Chapter 220: The Martial Arts Tournament’s Reward
Staring at this last message, Duane fell into deep thought.
He remembered Natalia mentioning that both the Star Continent and the Sunset Continent had experienced the Elemental Tide earlier than the Shadow Mist Continent.
Among them, the geniuses on the Star Continent could reach the Shooting Star Level by the age of twenty-four.
’The Sunset Continent should be about the same.’
Given that Sigmund was the Crown Prince, the friend he had befriended and was personally bringing back to the Pruck Kingdom couldn’t be far behind in terms of status, talent, and strength.
Therefore, Duane had reason to suspect that this newcomer was incredibly powerful—so powerful that even King Eric and the others believed he could outmatch Duane.
After all, Duane’s strength had already been revealed during his last trip to the Royal Capital.
King Eric was a shrewd man. When he saw Count Kais propose that contestants be under the age of twenty, he was bound to think of Duane.
Although Duane hadn’t participated in the development of Freddy’s Secret Realm and was technically an outsider, in the eyes of the other nobles, he was a partner to Count Kais.
This would naturally lead to all sorts of speculation.
’Looks like the King deliberately widened the age range. He doesn’t want me to take the crown.’
Duane was naturally a little dissatisfied. This was the second time King Eric had created difficulties for him.
’However, even if my opponent is a Celestial Tier Peak Warrior, I won’t necessarily lose with my current strength.’
He possessed the Celestial Python Bloodline, and all his Combat Techniques had reached Perfection Level, allowing him to unleash even greater power. And on top of that, he had Magic to aid him.
Although his Strength Attribute was still at the level of a recent breakthrough, his true combat power had long since surpassed that of an ordinary Celestial Tier Warrior.
His only worry was whether this person from the Sunset Continent also possessed unique skills, and whether their strength had reached the Shooting Star Level.
Duane pondered for a moment before opening the Kingdom’s invitation.
Just as Count Kais had said, besides inviting Duane to the Founding Day celebration, the contents also mentioned a martial arts tournament—
All nobles had the right to recommend a participant, as long as that person met the requirement of being under twenty-five years of age.
Additionally, all participants needed to submit their names before July and pay an entry fee of one hundred Gold Coins per person before July 10th.
Duane couldn’t help but be taken aback. That entry fee was truly expensive.
However, the chance to make an appearance at such an important festival and gain fame was not a bad deal at all.
Finally, the invitation clearly stated the prize for the champion.
Regardless of whether the final champion was a member of the Kingdom Nobility, His Majesty the King would bestow upon them a Territory and the title of either Baron or the Honorary Count "Star of the Sky."
Clearly, this Honorary Count title was established for people like Duane, who already had a Territory and a noble title.
As for those who were not Hereditary Barons, they would receive the Baron title.
In short, this was an opportunity for a commoner to make a name for themselves, and even to cross class boundaries!
Even with the hundred-Gold-Coin entry fee as a barrier, there would surely be a great number of participants.
’The only one who could pose a threat to me is probably the Crown Prince’s friend.’
Duane thought for a moment. ’To be safe, I should probably become a Shooting Star Warrior first.’
Now that he was a Level 4 Mage capable of learning Arcane Shaping Spells, he was qualified to continue exploring the Secret Realm.
Right now, obtaining that enclave was the key.
What’s more, there was an unexpectedly powerful giant bear in the Secret Realm, and to deal with it better, Duane needed even greater strength.
’There’s one more thing. If I win, my true strength will inevitably be exposed.’
Such a young Celestial Tier Warrior would inevitably attract attention from all sides, and there was no guarantee someone wouldn’t try to cause trouble for him.
With greater power, he would have a better guarantee of protecting himself.
But this way, it deviated a bit from Duane’s path of "lying low and developing."
’His Majesty the King’s change to the age requirement has had quite an impact on me.’
Something he could have obtained with ease now required him to reveal a lot.
This made Duane even start to hesitate about whether to compete for this enclave.
’I can’t always be timid and hesitant. I don’t believe that after I reveal my strength, they’ll really dare to scheme against me like they did at Lakefront Manor!’
Having made up his mind, Duane began to write his replies.
First, he needed to inform Count Kais of his decision to participate and send his registration letter to the Royal Capital via Sea Cliff Castle.
Second was the matter of the Time Closet.
He told Natalia his idea, asking her, Derek, and the others to select bold, beautiful women and handsome men and to give them preliminary training in confidence, facial expressions, and other aspects.
At the same time, he would arrive at Sea Cliff Castle in mid-June to provide further guidance.
The first fashion show would attract attention with its novelty, so the requirements for the models’ catwalks didn’t need to be too high. One month of practice would be enough.
"Make three copies of these three letters and send them to Sea Cliff Castle."
Duane instructed, "Also, tell Heck and the others to get ready. I need to head to the Royal Capital before mid-June for the Founding Day celebration."
"Yes, my lord."
Owington immediately took the letters and asked cautiously:
"My lord, will you require my service on this trip?"
Duane thought for a moment, then nodded. "You and Jasmine will both accompany me. As for the guards, have Jack pick nine constables to come along. His usual duties will be temporarily handled by John and Kaelon."
With Duane’s current strength, it didn’t really matter whether he brought guards or not.
The only reason for having Jack accompany him was purely to appear more formal.
Besides, the constabulary being short ten people wouldn’t have much of an impact on the Territory’s defense.
Hearing this, the Male Servant’s face lit up with delight. He would finally be able to travel with the Baron!
"Thank you for your trust! I will be sure to diligently prepare all the arrangements for the trip!"
Duane smiled and waved his hand. "Go on and inform them. Have them prepare early."
"Yes, sir!"
Owington left happily, but just as he stepped out of the study, he turned around and came back.
"My apologies, my lord. I was so happy just now that I forgot to remind you. The beer you were brewing a while ago has reached the final stage and is ready for the next step of processing."
He asked, "I was wondering, will you be handling it personally again this time?"
The quantity of beer this time was quite large. If one person were to handle it all, it would likely take four or five days of intense work to finish.
"Of course, I’ll handle it again this time!"
At the mention of this, Duane couldn’t help but show a look of delight.
His Basic Brewing Skill Level was already in the late stages of the Master Level. After finishing this batch of brewing, he would smoothly reach Perfection.
To face the martial arts tournament with more confidence, what he needed now were attribute points.
Reaching Perfection in Basic Brewing came at the perfect time.
Duane couldn’t help but open his attribute panel. Of his 22 Basic Skills, 11 had already reached Perfection.
Next, besides Basic Brewing, the Skill Levels for his Basic Meditation Skill and Basic Breeding had also reached the Master Level.
With a little effort, he should be able to get them all to Perfection before the martial arts tournament.
’If I want to break through to become a Shooting Star Warrior in two and a half months, besides these three Basic Skills, I’ll need six Level 4 spells, seven Arcane Shaping spells, and six spells from other schools.’
Speaking of Level 4 Magic, Duane couldn’t help but think of the Level 4 Spell he had gained through an Enlightenment from his Basic Riding Skill—Summon Warhorse.
’It’s time to test it out.’