The Price of Power

Ding!

[297 Cultivators Obey You]

[Congratulations! You have received 118,800 EXP]

Ding!

[You have received 1,188 gold coins.]

[Congratulations! You can directly level up to the Middle Stage of the Strengthened Realm with 100,000 EXP.]

[Do you want to level up? Y/N]

"Of course, yes."

Ding!

[Congratulations, Host! You have advanced to the Middle Stage of the Strengthened Realm]

[You need 80,000 EXP to level up.]

A powerful aura erupted from Noel's body, shaking the air around him.

Noel smirked. "Now, let's see who still dares to disobey me."

The three warriors who refused to kneel were stunned. They could feel the immense pressure radiating from him, yet they couldn't see his exact cultivation level due to his system's authority.

However, the City Lord, with his sharp senses, instantly realized Noel had reached the Middle Stage of the Strengthened Realm.

The City Lord's eyes widened in shock. "How... How did he suddenly jump to the Strengthened Realm?! Just a moment ago, he was only in the Awakened Realm!"

"But the strongest warriors of the City Lord's family couldn't determine Noel's level, so they maintained their arrogance."

Noel smiled like a devil as he looked at the warriors around him. His lips curled into a smirk, and he spoke with arrogance, "So, what do you guys think about a duel?"

The reaction was immediate. All the warriors, including the three strongest [Also Commanders ], were shocked. Whispers spread like wildfire through the crowd.

"Now he's getting really arrogant…

We acknowledged him for defeating Captain Han at this age and accepted him as our young master…

But to challenge our commander is too much…"

The three warriors felt the sting of disrespect. Their pride was wounded. They had seen Noel as a potential ally and a rising star, but this was too much. Challenging Them in such a bold way was beyond what any warrior should do.

Then, one of the three stepped forward. A fat man, the weakest among them, but still no slouch in battle. He grinned, drawing his dagger from his side. "Alright, we accept your challenge. I'm the weakest of all the commanders, and I'll be the one to fight you."

Noel's eyes glinted with arrogance as he responded, "Okay. Give it your best."

In his mind, he thought, I'm one level higher than this warrior, so I've got this. Easy.

The City Lord, observing from a distance, frowned. Noel was undeniably smart and talented, but strength alone wasn't enough to win a battle. Experience was key. I think I should let them continue. Noel needs a lesson, he thought, his gaze focused on the fight about to unfold.

The two warriors faced each other, tension filling the air. The fat warrior didn't hesitate. He lunged forward with surprising speed, aiming his dagger straight for Noel. Despite his large frame, he moved with the agility of someone half his size, his attacks quick and precise.

Noel barely managed to block the incoming strike, his sword meeting the dagger with a clash. He wasn't prepared for the speed of his opponent. The fat warrior didn't give him a chance to recover, quickly following up with a series of quick jabs.

Noel grunted, trying to use his telekinetic power to push the fat warrior back, but the man was too fast. He sidestepped Noel's telekinetic push with ease, his blade finding Noel's side with a shallow cut.

Noel cursed under his breath and swung his sword with all his might. But his attacks were wild and lacked technique, the sword's edge cutting through the air but failing to land a decisive blow. The fat warrior danced around Noel's strikes, moving with uncanny speed despite his bulky figure.

"Not bad, young master," the fat warrior taunted, sweat dripping from his brow. "But you need more than strength to win a duel."

Noel's frustration mounted. He could feel his power, his raw strength, but it wasn't enough. The fat warrior was too experienced, too skilled in the art of battle. He wasn't playing fair—he wasn't letting Noel breathe. Every time Noel tried to land a blow, the warrior was there, his dagger slicing through the air to stop him.

Noel gritted his teeth, anger flaring inside him. He had underestimated his opponent. He had thought that his strength would be enough to crush this warrior, but now he realized how wrong he was.

The fat warrior pressed forward, delivering a quick blow to Noel's leg. Noel staggered back, barely maintaining his footing, his breath ragged. The warrior had been holding back, but now, he was getting serious.

Noel raised his sword again, his grip tight. He couldn't give up. Not now.

But his opponent was relentless. A flash of silver, and before Noel could react, the fat warrior knocked his sword from his hands, sending it skittering across the floor. Noel stumbled back, barely able to stay upright. His breath came in short gasps, his body aching from the barrage of attacks.

The fat warrior stepped back, his dagger raised but not aimed for another strike. He looked at Noel, his expression a mixture of respect and amusement. "You've got heart, young master. I'll give you that," he said, his voice light. "But you need more than heart to win."

The three warriors stood silent as they watched Noel's defeated form. They had seen his strength, his raw power, but they had also seen his flaws. He wasn't ready yet—his lack of technique had cost him this duel.

Noel, however, stood tall, refusing to show any sign of weakness. His pride as a warrior wouldn't allow him to back down, even in the face of defeat. He glared at the fat warrior, his fists clenched.

The three warriors exchanged glances, their initial anger fading. Despite Noel's loss, they could see the talent beneath the surface—the potential that was too great to ignore. It was clear that he had much to learn, but his raw skill and tenacity made him worthy of respect.

The fat warrior spoke first. "We acknowledge you," he said, his tone firm but respectful. "You may have lost this duel, but we see the potential in you. We respect your talent, and we know how to honor that."

Another warrior, the one who was usually more silent, nodded. "You've got the heart of a warrior, Noel. You might not have won today, but you will win in the future. We accept you as our young master."

The third warrior, who had been the most stern, smiled slightly. "You've earned our respect. Not by winning, but by showing that you're willing to fight, to learn, and to grow. We'll follow you as our young master."

Noel's eyes widened slightly at their words. He had lost the duel, but in the eyes of these warriors, he had won something much more valuable—respect. His lips curled into a faint smile, his pride swelling as he nodded to them.

"Thank you," he said, his voice filled with quiet determination. "I won't disappoint you."

Ding!

[3 Cultivators obeyed you.]

[Congratulations, you gained 30,000 EXP.]

[Congratulations, you earned 500 Gold coins.]

Ding!

[You have become a Level 2 Lord.]

[You've gained a special authority.]

The knowledge about this authority is now directly integrated into your mind.

Noel winced, feeling the familiar sensation of the system's message flooding his mind. It was always the same—this annoying feeling as if he might fall over from the overwhelming information. He hated it. The system had this uncanny ability to make him feel disgusted every time it activated.

But as he processed the new authority, his eyes widened. Wait... He thought, I can actually use this power? A smile slowly spread across his face. This is what I wanted all along.

With his excitement building, Noel thought to himself, Now, it's time to check the loyalty of these warriors.

He opened his status screen and saw the loyalty numbers.

[Every warrior's loyalty: 100%]

Noel's eyes gleamed with satisfaction. Just as I thought. They always acknowledge talent and strength. When a warrior is defeated by someone, they give their all to that person, including their loyalty.

As Noel smiled to himself, a servant came running in, breathless and panicked.

"Lord! Lord!" the servant exclaimed. "It's an imperial decree!"

Everyone in the room was shocked. The air felt charged with the tension of uncertainty.

Meanwhile, in another part of the city...

The head of the Beggars' Alliance was kneeling, trembling before a mysterious figure. He had come to a decision.

"Sir," the Beggars' Alliance leader stammered, bowing low, "I want to take back my favor..."

The mysterious person released a pressure that made the man shake uncontrollably. A beggar, huh... interesting, the mysterious person thought, amusement in his eyes.

At the Imperial Palace

The Emperor sat on his throne, speaking with his daughter.

"So, father, did you send the decree?" the princess asked, her voice full of curiosity.

"Yes," the emperor replied, his tone composed. "But why do you want to meet this guy, Noel?"

The princess grinned, her eyes sparkling with excitement. "Father, I heard this Noel is not only talented but also very handsome. I'm curious to see for myself."...