Damn it, he's the headmaster of Warrior Academy!?
Steve and Du Cheng exchanged stunned and worried glances, falling into troubled silence.
One of humanity's last surviving Titled Warrior Gods, mentor to countless outstanding warriors, revered as the "Father of Warrior Gods," a tenth-level Warrior God titled "Eternal Glory"—His Eminence Sieg!
Each of these titles individually rivaled their ancestor Sigurd himself.
Yet Du Cheng wasn't overly worried about Sieg’s power. After all, Sieg's reputation for impartiality and righteousness was widely acknowledged. Today's events had truly been an accident, and strictly speaking, Du Cheng had done nothing wrong—he merely acted to rescue someone. If Sieg’s temperament matched his reputation, he likely wouldn't seek revenge; he might even commend Du Cheng.
But still, Sieg was the headmaster, and a student had made him vomit blood from sheer anger…
Their future days at Warrior Academy were undoubtedly going to be rough!
Even if the Academy teachers didn't retaliate, Sieg’s loyal students might. Du Cheng couldn't possibly withstand all of them.
Despite his elderly appearance, Sieg had served as headmaster for fifty years, accumulating formidable influence. To make matters worse, Francis's father, Anjes, was himself a Warrior Academy alumnus. Now Du Cheng had unintentionally insulted Anjes’s teacher at their very first meeting…
Teachers were a frightening group—especially those whose students occupied high positions worldwide. Offend one, offend them all!
“Wait!” Du Cheng shook his head, noticing the spectators had dispersed. He grabbed the officer's arm urgently. "When he grabbed me, he seemed completely powerless. If he really is a tenth-level Warrior God, why was he so weak?”
Steve nodded thoughtfully, “Right. He was struggling just carrying a slender girl. How could that be Sieg?”
The officer smiled bitterly, “Young masters, the badge is unmistakable. Given Warrior Academy's status, who would dare impersonate His Eminence Sieg?”
“What!? You mean that man earlier was His Eminence Sieg!?”
At this moment, Aliza walked over, dragging Hari from the carriage. Hearing this, Hari’s small eyes widened thoughtfully, waving at Du Cheng and Steve. "Young masters, you're both extremely intelligent—you must have guessed why Sieg appeared weak!"
Indeed, Du Cheng and Steve immediately understood.
Something significant must have happened south in the ocean—a battle between two powerful Warrior Gods, one undoubtedly Sieg himself, who had fled wounded to Antwerp Port!
Thus, the weakened Sieg had seemed no different from an ordinary man.
As for the girl in the sack… clearly, she was Sieg's captive.
Could it be she was the other powerful Warrior God?
Was it possible such a delicate beauty held immense power? If a wretched old charlatan could be His Eminence Sieg, then certainly a lovely girl could be equally powerful.
"Damn it, Francis, we nearly messed things up! If she's Sieg’s prisoner, she's definitely not good—maybe some kind of sorceress. No wonder she's so captivating!" Steve shook his head gloomily. Having grown up under Warrior God teachings, he instinctively believed Sieg was good and thus assumed his captive was evil.
Du Cheng, however, questioned this simplistic morality. Who could clearly define good and evil? After all, he himself was ironically dubbed "Virtue," despite his background as a thief.
“Brother, stop overthinking. We've seriously offended the headmaster. Once enrolled, even if Sieg doesn't personally seek revenge, plenty of other teachers might find excuses to ‘talk’ with us!” Steve anxiously consulted Du Cheng, “We have only two options—escape or immediately apologize. Which should we choose?” Steve, currently bewildered, decided to trust his recently insightful younger brother.
Du Cheng pondered deeply, uncertain.
If they fled, what about the relief mission? He couldn't abandon such an important good deed. But apologizing might mean facing severe reprimand from an angry Sieg!
“Young masters, might I offer advice?” Hari, still awkwardly suspended by Aliza, squirmed uncomfortably.
“Aliza, put him down!” Du Cheng ordered.
Aliza released him, and Hari tumbled clumsily onto the ground. Rising, Hari grinned ingratiatingly, “Wise young masters, your humble servant advises promptly apologizing. Though you never mentioned your names, secrets rarely remain hidden. Addressing this matter quickly is best—especially since you've done nothing wrong. His Eminence Sieg can at most remind you to assess situations carefully next time.”
Realizing Hari's advice made sense, Du Cheng exchanged a bitter smile with Steve, nodding simultaneously.
Delighted, Hari quickly added, “Then please take me along when you apologize—otherwise, you can't explain how you found the girl.”
Du Cheng eyed Hari coldly. The cunning Xuebi obviously hoped the apology would spare him immediate punishment. Reluctantly, Du Cheng accepted that he needed Hari's testimony, and agreed.
Steve handed over the remaining bandits to the officer, secured directions, and ordered their mercenaries to escort the relief funds into Antwerp Port.
The port city's architecture distinctly differed from inland towns. A gentle sea breeze carried a faint salty scent. The bustling docks handled countless cargo ships, muscular laborers moved goods, and busy streets filled with hurried traders.
Antwerp, northern hub of the Golden Triangle trade route, visibly surpassed even the capital city of Saint John in wealth and splendor.
Yet Du Cheng had no interest in sightseeing. His mind focused entirely on formulating a suitable apology to ensure future tranquility at the Academy.
They soon arrived at the city lord's mansion, a church-style manor near the city gates. As they approached, mansion gates suddenly swung open, and squads of soldiers hurriedly dispersed into the city, urgently shouting, “City lord’s orders: a sick refugee entered the city! The port is sealed, gates locked, to prevent epidemic spread!”
Du Cheng knew this lockdown wasn't due to disease—it was because of Sieg.
Leaving their entourage waiting, Steve and Du Cheng, along with Hari, approached the mansion to announce themselves. Soon, Antwerp’s city lord personally emerged to welcome them.
“Oh, Marshal Anjes’s two sons! I've been informed you’d arrive to assist in relief before heading to the Academy. Wonderful—our citizens have hope now! Come, quickly!”
The city lord warmly greeted them, a robust middle-aged man with an impressive black beard, slightly overweight yet imposing, wearing an oddly out-of-place white noble robe.
“Uncle Norton, greetings! Allow me first to convey Father’s sincerest regards,” Steve politely greeted.
Norton laughed heartily and genuinely, “Haha, the Marshal still remembers this old subordinate!” Norton had risen through Sigurd’s Legion thanks to Anjes, essentially making him family.
“And this must be Lord Francis? Handsome indeed. Didn't any young ladies swarm you at the gate?” Although joking, Norton’s warmth noticeably cooled toward Du Cheng, his gaze slightly peculiar. Was this the infamous Francis, the Saint Cain family's shame?
Du Cheng smiled calmly, accustomed to such reactions.
“A Xuebi?” Norton’s frown tightened upon noticing Hari.
“He’s a captive witness,” Du Cheng briefly explained. “Uncle Norton, is Headmaster Sieg still here? I must apologize to him!”
Norton’s smile stiffened abruptly. “By Saint Sigurd’s light—so you're the one who made His Eminence Sieg vomit blood!?”
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