Chapter 42 - 42
*DING*
[Arkdieu Gluttony is thoroughly content with Your Method of Torment]
[Arkdieu Gluttony Has Bestowed Upon You (1) Tetra Box]
[Would You Like to Open (1) Tetra Box?]
’Arkdieu? What in the realm is that?’ Klaus pondered silently before turning to Greed.
’Do you possess any knowledge regarding this?’ Klaus inquired, only to be met with Greed’s conspicuous silence.
’Greed?’ Klaus called out once more, receiving nothing in response. He then pivoted to realize that the three unabashedly bare and audacious cohorts were observing him with trepidation, thinking Klaus had experienced a change of heart and was contemplating torturing them again.
They anxiously swallowed their saliva as Klaus fixed them with a cold gaze. Klaus sighed and continued strolling, exiting the dreary corridor.
’Could you at least transform back into your ring form?’ Klaus urged Greed again. Though Greed continued to ignore him, he eventually reverted to his ring form, settling gently on Klaus’s right-hand middle finger.
’Goodness! Why are you giving me the silent treatment? If you lack information about this Arkdieu thing or whatever Tetra is, it’s fine. I’m well aware you’re not as "Great" as you claim to be,’ Klaus asserted, placing emphasis on the word "Great" to puncture the ego of the peculiar sword.
{Kuh! Naturally, I’m aware. I just lack motivation to provide such information freely}, Greed retorted with a touch of eccentricity in his tone.
’Oh, sure,’ Klaus scoffed sarcastically, dismissing Greed with a mocking tone.
{I’ve told you, the Great me knows EVERYTHING.}
’Yeah, yeah, yeah,’ Klaus muttered as he sauntered towards the dormitory.
***
Klaus entered the dormitory, accompanied by an elderly woman who seemed to be in her seventies. She was tasked with assigning rooms to trainees and introduced herself as Mirabelle Lionhart. Silver hair adorned her head, a testament to age rather than natural coloration, and her emerald green eyes held a vibrancy that defied the passage of time. Despite her advanced years, she maintained a physique indicative of rigorous training, towering over Klaus due to her erect posture.
"This is one of the last available rooms. Does it suit your preferences?" Mirabelle inquired, unlocking the metal door to reveal room 888.
The room was expansive, featuring an attached bathroom and a sizable window offering a picturesque view of the forest and snow-clad mountains beyond the Lionhart youth training ground. The bed appeared inviting, and despite the presence of a capacious wardrobe and basic training equipment, ample space remained within.
"Yes, thank you," Klaus replied with a small bow. Mirabelle nodded in return and left the young man.
After a brief inspection of the room, Klaus seated himself on the bed and revisited the earlier message.
[Would You Like to Open (1) Tetra Box?]
’Yes.’
[A random effect will be Applied...]
[Unveiling...]
*DING*
[All Statistics Have Been Increased by 1]
’Excellent,’ Klaus mused, feeling the surge of energy fortifying his body.
’Oh, ’Great’ one! Are you still turning a blind eye to me?’ Klaus queried, his tone dripping with sarcasm.
’I suppose the answer is still affirmative.’
Klaus stood and proceeded to the bathroom.
After indulging in a brisk bath, he returned to the room and succumbed to sleep the moment his head touched the pillow.
***
Erina and Rick gracefully entered the audience chamber, a grand space where Roman Lionhart resided upon his colossal golden throne, a regal seat that echoed the majestic prowess of the lion, the symbol of his formidable lineage. Crafted with unparalleled artistry, the throne’s imposing backrest rose in the shape of a fierce lion’s mane, intricately detailed and adorned with golden filigree. The eyes of the lion, fashioned with rare gemstones, glinted with an otherworldly radiance, seemingly observing every corner of the grand audience chamber.
The arms of the throne extended gracefully, resembling powerful lion’s paws, each meticulously carved to capture the strength and grace of the mighty beast. Gilded patterns adorned the entire surface, depicting scenes of valor and conquest that mirrored the Lionhart legacy. The base of the throne, a solid foundation of ornate gold, featured reliefs depicting the history of the Rikxia Empire, an intricate tapestry woven into the very fabric of the magnificent seat of power.
To his right stood his most trusted confidant, Melo, dressed in a meticulously tailored black suit that accentuated his well-built physique. Concealing his facial features was a white mask, revealing only his piercing golden-colored eyes.
"We extend our greetings, my Lord," Erina and Rick chorused in unison, bowing their heads with a profound reverence, as if genuflecting before a deity.
"What brings you here at such an untimely hour?" Roman intoned, his voice resonating with a low yet commanding authority.
Rick glanced at Erina, evidently awaiting her to take the lead.
"I may be blind, but I can still sense your intense gaze, Rick," Erina murmured in a hushed tone, prompting Rick to divert his expectant gaze. Clearing her throat, Erina straightened herself.
"We have conducted a special assessment of the trainees, as per your instructions, my Lord."
Roman, seemingly indifferent to the results, inquired, "Who claimed the top position, Alex or your son?"
"Neither, my Lord."
A quizzical eyebrow raised on Roman’s face, clearly not anticipating this response.
"Hmm, don’t tell me my grand...uh, hum," Roman began, clearing his throat before continuing, "Don’t tell me that Alex Lionhart was defeated by Sarah Margot." For Roman, the idea of a direct lineage member losing to someone from a vassal family was a disgrace, given the extensive resources he invested to ensure his descendants always held supremacy in the Rikxia Empire.
"No, my Lord. Sarah Margot secured the fourth place. My son Nicholas Davoss claimed the third spot, Alex Lionhart took second place, and..." Erina paused, mindful of all the information Roman had shared about his grandchildren. She hesitated, aware that disclosing Klaus’s victory might be met with disbelief or even lead to dire consequences at the hands of the ruler of Rikxia.
"And?" Roman urged impatiently.
"And Klaus Lionhart emerged as the top-ranked," Erina declared. n/ô/vel/b//in dot c//om
"WHATTT???!!!!" Both Roman and Melo exclaimed in astonishment, their surprise echoing through the grandeur of the audience chamber. The revelation of Klaus surpassing the others left the lord and his trusted ally visibly stunned, creating a moment of suspense in the air.
What do you think?
Total Responses: 0