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Chapter 289: The Duke
Chapter 289: The Duke
Because Headmistress Bridget had dealt with the third wave single-handedly, the Awakened in the Amstrong Duchy were having an easy time.
From their perspective, it seemed as though the wave of beasts was gradually reducing before reaching the defensive lines. What should have been a bloody fight became an almost effortless defense. Many of the Awakened, especially those at the west wing who had witnessed Eve and Aina's massacre, thought it was because of the two frightening women.
It reached a point where even Wendy, Nyx, Rab, and the others fighting at the gate exchanged puzzled glances.
"The beasts aren't attacking in their usual numbers. Could it be something is dealing with them?" one Awakened voiced.
"Now that you mention it, it could be Nox. I saw him heading into the distance a few hours ago. It could only be his doing," Rab claimed confidently.
"If I'd known, I could've followed him," Nyx muttered regretfully, her gaze shifting to her retina as she skimmed over her experience bar, which displayed LV23. She clenched her fists slightly, frustrated at the missed opportunity.
She then glanced into the distance. Some monsters slowly covered her view, and she wondered.
Perhaps there is still time?
Then she shook her head the next moment.
The beasts there wouldn't be enough to get her to level up or even close. In the end, she could only sigh.
It felt a bit wrong to say it, but Nyx wished the beast horde hadn't come to an end so soon.
---
In the distance, a certain shadowy cat was coursing as it struck down a larger-than-average beast and dug out its gleaming monster core before throwing it into its mouth.
However, confusion soon shone in those purple eyes.
Where is the surge of strength from before? I didn't feel anything. Fluffington's feline heart skipped a beat. Could it be?
Badump! Badump! The cat's heart began to tremble fiercely. Thirteen, who was fighting two ferocious-looking, four-legged creatures with palm strikes, couldn't help but pause and watch him with concern.
Was Big Brother Fluffington alright? What was that sound?
Alright, let's calm down, Fluffington thought and proceeded to summon his status screen.
---
[Fluffington - Intermediate Tier Lv1]
Elemental Type: Shadow
Progress: [0%/100%]
Energy: [100%/100%]
Description: Swift, elusive creature, Fluffington's form is shrouded in shadows that ripple with every movement. Its sleek build and piercing purple eyes make it a master of speed and stealth, slipping through darkness with uncanny agility.
Special Skills: Enhanced Speed (Active), Wallwalker (Active), Monarch Aura (Passive), Humanoid (Active)
Evolution Path (1/8): Fluffington ? Shadewisp
---
After seeing that he had finally entered the intermediate ranks, Fluffington was beyond happy and started jumping around!
Now that he had reached the intermediate rank, all he had to do was complete the requirement and evolve once more!
And evolution meant becoming more powerful and gaining more skills! It was truly something worth celebrating.
"Why is that cat jumping like that?"
"Very strange."
Since the pressure of the beasts had decreased, the Awakened now had leisure to gossip.
"I sense the aura of intermediate-rank creatures from that beast," one of them pointed out. "I wonder how terrifying this demonic cat is now."
"Yeah, he was already powerful."
The crowd's whispers grew louder as Fluffington continued to leap and spin in what seemed like a celebratory dance. As he heard their collective praise, the cat's heart swelled with pride.
"Continue to praise me, foolish humans—oops, I mean good humans!" Fluffington brought his paws up and covered his mouth like a child caught in the middle of a lie.
Astralux, hovering above, sensed her brother's happiness and flew down, starting to fly around him. Because she wasn't that inexperienced, she had only progressed to LV5 Wildlin.
"I guess the threat is really over," Wendy whispered, her gaze on the setting sun on the horizon. Then it fell on Fluffington and Astralux, who had somewhat gathered a crowd to watch their dancing.
Soon, a bard was invited from the ranks of the Awakened to sing a tune about the "Dancing Shadow Cat and the Flying Star."
The bard quickly began playing his tune. The crowd laughed and clapped as Fluffington continued his crude dancing. The atmosphere was very lively.
Nyx, who was watching from the side, crossed her arms, leaning against her sword as she furrowed her brows. "This is turning into a festival. We're still on a battlefield, people."
"Loosen up a bit. You don't have to act all strong all the time, you know?" Wendy playfully smacked Nyx's shoulder and took her hand.
"Come, let's go dance," she said, dragging Nyx's hand.
Nyx panicked with an embarrassed expression on her face. "Noooooo, I don't know how to dance!"
While the others were celebrating, in the distance, Thirteen chased after the last remaining beast that was fleeing. He plunged his claws into it, retrieved the beast core, and threw it into his mouth. Similar to Fluffington, a screen glimmered before his retina as well. Enjoy new tales from m-v l'-NovelBin.net
...
[Thirteen- wildlin Lv9]
Elemental Type: ice
[Progress: 90%/100%]
Energy: [100%/100%]
[Description: A very diciplined and hardworking panda who will one day rule the world. Right now it only]
Special Skills: Roll with it (Passive), Cute Factor (Passive), Iron Teeth (Active) martial awareness. Oceanic torrent. Dragons Requiem(Active)
Evolution Path (1/8): Thirteen ? Frostpaw
...
A satisfied smile appeared on the panda's face as he saw his hard work pay off. At the start of this beast tide, the panda had only been at the LV5 when the beast tide attacked.
However because of its hardwork, the panda was able to achieve four more level. Now all it need was a simple push to reach the intermediate tier.
"What are you doing here alone?"
A voice echoed in the distance, startling Thirteen slightly. He glanced up with a fierce expression at the shadow that had suddenly sneaked up on him.
How dare this person? the panda thought.
That fierce expression soon softened when he saw who it was.
[Master!] Thirteen exclaimed and leaped up. Nox, the Shadow, caught him and smiled faintly, ruffling the fur of the small panda-like beast.
"You've done well, Thirteen," Nox said in a warm voice. Then he glanced at the distant battlefield, where the sounds of celebration echoed faintly. "It seems like the others are enjoying themselves."
Thirteen nuzzled against Nox's shoulder, his satisfaction evident, and pointed at the beast on the ground. The panda cleared his throat, then moved his gaze to the dancing circle. [Panda dance?]
"Hmm, so cute." Bridget, along with Aina and Eve, slowly approached from the distance as well. After settling the matter at the cavern, they had all returned to the Amstrong Duchy.
"Alright, let's go and join them," Nox said.
"Can I touch it?" Bridget asked with fascination as she stared at the cute icy panda resting in Nox's arms.
"No."
"How rude of you, young man."
---
A few hours later, all the citizens of the Amstrong Duchy had gathered in the grand arena. This time, it wasn't for a fight but all because of one person: Nox, who was in the company of Eve, Aina, Bridget, Nyx, Wendy, Rab, and a few others.
murmurs rippled through the crowd:
"What do you think he wants to say?"
"I don't know, but I heard a rumor that the duke fled the duchy. Maybe they want to address something related to it."
Among the citizens were the Amstrong siblings, disguised as normal townsfolk. They were curious about the new changes that would take place now that the duke had abandoned the duchy after plundering its treasure.
As the noises settled down, Nox stepped forward. Those midnight eyes swept through the crowd, silencing everyone. Most of the people there recognized Nox as the winner of the tournament. They wondered why he was the one stepping forward instead of the adults behind him.
"Citizens of Amstrong Duchy!" Nox spoke in a clear, confident voice. "Your so-called duke has abandoned you in your time of need. He fled like a coward, taking with him the treasures meant to sustain this town and leaving you to face the beast tide alone."
As soon as he said this, gasps rippled through the crowd.
"So it's true! That bastard!"
"How can he be so heartless?"
"I can't believe I trusted and respected that man in the past."
Nox let the citizens express their anger. He was also pissed at how shameless the duke was. After a while, he continued when the people had calmed down.
"But you are not alone," Nox said firmly. "I have stood on the frontlines. I have faced the waves of beasts that sought to destroy the western region. And I will not abandon you."
A murmur of hope began to spread, but Nox raised a hand, silencing it once more. Because of the elevated platform Nox and the others were standing on, his presence was commanding and intimidating.
"As of this moment," Nox declared, "the Cromwell Barony will be taking control of the Amstrong Duchy. We will restore order, rebuild what has been lost, and ensure that this duchy not only survives but thrives."
Nox's words echoed far and wide, and for a moment, everyone seemed to forget that the one speaking was still a teenager. They looked at him with reverence.
"I am Nox Aegis Cromwell," he continued, his voice growing sharper, "and from this day forward, I am your duke!"