Chapter 8 - Noblesse Oblige

After the awards ceremony, Forris Zecht motioned for Krist to approach him, “Congrats on becoming a Noble, Krist,” It sounded pretty genuine, given that Zecht is known to be cold-blooded.

“I’m sure a man like you is here for more than compliments,” Krist inferred that Forris was here for more than kind words.

“Ha! Your speech is way too sophisticated for your age,” impressed, Zecht had thought as if Krist was someone equal or higher than him in speechcraft. It is a talent that only Nobility has an innate ability to invoke.

“When you return, search for the organization called ‘Kain Guild.’” Lieutenant Zecht had introduced a contact that would be quite valuable. The only way to tell is to experience it.

“It’ll be the first thing that I do. I don’t waste time, Lieutenant,” Krist was internally seething at the opportunity to take over his first group that handled “Black Market” deals and whatnot, those who dabble in the “darker” side of things.

“Indeed?” Zecht genuinely sounded surprised. “Do as you please. I’m sure we’ll be seeing each other.”

The Lieutenant left and a great celebration was happening as all the Divisions were frolicking in the great camp. Krist was also enjoying the festivities as the sun had set and darkness covered the night sky.

“I make good on my promise, Baron Nickson,” Krist greeted Gerald as he was seen gazing upon his Division.

“...” Gerald held a neutral face all the while drunkenness and debauchery were happening in the immediate surroundings. The Baron turned his head, “I had thought your words were nothing but pleasantry coming from an ordinary-looking soldier… but, to think that you had a connection with the Count’s illegitimate son from a wretched Knight Family?”

“Sounds like you’ve taken your sip of the swill,” Krist invoked an old idiom making himself seem older than what he seems.

“I promised myself I wouldn’t drink anything before attaining Nobility in this country,” Gerald mixed some words relating to his Mercenary days, finding a place he could truly call home in this cruel world.

Krist held an impressed expression. No words needed to be said as Gerald’s words held the most meaning. Enjoying the festivity, Baron Nickson asked Krist a question, “In the end, you have decided to ally with Forris Zecht?”

There was no reply as Gerald already knew the answer. Instead, Krist opted for a different remark, “When the time comes when Carceron is weak, come when I give the call.” It was meant to be a question, but, this type of wordplay was more firm, and manly. A man does not hold back his words and that's what Krist was beginning to do as of this moment.

“Of course.” Baron Nickson did not hesitate. With those last words, the night would conclude with a debaucherous end.

***

The following day, the numerous Military Divisions were summoned to Hollow Bastion, the Capital of Lukedonia. It is a relatively small city with tall buildings and a few towers scraping the sky.

“Incredible!”

“First time?” A fellow ranking soldier replied to Loutch’s amazement.

“I’ve been a villager my entire life,” Loutch was a meager peasant boy in a far-off village.

“It’d be better to not make yourself look like a country bumpkin,” Krist was half-joking, but serious at the remark about not acting like their former selves.

“Speak for yourself, neighbor!” Loutch was quick to reply.

Moving along, Krist was escorted to the dorms for ranked Nobles and Officers, “Knight Krist, these are the dorms for Officers.”

“Good to know. I’m more comfortable where my men are at,” Krist could always use the Officers' Dorms whenever need be.

I can use that when I please, but, I like my personal space. Most dorms are shared spaces, however, higher-ranked soldiers like Sergeant Major have spacious rooms. This will be my abode for a short time.

Krist decided to rest until sunset; by then, the night sky was covered in darkness. Flap opening. “Do you have a moment, Krist? There is something urgent I wish to discuss with you,” Saix had awaited the opportunity when Krist would exit from his tent.

The moment has arrived. Internally, Krist was happy that the time had come.

“Of course,” Krist held an expression as if he had expected nothing.

Moving into a nearby forest, Krist had felt Saix sent an impulse of mana to check the immediate surroundings.

?!

Genuinely surprised, Saix was not keen on showing that degree of fine control over mana. Since when did you get that good? To be able to send a subtle impulse wave of mana to detect life forces is something akin to what Mages do which requires a certain technical skill to perform such a complex technique.

“What do you want in life, Krist?” Saix posed the question with a serious face.

Having his back behind Saix, “The pinnacle.” There was no hesitation.

It didn’t even take a millisecond and Saix had knelt before Knight Krist, “I am the last survivor of a town called Tretz after the unknown disease, Ice Demon, had made its first appearance in this world.”

“A survivor…” Krist knew all too well what ordeal Saix had gone through.

“I am a nobody, just another soldier. However, I have dreams and goals. I want to be great. I make my oath to you Knight Krist, accept my request of fealty!”

That’s right! Krist remembered distinctly how this event had occurred. But… when did your speech get so good as well?

Placing his hand on Saix’s shoulder, “I accept your fealty and hereby appoint you, Saix, as my ‘Right-Hand.’ My very first Knight.”

***

Unlike the rest of the camps or bases outside of Hollow Bastion, the base inside the city is bigger and better organized than the 7th Division. This was the place where the heavily armored Cavalrymen of Lukedonia were training and representing the elite soldiers.

Saix was accepted to the Elite Cavalry Training. The creation of his first skill, ‘Deathblow’ would develop during that stage. As for myself… the drug depot.

Krist had made his way to where the Administrator of the drug repository was located within the barracks. The herb collection had made my Alchemy at the level of a Master Alchemist. Next, it’s time to meet First Sergeant Bolsir. Without you, my army would not be as organized or truly disciplined.

Now that Krist is of the lowest rank in the Aristocratic Hierarchy, anyone below his status is obligated to report and greet first, “Greetings Knight Krist. I am First Sergeant Bolsir, the ‘Chief’ of this base.”

You’re quite lax? I was expecting your strictness and melancholy. “We’ll met! I’ve heard a lot of your technical skills, First Sergeant.” Krist shook Bolsir’s hand.

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“I won’t waste your time, Second Lieutenant, you’ll have to prove yourself. You have free reign to leave the barracks thanks to your recent promotion. Use that privilege, and find a way a way to increase your reputation even further.” The First Sergeant was not particularly specific on his request, however, it was broad for a reason.

At this moment, Krist was negotiating for whatever he wished within his rank, “I’ll be needing the former 7th Division Reserves under my command. With them, I’ll be able to fulfill your request.” Whatever Krist would request, he had the right to keep as is the Military Law in most developed governments. In Lukedonia, the Kenesis Royal Family had permitted the aristocratic right of building one’s forces for the sake of the country and the Lord Emir.

“H-How old are you again? Sixteen?” Sergeant Bolsir was taken aback at the confidence displayed by the young adolescent.

“When winter ends, I can comfortably say that I am a full-grown man,” Krist replied nonchalantly.

“Quite arrogant,” Sergeant Bolsir stated plainly.

“Nothing wrong with saying the truth, however, if you require confidence, allow me to have a bout with six Aura Soldiers. That should suffice,” Krist had awaited the moment when he could fight with the elites of Hollow Bastion.

“Heh!” The First Sergeant scoffed at the gall of the newly ranked Noble. “I’ll schedule it for noon at the Training Grounds.”

Krist had said nothing and left with a soft smile. It was good seeing you again, Bolsir. You’ll be much more than an Administrator for my army. Bolsir was retired, but, was still in service due to the lack of personnel in Lukedonia’s military. He makes a good living with his rank’s salary and benefits provided by the Royal Family.

“His anger must have been subtle. Sergeant Bolsir is known to be a hard-ass,” Loutch had commented on Krist’s experience.

Krist had made his way to the Training Grounds in anticipation of the formal duel, “Everything will be mine after the bout, Loutch. Mark my words.”

The opponent is 6 Aura Soldiers. All are capable of wielding Blade Energy and fully-mastered Martial Arts provided to high-ranking elites of the Lukedonian Army. The best one is Ser Barristan Selmy. Different from the past life, Krist was not of the high status in which he could recruit someone like Barristan Selmy. Not just him, but the rest of the Aura Soldiers as well. Kuku.

“Although quite splendid with the sword, he lacks real battle experience, unlike people like us who have learned that if fighting is inevitable, then we should strike first,” Krist was fully confident to the brink that it sounded like pure arrogance.

“I don’t doubt your power, Krist, but, he won twenty duels in a row making his reputation as Ser Barristan, ‘The Painter.’ His swordsmanship is unique, due to his smooth fighting style and instances of boldness in his blade,” Loutch already knows about the ranking members of Lukedonia’s Army and that Ser Barristan Selmy was an established elite being a Sergeant Major.

“It may be an impressive reputation, however, none of that matters in front of me,” Krist had made known his masculine presence. My “Spear Mastery” should be around 110% proficiency. A level above the Lance King, huh? While in the Training Grounds, Krist was assessing his level and what sort of “play” he could set up in the upcoming battle. I can proceed comfortably now with this level. Things such as duels and whatnot, a mere trifle in my wake. His level was far beyond what someone of his age should possess, nearing the level of Transcendence Realm.

“Oh?” Snowdrops had begun to hail Hollow Bastion.

“It’s snowing,” Loutch too was genuinely surprised.

“The beginning of winter,” Krist was internally chuckling with an evil laughter. There’s so much to take in this world!

***

The event had ensued. Six Aura Soldiers led by the best, Ser Barristan Selmy. His long blonde hair was apparent in the battle, “Don’t expect us to go easy on you, Knight Krist. Your exploits in a mere Reserve Division precede you.”

“Well said, soldier!” Krist was entirely acting like any Noble should.

Arrogant.

In this duel, real weapons were employed due to the nature of the battle and the ranks of the soldiers.

“10 Copper Coins on the Aura Squad!”

“Bet me in too!”

“Their constitution is too different. Will the smaller guy be able to withstand it?”

“It won’t matter. Going against Selmy and the Aura Soldiers alone won’t help him, no matter what kind of ‘Medical Sage’ - he’s simply outmatched.”

Soldiers of Hollow Bastion clamored as they heard news of an elite duel that would happen around noon. Amongst the crowd, Loutch and Saix were watching while blending in with the crows, “Hmph. This will end too fast.”

“You think so as well?” Saix replied.

“H-Hold on! I want to cancel my bet with Krist! I want the other side!”

Fools. All of you don’t understand that a “World Ranker” is in your presence. Loutch was far more perceptive in this life and more aggressive in certain regards.

His physique is similar to Saix, but more optimized as a “Clinch Master” with quick-time successions. Right-handed and not ambidextrous.

Krist made his way to the stage. The snow from yesterday has made thin sheets of ice. Noticing the change in the environment, Krist was going to make use of the surroundings.

“The rules are simple,” First Sergeant Bolsir made the rules known. “The winner of this duel is by disarming the opponent or making the foe admit defeat.”

“If nothing else, begin!” The signal for battle had begun.

“If you don’t mind, Knight Krist!” Ser Selmy made the initiative.

I see… this is why they’re now calling you Ser Barristan, “The Bold.” Hmph!

Even though Selmy made the bold move of taking the first strike infused with Aura, Krist easily dodged the attack. Soon after, the five Aura Soldiers moved in conjunction with Selmy as the focal point.

A broad sweeping cut was executed by Selmy and consequently parried, “Quite the dodgy one, huh?!” Bold and inciting! Kaha!

The time for playtime was over as Krist no longer found the novelty in the battle after a few strikes. You have a long way to go to reclaim your former glory. In the past life, Ser Barristan Selmy was an acclaimed Knight who became a Royal Guard for the Lord Emir.

Twiddling his spear like it was a pencil, Krist flawlessly disarmed two of the Aura Soldiers and stabbed his spear on the ground to perform a sweeping kick to knock out another Aura Soldier, only three of the original were left.

“Impossible!” Selmy was visibly shaken. My men were taken out with one hit?! Krist had displayed a level of movement art, or, “Qinggong’s Peak Realm,” although the effectiveness is one-tenth of the Void Steps art that is restricted to a Martial God. With such movements, no one below a World Ranker could deal with.

Spinning the spear like a cane and performing slashes and thrusts, Krist had taken the battle with an overwhelming victory. Most of all, only Barristan Selmy and his team had infused Aura into their swords, whereas, Krist had yet to use any chi.

“Krist wins the match!”

“Experience may be your forte, Ser Barristan, however, I have refined my skills beyond perfection. This was the variable that no one could predict,” Krist was looking at Selmy and the rest of the Aura Soldiers while they had been taken down. Find me when you’re ready. Krist had sent a telepathic message to Selmy and the Aura Soldiers. This should be enough to compel them.

Walking out of the Training Grounds, Krist walked near Sergeant Bolsir, “Thanks for lending me the drug depot.”

First Sergeant Bolsir could do nothing but sigh. Sigh.

“As expected of our leader!” Saix had openly praised Krist’s victory.

“Krist!” Loutch had shouted, but, the loud talking had overcome the surroundings.

Not wasting any time, Krist headed to the drug depot immediately. Mandragora Leaves, Cerulean Blue, and Rosehart Herbs are the ingredients needed to cultivate ‘Body Reformation’ or ‘Metastasis.’

“Ah, those herbs have little utility and usually throw the excess away…” An assistant working in the drug depot noticed Krist’s selection of herbs.

“From now on, please bring these herbs and deliver them to me,” Krist was grinning while giving the order to a lesser-ranked soldier.

“Ah? Yes, as you order, sir,” following the protocol, the assistant of the drug depot would continually bring such plants to Knight Krist.

Move swiftly, Krist made his way to the Artistocrat’s bathing area separated from the enlisted soldiers, “My Master spared no expense to have such a bath. The bathing area was encrusted with marble and multiple areas to frolic, however, Krist required a circular tub in which the herbs were mixed with the hot water bath.

The combination of the herbs and the Black Jarrin Finger was the method created by my former life’s “Medical Sage” who had invented a transformation of an ordinary individual’s body into the perfect vessel for accumulating inner energy. Krist remembered the person who would eventually become his teacher in Alchemy. I’ll need to be patient for half a year. Thanks to the 2 Mana Breathing Methods, the body is more than attuned to such a process.

Dip. Dip.

Krist had submerged his body into the hot water bath filled with herbs and reflected upon his recent duel. Selmy managed to perceive my attacks while the rest of the Aura Soldiers could not. If it wasn’t for my high speed, Barristan could not react to that type of level. Kuku!

Enamored to go through the process of the hot herbal baths again was something deeply satisfying to Krist because of the relaxation, and, more importantly, the foundation that enables the window towards the Mystic Realm.