Chapter 75: Confidence.

Chapter 75: Confidence.

I felt kind of small around the four tier 6s that occupied the room. Any classer that reached that tier would have a large amount of points placed into constitution, which made them look like they werent even human anymore. It would be more accurate to compare them to trolls. Only the guild head of the witch hunters guild, Rashid, seemed to break this stereotype.

The man that I now knew as the king of Roa, however, seemed to take this idea to a whole new level. He was sitting on a couch built to seat three people, yet he alone filled it up.

After my uncle introduced him, his smile widened and he gave a small wave in our direction.

If Cerion was as surprised by his identity as I was, he didnt show it. Since we were here on official business, he had donned his noble demeanor as I called it. With a polite smile, he bowed at the waste.

Momentarily hesitant, I moved to copy Cerions bow.

The large man just held out his hands and chuckled.

No need to bow, youngsters. I hope you dont mind if I joined you all in this conversation. I had some time to spare today, and since this meeting somewhat concerns me as well, I decided to come. he placated us calmly.

Guild head Rashid cackled. Dont lie, Randal. You were just bored with your palaces politics and decided to come here to play around!

The king laughed quietly, while my uncle chuckled along, dissipating the tension that had settled in the room.

Well, dont remain standing on my behalf! Sit, sit! the royal continued, gesturing for us to sit down next to our respective family members.

Thankfully, my uncle wasnt quite as well-built as the king, and there was plenty of space on his left for me to sit down. Cerion similarly joined his father. Now that we were all present, my uncle took the lead again, seemingly unaware of his majestys presence.

So, Arthur. How did your dungeon run go? From what I have heard it was your second ever dungeon clear? he inquired.

From his tone and way of speaking, I noticed that he had the same habit as Doran, where he always seemed to speak in a slightly official tone.

It went fine, I think. We managed to clear it and got some great rewards, as well as maxing out our tier 2 levels at level 50. We had some trouble with some of the bosses gimmicks, but in the end we reacted in time before we were defeated.

Impressive. Not many classers can fight above their tier. On top of that, you two headed into that dungeon alone, completely outnumbered. If we sent parties made up of 25 tier 2 aspirant royal guards, none would return alive. Should I have known this would happen when your uncle informed me of your request? the king responded mildly, rubbing his chin in thought.

Cerion moved to respond.Follow current novels at novelhall.com)

In truth, the tier difference was a noticeable issue in our fights. The monsters outside of the city werent a challenge, but each of the bosses in the inner city heavily outclassed us in almost every way, other than intelligence. Because of that, each battle turned into a race against time, where we had to find our opponents weakness before they made mince-meat out of us.

Hearing this, the old man sitting to my left laughed, clearly enjoying our struggle.

Good thinking, sending them to the city of tears, Robart! The only way to push them to the limit is to make them stare death in the face!

I frowned. That sadistic old man just loved this, didnt he.

Seeing Arthurs stat screen, I was confident he would survive, at least. my uncle joked lightly.

Cerion is not so weak that he would die in a dungeon, either. Duke Rass added stoically.

Right, I see now. A curious situation, by the way, your affinity. That system error benefitted you quite a bit. I remember a report about your situation, coming from a class appraiser, but I didnt pay much attention to it at the time. Look at how far youve come in just a few months! the blond man said kindly.

My uncle just sighed.

I am sorry you felt you couldnt turn to me, Arthur. Dont doubt that I, too, will support you, as long as you uphold chivalric values.

I smirked a little when I heard how seriously he took such an outdated custom, but quickly readjusted my attitude, since, at its core, I did agree with those values.

So you accepted young Arthurs request to worm your way deeper into the royal faction, Rass? the hunched-over guild head said mockingly.

Isnt that why you are here as well? Cerions father shot back instantly.

Rashid burst out in a fit of laughter, amused by his words.

It is, actually! he finished.

My uncle just shook his head and sighed at their antics.

We must keep in mind the repercussions of officiating this alliance, however. Duke Rass has always leaned towards the Royal faction, but adding the witch hunters guild and possibly the church with it would form a genuine power block formed by 6 tier 6 classers, if you include the bishop and the armys marshall. While the mercenary and adventurer guilds wont react for fear of creating tension with the church elsewhere on the continent, the Aristocratic faction will no doubt become more desperate for a win. The royal tournament is the perfect stage for them to turn the tides and end this alliance before it even starts. Are you sure now is the time for this, my king? Robart asked, his question directed at the large man sitting across from him.

The large man just sighed and lightly shook his blonde mane.

Im afraid we dont have any other choice. The geopolitical scene of the entire continent is slowly shifting, with countries and empires uniting and breaking apart seemingly every few years. If Roa wants to stand strong amidst the escalating chaos, we must show a unified front, which we cant achieve as long as Duke Borko and Archduke Cerithal are against my rule. If it just came down to political differences there would be no major issues, but Im afraid the Archduke holds a grudge that exceeds his patriotism for our country. I hope to convince Duke Borko to switch sides in a few years. For that to happen, all of the aristocrats hope must be snuffed out. he half-whispered menacingly.

It seemed that our King wasnt a lion without teeth, after all.

I wouldnt worry if I were you, Randel. Even with no royal princes or princesses participating in the tier 2 bracket, we have a lot of talents participating in the tournament this year. Theres no way we lose! Rashid said, stretching out on his couch.

Its pronounced Randrusal, Rashid. the king sighed.

Thats what I said. the old man replied stubbornly.

Regardless, Im still a little worried. My son will be participating in the tier 3 bracket, but I cant rely on him for gaining us the necessary momentum. Even with his talents, he wont be able to compete with the old monsters that stalled at the peak of the third tier for the last few centuries.

That means that dominating the tier 2 category is the only way to gain the necessary prestige to get this little alliance into the public eye. he finished.

At this, we all turned pensive.

After a moment of silence, I spoke up.

Though the guild head might have put it rudely, he is correct in his assessment. Cerion and I make for a great team, so barring exceptions, we are practically guaranteed to win the doubles tournament. As for the singles tournament

Judging from the older mens expressions, the wicked grin on my face was enough to convince them of my confidence.

I had a sword to win and a lot to prove, after all.