Previous Chapter
With both leaders dead, Sreet surveyed the carnage, his expression cold. He wiped his blade clean and searched the bodies, pocketing anything valuable.
System Notification
A faint chime echoed in Sreet's mind.
[Mission(s) Completed]
Sreet permitted himself a small grin before disappearing into the darkness, leaving a town at the brink of transformation behind.
____________
Next Day
Town Lord's Mansion
The shoddily managed hall of Lord Bowen's mansion reeked of neglect, its once grand tapestries faded and frayed. Oblivious to the disrepair, Lord Bowen reclined lazily on his oversized throne, clutching a goblet of cheap wine in his hand. His face, ruddy with drink, split into a triumphant grin as he exclaimed,
"Yes, both of them are dead! The Axiom and the Raze are no more. Now I am the sole true power in this wretched town!"
From the shadowed corner of the room, the nervous butler shifted uneasily. His posture stiff, his voice laced with quiet suspicion, he dared to interject.
"My lord, with respect… this doesn't add up. It's almost as if someone orchestrated their demise."
Lord Bowen waved the concern away, his smile growing wider.
"Doesn't matter! What matters is the result. Tell the peasants in the town that I, the great Lord Bowen, have brought salvation to this miserable place. They should be grateful for my strength and vision."
The butler hesitated, his lips compressing into a thin line, before bowing his head.
"As you wish, my lord."
The Town Celebrates
But the streets of mansion-town were electric with excitement. The townspeople, long used to living in fear, danced and sang. For the first time in years, they no longer had to fear being killed, kidnapped, or sold. No more extortion called "protection." The story that would free the town from the terror of the gangs
___________
The sunlight, shining through the battered crooked shutters, cast golden streaks across the bed. Sreet stirred, rubbing his eyes, as a satisfied yawn escaped his lips. Well, the bed certainly was far more comfortable than the creaky cot in his shack—a luxury he had afforded himself with the spoils of chaos.
He sat up with a jolt, a spark of understanding illuminating his eyes. His prize. His hands trembled just a little bit not from fear or exhaustion but from excitement. The corner of his mouth curled into a sly smile as he spoke a single word.
"System."
[System Notification]
Claim Reward(s)
[Yes] [No]
With no hesitation, Sreet focused his mind and mentally selected [Yes].
[System Notification]
Rewards Granted.
[90Apprentice Knight Technique Aquired]
[Shadow Phantom Technique Aquired]
With all this Sreet's status looked something like this
Name: Sreet Shresth]
[Age: 19]
[Class: None]
[Current Training Method: None]
[System Level: 0]
[system Perks: None]
_______________
[Strength:8.9
Agility: 9.9
Stamina: 8.2
Intelligence:9.9
Charisma:6.9]
_______________
Skills: Basic Knife Skills (9/10)
'I guess 9.9 is a peak for max human since I've been practising for a while and even the daily training does not give much anymore'
Then Sreet looked at the description of both the rewards he got
[Golden Knight Apprentice Technique]
A specialized breathing technique from a high-world that unlocks the latent strength and endurance needed to break into the rank of Knight Apprentice. This technique refines a warrior's physical power, channelling their energy efficiently to push beyond human limits. (Better than the Current Techniques in this World)
[Shadow Viel Technique Level(1/10)
Phantom Step
A silent, unpredictable movement technique allows the user to momentarily vanish from an opponent's sight and reappear in a more advantageous position.
Veil of Shadows
By blending with ambient darkness, the user becomes nearly invisible in low light, making it easier to avoid detection or set up an ambush.
]
Then he started inspecting the Manuels he found on both of the gang leaders' corpses.
[
Technique Name: Iron Heart Technique
Description:
A low-class knight cultivation technique with minimal effects. It slightly enhances strength and stamina through basic breathing exercises, but offers little progress and is often considered a "trash" in high-worlds. A stepping stone for beginners, it requires excessive effort for negligible results.]
[Technique Name: Basic Blade Focus
Description:
A low-class, entry-level knight cultivation technique that focuses on the fundamentals of holding and swinging a sword. It offers no special abilities or enhancements, relying only on basic posture and form. Often considered a "trash" technique, it is used by those starting their journey but provides little improvement without advanced training.]
Sreet was a little shocked by the techniques used by the gang leaders were considered in the data of the system then he realised that this was just a low-world and was continuously declining.
"Alright, let's train with these techniques," Sreet said with determination.
He collected the manuals one by one, reading through each cover and content. When he opened the manual of the Shadow Phantom Technique, an unexpected event happened-the manual suddenly crumbled into thin air. Together with that thought process overflowing into his mind, he got confirmation from the system: he's acquired both.
_________
A Week Later
Once elated with the destruction of the two gangs, the town had sunk into chaos. There was no central authority in place, and new gangs began to rise. Merchants raised their prices, taking advantage of the situation, and small factions sprouted like weeds, aiming for the top.
The presence of no Knight Apprentice but merely a symbol of power was not very helpful. The town lord was too occupied with his lavish lifestyle and had refused to train or appoint some warriors. This thought- the knightly techniques of his family were meant for "peasants" - left the town defenceless. Instead of using the money in town defences, he spent it all on indulgence and forgot about his responsibilities.
At the Inn
Sreet occupied an entire corner of an inn by munching on chicken wings without minding his manners. His mood was fairly light had just broken through to the Knight Apprentice rank. What took other gang leaders nearly a decade to achieve, he had accomplished in a fraction of the time, with minimal effort.
Leaving the inn after settling his bill, he headed straight towards the manor of the town lord.
At the Lord's Mansion
As Sreet reached the grand gates of the dilapidated mansion, two guards stepped out blocking his way.
"Oye! Continue no further, peasant," one barked, his tone dripping in disdain. "No one is allowed near the lord's manor. Turn back, now, or we'll send you down to the dungeon!"
Without a word, Sreet released his aura—the commanding presence of a Knight Apprentice. His aura washed over the guards, his limbs beginning to tremble and his face pale; their spears fell to the ground.
"Si-Sir Knight! Forgive us this great wrong!" one of them stammered, bowing profoundly.
"Tell your lord," said Sreet, her voice firm and steady. "Tell him I want to see him."
"R-right away, Sir! We'll notify the butler immediately!"
Inside the Manor
He lounged indolently in his tumble-down throne room, idly swirling the wine in his goblet. Once great, the room now bore all the abuses that its master could not pardon nor correct.
The butler hurried in, his face pale with anxiety.
"My lord," he began, quaking, "a knight has come to see you."
"What? A Knight?" Bowen started bolt upright, almost spilling his wine. "Quickly! Invite him in at once!"
The butler nodded and nearly tripped himself in his rush to get to fetch the guest.
Meeting the Lord
Then Sreet entered the throne room; his steps were measured and confident. He bowed slightly in polite greeting.
"Lord Bowen, it is an honour to meet you." Bowen, taken aback by the display of respect, beamed with delight. "No such ceremony, Sir Knight," he said, his voice warm with appreciation. "What brings you to this town? If there's anything within my doing, I shall do it for you." "My lord," Sreet said humbly, "I am but a wandering Knight, born in this town by chance and luck. I wish to serve under your banner and bring peace to this land." His face lit up with unbridled joy. "Yes, yes!" He exclaimed, clapping his hands together. "A Knight in my service—this is wonderful news! The council will surely be pleased, and perhaps the city of Miraeport will finally reduce our taxes, knowing our town now has a Knight to protect it."
"Sir Knight, I will inform the council of your arrival. Until then, I trust you will find this manor to your liking," the lord said with a polite tone.
"No problem," Sreet replied.
"Follow me, Sir Knight. I shall guide you to your quarters," the butler said, gesturing toward the hallway. Sreet gave him a nod and followed.
After leading Sreet to a well-furnished room, the butler paused at the door. "Should you require anything, do not hesitate to call upon me," he said before departing with a respectful nod.
Sreet glanced around the room, then sprawled on the bed with a thoughtful smirk. "A council, huh? Interesting," he murmured to himself.