Chapter 373: Collecting Debts in the Imperial Capital

Chapter 373: Collecting Debts in the Imperial Capital

Li Ren's words echoed back to Greenwood, leaving him in a state of disbelief.

For Greenwood, who had always held himself in high regard, this moment felt like a thousand needles piercing his heart.

As a scion of a high-ranking noble family from the Imperial Capital, this was the first time he had encountered such a situation, being lectured by a 'rural commoner' from the lower ranks.

In the eyes of the people of Tamriel, the Imperial Capital, the other provinces were all considered 'rural' areas. Many ordinary citizens of the capital held this view, so it was no surprise that the young nobles who grew up in the capital would feel the same.

If this incident were to spread among the other noble scions in the capital, Greenwood would become a laughingstock within their circle.

"You!" Greenwood's face turned red with anger, and he glared at Li Ren.

If it weren't for his trembling hands, telling him of Li Ren's superior strength, he would have charged forward in a fit of rage.

"You're Li Ren, right? Do you know who I am?" Greenwood forced himself to suppress his anger and spoke in a deep voice.

"I don't know, but I only see someone who can't even take my punch and is spouting nonsense."

"How dare you! This is Young Master Greenwood of the Dramm Family, your superior, and an Argent Swordmaster from the Imperial Swordmaster Headquarters." Steward Owen, standing beside Greenwood, had just been shocked by Li Ren's strength, but now he regained his composure and excitedly explained.

"How dare you raise a hand against your superior! Didn't Marshal Edward from the Swordmaster Division teach you to show respect to your superiors?"

Hearing these words, both Vereri and Neruo frowned, looking at Li Ren with concern.

Indeed, this was a hurdle they couldn't ignore.

Within the Swordmaster organization, a quasi-military institution, subordinates were expected to show utmost respect to their superiors, such as greeting them with a bow. This was a rule that everyone had to follow.

Otherwise, the entire combat system would fall apart.

If subordinates didn't listen to their superiors and show respect, how could orders be conveyed and how could they fight together?

Their captain, Li Ren, was undoubtedly strong, and from their brief exchange, he seemed to be even stronger than Greenwood. However, in terms of rank, he was two levels lower, which was a significant disadvantage.

"Evelyn, contact Marshal Edward from the division immediately and request his presence here," Neruo whispered to Evelyn.

Marshal Edward had traveled with them on the Imperial Military Airship back to the province, and unless something unexpected happened, he should still be at the Swordmaster Division.

This was also the reason why they hadn't dared to initiate an attack earlier.

"Yes, I'll do it right away," Evelyn nodded firmly.

She understood Neruo's intention; currently, in the entire province, the only person who could possibly suppress the other party was Marshal Edward, the division leader.

As the leader of a provincial Swordmaster Division, they were generally considered to have the same status as a Golden Swordmaster.

Given Marshal Edward's previous treatment of Li Ren, the situation wouldn't deteriorate any further.

However, just as Evelyn was about to turn and leave, Li Ren suddenly laughed and said:

"An Argent Swordmaster?"

"Respect for superiors?"

"Haha, sorry, but you're even less qualified."

Li Ren's words caused Greenwood's gloomy expression to suddenly turn into a smile, and he said:

"What, you're ignoring the hierarchy because you have some strength? Haha, I'll definitely report this to the Swordmaster Headquarters. Don't think that having someone in the division protecting you will save you."

"Young Master Greenwood, I think the situation is clear. We don't need to argue with them," Steward Owen of the Dramm Family, whose gloomy face now flashed with a hint of cunning.

Although the strength of Li Ren before him was far beyond his expectations.

But it was obvious that this person dared to defy the rules and make a high-ranking Argent Swordmaster pay respects to him, a Diamond Star Swordmaster.

Such a person, no matter how strong, was not to be feared. They could be dealt with using the rules in an instant.

In Owen's opinion, staying here was a waste of time.

"You said I ignored the hierarchy?" Li Ren asked with a smile.

"Yes!" Greenwood, seeing Li Ren's smile, had a bad premonition.

"Good, then I'm a Golden Swordmaster, and you, as an Argent Swordmaster, should be the first to pay your respects to me, right?" Li Ren looked at him with a smile.

Upon hearing these words, everyone except Anna, who already knew the contents of the official letter, was stunned.

The entire atmosphere was so tense you could hear a pin drop.

"Hahaha! This is the funniest thing I've heard all year. A Golden Swordmaster?" Steward Owen, coming back to his senses, burst into laughter.

"Now you've added another crime, blatantly forging your rank. You all heard it, your captain claims to be a Golden Swordmaster. You're all witnesses, don't lie or cover for him," Owen's expression brightened, and his mood instantly shifted from rain to sunshine.

He had been planning to report this to Duke Dramm first, but now, with this new development, he felt like Lady Luck had smiled upon him.

(End)

And on the side, Neruo, Vereri, and the others all showed worried expressions.

They knew that their captain seemed to have been transferred to the Swordsman Headquarters before, but if he had just gone to the headquarters, he would only be an Iron Swordmaster, and the Greenwood in front of them was an Argent Swordmaster, even higher than an Iron Swordmaster.

Could it be that their captain had made a mistake about the headquarters?

Perhaps he had mistaken the Iron rank for the Electrum rank?

But this also seemed impossible.

After all, Rain had just withstood Neruo's attack, and he knew that Rain's strength was extraordinary. Logically, someone of Rain's caliber wouldn't speak recklessly.

So, when faced with Rain's words, he was cautious and asked, "You say you're an Electrum Rank Swordsman, then where's your emblem?"

After all, every Electrum Rank Swordsman in the Swordsman Headquarters was a well-known big shot, even in the Imperial Capital of Tamrith where strong people gathered, they wouldn't be unknown. Yet, he had never heard of Rain's name.

"The emblem hasn't been exchanged at headquarters yet, but according to the documents, from the day the order was issued, I've already been promoted to an Electrum Rank Swordsman."

"Hmph! Without even the emblem, I might as well claim to be the Imperial Guardian myself." Steward Owen beside them had already lost his patience, in his eyes, Rain was stubbornly refusing to admit his mistake, and they were arguing with him.

The purpose was naturally to not want to bow down and admit defeat on the spot.

"What Rain said is correct, Dram Family Heir, Rain has already been promoted to an Electrum Rank Swordsman by Marshal Alfred."

Only then did Edward Marshal stride over with a solemn face, followed by Secretary Major Stanley, Olana, and several elite bodyguards.

"What! Really!" Hearing Edward Marshal's words, Steward Owen at this moment was like a duck whose throat had been grabbed, his eyes wide, looking as if he had seen a ghost.

"How is this possible, to be an Electrum Rank at such a young age?" Greenwood had been diligently cultivating daily, and the Dram Family had also provided him with various rare resources and guidance from multiple renowned teachers, but even so, he was still half a step away from becoming an Electrum Rank Swordsman.

Unlike other ranks, even if one had enough task evaluation medals and merit points, promotion to an Electrum Rank was impossible without sufficient strength.

After all, an Electrum Rank Swordsman was the highest rank in the Swordsman hierarchy, representing the face of the Swordsman organization, and even the Empire itself. Naturally, they wouldn't allow just anyone to hold such a prestigious position.

And this person before him, was an Electrum Rank Swordsman?

In an instant, Greenwood felt his pride, his dignity, and his entire worldview collapse!

As for Neruo and the others, they were initially shocked beyond words. Their captain had skipped three ranks and was directly promoted to an Electrum Rank Swordsman? But the next second, everyone rejoiced!

Apparently, the original weakness had now become an advantage.

Now, it was time for the guy in front of them to feel the headache.

"Marshal Edward," Rain smiled slightly at Edward Marshal and bowed slightly.

Then, he turned to Greenwood and said, "Now, tell me about trespassing into my residence and injuring my subordinate."

Even the most eloquent steward, Owen, was at a loss for words.

After all, Greenwood had injured Rain's subordinate in front of everyone.

Moreover, the situation was completely different from what they had anticipated.

If Rain's identity wasn't so sensitive, handling the injury would have been a minor issue.

It would be like a Marquis going to a Viscount's residence and injuring a servant, a trivial matter.

But now, it was different.

It was as if a Marquis had barged into a Duke's residence and injured the Duke's subordinate.

Which Duke would let it go?

If they settled it like this, where would the Duke's authority stand?

Greenwood not only hated Rain at this moment but also felt annoyed with Steward Owen.

How did this guy conduct his investigation? To have such a huge oversight.

It was as if they had investigated a tiger, but the report stated it was a kitten.

This was an Electrum Rank Swordsman they were dealing with!

Not some random person, even a Duke would have to show respect.

"I'm sorry, Lord Rain!" Greenwood hesitated for a moment, his face turning red, and quickly bowed, intending to turn and leave.

"Wait, an apology is one thing, but you injured my subordinate and think you can just leave?"

"Either compensate or take a strike from me, and this matter will be settled." Rain knew that since Edward Marshal had come, he couldn't kill Greenwood on the spot this time.

Even more so, because Greenwood was an Argent Swordmaster, in front of Edward Marshal, Rain didn't want to handle this matter carelessly.

After all, Edward Marshal had always appreciated him, and he didn't want this matter to affect the other's opinion of him.

Greenwood felt humiliated.

The injury of Rain's subordinate had already been healed by that elf girl, and Rain's status was far superior to his, yet he was asking for compensation?

"Lord Rain, how much compensation do you seek?" Steward Owen asked, his face stern.

"I heard that the Drakum family is a major shareholder in the Arcson Auction House's Minster branch. How about transferring 10% of the shares?"

"What! 10% of the shares!" Even if it was 10% of the shares from the Minster branch, it wasn't a small amount, with annual dividends reaching a hundred thousand gold.

Owen's eyes widened as he stared at Rain.

"Oh, wait, I remember now. You must be here regarding the Sam Corps incident."

"Indeed, last time the Sam Corps attempted to abduct Anna. If we take that into account, I believe the Drakum family should compensate with all their shares in the Minster branch, which would barely suffice." Rain smiled as he spoke.

Upon hearing these words, Owen was left speechless.

He was utterly dumbfounded by Rain's audacious demand.

At this moment, whether it was Steward Owen or Young Master Greenwood, they could see that Rain was being deliberately difficult.

However, with the situation having progressed to this point, Young Master Greenwood, a pre-legendary expert, remained calm.

He carefully sensed Rain's strength and realized that the opponent might not have reached the legendary level.

As the opponent lacked the radiant aura of a knight's title or the majestic presence of a third-rank Liquidation Wizard, Greenwood had a fleeting thought.

This indicated that the opponent's previous attack was likely a display of some top-tier unarmed combat technique.

Additionally, considering the opponent's recent promotion to the Electrum Rank Swordsman, their strength might have just entered the Electrum level.

In terms of strength, the gap between them might not be significant.

Understanding this, Greenwood suppressed his anger and said to Rain, "Lord Rain, you said I couldn't even take one blow from you, and I'd like to try."

"Oh, so you've chosen to take my blow?"

"Indeed."

"Clang!" Greenwood drew the knight's longsword from his waist.

"Young Master Greenwood has been studying sword techniques under the Leon Sword Saint for many years. Holding a sword and fighting empty-handed are entirely different concepts." Steward Owen, seeing Greenwood draw the knight's longsword, couldn't help but regain confidence.

Although Rain's previous punch was astonishing, Owen believed that even if Rain's strength surpassed Greenwood's, it wouldn't be by much.

Winning with a single blow was almost impossible.

The Leon Sword Saint?

Upon hearing this name, General Edward's eyebrows furrowed.

As an Imperial General, he was naturally aware that there were only seven individuals in the Empire with the title of Sword Saint, all of them being Imperial Guardian-level powerhouses.

The Leon Sword Saint, also known as the Tide Sword Saint, had achieved the title by training in the sea and was ranked third among the seven Sword Saints, with numerous disciples and a formidable reputation.

As for Vereri and the others, their expressions changed at the mention of the Sword Saint. Although they didn't have the same understanding as General Edward, they knew what it meant to be called a Sword Saint.

"Since you're prepared, I'll make my move." Rain smiled, showing no change in attitude when Steward Owen mentioned the Sword Saint.

The next moment, his lips parted slightly!

"Metal Transformation Spell!"

"Cutting Net!"

"Sharpening!"

In front of him, three tightly arranged metal nets appeared abruptly, and in an instant, they all lit up with silver radiance as Imperial Guardian metal nets.

"Spell Combo: Multi-Cut Net!"

With a heavy swing of Rain's right hand, the three metal nets, shimmering with dense silver light, rushed towards Greenwood!

The intense magical glow left Greenwood stunned.

He never expected that Rain, who had just displayed a top-tier unarmed combat technique and repelled him, was actually a rare Metal Sorcerer.

Moreover, when Rain mentioned a spell combo earlier, Greenwood was astonished.

Rare metal sorcery with a spell combo! Even among Swordmasters, he had never heard of such a thing.

Steward Owen, standing beside him, was equally surprised, exclaiming, "You're not a knight, but you're a wizard!"

General Edward, witnessing this, was also taken aback, as Rain's fighting style was quite different from before.

Previously, Rain relied on metal transformation spells to quickly shape various weapons and then used a variety of effortlessly executed Supernal Skills to engage in combat.

Although he had used sorcery, in essence, he still relied on various techniques to fight, but this time was different. Rain's spell combo displayed power that reached the legendary level.

It could be said that this was a true wizard's way of fighting.

Having the same thought, Neruo and the others were also surprised by Rain's sudden change in fighting style.

They couldn't quite understand why Rain's combat style had changed so drastically.

Actually, they had underestimated Rain.

Due to Rain's Dragon transformation, he had obtained the first form after defeating the Corrupted Dragon Agnes, and then he went to the Tundra, where he entered the second form after his first battle with Koraxus.

In the Imperial Capital, a tense situation unfolded as the truth about Rain's identity and his connection to the Dragon General's powerful killer move was revealed. Rain's status was highly sensitive, not only as a Silver Swordmaster within the Swordsman Headquarters but also due to his association with the Leon Sword Saint, an Imperial Guardian.

Edward, the Grand General, was not concerned about himself but about Rain's impending departure for the Imperial Capital. He knew that killing Greenwood, a Silver Swordmaster and a key member of the Drakum family, would not be a wise move.

As sharp metal nets appeared inches away from Greenwood's widened eyes, he froze. The feeling of being pulled back from hell to the mortal realm made Greenwood, a well-trained Silver Swordmaster, gasp in surprise. His right hand, which held the knight's longsword, was cut inch by inch, followed by his right hand in the plate gauntlet.

"Stop! We'll compensate!" Butler Owen, witnessing this, was horrified and shouted.

If Greenwood, a key member of the Drakum family, died here, he would likely lose the Duke's trust and face dire consequences upon returning.

The reason for this dire situation was Rain's investigation into Greenwood's circumstances, which he had handled personally. Misjudging Greenwood's strength had led to this unfortunate outcome.

Rain, realizing the gravity of the situation, knew that if Greenwood survived, he could recover quickly with wizardry treatment upon returning to the Imperial Capital. The problem would not be as severe.

"Rain!" Edward, the Grand General, also called out worriedly.

Greenwood's identity was indeed sensitive. Not only was he a Silver Swordmaster within the Swordsman Headquarters, but he also had a certain connection with the Leon Sword Saint, an Imperial Guardian.

Edward was not concerned about himself but about Rain's imminent departure for the Imperial Capital. He knew that killing Greenwood, a Silver Swordmaster and a key member of the Drakum family, would not be a wise move.

As sharp metal nets appeared inches away from Greenwood's widened eyes, he froze. The feeling of being pulled back from hell to the mortal realm made Greenwood, a well-trained Silver Swordmaster, gasp in surprise. His right hand, which held the knight's longsword, was cut inch by inch, followed by his right hand in the plate gauntlet.

"Stop! We'll compensate!" Butler Owen, witnessing this, was horrified and shouted.

If Greenwood, a key member of the Drakum family, died here, he would likely lose the Duke's trust and face dire consequences upon returning.

The reason for this dire situation was Rain's investigation into Greenwood's circumstances, which he had handled personally. Misjudging Greenwood's strength had led to this unfortunate outcome.

Rain, realizing the gravity of the outcome, knew that if Greenwood survived, he could recover quickly with wizardry treatment upon returning to the Imperial Capital. The problem would not be as severe.

"Rain!" Edward, the Grand General, also called out worriedly.

Greenwood's identity was indeed sensitive. Not only was he a Silver Swordmaster within the Swordsman Headquarters, but he also had a certain connection with the Leon Sword Saint, an Imperial Guardian.

Edward was not concerned about himself but about Rain's imminent departure for the Imperial Capital. He knew that killing Greenwood, a Silver Swordmaster and a key member of the Drakum family, would not be a wise move.

As sharp metal nets appeared inches away from Greenwood's widened eyes, he froze. The feeling of being pulled back from hell to the mortal realm made Greenwood, a well-trained Silver Swordmaster, gasp in surprise. His right hand, which held the knight's longsword, was cut inch by inch, followed by his right hand in the plate gauntlet.

"Stop! We'll compensate!" Butler Owen, witnessing this, was horrified and shouted.

If Greenwood, a key member of the Drakum family, died here, she would likely lose the Duke's trust and face dire consequences upon returning.

The reason for this dire situation was Rain's investigation into Greenwood's circumstances, which he had handled personally. Misjudging Greenwood's strength had led to this unfortunate outcome.

the war effort weakened, Rain, a First Rank Wizard, was promoted to a Second Rank Liquidation Wizard. He also gained a spot in the Bius Armament School, a prestigious wizardry school.

Rain, a Second Rank Liquidation Wizard, had just created a huge commotion in Fury Gorge in just half a month. This had caught the attention of the entire Imperial Capital.

Not only had his rank increased three times in a row, but his combat style had also undergone a significant transformation.

(End of Chapter)

Chapter end