Knight: Becoming King of the World

"Where did this power really come from? Could it truly be the work of those churches?"

Ratifa couldn’t forget those elusive figures. She thought that perhaps capturing some of those church members would allow for a better understanding of Chaos Power.

Henry coughed lightly and began to answer Ratifa’s question, "This world isn’t so black and white. So-called light and darkness are, more often than not, just relative concepts.

"Our empire, in a sense, does represent order and civilization, but that doesn’t mean we are the embodiment of absolute light.

"Chaos Power, from what I know, has existed for far longer than our Caladia Empire."

Ratifa nodded, not refuting his point. After all, their ancestors had originally migrated from overseas, gradually growing stronger until they eventually took complete control of the Caladian continent.

After a long period of chaotic warfare, the former empire had fractured, giving rise to Valandia, Kuset, Stegia, Battania, and Aserai... before all were eventually reunified.

The empire’s history was long, yet also short.

Henry paused. Seeing Ratifa’s expression, an idea sparked in his mind and he continued, "As for why this power has appeared, that touches upon a very profound question... I have two theories.

"First, Chaos Power is a part of nature, representing the disorder and chaos within the natural world.

"Second, it was deliberately unleashed by certain people to achieve a specific goal. As for the churches... they could indeed be the culprits behind all of this. Their rituals and beliefs often contradict what we know."

Ratifa’s brow furrowed, her voice laced with anger. "If that’s true, then the actions of these church members are too outrageous. They haven’t just betrayed the empire, they’ve betrayed everyone!"

Ratifa may have been a beautiful woman, but that didn’t stop her from being a fearsome warrior, capable of wielding both bow and blade, and, clad in armor, Killing Like Cutting Grass.

Right now, she wished she could burn all those charlatan priests who had caused this huge mess at the stake!

Hearing Ratifa’s furious words, a thought suddenly struck Henry. For some reason, he was reminded of his good old dean, the one and only... His Majesty, the Emperor.

He had always thought that his own act of building a skull pyramid had attracted Khorne’s attention. But on second thought, wasn’t the Emperor himself the first in the Caladia Empire to build them, and the one who built them most frequently?

Henry’s head was buzzing. A stunning thought surfaced in his mind.

’Could it be that the Chaos invasion has nothing to do with me, but that the Emperor has been corrupted by Chaos?’

The idea shocked even Henry himself. He recalled the Emperor’s series of actions—everything had gone smoothly for him, everything he did succeeded. His Legion grew ever stronger, wealth poured in endlessly, and weapon and armor technology advanced by leaps and bounds...

’This isn’t right, is it? How can anyone have it this easy? Are you using cheats, too?’

Henry had once simply assumed it was the influence of overseas technology. He even once thought that a power struggle for a constitutional monarchy, led by the bourgeoisie, might break out in the western coastal regions.

But now, Henry understood. ’This is no fucking ordinary war.’

Henry’s heart was filled with doubt. He began to suspect the Emperor’s true intentions and the mysterious power behind him.

Behind all these changes and the war, a massive conspiracy seemed to be hidden.

Henry didn’t like conspiracies. Or rather, he didn’t like conspiracies that could potentially harm him.

Henry and Ratifa talked for a long time, even missing lunch. Finally, their conversation returned to the original purpose of the Countess’s visit.

Henry readily agreed to Ratifa’s deal, stating that he and the other nobles were willing to cash out directly with Dinars. This was undoubtedly good news for Ratifa, and a happy smile appeared on her face.

In fact, judging by the pathetic behavior of the other nobles earlier, it was clear that the biggest hurdle to the deal’s success was whether Henry would agree.

"Baron Henry, your talent is truly admirable. I believe the Prince will welcome you as well," Countess Ratifa said, her voice filled with joy.

Ratifa blinked and then proposed, "Baron Henry, since you know something about this Chaos Power, I’d like to invite you to join our Border War in the Northern Lands.

"Your knowledge and power would be invaluable to us."

Henry smiled. This was exactly what he wanted. Even if Ratifa hadn’t invited him, he would have gone on his own with his men.

But he wasn’t a man with no self-respect; why would he eagerly go and slave away for someone else?

In any case, he needed to get some tangible benefits from the Prince.

"Countess Ratifa, I would be glad to contribute to the Prince and the peace of the Northern Lands. However, war requires resources.

"I hope to receive some support from the Prince, be it financial or otherwise."

Ratifa nodded in understanding. She didn’t have the authority to make decisions on the Prince’s behalf, but she promised to relay their conversation to him verbatim.

Ratifa glanced sideways at the large chests. She didn’t think Henry was short on Dinars; it seemed he wanted something else.

"I am certain that with the Prince’s wisdom, he will make the right decision. He will invite you to the Northern Lands to lend your aid."

Henry stood up and extended his hand to Ratifa. "Then it’s settled. I will prepare my troops and await the Prince’s invitation."

Ratifa also stood and gently shook Henry’s hand. "A deal’s a deal, Baron Henry. I will arrange everything as soon as possible. See you in the Northern Lands."

With their handshake, at that moment, their partnership seemed to be forged.

Henry watched Ratifa’s retreating figure, knowing this was not just a war against Chaos Power, but a war that could potentially change the entire continent of Caladia.

’Huh? Hmm! The Personal Panel updated? What the hell is this? Why did it get so simple? Where are all my skills?’

Henry suddenly sensed something. After calling up his personal Overlord Panel, he found that many of the data entries were gone, and the changes were quite significant.

[Tier]: Second-Level Being

Henry didn’t understand. It most likely meant the "Level" category had been replaced by this so-called "Tier." He had no idea what the specific difference was.

Moreover, unlike before, it didn’t clearly indicate that leveling up was based on experience points.

[Comprehensive Power]: 33 (Your Bravery makes you invincible throughout the Caladia Empire)

Henry nodded unconsciously. This confirmed his suspicions; it must be the effect of the blessing from those pillars of light.

[Comprehensive Nai]: 29 (Your Endurance can keep four people from getting any rest)

Henry gave a sly chuckle as Ailia’s face appeared in his mind.

He had always wanted to find someone rich, or from a powerful family. But Henry now realized that he himself was the most badass of all; he didn’t need to be influenced by such factors.

[Comprehensive Charm]: 37 (People will be convinced by what you say)

[Comprehensive Intelligence]: 25 (Your wisdom is considered that of a scholar)

Henry snorted, very displeased with the description "considered that of a scholar."

[Long Pole Proficiency]: 211/∞

[One-Handed Proficiency]: 328/∞

[Two-Handed Proficiency]: 319/∞

[Bow and Crossbow Proficiency]: 197/∞

[Throwing Proficiency]: 203/∞

Henry saw this and realized that for these skill categories, only the proficiency was still displayed. Things like attribute points, skill points, and so on had all vanished, just like the experience points for his "Tier."

If Henry hadn’t checked for his previous Passive Reconnaissance Skill, he would have thought these things had been "deleted."

’As long as they aren’t gone completely, it doesn’t matter whether they’re displayed or not.’

Henry continued reading and found the two skills that were currently displayed.

[Talent Skill]

[Bloodthirsty]: Killing enemies restores stamina

[Will Answer All Requests]: Exactly as it sounds

Henry took a deep breath, unable to hold back the smile spreading across his face.