74

"When!? How!? Who!? What!? Huh?" absolutely confused. Asai was dumbfounded. 

[Stealth]

When in stealth additional 20%->30% effect

After sneaking out of the room, leaving the two to continue resting. He took the chance to begin his daily exercises. The push ups, sit ups and cardio. Admist his run, he was double checking his status. Eager to see the new skill, one he would receive from Mary. 

To his shock, he didn't receive a new skill but noticed a skill that had upgraded. He was quick to realise the meaning behind this. "Mary..."

"Boss! Good to see you're back up and running." Clam joined in on the cardio. The breeze was good, the air was fresh and the singing birds were plenty. It definitely was a good morning for a run.

[Clam Lvl: 32]

"Clam, you should challenge Paul to a friendly spar, to check your progress."

"Paul? The orphanage guard? But, to ask him for any favours, you'd have to pay him in ale." 

"Do just that then, and later on, tell me the results." Asai out of the air plucked a coin out and flicked it towards him.

"Thanks boss!"

If Asai remembered correctly, [Paul: Lvl 32] was also the same level. This would be a good test for him. To find out how levels and experience interact and combine to effect a person's combat ability,

"Clam, where are the other two?"

"Benny and Gary? They're down by the village helping people." Clam gave his chin a few scratches. "Preaching about you."

"Huh?" "The fu-"

"You know, about how you're strong enough to beat over two hundred bandits alone, and how you also fought against a monster horde alone. We can't brag about your solo boss kill because we don't really know what happened. And, we're still waiting for you to tell us to be honest."

"Two hundred bandits!? Like hell they were that many! Why are they exaggerating that much! And what's that about solo fighting a monster horde!? What off the militia, the cavalry kngihts? Fuck I don't like where this is going."

"Tell them not to do that. Either tell only the truth or don't tell my story at all."

"Yes boss. Oh, and boss, before I forget. That Istvan guy popped by whilst you were still down cold. Ahem* Baron Bralcom Fowl has invited you to his home once more. Something about the reward for your bravery." 

"Thanks, continue your training until further orders.  "You're still too weak for me to use. Hell, I'm still too weak!" "Oh, and Clam."

"Yes boss?"

"Thank you. I heard you insisted on carrying me back home. Good work."

Clam saluted, before resuming his run.

After flexing and checking his body, ensuring his muscles were acting the way he remembered them to. Asai decided to immediately make his way. "Better not make the nobles wait upon a peasant more than they have to." He thought.

...

Arriving dressed with his best or well, cleanest outfit. Asai was immediately lead into the manor. The maid Annie had recognized him from the prior visit, vouching for his identity, streamlining the security process for him. He only had to wait in the lobby for moments before the baron was ready to receive him. 

Coincidentally the baron was already in the great hall receiving another guest.

Being led through the doors and down the red carpet Asai saw him. "The fucker that nearly got me killed. Tch." 

[Bralcom Fowl: Lvl 1] 

However, to Asai's surprise, the baron wasn't seated on the head chair today. Instead, he stood by attention right next to where Asai was instructed to stand. Instead in the head chair was,

[Jenson De Lion: Lvl 1]

Bralcom ignored Asai's arrival. Openly voicing his opinion.

"But milord, he is but a mere adventurer! The other baron's won't stand by this!"  "Oi-oi what's going on here?" 

"Silence Baron Bralcom. It seems you haven't read my letter. It is not I who desires this, Duke Jeffrey De Lumix has already spoken to the other counts and have voted upon this. There is no longer any space for interjection."

"Milord, this is the adventurer Asai, hailing from Trichia village." Annie announced my presence before taking her leave.

Jenson with eyes filled with scrutiny scanned my person. I bowed, lowering my back more than I would for Baron Bralcom. He nodded approvingly.

"Good. I am Count Jenson De Lion. Under the orders of Duke Jeffrey De Lumix, I am here to grant you peerage. Congratulations young man, After this day you shall be referred to as Baron Asai Trichia. The surrounding two villages north of yours shall also be yours. Your territory ends prior to reaching Juba's village."

Jenson stood, drawing his blade.

"Kneel." Asai did as ordered, kneeling upon one knee and lowering his gaze. "Nobility? Me? But, I'm just a kid, freshly seventeen. What are they noble thinking? Baron Bralcom is clearly unhappy."

After the quick ceremony of fealty, Asai rose no longer as the commoner Asai but as,

[Asai Trichia: Lvl 51]

[HP: 115 MP:115]

[Title: Monster, Baron]