The Unknown God

Chapter 26 - 25 Knight of Zakir

The only thing left to check was the desk and the map. Simply approached them, eager to discover more about the world and maybe, just maybe, find some juicy intel. Unfortunately, all of the doc.u.ments were written in an alphabet that he did not recognize. Rather than leaving it lying there, he stored them all in his inventory.

The map ill.u.s.trated the surrounding area. Hills, rivers and forests were drawn upon the yellowish parchment. Wooden models represented constructed landmarks. Simply spotted Eternal Landing and Megita. Yet the map had a lot more models. Some even were carved out monsters, others were sturdy fortresses. But what caught his eyes, was a peculiar ebony pillar of some sort. It stood on top of a lonely hill. A notification appeared before him.

[Detected a detailed map of the area. Do you wish to add it to your map?]

"Nice, yes, please! Yo, Moventus, come here and get the map."

[Your map has been updated.]

Feeling lucky Simply inspected once again the desk for any hidden compartment. He found none. Disappointed, he grabbed himself a glass of wine from the desk he sat on the beautifully crafted chair, just as the flaps parted. Ser Alvyn followed by Lady Lazna Atrus and Dasch Niltrann had arrived, weapons ready.

It took a few seconds for them to realize that the captain had been already slain. Standing over the corpse, Moventus had just finished dealing with the surprise quest completion notification. Behind the desk, they saw Simply relaxing with his boots on the table, enjoying a glass of wine.

"May I interest you in a glass of wine?" asked Simply with a smug smile.

The battle had been won.

---

Ser Alvyn told them to meet him in a few days for their rewards. He had to reinforce the fortifications before the enemies attempted to retake the outpost. Lady Lazna opened a teleportation portal back to Eternal Landing. The two tired players returned, stronger and more wealthy than before. A region announcement broadcasted three times to all the players.

[Region Announcement: The Eternal Empire has successfully retaken the fallen outpost, Megita.]

[Congratulation you have the most amount of contribution points in the event. Do you wish to reveal your name? You can choose to use a nickname.]

"Awesome let's just stick to it: 'the unknown God'!"

[Region Announcement: The unknown God ranks first in the event, 'Retake of Megita'.

Reward: 50gp, Eternal Empire Reputation Point +5, Eternal Landing Reputation Point +50, Eternal Landing Adventurer CP +10000.]

[Region Announcement: Moventus ranks second in the event, 'Retake of Megita'.

Reward: 30gp, Eternal Landing Reputation Point +30, Eternal Landing Adventurer CP +5000.]

A torrent of comments bombarded, the forums. Players in this region had only just managed to rejoin the game, after having lost a part of thier immortal soul to the steel predator. And now they had lost out on the first event. They were pissed, to say the least. Things hit the ceiling when someone pointed out that it was the same player who had slain the cursed beast. To add more salt in the wound, only two players had been announced. The lack of a third-place made it look like the two of them had monopolised the event. Players started slandering them on the forums, calling them greedy and all sorts of childish comments. Ironically had they had the chance, they would have monopolised it.

---

The black storm of internet drama raged on. However, the two sources of it were completely unaware of the chaos they had caused. Moventus had exited the game to complete his daily training. While Simply, on the other hand, approached the City Lord's Mansion.

The guard on duty bowed his head after recognising the silver-haired youth. The crowd of players at the Mansion's gates were astonished at the guard's respect towards a player. Normally, the guard always talks down on them, threatening to impale them with his spear. Yet, that same guard bowed his head in respect to a player. Furthermore, the player in question wore torn jute cloths. He looked more akin to a beggar. The 'beggar' was even allowed through the gate. Even the guild leaders of prestigious guilds, dressed in the most expensive garments available to the player were treated like commoners by the guard. A few guild members immediately contacted their superiors. Others called after the 'beggar', who just ignored them.

Simply was led to the City Lord's private office by a maid. Guarding the door stood two golden armoured knights dr.a.p.ed in white capes. The Knights pulled the heavy wooden door ajar, allowing Simply through.

Inside, Duke Astrus sat at his usual desk. Faeldir Storr, the City Lord was pouring himself a cup of tea when Simply entered. Seeing him, Duke Astrus lifted his head from his work.

"Greetings, Simply! Your deeds have been witnessed, and you have proved that you are worthy of the black artefact." The Duke stood up from his comfortable seat. "Kneel, Simply Umbra, son of none."

Simply abided to his order. Drawing sword, Duke Astrus continued in a dignified tone.

"Thou shalt respect all weaknesses, and shalt constitute thyself the defender of them."

"I shalt."

"Thou shalt love the country in which thou wast born."

"I shalt."

"Thou shalt not recoil before thine enemy."

"I shalt."

"Thou shalt never lie, and shalt remain faithful to thy pledged word."

"I shalt."

"Thou pledges thou sword to the Immortal Emperor."

"I pledge."

"I, Drayton Astrus, Captain of the Order of the Knights of Zakir, name you Ser Simply Umbra, Knight of the Order of Zakir." With a final tap on his head, Simply rose as a knight.

[Congratulation, you have been given the honour of Knighthood.]

[Tittle earned: Knight of the Order of Zakir]

[Knight of the Order of Zakir]

You enjoy the social status of a knight in the Eternal Empire and its allies.

[Achievement Earned: 'Knighted-Gold']

As the first player knight, you should be rewarded. Luck +1.

Returning to his seat, Duke Astrus gestured at Simply to take a sit.

"Now that you are a knight, you can establish your household. Do you wish to do so?"

"It would be my p.l.e.a.s.u.r.e."

"Good," he opened a big register before continuing, "I suppose you will name it Umbra?"

"Yes," replied Simply with a small smile.

The Duke wrote in his register for a few moments. Looking back at Simply, he passed him a piece of paper.

"This is a letter of certification. You need to get a unique seal ring, a coat of arms and a house call. Once you have them, give this letter along with those items to a clerk at the town hall. Now that is dealt with, let us discuss your next task. We now have two settlements. Unfortunately, we still don't have enough place for everyone. You are the third highest-ranking member of society on this continent. Lord Storr is in charge of Eternal Landing. And Ser Alvyn has Megita. Now that you are a knight, you can build a new settlement."

'Only shit! Yeah, Baby! Alright, relax, remain calm. Act naturally.'

"It would be my p.l.e.a.s.u.r.e."

"Establishing a settlement cost a lot. I believe that you possess the land deed for a good plot here. How about you sell to the Horizon Guard? In exchange, you will receive a 50000gp."

"....Hmm... Sure but I get twenty craftsmen and guards."

"That will not cause any problem. We will pay them for the first month. After that, you will be in charge of their salaries."

"Deal!"

"Marvelous!"

"Ser Simply," called Lord Storr, "your contribution during the last battle was enormous. You are henceforth promoted to a silver ranked adventurer. Don't forget that as a knight, you can recruit your own men. Good luck."

[Eternal Landing Adventurer Badge] (Silver rank) (0/10000)

User restriction: Simply Umbra

The Militia Badge is the token of your adventurer rank within the Eternal Landing. All Attributes +10.

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Level 22 (37%)

Name Simply Umbra

Class Imperial Knight

Race Human

Health 452 (420) (+7.5%) { (vitality-10)/10 x 2.5 = X% }

Mana 234 (220) (+6.25%) { (Intelligence-10)/10 x 2.5 = X% }

Stamina 441 (420) (+5%)

Intelligence 35