"I thank you all for gathering here during this lovely morning. Today is an important day for our kingdom. A day where we will be witnessing the growth of our Cadets, the future of our kingdom, once more. And I dare say...." ［Ernes］
A lone voice floated adrift in the air, all eyes gathering to a single figure as he spoke with dignity, his eyes as radiant as the sun and his voice gathering firm yet gentle authority, booming far and wide yet not too noisy.
The morning bells had resonated throughout the Royal Capital and everyone had gathered as they should. The Knights stood with pride, the Cadets' eyes burnt with resolution, and everyone cheered for them with glee..
The Hunting competition has begun and everything was started with quite a lengthy speech from the King, everyone listening to his words as he expressed how much he looked forward to everyone's growth, everyone feeling the same.
Well, they were just the only figures of focus. Behind the King were important figures. There was the Royal Family, the Prime Minister, the General and Lt. Generals, and of course, there was Grey and Yuna, standing beside some remarkable figures.
"His Majesty sure is different when he makes speeches... I've seen it a lot, but I don't think I'll ever get used to it..." ［Yuna］
"Haah... If only he remains this dignified all the time..." ［Anderson］
"Hahaha. There's nothing we can do about that, Anderson. His Majesty is just the way he is. There's no helping it." ［Edward］
"And that is exactly why I have so many problems..." ［Anderson］
Said the Prime Minister as he heaved yet another lengthy sigh. Just thinking of all the work waiting to greet them the moment the Hunting Competition was over was more than enough to give him goosebumps, a dry expression painted on his face.
Thankfully enough, there are still reliable Ministers in the Royal Palace like Amelia's father, Duke Redlocke, and many more. They can still manage despite how lazy and troublesome the King was. He really wants to give him a piece of his mind.
"Are you nervous, Your Highness?" ［Amelia］
"A little bit... But I can manage. How about you?" ［Julius］
"I am very nervous as well. After all, this year's Hunting Competition is different. I can feel all the Cadets' fighting spirits burning fiercely." ［Amelia］
"Haah... Those two... They just had to stick their noses on things..." ［Julius］
Sighed the Second Prince as he tightened the grip on his sword. It was the last time he could join the Hunting Competition, and so was Amelia's. Actually, he even won the event the previous years, overpowering even his seniors.
However, today, he is even more nervous than he was last year. The reason was all because of the two figures standing just behind his father. He doesn't know what kind of stunt Grey and Yuna are pulling, but he knows it will be insane.
"However, do not be mistaken, everyone. This year's Hunting Competition will be unlike any other. You could say it will be exceptional even." ［Ernes］
Said the King as he explained the new additions to the Hunting Competition this time around. Normally, it would be just a simple event where individual participants would hunt as much as they can and earn the most points.
However, this year, there are two aspects of the Competition to be conducted at the same time. There will be an Individual Competition and a Class Competition, meaning there will be two winners this time around.
The Individual Completion, would be like the previous years where the Cadets will hunt by their own. The only difference is that rather than gathering the most points, only the best beast they hunted would be considered.
The winner will be the one who hunted the most fantastic beast to be judged by the General, the Captain of the Royal Guards, the Lt. Generals, the Guildmaster, the Headmaster, Kurt, Grey, and Yuna, 100 points each for a total of 1000.
They will also be evaluating their performance by the state of the prey they hunted. This means that the better preserved the prey is, the higher they will be scored. It was a measure to see how well they performed against their enemies.
"Only one prey... It sounds easier, but this means there would be more competition towards stronger and bigger beasts." ［George］
"Not to mention we also have to mind how we hunt the prey. It will be hard to find a balance between a good prey and a prey which is easy to hunt." ［Elaine］
"I'm sure this is Grey and Yuna's idea..." ［Elise］
"That's for sure... Only they can think of something so difficult..." ［Elaine］
If they fight a prey too strong, they might damage the prey too much and risk losing plenty of points. However, if they choose an easy prey, they might not earn much. It was a test to measure the Cadets' decision-making capabilities.
As for the Class Competition, the premise was simple. All the preys hunted by the class, including the ones not used during the grading of the Individual Competition, will be totaled and the one with the most points wins.
This time, what is being tested is the cooperation between Cadets of the same class and to put pressure on the Cadets to see whether they will be choosing to hunt and win by themselves or to hunt and win as a team.
Of course, there will be different prizes for the Individual and Class Competitions. As many as the students may be, Grey and Yuna have volunteered to provide Peak-Tier, High-Grade equipment of their picking to everyone in the winning class.
"Peak-Tier?! Don't those go for at least a million kiels?!"
"That's a great prize! This is amazing!"
"You heard that, everyone?! Let's do our best!"
"As expected of Their Highnesses! This is amazing!"
To Grey and Yuna, they are just part of the mountains upon mountains of loot they collected in the Labyrinths, but for the Cadets, especially those who weren't born in nobility, they are life-changing items which could turn their lives around.
And while it may seem unfair to let the lower classes compete against higher classes, it was worth noting that there are more people in the lower classes. As long as they knew how to cooperate, the competition was pretty much even.
"I can't believe they're just giving away such high-grade equipment like that. I already know they're crazy... But this is beyond my expectations..." ［Julius］
"Peak-Tier, High-Grade... I think it would be better for us to choose defensive equipment. Healing items would also be hard to pass on." ［Amelia］
"Hey, Amelia, not even you..." ［Julius］
"It is futile to think too much about their antics, Your Highness. Rather, it would be better to look at this as an opportunity, is it not?" ［Amelia］
"I guess you're right..." ［Julius］
Or so he says, but there was an unsettling feeling settling inside him. The rewards for the Class Competition were already so amazing, one could only imagine how much more so it would be for the winners of the Individual Competition.
It didn't take long before the King answered Julius' question. Both the 3rd and 2nd placers will receive Low-Tier Superior Grade equipment from the treasury and also high positions in the military as soon as they graduate.
As for the 1st placer, they will be receiving the same Low-Tier, Superior-Grade equipment, a high rank in the military, and the rank of a Honorary Baron. It doesn't come with any land, but it is still a great title which comes with a lot of benefits.
"Normally, that would be the end of it, but this time, Lord Grey and Lady Yuna had graciously donated a special prize for the winner." ［Ernes］
The King declared as he nodded off to the side, signaling the Headmaster to walk up to him, a small chest in his hand. He soon opened the chest, revealing a beautiful and sparkly ring inside, laying on the softest fabrics.
It was a black ring as beautiful as obsidian, and engraved on it were various runes glowing a dim and deep blue color. It was made of an alloy using Mithril, Orichalcum, and Black Gold, making it not only beautiful but extremely valuable as well.
"This is an item forged and crafted by Lord Grey and Lady Yuna themselves, and though it might look like a simple marvelous ring, it is by no means ordinary. This ring may be the best prize we have ever granted, a Peak-Tier Superior-Grade item!" ［Ernes］
"Peak-Tier, Superior-Grade?! Isn't that extremely valuable?!"
"Doesn't that means it costs at least a billion kiels?! How generous!"
"Isn't this a great treasure already?!"
Everyone was shocked at the King's announcement, the nobility, the gentry, and the merchantry all whispering and mumbling about just how grand and extravagant the Hunting Competition was, some shocked speechless.
They already know how talented the two are when it comes to fighting, but not many know just how good they are at other crafts as well. It was only then that everyone realized their value, Grey and Yuna's status rising even more.
"Pardon me, Your Majesty..." ［Arnelius］
"Hm? Is something wrong, Arnelius?" ［Ernes］
"No... Well, about your previous words, actually..." ［Arnelius］
Only a couple figures had different expressions painted on their faces, and one of them was the Headmaster. He was sweating and a little nervous, feeling quite a bit conflicted about how he should break down the news to the King.
The Headmaster leaned closer and whispered a couple words to the King, making the latter jolt in surprise as he heard his statement. He looked at the ring with traces of confusion in his eyes, his head aching quite a bit.
"Are you certain of those words, Arnelius?" ［Ernes］
"We have already checked it with an appraiser, Your Majesty. And Their Highnesses had also said the same when they handed me the ring." ［Arnelius］
"Haah... Seriously... Those brats just... Haah..." ［Ernes］
The King could only sigh as he tried to comprehend what was happening. He already heard from the two that they did their best in making the item, but he thought it just would be Superior-Grade at best... It never came across it was much better...
Not only that, the more he heard from the Headmaster, the more he realized just how crazy the item the latter was holding onto, It could even rival many of the national treasures stored inside of the Royal Treasury.
After all, Grey has yet to register himself as a Legendary Blacksmith and Enchanter in the Guilds. There was just not anyone capable of testing him yet. He'll have to go to a different city if he wishes to increase the rank in his Guild Card.
"Ahem! It seems like there has been a misunderstanding about the special prize. As it appears, the ring is not Peak-Tier, Superior-Grade." ［Ernes］
"Phew.... I almost had a heart attack there. It seems like those bastards still have some common sense left, after allー" ［Julius］
"For it is Legendary-Grade!" ［Ernes］
"Dammit. I hate my life." ［Julius］
It didn't even take a couple seconds, and the Second Prince already took back his words. It was not only him who was in shock, but everyone in the crowd. They were all frozen by the sudden announcement, their brains taking a whole to load.
"E-Ehhh?! Legendary-Grade?! Isn't that a national treasure?!"
"Did you hear that! The winner can win a Legendary-Grade item! Legendary-Grade!"
"How many Legendary-Grade items do we even have in the Kingdom?!"
"If I win that... Just how much... No... That item is priceless!"
There was silence and there was chaos, everyone shouting and yelling as they tried to process just what was happening. The previous announcement was already bad enough, and now, it was even more chaotic.
After all, a single Legendary-Grade item is worth 30 billion kiels at the very least, surpassing the overall fortune a couple of Marquesses combined. It was wealth which could shake the country, suddenly released into the public without any warning.
Even the General's weapon is only High-Tier, Superior-Grade, costing less than a hundredth of the special prize Grey and Yuna just made. If he could participate in the competition, he would have definitely done so already.
As for the ones who caused such turmoil to ensue, they are just happily eating candies with the children. They gave the Little Princess some whistling candy to blow on and fed powdered pop rocks to the Little Angel who loves them oh so much.
"I already knew Yuna reached Tier-9 in alchemy,.. But Grey as well?" ［Kurt］
"I became a Legendary Blacksmith a little while ago, and after some time also reached Tier-9 in enchanting. I haven't updated my Guild Cards though." ［Grey］
"Waah～! That's amazing, Grey! As expected of my little brother!" ［Vanessa］
"Elder Sister... This is not just something you can fret on. And don't just casually claim other people as your siblings. Please." ［Kurt］
The whole venue was already in chaos, but Grey and Yuna were still very casual about it. After all, their goal was to make Divine-Grade weapons in the end. The current ones are just a stepping stone for them.
"Big Sis! Big Sis! Nalia wants Candy!" ［Natalia］
"Hm? Do you want to feed Anne yourself?" ［Yuna］
"Um! Nalia feed Anne!" ［Natalia］
A warm and cozy atmosphere looming over behind the King, the crowd soon calmed down. They were still all in shock, but now, everyone was fueled with motivation, ready to snag such a wonderful prize for the competition.
However, it seems like the surprises didn't just stop there. The King soon revealed the enchantment attached to the ring, and surely enough, it was absurd. It was a 4☆ enchantment called "Quick Cast" which allows one to store up to 7 magics inside of it.
Lower level Quick Cast can store a smaller number of spells, arts, and magics, and there is also detonation of the magic used, making it weaker the longer it is stored. However, such was not present on the ring. There were no penalties.
"7 spells... Doesn't that mean we can defeat enemies stronger than us if we use it right? Isn't that a total cheat?" ［Elise］
"No... It's even more amazing than that... From what I understand, even other people could store their spells inside and the user could still activate it. Theoretically, we can equip ourselves with magic of stronger levels." ［George］
"Eh? So if we can ask High-Rankers to help us..." ［Elaine］
"Yes. We can use their spells as well." ［George］
George was absolutely right, and if used correctly, even normal civilians can use magic of a High-Ranker's level. In fact, Grey and Yuna already went ahead and filled in 3 of the 7 spots with their own spells as a bonus.
One was "Area Perfect Heal" which heals all targets to the perfect state within a 10 meter radius. The other was "Barrier" which can withstand even the deadly attacks from dragons. Lastly, "Teleport" which allows the user and those around them to travel instantaneously to an already known location.
The fact that it can store 7 spells without penalties was already good, but now that the King mentioned such bonuses, the value of the ring just skyrocketed. The King could only walk back to them, a troubled expression on his face.
"Haah... You two... Why did you bring out such an absurd item?" ［Ernes］
"We just thought it's a nice way to motivate the Cadets." ［Grey］
"Motivate the Cadets... More like you're trying to plunge the whole country into chaos. Do you even know how valuable this item is?" ［Ernes］
"Fufufu! Of course! It's our best piece, after all! Amazing, right?" ［Yuna］
"... Haah... I was an idiot for expecting something..." ［Ernes］
Normally, it would be Grey and Yuna troubled over the King's actions, but now, it was the other way around. No matter how much the King tried to talk some sense into the two, his words just didn't go through. It was like he was talking to a wall.
Dejected and at a loss for words, the King gave up on having a decent conversation with the two, and simply headed back to calm the crowd. It was rare seeing him look so troubled. The Prime Minister felt a little bit refreshed.
Thankfully, Grey and Yuna already thought ahead and added exclusivity to the item. This means that only the user and those allowed by them can use it. Even if some people were to try and steal it, it would be futile.
"Hey, Hey, Grey, Yuna, can you make me a Legendary-Grade item too? I promise I'll pay as much as you need." ［Vanessa］
"Elder Sister, please stop. Even if you bring together the wealth of the Helsberg and Filastra Houses, it would still not be enough to cover it." ［Kurt］
"Really? That's a shame... Then, can I receive one as a birthday present? For your information, my birthday is coming up in a couple of months." ［Vanessa］
"Bba! Bba! Tta! Mama...!" ［Antoinette］
"See? Even Anne says so." ［Vanessa］
"Elder Sister...,.." ［Kurt］
The Opening Ceremony of the Hunting Competition continued on just like that, and after all the shocking announcements, everything was pretty tame. There were a couple of surprises, but they couldn't compare to the Ring.
After the Opening Ceremony was the traditional ribbon tying ceremony. It was a small event in which people would tie ribbons to the upper arms of their favored knights to show them their support and bless them with good luck.
Of course, it was also an opportunity for lovers to show their love to their beloved cadets, many pairs forming here and there as they tied the ribbons with light blushes on their faces, a pink and rosy atmosphere drifting in the air.
"Thinking back at it... This is quite embarrassing, isn't it?" ［Julius］
"Please do not speak right now, Your Highness... You are making it more difficult for me. This is embarrassing for me as well." ［Amelia］
"Yeah, I figured... But well, don't worry. I'll make sure to offer you the best prey there is. I'll win this in your honor, Milady." ［Julius］
"... Yes... I'm looking forward to it..." ［Amelia］
Of course, one of those couples was Julius and Amelia. They also tied their ribbons to one another the previous year, and impressively, Julius was able to come out on top of the competition, offering his prey to Amelia.
Much like how others could tie ribbons to their favored Cadets, the Cadets could also offer up their prey for the honor of a certain person. This is usually the one who gave them the ribbon, their lover, their liege, or the King.
Of course, there are also quite a few who didn't receive a ribbon. Most of them are the single Cadets who are cursing the others under their breaths. All there was for them was the Grand and Special Prizes. Love doesn't matter.
"Hm? A ribbon? Are you giving it to someone, Elise?" ［Elaine］
"A-Ah! Y-Yes! I was thinking I would give one to you." ［Elise］
"Eh? Me? That came out of nowhere... I did not bring one for you..." ［Elaine］
"D-Don't worry about it! I'm just happy to give you one!" ［Elise］
Or so she says, then tying the ribbon in her hands to the left upper arm or her dear cousin. However, no matter how you look at it, she was strangely nervous, sweating and shaking a little bit as she tied the ribbon on Elaine.
With her eyes shifting every so often and her cheeks slightly, it didn't take long before Elaine understood what was happening. Her eyes could only wander towards another figure, heaving a sigh deep inside as she appreciated her cousin's efforts.
"By the way, Lord George. Did you receive a ribbon this year?" ［Elaine］
"No... And I highly doubt I will. It has not been long since I came back to my former self. It would be more shocking if someone gave me one." ［George］
"I see... That's such a shame... I'm sure you would hunt a great prey." ［Elaine］
"You do not have to worry about that, Lady Elaine. I already have someone whom I will be offering my prey to. I can only hope they will accept it." ［George］
The young man said calmly as he smiled before Elaine, making both her and Elise beside her quite curious. Elaine still couldn't confirm it, but she was sure that good things were coming their way, a soft giggle escaping her mouth.
"I see... Then I wish you luck, Lord George." ［Elaine］
"Likewise. Let us have a wonderful competition." ［George］
Everything was now set and the ribbons were all tied. After a couple of quick and important announcements, everyone soon returned to their positions, the Cadets facing the deep and verdant forest with their eyes burning bright.
"May fate guide our great cadets and may the goddess of luck bless you with fortune,.. Let the Hunting Competition... Begin!" ［Ernes］
The King's voice thundered all throughout the venue, and what followed after were a series of booms as the Cadets dashed forth and charged towards the forest, leaving clouds of dust in their wake and howling winds.
Everyone was filled with thrill and excitement as they watched the figures of the Cadets slowly vanish to the viridescent horizon, smiles painted across their faces as they cheered on them. Excitement and enthusiasm was in the air.
"Ugh... I wanted to join too... The ring..." ［Edward］
"If only I was a little younger..." ［Faust］
"Haah... Such a shame indeed..." ［Albert］
The Hunt has begun.
CHAPTER 495 END