Lord: Starting with Biological Modification

The next day, the central square of Newly Town was bustling early in the morning.

The ironwood platform used for announcements had been polished and repaired by craftsmen overnight. Its surface was now covered with a thick layer of red felt.

Behind the platform, a brand-new banner unfurled in the morning breeze.

On a black background, silver thread embroidered thorns encircling a young sprout breaking through the soil—that was the sigil of Velin Klein.

The square was packed with people.

Soldiers out of their leather armor, craftsmen covered in stone dust, cooks in their aprons, and, most numerous of all, the freemen who came to Newly Town to work for points.

Their gazes all converged on the high platform, and the sound of their whispered discussions merged into a low hum.

When Velin walked onto the platform, the hum gradually died down.

Roland followed behind him.

This Level 5 Knight had changed into a fine suit of ceremonial armor. He wore no helmet, and his golden hair was neatly combed.

"I, Roland Sun, in the name of a Baron, am here to witness today’s honors and investitures."

Roland’s voice carried across the square.

After speaking, he took a step back, yielding the center of the stage to Velin.

Velin walked to the front of the platform, his gaze sweeping over the faces below—some tense, others expectant.

He didn’t give a long speech.

"We have defeated the Master of the Gray Swamp."

"All who participated will be rewarded."

He turned to the side, and an attendant came forward carrying a tray.

The tray was lined with velvet, and upon it, rows of medals reflected a dark luster in the sunlight.

The main body of the medals was fashioned from the finest scales from the jaw of the Master of the Gray Swamp, inlaid with a pure silver design of a coiled serpent.

"This is the ’Serpent-Slayer’ medal, awarded to those who made outstanding contributions in this battle."

"Baron Ola Stonebeard, please come to the stage."

The Dwarf Baron strode onto the platform. He puffed out his chest, and Velin personally pinned a medal to it.

"Captain Barrett."

"Squad Leader Barton."

One by one, names were called. They ascended the stage in turn to receive this token from Velin’s hands.

When Barton came on stage, a wave of good-natured laughter rippled through the crowd.

Even though he had washed three times this morning, he still carried a faint "scent of heather."

"Well done."

Velin said in a low voice as he pinned the medal on him.

Barton’s face flushed red instantly. He thumped his chest and roared, "For my lord!"

Afterward, Velin read out another series of names.

"Master Valerius, Ryo, and all the members of the Alchemy Workshop. Your potions were key to our victory."

"And to all the logistics personnel, craftsmen, physicians... your contributions are also worthy of being remembered."

Medal after medal was distributed.

In the square, the faces of those who couldn’t go on stage showed no jealousy. Instead, they wore expressions of shared honor.

"After the honors, there are also point rewards," Velin declared with a wave of his hand.

"All soldiers who participated in the battle will receive a base reward of three hundred points. There will be adjustments based on battlefield contributions."

"Barton Squad, an additional five hundred points for every member. Squad Leader Barton, one thousand points!"

"All logistics personnel, a base reward of one hundred points."

"To thank all the residents of this territory for their support, regardless of whether you are a registered resident of Newly Town, everyone will be given fifty points."

This announcement caused a huge commotion.

"Fifty points? I just helped move a few wooden crates yesterday, and I get fifty points for that?" A freeman working as a migrant laborer stared wide-eyed, unable to believe his ears.

"Fifty points! If I save up a little more, I can exchange them for proof of citizenship!"

The murmuring of the crowd grew louder and louder.

Velin raised a hand, signaling for the crowd to be quiet.

"Today, I will knight two individuals. They are not from noble families, but their loyalty and talent are worthy of this honor."

The entire square fell silent.

Knighting someone was a lord’s most important prerogative, an extremely solemn ceremony.

Everyone held their breath.

Roland stepped forward and drew his longsword.

The blade reflected the sunlight. He held the longsword horizontally and presented it to Velin with both hands.

To be knighted with the personal sword of a Level 5 Knight was, for the recipient, the highest of honors.

"Barrett."

The former mercenary captain stepped out from the ranks.

Velin took the longsword from Roland and gently laid the flat of the blade on Barrett’s right shoulder.

"Do you swear to pledge your valor and your life in loyalty to me, to protect this land and its people?"

Barrett’s body trembled slightly.

He raised his head, looking at Velin with his remaining right eye.

"I, Barrett, swear this oath. My sword will be the shield of the Grey Marsh Territory. My life will burn for you and for this land."

Velin moved the blade to his left shoulder.

"I, Velin Klein, in the name of the Baron of Grey Marsh Territory, name you my Knight."

"Arise, Knight Barrett."

Barrett rose to his feet. The men of the garrison erupted in a thunderous cheer, pounding on their breastplates to celebrate for their leader.

Velin returned the longsword to Roland, then turned in another direction.

"Ryo."

The name stunned everyone.

In the crowd, the skinny young apprentice froze.

Valerius gave him a push from behind.

"Go on, child. This is the lord’s recognition of you."

Ryo walked onto the platform awkwardly, his head bowed, not daring to look anyone in the eye.

Knighting a decorated garrison captain was something everyone could understand.

But knighting a seemingly frail Low Tier Mage? Now that was something unheard of.

Ryo knelt before Velin, extremely nervous.

The latter once again took the longsword and laid it on his shoulder.

"Do you swear to use your wisdom and knowledge to bring light and prosperity to this land?"

Ryo’s lips moved a few times before a faint but clear answer came out.

"I... I do. Everything I have belongs to you, my lord."

"I, Velin Klein, name you my Knight."

"Arise, Knight Ryo."

When Ryo stood up, the square was silent for a moment before erupting into applause and cheers even more fervent than before.

If knighting Barrett was a recognition of valor...

...then knighting Ryo was a declaration of a new rule to all: on this land, whether you are a Warrior, a craftsman, or a scholar, as long as you have talent, you can change your fate.

Ola grinned widely and slapped Barrett on the shoulder, making him stagger.

"Attaboy, One-Eye! Whoops, I mean, Knight Barrett!"

Barrett ignored him.

He looked at Ryo, who was still standing beside Velin, looking lost, and then at the people in the square, their faces flushed with excitement.

Finally, he pressed his hand against the "Serpent-Slayer" medal on his chest.

At that moment, Velin’s prestige reached its zenith.

However, he did not know that at the same time as the fervent investiture ceremony, two unseen undercurrents, stirred by the fall of the "Master of the Gray Swamp," were already quietly converging on this stretch of swamp.