As Mixarnt began handing out blessing potions to everyone, the group was stunned into silence. The potions, which could heal all wounds instantly, were incredibly rare and expensive, costing a staggering 5 million gold each. For a commoner like Mixarnt to have so many of them was nothing short of unbelievable.
"W-wait, Mixarnt, aren't you a commoner? How—what?" Liva and Mitchel who have heard of the cost of the Blessing Positions stammered, their eyes wide with shock.
Mixarnt shrugged casually, his grin never fading. "Yeah, but I have plenty of money in my adventurer account from my achievements. The adventurer's guild commissioned an alchemist to craft this for me," he said, as if it were the most normal thing in the world.
He then handed three blessing potions to Razen, leaning in to whisper in her ear. "Three for... I. Love. You," he said, his voice playful but sincere, before running off to distribute more potions to the others.
Razen's face turned bright red, her heart racing as she clutched the potions tightly. She couldn't believe how bold Mixarnt was, but at the same time, his words filled her with warmth.
Mitchel, still processing the situation, muttered, "With that many bottles, his wealth is more than that of a baron—almost the same as a viscount's yearly salary, not even deducting taxes." She was both confused and intrigued by Mixarnt's seemingly endless resources.
In the grand hall, where nobles, generals, and royalty had gathered to watch the trial, the scene on the magical screens caused quite a stir. "Isn't that boy a commoner? I'm not being discriminatory, but I'm just confused how he got that kind of money to have so many potions to give," a duke asked, his tone filled with genuine curiosity.
The former generals, current generals, and even the queen and king were equally puzzled. However, a booming voice erupted in laughter, drawing everyone's attention. It was Arthur, the former king, who had returned to Aetherlight temporarily. "You won't believe this, but that boy hunts a lot as an adventurer—like, a lot," Arthur said, his tone filled with amusement. "He would be gone for seven days or more to kill monsters and loot them. He also takes gathering quests that pay a hefty sum, ranging from ten thousand gold to a million, depending on the rarity of the item he needs to gather. Basically, that boy is freaking rich."
Arthur paused, his grin widening as he added, "He even funded an orphanage and school back in Caspade for homeless children."
Former General Rosalinda, who was also known for her charitable work, nodded in realization. "Oh! So that's why there are fewer homeless kids here in Aetherlight. Those newly built orphanages and schools are probably from him, though I only heard that they were funded by the Adventurers Guild."
Arthur chuckled. "That boy doesn't want to take credit for what he's doing. He likes being incognito," he said, his tone filled with pride.
Meanwhile, General Kalavan, Razen's father, couldn't shake the feeling that something significant had happened between his daughter and Mixarnt. When Mixarnt whispered something in Razen's ear, she had immediately blushed, and Kalavan's protective instincts kicked into overdrive. "Easy now, Kalavan, haha..." Gawain said awkwardly, trying to calm his friend down yet again.
Kalavan glared at Gawain, his face red with frustration. "That boy... if he's done anything to my daughter, I'll—"
Gawain quickly interrupted, raising his hands in a placating gesture. "Relax, Kalavan. From what I can see, your daughter seems happy. Isn't that what matters?"
Kalavan grumbled under his breath but couldn't argue with Gawain's logic. Still, the thought of Mixarnt being so close to Razen made his blood boil.
Back at the stronghold, the group was now fully equipped with blessing potions, their confidence bolstered by Mixarnt's generosity. Rise, ever the mischievous one, couldn't help but tease Mixarnt. "Hey, Mixarnt, you're like a walking treasure chest! Where do you keep all that gold, huh?" he asked, his tone playful.
Mixarnt grinned, tapping his head. "In here, of course. And in my adventurer account. But don't worry, I've got plenty to share," he said, his tone light but his eyes serious.
As the group finalized their preparations, the atmosphere was a mix of excitement and determination.
Inside the meeting room where Althea, Lamorak and Eclipse are, it was a little far from the stronghold, a small base where there's an abandoned mine. "Lamorak, are you ready? fufu, I heard your daughter Mitchel is participating, it's okay to hold back you know." Eclipse said casually.
"No General. I won't hold back, such is the way of the Aether knight trials. If I hold back, I would be disgracing my family name" Lamorak said putting his armor that reeks malevolent aura.
"J-just remember that you don't have to kill them general." Althea said warily then she squealed as Lamorak in his armor look at her. His eyes blazing with intensity, as if it is a glaring red light.
"I'm sorry, you all know my armor is scary right?" Lamorak said his hands up after he realize he might have scared Althea.
"Fufu. Good luck General Lamorak." Eclipse said as she turned and walk away going inside the abandon mine.
"Yes, good luck General!" Althea said as she turned and follow Eclipse.
Lamorak now on full focus look infront of him, unleashing his aura, and with one quick step, he appeared 100 meters away from the stronghold, he was walking wearing his malevolent bloody like armor holding a battle axe.
"RIght, I can't quick step from here on out." Lamorak said remembering the limit placed to him by Eclipse to give a fighting chance for the participants.
All the participants tense up especially Mitchel his daughter. "There he is." Mitchel said.
"Everyone! Prepare the cannons and Balista!" Erenesto said as his group started aiming at Lamorak.
"Why is he just walking though?" Mixarnt asked Liva with a grin. He knows he could take on Lamorak if he used 200% enigma enhancement and Mana surge. But doing so will drain him completely and he doesn't even know what Lamorak's ability is as even Mitchel doesn't know her own father's abilities.
"Hmmm... I also don't know, maybe it is because he doesn't have to get serious at all?" Liva said.
The tension in the stronghold was palpable as General Lamorak raised his massive battle axe and activated a skill called "Shattering Crescent" and swung it in a wide arc. The air seemed to tremble as a crescent-shaped energy wave erupted from the axe, hurtling toward the stronghold. Mitchel, standing at the forefront, quickly assessed the situation and barked out orders.
"Shoot with the ballistas and cannons!" Mitchel commanded, her voice firm and confident. She knew the ballistas and cannons had been enhanced with magic, adding elemental power and increased force to their attacks. If anything could damage her father, it was these weapons.
The ballistas and cannons roared to life, launching their projectiles toward Lamorak. The enhanced bolts and cannonballs struck him, causing visible damage, but Lamorak's armor held strong. The Dread Knight was a force to be reckoned with, and even the enhanced weapons weren't enough to take him down easily.
Meanwhile, Lamorak's Shattering Crescent reached the stronghold. The energy wave slammed into the walls, leaving a large, jagged crack but failing to destroy the structure entirely. Mixarnt, watching from inside, was surprised by the sheer power of the attack. "He's too far for my mana wave to reach," he muttered, his mind racing as he tried to figure out how to counter Lamorak's assault.
Razen, standing beside Mixarnt, placed a hand on his shoulder. "Mixarnt, don't rush. This is a defense game—we don't need to charge. We have the advantage here in the stronghold. Stick to the plan," she said, her tone serious but her eyes filled with determination. In her mind, she was secretly thrilled to be working alongside Mixarnt in such a high-stakes situation. The fact that they were coordinating to fight Lamorak together only added to her excitement.
Mixarnt nodded, his grin returning. "You're right. Let's stick to the plan," he said, his tone light but his eyes focused.