Chapter 99: The Knight of the Tree Crown
Chapter 99: The Knight of the Tree Crown
"Berserk Warrior?" Reyn asked, a hint of confusion in his voice.
He understood the words.
But he distinctly remembered that both Claire and Hamilton had used the term 'Berserk' to describe beasts, distinguishing them from humans.
So, with a questioning tone, Reyn asked, "Do you mean a knight?"
Lagra nodded, "Yes! Berserk and your term 'Break Limit' mean the same thing. In our Barbarian Clan, we follow the ancient tradition of calling those who Break Limit, Berserk Warriors."
She had come from the Frostwind Tundra to Maister County in search of her brother, Haral, and had been living here for a while, learning about the cultural differences between the two regions.
With Reyn's interruption, Lagra began to answer his questions about the Barbarians.
This information left Reyn momentarily stunned.
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After a long pause, Lagra composed herself and turned to look at Reyn.
Reyn stopped walking towards home and instead headed towards the nearby Administrative Hall training ground.
The Barbarians practiced a primitive breathing technique called the Brutal Breath Technique, which unlocked their bloodline potential, enhanced their physique, and simultaneously boosted their strength and agility, allowing them to survive the harsh conditions of the Frostwind Tundra.
"Just when we thought we had the situation under control, this Elder Ogre suddenly started to flee and eventually ran into an unknown ruin."
"Send an urgent message to Duke Hamadi in the City Capital and the Ocean Goddess Church. There's a Demon Knight nearby Shiny Gold Town!"
W
Hamilton muttered to himself, "Haral's Break Limit has surpassed forty percent. By that calculation, he's already at the Veteran Knight level, yet he's still no match for the opponent. This suggests that this Demon Knight might be an Elite Knight or even stronger."
"The opponent wore a full set of knight armor, and the most distinctive feature was the tree crown design on top of their masked helmet."
Reyn turned and left.
A knight's helmet with a tree crown design? Reyn began to ponder. The tree crown pattern or symbol was likely associated with races or churches that worshipped nature deities.
The Barbarians, it seemed, achieved transcendence through a trial of life and death, rather than relying on advanced elixirs.
"From Hamilton's reaction, it seems this Demon Knight's appearance might herald a significant crisis for all of Shiny Gold Town."
With powerful weapons at their disposal, they would have a better chance of ensuring their safety.
Hearing this, Reyn couldn't help but ask, "What about your brother?"
The fact that a human Extraordinary Knight was in such a state of agitation indicated that this 'Demon Knight' was no ordinary foe.
The training ground was deserted, and silence enveloped the area.
When Reyn mentioned that Haral had encountered the Demon Knight and that his squad had almost been wiped out, Hamilton was shocked. He jumped up from his chair, exclaiming, "What! A Demon Knight?"
Reyn noticed that the Barbarian had just woken up, and his emotions were still raw. Perhaps it would be more appropriate to ask again later when he had calmed down.
This revelation surprised Reyn.
Evidently, the topic had stirred up painful memories for Lagra.
Although there were still many unknowns, Reyn felt it was urgent to inform Hamilton and let him prepare for the impending crisis.
"The Barbarians don't practice traditional breathing techniques. According to Lagra, they have a thin giant bloodline flowing through their veins."
Reyn was curious about the 'Funeral Horse' but decided not to interrupt again, allowing Lagra to continue her story.
"By the way, Lagra, I'm sorry for asking you so many questions about your tribe. Please continue with what happened in the Night Song Forest." Reyn realized he had steered the conversation away from Lagra's original topic, so he apologized.
'Veteran Knight' and 'Elite Knight'? Reyn nodded, adding to the earlier mention of 'Knight', it seemed like a classification system for knights.
"The opponent didn't seem human. The warhorse beneath them was a Funeral Horse. I struck its leg with my axe, but only a ghastly white flesh appeared, with no blood flowing."
Reyn understood the seriousness of the situation.
For instance, the book he received from 'Dog King' Cole had illustrations of trees, flowers, and more.
As Reyn approached the office, the strong scent of healing potions filled the air.
Alas! He couldn't go to the City Capital at his current stage.
"Oh, and there's one more thing. My brother asked me to deliver a message. This Demon Knight with a tree crown helmet is a rare sight."
This was in stark contrast to the Barbarians' situation, where failure to transcend meant death.
"I blocked the opponent's lance once, but my shield shattered, my arm broke, and I was injured by this strange dark aura. My brother fought with all his might, but he was no match for the Knight of the Tree Crown."
A guard, dressed as a messenger, rushed in and saluted, "Sir Hamilton, your orders?"
"Also, send someone to inform Duke Habsburg at the Habsburg Manor!"
Lagra seemed to recall a heart-wrenching scene, and her eyes welled up with tears once more.
But soon, Reyn's thoughts took a different turn.
After receiving Reyn's affirmative response, Hamilton could no longer contain his excitement, and his face turned pale.
"The only thing I can rely on is my own constantly improving strength."
As Reyn exited Hamilton's office, the cold moonlight, filtering through the gaps in the clouds, draped over the town like a silver veil, giving it a dreamlike feel.
The orthodox Knight Path, even if one fails to break through after consuming the Advanced Elixir, has a death rate of only about one in ten. There's a four in ten chance of a decrease in strength, and a five in ten chance of a successful breakthrough.
"Additionally, my understanding of this world is still too shallow. It seems that while relying on the Night Watch, I also need to work hard to earn merit points and advance my rank."
After a moment's thought, Reyn said to La Grace, "Then you should get some good rest tonight. I'll go inform Sheriff Hamilton of Shiny Gold Town right away."
"A Demon Knight?" Reyn was taken aback, as this touched upon another area of his ignorance. However, no matter what, if even 'Little Giant' Haral's formidable strength wasn't a match for that Demon Knight, Reyn didn't think Sheriff Hamilton of Shiny Gold Town could defeat that guy.
"Also, notify all Night Watch members to increase their vigilance!"
This breathing technique seemed similar to his own Bear Breathing Technique, both focusing on enhancing physical strength and power. Of course, it was slightly less effective in increasing agility compared to the Brutal Breathing Technique.
"I'm sorry," Reyn apologized.
La Grace could no longer hold back her tears and covered her face.
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"This ruin is located deep within the Night Song Forest, filled with toppled stone pillars covered in moss and vines. We believe it was once a temple ruin from long ago."
Reyn thought to himself, "Indeed, the Knight Path, as the most reliable extraordinary path in the long history of mankind, has its reasons for enduring."
"The opponent is too strong. With just one strike, they killed one of our squad members."
"He's dead too. The last thing I saw was my brother desperately drawing the enemy's attention to save me, but he was pierced through the chest by the opponent's lance."
As Reyn spoke, he could sense a hint of fear in La Grace's eyes—a natural dread when facing an enemy far superior in strength.
Upon hearing this, Reyn felt that the Barbarian Tribe's entire training system was a bit crude compared to the orthodox Knight Breathing Technique, but overall, the differences didn't seem too significant.
"This is the real trouble!"
"Messenger!"
"The appearance of a Demon Knight signifies the invasion or resurgence of some evil force. Ancient texts mention that Demon Knights are the minions of Demon Lords. It must have sensed its master's call and appeared here."
A minion of a Demon Lord? With the word 'Lord' in its name, even if Reyn knew very little about this world, he was certain it wouldn't be an easy opponent. No wonder Hamilton was so anxious.
La Grace didn't mind and nodded, continuing her story.
The cold autumn wind brushed against Reyn's face, making him more alert.
However, the word 'demon' reminded Reyn of the Radiant Stone he had obtained.
"The other squad members fought to protect me, but they all died one by one."
Hamilton nodded, his expression grave. "The terror of a Demon Knight is one thing, but that's not the main issue."
According to La Grace's account, the Barbarian Tribe's priests prepared various herbal concoctions for their warriors to enhance their Brutal Breathing Technique training.
"My brother single-handedly turned the tide of battle, slaughtering numerous Gnolls and even defeating the Elder Ogre."
This was the first time Reyn had seen Hamilton so agitated.
Sheriff Hamilton of Shiny Gold Town paced back and forth in his office, his brows furrowed with worry.
Even though it was already around 10:00 PM, Hamilton was still at the office, and his wounds seemed to have been treated.
"We pursued the Elder Ogre, and suddenly, a mysterious knight appeared and attacked us."
After all, according to Blacksmith Boris, if it were to be forged into a weapon, it would possess powerful damage against evil forces.
If this so-called 'Demon Knight' were to attack Shiny Gold Town, who knew what kind of tragedy would unfold.
When discussing the ruins, Reyn could clearly sense a tremor in La Grace's voice.
For Barbarians to successfully undergo the Berserk transformation, the success rate was only about two to three in ten.
La Grace shook her head lightly.
"Sheriff, is a Demon Knight really that terrifying?" Reyn asked curiously, seeing Hamilton's solemn expression.
However, when he reached the door, he suddenly remembered something and turned back to La Grace, asking, "Do you need something to eat?"
It seemed she was still immersed in her grief.
"Mhm!" La Grace nodded.
Reyn checked the Night Watch panel and saw that with the experience gained from killing wolves, his Mammoth Sword Technique was only a few points away from reaching Lv. 5.
He planned to upgrade his sword technique and then head home.
As Reyn drew the steel longsword from his back, his figure wielded the greatsword in the training ground, sweating profusely.
About an hour later, the system notification sounded.
(End of Chapter)
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