by Jason Hale
Due to the sudden beast horde, the contest didn't carry on for more than a day. Therefore, the results weren't that outstanding. However, as he examined Konnor's bag, the bishop frowned.
"Twenty Monstrous Beasts? Twelve of the low-level, eight of the mid-level? How could this be?"
He clearly remembered that before the competition, Konnor's cultivation was of the sixth step Grand Knight and Priest Ranks. However now, it had shot up to the second step Arch-Knight and Priest Ranks. The only reasonable explanation was that he had been storing his spiritual energy for a massive breakthrough during the competition.
In his long existence, the bishop had seen many such occurrences. Therefore, he didn't take it to heart. However, the kill count was a bit too high considering his cultivation level. And with their strength, his three other teammates couldn't help him achieve it.
"This means that he can fight above his level. However, without a high-tier cultivation method, powerful bloodline, and physique, that is impossible. When did house Kracht breed such a talent?"
The bishop was impressed, but ultimately didn't think much of it. After all, across all those centuries, he had seen many talents. Especially since he personally witnessed the most exceptional talent in the history of the Holy Flame Empire in battle, nothing could surprise him.
In front of her, Konnor's deeds were not worth mentioning.
"Unfortunately, there is no way for him to defeat Holgren…alas."
If house Kracht won the quota, he was confident in his ability to force them into backing down. However, if the von Juras did, his life was over.
But at the very least, he found great delight in announcing the results.
"Number 30...
Number 29…
Number…
Number three, Nier von Juras: 900 points.
Number two, Holgren von Juras: 1500 points.
Number one…hehe…Anselm Kracht: 4400 points."
The last words didn't sit well within Elmar's ears and caused all to wonder if they'd heard wrong.
Chapter 67 - Rising Tensions
Konnor had remained buried within the dozens of contestants, causing most to overlook his existence. Especially with the presence of the crown prince and his handling of the recent events, his name had vanished from the contestants' minds.
However, hearing the two words "number one" paired with the name "Anselm Kracht," all began looking for him. Dozens of pairs of eyes locked upon him while those around him took several steps back, unknowingly forming a circle around him. The crown prince followed those eyes and spotted the green haired Kracht youth Konnor was currently disguising himself as.
Puzzlement flashed within his silver eyes as he observed Konnor. Why was it that with his Semi-Holy eyesight, he couldn't understand the nature of a youth's physique? The only thing he could see was the cultivation of the second step Arch Knight and Priest Ranks. Even then, he had to pay close attention.
Clearly, that youth possessed an ability or artifact that allowed him to evade the scrutiny of even Semi-Saints, and although his features matched the usual members of house Kracht, Elmar couldn't help but feel something amiss. Their eyes met, and although, at first glance, those eyes seemed awed by his presence, Elmar could feel no fear ingrained within them.
Konnor tried his best to give a flawless display, but the two centuries Elmar spent dancing with court politics allowed him to spot the imperfections others would not. If Konnor showed blatant insolence, Elmar wouldn't have paid him much attention. However, he was clearly trying to conceal his true feelings and thoughts from the eyes of those around him.
Elmar concluded that he had something to hide. A background check was necessary, but that was only secondary.
"Seventeen years old, but already at the second step of the Arch Knight and Priest Ranks. In raw spiritual talent, he surpasses Nier. Perhaps, he also surpasses me. According to what happened, he got his score in only one day. Therefore, it is very likely that he can defeat mid-level Monstrous Beasts.
Meaning that in battle power, without his True Spirit Form, Holgren is at best able to contend with him. With such a descendant, why would Wolfgang let his daughter marry outside? He will most likely have them married before we can bring the imperial edict. If they are not already.
Troublesome…"
Holgren taking Ilaina's hand was an essential tool for Elmar to expand his control of the Uradel nobles. Initially, they planned to present the edict after the competition, but now it seemed they were a step late.
As for Konnor, he was slightly annoyed. That his score made him the center of attention was nothing surprising. However, the crown prince was not supposed to be here. His presence messed with all the plans previously laid out. Holgren could no longer fake injury, and from the insistence he saw within Elmar's eyes, Konnor could bet his fingers that before the competition ended, the crown prince would have a report on him.
Fortunately, he carefully selected his identity among the many Kracht descendants. The real Anselm Kracht had always been a loner who focused solely on cultivation and never mingled with nobles of his age. His status within house Kracht was meager, and none paid him much attention. To top it all, he was an orphan.
To say nothing of outsiders, even the members of house Kracht found it difficult to know his current progress and true nature. Besides his birth certificate and lineage, Elmar couldn't find anything. House Kracht wouldn't be the first training talents from the shadows. Best of all, Konnor had made sure Anselm was somewhere "safe," away from prying eyes to avoid complications.
But as their silent exchange carried on, killing intent aimed at Elmar rose, causing him to shift his attention toward its origin. His eyes fell upon Koloman who didn't disguise the hatred within his gaze, and the desire to kill.
Taken by surprise, Konnor didn't have time to react. Although he knew that there must have been a deeper reason to his new servant's hatred of the von Juras, he didn't expect him to so brazenly fire killing intent at the crown prince.
Was he courting death?
"I should have taken some time to browse through his memories. However, this is not necessarily a bad thing. Let him draw the crown prince's attention. It would be a pity if he died, but he can only blame himself."
Konnor didn't intervene, but surprisingly, when Elmar's eyes locked on Koloman's face, a frown flashed by his face, but he took no further action.
The bishop who awaited an explosion of tension was disappointed by the lack of reaction. As for the remaining contestants, with Elmar present, they didn't dare comment on the rankings.
Joke, a Semi-Saint of the church just lost his head for offending the imperial family. Did they not cherish their lives?
"Now that the rankings have been announced, we will lead you to your assigned quarters where you can rest until the beginning of the second round. Those you came with are waiting there.
The second round starts in two days."
Those who didn't qualify didn't feel much disappointment. From the beginning, all had a rough idea of who could make it to the second round.
Unlike the first round, the second was a public event during which the nobility gathered to observe the battles of the most promising youths of the various houses and witness the birth of the next Holy Talent.
Regardless of how low their talent initially was, whoever obtained the Holy Flame Baptism possessed great chances to reach the Holy Rank in a lifetime. In the future, that person was destined to stand at the peak of the Holy Flame Empire.
...
Elmar pulled Holgren and Nier toward the quarters assigned to the imperial family and led them into his chosen room. Incomparably vast, the church dedicated entire wings with several rooms to the competing families.
"The combined points of all the members of the imperial family didn't equal that of a single youth of house Kracht. I believe this is the first time I feel the name -von Juras- echoing with -shame-
Care to explain how exactly this happened?"
Although Elmar kept a level tone, Holgren could feel the displeasure hidden within.
"I have no excuse."
Holgren bowed, saying nothing further.
Nier who stood by Elmar's side knew that her fifth brother was about to get punished for her misdeeds, and so took his defense.
"It's all my fault, you can't blame him! I snuck out of the group to go on a solo hunt and ended up coming across that Accursed Beast. Holgren had to drop the hunt to come to my aid, and then leave the third level to make sure I could heal in peace.
Was it not for that, our scores would have never been so low!
Sorry!"
"A simple sorry is not enough to make up for this loss of face. We are the imperial family. At the very center of our empire, how can we allow lesser houses surpass us? What message are we sending? Decline?
Holgren, do you understand your mistake?"
"As the team leader, I've failed to get my priorities straight and damaged the dignity of the imperial family. Please punish me."
Elmar nodded and fell into his seat.
"Since you know your wrongs, it is your duty to fix them. As long as you trample all contestants and snatch the quota, all is well.
By the way, how did you manage to repel an Accursed Beast?"
Elmar knew his younger brother's strength better than anyone else. Although in his True Spirit Form, Holgren would rarely find a rival beneath the Transcendent Rank, escaping from the clutches of an Accursed Beast was something he could not accomplish.
However, before Holgren could answer, Nier stepped forward.
"It was thanks to Anselm! He was fighting that demonic beast by my side and held out long enough for Holgren to come to our aid."
Elmar felt a strange exuberance within Nier' voice as she mentioned "Anselm." If his sharp ears weren't betraying him, she seemed quite fond of him.
"Yes, it's true. When I arrived, Nier had just lost consciousness from the beast's blow. I teamed up with that Kracht boy, and together we managed to escape.
Holgren repeated the version imprinted in his mind by Konnor. Hearing this, Elmar simply nodded. However, at the same time, he sent a mental message to Holgren.
"The Holy Flame Baptism quota is of paramount importance to you. Without it, even if you manage to reach sainthood, you can't do it in less than two thousand years. We don't have that much time.
There must be no mistake.
As for that boy, he's likely Wolfgang's chosen son-in-law. After the competition, I will dispose of him to pave the way for you."
Nier remained unaware of the brief mental exchange. As for Holgren, no trace of surprise appeared within his eyes. Inwardly though, he was full of complaints.
Meanwhile, Konnor who, from a distance, observed the scene through Holgren's mind curled his lips into a smile.
"Crown Prince, it is way too early to say who will dispose of who."
Chapter 68 - Koloman’s Plight
Led by priestesses, the contestants headed into their respective quarters. Afterward, among the bored daughters and wives of noble that came to support their kin, gossip ran amuck.
"Did you hear? That boy from house Kracht got first rank in the first round."
"The one that beat Koloman senseless?"
"Yes, that one!"
"I heard he's only seventeen. Do you think he can win the competition?"
"How is that possible? The fifth prince is a Pureblooded Paragon Spirit several levels above him. There is absolutely no way that boy can win."
"I guess you're right. Hey, he should be unmarried right?"
...
In his room, Koloman was running circles with his wife by his side. Having not witnessed the previous events, she couldn't understand where all his unease and apprehension came from, and she didn't care.
Since he made clear his intention to woe Ilaina, their relationship had soured. Was it not for her family being subservient to house Slesinger, she would have already requested a divorce.
However, not caring was one thing; having to deal with the incessant noise of his clattering steps was another. She stopped her nail polishing session and turned her gaze toward that disgraced husband of hers.
"Could you not make this much noise? What's wrong with you?"
Koloman ignored her. Right now, his worry filled mind had no time to spare for his wife. He'd shoved himself into a terrible situation, and he knew it. How could he be so foolish as to fire killing intent at the Crown Prince? If Elmar chose to press charges, even his father couldn't save him.
"I must leave this place and request an audience with maternal grandfather. At this point, only he can keep me safe."
He reckoned. However, at that time, a knocking sound echoed from his door.
"Who?!"
He snarled. Why did people always choose the worst of times to disturb him? But when the intruder's voice echoed within his head, he almost soiled his pants.
"I."
Naturally, it was Konnor's. Koloman rushed toward the door, opened it, and welcomed him inside with deference.
Konnor swept the room with a glance, and his eyes locked on the dainty young woman sitting beside a marble table with her legs crossed.
With his Origin Sight, Konnor recognized her as another winged serpent. However, one with a much lower bloodline purity than Koloman's. Still, she was an outstanding beauty whose alluring figure left no room for nitpicking. At the seventh step Grand Knight Rank, her cultivation level also stood out.
As soon as Konnor stepped in, her eyes fell upon him, recognizing him as the boy that thrashed her husband when they'd first arrived. According to the gossips, he also got first place in the previous round. What was he doing here?
Stranger still, Koloman stood by his side with deference she didn't know he possessed. Their eyes met, and she saw within his gaze a predatory glint that made her feel like vulnerable prey. Like with that simple glance, she'd been marked, and could no longer escape his palm.
An orchid scent spread within the room, infiltrated her nostrils, and spread throughout her body, causing her to heat up and clench her legs like an alarmed little pet.
"Koloman, Koloman, aren't you a greedy one. With such a fine lady by your side, why did you need to chase my woman? Tss, tss, tss. Oh well, I guess I'm in no position to criticize you."
He chuckled and stepped toward the woman whose green slit eyes stayed glued on him. Pink mist spread from his fingertips, dived into her pores and turned her rising heat into full-blown lust.
Feeling the profane force overtake her, and the debauched thoughts running wild within her mind, she bit her lower lips, but unbeknown to her, only produced a more alluring picture.
"What's your name?"
"Irmhild."
Konnor stretched his hand toward Irmhild, she took it, allowing him to pull her into a warm embrace that caused her heartbeat to accelerate. He then took her seat, instead, placing her on his lap.
Unsure of how to handle the situation, Koloman floundered, stood still, and did nothing.
Konnor kept one arm around Irmhild's waist while the other held her hand. He then returned his attention onto the dazed Koloman.
"Are you wondering why I'm here? I came to reward you."
"Reward me?"
Koloman hesitated. Although a radiant smile remained plastered on Konnor's face, his words chilled him to the bones.
"Reward, yes. Thanks to your insubordination and overflowing killing intent aimed at Crown Prince Elmar, I managed to avoid scrutiny. Doesn't that deserve a reward?"
He asked while stroking Irmhild's back and making her lean against his chest.
Understanding the crux of the issue, Koloman fell onto his knees and kowtowed.
"Master, apologies! I was muddled for one second and lost control of myself!"
Konnor briefly browsed through Koloman's memories and saw the true reason for his hatred for the crown prince. There was indeed boundless enmity between them. In a nutshell, Koloman's
sister had died because of him. This made Elmar's reaction more incomprehensible.
Still, Konnor wouldn't let him off that easily.
"I don't really care about your grievances. However, you've put yourself in his radar when I needed you to lay low and directly provoked him. Although they chose to remain silent, more than one person must have felt that killing intent. This makes your future worrying and jeopardizes my plans.