Chapter 188: Beast Knight

Chapter 188: Beast Knight



From the leg of the Blue Helmet Pigeon, Rain retrieved a small wooden cylinder the thickness of a thumb, and upon opening the stopper, he found a note from the Crowley family:

"Baron Norman has challenged you to a bloody duel today. It is said that he has also informed Count Habsburg at the same time. According to reliable sources, the opponent has consumed a rare potion and regained peak strength, possibly challenging the level of a Great Knight (unconfirmed). Please consider carefully whether to return to Maist County in the near future. - Jennifer"

After reading the letter from the beautiful lady, Rain's first reaction was to heave a sigh of relief.

"Good, it's not a family matter or something that happened to Jennifer herself."

"Bloody duel?" Rain murmured thoughtfully.

He had learned about this term after being granted the title of Baron. It was typically used to resolve irreconcilable conflicts between nobles and could be classified into ordinary duels and bloody duels.

Ordinary duels allowed for surrender, but in a bloody duel, the word 'bloody' represented much more. There was no surrender; only the death of one party would end it! While ordinary duels were occasionally witnessed, bloody duels were far less common. In a place like Maist County, it was normal to go a year or two without witnessing a single bloody duel.

"So, I don't think this Baron Norman is necessarily a match for Rain."

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"Now, the opponent has regained their peak strength through a rare potion, and with their rich combat experience and formidable power, they are likely an opponent Rain has never faced before." The beautiful lady spoke with a concerned expression.

They knew that the troubles plaguing Lachmont Fishing Port had been resolved!

"How could Rain be so strong?" Has muttered to himself.

After traveling through this forest for another half a day, Rain would arrive at Maist County City.

"That's him! The dark horse, carrying two weapons, a greatsword and a two-handed warhammer, both fitting him well. Quick, go and report this!" A middle-aged man named Haji smiled and said.

"Interesting!"

It would be a waste of talent to not give this opportunity to Has!

"Also, it seems we won't have time to go to Rosby City this time. I originally wanted to visit Evelyn and Major Marika."

However, it was several years ago that he retired from the Navy and returned.

The Ironback Turtles' shells were incredibly heavy, so Rain planned to have Has find a merchant caravan to transport them.

Riding his horse, Rain slowly came to a stop.

Alonso nodded, understanding what Rain meant.

However, Rain only glanced at these people once and then turned his attention to the large carriage behind them.

With only 1 remaining skill point and 3 unused attribute points, Rain began to cut the Ironback Turtles' shells into large pieces. After slightly roasting them over the campfire, he stacked them up, as the naturally convex shells made excellent shield materials.

But then, the crowd erupted in cheers.

Beside Has, his younger brother looked up in confusion. He rarely saw his brother in such a state, so he curiously asked, "Brother, what's impossible?"

At that time, Rain felt a vague sense of familiarity with the middle-aged man's appearance, but he couldn't pinpoint the source of this familiarity.

Indeed, after receiving the documents and briefly flipping through them, Alonso soon laughed as well.

Inside the carriage, a tall and slender man sat upright, wearing a gray Knight's plate armor.

Rain found this situation utterly absurd!

Soon, after preparing the turtle shells, Rain rode his horse south for a short distance before turning back to Lachmont Fishing Port. He approached two seemingly honest and kind-hearted town residents, giving them a silver coin and a message for Has:

Rain thought for a moment, and his eyes lit up as he remembered! Several months ago, at his home in Flashgold Town, he had encountered an attack by a middle-aged swordsman in the dense forest near his home.

How could there be such deep-seated hatred between these two barons, a generation apart in age!

Although the beautiful lady felt relieved after hearing her daughter's explanation, the worry between her brows didn't dissipate. She shook her head and said, "It's different. This opponent is unlike any Rain has faced before."

After some thought, Rain quickly wrote a reply with a quill pen and placed it in the Blue Helmet Pigeon with a silver coin.

But he also knew that this largely depended on his mastery of the Great Bear Breath, otherwise, there was no reason for Level 7 Great Bear Sword Technique to remain at the Mastery level while Level 7 Thunderclap Hammer Technique had advanced to the next realm.

Outside the carriage, a bearded man with mutton chops spoke through the small window to the person inside, "President Joe, by defeating this kid, we'll really get a reward of two thousand Imperial gold coins?"

"Impossible, impossible!"

Baron Norman, being of the same age as her father, should have little interaction with Rain, so why would he suddenly issue a duel invitation?

'Beast Knight' Giovanni, as the leader of the Wilderness Brotherhood, was a Peak Knight, but he possessed a beastly ultimate move. With his full power, even a Great Knight could withstand a blow or two.

Upon seeing the neatly arranged Ironback Turtles' shells, Has immediately understood what Rain meant by 'having a merchant caravan transport the turtle shells'!

"Now, we can only postpone it to another day!"

"It's been verified, it's true! Sir, according to the information, Baron Norman is determined to engage in a bloody duel with Rain.

"So, you want me to go to the beach at the estuary?" Has was initially confused by the request.

But the next moment, Rain's confusion grew as he wondered about the sudden appearance of Norman Baron.

Despite having his shell removed, the giant turtle was quickly identified by the crowd.

Hearing his mother's explanation, Jennifer couldn't help but furrow her brows slightly.

"Hmm! It's said that Norman Baron has recovered to his peak, and he's already preparing to break through to the Great Knight level in the next few days. Most likely, he intends to attempt the breakthrough after the bloody duel with Rain."

"Hmm? Norman Baron doesn't even give your father face?" Alonso was taken aback upon hearing this.

"Don't worry, Mother. I'll handle this."

Earlier, after the Level 3 Sorcerer apprentice Adams attacked him, a young employee from Adams' store mentioned:

"In Rosby City, at the training grounds of the Navy House Inn, Rain politely declined the suggestion to spar, and after the knighting ceremony, he went to inquire about it."

Rain vaguely recalled Master Gunther mentioning that the level after Master is the Master level.

Has approached and saw a pile of neatly arranged thick turtle shells, freshly cut, lying nearby.

"Oh?" Alonso noticed Michelle's beaming smile and knew that she had some good news to share.

This caused Michelle, the butler, to look at her master with a puzzled expression.

Wait!

As Has arrived at the beach near the estuary with a group of watchmen and night watchmen, a bloody mound of meat was being torn apart by birds of prey.

He knew that the real target was inside, and these people were merely 'small fry.'

"This..." Jennifer was at a loss for words.

He remembered.

Yes, it was those words! And the way they were spoken, with an air of superiority, as if offering a favor, he initially thought it was a noble, but it turned out to be someone from Dennis' family!

However, Michelle, the butler who had just left, returned with a peculiar expression.

"I'm not entirely sure, but I sent someone to inquire. This matter is beyond reconciliation. Norman Baron has issued a duel invitation to Rain and also informed and registered with Count Habsburg."

It's worth noting that the Great Knight is a significant figure, with only a few among dozens of formal knights. Whether in the Imperial Military or administrative institutions, a Great Knight carries considerable weight. — Three days later.

"Haha, that's right! It's Rain, that guy!" Has laughed heartily.

"This is a bloody duel again, and he's targeting me?"

After completing his tasks, Rain mounted his tall black horse and rode swiftly towards Master County.

If that's the case, Norman Baron is Dennis' father.

Hearing this, Alonso's smile faded, and he asked, "What about my father?"

At this moment, along the winding path through the dense forest, several people were scattered, working in pairs, seemingly observing and searching for something.

Everyone's eyes widened in shock at the sight before them! It's the Ironback Turtle with strength comparable to a Great Knight!

"Is this information true?"

Additionally, it's said that after the bloody duel with Rain, Norman Baron intends to challenge the Great Knight level, and now he's in a critical state, ready to break through! But Baron has invited a third party, a backup to deal with Rain? And his strength surpasses both of them?

Alonso was well aware of Norman Baron's background. The Baron, a retired Imperial Navy veteran, is extremely experienced in combat. If not for an old injury that never fully healed, he could have challenged the Great Knight level and earned the rank of Imperial Navy Commodore.

"However, Norman Baron's strength is likely formidable! Although Jennifer isn't entirely certain, if he truly intends to challenge the Great Knight level, he must possess strength on par with mine."

[You have experienced a battle, Knight (Extraordinary) Experience Points +379]



Has' eyes widened in surprise, and a flash of lightning crossed his mind. His mouth slightly agape, he muttered, "It can't be..."

But does his grudge with Rain run this deep? Rain was perplexed. His interaction with Creya was minimal, and it's unusual for a Baron to take up his son's cause, engaging in a bloody duel on his behalf.

Half an hour later.

"This Rain is in high demand! On the Black Flame Church's hit list and now Norman Baron's duel opponent. I wonder who will be the one to take his life, Michelle. Haha!"

Indeed, a large group of mercenaries appeared in the distance, blocking Rain's path, armed with various weapons."

"Mother, what's Norman Baron's current strength? Is he a Peak Knight? Have you investigated?"

After the incident, Night Watch Captain Matteo, who was of small stature, had given Rain a portrait of a middle-aged man, drawn by the young employee based on his memory.

These two individuals are already close to the peak of Master County's fighting prowess. Could there be someone even stronger who will intervene?

Thinking it over, Rain came up with a solution.

"Norman Baron is of the same generation as your father, and his strength is formidable. In his youth, he had the potential to challenge the Great Knight level, but during his naval service, he suffered a severe injury in battle. Despite recovering, the lingering internal injury prevented him from achieving the Great Knight level, leading to his retirement."

Chapter: The Unveiling Truth

Jennifer, concerned, wondered about the situation.

Alonso, upon hearing this, had a peculiar expression, followed by unrestrained laughter.

Michelle, the housekeeper, entered, wearing a golden lace-trimmed dress with a one-shoulder design and a light purple skirt, sat gracefully at her desk, her posture upright.

The group was unsure how to handle the 'meat mountain' and the valuable turtle shell. According to tradition, the victor claims ownership and distribution rights over the spoils.

"I'm not entirely sure about the timing yet," Michelle added.

"Oh, and Michelle, take three bottles of Divine Blood to Baron Norman as a token of my appreciation," Alonso instructed after some thought.

It was him!

"Jennifer, has there been any news from Rain?" Michelle asked her daughter, her brows furrowed with worry.

As he examined it closely, the middle-aged man's appearance became increasingly familiar, resembling Dennis.

Additionally, the massive body of the Ironback Turtle, like a desert, could yield a ton of high-quality Savage Beast Meat with minimal processing. Such meat from large savage beasts is a waste to discard.

After this battle, the Knight (Extraordinary) reached level 5 (597/2000), and Thunderclap Hammer Technique advanced to level 7 (1690/5000)."

"Captain Has, I think you should take a look at this," a watchman said, his face slightly unnatural.

"Look! Has, isn't this the person the Wilderness Brotherhood asked us to keep an eye on?" a thin, middle-aged man asked his partner.

Of course, the decision ultimately rested with Rain.

As the flapping wings sounded, Blue Helmet Pigeon shot towards the northern sky!

"This time, even the Goddess of Luck couldn't save him," Michelle agreed with a smile.

"Moreover, Rain is so capable!"

"He's just a bit stronger than me. The assessment was merely good."

"Mother, why did Baron Norman challenge Rain to a bloody duel?" Jennifer tried to change the subject, as she had wanted to ask this question for a while.

"What? What if he succeeds?" Jennifer exclaimed, covering her mouth in surprise.

"To slay an Ironback Turtle comparable to a Great Knight, what strength is this?"

Even Rain, in attempting to cut it open, struggled.

After discussing with her mother, she felt that informing them would only cause unnecessary worry.

"A middle-aged man entered not long ago, and Adams dismissed him. So, the detailed conversation and the man's identity remain unclear, but since his arrival, Adams has disappeared."

"Also, I heard he directly declined the Count's persuasion."

However, his reliance on Hammer Technique barely reached the half-step Master level, still distinct from a true Master.

"Let's discuss this later!"

"In my previous life, I always heard of doting mothers spoiling their sons. Is this a doting father spoiling his son?" Rain shook his head, speechless!

"This Rain, when did he develop such deep grudges with Baron Norman!"

Now, the truth was revealed! Understanding this, Rain felt a surge of anger.

"It seems I've made an extraordinary friend!"

"Indeed, the Goddess of Luck couldn't save him! Besides these two, there's one last insurance policy," Alonso said with conviction.

Alonso's words left a lasting impression on him.

Rain felt no fear! His training with Master Gunther yielded valuable insights, particularly regarding Belief.

But when Has heard the message: "Find a merchant caravan to send the turtle shell to me!"

Fortunately, Rain's new residence guards, from her family, immediately grasped the situation's importance and reported to her mother.

"After receiving the bloody duel application, the Count originally intended to persuade Baron Norman to withdraw, but the Baron declined!" Michelle explained with a smile.

Michelle's face froze. Could there be a Great Knight-level expert intending to directly confront Rain? Even with Rain's talent, this duel seemed inevitable!

Alonso had just returned from prison to his residence when Michelle approached with a smile, "Baron, I think you should see this." Michelle respectfully handed Alonso a thin stack of information.

"The problem is resolved. At the beach, gather more people for the spoils, and find a merchant caravan to send the turtle shell to me. - Rain."

Although Rain's gaze couldn't penetrate the carriage, his level 3 'Danger Sense' warned him.

"If I'd known, I wouldn't have wasted so much time at Magis."

Also in Master County.

"If Norman Baron breaks through, he will likely be promoted or reassigned to the Imperial Navy," Michelle explained.

With the evidence in hand, Has's suspicions were confirmed. At the same time, he also realized that Rain wanted him to send the turtle shell, but he didn't mention the large amount of Savage Beast Meat. Clearly, Rain intended for Has to handle the disposal of the Scaled Ironback Turtle's remains. Has was thrilled, as this was a huge fortune for him! — Maist City.

With Norman Baron's strength restored to its peak, his power might be even greater. His long years of service in the Navy had given him extensive combat experience.

Rain did indeed deliver the message to Has, but the watchmen were still unaware of it! They thought it was some other powerful Savage Beast that killed the Scaled Ironback Turtle, but now it seems that it wasn't because beasts wouldn't cut open the turtle shell and arrange it neatly.

This should be beyond the level of proficiency, reaching a higher level of realm.

"For a trivial matter of jealousy over my son, he repeatedly attacked me! If I wasn't strong enough, I'd probably be buried by now!"

"Hmm?"

Since his return, good news kept coming one after another for Alonso.

"In other words, from the very beginning, he was determined to refuse any mediation and insisted on this bloody duel!"

"Hahaha! This is interesting!" Alonso suddenly burst into laughter.

If a Great Swordsman is one who has an invincible belief in the power of their sword to cut through all obstacles, then Rain is gradually realizing that having a firm belief in one's ability to defeat powerful enemies is also an extremely powerful boost!

On his knee, there was a very strange polearm, like a stretched-out scythe, with a handle about a meter long and a blade also about a meter long.

As soon as the words were spoken, Has, still recovering from his injuries, rushed out. As soon as he reached the street, he immediately shouted to two patrolling watchmen: "Jermy, get ten people and follow me!"

"Baron, Malar has sent a secret message that 'Beast Knight' Giovanni has recovered from his injuries and stated that he will look for an opportunity to kill Rain in the coming days."

At the same time, Rain recalled the feeling he had when Tokkar Hammer Technique reached lv7.

"So this middle-aged man is Norman Baron, and it was him who hired or asked Adams to attack me!"

Suddenly, Has realized something, and his eyes lit up. "It seems like I filled in these details myself. Now that I think about it, Rain never directly answered my questions!"

"Well, you can say he's a Peak Knight, but the difference from a Great Knight isn't significant. I bribed a male servant from the Norman family and learned that he seems to be preparing to challenge the Great Knight in the next few days and is currently gathering the necessary items."

He knew that soon, the other party would likely take action!

This kind of situation is extremely rare!

He was familiar with this name but couldn't remember where he had heard it.

At that moment, Rain suddenly remembered that because of the sudden appearance of the message in a bottle, he had been busy dealing with the Scaled Ironback Turtle's heart and hadn't checked the system prompt: [Your skill Tokkar Hammer Technique has been improved, experience +1336].

However, she quickly adjusted her mindset and comforted him, "You know Rain's strength. He was already strong, and now that he's gone for further training, he'll likely become even stronger!"

This made Alonso a little puzzled, and he asked, "Is there something else?"

Rain remembered his exact words: "I'm giving you a chance. If you're willing to pledge loyalty to the Norman family, it will be the best decision of your life."

Rain took out the thin sheepskin scroll from his pocket.

"Yes, sir!" Michelle bowed and slowly retreated from the room.

In a study room within the Crowley family mansion.

Suddenly, a flash of inspiration crossed Rain's mind.

"Don't worry. I'll arrive in Maist four days later. Under the premise of ensuring safety, gather information about Norman Baron. Also, take care of my family's emotions. — Rain"

Rain had noticed the glances that occasionally landed on him as he entered this forest, and these glances were becoming more frequent.

"Rain's message?"

Seeing her mother's concern for Rain, Jenny felt a tinge of sourness in her heart. She never expected that Rain would become her mother's man.

Lachmont Fishing Port, outside Has's house.

So this was Norman's plan, no wonder he didn't need to ask for his father's favor.

Currently, Rain's parents and sister were still unaware of this news.

"After delivering the bloody duel invitation to Rain's new residence, Norman Baron immediately submitted a bloody duel application to your father, Habsburg Count."

The error-free version is available at 69 Book Bar! 6=9+Book_Bar, the first to release this novel.

The burly man asked the question and then turned to look at Rain's youthful face, his eyes gleaming with desire for money.

"Huh? Is Commander Sim interested in trying? Of course, if your Wild Wolf Bandits can take him down, I'll give you two thousand Imperial Gold Coins, not a single coin less." Giovanni, hidden behind his armor, revealed a meaningful smile.

Having someone take the lead was naturally a welcome offer.

"President Joe, rest assured! Leave it to us." The burly man with the bushy mustache patted his chest and said confidently.

(End of Chapter)

Chapter end