Chapter 1: The Holy Dragon Empire and the Battleflag Family

Nearly a month had passed since Rolank awakened from the accident, yet he still struggled to accept his new reality, as if everything was a mere dream.

To his astonishment, he had been transported to a world where combat aura and magic intertwined, and dragons and knights reigned supreme.

Fortuitously, he did not reincarnate as a destitute commoner or a subjugated slave, but as a noble baron of esteemed lineage.

In this feudal society, his noble status rendered him one in a million, a rare gem among the masses who toiled daily for mere survival, with skeletal frames being their best outcome.

Moreover, Rolank was a proud Bronze Knight, adept in the use of combat aura. Though his power was modest, his physical prowess far surpassed that of ordinary men.

Above the Bronze Knight were the more formidable Silver Knights, considered powerful in this realm.

His siblings, Rodes and Loria, were both Silver Knights; Rodes, in particular, was a seasoned and powerful Silver Knight, and Loria had reached the rank six months ago, her strength not to be underestimated.

Among the three siblings, Rolank was the second but the weakest, lagging far behind as a mere Bronze Knight, with the rank of Silver Knight a distant goal.

His lack of progress was partly due to his limited talent, but more so his indolent and profligate nature, which earned the ire of his father, Count Rowena.

Speaking of which, their father, Rowena Battleflag, must be mentioned.

Rowena Battleflag, hereditary Count of Brenhorn, earned his title when Rolank’s great-great-grandfather seized an enemy flag in a pivotal war, ennobling him from commoner to baron by the Holy Dragon Empire's emperor, who also bestowed the surname "Battleflag."

Subsequent generations, including Rolank’s grandfather and great-grandfather, continued to serve the empire, elevating their rank to viscount.

In Rowena’s generation, his exceptional talents led to his advancement to the prestigious rank of Gold Knight, earning him the title of count from the emperor.

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Thus, the Battleflag family ascended to mid-upper nobility within the Holy Dragon Empire. While not paramount empire-wide, in the eastern province of Portland, their influence was substantial, and in their territory, Brenhorn, they held unrivaled power.

Above the Battleflag family, the Portland province was governed by the powerful Duke Lore Victorious, a formidable Amethyst Knight.

The Battleflag family, along with several counts and marquises, owed allegiance to Duke Victorious, who, in turn, served the emperor.

However, Rolank held no true reverence or loyalty towards the emperor or Duke Victorious. For survival, he feigned loyalty and respect.

This resolve led him to a significant decision ten days ago.

Having just turned sixteen, he faced a crucial choice: remain under family protection in Battleflag Castle, overseeing some family assets, or accept a fief and create his own legacy.

While holding a fief seemed more prestigious, most preferred the luxury of city life, knowing their limitations in managing a fief.

Previously, Rolank would have chosen the former path, but the current Rolank was different.

Despite his father’s disdain, likely assigning him a harsh territory, he chose the latter path.

Amidst his reflections, a voice interrupted his thoughts...

"Master! The sea wind is strong, please return to the cabin and rest. We still have half a day to Giant Crab Island. You’ve been standing here for quite a while."

The speaker, a small, meticulously dressed, gaunt old man, was Robert, the butler assigned by Count Rowena. Once addressing Rolank as "young master," he now called him "master."

Although only sixteen, Rolank smiled at Robert, saying, "It's my first time at sea; I'm quite excited. The sea breeze is refreshing. Carry on with your duties."

Robert bowed slightly, saying, "As you wish, master," and then left.

Out of sight, he sighed and shook his head. Once the head of the kitchen in Battleflag Castle, his dream was to serve Count Rowena. Now, he was assigned to Rolank, a baron.

Reflecting on Rolank's past misdeeds and the harsh conditions of Giant Crab Island, Robert felt despondent about his future. Serving Rodes or Loria seemed far more fortunate.

Robert resigned himself to his fate, as did twenty others on the ship, who had little faith in Rolank, a perceived wastrel.

Unconcerned by their thoughts, Rolank was confident about his future, for he carried a unique gift: a task panel.

Silently summoning it, a translucent panel appeared before him.

[Task]: Reach your fief

[Reward]: Advancement in power

This task bolstered his resolve to leave Battleflag Castle.

The task was simple, its reward uncertain. Would it elevate him to a Silver Knight? He could only find out upon reaching Giant Crab Island.

Having been at sea for eight hours with six more to go, including ten hours from the castle to the port, they would reach the island in a day.

After standing on deck for a while longer, Rolank returned to his cabin to rest.

The modest sloop, driven by the sea breeze, continued its slow journey to Giant Crab Island…