Chapter 85: Award Ceremony (1)

Chapter 85: Award Ceremony (1)

It wont take long.

Dale stared intently at the short phrase.

Who could have written such a phrase?

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Or perhaps it was the work of a mischievous boy.

Moreover, what does it wont take long even mean?

Logically, it seemed foolish to pay attention to such a trivial matter.

Yet Dale found himself unable to just walk away.

It wont take long.

It felt oddly personal, as if it was directed at Dale, or was that thought too far-fetched?

Ding ding ding!

The sound of the bells that were rung by patrolling soldiers grew louder.

Tearing his gaze from the statue, Dale started walking towards the city gates.

The knight who had been guarding the gate in the morning was still there.

Perhaps because it was nearly the end of his shift.

The knight asked Dale with a relaxed expression.

How was District 3?

Dale glanced briefly at the city before he spoke.

It felt like a completely different world from the outside.

Whether in a good or bad way,

it was a world apart.

The knight chuckled and shrugged his shoulders.

An accurate impression indeed.

Dale nodded his head and was about to leave when the knight stopped him.

Hold on.

Whats the matter?

The knight rummaged through his belongings and then presented a thick book.

It had a familiar cover.

A novel featuring Dale as the protagonist that was currently popular in the upper districts.

Ahem. Ahem.

With an awkward cough, the knight said.

My daughter is quite fond of this book.

I see.

If you could write your name in it, she would be thrilled. Would that be alright?

Dale took the pen and book without a word. The knight hastily added.

Please write To Brayden. May you always be happy.

I dont think its a suitable name for a girl.

Ahem.

Dale complied with the request and then continued on his way.

In front of Kaylas inn, Harty was burying his face in his front paws.

When Dale arrived, Harty lifted his head and let out a low growl of displeasure with a disgruntled expression.

It seemed he was upset about not being taken to the upper district.

Dale stroked Hartys mane reassuringly.

The knights would have been terrified if Id brought you there.

Harty seemed to understand and wagged his tail vigorously. After a few more strokes, Dale entered the inn.

As always, the interior was quiet. Kayla greeted him.

Youve arrived? Would you like something to eat?

Dale shook his head and headed to his room.

He leaned against the bed after closing the door and the crudely made bed creaked.

He was deep in thought.

His thoughts were on the heroes. Or more precisely, on the characters Dale had raised himself.

Monsters that had been raised with the highest efficiency and displayed tremendous abilities. Dale was sure that they couldnt be strengthened any further.

Back then, I was really absorbed in it.

As Dale reminisced about the past, his memories became vivid.

And when he came to, he found himself in a small room.

It was a familiar, dark, and cramped space.

In that room, a man who looked like a wreck with crooked eyes was sitting blankly in front of his computer.

Dale saw a man with a familiar face. It was Dale himself.

His original self.

The man simply fixed his gaze on the monitor.

Dale also turned his eyes to the monitor.

On the games startup screen, four characters he had nurtured stood proudly.

The man clicked the mouse with a click.

Then, a warning message appeared.

[Are you sure you want to delete the character?]

The man was conflicted for a long time.

He moved the mouse back and forth several times.

Dale quietly observed the mans, or his own, actions.

He knew the outcome but watched till the end.

After a long time, the man ultimately couldnt bring himself to delete the characters.

Andrei cowered under the formidable aura Dale exuded.

The librarian reconsidered his thoughts.

Was I mistaken?

Andrei asked anxiously.

So, what do you want? But remember, I cant grant any unreasonable requests.

Its nothing like that.

Dale looked around before opening his mouth again.

Isnt Andrei quite skilled with magical tools? I recall seeing a self-moving carpet you had once, which seemed to be a remarkable item.

Hmm. Well, yes, my magical tools are quite exceptional.

Andrei was visibly pleased as he stroked his beard.

It appeared Dale had completely forgotten that he was the one who had torn that very carpet.

Dale then extended the cape he was wearing towards Andrei.

Would you take a look at this?

What is this?

Its something I stumbled upon by chance, but it seems to have a faint power. Could you identify what it is?

Hmm.

Bringing the cape closer to his eyes, Andrei examined it carefully.

Indeed, this is no ordinary item. A skilled craftsman made this, and it seems they intentionally concealed its power. What did the original owner say about where they found it?

The original owner didnt know either. They said it was just passed down as a family heirloom.

Hmm, is that so? This wont be easy.

If its too difficult, then it cant be helped. I understand

When Dale attempted to retrieve the cape, Andrei swiftly snatched it away.

He then confidently declared,

But I am Andrei. Master Andrei. Nothing is impossible for me.

May I entrust this to you?

Just wait patiently.

Andrei held a small orb emitting a green light in his hand and closely examined the cape.

Suddenly, his eyes widened in surprise.

Whats this?

What seems to be the matter?

Do you see this pattern?

When Andrei illuminated the center of the cape with the green light, a pattern of a blue lion trampling a sword and a book under its paws emerged.

This symbol signifies

The Kingdom of Vyman.

Indeed. Those folks had a keen interest in magic. If they crafted this magical tool, it must be extraordinary.

Vyman Kingdom, renowned for its magic and swords.

Any relic or magical tool they produced would be far from ordinary.

On the other hand, if the creator of this cape intended to hide its effects, it would be no easy task to uncover its secrets.

From a certain point, Andrei closed his mouth and devoted his time to examining the cape.

The librarian then spoke to Dale.

Once hes focused like that, the scribe can remain in that state for hours on end, oblivious to everything else. He wouldnt even notice if someone slapped his face.

Have you tried slapping him yourself?

Of course not.

The librarian hesitated before answering. Just as he was about to disappear with the tray in hand.

Thats when a commotion erupted from below.

Hmm?

The startled librarian hurried down the stairs, with a curious Dale following closely behind.

A line of knights clad in plate armor stood in formation in the library.

The librarian turned pale and murmured,

Th-The Imperial Knights?

The Imperial Knights, one of the strongest military forces in the empire.

Dale examined them closely.

Each one of them looks formidable.

Could the current Dale win in a one-on-one fight against these knights? He couldnt be sure.

They were very strong.

Perhaps sensing Dales gaze,

The members of the Imperial Knight Order turned their attention towards him in unison.

Among them, a figure who appeared to hold a high rank approached slowly.

His gaze was as sharp as a finely honed blade.

The knight approached Dale and asked,

You are Dale, the dark knight who defeated Ganiagos, correct?

Yes.

When Dale nodded his head in response, a member of the Imperial Knights pulled out a piece of paper from within his clothes and handed it over.

What is this?

When Dale asked, the knight declared,

This is an edict from His Majesty the Emperor. Dale, you are to be awarded a medal. Take this as an immense honor and make sure to attend the medal award ceremony.

It was a unilateral announcement.

Dale thought as he glanced at the edict.

A medal award ceremony, huh?

He had a feeling that yet another troublesome event was about to unfold.