"One, two, three, four... Eight people? That's a somewhat acceptable number."
Westheid said, clicking his tongue as he counted the approaching Trial Takers.
Thousands of people were participating in the Secret Realm Trial, so statistically, this density of opponents was about right. It seemed the Radiant Holy Tree wasn't interested in toying with mortals or rigging the system.
"In that case, Yolanda, you can handle them on your own, can't you?"
Westheid had great faith in the platinum-blonde girl's combat abilities. After all, she was a renowned genius and a future Legendary Powerhouse.
Prominent Tier, Great Perfection Realm! Unbeatable by anyone of the same Tier!
"If it were just a few opponents of the Elite Tier, I wouldn't have even bothered you. Even if they were all Prominent, it wouldn't be a major issue. But Brother, the situation isn't that simple."
Yolanda's gaze was locked firmly on a War Knight wearing a scarlet cape over resplendent armor.
"He's a War Knight of the Exemplar Tier."
Over forty of Prince Yaligong's War Knights were participating in the Secret Realm Trial. Even without the bounty, they were the most resolute of hunters.
What was worse, the War Knights were almost all of the Exemplar Tier, which was higher than Yolanda's Prominent Tier.
"You can't even defeat someone a Tier above you? That's not good. Your purity is sorely lacking."
Westheid said, shaking his head.
Yolanda sighed and said, "A one-Tier gap isn't so easily overcome. You're being a bit unreasonable, Brother. If our opponent wasn't from a class that specializes in combat, then perhaps it would be possible."
But to become a War Knight, one had to be a commander who had truly fought in wars. Even if he wasn't a battle-hardened veteran, his real-world combat experience definitely surpassed Yolanda's.
The tall, imposing War Knight strode forward, glanced at the three of them, and said:
"You haven't run? It seems you've prepared for a fight... Good. There is no honor in hunting an enemy who has no will to fight."
Westheid smiled. "And you might be?"
"I am Kaplan, a War Knight in the service of His Highness Yaligong. As I am of humble birth, from the borderlands, I have no noble and ancient surname to offer Duke Qinghui. I have come to eliminate you all, in accordance with my master's command."
The War Knight introduced himself with considerable courtesy, then drew his heavy great sword. Instantly, his body seemed to be immersed in warm ripples, and the air around him warped from the heat.
[Rhythm of Battle Intent]
Once in a combat status, the user begins to warm up. As time passes, all of their attributes gradually rise, and their stamina and Magic Power recovery rates are enhanced.
Simply put, the longer he fought, the stronger he became.
It was a staple skill for War Knights. Although its effect was still inferior to that of the authentic Knights from the Country of Yonglan, it was an outstanding ability, even as a crude imitation. Ever since the Yonglan Riding God established the Knightly Path, the battlefield ecosystem had become dominated by Knight Series Transcendents.
Unlike other Celestial Gods, the Yonglan Riding God truly delivered. He unsparingly blessed mortals with the pure gifts of combat and violence.
"Hold on!"
Westheid called out, his eyes scanning the area.
"At this point, I won't waste our time with empty talk of reconciliation—none of us would believe it. However, you don't all seem to be on the same team. How do you intend to split the bounty from His Highness Yaligong?"
Aside from the War Knight, Kaplan, the other seven Trial Takers were also in the area, merely holding back out of intimidation from the power of an Exemplar Tier War Knight.
"Them?"
Kaplan shot a glance at the others and said coolly:
"Duke Qinghui... are you attempting to divide us? That is a bit fanciful. Do you really believe I am the sort of despicable person who would turn on his comrades for the sake of immediate profit and rewards, disregarding the bigger picture?"
Westheid replied, "War Knights are decent people; I would never doubt your character. As for the others, well..."
"Duke Qinghui! Put an end to your baseless speculation!"
One of the Trial Takers, who looked like a minor noble from the Imperial Capital, spoke out, righteously declaring to Westheid:
"His Highness Yaligong's reward is certainly enticing, but we are not greedy fools who would dare to try and take it all for ourselves. The fiefdom of a major city... I wouldn't even dare to dream of it. As long as we can eliminate you, His Highness Yaligong is sure to give everyone here a generous reward."
His speech was logical and well-reasoned, prompting nods from the onlookers—even those who disagreed felt compelled to concur in this environment.
"Well said. His Highness Yaligong is indeed generous. However, I also recall him saying he wants to torture us slowly and enjoy our struggles. If we were to simply commit suicide, how would you respond? Even if the Prince still delivers a reward, it probably wouldn't be as generous, would it? What do you say to a mansion in the Imperial Capital's second ring being downgraded to a used sports car?"
Westheid began to applaud. He hadn't expected to divide the enemy so easily. Instead, he was giving them another option:
"Besides, all of you ganging up to blast us into dust would be incredibly boring, wouldn't it? There's no honor in the many bullying the few. The Divine Ancestor wouldn't be satisfied, and the audience wouldn't be either. How about this instead: we fight one-on-one duels. Regardless of the outcome, it will allow you to showcase your contributions to the fullest. That way, there will be a basis for rewarding your merits."
The black-haired, purple-eyed Branch of Prosperity paused, then smiled and said, "And as for me, this gives me a reason I can accept for being eliminated. Otherwise, I'd rather take my own life than be humiliated. Conversely, if I lose, I'll accept my defeat. No matter how you choose to insult me, I will take it gladly... I'll convince Reiya to do the same."
At these words, most of the Trial Takers were tempted.
They had been actively hunting Westheid's party precisely for Prince Yaligong's generous bounty. Everything else... wasn't so important.
And knowing Prince Yaligong's attitude, the more cathartic the victory, the greater the reward would be. A quick kill was indeed the lowest form of victory and might even incur the Prince's displeasure.
'A one-on-one duel is an opportunity! I might catch the eye of His Highness Yaligong and my career could take off!'
However, tempted as they were, the person who had the final say was still the strongest powerhouse present.
"Duke Qinghui... are you trying to stall for time?"
Kaplan's eyes narrowed as he glanced at Reiya, who had not lifted her head since this began and was continuously chanting something under her breath.
"To let this Dragon-blooded Hybrid prepare some kind of magic? Do you think that can turn the tide of battle? Even relying on the hybrid Dragon Blood in her body, she can at most chant a Prominent-Tier spell. That poses no threat to me."
"You have to give us some hope, don't you?"
Westheid gave a noncommittal smile. "What if a miracle happens?"