The First Test of Power

"Lord, how are we supposed to deal with that brat Noel now? He's under the City Lord's protection. We can't afford to go against him," a servant said cautiously.

The Beggar Alliance Head frowned, deep in thought. "Hmm… I believe now is the right time to meet that person."

The servant's eyes widened in shock. "What? Lord, are you serious? You're really going to meet him? Do you think that brat Noel is even worthy enough to provoke someone of that level?"

The Alliance Head sighed. "We have no other choice."

The Next Morning – City Lord's Residence

Noel arrived at the City Lord's mansion, putting on his usual confident front. "Father, I'm here to meet Yunha. Where is she?"

The City Lord chuckled. "Oh, come in, come in. Yunha is taking a bath. By the way, I heard some rumors that you bought an extremely expensive house."

Noel smirked slightly, pretending to be casual. "Yes, it's nothing. I just thought… after marriage, we'd need a house to live in."

But in his mind, he was thinking something entirely different.

"I didn't buy that house for Yunha. I bought it to establish my authority. Spending money on that foolish girl? Tsk. Not a chance."

"Father, I want to see our family's warriors," Noel said suddenly.

The City Lord raised an eyebrow in surprise before bursting into laughter. "Oh? You're interested in them now? Alright, come with me."

Noel followed the City Lord into the vast training hall, where the air was thick with the scent of sweat and metal.

The hall was massive, with warriors sparring, lifting heavy weapons, and practicing martial arts techniques.

"So these are the City Lord's warriors…" Noel thought, his eyes scanning the 300 fighters.

Each one was at least at the Mid or Top Stage of Awakened Realm, while three of them had already reached the Strengthened Realm.

As soon as the City Lord entered, the warriors halted their training and saluted him.

But when they saw Noel, their expressions turned cold.

Some glared at him. Some sneered.

"Tch. This brat thinks he's something just because he's marrying the Young Lady?"

"Look at him. A weakling trying to act like a noble."

"Pathetic."

Noel ignored their looks, but deep inside, he understood why they didn't respect him.

According to his system, the 200 followers he had gained earlier were temporary. They were merely servants of the City Lord's household who followed him because of his status.

But these warriors?

They only followed strength. They wouldn't kneel before someone unworthy.

"If I want their loyalty… I need to prove myself."

Noel turned to the City Lord.

"Father, I want to test these warriors."

The City Lord raised an eyebrow before chuckling. "Test them? These are seasoned warriors, Noel."

"I know," Noel replied, smirking. "That's why I want to test them."

The City Lord's expression turned serious.

"Very well. Captain Han, step forward."

A towering man with a rugged face and thick beard stepped forward.

This was Captain Han, one of the most experienced warriors in the City Lord's forces.

Despite only being at the Top Stage of Awakened Realm, he had years of combat experience and had fought in countless life-or-death battles.

Captain Han cracked his knuckles, his muscles tensing. "So, Young Master wants to spar? Fine. Let's see what you're made of."

The warriors grinned, already expecting Noel to be humiliated.

Noel and Captain Han stood ten meters apart.

The City Lord nodded. "Begin."

BOOM!

Captain Han launched forward like a beast, his fist glowing with blue aura.

"Fast!" Noel barely had time to react. He twisted his body, narrowly dodging the punch.

But before he could counter, Captain Han had already spun around, launching a kick!

BAM!

Noel blocked with his sword, but the impact sent him skidding backward.

The warriors burst into laughter.

"Hah! He can't even take a single hit!"

"Captain Han is just playing with him!"

Noel gritted his teeth.

"His movements are sharp… His experience makes up for the gap in cultivation."

Even though Noel was at the Perfect Stage of Awakened Realm, Captain Han's refined combat instincts made him far more dangerous than an average fighter at the same level.

But Noel wasn't discouraged.

Instead… he smiled.

"This is perfect… I wanted a challenge."

Noel Strikes Back

Captain Han charged again.

Noel didn't retreat.

Instead, he stepped forward.

SHING!

His blade moved like lightning, slashing toward Han's waist.

But just as his sword was about to land—

Captain Han twisted his body and countered with an elbow strike!

BAM!

The attack hit Noel's shoulder, sending shockwaves through his body.

But instead of getting knocked back, Noel gritted his teeth and held his ground.

He grabbed Han's arm—

And with a swift movement, kneed him in the ribs!

Captain Han staggered back, his expression darkening.

For the first time, the warriors watching stopped laughing.

"Did he just land a hit?"

"Impossible. Captain Han was dominating a second ago!"

Captain Han rubbed his ribs. "Hmph. So you're not completely useless."

But Noel wasn't done.

He launched forward, swinging his sword in a faint attack to the left—

Captain Han reacted instantly, raising his arm to block—

But it was a trick.

Noel switched directions mid-attack and slashed from the right instead!

SLASH!

A thin cut appeared on Captain Han's arm.

The hall fell silent.

A warrior had bled.

The Turning Point

Captain Han's expression darkened.

He exploded with power, his aura rising.

"If you think that's enough to beat me, you're dead wrong!"

Noel barely had time to react as Captain Han unleashed a flurry of punches.

BAM! BAM! BAM!

Noel was forced on the defensive.

But despite being pushed back… he didn't look worried.

Instead, he smirked.

"You think I'm struggling, don't you?"

Captain Han narrowed his eyes. "Why are you smiling?"

Noel didn't answer.

Because he knew something no one else did.

The reward he got from the system.

The secret that would turn this battle around.

He wasn't just fighting to win.

He was buying time.

And as soon as he was ready—

BOOM!

Noel's aura exploded.

Captain Han's eyes widened.

"What—?!"

Before he could react, Noel's sword moved faster than before.

CLANG! CLANG! CLANG!

In a series of rapid strikes, Noel disarmed Captain Han, sending his weapon flying into the air.

Then, with a final kick to the chest—

Captain Han collapsed.

A long silence filled the hall.

The warriors stared in disbelief.

Their captain… lost?

One by one, they fell to their knees.

"We acknowledge your strength, Young Master."

But three figures remained standing.

The three Strengthened Realm warriors.

They didn't bow.

They didn't even react.

One of them chuckled. "He's not bad."

Another smirked. "But he's still nothing special."

The last one simply said, "He's not worthy yet."

Their words sent chills down the spines of the kneeling warriors.

The atmosphere grew tense.

But Noel?

He just smiled.

"Not worthy yet? Fine… I'll make you acknowledge me too."....

DING!