Bael was the first member of Viel's Soul Order, his first Acolyte, and every member of his Soul Order would be able to have ten subordinates once he reach Initiate Rank.
Viel planned on hunting the mosquitoes that Brolin, the dwarf from Twilight Rain, sent searching for him in the Figaro Gardens, and later use the highest rank souls to form an Army under Bael.
Viel stored Brolin's corpse inside his Storage Ring and looked for things of value inside the cavern, but couldn't find anything except a bunch of documents he will give to the Village Head. After that, he exited the Monster Nest and hunted the rest of the Mosquitos.
........
A few hours later, Viel returned to Leaf Village. He had managed to defeat three Rank 3 Ruthless Venom Mosquitoes, ten Rank 2 Iron-Scaled Torment Mosquitoes and fifteen Rank 1 Obsidian Spite Mosquitoes.
First of all, he went to see his master, Randolph, and told him about the Twilight Rain agent and the Abomination.
"If what you are saying is true, we must contact the Village Head and the Riders of Norria as soon as possible." Randolph said. "I know you are not lying to me, but they may doubt you if you don't show them any proof."
"Don't worry Master, before the corpse of the Ash Wing disappeared I made sure that I took a picture of its body." Viel explained.
"Ok." Randolph said.
After around twenty minutes, Cedwyn, the Village Head of Leaf Village, and Boreas, the Captain of the Riders of Norria, and the Elders of the Village were present in Randolph's Smithy.
"Randolph has told us a little about the situation, but we would like it if you could explain it in detail to us." Cedwyn said.
"I will gladly do it." Viel replied.
Viel explained to them what had happened before in the Monster Nest, but with some changes.
"We understand that you don't gain anything by lying to us, but we need some evidence to take this to our superiors." Boreas said.
"I don't have much, but I hope this is enough to proof that what I am saying is true." Viel said as he took out the Recording Crystal and Brolin's body.
He activated the Crystal and a large image appeared picturing a four meter tall mosquito corpse.
"You can take it to your superiors to check if the image is true or has been altered." Viel stated.
"I don't think it's going to be necessary." Boreas said. "But it's a pity that the dwarf died."
"Sorry, but it was more challenging than I thought it would be and I was left with no choice but to kill him." Viel explained.
Everyone present made thoughtful faces. While it is true that this would serve as evidence to prove it along with the documents, it is a pity that they will not be able to get information from the Twilight Rain member.
"I expect that Viel will receive some rewards from the Riders of Norria as well." stated Randolph. "The plans of this organization might have entirely threatened this territory if he hadn't acted. Tell that to your Commander as well."
"I'll ensure I inform my Commander about your noble act," Boreas remarked, gazing at Viel. "You have done a significant favour to the Kingdom."
"I'm glad to be of help." Viel replied. "But I think the Riders of Norria should perform an investigation in the Figaro Gardens in case any beast like this can appear again."
"Got it. I'll ask for additional support from our Stronghold," Boreas pledged. "I shall depart now to ensure we make the required arrangements."
Viel was relieved because Boreas didn't ask him anything else. After all, he wanted to maintain the fact that he has the soul of the Twilight Rain member, Brolin and that he has used the body of the Ash Wing a secret.
Cedwyn declared the meeting over and expressed gratitude once more to Viel for the commendable contribution he had extended to their village. In light of this, he opted to bestow a reward upon the counterpart on a subsequent occasion, following comprehensive deliberation with the village's other Elders.
......…..
The next day Viel woke up and felt extremely good, it has been an eternity since he has slept so well. It seems that after yesterday's fight and interrogation he was totally drained.
He changed his clothes and headed out of the inn, but something caught his attention. The innkeeper who was already friendly towards him, was even more so today.
When he exited the inn, Boreas and Nevreal were waiting for him there.
"Viel Von Kaizer, could you spare us a moment?" Boreas asked. "There's a matter of utmost significance that necessitates our discussion. Would you consider accompanying me to the barracks for the time being?"
"My Commander, Lord Thoram, transported the Recording Crystal to the capital and had an audience with his Majesty," Boreas explained somberly. "The mages in the capital examined it, proving its authenticity. Now I am going to disclose to you some confidential information."
"Understand the gravity of this situation; the data cannot be disclosed beyond this circle. The sole reason I'm permitted to share this now is because the new faction is presently conducting experiments in villages near the Kingdom's borders."
"Following the King's directive, an extensive operation was initiated. Multiple border Strongholds successfully apprehended four more members of the faction within other Dwarf villages."
"These locations also faced an unprecedented surge of a specific type of creature in their vicinity. Regrettably, in two instances, the creature was successfully birthed, complicating efforts at containment. This led to significant casualties, necessitating the dispatch of Initiates by his Majesty."
"After fierce confrontations, these two Abominations were vanquished. Yet, upon analyzing their remains, the mages made a startling discovery: these creatures possess the capacity to evolve…"
"Viel Von Kaizer, Lord Thoram, and the other Commanders of the Border Guards are very grateful for your contribution in this matter. If you haven't slayed it, no one knows what could have happened." Boreas gave Viel a brief bow before passing him a wooden box. "His Majesty intended to arrange a ceremony to grant you the title of Honorary Knight within our Kingdom, yet his counsellors dissuaded him."
"While the Kingdom of Gweliven engages in trade with diverse races, their presence within our borders remains exceptionally infrequent. Typically, no more than ten individuals from other nations are granted entry. The counsellors opined that a public knighthood for you might incite unease among the populace, potentially leading to avoidable complications ahead."
"Hence, it is for this reason that I, rather than His Majesty, am here to offer you the medal signifying your status as an Honorary Knight of our Kingdom. Despite the conferred title, it is important to note that no land shall accompany this distinction."
"Nevertheless, you shall be entitled to discounts within all shops and for any services offered within this kingdom. Kindly accept His Majesty's sincere blessings, and rest assured that you are recognized by him and held in great regard."
Viel unlatched the wooden casket and beheld a gilded medal adorned with the emblem of a battle axe. The medal bore an exceptionally detailed engraving, bringing a smile to the Half-Elf's face. This was because the moment he took hold of the knighthood emblem, a succession of notifications appeared, confirming his attainment of the esteemed title of Honorary Knight.
—-
Title: Honorary Knight
– You have performed an outstanding service for the Kingdom of Gweliven, and his Majesty, King Maximilian Von Gweliven, hereby recognizes you as an honorary Knight.
– Grants additional 100 Reputation Points to the Kingdom of Gweliven
– You will receive a 10% increase in attack and defence if you are fighting within the Kingdom of Gweliven
—--
Upon being awarded the medal, the Reputation System within his Soul Tome was initiated. Viel examined the impact of the earned reputation points and found himself quite content with the results.
—--
Kingdom of Gweliven Reputation Points: 200
Relationship Status: Good
– You will get up to a 20% discount for all services within the Kingdom
– The law abiding Dwarves in the Kingdom will not find any trouble for you.
—--
Riders of Norria Reputation Points: 500
Relationship Status: Friendly
– Gives you the privilege to enter the Stronghold of Norria and explore the services available there.
– You will get up to a 20% discount on all services inside the Stronghold.
– You will be able to gain their assistance if you wish for it. Every time you ask for their help, your reputation points will be decreased by 500 Points.
—--
Leaf Village Reputation Points: 2000
Relationship Status: Benefactor
– As someone who had saved the entire Village from a catastrophe, you will be treated politely by all of its residents.
– Certain services that are not available to foreigners will be open to you.
– You will get up to a 50% discount on all services inside Leaf Village.
– You will be able to ask for the help of the City Guards if you wish for it. Each time you use this service, 250 Reputation Points will be deducted.
– Points will not be deducted when you ask for their help, as long as the task will benefit Leaf Village as a whole.
—--
Leaf Village's Ant Nest Reputation Points: 1900
Relationship Status: Prince (20% discount)
– You have been recognized as the Ant Nest's Prince after establishing a relationship with its Queen and defending the Colony.
– You can ask the Queen for help, but she will decide the price.
—
"Aside from the Medal of Knighthood, you will be given other rewards," Boreas continued. "Sir Nevreal said that you are looking for Skill Books. According to the information that we have on you, your profession is an Animancer, a profession never heard about before. We couldn't find any reward for you, but after searching in the Royal Library for anything related to your profession we found a book that could interest you."
"Thank you very much!" Viel said in surprise. "This means very much to me."
"Before our arrival here, His Majesty conveyed a decree to me as well." Nevreal mentioned. "He expressed that within the bounds of his benevolence, if there's something you desire, he's willing to grant it. Therefore, is there a specific wish you have in mind as a token of appreciation for your dedicated service to the Kingdom?"
Viel didn't know what to ask for. After a few minutes of thinking, he found what he needed, or would need, the most.
"It can sound strange, but do you have monster's blood?" Viel asked. "Of a higher rank, better."
"It really is a strange thing to ask." Nebreal stated. "May I ask if you practice alchemy?"
"No." Viel replied. "I need it due to a special situation of mine."
"I will send a list of the available blood to the inn where you are residing. Also, the Skill Books and the Royal Library's book will be sent to you along the monster's blood after you tell me which do you want." Nevreal explained.