Because Headmistress Bridget had dealt with the third wave single-handedly, the Awakened in the Amstrong Duchy were having an easy ti.
From their perspective, it seed as though the wave of beasts was gradually reducing before reaching the defensive lines. What should have been a bloody fight beca an almost effortless defense. Many of the Awakened, especially those at the west wing who had witnessed Eve and Aina's massacre, thought it was because of the two frightening won.
It reached a point where even Wendy, Nyx, Rab, and the others fighting at the gate exchanged puzzled glances.
"The beasts aren't attacking in their usual numbers. Could it be sothing is dealing with them?" one Awakened voiced.
"Now that you ntion it, it could be Nox. I saw him heading into the distance a few hours ago. It could only be his doing," Rab claid confidently.
"If I'd known, I could've followed him," Nyx muttered regretfully, her gaze shifting to her retina as she skimd over her experience bar, which displayed LV23. She clenched her fists slightly, frustrated at the missed opportunity.
She then glanced into the distance. So monsters slowly covered her view, and she wondered.
Perhaps there is still ti?
Then she shook her head the next mont.
The beasts there wouldn't be enough to get her to level up or even close. In the end, she could only sigh.
It felt a bit wrong to say it, but Nyx wished the beast horde hadn't co to an end so soon.
---
In the distance, a certain shadowy cat was coursing as it struck down a larger-than-average beast and dug out its gleaming monster core before throwing it into its mouth.
However, confusion soon shone in those purple eyes.
Where is the surge of strength from before? I didn't feel anything. Fluffington's feline heart skipped a beat. Could it be?
Badump! Badump! The cat's heart began to tremble fiercely. Thirteen, who was fighting two ferocious-looking, four-legged creatures with palm strikes, couldn't help but pause and watch him with concern.
Was Big Brother Fluffington alright? What was that sound?
Alright, let's calm down, Fluffington thought and proceeded to summon his status screen.
---
[Fluffington - Interdiate Tier Lv1]
Elental Type: Shadow
Progress: [0%/100%]
Energy: [100%/100%]
Description: Swift, elusive creature, Fluffington's form is shrouded in shadows that ripple with every movent. Its sleek build and piercing purple eyes make it a master of speed and stealth, slipping through darkness with uncanny agility.
Special Skills: Enhanced Speed (Active), Wallwalker (Active), Monarch Aura (Passive), Humanoid (Active)
Evolution Path (1/8): Fluffington → Shadewisp
---
After seeing that he had finally entered the interdiate ranks, Fluffington was beyond happy and started jumping around!
Now that he had reached the interdiate rank, all he had to do was complete the requirent and evolve once more!
And evolution ant becoming more powerful and gaining more skills! It was truly sothing worth celebrating.
"Why is that cat jumping like that?"
"Very strange."
Since the pressure of the beasts had decreased, the Awakened now had leisure to gossip.
"I sense the aura of interdiate-rank creatures from that beast," one of them pointed out. "I wonder how terrifying this demonic cat is now."
"Yeah, he was already powerful."
The crowd's whispers grew louder as Fluffington continued to leap and spin in what seed like a celebratory dance. As he heard their collective praise, the cat's heart swelled with pride.
"Continue to praise , foolish humans—oops, I an good humans!" Fluffington brought his paws up and covered his mouth like a child caught in the middle of a lie.
Astralux, hovering above, sensed her brother's happiness and flew down, starting to fly around him. Because she wasn't that inexperienced, she had only progressed to LV5 Wildlin.
"I guess the threat is really over," Wendy whispered, her gaze on the setting sun on the horizon. Then it fell on Fluffington and Astralux, who had sowhat gathered a crowd to watch their dancing.
Soon, a bard was invited from the ranks of the Awakened to sing a tune about the "Dancing Shadow Cat and the Flying Star."
The bard quickly began playing his tune. The crowd laughed and clapped as Fluffington continued his crude dancing. The atmosphere was very lively.
Nyx, who was watching from the side, crossed her arms, leaning against her sword as she furrowed her brows. "This is turning into a festival. We're still on a battlefield, people."
"Loosen up a bit. You don't have to act all strong all the ti, you know?" Wendy playfully smacked Nyx's shoulder and took her hand.
"Co, let's go dance," she said, dragging Nyx's hand.
Nyx panicked with an embarrassed expression on her face. "Noooooo, I don't know how to dance!"
While the others were celebrating, in the distance, Thirteen chased after the last remaining beast that was fleeing. He plunged his claws into it, retrieved the beast core, and threw it into his mouth. Similar to Fluffington, a screen glimred before his retina as well.
...
[Thirteen- wildlin Lv9]
Elental Type: ice
[Progress: 90%/100%]
Energy: [100%/100%]
[Description: A very diciplined and hardworking panda who will one day rule the world. Right now it only]
Special Skills: Roll with it (Passive), Cute Factor (Passive), Iron Teeth (Active) martial awareness. Oceanic torrent. Dragons Requiem(Active)
Evolution Path (1/8): Thirteen → Frostpaw
...
A satisfied smile appeared on the panda's face as he saw his hard work pay off. At the start of this beast tide, the panda had only been at the LV5 when the beast tide attacked.
However because of its hardwork, the panda was able to achieve four more level. Now all it need was a simple push to reach the interdiate tier.
"What are you doing here alone?"
A voice echoed in the distance, startling Thirteen slightly. He glanced up with a fierce expression at the shadow that had suddenly sneaked up on him.
How dare this person? the panda thought.
That fierce expression soon softened when he saw who it was.
[Master!] Thirteen exclaid and leaped up. Nox, the Shadow, caught him and smiled faintly, ruffling the fur of the small panda-like beast.
"You've done well, Thirteen," Nox said in a warm voice. Then he glanced at the distant battlefield, where the sounds of celebration echoed faintly. "It seems like the others are enjoying themselves."
Thirteen nuzzled against Nox's shoulder, his satisfaction evident, and pointed at the beast on the ground. The panda cleared his throat, then moved his gaze to the dancing circle. [Panda dance?]
"Hmm, so cute." Bridget, along with Aina and Eve, slowly approached from the distance as well. After settling the matter at the cavern, they had all returned to the Amstrong Duchy.
"Alright, let's go and join them," Nox said.
"Can I touch it?" Bridget asked with fascination as she stared at the cute icy panda resting in Nox's arms.
"No."
"How rude of you, young man."
---
A few hours later, all the citizens of the Amstrong Duchy had gathered in the grand arena. This ti, it wasn't for a fight but all because of one person: Nox, who was in the company of Eve, Aina, Bridget, Nyx, Wendy, Rab, and a few others.
murmurs rippled through the crowd:
"What do you think he wants to say?"
"I don't know, but I heard a rumor that the duke fled the duchy. Maybe they want to address sothing related to it."
Among the citizens were the Amstrong siblings, disguised as normal townsfolk. They were curious about the new changes that would take place now that the duke had abandoned the duchy after plundering its treasure.
As the noises settled down, Nox stepped forward. Those midnight eyes swept through the crowd, silencing everyone. Most of the people there recognized Nox as the winner of the tournant. They wondered why he was the one stepping forward instead of the adults behind him.
"Citizens of Amstrong Duchy!" Nox spoke in a clear, confident voice. "Your so-called duke has abandoned you in your ti of need. He fled like a coward, taking with him the treasures ant to sustain this town and leaving you to face the beast tide alone."
As soon as he said this, gasps rippled through the crowd.
"So it's true! That bastard!"
"How can he be so heartless?"
"I can't believe I trusted and respected that man in the past."
Nox let the citizens express their anger. He was also pissed at how shaless the duke was. After a while, he continued when the people had cald down.
"But you are not alone," Nox said firmly. "I have stood on the frontlines. I have faced the waves of beasts that sought to destroy the western region. And I will not abandon you."
A murmur of hope began to spread, but Nox raised a hand, silencing it once more. Because of the elevated platform Nox and the others were standing on, his presence was commanding and intimidating.
"As of this mont," Nox declared, "the Cromwell Barony will be taking control of the Amstrong Duchy. We will restore order, rebuild what has been lost, and ensure that this duchy not only survives but thrives."
Nox's words echoed far and wide, and for a mont, everyone seed to forget that the one speaking was still a teenager. They looked at him with reverence.
"I am Nox Aegis Cromwell," he continued, his voice growing sharper, "and from this day forward, I am your duke!"
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