The Nights

The Night before the Coronation

Inner city

Hargrave Manor

Damian Hargrave sighed tiredly while going through reports, but was interrupted by the opening of his office door.

"Alfredo, what is it?" he asked without bothering to look up from his work, he knew only his butler would dare to enter his study without permission.

"The boy could have at least done something about the state of the mansion" came the refined voice of the aged butler,

with a bit of disatisfaction creeping in as he observed the obvious state of disrepair the mansion was in.

"Watch your words he is to be king not your house keeper" Damian uttered still focused on the paperwork in front of him, but the old butler heard the steel in his words .

Withdrawing his focus from the paperwork before him, the 60 year old white haired man set his ocean blue eyes on the aged butler, ignoring his obvious disatisfaction towards the king, he knew very well why the usually calm butler was annoyed he was always like this when the boy was brought up.

"Have you collected the next shipment "he asked

"I have my lord, in significantly larger quantity than usual I must add" alberdo answered while taking a seat across the Duke

"I would expect so, from the fact that he allowed nobles back in the obsidian hold suggests he his done keeping a low profile "said the Duke while leaning back on his chair even he was awestruck at the changes of the obsidian hold, it had been 15 years since the regent had ordered every noble present to vacate from their mansion and return to their feifs.

As such although some nobles through various sources still had some knowledge about the changes in the city, most didn't believe it while others believed they were being exaggerated.

As he was put in charge of the glass trade across the ocean, he had some idea about thow much income the obsidian hold was making. but that was the extent of his knowledge he never foresaw the military might the obsidian hold would have developed over the years, he expected some level of development,but not this much.

If he was that surprised even though he was to extent prepared for the shock, imagine the shock of the nobles who were caught completely off guard their haughty expressions and arrogant grins where wiped off the moment they saw the "parade" the prince had prepared to welcome them.

He couldn't help laugh every time he remembered the awestruck expression of the ever stoic Duke of blackfort when he beheld such an army, he could also detect a hint of excitement in his eyes and he knew why.

"Yes the boy certainly surprised us all " although he said that the bite in his voice was unmistakable

Damian chuckled inwardly 'at this point I can't tell if she is my daughter or yours'

Draining his glass of wine he said to the his butler " employ some mercenaries to escort the goods to stormwatch I doubt the soldiers we brought would be enough to protect this much goods "

"Yes my lord" said alberdo while taking his leave

Alone in his study Damien poured himself s glass of wine before standing up and walking to his fireplace,"to raise such an army ,seems we won't be having a peacefull king " he muttered solemnly while staring in to the fire

.....

WARRIORS RESOLVE

Stage Focus: Obsidian Vein Stage (with a small chance of reaching Golden Soul Stage)

Description: This manual emphasizes strength, endurance, and combat prowess. It focuses on rigorous training to cultivate inner strength and combat skills, preparing them to face the toughest challenges on the battlefield.

Key Features:

Advanced Combat Techniques: Powerful martial techniques designed for frontline engagement, emphasizing strength and teamwork.

Battlefield Conditioning: Intense physical training to enhance stamina, speed, and resilience in combat.

Obsidian Strength Techniques: Specialized methods for deepening the connection to inner energy, maximizing physical capabilities and enhancing combat effectiveness.

Warrior's Mindset: Psychological training to develop focus, discipline, and the ability to perform under pressure.

GENERAL'S LEGACY

Stage Focus: Obsidian Vein Stage (with a small chance of reaching Golden Soul Stage)

Description: Designed for seasoned generals seeking to elevate their martial skills and strategic command. It includes advanced techniques for cultivating strength and aura, enhancing battlefield intelligence.

Key Features:

Advanced Combat Techniques: Techniques for one-on-one and small group engagements.

Tactical Leadership Exercises: Training to develop strategic thinking and battlefield tactics.

Obsidian Cultivation Methods: Techniques for deepening the connection to inner energy, leading to greater power.

SOLDIERS PATH

Stage Focus: Aura Awakening Stage (with a small chance of reaching Iron Core Stage)

Description: This manual emphasizes the development of strength, endurance, and basic combat skills for infantry officers. It combines training routines and techniques to enhance martial prowess.

Key Features:

Basic Combat Techniques: Effective fighting techniques for group engagements.

Physical Conditioning Routines: Exercises to improve stamina, reflexes, and strength.

Aura Cultivation Techniques: Methods for harnessing and manipulating inner aura for increased power.

Null looked at the three manuals in front of him freshly purchased from the system,he couldn't help but lament that money really made the world go round.

he had planned to buy a lot more,he thought 10,000 gold would be enough well it was not.

Now that he thought it through it did make sense, although talent plays a part another reason for the low level of power in this part of the continent was the rarity of quality cultivation manuals.

For example the dukes although they have cultivation manuals, it is mostly their talent they relied on to reach the iron core stage as most manual available in this part of the nation only reached the peak aura awakening stage with a small chance of reaching the Iron core stage, which is why although the have the talent they have been unable to go further in the stage

With enough training anybody can reach the peak aura awakening stage although a manual will make it easier it isn't a requirement ,what give most nobles an edge is simply resources and knowledge as most don't have manuals either, but they can afford to purchase various herbs and resource that speeds up the process and accumulated knowledge about training that was what gave nobles their advantage over commoners. without these most would reach the end of their life span before they reach the late aura awakening stage.

So yes cultivation manuals were a big deal something he never realized before this

He would have to get more gold later for more purchases, he already knew what he plans to buy.

Looking at the manuals the general legacy was obviously purchased for his generals and high ranks in the military, although it could be gotten by anybody with enough merit.

Soldiers path would become standard issue for the army, while warriors resolve would for the black guard and other special forces in the kingdom.

"Guard" he called out almost instantly the chamber door was opened and a black armored soldier walked in " your grace " he said saluting with his fist to his chest

Handing the manual's to the soldier "hand this to commander varyn he knows what for "

"Your grace" he said collecting the manuals and making his exit

Watching the soldier leave Null relaxed into his king sized bed hoping to catch some shut eye, tomorrow was his coronation he had to look his best.