Chapter 826
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The knights were taken aback but maintained their composure without showing any signs of surprise. After the commotion of vomiting had subsided, Murakan put on a thick and dignified expression.
[...Welcome.]
Luet and the former patriarchs stepped forward and bowed their heads. Jin was still unfamiliar with receiving greetings in such a manner in a formal setting. While bowing her head, Luet discreetly used earth magic to clear away the vomit.
"Head butler, Luet, the young patriarch and I came here today merely to encourage the knights. So, no need to be nervous."
[We are grateful that the great Black Dragon has taken the time to look after the clan.]
"Huhu, it is also to see the items I requested you to prepare. Are the preparations complete?"
[Unfortunately, I haven't been able to acquire them. Furthermore, it's highly unlikely that I will be able to in the future. I earnestly ask for your understanding.]
Murakan narrowed his eyes and whispered into Luet's ear.
'Hey, Luet! It wasn't even a big request.'
'Are you suggesting that I use the resources of the clan and the alliance just to find a limited edition magazine during this time? Get a grip. Besides, you caused a scene when you arrived, making me feel embarrassed.'
'Hmph! You've always been this picky, whether it was a thousand years ago or now.'
'One more word, and I'll have you thrown into the dungeon by my authority as the head butler.'
'Oh my, I'm terrified.'
The knights couldn't hear their conversation, but the elders weren't ordinary. Vallas and Tasha had to hold back their laughter, while Alpen closed his eyes with a gloomy expression.
In reality, Murakan and Luet didn't have a bad relationship. On the contrary, they were very close, to the extent that Luet often played pranks on Murakan.
For a while, Jin and Murakan encouraged the knights and told them to return to their posts. Those with spare time were asked to come to the central training ground later. Murakan would personally evaluate their achievements by sparring with them.
"Yes, sir!"
"Those of you who need to return to your duties immediately, don't feel too disappointed. There will be plenty of opportunities like this in the future."
The sparring with Murakan.
Naturally, the knights had never dreamed of such an event. There was no reason for them to spar with someone as noble and powerful as Murakan.
"Understood!"
"Kid, sparring? We never discussed such a thing, did we?"
"This is also part of encouragement. Why? Don't you want to do it?"
"It is not like that."
"In my opinion, the Guardian Dragon who helps train the knights without any hesitation looks even cooler."
"Below 7-stars will die with just my breath."
"Then you'll have to be very careful while sparring with them. You won't find it too difficult, will you?"
"There's nothing difficult for this Murakan."
"Good. As I just told the knights, there will be more events like this in the future. Of course, it won't be one-on-one spars. They'll be fighting in small groups, using all their strength. As you know, one of the fastest ways to help them grow as a martial artist is through combat experience where they give their all."
"That's true, but..."
[Young patriarch, you gave a good suggestion. I, too, was getting frustrated with your vague excuses, Murakan.]
"Huh, Luet, you're getting more talkative these days. I remember when I first came back, you shed a few tears."
[Instead, if you perform well in today's sparring with the knights, I'll personally give you the best limited edition magazine I found.]
"Hahaha, as expected, Luet, it's only you! Alright, it's no big deal. Gather those who have spare time and let's get started. I'll help them all progress one step further! Shall we start right away?"
With enthusiasm, Murakan headed towards the central training ground. Luet watched his back and chuckled to herself.
[It's a relief to know that this fool is still a fool at times like these.]
"I feel the same, Head butler."
[Come in. I've tidied up as much as possible, but there are still quite a few reports you need to see.]
On the office desk, there was a pile of reports. Jin calmly examined the reports for a while.
"As expected, the domestic affairs have no issues at all. Discontinuing the Black market Steel trade has improved our financial situation... And the magic storage paper production is progressing smoothly. But what I need to pay special attention to is this, right?"
Jin pointed to one of the reports. It was a report on the status of Zipfel's living golems. The report stated that beings suspected to be "Magic Swordsmen living golems" had appeared in the Red Plutonian War.
"Yes, my lord. The golems that you previously confirmed at Zipfel's Holy land are now being deployed in real combat situations."
"Of the 22 confirmed living golems, 19 are estimated to be at the 8- or 9-star level... They seem to be on par with the completed forms of Kinzelo's Plutonian-type golems."
The report was written by nameless top assassins who had infiltrated the battlefield. Their evaluations were not very different from the actual situation.
"Yes, but the three commander-level living golems are on a different level."
"...Each one is estimated to be at least at the superhuman level, possessing distinct personalities and commanding abilities. Unlike other living golems referred to by identification numbers, these three are treated more like people."
Jin read the sentences from the report aloud and fell into deep thought.
'Could this be the result of analyzing Valeria's magic traces left at the Holy land?'
It couldn't be unrelated to Elona either.
'The Holy land contains the residual energy of the Sun God. And according to Ms. Ameris, Elona had the most powerful essence of Sun God, far surpassing Bale.'
"It seems that Elona's power at Zipfel overcame the location limitations of the living golems."
[I share the same thought. There must be a connection.]
"What's crucial now is to confirm the number of living golems and their production speed."
[We can handle the regular magic swordsmen golems soon with our soon-to-be completed magic knight units and mass-produced Iello.]
"What do you think about Betty, Almatia, and Kun, the three special individuals?"
[I don't believe such golems can be mass-produced. They seem to be made using gods as material or something comparable. Moreover, it appears that they are not merely combat golems. They may be golems required for certain rituals involving Demon's God's Orb or the Tower of Stories. But it's all just speculation; we will continue our investigation.]
"Golems require rituals... Somehow, it feels like your guess is accurate, Head Butler."
Along with Elona, the power of Zipfel had been greatly strengthened once again. However, it was something that had already been expected for quite some time. Zipfel had been researching living golems since Jin was a reserve flagbearer, and Jin had already confirmed their existence at the Holy land.
"For the time being, the Red Plutonian tribe will focus on gathering information on the living golems. And Zipfel will do their best to identify the Red Plutonian tribe's strongholds by using Red Plutonian tribesmen they captured last time. We mustn't miss any opportunities that come our way."
[Understood, young patriarch.]
Afterward, Jin held a meeting with Luet, the former patriarchs, and the elders for about two hours. The discussions mainly revolved around the progress of core alliance projects and the information regarding Kinzelo, Elona, and Zipfel.
"...Phew, it seems like we've roughly covered everything. Now I need to watch Murakan and the knights spar."
[Young patriarch, while you're at it, why don't you have a little spar with us elders? Since the rescue of Hedo, we haven't had any proper fights, and I am getting a little rusty.]
"How can I possibly spar with my ancestors? And there's somewhere else I need to visit, great-grandfather."
[That's a shame. But Lord Murakan will be fine, right? I also want to have a match like other knights. Isn't that right, 20th?]
[57th, your energy is still too vigorous.]
[That's right! 20th, you are young, yet your energy is not as vibrant as when you were alive. You lost to me in the 'Red Fleet Suppression' bet, hahaha!]
[Ugh.]
Alpen narrowed his eyes in anger but had nothing to say. Due to losing the bet, Vallas' name was now held higher than his.
'While it's true that the 57th patriarch may have more experience and thus stronger combat skills, historically, my father is overwhelmingly superior. He makes such silly bets and shows me this cute side again.'
Tasha giggled and playfully gave fist bomb to Vallas behind Alpen's back. The two of them were thoroughly enjoying teasing Alpen.
"For now, restrain yourself from sparring with Murakan, great-grandfather. I'll talk to him on another day."
[Our great-grand... no, if the young patriarch says so, then that's how it should be!]
[57th, how about we have another match with Lord Murakan next time to determine the winner once more? The one acknowledged more by Lord Murakan will have their name raised higher.]
[Heh, fine. Don't regret it. Just remember, this time, there won't be any holding back.]
Meanwhile, on the training grounds, Murakan was engaged in fierce sparring with the knights.
"You all are doing great. But you need to be bolder. As I've mentioned before, this may be sparring, but you should treat it like a real battle. No matter what you do, I won't get hurt or die."
Murakan was relentlessly pushing away the knights charging at him, even those using magic storage paper. While they hadn't yet perfected the combat style of magic swordsman, if they improved their proficiency with storage paper, they would surely become formidable opponents.
The sparring came to an end around evening.
"I'll finish the sparring. You all did well, knights of Runcandel."
Murakan's voice resounded loudly as he dismissed the knights.
"Now, let's go to Mr. Kaytam."
"You know, I actually had some fun because the knights' tenacity surprised me. The youngest division grew so much that I hardly recognize them. Those kids who couldn't even capture an orc pack are now something else."
[Murakan, as promised, I should give you the reward. Here, take this. It's a unique limited edition magazine.]
Luet handed over the limited edition magazine she had prepared with a cheeky smile.
"Hehe... Very rewarding indeed. Yes, Luet, I knew you'd be able to find something like this. I've never seen such a shabby cover before. It must be an extraordinary item."
[Well then, I will be taking my leave now.]
Soon, the Red owl carrying the two departed through a spatial jump, and Murakan eagerly opened the limited edition magazine.
"...Aaargh! What is this? Luet, you scoundrel!"
The limited edition magazine was filled with crudely drawn figures of completely naked men... And on the back cover, the name of the artist was written as Luet Hister.
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