Lord Reine came back to his senses and gave Viscount Salem a quick glance, noting his pale complexion and dejected demeanor, like a cock that had lost a fight.
For this 'experience NPC' who had tried his utmost and dutifully fulfilled his role, Reine still held a considerable respect.
After all, the man had just given his all in a contest against him, providing a swell of experience that helped boost his Hammer Skill to level 5.
Moreover, the fact that Salem could be grateful for Reine sparing him in the fight showed he was at least someone who knew when to advance or retreat.
Therefore, Reine naturally wouldn't hold back words of encouragement.
"This... I'm sorry, Viscount Salem, you are quite strong, so I got a bit carried away just now and was a little too harsh," Reine said with a hint of apology.
Upon hearing Reine's praise and recognition, Salem's initially downcast face suddenly reddened with excitement. He said, "It is an honor to spar with you, Lord Reine. I hope to have the opportunity to seek your guidance again in the future."
Indeed, once one's own strength far surpasses that of another, the other party would hardly feel inclined to contest too vigorously.
And after all, young people do need the affirmation of their elders, or those like Reine who are 'strong.'
In an instant, the idea crossed Reine's mind.
Perhaps he could consider befriending more young people with decent strength, and then, encourage them to spar with him more frequently.
After all, youth and fervor signify a certain ease of motivation!
However, Reine glanced again at the other young nobles beside Salem and slightly shook his head.
He still needed to select carefully, discarding those who were too weak.
At that moment, the Viscount and his wife Norman descended from the second floor of their mansion and came to the training ground.
Inside the Bat Market.
Experience tales at empire
A store marked with symbols of stars, moons, and suns stood a tall customer draped in a black cloak.
This person was Dennis's father, Baron Norman.
After nearly ten days without any response from his old friend Adams, Baron Norman felt something was amiss, so he made his way to Adams's storefront.
But he was shocked to find that the shop had been sealed off!
This cast a shadow over his heart!
"This... it couldn't be that Adams slipped up!"
"Could it be that some unexpected change occurred, involving other masters or powers stepping in?"
Baron Norman furrowed his brows, deeply in thought.
Meanwhile, inside a luxurious study at Earl Harris's count mansion.
A bearded man dressed in black noble attire with gold trim stared gloomily at an official letter in front of him, muttering to himself:
"Damn it, how is this possible!"
"That kid Reine... not only did he pass the ennoblement examination, but he also got an excellent rating and was awarded the title of Baron. His talent... is even more terrifying than Cleya's!"
"Reine became a Baron... he actually became a Baron!"
"Compared to him, my years of effort are almost a joke!"
Just yesterday, Lamar from the Black Flame Church came to discuss with him what to do if Reine passed his ennoblement examination.
According to what Maral conveyed on behalf of the church's high priest, they planned to have Reine reassigned to the Fishing Port Town as a peace officer if he passed the exam.
At the time, he had confidently stated that no matter whether Reine received the title of Knight or the nobility title, he could handle the transfer.
But he hadn't anticipated the slap in the face to come so swiftly. Now that Reine was conferred the title of Baron, the job transfer was no longer within his power to decide.
His father—Earl Harris—would surely summon Reine personally.
All the arrangements he had made with the Black Flame Church were rendered void!
The key issue was that Reine's growth had been too rapid, exceeding everyone's expectations!
This couldn't continue!
Alonso's expression grew increasingly somber as a decision formed in his heart.
"Michel! Arrange a carriage, I need to go out."