Fairy Tail: I'm invincible when I receive anime characters!

The king nodded and said, "I know, so I plan to upgrade the mission to SS level and increase the reward from 1500 million J to 3000 million J!"

"3000 million!"

Qi Yan's mouth dropped open as his mind began to calculate rapidly: 3000 million J, 1000 million J is equivalent to 50 RMB, so 3000 million J is equivalent to 150 million RMB.

One mission can earn 150 million. Even if you and Erza split it equally, you'll still have 75.

I thought I had earned 600 million J last time, which was already a lot, but I never expected to earn even more.

Sure enough, the bigger the storm, the more expensive the fish.

Of course, the most important point is that for SS-level missions, the system rewards you with two 2-pulls.

If I were to do A-level tasks normally, working non-stop, it would take at least six months, which is too time-consuming.

Erza said, "I need to discuss this with my companions."

The king nodded and gestured for him to proceed.

Erza said to Qi Yan, "Qi Yan, this mission is too dangerous. I didn't expect that the other side would not only find a legendary sword, but also fight a dragon. My suggestion is to give up."

She can try S-rank missions, but SS-rank missions are different; courage and recklessness are not the same thing.

Dragons are legendary creatures, and even in their weakened state, they are beyond the reach of humans. For both our own sake and Qi Yan's safety, abandoning this mission is the wise choice.

Qi Yan looked at the king and said, "Since Your Majesty has such a plan, you must not have been unprepared."

The king was slightly surprised by Qi Yan's words, then looked at Qi Yan with an appreciative gaze: "You're right. After all, this concerns the life and death of our kingdom, so naturally I wouldn't be unprepared. But how did you find out?"

"Because His Majesty the King's tone just now was not one of seeking our opinion, but rather as if he were describing something that was about to happen."

The king nodded: "Indeed! Even if neither of you had come, I intended to launch a campaign against the dragon."

As he spoke, the king twisted the armrest.

The floor beneath the king's feet parted, and a magnificent longsword slowly rose, its hilt inlaid with a fiery red gem.

Qi Yan and Erza were somewhat puzzled. "The only preparation you made was a sword. That really fits the style of the Sword Kingdom."

"This is no ordinary sword. It is a dragon-slaying sword crafted by a master craftsman. You see this gem? This is no ordinary gem. It is a dragon-slaying magic crystal."

"Dragon Slayer Crystal?!"

Qi Yan's eyes widened upon hearing this. So this was the Dragon Slayer Crystal?

"Qi Yan, do you know about the Dragon Slayer Crystal?"

Erza's surprise at Qi Yan clearly indicated that she knew what this thing was.

Qi Yan nodded: "Yes, this is a Dragon Slayer Crystal made from the heart of a dragon. As long as the Dragon Slayer Crystal is implanted into the body, one can use Dragon Slayer Magic that corresponds to the dragon's attribute."

"Young man, you are indeed very knowledgeable. That's right! This is a Fire Dragon Slayer Crystal. I bought it from the North Continent of Giltina at a high price. If it is buried in the body of a human mage, he can use Dragon Slayer Magic. However, Dragon Slayer Magic requires a long period of training. I don't know how long it will take to train to destroy a dragon."

"Human magic is completely ineffective against dragons, so I ordered the kingdom's artisans to forge this dragon-slaying sword. Only by wielding this sword and attacking the dragon can one inflict damage upon it."

As the king spoke, he grasped the hilt of the sword, and suddenly flames burst forth from the blade, the terrifying heat making the entire palace feel as if it were in a furnace.

The flames quickly died down, and the king sheathed the sword again.

Qi Yan frowned and asked, "Such an important weapon certainly wouldn't be given to just anyone to use, right?"

"Of course! This is the key to victory against the demonic dragon, and it also determines the life and death of this country. Naturally, it cannot be handed over to anyone else. Only the strongest swordsman is worthy to use this sword."

"The strongest swordsman?"

"That's right! You've come at just the right time. In order to carry out this operation, I have convened the World's Strongest Swordsmen Tournament in the name of the King, in order to select the strongest swordsman on the continent of Ishgar."

"The World's Strongest Swordsman Tournament?!"

Qi Yan and Erza were both dumbfounded. This king really liked to surprise people.

Then the king looked at Erza with admiration and said, "This mage is also an excellent swordsman, isn't she? She was able to defeat a 5-star Flame Boar with one strike, so her strength must be at least a 6-star, or even 7-star, swordsman. Wouldn't you like to give her a try?"

Erza was immediately intrigued upon hearing the word. As a swordsman, who wouldn't yearn to be the strongest?

Chapter 20 Sign up for competition

Qi Yan was amazed by the king's excellent communication skills. The events that happened at the city gate had reached the king's ears so quickly. To be able to be a king in a place surrounded by magical beasts, to develop the country to such a great degree, and to even dare to slay a dragon, he was indeed no ordinary person.

However, Erza quickly calmed down: "Since His Majesty the King has already made preparations, why issue an SS-rank mission and entrust us with something?"

The king explained, “The purpose of issuing the commission is simple. The seal of the Demon Dragon is deep in the Demon Forest. The demons in the Demon Forest have all become terrifying monsters due to the influence of the Demon Dragon’s power over the years. I once sent troops to subdue them, but the result was heavy losses. Without dealing with those monsters, it is impossible to reach the temple.”

"Is our job to clear out those monsters?"

The king nodded: "Yes, but that's not the main task. Your main task is to protect the dragon-slaying swordsman, or more precisely, to protect the sword."

"Forgive my bluntness, Your Majesty, but since it is a demonic dragon, wouldn't it be more reasonable to report it to the Magic Council?"

Erza asked in confusion, "Dragons must belong to the magic world. As long as it's magic, it's under the jurisdiction of the Magic Council."

Mentioning the Magic Council, the king's expression turned disdainful: "The Magic Council? I reported this two years ago. What was the Magic Council's solution?"

Qi Yan and Erza both looked at the king, somewhat curious.

"It is using the power of magical spirits."

"Magical Spirit Power!!"

Erza's expression changed drastically. The Magical Spirit Power is the Magic Council's ultimate weapon. Through a satellite magic circle, it can strike any location on the continent of Ishgar, and its power is even enough to destroy a country.

"That's right! Regardless of whether the magical spirit power can kill the demonic dragon, once it's launched, this city could be in danger of being destroyed. Even if it doesn't affect this city, the Demon Forest will definitely be destroyed. It's an important strategic resource for our country. Destroying the Demon Forest will severely damage the country's economy!"

Qi Yan thought about it for a moment, and it was indeed true. Although this country was very dangerous because it bordered the Demon Forest, it had grown stronger in the face of this danger. The Magic Council's use of magical spirit power was equivalent to destroying the country's livelihood. How could the king not be furious with the Magic Council?

"Gentlemen, I have told you everything about this mission truthfully. What are your thoughts?"

The king looked at Qi Yan and Erza.

Erza looked at Qi Yan and said, "Qi Yan, what are you thinking?"

Qi Yan also pondered for a moment. He knew how terrifying the dragon's strength was. Even a starved camel is bigger than a horse. Even if the dragon was in a weakened state, it was not something that an ordinary human mage could contend with, because the dragon had a strong resistance to human magic.

The dragon's body possesses extremely strong physical resistance, making it virtually invulnerable to blades and spears.

Without that sword, humanity's chances of winning are less than 10%, but with that sword, humanity's chances of winning should be around 30%.

Thirty percent may seem low, but it is actually quite high.

Logically speaking, the odds of winning were less than 50%, so it would be safer to give up. However, he could feel his blood boiling and his heart leaping with joy. The mere mention of "slaying the dragon" was enough to ignite the passion in any young man.

Not to mention the two 10-pull rewards on the system panel.

"I think I can give it a try."

"Hmm... That's what I think too. His Majesty the King will definitely not give up on this plan, and indeed, as he said, if the dragon comes out and regains its strength, it will definitely take revenge on humanity. At that time, people will definitely suffer heavy casualties, and I can't just stand by and do nothing."

"Your Majesty, we have already reached an agreement."

"What's your decision?"

"We've decided to take on this task."

The king was very satisfied with Erza's words. Although he was not yet clear about the strength of the two people, those who could accept S-rank requests must be extremely powerful mages, which would greatly increase the probability of the dragon-slaying plan succeeding.

"You two will stay at the palace for now. The preliminary rounds of the 'World's Strongest Swordsman Tournament' will be held tomorrow. If you are interested, you are welcome to participate. The prize for the winner is very generous. After the winner is determined, we will proceed with the dragon-slaying expedition."

Erza declined, saying, "No need for that, Your Majesty. We can stay in a hotel and enjoy the local customs and culture."

The king nodded: "That's fine too."

Qi Yan and Erza left the palace and found a nearby inn to stay at.

The three-day journey left Qi Yan somewhat exhausted. After checking into the hotel, he quickly fell asleep and slept soundly until the next morning.

When Qi Yan woke up, he found that Erza was not in the room. It seemed that she had gone out shopping. Qi Yan also wanted to go out for a walk and buy some local specialties.

As soon as Qi Yan stepped out of the hotel, he saw the streets and alleys bustling with activity, everyone heading in the same direction.

Qi Yan overheard the conversation and then remembered that the qualifiers the king mentioned were starting today, and these people were there to watch.

Although he absorbed Yoriichi Tsugikuni's memories, this did not affect his status as a complete novice in swordsmanship, so he naturally would not presume to show off his skills.

However, he was still very interested in such a large event, so he followed the crowd to the arena.

After a while, Qi Yan arrived at the entrance to the arena.

Just like the style of this country, the arena gave Qi Yan the feeling of being huge, extremely huge, twice the size of any football stadium he had ever seen in his previous life.

"The deadline for preliminary registration is here! Only ten minutes left! Those who haven't registered yet, hurry up and register!!"

Qi Yan had just arrived at the entrance when he heard someone shout.

"I heard that His Majesty the King has offered a very generous prize for this competition."

"How much is the prize money?!"

"I heard that the first place winner will receive a reward of 2000 million J."

"2000 million J!! That's so much!!"

"Yes! That's why it attracts swordsmanship masters from all over the country, and even many foreign countries, to come and compete!"

"This match is sure to be very exciting!"

"Absolutely! I can't wait!"

At this moment, at the registration desk.

"Hmm... it's almost time, there shouldn't be any more people signing up."

Suddenly, a voice rang out: "Wait! I want to sign up! I want to sign up for the competition!!"

"Your name."

"Following the fate of the country."

Chapter 21 Erza Appears

"Following the fate of the country."

That's right! The person who signed up at this moment was Qi Yan. Originally, Qi Yan planned to sit in the audience, eating popcorn and drinking beverages while watching the game.

But plans can't keep up with changes. Ever since he heard the people in front of him say that the champion's prize money was 2000 million J, he couldn't sit still.

2000 million J, that's enough to complete two S-rank missions and twenty A-rank missions. Faced with such a generous prize, he naturally couldn't remain indifferent. He would regret it to death if he missed it. So he found a secluded corner, accepted Yoriichi Tsugikuni, and then came to participate in the competition.

"This is your entry number."

Qi Yan took it and read '0556'. Does that mean there are already 555 people who have signed up for the competition besides himself?

"The athletes' passage is this way."

Qi Yan stepped inside and quickly arrived at the players' lounge, which was already packed with people.

"Hey! That's Horn, the Seven Star Swordsman! Is he here to compete too?"

"Look over there, there's the eight-star swordsman Solt. I heard he slew the eight-star demon Viper."

"That's the eight-star swordsman Scarem. It's said that he has already slain three eight-star monsters."

"As expected of His Majesty the King's tournament for the world's strongest swordsmen, so many famous swordsmen have come to participate."

At this moment, a voice sounded.

"Hey! Girl, if you want to find a man, go outside. This isn't a place for a young lady like you."

"Ha ha ha ha!!"

Qi Yan looked in the direction of the sound and saw a familiar figure.

"Erza!!"

Qi Yan didn't expect to run into Erza here, whom he hadn't seen at the hotel. But thinking about it, it made sense. Erza was a swordswoman, and with her competitive nature, it would be strange if she didn't participate in such an interesting tournament.

"She's so beautiful! Let me cherish her a little!"

"Hey girl, do you have a boyfriend? If not, what do you think of me? Let's hang out."

A lecherous man reached out and touched Erza's buttocks.

Qi Yan couldn't help but facepalm at the sight. Honestly, they even dared to flirt with Erza. It's like an old man hanging himself; do they have a death wish?

Before the man's hand even touched Erza, Erza's palm gripped his wrist, and then she forcefully flung him away.