The World of Knights

Edwin sat in the corner of the barony's modest library, poring over an old, yellowed tome. The flickering light from the oil lamp illuminated the faded script, which detailed the foundation of the world he now found himself in—a land where knights, infused with supernatural power, were the pinnacle of strength.

He read carefully, piecing together fragments of knowledge with the aid of the Iron Sovereign Protocol's vast analytical capacity.

**"Knights..."** he murmured, eyes narrowing as the system processed the text.

In this world, the path of strength revolved around a system of cultivation through the Knights Order—a mystical blend of rigorous training, energy absorption, and magical attunement. The ranks were distinct:

-1.Iron Knight** – The starting point, where basic energy was awakened.

- 2.Bronze Knight** – Strength and resilience were honed here.

- 3.Silver Knight** – The level where mastery over energy began, a threshold very few crossed.

- 4.Gold Knight** – A mark of power, influence, and respect, sought by all.

- 5.DiamondKnight** – A rare and formidable warrior with unparalleled abilities.

- 6.Sacred Knight** – Beyond mortal comprehension, revered as near-mythical.

- 7.Sky Knight** – Warriors capable of shaping the battlefield with their presence.

- 8.Saint Knight** – The peak of mortal strength.

- 9.Holy Knight** – A legendary figure often tied to divine intervention.

- 10,Paragon Knight** – A realm of pure speculation, said to stand above gods.

The **Umbracrest Barony**, as Edwin quickly learned, was a small and relatively weak territory. Its power rested in the hands of two **Silver Knights**: Baron Caine Umbracrest, Edwin's father, and Cedric Umbracrest, his eldest brother. Though respected locally, this strength was barely enough to maintain their borders against encroaching threats.

For Edwin, these details felt overwhelming. He wasn't a fighter. His body was below average, and his new memories showed no signs of latent talent. The only reason he could even think of competing in this world was the **Iron Sovereign Protocol**, whose analytical voice interrupted his thoughts.

**"Analyzing world mechanics. Probability of survival without strategic resource deployment: 2.3%."**

Edwin grimaced. "Thanks for the vote of confidence."

**"Suggestion: Begin optimization of physical capabilities and local resource utilization. Accessing Knight cultivation data..."**

The AI displayed detailed schematics in Edwin's mind—charts and diagrams explaining how knights harnessed energy, combining it with strict discipline to ascend through the ranks.

It quickly became clear that he lacked the talent for even the most basic cultivation techniques. His brothers and father had spent years developing their strength; he couldn't hope to match them through traditional methods.

But Edwin wasn't relying on tradition.

He closed the book and stood, his mind racing. If knights relied on energy absorption and techniques to enhance their strength, then the Iron Sovereign Protocol could provide an alternative path: **mechanical augmentation**. With the AI's knowledge, Edwin could engineer devices to enhance his physical abilities, bridge his shortcomings, and perhaps even surpass the knights of this world.

---

Later that day, Edwin joined his family in the dining hall. His father, Baron Caine Umbracrest, sat at the head of the table, a commanding presence with sharp gray eyes and a seasoned warrior's frame. Cedric, the eldest, sat to his right—a man in his mid-twenties, radiating confidence and power. On the baron's left sat Lucas, Edwin's second brother, who was still working toward his **Bronze Knight** breakthrough.

"You're looking pale, Edwin," Cedric remarked, his voice tinged with mockery. "Still hiding in the library while the rest of us prepare to defend our lands?"

Edwin clenched his fist under the table but forced a smile. "Knowledge is as valuable as strength, brother. Perhaps more so."

Cedric chuckled. "Knowledge won't save you on the battlefield. Perhaps you should focus on learning swordsmanship before you embarrass the family name."

Their father raised a hand, silencing the exchange. "Enough, Cedric. Edwin may not follow your path, but he's still my son. You would do well to remember that."

Edwin's heart swelled at the rare show of support, but he knew it was fleeting. His family expected little of him, and he needed to prove that he wasn't just the weakest link.

---

That night, Edwin returned to his room and began sketching his first designs: a **mechanical enhancer** that could temporarily replicate the physical capabilities of a **Bronze Knight**. He had no resources, no workshop, and no support—but he had a plan.

As he worked, the Iron Sovereign Protocol's voice chimed in his thoughts.

**"Projected resource requirements for prototype construction: iron, copper, and an energy core."**

Edwin smirked. "And where do you suppose I get those, genius?"

**"Recommendation: Salvage existing resources within the barony. Tactical suggestion: exploit storage in unused armory."**

The corner of Edwin's mouth quirked up. It was a risk, but in this world of knights and supernatural power, it was his only chance to survive—and eventually thrive.

His weak body was no obstacle. His family's low expectations were an opportunity. And this world's reliance on tradition would be its undoing.

"Let's get to work," Edwin murmured, his eyes alight with determination.

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