As the sun ascended over Cromwell Barony the next morning, its rays illuminated the bustling cobblestone streets. Children played with joyous laughter, merchants loudly advertised their wares, and heavy carts laden with goods moved steadily through the town.
The grown-ups needed to work, after all, if they wanted to put food on the table.
While the adults were busy, Nox slept peacefully, a contented smile on his immature face. Only when the sun's rays slipped through his window, bathing him in light, did he groggily rub his eyes, dispelling the last traces of sleep.
As he blinked away, a strange sight greeted him.
[Oof! You can do better. Stop breathing so heavily!] Fluffington scolded.
"What the heck, are you bullying him?" Nox exclaimed as he saw the scene in front of him.
Thirteen was performing push-ups with the fat cat sitting on him. Though his arms trembled and threatened to give out, a spark of determination shone in his large black eyes.
They looked so fierce that Nox was slightly taken aback; he had never witnessed such fierce determination in anyone before.
'This isn't bullying… is he training?'
Nox's suspicion was on point.
[The little one asked me a favor,] Fluffington said, nonchalantly kicking his paws as if he weren't seated on a creature that was far smaller than himself. [He asked me to train him and make him strong… as strong as me, so I thought for a long time before coming up with this. Not only would he provide me with the satisfaction of torturing him, he would also get stronger. A win-win for everyone!]
Nox listened to Fluffington, then gave the panda an 'is it true?' look.
Thirteen nodded, confirming Fluffington's words. In their previous dimension, Fluffington was a menace. Thirteen had seen the cat effortlessly deal with the sandworms and other beasts. He didn't want to rely solely on his skills; he aspired to be physically strong, like his brother.
He wanted to be the shield and sword for his father. Realizing he was getting distracted, Thirteen berated himself.
Focus! He needed to focus.
Nox opened his mouth to say something. He wanted to tell Fluffington the method was too much when a screen flashed in his retina.
[Thirteen - Strength +2]
'It… actually works… their stats can increase like this too? Hmm.' A wicked gleam appeared in his eyes as he glanced at Fluffington.
Later that day, Nox began training his pets to complete his daily quests.
While Nox carried out his quest, a guard at the entrance of Cromwell Barony squinted his eyes at the sight of an approaching entourage. Quickly, one of the guards rushed to inform Nathan.
"Those mounts look well-fed and strong. Who do you think they are?" one guard commented. "And they've brought an army… wait, I see clearly now. Aren't those the banners of the Armstrong Duchy?"
"It's them," another remarked with a shocked look. "Why are they coming here? Should we sound the battle alarm?"
A voice interrupted their conversation.
"No, that won't be necessary," the voice said.
The guards felt a rush of wind hit their faces. They turned to see a short, sturdy man in tight-fitting armor, wielding a great sword taller and longer than he was.
It was Hans.
"Greetings, sir!" one of the guards quickly recognized and greeted him respectfully.
"Hmm, I hope they're here for trouble. It's been too long since I've smacked some nobles," Hans mumbled to himself, a wild gleam in his eyes. His body itched for a fight.
Still, he controlled his urge and appraised the two leading riders.
<[Kron - Level: 30 ]>
[HP: 100%]
<[Hendrix - Level: null]>
[HP: null]
'Hmmmm, the white-haired kid seems to be wearing an artifact that blocks someone from seeing his info.' Hans noted.
In Eos, all Awakened could see the name, level, HP, and MP of others if they wished. This was why Nathan and Nox had informed Aina, as there was no way to hide it. The upside was that the class of other Awakened remained concealed.
When the entourage reached the entrance, they raised their hands, the universal sign of "we come in peace" in Eos. Hans nodded at the guard to open the gate, allowing only Kron and the white-haired kid to enter while the army waited outside.
Surprisingly, Kron, the leader, agreed, and the duo entered the town.
A few minutes later.
Inside a large meeting area, all the prominent members of the Barony had gathered: Nathan, Elvin, Celine, Eve, and even Aina.
The envoy, Kron, had claimed he brought important information from the new duke of the western region. The man, although fearful of Nathan, made sure to emphasize the duke of the western region as if to intimidate the latter.
Since it was important, Nathan decided it was only sensible to inform his cabinet.
Now, with everyone assembled, Kron couldn't help but gulp hard under their collective gaze. Hendrix, who had accompanied him, had left without a word.
Kron figured he must have gone to look around.
'Damn, all of them are powerful, and here I thought Nathan was the only abnormal one. For some reason, I'm more afraid of the red-eyed woman than anyone here,' Kron thought, his gaze lingering on Eve, but he didn't look too long. Then he looked at Aina. She was wearing a simple milk-colored gown, but it still didn't hide her lithe and slightly muscular physique.
'And to think I'd find someone of that race here. Now I understand why the duke places such importance on this Barony.'
"Are you just going to stare at our faces, or will you start the meeting already?" Celine said with an annoyed expression on her face.
"Ah, my apologies." Kron coughed and stood as straight as a sword. He had hoped to appear dominant but had failed even before he began. Nevertheless, he proceeded to state the reason for his visit.
The important message that had drawn the attention of all the key figures in Cromwell Barony.