https://novelcool.info/chapter/Chapter-164-Taking-a-Gamble-From-Commoner-to-Noble/12996719/
Chapter 163: The Examination Day
Chapter 163: The Examination Day
The day after checking into the Navy Home Inn, Rain didn't go to the training grounds but instead explored the inn and its surroundings.
Soon, Rain gained a preliminary understanding of the area.
It turned out that numerous pirate organizations, smuggling gangs, and other groups of varying sizes were hidden on the scattered islands around Rosby City.
Rain also overheard some Navy officers chatting in the tavern on the first floor of the Navy Home Inn, mentioning that many wanted criminals who had fled from the mainland were also hiding on these islands.
Additionally, on some of the more remote islands, there were indigenous tribes whose warriors wore camouflage face paint and were fiercely powerful. Some of their leaders were as strong as full-fledged Knights.
As for why the Empire hadn't eliminated all these 'ghosts and goblins' from the archipelago, it seemed that the newly established Eagle Federation had tied up most of the Imperial Navy's forces, and there were likely other reasons that Rain, who had only arrived the day before, couldn't know about.
Such a complex situation caused Rain to fall into deep thought.
On the night he checked into the Navy Home Inn, Rain noticed that most of the guests in the neighboring rooms were young people, with only a few in Navy uniforms.
Rain couldn't help but speculate to himself.
At that moment, the burly Navy Rear Admiral continued, "All examinees must strictly adhere to one rule: you can only use your own abilities and are not allowed to use external powers, such as wizardry scrolls, elixirs, and the like."
"Of course, ordinary weapons, hemostatic agents, and bandages are not included in this restriction!"
The female Lieutenant Marika gestured to the guard holding a small box, indicating for everyone to draw their assignments.
Early the next morning, a group of young Knights were gathered, and Rain realized that there were nearly seventy or eighty people participating in the Rosby City Enlistment Examination.
That afternoon, Rain visited the training grounds behind the inn for the first time and saw many young people practicing various weapons, mostly sword and shield, hammer and shield, and bow and arrow, with a smaller number using greatswords.
"If anyone wishes to withdraw, you can register with Lieutenant Marika now," the Rear Admiral said, his sharp eyes scanning the crowd.
"That red-haired beauty is Evelyn Norman, the daughter of Viscount Norman of Rosby County. Isn't she beautiful?"
These young people, including Has, were mostly full-fledged Knights, though Rain might have missed some and mistaken a few Senior Knights for full-fledged Knights.
At that moment, a middle-aged man with a goatee, dressed in noble hunter's attire, took over the conversation, saying, "I've heard that the Bloodsail Pirates are a group of ruthless and cunning pirates. They are known for their brutal and merciless attacks, and their leader, Bloody Hand Will, is a formidable opponent."
Soon, it was Rain's turn.
"Of course! I said that using your own abilities is allowed," Rain replied.
There was no other way; with equal talent, noble heirs received better training and cultivation from a young age, and their bloodline inheritance, family-taught knight techniques, and other factors naturally made them stronger.
"She is indeed beautiful," Rain nodded, sensing a similar aura to Kraya. Moreover, among a group of men, these few female Knights naturally stood out.
"What are they doing? Socializing?" Rain asked casually.
"Kill the Bloodsail Pirates?"
"At least we can prepare something specific for them," many whispered among themselves.
At that moment, a burly Navy Rear Admiral strode over, followed by the curvaceous Lieutenant Marika Morales and a guard.
Rain seemed to feel a tangible gaze upon him, and when he looked up, his eyes briefly met the Rear Admiral's.
However, there were fewer people practicing the warhammer.
"That's why the Enlistment Examination Committee decided to inform you of the specific mission details after departure."
Rain listened, nodding his head. No wonder they had waited until now to reveal the mission details.
"Strange, why did that young man make me feel alert, as if his strength could threaten me?"
"Everyone, come up and draw lots. Odd numbers are for solo missions, and even numbers are for team missions."
After the man with the goatee finished speaking, the Rear Admiral nodded and said, "Of course, the leader of the Bloodsail Pirates, Bloody Hand Will, is a formidable opponent with the strength of a Great Knight. You don't need to worry about him; the Imperial Navy officers will handle it."
Hearing this, Rain couldn't help but look at the young man again. He had been wondering about this very question.
Rain nodded silently, not saying a word.
"If there are no issues, we will depart at 7 p.m. tonight," the Rear Admiral concluded.
"As for the specific mission, due to confidentiality, the details will only be revealed after we set sail."
The time had arrived, and it was even later than he had expected.
"According to reliable sources, the secret messenger from the Eagle Federation has already reached Merit Island, where the Bloodsail Pirates are located."
The Rear Admiral paused for a moment, shook his head, and muttered to himself as he walked away.
Rayne followed Has' gaze and saw about three or four groups of people. In each group, there was a person surrounded by others, demonstrating martial arts or explaining something.
"If you don't have one, disband!" The Rear Admiral ordered.
As the ship advanced, the Rear Admiral spoke with determination, "The details of this enlistment examination task have been distributed to you all. Suggestions for achieving different levels of evaluation through kills are also included."
"Knights, the hope of the Empire, welcome to Rosby City, the base of the Sixth Division of the Imperial Navy Southern Fleet. This morning, we have two things to do. First, we'll draw lots, and second, we'll go over the rules."
"It's good to get to know each other. If we encounter team missions, it'll be easier to work together," Has explained.
The subtle sense of pressure emanating from the Great Knight was palpable.
About thirty people participating in the team mission gathered, led by the Rear Admiral and several officers. They boarded a twenty-meter-long oar-powered speedboat. Inside the cabin, several middle-aged men dressed in Noble Hunter's Attire were already seated, presumably staff members of the Enlistment Examination Committee.
"For a good evaluation, it is suggested to kill Bloodsail Pirate leaders. Their strength is equivalent to Knight Cadets. Alternatively, kill a Bloodsail Pirate Boatswain or higher. Note: If your strength permits, the latter is recommended for a chance at a higher evaluation."
"Your enlistment examination task is not as simple as clearing out the Bloodsail Pirates. In fact, it is to assist in carrying out a secret mission for the Imperial Navy."
However, if he had to admit that there were a few instances where he couldn't quite see through the situation, they were limited to three or four people with gold or silver threads on their cuffs and collars, likely noble heirs.
Many of them were gathering in pairs or small groups. When Has noticed Rayne's arrival, he couldn't help but feel delighted. He approached Rayne and said, "Rayne, you're finally here. Look, those over there are noble heirs aiming for the Baron evaluation."
The crowd dispersed, discussing in pairs or small groups. Rayne followed the flow back to the Navy Home Inn.
Moreover, throughout the day, a steady stream of young people arrived at the Navy Home Inn, carrying bulging luggage.
For a secret mission like this, the later the details were revealed, the safer it would be.
However, upon further reflection, considering the vast size of Minster Province, the number of people didn't seem excessive. Each county had at least seven or eight, and some had over ten.
After everyone was seated in the cabin, an officer distributed a stack of papers.
Evidently, his enlistment examination task could involve attacking a pirate camp, killing a wanted criminal, or even capturing a spy from the Eagle Federation.
"Sir, I can use a bit of wizardry, like the wind-based 'Levitation Spell.' Would that be considered a violation?" A young man who appeared to be a commoner's heir suddenly raised his hand and asked.
What a hassle! If it were a solo mission, it would be much simpler.
"For an excellent evaluation, you are required to kill the first mates or higher of the Bloodsail Pirates. Their strength is generally at the level of Great Knights. Note: This is dangerous, and it is not recommended for those with insufficient strength to take unnecessary risks."
"It shouldn't be a problem. I haven't heard of any upper-class noble heirs participating in this examination in Minster Province."
If he had known the task beforehand, he could have prepared more specifically.
"32, huh? A team mission?" Rayne was surprised to find himself assigned to a team mission.
Rayne observed the situation, and it was similar to what he had sensed earlier. These individuals should have at least Senior Knight-level strength, while most of the others were at the level of formal knights.
If only he could switch with Has, Rayne thought to himself.
"Why didn't you tell us earlier?"
Additionally, with Rayne's strength as a Master Knight and his 23 points in Mental Acuity, he couldn't accurately judge everyone's strength, but he could still get a general sense of their capabilities.
As the Rear Admiral explained, Rayne quickly glanced over the papers.
"Vice-Captain and Captain of the 'Ruler,' Kraut Dagen, Diviner and Captain of the 'Sunken Ship,' Mara Naser, and Captain of the 'Hooked,' Bilger Jamal, all possess Master Knight-level strength. Likewise, it is recommended that you avoid them."
At 7:00 PM sharp.
"Huh? You got a team mission? Rayne, you're so lucky." Has looked at Rayne with envy.
These young people walked with steady strides and exuded a sense of calm. They were undoubtedly knights participating in the enlistment examination, and Rayne estimated there were dozens of them.
At this moment, many young people who had also drawn team missions whispered to each other, their faces filled with joy.
However, Rayne reconsidered. With his strength as a Master Knight, he was clearly among the top participants in the enlistment examination. If even he found it challenging, it would be even more difficult for others.
Upon hearing this, Rayne's eyes flickered as he looked at the four portraits on the paper.
The first portrait that caught his attention was that of the leader of the Bloodsail Pirates, Bloody Hand Will.
His light brown hair was wild and untamed, hanging loosely at the back. Some strands around his ears were braided into small braids, and his thick beard was also braided into a single plait. He had a wide mouth and large eyes.
Even though he wore only a ship captain's hat, he exuded the aura of a powerful and bold pirate leader!
Second Update
(End of Chapter)
Chapter end
Report
