Chapter: 72. Release! (4K)
In the Royal City of Aurus, in front of the palace.
A line of luxurious carriages stretches out, filled with nobles waiting to enter the castle for the promotion banquet. At the front, something unknown is causing the line to advance very slowly, with nearly every half minute a carriage moving forward.
If we were to put it in Snow Fei’s words from her past life, this situation would be called a “traffic jam,” right?
There are many complaints, but no one dares to speak too loudly.
After all, just a short distance ahead is where the King resides. Nobody wants to risk attracting trouble with inappropriate comments, especially given that the entire royal family had recently experienced a rebellion.
The rebellion has been quelled, but the kingdom remains tense from top to bottom.
The current “traffic jam” occurred due to this atmosphere.
“Please disembark! We need to check the accompanying items and present the royal invitation. Please cooperate with the inspection!”
In front of the gates, the knights in full armor, holding long spears, stop every noble carriage attempting to enter the Royal City.
They’re not afraid of offending anyone.
Because His Majesty the King has issued a strict order that, aside from members of the Light Family, all other nobles must undergo a necessary identification check before entering the Royal City, to prevent a repeat of incidents like those at the Gladiatorial Arena.
Such orders… lead the knights to feel that the King’s recent caution really fits an old adage.
Once bitten by a snake, you are afraid of the rope for ten years.
The once fearless and daring King Celtic has grown old…
The knights think this way simply because they are young; they do not understand that as one ages, more concerns arise, and these concerns are not necessarily cowardice.
Especially for royalty, this is even more true.
There’s only one entrance to Kom Castle, so Xiya and Snow Fei’s carriage is temporarily stuck at the back of the line.
There’s nothing wrong with cutting in line, and it would be quite reasonable since this gathering was partially organized to commend their achievements.
But Xiya chose not to do so.
After all…
There are many strange beings at home, and recently, opportunities to chat alone with Snow Fei have become rare!
Being able to chat face-to-face without worries like this, Xiya wishes the line would be even longer!
Gently stroking Snow Fei’s hair while sitting in her lap, Xiya appeared lost in bliss, quite the contrast to the name “Hero.”
They had just been discussing the sustainable growth of big fish in the lake when Snow Fei suddenly asked an unrelated question.
“Xiya, how is the Tenth, Ninth, and Eighth stage determined in your kingdom?”
“You don’t know this, Snow Fei? You used to be the commander of the Demon King’s Army?!”
“Hey~ You know I didn’t take it seriously, and besides, if it really came to a fight, would you even ask your opponent about their strength? The important thing is, learning this is troublesome, and the Demon Territory’s system doesn’t apply to your abilities; learning it would be pointless. I’m not one to learn useless knowledge.”
“What about useful knowledge?”
“I generally don’t learn that either.”
“You’re quite bold in saying that… little lazybones…”
Xiya gently tapped her head, feeling the procession move forward a bit, and quietly asked while holding Snow Fei.
“That’s true… but why ask this all of a sudden?”
“Why do you ask me… it’s because my unfortunate aunt said you have the potential to break through the Tenth stage.” Snow Fei lowered her head in a spiral, her voice suddenly dropping low, “If that’s the case… then I need to understand, since it’s… about you, this knowledge is necessary to learn…”
It’s not about learning knowledge.
It’s about understanding feelings.
Snow Fei didn’t explain it clearly.
Xiya, whose head is usually made of wood, probably wouldn’t have understood.
But for some reason, she became exceptionally perceptive when Snow Fei spoke about her true feelings.
That perception brings warmth from within, and a smile to her face.
“You mean… if I’m by your side, I might encounter many enemies that are stronger and more threatening than before, right? So you hope I can become stronger… at least to ensure I won’t get hurt, right?”
“Ugh… even if your brain suddenly became a bit sharp, don’t say it so directly! How annoying… Xial, you really need to teach Xiya about emotional intelligence!”
“Uh… I know… hehe… I’m a bit sleepy… Snow Fei, good night… Hero, please take care of Snow Fei while I sleep… Don’t let her go hungry. Snow Fei, in the morning… I’ll still climb into your bed…”
“Don’t climb in! Uh, wait, did you just fall asleep?”
Snow Fei poked Xiya’s waist where the Holy Sword sheath was, but there was no reaction; evidently, she had fallen asleep.
Hmm… It feels like Xial has been a bit lazy lately; although she has always been lazy.
Xiya rhythmically tapped the sword sheath, as if singing a soothing lullaby for Xial.
“The strength system of the Human Race… actually comes from the myths and legends of Aurus. The legend says the [Human God] planted a fruit tree that reaches the heavens in the middle of the world; the trunk is smooth and impossible to climb, and the fruit cannot be picked. To teach humans self-sufficiency and the ability to protect themselves, they must train themselves, believing they possess sufficient strength, and then come to the tree to punch the trunk. Each person’s punching power varies, leading to different quantities of fruit falling from the tree. In the legend, the strongest person knocked down ten fruits, establishing the strongest as Tenth stage, while the remaining nine layers correspond to different quantities of fruit, right?”
“Hey… that’s an interesting explanation! So where is that fruit tree now? Can we see if there are any fruits left? By the way, what kind of fruit is it? Is it sweet?”
“That’s just a myth… there’s no real fruit tree. Just like the World Tree has also been described in myths, but whether or not it was created by the Elf God, there’s no evidence to prove it… cough, getting off track, Snow Fei, you were asking how the strength determination is done in the kingdom, right?”
“Yeah, at least we Demons have wings, it’s quite intuitive. How do you assess it?”
Xiya pondered how to explain this verification method in a way that Snow Fei would easily understand.
Not because Scar was incapable of understanding, but because Xiya was aware of her limited expression abilities.
As Snow Fei sat quietly facing her.
Quickly, Xiya raised both hands.
One palm facing forward.
One hand in a fist.
Her gaze shifted first to her left palm and then to her right fist.
“Magic and close-combat. The Human Race’s strength stages are divided into ten levels, assessed through either magical strength or close combat. The assessment ceremony occurs four times a year, corresponding to the change of seasons. During that time, those who want to assess their strength must go to the designated venue for testing.”
“The test involves punching the fruit tree?”
“Let’s not talk about the fruit tree… there’s no fruit tree.”
Xiya’s right fist opened into a palm: “Those who believe their physical strength is an advantage can challenge the Kingdom Knights using swords up close to receive stage evaluations, continuously challenging stronger knights until they’re eventually defeated, at which point they will receive a tier assessment determined through a discussion by the Royal Knights.”
Following that, her left palm closed into a fist: “Those who believe their magical strength has greater talent can use magic to strike a special magic stone made from materials that can store and absorb a large amount of magic power. Different magical strengths will create varying degrees of cracks on the stone, and based on the damage to the stone, the tier of the magic user can be determined.”
Putting both hands down, Xiya smiled.
“Both methods are possible, Snow Fei. Like your aunt, who was born without magic, in the kingdom she wouldn’t face discrimination. She could obtain the same treatment as a mage through close combat.”
This is quite good.
While the Demon Race has many advantages that the kingdom lacks, on the other hand, the kingdom also has many designs that are more humane than those of the Demon Race.
After all, strength is truth; why be constrained by magic?
“I see… this really clears up my confusion of many years. I never quite understood why your strength levels were so clearly defined. So, what about the fruit tree?”
“I already told you, there’s no fruit tree!”
“Hey, hey, don’t start grabbing…! I misspoke…! I meant, how did you get your Tenth stage assessment? I think your magic and close combat are both great, Xiya!”
“Me?”
Xiya pointed at herself.
Rarely showing a mix of modesty and small pride.
It’s human nature; who doesn’t want to show their impressive and reliable side in front of someone they like?
“I… at the time, I participated in both tests! I got a Tenth stage evaluation in close combat and also a Tenth stage in the magic test. But… actually, I still have a long way to go. My opponent in close combat was my father, who personally served as the examiner as the leader of the knight corps. I barely managed to draw with my father by relying on my sister Xial’s power…”
“Oh, by the way, how old were you then?”
“I… was about twelve?”
“……”
Well, I can’t tell if you’re being modest or bragging.
A twelve-year-old girl, wielding a Holy Sword, somehow managed to tie with a Kingdom Knight Corps leader who was already at the Tenth stage; that scene must have left other knights utterly astonished!
Ugh, forget it; after all, Snow Fei was no saint when she was ten either, having beaten up her father.
Snow Fei and Xiya sat facing each other, creating a world-famous painting— “Just the Two of Us”!
Joking aside, Snow Fei thought for a moment before eagerly patting her short legs, formulating a short-term plan.
“Okay! Xiya, don’t think too much. From what you said, I feel your kingdom’s strength assessment method is a bit outdated. Your strength should have surpassed your own expectations. You tied with your father six years ago, and your magic reached Tenth stage six years ago. In these six years, you’ve been training hard, and Xial’s magic has been gradually unlocking and enhancing. Your potential is indeed beyond this.”
So… if the myth were true.
That fruit tree might not be out of reach for someone to punch down the eleventh fruit.
If they couldn’t, then just add another punch.
Snow Fei’s words were a shot of adrenaline for Xiya.
“You mean I can still…!”
“I’m saying potential! You’re still far from it!”
“Eh…!”
“You’re stronger, but your father is also getting stronger; did you see him fighting two Tenth stage members of the Church State in the Gladiatorial Arena by himself? His combat ability should still be comparable to yours, but as you said earlier, you rely on the Holy Sword to reach this level, which shows your father has actually been working harder than you!”
“Ugh… I really can’t compare to my father. Every morning he runs up waterfalls, hits himself with big stones, and runs ten thousand meters, climbing up and down cliffs, day in and day out. He’s basically a monster.”
“……”
Ahahaha… well, I guess that’s understandable.
No wonder you all are so competitive for the Tenth stage… pardon me for intruding!
“Well… anyway, let’s wait for an opportunity. I promised to teach Livra some magic, which also helps you look for any breakthroughs.”
“Snow Fei… thank you! I know you’re doing this for my safety… uh, when did you promise Livra…?!”
Knock, knock, knock.
Just as Xiya’s eyes widened and she was about to accuse her regarding Livra’s apprenticeship, a knock sounded on the carriage.
This meant their turn in the carriage line had arrived.
“Please disembark, present the royal invitation, and willingly cooperate with the inspection!”
Cooperation isn’t necessary.
Xiya gently lifted a corner of the carriage curtain.
Her piercing azure eyes shimmered in the light, momentarily stunning the knights outside with their imposing presence.
It’s hard to imagine that just a moment ago, Xiya was teasing and joking with Snow Fei, and now, she can look so striking.
Then, an older knight from the corps rushed over, panic-stricken, and hurriedly tapped the young knight’s armor.
“Y-You… are you blind?! Didn’t you see the emblem of the Light Family on the carriage?! Hero, I sincerely apologize! It’s too dark; he must not have seen it was your carriage! I’ll arrange to open the city gates immediately!”
The knight hurriedly turned to open the city gates.
However, given the King’s recent caution and strict orders, he still broke into a cold sweat and turned back to ask one last time.
Members of the Light Family can enter freely, but it doesn’t mean no questions should be asked.
“Uh… may I ask if there are any suspicious individuals in your carriage? Please don’t take offense, Hero; we are just following the King’s orders to inquire.”
“Suspicious individuals? No, just the Demon Princess is here.”
“Wh-what?!”
“Don’t react so dramatically to that name. You’re knights of the kingdom, guardians of the people; how can you panic like this? Today, Her Highness the Princess is here at the King’s invitation, and the invitation is with you; just verify it yourself.”
“Y-Yes! Open the gates, quickly open the gates! Let Hero and Her Highness the Princess through!”
