Others Summon Dragons, I Summon Legendary Knights Chapter 401 God...Frey

A hushed silence descended upon the colosseum as Solstice made his way back to his summoner, observed by many.

From the assembled crowd, Ronald stood, his face beaming with pride as he applauded. He couldn't be prouder of his son, who had surpassed all his hopes and dreams, even in his absence during his formative years.

"God… Frey!" A voice erupted from the opposite stands of Ronald's section. Soon, a ripple effect began, with dozens turning into hundreds, then several hundreds, all rising to their feet.

"God… Frey!"

"God… Frey!!"

"God… Frey!!!"

His name reverberated, a powerful echo that resonated deeply, causing their hearts to pound in unison. This shared fervor only amplified their shouts.

Among the spectators, Percival observed the golden-haired young man who remained seated, acknowledging the roar of the crowd while his knight stood sentinel at the portcullis.

'You held your ground until the very end. You succeeded. The people recognize injustice; they understood this match was rigged against us, against you. Emerging victorious from such an unfair tournament means you'll be far more than Saul ever envisioned.'

A subtle smile touched his lips.

'So tell me… how does it feel to have an audience of over a thousand chanting your name? How does it feel to no longer be publicly reviled?'

Percival let out a soft chuckle. 'I imagine it feels quite wonderful.'

Just then, Godfrey rose and stepped through the portcullis. He, who was once seated in shadowed obscurity, now found himself bathed in the full brilliance of the sun.

It illuminated him completely.

"The golden king!" a voice suddenly boomed, igniting an even louder roar from nearly half the spectators. Many who had vocally supported Saul's rigged tournament fell into silence.

The person who had shouted laughed nervously, desperately searching for an escape, but none was available.

Godfrey strode to the center of the arena, his gaze fixed intently on Saul.

"Saul! You are unfit to be the Captain of the Vagabonds. You've forgotten the true essence of what the Vagabonds represent. Relinquish your position and depart from the cohort."

Saul merely waved his hand, and a portal materialized. "I did warn you," he murmured to himself, stepping into the widening portal, which promptly collapsed once he was through.

"God… Frey!!!"

As his name echoed, Godfrey turned and spotted Arian amidst the crowd. Noticing Godfrey's gaze, Arian offered a nod and a smile. Finally, his undefeated teacher had tasted defeat. The pride he had cultivated over decades of unblemished victories was shattered in the most ignominious fashion.

All of Saul's key figures had been vanquished, leaving a single young man standing triumphantly at the arena's heart.

***

From the watchtower, Gabriel observed people bringing in stacks of books salvaged from a recently raided dungeon. Such discoveries were precisely what brought him joy.

A gentle smile graced his lips. 'He won, and the crowd rejoiced. A predictable conclusion, yet perhaps he earned it. After all, he's never truly been celebrated, despite all the good he's accomplished.'

Gabriel mused, his eyes narrowing slightly. 'Regrettably, once a person ventures halfway down a certain path, there's little choice but to commit fully.' His gaze shifted to the king on his chessboard.

It depicted a black king, accompanied by a queen and a knight, facing off against a white king, a white knight, and a white queen.

It was the black king's turn to make a move, and from the strategic arrangement, it was clear he intended to target the white queen.

Every move on the board mirrored the unfolding events, masterfully orchestrated and deliberately manipulated from the shadows. The outcome thus far validated his designs.

'A seemingly fair world is inherently susceptible to change. That is precisely why I made the correct decision in maintaining control over Earth. Unbound humans are prone to spiraling into chaos,' Gabriel's eyes gleamed.

'However…' His gaze returned to the chessboard. 'The most captivating part is yet to unfold.'

***

Inside the infirmary, Valentina stood by Arden's bedside. Arden, though fully healed, still required some recuperation. The memory of having every bone shattered and being repeatedly slammed into the ground was not easily dismissed.

Even with her mind restored, the traumatic experience continued to replay in her thoughts. Such ordeals necessitated psychological healing, as there was no simple way to erase the visceral memory.

"I came as soon as I heard you were awake," Valentina said, eliciting a smile from Arden.

"You've been sleeping quite a bit lately," she remarked, then sat on the edge of the bed.

"The tournament… How did it conclude?" Arden asked, lifting her head slightly.

"Godfrey emerged victorious. If you were to go outside, you'd hear the crowd chanting his name."

Valentina's words caused Arden to blink, her expression suddenly brightening.

"Shall we go see?" Valentina inquired with a smile, rising to her feet. At that very instant, a swirling portal opened, an arm reached out, grasping Valentina, and pulling her into its depths.

The portal vanished the instant she passed through. Arden's expression shifted, yet hers was not the only one to undergo a change. Ronald's eyes ignited with a fervent gleam.

He unleashed a skill known as Treasure Call, which transported him directly to the location of his prized possessions. This adaptive ability bore certain resemblances to the Exchange skill.

In a dazzling flash of golden light, he materialized at Valentina's position. However, the setting was space. Despite this, he could already discern Valentina being held captive by a man adorned in a black Corinthian helmet, a formidable breastplate, a battle skirt, and intricate metal-laced sandals extending from his feet to his shins.

Ronald, observing the distinctive eye patch covering one of the man's eyes, propelled himself forward with unwavering resolve, aiming a forceful punch at the stranger's face.

Saul intercepted the blow, yet was propelled backward by its immense force. Ronald swiftly propelled Valentina to safety before she could perish. Merely five seconds had elapsed since her arrival, yet she was already showing signs of distress and weakness.

Just as he prepared to teleport himself away, Saul's eyes flared with power, and he executed a Will Freeze technique. He was not the sole individual to employ this ability; another Titledgod simultaneously unleashed their own Will Freeze.

The combined might of two demigods wielding Will Freeze compelled Ronald to halt his intended action. In that critical instant, a spear pierced through his back, emerging from his right chest. Blood erupted outward like a crimson flower, only to freeze in its trajectory moments later.

A chilling layer of ice began to creep across Ronald's skin as his internal essence vaporized amidst a searing heat.

He initially surmised that Saul had employed Eclipsal State, but he soon realized his error. The skill Saul had truly utilized was Echo. His actual summon was lying in wait, preparing to launch a surprise assault upon him.