Chapter 256 - 254: Great Blessing Technique

Chapter 256: Chapter 254: Great Blessing Technique

The carriage traveled along the return route. Inside the luxurious compartment, Constance sat with Duane.

Her journey was a secret; no one knew of it aside from a few of Viscount Raul’s trusted Knights.

For a long time to come, Stewart’s vassals would likely assume their Lord was still keeping his rebellious daughter imprisoned in the castle.

The two chatted for a while, and Duane got to know Constance a little better.

She was a Level 5 Water Mage, proficient not only in Basic Spells like Ice Arrow and Frost Imprisonment but also three Level 4 and Level 5 Spells: Fog Burst, Ice Cone Technique, and Water Flow Manipulation.

When protected by Warriors, she was a decent "magical turret," capable of unleashing considerable combat power.

Duane told her about Simone’s experiences on Black Forest Island and his current situation.

Based on the standard for a Human Tier Warrior, plus a duty allowance, Duane offered Simone a monthly salary of 99 Silver Coins, along with a reward of several dozen mu of farmland.

However, a Mage’s salary was much higher, and Constance was a Level 5 Mage.

According to the standard compensation Nobility offered Mages, her monthly salary would be 9 gold coins—nine times Simone’s!

With such a high salary, Duane naturally wouldn’t assign Constance to territory defense.

His Territory currently had Parchment and various other materials, enough to meet the demand for producing Low-Level Spell Scrolls.

The task Duane assigned to Constance was to create a batch of Spell Scrolls for the Territory, strengthening the combat capabilities of Warriors at the Middle Level and above.

Additionally, Duane planned to buy some books on Magic Potions from Natalia for Constance to study.

Once Black Forest Island had its own Magic Plant Medicine Garden, he could entrust its management to her.

Only then would he be getting the full value of a Level 5 Mage.

Constance had no objections to any of these arrangements.

Right now, she was most eager for Duane’s journey to end soon.

That way, she could return to Black Forest Island sooner and reunite with Simone and Vera.

...

At dawn, the breaking light of daybreak stained the sky the red of the rising sun.

Duane’s carriage slowly made its way toward the Central Plaza in front of the Pruck Royal Palace.

The plaza’s main thoroughfare had been swept spotless, and Cyan Snake Banners lined both sides, swaying gently in the morning breeze.

Besides Duane’s carriage, the street was filled with Nobility from all corners of the land. Banners of various colors fluttered, creating a scene of unprecedented grandeur.

Along both sides of the street, thousands of commoners surged like a tide toward the high platform up ahead.

Everyone loved watching the founding celebration, and they were even more excited for the upcoming martial tournament.

Following the directions of an attendant, Owington parked the carriage in the designated area for the Nobility.

"Hey, Duane, over here!"

Sharp waved enthusiastically.

The few of them could relax today. Thanks to Natalia and the Count, they were able to attend the celebration from a close vantage point.

"Let’s go together," said Count Kais.

Duane followed them and soon arrived at the viewing area for the Nobility.

The Kingdom only had thirty official enfeoffed nobles, yet the Nobility’s viewing area held at least three or four hundred people.

Many Lords, like Count Kais, had brought their families or the children of their vassals.

Guided by an attendant, Duane took his seat. Although it was near the front, he was separated from the Count.

As one of the Kingdom’s High Lords, Count Kais was seated in the front row.

As for Natalia and the others, they were behind the Lords’ seats.

Duane knew few people, so he only exchanged polite greetings with the Lords to his left and right.

In the process, however, he noticed several gazes fixed on him, including those of Marquis Sean, Earl Orlando, and Viscount Ugo.

The time reached nine in the morning. The sun grew stronger and the temperature rose, but a frigid aura began to spread like the wind.

Duane’s expression sharpened as a faint sense of crisis washed over him.

He quickly looked toward the long street leading to the Royal Palace and was stunned to see a massive serpent slithering toward them!

A wave of gasps swept through the plaza.

But no one panicked, for everyone knew the serpent’s identity—it was the Kingdom’s National Beast, the Black-eyed Cyan Snake.

The snake was over forty meters long and two meters thick!

Its cyan scales glittered with a cold light under the sun, and its pitch-black pupils, like abysses, radiated a heart-stopping pressure.

Its every movement was accompanied by a harsh scraping sound that made one’s eardrums tremble.

Wherever it passed, the cold, ominous aura emanating from its body made one’s very spirit shiver.

King Eric, holding a scepter, clad in silver-white robes with a sword at his waist, stood solemnly atop the serpent’s head.

A giant serpent and a King!

This scene reinforced Eric’s image, enhanced the King’s personal charisma, and inspired awe.

Duane activated his Starlight Eye, assessing the Black-eyed Cyan Snake’s abilities.

’It looks like it could contend with the giant bear from the Secret Realm. It must be a Level 6, or even a Level 7 Demon Beast!’

With this creature guarding the Cyan Snake Fortress, the King’s safety was not an issue.

Soon, escorted by the Black-eyed Cyan Snake, His Majesty Eric ascended the high ceremonial platform.

The Black-eyed Cyan Snake coiled up to one side, closing its eyes as if to nap.

Eric’s gaze swept over everyone.

The Nobility fell silent to listen, while the commoners stood on their tiptoes in anticipation, their eyes filled with worship.

This was the scene he wanted, all eyes gathered upon him.

Eric raised his scepter, his voice deep and majestic:

"Sixty years ago, our ancestors established the Pruck Kingdom on this land."

The crystal at the tip of the scepter refracted a brilliant light, making him appear holy and solemn.

The King’s voice was steady and powerful. "Today, we shall continue to defend this glory!"

In an instant, a roar like a tsunami erupted as everyone shouted the names of the Kingdom and the King!

Accompanied by dazzling magical lights and the deafening roar of Striped Tigers, the atmosphere of the celebration instantly reached its climax.

Next were segments such as a cavalry charge demonstration, the old Nobility stepping forward one by one to swear fealty, and the investiture of a new batch of Knights.

After all the procedures were completed, according to past tradition, the entertainment segment would begin.

But today was different.

"Today is the sixtieth anniversary of the Kingdom’s founding, a special day worth commemorating."

King Eric sat on his throne and spoke slowly. "For this, I have prepared a special, great gift for my subjects!"

As he spoke, a group of about twenty Priests in white robes ascended the platform. Among them, remarkably, was Bishop Clement.

What was noteworthy, however, was that beside Clement stood a Mage in blue-purple robes.

His status seemed to be no lower than Clement’s.

’Who is this person? Why have I never heard of him?’

"Come, my subjects!"

Eric’s high, passionate voice rang out. "Accept my Blessing!"

The Mage-Priests of the Holy Radiance Court began to chant. Their unique song seemed to possess a special Magic Power, silencing the plaza.

At the same time, the Mage in the blue-purple robes began casting a spell first, and then Clement followed.

From this, it appeared the Bishop was more of an assistant.

Soon, the entire ceremonial platform was enveloped in a brilliant golden light.

As the chanting grew louder, the golden light began to spread outward, eventually blanketing the entire area.

The Nobility and commoners were all engulfed within it.

Duane frowned slightly, focusing his attention and remaining vigilant as he quietly observed the effects of the golden light.

Aside from a warm sensation, his body and mind seemed to relax, and his mood improved considerably.

’Is it just a soothing spell?’

Duane was skeptical. ’The King went to all this trouble; it can’t be just for this.’

Soon, his suspicion was confirmed—cries of surprise erupted from the viewing stands.

"I broke through!"

Someone shouted in ecstasy, "I’ve become a Human Tier Warrior!"

"I broke through, too!"

"My Spiritual Power has increased..."

And among the more numerous commoners, a great many people awakened their Fighting Qi Seed and became Basic-level Warriors.

For a moment, the entire Central Plaza was in an uproar.

Commoners could also awaken and become Extraordinary—this was something many had never imagined possible.

Duane had a moment of realization.

’This Magic is similar to a Level 7 Blessing Spell, but by casting it with multiple people, its range is greater, and its power also seems stronger!’

He looked at the platform. After the spell ended, the Mage in the blue-purple robes could barely stand even while being supported, Clement was helped into a seat, and all the other Mages had collapsed, unconscious.

Attendants beside them carried them off the platform.

’The consumption for this Magic is immense!’

Duane was secretly shocked. ’But this technique of the Holy Radiance Court is terrifying!’

A technique like this could not only mass-produce Extraordinary Warriors but also help certain people break through their bottlenecks.

It was hard to imagine just how powerful the Holy Radiance Court of the Sunset Continent must be!

The uproar lasted for a full quarter of an hour before gradually subsiding.

Immediately after, someone led the crowd in bowing to the King, singing praises of his virtues.

At that moment, the King waved his scepter, causing everyone to hold their breath and listen intently.

"This is the ’Great Blessing Technique.’ I believe you have all experienced its effects."

Eric waved his scepter and revealed his plan.

"Next, I will establish branches of the Holy Radiance Court throughout the Kingdom. Wherever there is a Church Court branch, the subjects there will be able to receive the baptism of the Great Blessing Technique!"

He paused for a moment before continuing, "Whether you are Nobility or commoner, you will have the chance to achieve the Extraordinary!"