The moment Vaan declared his name to be Vanderlin Pendragon, it wasn't just the border guard who gave him a careful look. In fact, everyone who heard him looked over – some with astonishment, some curiosity, some with disdain, and some with concerns.
There were also a few who appeared like they were about to witness an interesting show.
"Vanderlin Pendragon, was it? Is that your real name?" the border guard solemnly sought Vaan's confirmation.
"It is." Vaan calmly nodded before asking casually, "Is there a problem?"
The border guard stared at Vaan for some time but couldn't find any visible signs of dishonesty in his expression. Thus, he believed him. But because of that, he also didn't know whether to feel sorry for him or not.
"Is there a problem, huh?" the border guard's stern expression relaxed as he rubbed his forehead with a wry smile.
"Listen here, brother – officially, I am required to write your name as is on your identity card. That being the case, however, if you don't want to look for trouble, you better not go around declaring your name to other warriors."
"Many, if not everyone, will not take such an impressive name lightly," the border guard warned out of the goodness of his heart.
Naturally, Vaan knew what kind of stir the name 'Pendragon' would cause in a dragon-worshipping country like the Great Ratholos Empire.
But that was also precisely why he had chosen it.
Changing his name and appearance to hide his true identity didn't mean he had to be low profile. Being low profile would be restrictive and counterintuitive to his plans for the Great Ratholos Empire.
"I am aware of that and will keep your words in mind. Thank you," Vaan replied to the border guard cordially with a polite smile.
However, Vaan had long drawn attention to himself.
No doubt, there were many warriors in the line who were already thinking about challenging him to a duel. After all, if they could defeat a 'Pendragon,' it would be something to be proud and boast about, even if the person was weak.
"Take care," the border guard casually said.
After Vaan received his identity card, he proceeded past the border checkpoint and stepped into the barren land of the Great Ratholos Empire. Rocky pillars, sandy soils, and dusty winds immediately greeted him beyond the mountain pass, where the checkpoint was situated.
A trail of stones could be found wedged into the sand, forming a clear road through the maze of rock pillars. It would eventually lead him to a human settlement if he followed it.
However, Vaan paused after taking a few steps. Two warriors who had passed the checkpoint before him obstructed his path. They glanced at him and grinned, eyes burning with fighting spirits.
"Hey, buddy. You must be seeking to train and gain some experience if you have chosen to come to this land. How about a friendly spar?" one of the two bulky warriors suggested.
"Hey, hey. I would also like a turn, too," another voice sounded from Vaan's rear as more warriors approached them, one after the other.
The one who spoke belonged to a tanned male with well-defined muscles and red hair – the most common traits of Duneans, people of the sand.
"Surely, this brother won't turn me down, right?" the Dunean pressed, further adding, "After all, you must be quite bold if you weren't worried about others hearing your name back at the checkpoint."
"Me too. I would like to spar. One shouldn't fear a challenge while they are in the Great Ratholos Empire. This is the holy land for warriors. Fighting every day is the norm."
"That's right! Count me in as well. I would also like to spar with a Pendragon. I want to see if he is worthy of such a name!"
"Don't forget about me."
The gathering warriors voiced their intentions to spar with Vaan, one after the other – some did so to satisfy their vanity and make themselves look better after defeating him, and others did so to test him.
Even if he didn't look the part, a person carrying the name 'Pendragon' had to have some special qualities. Otherwise, the person was only looking for suffering by coming to this land.
"Spars are fine. However, my time is limited. Why don't you all come at me all at once and let us be done with it quickly?" Vaan casually suggested. "I can take you all on."
A Dunean Warrior spat at his suggestion and barked, "You are looking down on our warrior's integrity! I can't believe you have the nerve to suggest such a thing to us, Pendragon! How is that fair for you?!"
"That's right! We only want to fight you, fair and square, Pendragon!" another Dunean Warrior voiced.
Even if everyone could defeat Vaan with such a method, it wouldn't be something they could brag about. In fact, they would be too ashamed even to mention it!
Using numbers to defeat a Pendragon… What was there to be proud of?
"When you want to spar with someone, you must look at their strength first. Even if you all come at me, it won't be fair to you all," Vaan coolly stated.
"Hmph! Even if you speak the truth, it's not right, Pendragon! You have your confidence, but we have our warrior's pride!"
"I'm not convinced! Let me see your strength!"
Many warriors hesitated to fight Vaan due to their pride, but some didn't care. They just wanted to defeat Vaan and bolster their reputation.
'I defeated a warrior surnamed 'Pendragon' as soon as I entered the country!' – how good would it be if they could make such a claim?
Under such a temptation, several warriors immediately charged at Vaan after voicing their intention to fight. However, a few shameless warriors also didn't, and their actions could be regarded as sneak attacks – something that any proud warrior would frown upon.
Of course, Vaan didn't intend to go easy on such shameless and selfish people. He immediately meted out punishment with his iron hand of discipline.
A Darkan Warrior, seemingly twice Vaan's body mass, was suddenly smacked squarely on the cheeks. His huge body was sent flying like the wind and crashed into a small rock pillar over thirty yards away.
The impact shattered the rock pillar and caused it to crumble to the ground, burying the Darkan Warrior underneath it.
Although the aura of a Peak-level Rank 2 Aura Master shielded the Darkan Warrior from getting crushed to death, it was impossible to get out unscathed. Several bone fragments were guaranteed!
Every assailant forcefully halted their steps in shock and fright while the observers sucked in a deep breath of cool air and broke into cold sweats. It only took a single slap to wake them from their willful dreams.
Sure enough, a person bold enough to carry the name Pendragon wouldn't be a pushover!