Chapter 383: The Strongest Legendary

Chapter 383: The Strongest Legendary

He finally understood the reason behind the unique design of the architecture.

Brutal Beasts had their own territorial instincts, and if two of them were too close, they would fight if their master wasn't around, unless there was a significant difference in strength, in which case one would yield or submit.

Therefore, a spacious area was required to accommodate these massive flying mounts.

At that moment, Ren looked around and noticed that most of the people present were either dressed in exquisite knight armor or wizard robes. Judging by their auras indicated that they were all quite formidable, with few being near-legendary, and most possessing the strength of seasoned legends.

"Lord Ren, are you surprised? There are rarely any third-tier crystalized wizards outside, but there are seven or eight of them here, and the title knights are also gathered in numbers," Luther said with a smile, noticing Ren's slightly astonished expression.

"Yes, the strength of those participating in the Dragon Knight Cadet Exam is stronger than I expected," Ren nodded.

The group before them represented the cream of the crop or the backbone of the empire's younger generation.

It made sense when he thought about it.

If they didn't possess legendary strength, even if they gained the favor of a dragon, it would be almost impossible to fight alongside the dragon and form a complete epic combat power.

"That's Evan Kelly, the second son of Prince Kelly, a title knight at 42 years old; and that's Jerry Moore, from the Moore Guardian Family, a third-tier crystalized wizard at 53 years old, one of the youngest in the Imperial Capital."

Luther, having experienced it once before, was familiar with some of the old faces and introduced them briefly to Ren and Halowen.

53 years old?

Ren could understand 42 being considered young, but wasn't 53 a bit too old?

However, upon further thought, for a third-tier crystalized wizard, 53 was indeed young. After all, the dean of Winterfort Academy, Bartolov, was over a hundred years old and also a crystalized wizard.

"I heard that there are three official Dragon Knight positions this time, so the number of legendary powerhouses attracted is significantly higher than in previous years."

"But we don't have much to worry about; as long as we make it into the top thirty, we'll be fine."

"In the end, it all depends on whether the dragon takes a liking to you." Luther shrugged.

The final Dragon Knight selection wasn't about choosing a dragon, but rather the dragon choosing its rider.

This preparatory selection was like a preliminary screening, selecting the best candidates for the dragon to choose from.

The imbalance between the number of applicants and the limited dragon slots was evident.

"You and Ren don't need to worry, but I feel nervous. The registration period lasts for three days, and this is just the first day. I estimate that the number of applicants will exceed a hundred, and it'll be tough to make it into the top thirty," Halowen sighed.

Halowen was significantly younger than Luther, and although he was also a title knight, his combat strength was slightly inferior.

"Three slots?" Ren was more interested in the number of positions Luther had mentioned; he wasn't sure if it was a lot or a little.

"Yes, the Dragon Knight selection happens once every five years. In the past, the most they had was two, but usually, there was only one slot," Luther explained.

"Indeed, this time it's more. Dragons have long lifespans, and although they are powerful, they have difficulty reproducing and their growth is extremely slow compared to humans. It takes decades for them to reach adolescence," Halowen nodded in agreement.

Soon, the three of them chatted as they arrived at a registration point.

Several women in standard white robes were busy behind the counter. Judging from their auras, they seemed to possess the strength of third-tier wizard apprentices.

It made sense; some Brutal Beasts had extremely violent auras, not to mention dragons, which could make ordinary people shiver in fear, making it impossible to carry out work.

"Are the three of you here to register?" A young woman in a white robe bowed slightly and asked respectfully.

"Yes," Luther nodded, handing over the official letter to her.

"Okay, please wait a moment while I register you." She took the letter respectfully and quickly began the registration process.

"Done. Here you go. This is the Dragon Knight Cadet Camp token; please keep it safe." The white-robed woman handed Ren, Luther, and Halowen a slightly smaller palm-sized grey-white scale.

"The training after registration will be closed off. If you have other duties, you can leave at any time or choose to participate in the parts that interest you."

"But you'll need to bring your token; otherwise, you won't be able to enter the camp."

"Okay, thank you," Luther nodded, taking the scale and preparing to leave with Ren and Halowen.

"Is that it?" Ren couldn't help but ask, looking at the camp token Luther had given him, which seemed to be a scale from some kind of dragon, though not a giant one.

"Yes, if you need to practice your flying skills, you can come to the Dragon Knight Cadet Camp at any time. One of the exam contents will be related to flying techniques."

"The rest is just general knowledge about dragons, which you can choose to attend or not." Luther was familiar with the process.

"I see," Ren nodded.

Soon, the three of them left, but as soon as Ren arrived at the mansion, he received a message from his mentor, Mogaro.

Ren bid farewell to Luther and Halowen and headed to Craig Winery, where he once again found himself at the headquarters of the Bius Armory School after a ripple of light flashed through the cellar.

Inside Mogaro's office...

Knock, knock, knock!

"Mentor." As Ren entered, he saw Mentor Mogaro, a master who had devoted most of his life to the art of puppetry, deep in thought, gazing at the remains of a metal arm on the table.

"Ren, I've carefully studied the metal arm you gave me some time ago. The puppetry skills of the Federation surpass even those of the Empire," Mogaro couldn't help but exclaim.

Hearing Mogaro's words and glancing at the metal arm remains on the table, Ren immediately understood what he meant.

On the table lay the remains of the metal arm that once belonged to Iron Man of the Bloodpeak Mercenary Guild.

Ren had given it to Mentor Mogaro some time ago, hoping for his assistance in researching it.

According to intelligence, this metal arm was crafted by a top puppetry master from the Eagle Federation. Although Ren had joined the Bius Armory School, his knowledge of puppetry was limited to a single book on the principles of puppetry.

After studying the remains of the metal arm, he still had many unanswered questions, so he sought Mentor Mogaro's expertise.

"Mentor, can you be more specific?" Ren asked.

"Although its manufacturing principle isn't complex, there are two crucial aspects. First, the entire production precision is extremely high, with nearly perfect alignment of joints and gears."

"Even I, if I were to rely solely on metal transformation techniques, might struggle to match such precision."

Ren examined the arm and nodded.

The metal arm was intricate, with many components as small as those in Swiss watches from his previous life.

If the production precision of an iron-clad combat puppet is measured in millimeters, then the precision of this metal arm is at least ten times higher, reaching 0.01 millimeters.

However, Ren didn't entirely agree with the latter part of Mogaro's statement.

He had conducted experiments on his own, and with his metal transformation technique, a talent-level magic, creating components of such precision wasn't overly challenging; it would just take a bit longer.

This was likely due to his exceptional affinity for metal elements and the unprecedented solidification of metal transformation techniques as a talent-level magic.

Even if other metal-type mages, including second-level liquefaction mages or even third-level crystalized mages, were of a higher tier than Mentor Mogaro, they might not be able to solely rely on metal transformation techniques to create components with such high precision.

"Secondly, the creator also employed techniques from the field of flesh puppetry, connecting human flesh with this metal arm. This aspect is beyond my expertise."

"Ren, that's why I called you here. I want to ask if you're willing to submit this to the school."

"By submitting it to the school, the flesh puppetry department can also study it. If they make any progress, you, as the submitter, will be able to access the research findings for free."

"Of course, submitting it to the school will also earn you a substantial number of contribution points," Mogaro added.

Flesh puppetry techniques? No wonder Mentor Mogaro wanted to see him; if it involved flesh puppetry, it was indeed outside his area of expertise.

To put it simply, the research on this metal arm required collaboration across different departments.

After some thought, Ren nodded and agreed, "Of course."

Ren believed that research was best approached with collective wisdom and effort, especially given his current limited research capabilities.

Additionally, he wanted to visit the school's exchange center to see if there were any suitable magics available, which would require a significant number of contribution points.

"3700 contribution points?"

"That's quite a bit more than I expected," Ren thought as he held a crystal card specifically designed to record contribution points.

He had just submitted the remains of the metal arm, which he obtained from Iron Man of the Bloodpeak Mercenary Guild, to the school. The exchange value was lower due to the severe damage at the arm's connection point; otherwise, the exchange price could have been much higher.

As Ren was about to head to the school's exchange center, the Electrum Rank emblem on his body began to vibrate.

After a moment's consideration, Ren decided to return to the headquarters immediately.

Upon reaching the entrance of the Swordmaster Headquarters, he suddenly heard the sound of approaching hooves behind him.

Ren turned and saw two luxurious carriages slowly emerging, with a familiar figure stepping out of the first one—Olenna from the Minster Swordsmen Branch.

She was dressed in a tailored suit and a black pleated skirt, exuding competence.

Ren's eyebrows raised, and he quickly approached her.

"Lady Olenna, what brings you to the capital?"

"Sir Ren, it's been a while," the competent-looking woman smiled.

"But I didn't come just to catch up; there are two other officials waiting for you," she whispered, leaning closer to Ren's ear.

Hmm?

As expected, when Ren boarded the second carriage, he found himself in the company of Admiral Edward from the Minster Swordsmen Branch and the female General Tatiya, whom he had met before.

"Admiral Edward, what brings you here?" Ren's eyes lit up with surprise.

"Ren, I didn't expect you to cause such a stir in the capital so soon after your arrival. You've certainly given me quite a shock," Admiral Edward said with a bitter smile, patting Ren's shoulder.

Ren knew exactly what Edward was referring to, and he smiled without saying a word.

"Let's sit and talk. This is General Tatiya, whom you've met before," Admiral Edward introduced the female general beside him.

"Hello, General Tatiya."

"Hello, General Tatiya."

Ren had a vague idea of what was going on.

It seemed that Admiral Edward and General Augustus were likely on the same side, but he wasn't sure what that side represented.

Perhaps they were supporters of the Emperor or a particular prince, or maybe they belonged to a political faction.

"General Tatiya will explain the details to you," Admiral Edward said.

"Okay, Admiral Edward," Ren nodded and sat down opposite them.

The unedited version can be found at 69 Book Bar! 6=9+Book_Bar

"General Ren, your actions have stirred up a hornet's nest among the Conservative Nobles, especially the Dram Family. It's been a long time since they've suffered such a significant loss," General Tatiya began.

"We received accurate intelligence and intercepted their attack on the Blade Squad in Nom Province and their attempt to seize the physical evidence."

"The current situation is that they might directly target you."

"The Conservatives?" Ren furrowed his brows, sensing the significance of the term.

Since his arrival in Capital Tamriel, he had been focused on improving his strength and hadn't paid much attention to politics.

Although he wasn't very familiar with the political factions within the Empire, his knowledge of the five thousand years of history from his previous life gave him a good idea of what the term 'Conservative' implied.

If there were Conservatives, then there were likely Reformists or Progressives as well.

"That's right. The Conservatives, represented by some of the Empire's old noble families, strongly resist any influence from the Federation."

"General Ren, you've probably heard that the Federation's cannons have a longer range than ours, and their naval battleships are covered in iron plates. As for airships, they've even adopted a type of steam power."

"The Conservatives reject all these new technologies, believing that their use and spread will affect their interests."

"But within the Empire, especially in the military, many generals are concerned about this situation. The strength of the Empire's regular army has already fallen behind that of the Federation."

"Especially in the last two years, with the situation becoming more volatile, if the Divine Saints were to revive and choose a human nation to attack, would they choose the weak Empire or the powerful Federation?"

By this point, Ren had a pretty good idea of what was going on.

The Dragon Empire, with its two-thousand-year-old history, was plagued by class stratification, corruption, and infighting among various interest groups. However, within the Empire, especially in the combat departments, there were still many insightful individuals.

Ren glanced at Admiral Edward, who was likely a member of the Reformist faction in the eyes of the Conservatives.

To be honest, Ren wasn't particularly interested in the struggle between Reformists and Conservatives, having seen similar conflicts in his history lessons from his previous life. He didn't want to be used as a pawn in their power struggle.

However, since the Conservatives were targeting him, he had no choice but to side with the Reformists for the time being.

But Ren was well aware that this was a world of the extraordinary, and the Dragon Empire was ruled by an Emperor. Any attempt at reform would face challenges far greater than the 'Hundred Days' Reform' of his previous life.

A great man from his past had once said, 'Political power grows out of the barrel of a gun!' Ren interpreted this as 'Only those with top combat power have a say,' which was why he tirelessly strived to improve his strength.

"General Ren, you may not realize it, but your actions have inadvertently touched a sensitive nerve for them. I've been sent here to ask about your next move?"

"Oh? You want my opinion? I thought the higher-ups would have already made a decision about this matter. Does my opinion even matter?" Ren raised his eyebrows.

"Hehe, General Ren, you've achieved such extraordinary strength at a young age, so the higher-ups want to respect your opinion."

"If you wish to take a step back, they will reassign you to a remote military post, where the Conservatives' reach won't extend. Your family will also be taken care of, and their safety will be guaranteed."

"If you want to confront these families, we will fully support you. Rest assured, we will be your strong backing."

"I understand," Ren nodded, his eyes flashing with thought.

Retreat to a remote area?

While it would remove him from the center of the struggle, it would also distance him from the resource center, significantly slowing his progress in strength.

"More importantly, he can only gain substantial system rewards through combat."

So, unless absolutely necessary, Ren would not choose this option.

"If I choose the latter, is there a specific plan?" Ren asked.

"We plan to lift your restrictions in a few days. According to reliable information, you will be attacked as soon as you leave the realm of the Imperial Capital Temerel. We want you to teach the Conservatives a lesson," she said.

"The other side has already gathered a certain number of Legendary Powers, and the one we need to pay the most attention to is the so-called strongest Legendary, the 'Carver' Harold."

Hmm? The strongest Legendary?

So, it's still at the Legendary Tier?

Hearing this news, Ren couldn't help but show a strange expression, "General Tatyia, are you sure they won't have an Epic Powerhouse?"

"Hehe, you can rest assured on that. Epic Powerhouses are the Empire's prized assets, and if they casually interfere in private disputes, they will undoubtedly be severely dealt with by the Imperial Royal Family."

"However, according to the plan, you need to withstand their attack for two to three minutes. Only then can our arranged personnel around you complete the encirclement of the target. Moreover, to avoid detection, it's best if you only bring Claire and Bianse with you."

As she spoke, the female General named Tatyia's expression turned solemn.

After all, enduring an attack from a group of Legendary Powers for two minutes was no simple task.

The decision had been made after carefully assessing Ren's combat power.

Although the Swordmaster Headquarters could assign five or even more Legendary Powers to Ren, it would not benefit the plan and would be too conspicuous, potentially alerting their opponents.

"I'm fine with that," Ren thought for a moment and nodded.

Without an Epic Powerhouse, even with five Legendary Powers, two minutes would be sufficient.

"Your confidence is admirable, Your Excellency Ren, but please be extremely cautious. Harold is not an easy opponent."

"Oh? Do you have detailed intelligence on this Harold?"

"Of course. 'Carver' Harold is a Tier 3 Crystalization Wizard at his peak, from the large Wizard School Isodre Academy, specializing in Rock Magic, a variation of the Earth Element, similar to the Ice Element within the Water Element."

Tatyia slowly explained.

"His past achievements are numerous, but the most notable one is during the Imperial Capital's great war. He survived a strike from a Divine Saint in an Ascended state, earning him the title of the strongest Legendary."

"Survived a strike from a Divine Saint in an Ascended state?" Ren's expression turned serious.

He was well aware that the power of a Divine Saint in an Ascended state was several times greater than that of a projection.

Of course, the conditions for a Divine Saint's Ascension were more stringent. To achieve this, certain prerequisites were necessary, such as finding someone with a 'Divine-Favored Constitution' in this world.

Then, the Ascension Ritual could be performed.

In simple terms, it was like finding a vessel for a Divine, and naturally, the power they could exert would be stronger than a projection without a vessel.

Additionally, different Divines favored different constitutions.

"That's right, Your Excellency Ren, so please do not take this lightly," Tatyia said earnestly.

"Good!"

"Then, Your Excellency Ren, prepare well, as the time should be within these two days."

"Ren, do you have any other needs?" General Edward asked, seeing that Tatyia had finished her briefing.

"No, thank you, General Edward."

When Ren returned to his room and closed the door, he began to ponder alone.

Evidently, he was gradually being drawn into a larger vortex due to Anna's identity as an elf, deviating from his initial plans upon arriving in the Imperial Capital.

Initially, he thought he would have time to delve deeper into the Bius Armory School and improve his magic. But now, the constant provocations from the Dram family and the Conservatives kept coming, one after the other.

"It seems I'll have to teach them a lesson," Ren's expression turned stern.

A great man from his past life once said, "Peace through struggle survives, peace through compromise perishes."

Ren did not fear combat, especially with a system that rewarded experience with every battle.

"Since Epic Powerhouses are akin to strategic nuclear weapons from my past life, the Empire's prized assets, I don't need to worry too much."

"Of course, I can't be too relaxed either."

"After all, various high-level magics, divine spell scrolls, and the power of magic tools are all formidable. Even Divines might capsize in a ditch if they're not careful, let alone me."

As Ren organized his thoughts...

In the Dram family's manor, a group descended from the luxurious carriage, and this time, Dram Duke was all smiles as he entered the manor's gates. The servants of the manor were bewildered by this sight.

After all, even in the Imperial Capital, those above the Dram Duke in status were few, aside from the Royal Family.

(End of Chapter)

Chapter end