he far surpasses other A-rank explorers.

In any case, the only explorers who are currently at their peak and can fully utilize their EX rank abilities are Rioh and Sieg. In other words, the strongest explorer in the capital is one of these two.

Such modesty from such a man is nothing but pretentious. Even if he were naturally so, the strong confidence evident in his every word and action shows that he fully understands his position. The rumors that he is devious despite his refreshing appearance seem to be true.

"So, what could Sieg-sama, who is supposedly busy 24 hours a day, want with a nobody explorer like me?"

"Not a nobody! Your reputation is the talk of our clan. Not only are you the grandson of the legendary explorer, the Immortal Demon, but you also apparently repelled the Gambino family with just two people."

"Being the grandson of the Immortal Demon is a known fact, but I have no recollection of the Gambino family. Must be a case of mistaken identity."

When I feigned ignorance, Sieg's smile deepened.

"It's not a mistake. Many explorers witnessed the trouble between you and the Gambino family. And, this is not public information, but a week later, the leader of the Gambino family was replaced. While no one saw you personally take action against Alberto, the information is sufficient to infer what happened, don't you think?"

"If that's true, I must be quite a dangerous person. The Luciano family, the main family, won't just sit idly by."

"Exactly! That's what I'm interested in!"

Sieg's narrowed eyes suddenly opened wide. In his silver eyes, I could sense a quiet, dark passion like a smoldering fire.

"I'm endlessly curious about how you, who should only be a mere explorer, managed to accomplish such a feat. Also, it seems you've successfully ranked up. It's rare for a support class to rank up. Even in this holy land of explorers, the capital, there are only two, including you."

"Well, well, this chance encounter has taken a rather unpleasant turn. I'm curious where this conversation is going, but I'm a busy nobody. If you don't mind, I'd like to take my leave here."

When I turned to leave, Sieg's hand rested on my shoulder.

"Hey, don't just touch me like that."

"Sorry. But, I'm not done talking yet."

"What does that have to do with me? Don't you think you're getting too big for your boots just because you're the sub-master of the capital's strongest clan?"

"Quite sharp."

Sieg released his hand from me and took a step back.

"Indeed, as you suspect, this meeting is not a coincidence. I came here because I have a purpose. If I've made you uncomfortable, I apologize."

"An apology is unnecessary. We are strangers."

"Wait, please. The talk I have is not bad for you. At least, let's have a relaxing chat over tea somewhere—"

"Did you hear what I said? I'm busy. I don't have time to keep you company. Now, and in the future, always."

"Stubborn, aren't you?"

"Hmph, I'm not being stubborn. I knew from the start why you came to see me. It's just headhunting, isn't it?"

It's common for large clans to try to recruit promising parties. Not only does it strengthen their own clan, but it also reduces future rivals, so it would be a loss not to do it.

At the Seven Stars level, they already have sufficient strength, so they rarely act proactively. They wouldn't approach anyone unless they were a truly exceptional talent.

Being recognized by someone at the top is genuinely flattering. But, I was more annoyed. I didn't like his methods.

"What you're doing is small-minded, you know."

"What do you mean?"

"Pretending to headhunt casually, forcing an invitation, you really think you're something, don't you? Do you think anyone would obediently follow you just because you're the sub-master of the capital's strongest clan? That's a delusion. And yet, your goal is to eliminate future rivals now, which is contradictory. This is the sub-master of the capital's strongest clan? You're disappointing."

Even Wolf and the violent Finocchio had more sincerity. But, I couldn't sense any from Sieg. His arrogance was evident. I wouldn't follow such a person, even if it meant death.

"It seems I've really annoyed you."

"Not 'seems.' I am annoyed."

"Indeed, what you say is true. My goal is to absorb your group, Azure Outliers, into the Tyrant Dragon Squad. But, there's one thing you're wrong about."

"Huh?"

"I'm not delusional; I am important."

Instantly, Sieg's aura intensified to a level that seemed to pierce the sky.

I see, this is the power of an active EX rank. The pressure is so overwhelming that even Finocchio and Rios feel small in comparison. But, it's not as strong as the Immortal Demon. I can't match him, but I'm not afraid.

"If persuasion fails, are you resorting to force? Even more small-minded."

"Yes, I am a small person. That's why I never cut corners and will do whatever it takes to get what I want. That's how I reached my current position."

He understands his mental weaknesses.

Explorers, regardless of their strength, often prioritize their pride and can't admit their weaknesses. Even Alma, the legendary successor, has that tendency.

But, Sieg is different. Even when dealing with a rookie like me, he doesn't hide his weaknesses. He clearly acknowledges them. Despite his pride as a member of the capital's strongest clan, his heart is incredibly flexible.

It's difficult to outmaneuver such an opponent with words. Whatever I say, he'll easily brush it off and ultimately overpower me with force.

"Well, I don't want to resort to violence. I know a place that serves delicious cake. How about we talk there?"

Sieg, with a bright smile, was trying to put a leash around my neck.

Indeed, he's a tough opponent. But, I know that even the strongest have topics they can't easily brush off.

"Being so fixated on me by the sub-master of the capital's strongest clan is the ultimate honor for an explorer. Okay, I understand your point. But, I also have conditions I won't budge on."

"Hmm, that's only natural. If you have conditions, feel free to state them. Even if they're difficult, I'll bring them back to the clan and consider them as much as possible."

"No, there's no need to bring it back to the clan."

"Huh? What do you want?"

"I will never serve under anyone. But, if I were to serve under someone, it would have to be the one I recognize as the strongest. Sieg, between you and Rioh, who is stronger?"

The effect of my question was immediate. Sieg's confident face quickly turned into an indescribable expression of confusion and disgust.

"…So, you want me to prove that I'm stronger than Rioh as a condition?"

"Exactly. It's only fair, right? Serving the second-best is out of the question. Your clan is number one, but that's due to Master Viktor's achievements. If you want me to join, you need to prove that you are the strongest."

Sieg was speechless.

Who is the strongest in the capital?

It's a frequent topic of discussion, not just among the general public but also among explorers. Looking at the past and present, there are many who deserve the title of the strongest. The Immortal Demon is one of them.

But, the one everyone is most interested in is the strongest of this era. This is true not only for outsiders but also for the candidates themselves. Especially for Sieg, who has a flexible heart but a high pride. Otherwise, he wouldn't be so fixated on me.

Therefore, he can't easily brush it off. But, it's also impossible to easily prove who is stronger. Even if Sieg wanted to settle it, it would be meaningless if Rioh didn't agree. Moreover, if two equally strong people fight seriously, one of them will inevitably suffer serious injury or death. For explorers, it's one thing, but for someone in a number-two position in an organization, such a reckless action is out of the question.

Of course, Sieg could claim he is the strongest with words alone, but that would be meaningless without proof, and even Sieg isn't that shameless.

In other words, it's almost impossible for Sieg to meet my condition.

"…I see, I understand. You are that kind of person. It makes sense that you could stand up to the Gambino family."

"Thank you for the compliment. Now, I've stated my conditions. If you can meet them, come see me again. I'll be looking forward to it. Goodbye."

I waved and left with a smile. This time, Sieg didn't try to stop me. But, then, a fool said something unnecessary.

"Hey, look. That's Sieg, the second strongest explorer in the capital."

There's a saying, "touching the dragon's reverse scale." It refers to a single scale that grows in the opposite direction among many scales, and touching it makes the dragon rage like a fire.

"Did you just say that?"

Sieg pointed in the direction of the voice. There was a young male explorer, probably a recent graduate from a training school.

"Uh, it's me, but… did I say something wrong?"

The clueless man tilted his head without apologizing.

"It's not wrong. You clearly called me second, didn't you? Why is that? I've never fought Rioh, you know?"

"Ah, well, Rioh is the clan master…"

"So, you're saying I'm inferior to Rioh just because I'm the sub-master, without even fighting him?"

"N-no, that's not what I meant…"

The man seemed to realize the situation, but it was too late. Even if he bowed and begged for forgiveness, it would be too late. He was already within Sieg's reach.

"Then, what did you mean?"

"Ah, Sieg-san… can't you… wait a moment—"

"No, I won't wait."

I didn't understand what happened next. All I knew was that the man who had mocked Sieg was flying through the air, hurtling away at an incredible speed.

I realized it was Sieg's sword strike that had sent the man flying because he was still holding his sheathed longsword.

He apparently held back to avoid killing, but being blown away like that would result in serious injuries that even a skilled healer couldn't easily treat.

I watched the entire terrifying scene from the roof, using my watch's wire mechanism to climb up.

"To cause a violent incident in the middle of the street, even though you can silence the military police. I'm impressed."

If I had stayed, I might have been caught in the crossfire. The thought that I could have ended up like that man sent a shiver down my spine.

But, I needed to stand firm against Sieg, even if it was dangerous. If I had shown weakness in rejecting the Tyrant Dragon Squad's headhunting, others might have spread false rumors. If it reached the news and became a half-truth, it would lower the value of my clan if I ever founded one.

By rejecting him so clearly, Sieg won't come back to headhunt me. Even if he truly believes he'll do anything to get what he wants, he's a busy man and won't take action.

But, there are likely others with the same thoughts. If I hesitate, I'll have to deal with similar troubles again.

"I need to establish my clan before any more unnecessary interference."

I carefully moved from roof to roof, heading for the Explorer's Guild.