Chapter 72 - 72
Klaus observed the entire audience rising to their feet and applauding him, his expression remaining composed despite the overwhelming acknowledgment. Deep down, he harbored a sense of detachment towards their applause, recognizing that some may have been driven by obligation rather than genuine admiration, particularly with the patriarch standing and leading the applause.
"As the top ranker, I will fulfill one of your requests," Roman Lionhart declared with a dignified tone, his voice resonating with authority throughout the arena. "Whether it’s a swordsmanship manuscript, mana accumulation, or footwork manuscript, regardless of the grade, you will be entitled to one."
"Thank you, my Lord," Klaus replied, his voice steady but his mind roiling with frustration. His hand rested over his chest in a gesture of respect, but inwardly, he seethed. How dare they interfere with his plans, sealing his arcane core and robbing him of the opportunity to demand retribution for his family’s humiliation? The indignity of his parents being relegated to the commoner section, the disdainful treatment they endured – it all fueled his desire for justice.
As he stood before the applauding audience, a bitter taste lingered in his mouth. The claps, though thunderous, felt hollow to him. Were they truly acknowledging his prowess, or merely adhering to social decorum in the presence of the Lionhart patriarch? Klaus couldn’t shake the feeling of resentment, the gnawing sense of injustice.
His thoughts drifted back to his thwarted plan, the vision of making a member of the direct line kneel before his parents, begging for forgiveness. It was a fantasy of vindication, of reclaiming his family’s honor. But Alex’s interference had shattered that dream, leaving Klaus grasping at the remnants of his shattered pride.
Yet, amidst the turmoil of his emotions, a familiar sound pierced through the haze of his thoughts. The melodic chime echoed in his mind, a beacon of clarity amid the chaos. Klaus’s gaze hardened, determination flickering in his eyes. Nôv(el)B\\jnn
*DING*
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As Klaus received the message notification, a dark smile curled at the corners of his mouth. Finally, an opportunity to unleash the full extent of his abilities, to make them understand the depth of their mistake in underestimating him.
"My Lord," Klaus addressed Roman Lionhart with practiced politeness, his tone belying the storm of emotions brewing within him. "Since I ranked first in all the tests, I trust you haven’t forgotten my initial request."
Roman’s brow arched in surprise, his gaze flickering with curiosity and a hint of concern. He couldn’t fathom why Klaus persisted in pursuing the matter of his parents’ treatment. After all, Klaus had just emerged from a strenuous battle; shouldn’t he be fatigued? Despite this, Roman noted the unwavering confidence etched on Klaus’s features.
While Roman admired Klaus’s unwavering determination and refusal to yield in the face of conflict, a nagging worry gnawed at him. He understood all too well that the members of the direct line wouldn’t stoop to challenge someone they deemed unworthy.
Roman was well aware that all members of the direct line who successfully completed their initial training in the Lionhart Youth Training Ground received additional specialized training and manuscripts. These resources were designed to elevate them to a level of strength beyond that of the average Lionhart soldier.
In his mind, he understood that Klaus would be at a significant disadvantage against a Lionhart child who had already engaged in real-life battles. These individuals were groomed to surpass their peers and possessed valuable battle experience. Roman recognized the vast disparity between life-and-death combat and standard sparring matches. Every Lionhart child, whether from the direct or collateral line, was obligated to join a Lionhart armed force and participate in real-life battles upon turning fifteen. Therefore, Roman feigned ignorance in an attempt to provide Klaus with an opportunity to reconsider his position in the conflict.
"What are you talking about?" Roman inquired calmly, masking his concern.
Klaus, unaware of Roman’s intentions, replied with an annoyed tone that raised the eyebrows of those listening.
"We agreed that if I ranked first in all the tests, I would have the chance to challenge a member of the direct line who is six years older than me. And if, by some stroke of fortune, I manage to win against my opponent, the individual or individuals responsible for my parents’ current seat situation would kneel and apologize to them," Klaus stated, his tone carrying a hint of irritation, though Roman seemed unperturbed by it.
"Aren’t you tired? You just fought against Alex, and we all could see that you were struggling to overpower him," Roman remarked with a highly condescending tone.
"Haha," Klaus chuckled, placing his hand over his mouth.
"No offense to Alex, but he didn’t stand a chance from the beginning. I was merely trying to make it look more exciting for the audience. I even reduced my power output, as I was a bit concerned about hurting him too badly," Klaus explained nonchalantly.
"But you still hurt him, Klaus," Roman remarked, resting his head on his left hand while observing Klaus with a cold gaze.
"I did, simply because he was weaker than I expected," Klaus lied through his teeth, though he knew Alex was far from weak, especially with the Arkdieu Pride boosting his stats.
"You believe Alex was weak?" Roman inquired, raising an eyebrow. The onlookers were baffled by Klaus’s assertion, having witnessed Alex’s display of power that surpassed his age.
"In my standard, he was fairly weak," Klaus replied with a steely glint in his eyes, his voice laced with unwavering confidence, sending a shiver down the spines of some members of the audience.
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’Is that confidence or simply arrogance?’ Roman pondered silently, his brows furrowing as he mulled over Klaus’s response.
Roman’s disappointment hung heavy in the air, evident in the crease of his brow and the subtle downturn of his lips. His voice, though unintentionally raised, carried a weight of concern and frustration.
"If we go through with your request," Roman began, his tone sharper than intended, "you will be facing someone with real battle experience. They’ve faced life and death, fought against humans and beasts alike, and risked their life for the Lionhart name every day! How do you expect to bridge this gap in experience?"
The atmosphere around Klaus shifted palpably, an eerie stillness descending upon the arena as his eyes took on a glint of icy blue.
"Experience is nothing in the face of overwhelming power," Klaus retorted with a chilling calmness, his voice cutting through the tension with an air of cold confidence.
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