Chapter 167: Scoring

Chapter 167: Scoring



The explosion that split the Sunken Ship in half was witnessed by all the newly-appointed knights participating in the Enlistment Examination, including the red-haired girl Evelyn, who personally saw Rayne Kalan's involvement. The others, however, only heard the loud blast and saw the burning and severed Sunken Ship.

Naturally, they assumed it was the work of the Imperial Navy and didn't consider the possibility that one of the young examinees was responsible.

On the other hand, perhaps due to confidentiality regulations, the examination group members and navy officers who witnessed Rayne's ship-bombing remained tight-lipped about the incident, not revealing a word about the situation.

The only other witness, Evelyn, was introverted and a bit proud, and she had no desire to spread the news.

As a result, none of the other young examinees knew that Rayne was behind the ship-bombing.

Rayne himself, of course, wouldn't proactively boast about it.

At this moment, Rayne sat quietly in a chair inside the cabin, replaying the entire battle in his mind, seemingly unaffected by the noise in the ship's cabin.

If the diviner Mara's thin protective film had blocked his Earth-shattering Hammer, then in the subsequent battle, the Sunken Ship's first mate and master-at-arms, both senior knights, would have inevitably joined the fight.

However, Rayne had released a High Temperature Field that lasted for about a minute, and the battle took place in the relatively small and enclosed captain's rest room, giving him a significant advantage.

Defeating the few opponents would just require a bit more effort. The only situation where he might fail was if Mara, after blocking his attack, immediately chose to flee.

In that case, Mara's familiarity with the Sunken Ship might allow him to escape, and Rayne would be exhausted from killing the blocking Bloodsail pirates along the way.

This would greatly increase the variables.

Even if Rayne eventually managed to blow up the Sunken Ship, Mara would surely escape, significantly diminishing his overall performance.

However, upon further reflection, Rayne realized that this possibility wasn't very high.

After all, the Sunken Ship was Mara's lair, and he had many treasures stored in the captain's cabin. Moreover, he had never fought Rayne before.

If the roles were reversed, Rayne wouldn't abandon his treasured possessions and quickly flee his lair after a single encounter.

Speaking of treasured possessions, Rayne couldn't help but glance down at the black bag at his feet, containing the spoils of war from the diviner Mara.

Actually, there was only a small iron box inside the black bag.

Rayne had considered that carrying a small iron box would be too eye-catching, so he found a black bag to cover it.

This way, it wouldn't stand out as much.

Many newly-appointed knights had acquired various items during the Enlistment Examination, all stored in black bags of different sizes.

The small box found under the bed in the captain's rest room contained a fish-scale scroll with a water-based magic called Water Healing Spell, which Rayne suspected was Mara's signature water-based magic, based on the information provided by the Imperial Navy.

For most wizard apprentices, obtaining an opponent's signature magic would be a cause for great joy, but for Rayne, it was slightly disappointing, as it wasn't the most compatible with his fire-based magic.

He already had plenty of magic to learn, including Adams's two curses, and now he had to add Water Healing Spell.

While these magics could be learned, their power or effectiveness would be significantly reduced, hence the concept of affinity.

Next, there was a letter in Mara's iron box, which wasn't particularly important in itself. It was a letter Mara had written to a friend, but it contained a piece of valuable information.

In Rayne's opinion, this information was as valuable as the Water Healing Spell he had just obtained.

The letter mentioned a mysterious market in Rosby City called the Nightingale Market, which reminded Rayne of the Bat Market in Maester.

Perhaps he would find something useful to him in this mysterious market in Rosby City.

Lastly, there was an interesting item in the small iron box: half of a treasure map.

When Rayne saw it, he couldn't help but smile. He hadn't even embarked on a grand voyage, yet he had already found a treasure map.

Normally, Rayne wasn't very interested in treasure maps because the pirates' hidden gold and silver treasures weren't very tempting to him.

However, when Rayne saw Mara's handwritten notes on the back of the treasure map, he changed his mind.

This was a pirate king's treasure!

Mara's meticulous investigation had revealed that the treasure map originated from a pirate king named Vincent Samburn, a fire-based wizard and a great pirate who had been active hundreds of years ago and was renowned for his fireball spell, which was comparable to a thirty-two-pound cannon.

It was said that a single fireball spell was more powerful than a thirty-two-pound cannon!

Especially when the target was a wooden ship, a fireball could not only shatter the hull but also ignite the ship, earning Vincent Samburn the title of "Ship-Burner."

Rayne couldn't help but yearn for the fireball spell.

Although he had no leads on the other half of the treasure map, he already had half of it.

What if he found the other half one day?

He would definitely add five skill points to learn the fireball spell! Three points wouldn't do justice to the word "fireball"!

After a night of fighting and meticulous calculations, the navy officers and the Imperial Enlistment Examination group who participated in the raid on Merit Island gathered in the conference room of the Imperial South Sea Fleet's Sixth Division base, located across from the Navy Home Inn.

A clear female voice was announcing the results.

The speaker was a female officer wearing a navy uniform, similar to Second Lieutenant Marika, except she had three stars on her shoulders, indicating the rank of captain.

"Felipe Kurban, for killing the first mate of the Hooked, three Bloodsail pirate leaders, and eight ordinary pirates, scored four hundred points."

"Bridger Sanchez, for killing the captain of the Hooked, Bilger Jamal, five Bloodsail pirate leaders, and three ordinary pirates, scored six hundred and fifteen points.

"

Upon hearing this, several people in the conference room murmured:

"Damn, if it weren't for Rayne, this would've been the top score in the Enlistment Examination, right?"

"Exactly, if it weren't for that ship-sinking Rayne, this would've been the first place!"

"This score, if it were in the previous two examinations, would've easily secured the top spot. I never expected it to be only second place this time." A member of the evaluation team, dressed in Noble Hunter's Attire, spoke up in a low voice.

"Rayne Kalan, for sinking the Sunken Ship, killing Captain Malah Nasir, the first mate, the master-at-arms, and twenty-two Bloodsail pirates, and capturing one hundred and forty-nine ordinary pirates."

The female captain paused, then continued, "Score: two thousand two hundred and eighty-five points!"

Perhaps due to this score, the female captain's voice was noticeably more spirited than before.

"Whoa~" Many in the conference room gasped in surprise.

"Tsk tsk!" Even more people expressed their astonishment.

Although the news of the ship-sinking incident had spread among the naval officers and the evaluation team the night before, many had already guessed that the new knight who sank the ship would receive an exceptionally high score.

But hearing the exaggerated score of over two thousand points, they were still amazed.

Not only did this score far surpass the second place, but the second-place score would've been the top score in previous Enlistment Examinations. This left everyone in awe!

'When was the last time such an outrageous score appeared in the Enlistment Examination?' Theo, Viscount of Rosby County, couldn't help but reminisce.

Even for the official who had overseen the Enlistment Examination for five years, such a score seemed unprecedented!

Even in the records of previous Enlistment Examinations in Rosby County, a score this high hadn't been seen in a long time!

"Ladies and gentlemen, the scores have been tallied!" The female captain declared firmly.

"Excellent, everyone has heard the results. Do any of the evaluators have any objections?" Rear Admiral Silva smiled and nodded to the female captain, indicating she could sit down.

"No objections!"

"None."

As Rear Admiral Silva's gaze shifted to each evaluator, they responded in turn.

At this moment, a male naval officer who served as an evaluator frowned and voiced a dissenting opinion:

"Regarding Rayne's actions, I have a question. His ship-sinking act hindered the planned assault on the Bloodsail flagship, the Bloodsail."

"Therefore, I believe his actions warrant a deduction in points for a more appropriate score."

As soon as the officer finished, some people nodded and whispered among themselves.

"That does make sense."

"Rayne's actions had an element of cunning, and points should be deducted."

"Indeed, his strength is impressive, but not enough to outscore the second place by such a large margin."

".

"I object!" At this moment, a female naval officer with a melodious voice stood up.

"I believe we must first clarify whether participants in the Enlistment Examination are required to report their personal actions in advance."

"I think, whether in the instructions or during the actual operation, there was no such requirement."

"Since this is the case, from the perspective of the examinees, maximizing the use of available resources to increase the number of kills is perfectly reasonable." As she spoke, her beautiful eyes scanned the room.

Many thought for a moment, then nodded in agreement. It seemed to make sense.

Seeing this, the female officer smiled and continued:

"Additionally, Knight Rayne's ability to combine information from the records with the actual situation on-site and execute it effectively is the key to his exceptional score."

Upon hearing this, Rear Admiral Silva also looked at the female officer with appreciation.

This was the very reason he valued Rayne so highly.

Aside from Rayne's impressive strength, his ability to identify critical issues and act swiftly was invaluable. Such young talents were rare in the entire Imperial Navy, let alone the Sixth Division of the Southern Fleet.

Seeing no further objections, Rear Admiral Silva turned to Theo, Viscount of Rosby County, and said, "Viscount, as the official in charge of the Enlistment Examination, the decision is yours."

Theo, Viscount of Rosby County, smiled and nodded, "Rear Admiral Silva, I believe the score stands. However, according to the rules, we should still hold a vote."

"Of course, it's a necessary procedure. Those in favor of Rayne's current score, please raise your hands." Rear Admiral Silva smiled and raised his right hand.

Naturally, Theo, Viscount of Rosby County, also raised his hand.

Seeing the two senior officials reach an agreement, the others quickly followed suit, raising their hands.

The male naval officer's mouth twitched slightly, but he too raised his hand.

"Unanimous decision."

After the conference room emptied, Rear Admiral Silva smiled at Theo, Viscount of Rosby County, and said, "Viscount, as I mentioned last night, I need your assistance."

"Of course, Rear Admiral Silva, what can I do for you?"

"After reviewing Rayne's resume, I never expected that such a talented Imperial youth would be merely a deputy security officer in Golden Coast. It's such a waste of talent."

"Viscount Theo, may I make a request? When the examination results are delivered, could you also hand over the transfer order to Rayne."

"I believe such an energetic young man should serve the Imperial Navy. It would be a shame if he doesn't."

Upon hearing this, Theo, Viscount of Rosby County, smiled slightly.

He had suspected that Rear Admiral Silva's request would be related to Rayne, and it turned out to be true.

Take it slow, it might even take two months or more.

According to the rules, the results of the Enlistment Examination can be announced and communicated to the participants within three months after the examination.

For Viscount Theodorus, granting the title in advance is not an issue.

As long as he informs the Imperial Senate, the result can be confirmed within three days, and Rayne will be granted the title of Baron.

This level of operation does not violate the Empire's regulations and is within his authority.

So, General Silva's favor can be done without a hitch!

"Of course, General Silva, I agree with your opinion. For such talented and ambitious young people, they should be placed in positions that suit them," said Theodorus with a mischievous smile.

What does 'put them in positions that suit them' mean? Navy Rear Admiral Silva couldn't help but feel a bit of sarcasm.

Could a normal person say such a roundabout thing? Not long after returning to the Navy Home Inn, a slightly hurried knocking sound came from Rayne's room.

"Knock, knock, knock!"

When Rayne opened the door, he saw Has, who was standing outside with a delighted expression.

Has grabbed Rayne's arms and said excitedly, "Rayne! I passed! Haha!"

"Has, I thought you were on a solo mission. But isn't the result of the Enlistment Examination only known after a month?" Rayne asked, a little confused.

"My examination requirement was to kill five squidmen, but I successfully killed six. These damn deep-sea fishmen are much stronger than regular fishmen! Not even a Knight can compare to them!" Has chattered on.

"And their damn ink ability, it's toxic and obscures your vision, making it easy to fall for their tricks!"

However, Rayne could tell that Has was simply too happy and wanted to share his joy with someone.

After talking for a while, Has suddenly remembered something and asked, "Rayne, sorry, I forgot to ask you, how did your examination go?"

"With your strength, you should have a good chance of getting a good evaluation, right?"

Has looked at Rayne and asked seriously.

Since Rayne had saved him from those people, Has knew that Rayne was strong, but he wasn't sure by how much.

Has had invited Rayne to train with him several times, but Rayne had declined.

However, he believed that Rayne had the strength of a Senior Knight. After all, there were two official Knights among those people, and a regular Knight might not be able to handle them.

"This... should be no problem," Rayne thought for a moment and nodded.

If he were to say that he should get an excellent evaluation, Rayne felt it would be too much.

Moreover, he didn't want to dampen the spirits of his new friend, who was currently in such a happy state.

"You're truly worthy of praise! Getting a good evaluation is amazing!" Has exclaimed, patting Rayne's shoulder.

At that moment, the sound of boots thumping down the corridor came from one end, and a slender female Lieutenant Commander Marika appeared. She had changed into a new Navy uniform and was walking towards Rayne.

When she reached the two of them, Has, who was usually talkative, blushed slightly and lowered his head, becoming quiet all of a sudden.

Lieutenant Commander Marika turned to Rayne and asked, "Knight Rayne, may I have a private conversation with you?"

"Ah? Of course, of course!" Has scratched his head and stammered.

After Has left, Lieutenant Commander Marika smiled at Rayne and said, "Knight Rayne, I just received a message that you need to stay at the Navy Home Inn for three more days. Is that okay?"

"Sure, no problem," Rayne hesitated for a moment but quickly agreed.

He didn't ask the reason.

Three days might be just enough time for him to find the mysterious market, 'Nightingale Market'.

Moreover, this was an opportunity for him to learn more about the outside world. It seemed that Rosby City had much more information than Merit Island.

After all, he had been staying in Shangjin Town and rarely had the chance to learn about some of the outside world's affairs.

Seeing Rayne's agreement, Lieutenant Commander Marika's beautiful eyes glanced at him with a strange look and said with a smile, "Knight Rayne, you're doing a great job!"

After saying this, the female Colonel Marika turned and left! This left Rayne a little confused. Just five or six hours ago, this beautiful Lieutenant Commander had angrily complained to him, but now she was praising him.

However, the feeling of being praised by someone was still quite nice.

So, that afternoon, while most of the newly promoted Knights, including Has, were packing their bags and preparing to return, Rayne, who had received the message, decided to stay put.

Meanwhile, in a mansion in Maester County Town, in the underground hall.

"Master Priest, after several days of investigation, the Druid that injured Giovanni should no longer be in Shangjin Town," Black Flame Adept Lamar respectfully reported to the corpulent figure seated at the end of the hall.

"Hmm? You mean the Druid who suddenly appeared was just passing by?" The Master Priest's tone was filled with surprise.

Seven or eight days ago, when he heard the news of Giovanni's severe injury, he was shocked.

He never expected that a new Knight from a small town could have a connection with a Druid.

If that were the case, they would have to investigate further.

"This cannot be confirmed. Since Rayne is also not in Shangjin Town, I cannot determine if there is a connection between the two of them through targeted investigations."

In response to the Master Priest's question, Black Flame Adept Lamar thought for a moment and answered cautiously.

"What do you mean?"

"Master Priest, according to reliable information, Rayne should have gone to Rosby City several days ago to participate in the Noble Enlistment Examination. Therefore, whether there is a connection between Rayne and the Druid who injured Giovanni, we cannot confirm at this time."

"Additionally, we have no leads on the origins of that Druid." Black Flame Adept Lamar struggled to continue.

His entire response seemed rather perfunctory, even in his own eyes.

But he had tried his best!

On the day Giovanni returned injured, he was assigned the task of investigating the Druid.

He had been worried, as Giovanni was no match for the Druid, and he was even less likely to be. After several days of careful investigation, he finally confirmed that the Druid was no longer in Shangjin Town.

But at that time, he also discovered that Rayne was no longer in Shangjin Town.

(End of Chapter)

Chapter end