Chapter 388 - 268: Number 1 Baturu

Chapter 388: Chapter 268: Number 1 Baturu

Bain was taken aback for a moment, then thought about it carefully. Shaking his head, he said, "My lord, not at all. The moment you ennobled me, I was ecstatic beyond words, but now... if I may be blunt, I don’t feel any different than I did before."

Henry laughed heartily and clapped Bain on the shoulder. "Hahaha, that’s exactly right, Bain! It’s enough just to have the honor of nobility. Don’t dwell on it, or it will make you lose your way and gradually sap your strength."

Bain nodded solemnly. He believed that Baron Nurulan, Baron Sura, and even Count John had all lost their way, forfeiting their strength and becoming blinded by the honor and titles of nobility.

Bain suddenly pointed in a direction and said with a smile, "Hey, my lord, these soldiers are certainly full of life!"

Elsewhere, several soldiers were arm-wrestling. Their muscles were taut and their veins bulged as the men beside them roared their encouragement, creating an exceptionally lively atmosphere.

The lieutenants from the New Recruit Team also joined the festivities, sitting together, enjoying the food and conversing in low voices.

They watched the soldiers who had earned recognition, secretly resolving to prove their own worth under Henry’s command and earn their own status as quickly as possible.

"Hey, brothers, come on, let’s raise a cup!" a veteran shouted, raising a full cup of wine into the air. The surrounding soldiers all responded, raising their own cups and downing them in one go.

The liquor slid down their throats, bringing with it warmth and boldness.

In the distance, the Auxiliary Soldiers bustled about, refilling drinks and bringing more food for everyone. The firewood in the bonfire was now burning brightly, the flames growing stronger and dancing as if to liven up the grand feast.

The soldiers sat in a circle around the fire. Someone began to play an instrument, and a melodious tune drifted through the night air.

The others took a look and, whoa! ’This kid’s got the talent of a Minstrel? Looks like he’s no stranger to taverns!’

More people joined in the dancing, their steps simple but full of life.

As the men drank and grew merry, the atmosphere became even more boisterous. The lieutenants gradually relaxed, growing bolder.

They gathered together, discussing something in low voices, and occasionally cast provocative glances in Bain’s direction.

Henry keenly sensed several gazes directed their way. He turned to look for a moment but paid them no mind.

Finally, one of the lieutenants abruptly stood up, brushed the dust off his clothes, and strode toward Bain with a challenging smirk on his face.

"Hey, Knight Bain! You were just made a noble and even received a fief. How enviable!" he said loudly, his tone tinged with ridicule.

"However, we’re all very curious what you’re capable of. Did you get this position just by relying on your relationship with our lord, Count Henry? We’re all new here, so we’re curious about your Bravery!"

Bain was taken aback for a second but quickly understood. He raised his head and looked at the man, his gaze calm. "I earned my position through my own hard work and my performance on the battlefield, not through connections. If you doubt my ability, you’re welcome to challenge me to my face."

Hearing this, the other lieutenants grew animated and chimed in, "That’s right, that was exactly our intention! Knight Bain, we want to have a match with you, to see if you’re truly worthy of being the great Count Henry’s first ennobled vassal!"

Upon hearing this, the surrounding soldiers instantly fell silent, their eyes all focused on Bain and the group of lieutenants.

’Wait, are these guys really that bold? Do they even know who Bain is? In front of Bain, none of them have the right to call themselves one of Henry’s old guard!’

Besides, Bain’s ferocity on the battlefield was plain for all to see. Everyone knew this young man fought like a madman precisely to shut down these kinds of accusations.

As for these lieutenants, the men had only known them for a few days. All they knew was that these newcomers had graduated from the same academy as Lord Henry and were, in any case, much more skilled than common grunts like themselves.

These men considered their Martial Arts to be exceptional... and in truth, they were. Therefore, the match between the two sides was undoubtedly full of suspense.

"Alright. I accept your challenge," Bain said with a faint smile, his tone completely devoid of fear.

"This will be a fair match, regardless of status or position. We’ll let our strength do the talking."

The lieutenants exchanged a glance and nodded. "Of course. That’s what we think, too!"

And so, the crowd parted to clear an area, forming a large circle that enclosed Bain and several of the lieutenants.

The bonfire’s flames flickered across their faces. Bain stood in the center of the circle, his hands lightly clenched into fists, his gaze wary as he watched the lieutenants opposite him.

Although these men were newcomers, they were no amateurs. Their Martial Arts and combat experience were not to be underestimated.

Thanks to Henry, Bain had also taken combat courses at the academy, so he naturally knew these men were not to be taken lightly.

However, Bain was not the least bit afraid. He believed in his own strength, and even more, he believed in the combat experience he had forged on the battlefield.

Henry simply watched the scene with a smile, making no move to intervene. The human wall of spectators that had formed, however, made him unsure whether to laugh or cry.

’These guys are really fanning the flames without making a sound!’

Seeing this, the other lieutenants took up their stances. One of them stepped forward, Long Sword in hand, and slowly approached Bain. "Knight Bain, allow me to be the first to witness your renowned skills!"

Bain smiled faintly and drew the sword at his waist. With a light flick of his wrist, he pointed the tip at his opponent. "Come. I’ll show you my strength wasn’t a gift from my connections."

Henry suddenly stood up and announced, "We Imperials have always revered Bravery, and duels between Warriors at feasts are common. However, I don’t wish to see any blood tonight. Keep it to first touch."

’I thought they were just going to wrestle or something, but they’ve actually drawn weapons.’

Bain gave a slight nod to acknowledge Henry’s warning, then refocused his attention on the lieutenant before him.

The lieutenants nodded as well. They had no intention of causing any serious trouble on an occasion like this; they simply wanted to prove their own strength through a duel.

The match began. The lieutenant attacked first, his Long Sword whistling sharply through the air as he thrust it straight at Bain’s chest.

Though it looked vicious, it was merely a standard probing attack.

Unhurried, Bain angled his body slightly to the side, easily evading the thrust.

He immediately countered with a backhanded strike of his own, the tip of his sword aimed straight for the lieutenant’s ribs.

Seeing this, the lieutenant hastily swung his sword to block. The two blades met with a sharp CLANG.

Sparks flashed in the firelight, drawing a round of cheers from the watching soldiers.

Bain’s Swordsmanship was swift, powerful, and incredibly precise. The lieutenant’s own Swordsmanship was not to be underestimated; his footwork was nimble, and his relentless attacks carried a vicious edge.

The two traded blows, their blades a blur of flashing steel that dazzled the new recruits. The veterans, however, narrowed their eyes and watched with intense focus.

However, Bain clearly held the upper hand. His techniques were not only sharp but also carried a unique rhythm, as if he could anticipate his opponent’s every move.

Though the lieutenant fought fiercely, he was gradually being overwhelmed.

Several times, the tip of Bain’s sword came dangerously close to the lieutenant’s vital spots. The man could only fall back again and again, desperately searching for an opening to counterattack.

Finally, in one clash, Bain lightly tapped the lieutenant’s blade with the tip of his own sword and, with a deft flick, sent it flying from his opponent’s grasp.

The lieutenant, caught off guard, stumbled back a few steps to steady himself. Bain sheathed his sword and stood, smiling faintly. "You are strong, Knight Bain."

The lieutenant was reluctant to admit defeat, but he had no choice but to acknowledge Bain’s strength.

’The combat skills honed in real battle are ultimately superior to those of a training-ground champion.’

’Unfortunately, I’ve spent all these years serving as a Sheriff in a Count’s city. My Bravery hasn’t improved at all; in fact, it’s even declined.’

He cupped one fist in his other hand in a gesture of respect. "Knight Bain, your Swordsmanship is formidable. I concede."

The surrounding soldiers burst into cheers, applauding Bain. A faint smile touched Bain’s lips, but his expression quickly returned to one of calm composure.

’This is just the beginning. More challenges are waiting for me. After all, the others are still staring, eager and ready for a fight.’