Wizard starting from shoeing donkeys

The second day after checking into the Navy Hotel, Rein didn't go to the training grounds but chose to wander around the hotel and its vicinity instead.

Soon, Rein gained a preliminary understanding of the environment here.

Turns out, the islands surrounding Rosby City are riddled with pirate organizations and smuggling rings of various sizes, both large and small.

Rein also overheard from naval officers chatting in the tavern on the first floor of the hotel that many Imperial Wanted Criminals who had fled from inland areas were also hiding on these islands.

Furthermore, on some of the larger and more remote islands, there are indigenous tribes whose warriors paint their faces with camouflage and exhibit fierce combat prowess, with some of their leaders being as strong as formal Knights.

As for why the Empire hasn't been able to completely wipe out the 'ghouls and goblins' on these islands?

It seems that the newly formed Eagle Federation has restrained the majority of the Imperial Navy's forces, of course, there are probably other reasons, but that's not something Rein, who had only arrived a day ago, would know.

Such a complicated situation plunged Rein into contemplation for a moment.

Clearly, his Baron candidacy assessment task might involve attacking a pirate den, killing a wanted criminal, or even capturing a spy from the Eagle Federation, among other possibilities.

If he could know the content of the task in advance, he'd certainly be able to prepare more effectively.

However, upon further thought, Rein considered that with his Peak Knight strength, he was clearly one of the top contenders among all those participating in the candidacy assessment. If he was going to have a hard time, then the others would undoubtedly have an even tougher challenge.

On the night he checked into the Navy Hotel, Rein noticed that aside from a small number of guests in naval uniform, the majority in the neighboring rooms were young people.

These youngsters moved with steady steps and exhibited deep and long breaths, clearly they should all be Knights participating in the candidacy assessment like Hass and himself. Rein vaguely estimated their number and found several dozen.

Moreover, with Rein's Peak Knight strength and perceptive senses sharpened to a fine point of 23, although he could not accurately judge everyone's strength, he could vaguely gauge their caliber.

Most of these young people, including Hass, had the strength of formal Knights, though perhaps Rein might mistake a veteran Knight for a regular one due to some disparity in strength.

But those he found somewhat inscrutable were only three or four individuals with gold or silver lines on their cuffs and collars, who were most likely noble heirs.

No way around it, when talents are equal, noble heirs receive better upbringing and training from a young age, coupled with hereditary bloodlines and family-based Knight Breathing Methods, naturally making them stronger.

Moreover, young people continued to arrive at the Navy Hotel today, holding bulging travel bags and arriving even later than he did.

The latter's arrival timing was surprisingly even later than his.

In the afternoon of the same day, Rein went to the training grounds behind the hotel for the first time and discovered many young people practicing with various weapons, mostly swords and shields, hammers and shields, and bows and arrows, with a number working with Dual-Handed Greatswords.

But there were far fewer practicing with Two-Handed Warhammers.

A number of them were gathered in small groups, and when Hass saw Rein, he couldn't help but be delighted, coming forward and saying, "Rein, you've finally come. Look, those are the noble heirs vying for the Baron title."

"They should be the strongest among us candidates here," Hass added.

Rein followed Hass's gaze and saw three or four groups, each with one person at the center surrounded by others, either demonstrating martial techniques or discussing something.

Upon observation, Rein saw that the situation was similar to what he had perceived before: those individuals had at least the strength of veteran Knights, while most of the others were of formal Knight strength.

"That red-haired beauty is Eveline Norman, the daughter of Viscount Norman of Rosby County, pretty, isn't she!"

"Indeed, very beautiful!" Rein nodded, noting the woman had a demeanor somewhat like Cleya's. Additionally, having just a few female Knights among a group of males made them stand out considerably.

"What are they doing? Socializing?" Rein casually asked.

"Making connections, so if there's a team task, everyone will be somewhat familiar with each other," Hass explained.

Rein silently nodded, not saying anything.

After staying for a short while, Rein went back to his hotel room. On the training grounds, it wasn't possible to display his true strength, for it would be too conspicuous.

The next morning, the young Knights were all gathered, and only then did Rein learn that there were so many candidates participating in the Rosby City candidacy assessment—he counted nearly seventy or eighty.

However, upon reflection, in such a vast area as Mingster Province, this number of people didn't seem too many, with a few counties contributing as little as seven or eight, while others had just over ten.

At that moment, a burly naval commodore strode over, followed by the slender naval commander Marika Morales and a guard.

"Ladies and gentlemen, the future hopes of the Empire, welcome to Rosby City, the base of the sixth division of the Imperial South Sea Fleet. This morning we need to do two things: draw lots and go over the rules," the commodore announced.

His speech was crisp in true military fashion, and he quickly got to the point.

"Everyone, come up and draw lots. Odd numbers are individual challenges, and even numbers are team missions," he said.

The commander Marika gestured to the small box held by the guard, signifying for everyone to pick one.

Soon, it was Rein's turn.

"32, huh, a team mission?" Rein didn't expect to draw a team mission.

He vividly remembered Hamilton's words cautioning him that, in a team mission, he had to be wary not just of the enemies but of certain teammates as well.

What a hassle!

Individual challenges would've been so much simpler.

"Oh? You got a team mission? Rein, you're really lucky," Hass said, looking enviously at Rein.

"Not like me, ending up with an individual challenge. Damn it!"

Rein glanced at Hass, his inner thoughts filled with irony.

If only I could switch with you, Hass, I'd be eager to trade places! Rein thought to himself.

At this moment, many young people who had also drawn team tasks began whispering amongst themselves as if coordinating something, with many faces showing delight.

...

At this time, the burly navy commodore continued to speak:

"All assessment personnel must strictly adhere to one rule, which is to use only their own strength, and the use of external forces, such as Sorcery Scrolls, transcendental potions, etc., is absolutely prohibited." Find more to read at empire

"Of course, ordinary weapons and equipment, hemostatic medication, and bandages are not included in this prohibition!"

"Sir, may I ask if I can use a bit of witchcraft, for example, the 'Light Body Skill' from the wind witchcraft series—would that be considered a breach of rules?" asked a young man who appeared to be of common birth, suddenly raising his hand to inquire.

Rein, upon hearing this, couldn't help but look up at the young man, realizing that the question he wanted to ask had been raised by the other party.

"You may! As I've said, use of one's own strength is allowed."

"If there are no questions, then at seven o'clock tonight, we shall set off. Please ensure everyone is prepared for battle. As for the specific tasks, due to the need for confidentiality, they will be distributed to you after we depart."

"If anyone wishes to withdraw, you can now register your withdrawal with Major Marika," declared the navy commodore, his piercing gaze sweeping around.

Rein felt as if those substantial eyes were upon him, and for an instant locked gazes with the commodore before quickly lowering his head again.

This slight sense of oppression—Great Knight strength?

Rein couldn't help but speculate inwardly.

"If there are no further questions, you are dismissed!" the navy commodore announced.

Everyone then dispersed, discussing in small groups, and Rein followed the crowd back to the naval home inn.

"Strange, why did that young man trigger my alarm response, could it be that his strength is sufficient to threaten me?"

"It shouldn't be. I haven't heard that any scions from the upper nobility of Mingster Province are here this time."

The navy commodore pondered briefly, shook his head, and walked away, talking to himself.

At seven o'clock sharp in the evening.

About thirty personnel participating in the team task gathered, and under the leadership of the navy commodore and several officers, boarded a twenty-meter-long sail-less swift boat,

Upon boarding, Rein noticed that there were already several middle-aged men dressed in noble hunting attire within the cabin, who appeared to be officials from the Ennoblement Assessment Committee.

After everyone had taken their seats in the cabin, an officer distributed a stack of papers.

As the vessel progressed, the commodore said resonantly:

"The details of this assessment task have been distributed—you'll find them in your hands, along with recommendations for achieving different levels of rating specified at the bottom."

....

Following the commodore's explanation, Rein quickly scanned the contents of the paper.

...

"Qualifying rating kill recommendation: Kill more than twelve Bloodsail pirates—the more the better. Note: The blood-colored headband on the enemy's head is the best proof, as you can't ensure that an assessor will see every Bloodsail pirate you kill."

"Good rating kill recommendation: Kill five Bloodsail pirate chiefs, whose strength is about that of a provisional Knight. Or kill one Bloodsail pirate boatswain or someone of higher rank, generally of full Knight strength or slightly stronger. Note: If capable, it is advised to aim for the latter for a chance at a higher rating."

"Excellent rating kill recommendation: Kill Bloodsail pirate first mates and those of higher rank. Their strength is about that of a senior and even Peak Knight. Note: Dangerous, it is not recommended for those of insufficient strength to take unnecessary risks."

...

"Killing Bloodsail pirates, huh?"

"Why didn't they tell us in advance?"

"At least we could have prepared something specific." Many whispered among themselves.

At this moment, a middle-aged man with a handlebar mustache, dressed in noble hunting garb, took over the conversation from the navy commodore, saying:

"Your ennoblement assessment task this time is not as simple as just clearing out the Bloodsail pirates, but in fact, to collaborate on a secret mission of the Imperial Navy."

"According to reliable information, a secret messenger from the Eagle Federation has already arrived at Bloodsail Pirate-infested Meritet Island."

"Therefore, the Ennoblement Assessment Committee decided to inform you of the specific task only after departure."

Rein nodded in understanding; no wonder the specific task was only disclosed now.

Such secret missions are naturally safer the later the information is disseminated.

After the man with the handlebar mustache concluded his briefing, the navy commodore nodded to him with a smile and continued:

"Of course, the strength of Bloodsail Pirate Group Leader Willy McCoy, known as Bloody Hand Willy and a Great Knight, is beyond your concern, as he will naturally be dealt with by Imperial Navy officers."

"First Mate and Captain Klaut Dagan of the 'Rurik,' Diviner and Captain Mala Nasr of the 'Wreckage,' Captain Bilkel Jamal of the 'Hook,' all possess Peak Knight strength, and likewise, it is advisable for you to avoid them."

Hearing this, Rein's eyes subtly shifted as he looked at the four wanted sketches on the paper, deep in thought.

The first to catch his eye was the portrait of Bloodsail Pirate Group Leader—Willy McCoy.

UKneatly bound into small braids on either side of the ears, dense lower jaw beard also tied into a braid, with a broad mouth and large eyes.

Although wearing only a captain's hat, he exuded an extraordinary aura of a formidable figure!