Chapter 408: The Chosen One

Chapter 408: The Chosen One

"You may not know this yet, but a significant event is about to take place in the Imperial Capital Tamriel."

"Perhaps with your strength, you have little to worry about in terms of safety. However, if your family is still in the Empire, they are at considerable risk. Therefore, I suggest you consider sending your family to the Eagle Federation ahead of time."

Upon hearing Hamadi's words, Ren's first thought was that the Eagle Federation's intelligence department must have also received information about the cult's movements.

"Sir Hamadi, is this related to the cult?" Ren smiled slightly.

"It seems you already know," Hamadi's eyes flashed with surprise, but he didn't deny it, nodding instead.

He had just received this top-secret information, and he was surprised that the person before him already knew about it.

It seemed that the Swordsmen Headquarters attached even more importance to this person than he had initially thought.

The task of winning him over was going to be tricky.

After a moment's thought, Ren shook his head and politely declined, "Sir Hamadi, as an Imperial Swordsman, it wouldn't be appropriate for me to send my family to the Federation."

It wasn't that Ren didn't care about his family's safety.

This time, he had accepted the arrangements made by Luther and Halowen to reinforce the defense of his residence, precisely because of his family.

Although the Empire had many internal problems, and the conservatives even considered him an eyesore, the Swordsmen he belonged to held him in high regard.

With his status, if he were to 'defect' to the Eagle Federation, it would be a clear act of treason.

Most importantly, one of Ren's life principles was, 'The Empire treats me as a patriot, and I shall repay the Empire as such.'

To be specific, the Swordsmen treated him with the respect and benefits befitting a patriot, and he would return the favor as a patriot.

Additionally, his conversation with Raglara the other day had reminded him that even if the situation deteriorated to the point where he had to send his parents to the Eagle Federation, he would first seek the opinions of his mother, Emma, and his father, Elder Ren. After all, for them, leaving their homeland would be a difficult decision.

Of course, Ren's refusal was polite, using the word 'inappropriate.'

Hamadi hadn't expected to convince Ren in one go, and when he heard Ren say 'inappropriate,' his instincts as an intelligence officer immediately understood the situation.

His eyes flashed with realization.

"This matter doesn't require an immediate decision from Sir Ren. The situation is constantly evolving, isn't it?"

"By the way, I heard you joined the Bishu Armament School. Are you interested in golems?" Hamadi asked casually.

"Hmm." Ren glanced at Hamadi but didn't elaborate.

It seemed that the Federation had conducted a thorough investigation on him, as they were aware of this interest.

"Sir Ren, then you should definitely come to the Federation. Our research on golems is more advanced than in the Empire."

"Oh? Could you give me a brief introduction, Sir Hamadi?" Ren knew that Hamadi was baiting him, but he was also genuinely curious about the Federation's situation.

"I don't know the specifics, but I've heard that the Federation's Golem Research Institute has successfully created a 'Hill Giant' golem nearly thirty meters tall."

After a round of mutual probing, Hamadi didn't linger and bid his farewell, leaving Ren's residence.

As he exited, a smile appeared on his face.

This visit had achieved several of his objectives.

Firstly, he was almost certain that Ren didn't harbor any strong negative sentiments towards the Eagle Federation, at least not in terms of ideological opposition.

When trying to win over an old noble family of the Empire, ideological differences often presented a significant hurdle.

Secondly, Hamadi considered Ren's preferences, which could be analyzed from two aspects.

On the one hand, from Ren's subtle expressions when mentioning Envoy Trena, it was clear that he held a favorable impression of her.

It was a fondness for the opposite sex.

However, even if Ren was worth winning over, Hamadi knew that using a distinguished female federal parliamentarian as a bait of beauty was out of the question.

Hamadi had already figured it out.

Ren seemed to have a particular interest in mature and high-status women.

This was evident from his interest in Baroness Crowley, Jennifer, when he was a small-town sheriff, and in Olenna, the former head of the Swordsmen Department, when he was an ordinary Swordsman.

Lastly, by discussing the Federation's golem research, Hamadi learned that Ren had likely already begun working on golem creation.

This revealed a lot.

Golem creation was typically within the realm of Tier 3 Crystalized Wizards, and it was unlikely for someone to possess such detailed knowledge without being directly involved.

Soon, Hamadi, who had figured things out in the carriage, arrived at the residence of his superior, Marquis Rois.

He needed his superior's support for his next course of action.

In the study,

"You're saying that Ren has a particular fondness for Envoy Trena?" Upon hearing this, Marquis Rois was taken aback, but then he understood and nodded in realization.

"It's very likely. Young people often prefer those with a mature aura. And as for us, who are getting on in years, we tend to favor the young and vibrant." Marquis Rois chuckled and nodded.

"Indeed, Marquis Rois, that's precisely the case." Hamadi also smiled.

It was clear that on this point, he had gained his superior's agreement, making it easier for him to propose his related requests.

"So, Marquis Rois, I have two plans in mind."

"Oh? Go on." Marquis Rois looked at Hamadi with keen interest.

"The first plan is to assign a woman with a mature aura and a high status within the Empire to handle daily communications with Sir Ren. Ideally, she could infiltrate his inner circle without raising suspicions."

"Hmm, and the second plan?" Marquis Rois nodded, and several figures flashed through his mind.

"The second option is to work with what we have. For example, Jennifer, who is currently in Minster, could be swayed to join the Federation and then influence her husband."

"That's a great idea, but according to our intelligence, aside from Jennifer, are there any other suitable candidates in Minster?" Lord Rois asked, his smile widening.

He realized he should have transferred Hamadi to the Imperial Capital sooner.

"The other candidate is the liaison from the Imperial Swordmaster Headquarters. It's not easy to approach or sway them, and they're not an ideal target," Hamadi shook his head and explained.

Lord Rois had already considered this candidate before his arrival.

"I understand."

"Did you meet with him? Any other findings?" Lord Rois inquired.

"Yes, I confirmed that he is indeed a metal element wizard, as we suspected," Hamadi replied.

"In that case, I think it's best to find a suitable metal element spell combination unique to the Federation and offer it to him. Of course, there are conditions."

"It must be a combination spell exclusive to the Federation, and one or two of the spells should be granted to Lord Ren, but not the entire set."

Lord Rois' eyes lit up as he instantly understood Hamadi's intention, and he approved, "Well played!"

"However, Lord Ren specializes in metal element spells, and if we offer a combination spell unique to the Federation, it might be hard to find a suitable one," Hamadi explained.

"Indeed, it's worth the effort. I'll take care of this matter," Lord Rois assured.

"As for spiritual energy enhancement, we can occasionally offer him some special items or potions that aid in crystallization, but not too frequently."

"Maintain a good relationship with him?"

"Absolutely," Hamadi agreed with a smile.

Previously, they had gifted him a soul energy crystal, which helped maintain a favorable impression of the Federation.

The next morning.

As Ren was about to head to the Academy Campus, a person he had expected arrived.

"Lord Ren, I heard about the attack on your liaison from the Imperial Swordmaster Headquarters by the Black Flame Cult. I also heard that your family has arrived in the Imperial Capital. Do you need any assistance with accommodations?" Buchanan asked with a smile.

"Thank you for your kind offer, Lord Buchanan, but I've already strengthened the defenses at Raine Manor," Ren politely declined.

"I see," Buchanan nodded, but his brows furrowed slightly as if sensing something.

"Lord Ren, what about my previous suggestion to join the Dragon Scale Brotherhood? Have you given it more thought?"

Ren already had an answer to this question.

He had considered pretending to agree, but upon further reflection, he felt it wasn't appropriate.

"I'm sorry, Lord Buchanan, but after careful consideration, I believe it's best for a Swordmaster to avoid joining any secret organizations of any nature," Ren replied.

Hearing Ren's words, Buchanan's expression darkened, seemingly surprised by Ren's outright refusal.

This also meant that the words he had spoken in front of the Second Prince had been proven wrong.

"Lord Ren, your decision is regrettable. Won't you reconsider?"

"I'm sorry."

"I hope you won't regret this decision," Buchanan said, his voice carrying a hint of anger as he stood up and left.

It wasn't that Buchanan, the Second Prince's steward, lacked depth; it was just that Ren's refusal was unexpected.

In his opinion, it was a sure thing. Anyone in their right mind would know how to respond to an invitation from the Imperial Prince, but this Ren had declined.

This also meant that the Second Prince's subsequent plans would be hindered.

Meanwhile, at the Dram Duke's Mansion.

"Oh? Was it unsuccessful?" Dram asked, listening to his new steward's report, his face showing no disappointment, but instead, a slight smile.

Although the plan to have the Black Flame Cult kidnap Ren's liaison hadn't worked, from another perspective, the leak of Ren's battle records was already showing results.

This time it was the Black Flame Cult, but next time, it could be the Serpent Cult or the Sea God Cult! And most likely, they'll keep coming!" Dram thought, his mood improving.

"There's one more thing, my lord. According to our sources, Karl, a disciple of the Tide Sword Saint, challenged Ren at the Dragon Rider Reserve Camp, but..." the young steward continued.

"But what?" Dram asked, still expecting a favorable outcome.

After all, each disciple of the Tide Sword Saint was exceptionally skilled, surpassing even his own bastard son, Greenwood.

In his opinion, it wasn't that Karl was guaranteed to win, but he would at least put pressure on Ren.

But upon hearing the word 'but,' Dram's premonition worsened.

"Lord Karl was defeated in one move," the young steward finished, lowering his head.

"What? One move?" Dram's eyes widened, and he felt the weight of the news. The corners of his eyes, already showing signs of age, twitched.

His worst fear had come true.

Ren's strength was increasing at an alarming rate.

Based on his previous battle records, Ren's victory over the Sculptor Harold should have been hard-fought, perhaps even a close call.

But now, Karl, who was on par with Harold, had been defeated in just one move? How much time had passed?

Ren's strength seemed to have grown even more.

There were things he needed to do, and he couldn't afford to hesitate!

Half an hour later, in the Second Prince's study.

"Oh? He refused?" Second Prince Everett asked, gently stroking a white pet that resembled a large cat.

"Yes, Your Highness, and..." Buchanan hesitated, a familiar expression on his face.

As the Second Prince's butler for many years, Buchanan was well aware of his master's habits, and this expression was a deliberate act.

The Second Prince seemed to hold a certain appreciation for Raine, perhaps due to his age or his accomplishments. Despite previously mentioning the importance of Raine's Dragon Bloodline, the Second Prince's strategy was primarily to win him over.

However, Raine's attitude today had left Buchanan feeling a bit frustrated.

There was another reason for this—Duke Dram had contacted Buchanan twice, instructing him to find an opportunity to sway Raine in the Second Prince's presence.

"And what?" Everett asked.

"Moreover, the way Raine speaks and writes seems to lack respect for Your Highness. Additionally, he has doubts about the purpose of the Dragon Scale Brotherhood."

"I fear that if we cannot recruit Raine, as his status among the Swordmasters rises, it may further alienate the Imperial Swordmasters from the Brotherhood."

Buchanan stopped there, leaving the rest unspoken.

Upon hearing this, Everett paused his hand that had been stroking the white lynx.

Buchanan's words touched upon a concern that Everett had been mindful of.

With Alfred's rise to power over the Imperial Swordmasters in the past two years, this staunch progressive had shown no friendliness towards the Brotherhood.

To be precise, he was highly vigilant.

If Raine continued to rise through the ranks, and another high-ranking Swordmaster with views similar to Alfred's emerged, this vigilance might very well turn into action.

"Your Highness, should we let Raine encounter some obstacles during the Dragon Rider's preliminary trials?" Buchanan cautiously suggested, seeing that the prince had been silent for a while.

"No, let him proceed to the next round," Everett shook his head.

"There are three members of the Brotherhood participating in the Dragon Rider Reserve Camp this time, right?"

"Yes, Your Highness."

"Tell them that in addition to extracting the essence of the Void Dragon's blood in the secret realm, they should also extract Raine's blood essence."

Everett had intended to let Raine join the Brotherhood and then slowly control him through potion means, turning him into a long-term 'blood bag' due to his unique bloodline.

But now, it seemed he could only be a one-time 'blood bag'.

"Yes, Your Highness," Buchanan bowed and replied, a smile appearing on his face.

With Raine's participation, the progress on the second-tier Enhanced Hellfire Golem had already reached halfway through in just one day.

At this rate, the second-tier golem would be completed before the Dragon Rider examination in two days.

As night fell, Raine returned to the manor.

In the southeast of the Imperial Capital Tamriel, the famous Meteor Lake was quietly witnessing some unusual events.

As the name suggests, the lake's formation was attributed to a falling star.

Legend has it that the lake was suddenly formed due to a meteor strike.

This story wasn't entirely fabricated.

Some curious individuals had even measured the depth of the lake, discovering that some areas exceeded 1,000 meters, a rare occurrence for an inland lake.

Over time, the name Meteor Lake stuck.

Scattered around the lake were numerous villas with lake views.

In a secluded villa, the waters of Meteor Lake rhythmically lapped against the shore like waves.

Under the starry sky, one could observe a two-meter-wide sewer pipe connecting the villa to the lake.

Four figures, each encased in air bubbles, carried a crystal coffin from the sewer into the villa.

Soon, four hooded figures in black robes emerged from a wine cellar pool in the villa's basement.

They carefully lifted the crystal coffin and placed it aside, then bowed to a group of black-robed individuals with various sea creatures on their robes who had been waiting nearby: "High Priestess Caritias, the Chosen One has been delivered."

"Well done," High Priestess Caritias of the Sea Goddess Hela nodded, her attention immediately drawn to the crystal coffin.

Inside the coffin lay a beautiful woman with her hands clasped and resting on her abdomen.

If Raine were present and observed her closely, he would feel an uncanny sense of familiarity, as if she resembled the Sea Goddess Hela, yet they looked different.

The Chosen One, also known as the Divine Elect, possessed unique qualities from birth, often manifesting special abilities. Some of these abilities might only awaken upon reaching adulthood or transcending mortality.

Regardless, their extraordinary capabilities earned them the title of the Divine Elect or the Chosen One.

However, for all religious sects, the Chosen One's greatest value lies in their role as vessels for divine possession.

Staven, who attacked Raine previously, had a physique that closely resembled that of the Chosen One, but only in proximity.

If the Chosen One were truly possessed by the Spider God Naubrek, the power boost would far surpass that of Staven's vessel.

The challenge lies in the fact that different deities favor Chosen Ones with unique qualities, making it incredibly difficult to find those who meet the criteria in a vast sea of people, akin to finding a needle in a haystack.

Thus, the rarity and value of the Chosen One before them were beyond measure!

(End of Chapter)

Chapter end