Rising Shadows: The Fight for Freedom I

Chapter 108: The Noble Performance

The phrase "a nation built on martial prowess" aptly describes the Kingdom of Bylins, especially for a nation constantly threatened by the northern barbarian hordes. The kingdom's populace possesses an innate pursuit of martial skills.

This pursuit manifests in various forms throughout the Kingdom of Bylins, with numerous contests held annually, large and small. In fact, even in daily life, nobles and commoners alike often find joy in various forms of combat, taking pride in their victories in competitions.

However, for the majority of commoners in the Kingdom of Bylins, access to advanced training methods for fighting spirit is limited. Thus, despite their efforts, ordinary individuals find it challenging to become even low-tier warriors unless they join the military or are selected by nobles to serve as guards for noble families. Consequently, most commoners remain trapped below the third tier, forever unable to attain recognition as warriors.

In contrast, for the nobles, these limitations are non-existent. Each noble family possesses its own training methods for fighting spirit. While the effectiveness may vary, with dedication and effort, most nobles can easily pass all the trials of martial apprentices and ascend to low-tier, mid-tier, or even higher realms of martial prowess.

Yet, much like many aspects of the multiverse, intelligent beings often overlook the value of what they possess, failing to appreciate the resources and opportunities that others covet but which they can easily obtain. This is why the phrase "not knowing the blessings of one's own fortune" exists in the world.

Prince Stano, Prince Kessley, and many nobles of the Kingdom of Bylins are among those who fail to cherish the resources and opportunities they possess.

Duke Johan, a formidable twelfth-tier warrior, has a grandson, Oum, who is merely a novice at the third tier of fighting spirit. Meanwhile, Marshal Bakasi, a thirteenth-tier holy warrior of the Kingdom of Bylins, has a son with only a first-tier fighting spirit. While various reasons contribute to this disparity, the stark contrast is undeniably a rather dark and ironic humor.

In comparison to the woes of the kingdom's two marshals, King Frederick's two princes, though their martial skills are also lacking, both at a mere fourth tier, still bring him a sense of relief and gratitude whenever he sees the offspring of his most trusted military advisors, Obia and Oum.

Although Prince Stano and Prince Kessley are far from reaching their father's eighth tier, King Frederick is nonetheless satisfied.

Indeed, the future king of the kingdom need not personally charge into battle or engage in bare-knuckle brawls with enemies; rather, he requires experience in governance, shrewdness, and wisdom. As for the rest, it is of little consequence. Sitting upon his lofty throne, King Frederick gazed at his two sons, swords drawn and ready for combat, lost in thought.

However...

This is rather pathetic! To perform so poorly is truly embarrassing! After just a glance at the duel between the two princes, Darn shook his head and shifted his gaze elsewhere.

As esteemed princes, Stano and Kessley could not possibly enter the arena unprotected like the previous warriors. Thus, upon entering the field, several protective spells were cast upon them, such as Blade Ward and Shield of Faith, enveloping the princes in layers of magical shields. According to the rules, the princes only needed to break through their opponent's outermost Shield of Faith to claim victory.

If it were any other warrior, under such foolproof conditions, they would undoubtedly unleash their full strength, displaying unparalleled bravery and audacity. Yet, the two princes, having never fought before, instead...

Unanimously chose round shields and short swords, fixating cautiously on each other. After observing for a considerable time, the two princes finally shouted and charged at one another.