Royal Knights

Earlier, in an unexpected twist of luck, a skill of his was activated when he cast the [Mirror Clone.]

[Double Barrage (B)

Type: Passive Skill

— There's a 5% chance that you can cast a skill twice in succession.

—Double cast doesn't require mana.]

Due to this, instead of one clone, it became two instead. Hans didn't forget Aeron at all. Even when he left, he kept reminding himself about the frail guy staring at him with hostility.

Thus, he devised a plan. One of his two clones will wait outside while the other one receives the book.

Hans was confident that Aeron must be waiting for his clone outside. This is why the moment his clone, who received the book, exited the auction, his other clone will immediately switch with him.

It was a simple but risky plan nonetheless, it actually worked out.

With that, Aeron was fooled without even knowing he was calculated. From the start, Hans hasn't even forgotten him.

'Well, should I kill him?' Hans thought.

That guy will surely take revenge for this day. Hans doesn't want any unnecessary troubles coming his way once his plan starts.

The night grew deeper and deeper. Killing someone at this time might be the best time to commit murder.

Even then, Hans felt like it shouldn't be now.

First, a bunch of knights is patrolling around. It might be due to the robbing incident back at the auction house. Securities are tight so it would be easy to be caught.

Additionally, finding Aeron would be a difficult task. Unlike the thieves he followed, that frail guy has a genuine ability to hide himself from the eyes of others.

Unless he was inside Hans' line of sight, finding him is like finding a needle in a haystack.

It was not worth his time.

'So, it seemed like I should call it a day now.'

He still has a meeting report with the Emperor tomorrow. Tonight, he'll be getting his first good night's sleep.

It was the best way to end this exhausting day.

'Sigh—'

Hans scanned the vicinity and after finding no one, he put on his hood and vanished under the shadows.

........

The next morning in the Harisan Empire, the sun's rays pierced through the clouds and shone towards the land.

The plants seemed to be dancing as they felt warmth after a long time. However, despite the temperature slightly declining, it was still cold.

People were on their coats as they covered their trembling bodies. Some wrapped a piece of fabric around their heads to prevent the cold from piercing their already burning earlobes.

Today, after putting his clothes on, Hans hurriedly opened his status window. He just remembered that he leveled up a lot after hunting those monsters.

[Name: Hans Luther

Age: 23 Level: 95

Race: Human (64%), ??? (36%)

Potential: ???

Strength: 473 Stamina: 397

Agility: 367 Mana: 484

Unused stats: 208

Talent: Unlock at Level 100

Innate Skill: [Endless Plunder (C)]

Plundered Skill: [(E)], [Acrobat (D)], [Hide (C)], [Dragon Kick (A)], [Turtle Shell (B)], [Flame Control (B)], [Light of Judgment (B)], [Holy Light (C)], [Constantine Sword Style: First Cut (B)], [Stealth (D)], [Vampiric Steal (A)], [Moon Howl (A)], [Exploding Blood (A)], [Rage Meter (S)], [Eclipse (A)], [Rebound (B)], [Dispel Curse (B)], [Knight's Roar (B)], [Frozen Cataclysm (A)], [Inferno Eruption (A)], [Phantom Multi-Shot (A)], [Double Barrage (B)], [Danger Zone (A)], [Bull Thrust (A)], [Wall Breaker (A)], [Calamitous Roar (B)], [Wind Control (A)], [Suppress (A)], [Icath's Half-Blessing (SS)].

Skill: [Mirror Clone (B)], [Emperor Constantine Strides (S)], [Trickster (S)], [Eye of Truth (S)]

Mana Property: Evil.]

After hunting for a short while yesterday, Hans leveled up by 26 times. However, he didn't know why it was too low. According to his estimate, he should have hit a hundred levels by now.

Even then, he didn't complain. From the time he killed the monkey when he first entered, Hans realized that the exp given by monsters is very low.

Fortunately, the skills he got are very useful. He could actually use them unlike some of his skills that have only been a display.

'208 free stats. That's a lot.'

However, for Hans, his priorities are strength and mana. With this, his firepower would improve.

'If I put all of this in strength…'

After he activated the [Empyrean Aurae], his strength attribute would increase to a whopping 2,000. According to a leak on the internet back then, Australia's SS-Class, David, had a base strength of 2,100.

He's a pure power Awakened so it's understandable that it's high.

However, it's common knowledge that Awakened with potential below SSS-Class could only receive 4 stats per level.

SS-Classes could reach up to only level 300 meaning, David should only have 1,200 stat points.

This is the reason why people speculated that once a person reaches level 251, they received something.

People tried to ask to confirm their theories but the SS-Class Awakened remained silent. This topic gradually faded until it was buried in time.

Only theories remained but at the end of the day, they are products of speculations.

[So that's why they could destroy a country huh?]

'Now, imagine that guy having a skill that boosts his stats for like 100% or even higher.'

This was also the reason why Hans still didn't consider himself on par with the SS-Class Awakened of Earth. Probably, he could put up a fight with some of them but the majority will just body him.

As for the strongest of them, Hans might not even last for a minute with his less than 500 base stats.

Of course, once he encountered an SS-Class monster, he could fight them. After all, his race seemet to work better when it comes to them.

'Hmm…'

After long consideration, Hans eventually decided to put 80 stat points on both the strength and mana attributes. As for the remaining 40, it was equally divided between agility and stamina.

Of course, the agility and stamina are important too to balance his overwhelming stats but just in case, Hans would rather choose power over them for now.

[Strength: 553 Stamina: 417

Agility: 387 Mana: 564]

'Hmm… much better.'

Now that the stat distribution is done, Hans closed his status window. Then, he glanced at the wall clock hanging on the wall.

The hand was pointing at 7 which also signaled him to leave. After all, the appointment would start at 7:30 in the morning.

Thus, eating a nice breakfast meal, Hans exited the inn and rushed towards the training camp where he had to report.

As the sun rays hit his face, Hans raised his head before vanishing from his location.

...….

"It's too soft! Again!"

"Why are you blocking my attack when you can dodge! Again!"

"Hold your weapon tightly!!! Have you not eaten!!!??"

"Stop slashing the dummy, you idiot!!ll Stab it!! That's how you use a spear, you fucking clown!"

The sounds of men screaming entered his ears as Hans arrived at the training camp. The gate guards seemed to have expected his arrival so he passed through the door with ease.

'What a giant camp.'

In Hans' gaze, an enormous training ground appeared. Based on his estimate, this place should be around the same size as 15 football fields combined.

The interior has several facilities including some sort of food court, a combat simulation area, and many dummies that novice knights like to practice with their chosen weapons.

As soon as he turned his head, he witnessed many novice knights and trainee knights working their asses off.

Well, they were more like being tortured by their instructor's yelling.

Hans' facial expression crunches every time a young knight gets lectured. Despite that, this was a great experience for them.

They should know their mistakes before it's too late.

After all, once these people went into the battlefield, they might not even come back.

The war will not show mercy to these younglings.

Slash—, stab—

Hans sat on an empty bench as he watched them train. His eyes sparkled, seeing several talents that could surely make a name even on Earth.

Well, of course, the premise is they could successfully reach their potential. If they couldn't grow up like what happened to him back then, all of this is nothing.

"Excuse me, are you Duke Hans?"

At that moment, a man wearing full-body silver armor approached him. In his hand, he held a stack of papers.

Hans raised his head, inspected the man, and lightly nodded, "Yes, I am."

The man's eyes brightened. He quickly stretched his hand and introduced himself.

"I'm Elvin, a royal knight. I was sent here by the Emperor to bestow you the land ownership and also your title."

Looking at the enthusiastic smile on Elvin's lips, Hans' jaw dropped.

"Are you… seriously giving it to me here?" He asked with a deadpanned expression.

"Yes!"

"Here!?" Hans increased his voice.

"Yes, Duke!"

With Elvin's answer, Hans stood there motionless.

It was an outrageous promotion.

Shouldn't he be at least escorted into some office or something and then get promoted?

Why did this royal knight just stand beside him and hand him this stack of papers?

At least, choose a location!

In disbelief, Hans couldn't help scratching his neck. Hopefully, this guy could give him a reasonable explanation.

"Cough—, I'm sorry but Uhm, why? Just why?"

Sensing his confusion, Elvin sat beside him and answered.

"We have found several traces of the Monster Empire on the southern borders of the Empire's territory. The Emperor is—"

The conversation dragged on.

According to Elvin, the Emperor is currently busy due to the threat of the enemies.

This pretty much sums it all up.

"Is that so?" Hans asked.

"Yes, Duke Hans. Unfortunately, that's the truth."

"Thank you for enlightening me." Hans smiled.

The only problem is what will he do now?

Elvin stood up, rearranged his sword, and motioned Hans to follow.

"The Emperor also tasked me to take you to the royal knights' training area." Elvin swept his gaze around and continued, "This place is mostly used by our newbies so actually, you really shouldn't be here."

Indeed, he was right. With his superior senses, he could pretty much feel the numerous gazes staring in their direction.

"Oh, I apologize. I didn't know." Hans answered as he stood up and followed the royal knight.

The two walked together for a few minutes, conversing about the royal knight's task and their obligation in maintaining peace.

Unlike other knights, the royal knights only accept orders from the Emperor. This only differentiates this status from others.

For newbie knights, they are the goals they want to reach in their life.

The moment they passed by a large gate, an open field appeared in Hans' sight. However, the ground was full of cracks, and traces of burns could be seen.

"This is our training cam—" Elvin introduced the place but was quickly interrupted by a loud explosion.

Booom—!

Hans subconsciously put his hand on his sword as his muscles tensed up. Elvin noticed his expression and he chuckled.

"Hahaha."

"Is that normal?" Hans asked.

"Of course!"

"I mean, shouldn't you at least hold back?"

"What? Do you expect to see us cutting dummies?" Elvin giggled.

"No, it's just…" Hans was about to finish only to be interrupted by another explosion.

Booom—!

From afar, a giant mushroom cloud formed and it pierced through the clouds like a beam of light. The scent of scorched ground assaulted his nose as the two walked towards the other royal knights who were resting on the sidelines.

"Hey, my brother!"

"Elvin, my boy. Wanna fight? I have another move I wanted to test with you, you know."

"Damn it, Elvin! Why didn't you tell me you had a son! Tch, Did you forget the night we made love!? Ugh!!"

"Hahahahahaha!!"

The atmosphere was filled with joy as Elvin approached his comrades. However, he kicked those guys after hearing their shameless remarks.

"You bastards! Don't you all have any shred of respect!?" Elvin shouted.

Despite Elvin's anger, his comrades didn't stop.

"Is that your son?"

"He's not my son! He's the new recruit! The Emperor scouted this guy himself."

"Oh, so a newbie then?"

"Well, yes but uh..." Elvin glanced at Hans and smiled, "...don't underestimate him."

At that moment, Hans felt several gazes crawling on his skin. He maintained his cool to give them a good first impression of himself.

After all, they will be working together in the future.

"I'm Hans. Nice to meet you all." Hans slightly bowed his head as he introduced himself.

Only…

"Hans? The guy who destroyed the Baru Empire?"

"Is that you, brother?"

Hearing their questions, Hans didn't hide them and straightforwardly answered.

"Yes, that's me. But uhmm, it's nothing. Compared to your achievements, I still have a long way to go."

Although these people seemed laid back, Hans could vaguely sense the terrifying pressure hiding in those bodies.

Hans didn't answer arrogantly. He was stupid sometimes but he's not a fool not to recognize their achievements.

In their eyes, he's just a newbie.

"This guy has a smart mouth. I commend that."

At that moment, one royal knight with a height of only 5 foot 4, stood up and stared up at Hans. The mana in his body leaked as if sending provocation.

"Hey, new guy. I'm Roy. People call me the newbie destroyer. I really like your humbleness but it won't save you from me."

'That was too sudden.'

Even then, Hans didn't back down and stared back.

He gets it.

These people only recognize strength. To prove himself, he has to show his power to them.

Hans glanced at Elvin but the guy only gave him a helpless smile. It seemed like this was already a tradition for the royal knights.

But, to be honest, he also likes the idea.

"So are we going to spar?" Hans asked as he maintained their eye contact.

"Spar?" Roy shook his head and continued, "Hehe, that's for kids."

"Then, wha—"

Shing—!

Roy drew his sword and slashed Hans' chest. Fortunately, with Hans [Danger Zone] he managed to evade it with ease.

"What are you doing!?" Hans asked. His face darkened as he sensed the murderous intent overflowing from Roy's body.

At that moment, a bloodthirsty smile formed on Roy's lips.

"We're going to kill each other, Hans." Roy coldly spoke and continued, "So you better kill me too!"

Swish—!