Chapter 257 - 255: Probing and Attrition

Chapter 257: Chapter 255: Probing and Attrition

When the King announced this plan, tens of thousands of commoners erupted in a thunderous roar.

Commoners, with their limited resources, had a relatively low chance of awakening a Fighting Qi Seed.

But with the aid of the Holy Radiance Court’s Great Blessing Technique, this disadvantage could be somewhat remedied.

Once they became Extraordinary Warriors or even Mages, their lives would be filled with many more possibilities.

After all, the first requirement to become a Knight was to become an Extraordinary.

However, the Lords on the viewing platform had varied expressions.

The smiles on the faces of the Grand Lords, especially the Counts and Marquises, became somewhat forced.

Duane had heard Count Kais briefly mention that the construction of the Holy Radiance Court’s branch on the Silent Shore was not going smoothly, and the Count wasn’t prepared to give his approval until certain interests were properly negotiated.

Now, King Eric was using the Great Blessing Technique to tie the "Extraordinary Opportunity" to the Holy Radiance Court.

At this point, if a Lord still refused to allow the Church Court to establish a presence, they might face protests from their subjects and even be accused of "obstructing the development of their people."

Under the triple pressure of public opinion, the might of the Church Court, and the King’s authority, it was nearly impossible for the various Lords to effectively block the establishment of Church Court branches in their own territories.

Duane couldn’t help but think, ’His Majesty’s move... is a bit radical!’

Overly radical reforms often lead to turmoil, and if not handled well, could even bring about ruin.

Moreover, the power of the Holy Radiance Court was immense.

Whether such an external force could be completely controlled by King Eric was also a question.

Duane was just a Little Baron; he didn’t know the specific details, nor could he worry about such grand matters.

Besides, the Church Court had already established a branch on Black Forest Island.

Therefore, even if the King clashed with certain nobles while implementing his plan, the likelihood of Black Forest Island being implicated was low.

’Looks like I need to become a Level 7 Mage and master Blessing Magic as soon as possible.’

Facing the potential chaos, Duane needed more Extraordinary followers.

After all, though his personal Strength was great, he couldn’t fight ten thousand men alone.

Only with a powerful army could he protect his territory and defend his wealth.

While he was lost in thought, His Majesty the King finished his final lines and loudly announced the next event—the martial arts tournament was officially underway.

On the fighting stage in the Central Plaza, the court’s Honorary Baron, Basil, strode quickly onto the platform.

The corners of Duane’s mouth couldn’t help but curve up slightly. The Baron was already dressed in a crisp, well-fitting tailcoat.

Baron Basil announced the rules of the competition.

For this tournament, all weapons used by the contestants would be provided by the Royal Family.

Furthermore, contestants were forbidden from using Enchanted Weapons, Spell Scrolls, Magic Potions, and from wearing any Armor.

After explaining the rules, Baron Basil loudly announced the rewards.

The rewards for the top three finishers in this tournament were largely the same as what Sharp had described that day.

Three of the territories had been decided:

Silver Jade Territory, south of the Jade Mountain Range, located in Grant Province;

Needleleaf Forest, north of the Jade Mountain Range, and Pigeon Tail Town, on the Three Realms Lakefront. Both of these were located in Fernando Province.

In addition, if the champion was already a landed noble, aside from choosing one territory, they would also receive the title of Honorary Count, the "Star of the Sky."

’If it weren’t for me, three new Hereditary Barons might have been created today.’

’Although Star of the Sky is an Honorary Count title, it still lets people call you ’Count’.’

Duane turned his head to glance at Natalia behind him, only to find her already looking at him.

Their eyes met, and her cheeks instantly flushed crimson as she lowered her head.

Duane smiled faintly. ’If I get the Count title, maybe it’ll be more fitting.’

While he was thinking, the tournament had already begun.

Amidst the suddenly intensifying cheers, Baron Basil loudly announced one Warrior after another as they took the stage.

The fighters chose their weapons below the stage, and once they ascended, they began to clash fiercely, drawing wave after wave of applause.

During this process, there were also some who came up for comedic effect, like a certain Basic-level Warrior who came on stage just to show his face and become a little more recognizable...

Duane was very curious about who could have nominated such a person.

However, he also noticed some interesting phenomena.

For example, one Advanced Warrior’s opponents in two matches happened to be Basic Level or Middle Level Warriors, allowing him to win easily.

In a flash of insight, he understood. It was possible these were fixed matches.

However, it seemed no one cared about this.

After all, the spectacle of visceral, thrilling fights with every move packed with danger was more than enough of a feast for the audience’s eyes.

"Our next contestant is quite famous!"

Baron Basil looked toward the nobles’ platform. "Let’s welcome the Master of Painting, the leader of fashion trends, the Baron of Black Forest Island, Duane Brian!"

Duane’s fame had really taken off recently.

When the crowd heard his name, they erupted with the most enthusiastic applause and shouts.

The scene was so overwhelming that it even made Duane wonder, ’When did I get so famous?’

’But if I’m so famous, why hasn’t a single person come to pledge their allegiance these past few days?’

In reality, no one had pledged allegiance because the Extraordinaries knew he had offended Count Kudro.

A man’s reputation precedes him, like a tree’s shadow.

They didn’t want to follow a Lord only for that Lord to be taken out by Count Kudro shortly after.

Under the watchful eyes of the crowd, Duane chose his weapon—a Black Iron Longsword—and ascended the fighting stage.

Baron Basil nodded in acknowledgement, then said, "Baron Duane’s opponent is the son of Viscount Draco Heck of the Heck Clan from Lapland Province, Julian!"

Viscount Draco Heck was a vassal of Marquis Sean.

A knowing look crossed Duane’s face; he hadn’t expected his very first opponent to come from the faction he was most suspicious of.

’Are they probing my strength?’

Soon, the tall and sturdy Julian selected a Longsword and stood on the fighting stage.

"Let the match begin!"

Baron Basil announced loudly, simultaneously backing away quickly.

Everyone’s gaze was locked on the fighting stage. Even some of the Nobility who hadn’t been paying attention turned to look.

Tara’s icy gaze was fixed on Duane. ’Let’s see what you’re really made of!’

She hoped Duane would be defeated, but she hoped even more that he would be defeated by her own hand.

Natalia’s heart was in her throat. She was completely focused, unwilling to miss a single moment.

On the stage, Duane and Julian exchanged a knightly salute, then charged.

Duels between Warriors often began with close-quarters combat rather than immediately using Combat Techniques, as the low accuracy would only waste Fighting Qi.

Duane controlled his speed and didn’t use a Body Skill. His opponent, however, seemed to have used a Body Skill-type Combat Technique, as his speed was incredibly fast.

’He should be an Advanced Warrior. His strength is average.’

CLANG!

The two swords clashed. Struck by immense Strength, Julian stumbled and nearly fell.

By the time he regained his senses, Duane’s Longsword was already resting on his neck.

"He... he won?" Everyone was dumbfounded.

Julian was the same. He hung his head. "I’ve lost!"

Duane smiled faintly and withdrew his Longsword.

As Basil shouted Duane’s name, the crowd went wild.

It was the fastest match they had seen all day, over in less than five seconds.

Duane’s name once again echoed throughout the Central Plaza.

On the grandstands, the nobles also began to exchange quiet words.

"This Duane... his strength is likely even greater than we anticipated!"

Marquis Sean frowned, his eyes cold.

Earl Orlando nodded slightly. "The moment he moved, he saw through Julian’s opening. Then, he cleanly parried and crushed his opponent’s attack before placing his sword on Julian’s neck in the same instant."

"Powerful and rich in combat experience!" he concluded.

In the stands behind, Tara gripped her Longsword. "Very good. His strength will make him more of a challenge."

The tournament continued.

Duane went up six more times, one after another, defeating four Advanced Warriors and two Human Tier Warriors.

Three of these people were from Lapland Province. Of the remaining three, one was the child of a Duke’s vassal, and two were children of Viscount Ugo’s vassals.

He was now certain that, aside from the child of the Duke’s vassal, the other five were all trying to probe the depths of his abilities and wear down his stamina.

’I can’t believe there’s so much trickery even in the tournament.’