Chapter 257: Bestowal (IV)
The Noble Rank system of the Kingdom of Ashen did not follow the traditional five-tier aristocracy of the Northern Regions. Instead, it borrowed the concept of Reputation from that system, but in reality, it was a far more intricate Eighteen-Rank Peerage System. Each major noble title had three sub-levels—so even the most basic citizen was divided into First-Class, Second-Class, and Third-Class tiers.
Take Lanpu, for instance. As the highest-ranking First-Rank Duke, his chest bore the Inferno Emblem, adorned with an additional Dragon Wing Engraving—a clear mark of the Red Dragon’s special favor.
These noble ranks were not tied to land ownership. They determined only one’s status, privileges, and eligibility for Dragon Bloodline Bestowal within the kingdom. More importantly, they were rarely inherited by bloodline—instead, they were earned through merit, and could be upgraded based on proven achievement.
This time, due to Kai Xiusu’s political goal of dissolving the divide between Humans and Monsters, as well as strategic considerations for public perception, the criteria for bestowal were kept deliberately simple—so simple, in fact, that a few Humans had been deliberately included.
But as the Kingdom continued to expand, the standards for noble titles would inevitably grow stricter. The evaluation of merit would become standardized, and the prestige of these ranks would steadily rise.
Under this system, the average Human soldier would reach the peak of their potential by attaining First-Class Citizen status. To advance beyond that, one would need more than mere persistence—professional strength and exceptional capability would be required.
This structure was designed to forge the Kingdom of Ashen into a far more formidable War Machine, one capable of dominating the future Anzeta War, and even the inevitable conflicts with the southern nations.
In time, there would be no more “Fortunate Ones.” Only those who had crawled from the Sea of Blood, scarred and hardened, would stand tall.
And when nearly fifty thousand Server Launch Players flooded into the world, they too would become cogs in this machine—integral parts of the Kingdom of Ashen’s War Chariot, grinding down every force that dared stand in its path.
“Master, the Bestowal may begin,” Lanpu said softly, carefully.
Kai Xiusu gave a slight nod, silent.
Now, simply by the aura he radiated—unintentional yet overwhelming—and the weight of years of accumulated authority, he could command the loyalty of tens of thousands. The Red Dragon needed no explanation. A mere gesture, a flicker of intent, and legions would rush forward, eager to serve. Even the smallest of his actions would be scrutinized and interpreted by the masses.
Like this Award Ceremony, already many sharp minds had sensed Kai Xiusu’s intent: to elevate Humans to power. And they all knew—resistance was meaningless.
“Roar—!”
The Red Dragon lifted his head slightly, letting out a thunderous, awe-inspiring roar. His vast wings unfurled, spreading wide like a storm’s shadow. From his colossal, blood-filled maw poured scorching white smoke. Brilliant flames erupted from the porous organs along his neck and tail, while the Dragon Crystal on his chest blazed with an unbearable radiance—so intense it resembled a miniature sun, forcing nearly everyone in the arena to shield their eyes.
Bloodline Gift
Then, streams of crackling, energy-charged flame shot upward from the summit of the high platform. Like glowing filaments, they spiraled through the air, connecting to the three Dukes’ bodies.
Each pulsating seed—containing the essence of Ancestral Dragon Strength—flowed into their veins, merging with their bloodlines. Though they had already undergone prior Dragon Bloodline infusion, this new bestowal brought no drastic physical changes—only a profound, soul-deep Life Tier ascension.
The entire ritual lasted nearly ten minutes.
This transformation was total, magical, and irreversible. The Evolution was now inevitable—manifesting not only in their spirit, but in their very flesh.
“Not bad,” Kai Xiusu murmured, nodding in approval.
In his vision, the Challenge Rating of Warlord of the Giant Ogres – Dolo had surged to Level 12—and still climbing. Sword of Broken Oaths – Meizhuolashi had reached Level 13. And Great Wise One – Lanpu had ascended to an almost terrifying Level 15.
Once fully assimilated, these three would be nearly unmatched within the Anzeta Great Wasteland.
Then, with a flick of his will, something even more astonishing occurred.
With a sharp crackling of flame, the filaments flowing into the Dukes’ bodies instantly split into multiple strands—each branching out to connect with seven Marquis, then splitting again, embedding into twelve Barons.
The recipients who already bore Dragon Blood received the seed of Bloodline Strength, poised for further evolution.
But those who had never before tasted Dragon blood underwent violent, agonizing transformations. In shrieks of pain, they surged toward higher forms of life.
Take Dailenna, the famed “Flower of Northern Wind Keep”—spiral horns burst from her forehead, faint scales began to form on her cheeks, and she let out low, guttural moans.
Take Gielermo, Lanpu’s human assistant—a mage who curled into a ball, wrapping himself in his long robes. But the dragon horns pierced through his spine, tearing through fabric and flesh alike.
Yet despite the agony, most retained a basic Human form—only now marked by subtle Dragon Traits, and infused with the very essence of magic.
Compared to the wild, uncontrolled frenzy of the Red Dragon’s earlier bloodline gifts, Kai Xiusu now wielded this power with precision. He adjusted the intensity to match each recipient’s physical resilience—ensuring the power flowed without incinerating them alive.
Hundreds of glowing threads, shimmering with flame-light, cascaded down like a waterfall of fire, or a vast, intricate web of Flame Silk—binding all recipients together, pouring the Might of the Dragon into their very souls.
The crowd looked up, staring at the radiant filaments, at the Red Dragon, blazing like a sun in the sky.
In their hearts, one word echoed—unspoken, yet universal.
—Miracle.
Yes. Miracle.
Compared to the King’s usual rewards, this Award Ceremony felt less like a political ritual and more like Divine Grace bestowed upon faithful followers.
Many had witnessed the tedious, ceremonial bestowals of the Northern Kingdoms’ Dukes—grand, solemn, and impressive. Yet even their combined majesty could not match a single fraction of what they were witnessing now.
Kai Xiusu’s status within the Royal Realm had now drawn closer to that of a godlike presence.
He no longer needed to micromanage the kingdom’s affairs. Merely existing within it was enough to deter any foolhardy attack.
Among the crowd, Falor Trelshad shielded his eyes with trembling hands.
He collapsed to the ground, trembling uncontrollably, his voice cracking with terror.
“How… could this… even exist?”
“This… thing… how could anyone possibly defeat it?”
But the man did not notice the glint in the eyes of those around him—men who now stared with naked greed.
They wanted to be the new George.
“Seize him!”
“He’s a spy!”
Shouts erupted from all sides, as people surged forward—fearless, desperate, each wanting to claim the prize before it slipped away. They could not afford to miss this chance to become a First-Class Citizen.
The crowd erupted once more into a frenzy.
(End of Chapter)
Chapter end
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