The Count’s Youngest Son is a Player

Chapter 71

The third evaluation was relatively simple but clear in its outcome. The task was to activate the provided power armor and maintain a mana blade for one minute.

This was essentially an assessment to determine if one was qualified to become an ‘Armor User’.

Some might wonder why the first and second evaluations were necessary if only Armor Users could be officially knighted in the end.

The reasons are varied, but the association’s goals were clear. They wanted to offer knights a chance for publicity, nobles an opportunity to recruit promising individuals, and the audience something exciting to watch.

By making the knighting ceremony more of a festival than a mere event, the association could increase its influence and more thoroughly vet the skills of official knights.

After all, only about 20 knights receive their investiture each year. The rest participate to check their skills or build their reputation.

Passing the second evaluation was somewhat of an achievement since it meant being introduced to the public individually, a rare opportunity otherwise.

This year, unusually, the number of participants who passed the second evaluation had increased to over 70, mainly because the First Knight Order participated, keeping the audience in their seats due to their presence.

“How many do you think will pass the third evaluation?”

“Could it be all of them?”

“Come on, even jesting has its limits. It usually takes noble youths until their mid-twenties to reach expert level. Look, most of them are in their early to mid-twenties.”

“True. Even for the First Knight Order, that would be unrealistic. So, it will likely be the already knighted knights, right?”

Most of the audience and observers were making similar predictions. Another subject of interest was Raul.

“So, what will happen to Raul? Everyone who has beaten an examiner so far has been knighted.”

“Exactly. It would be strange if he didn’t get knighted just because of the third evaluation after winning so impressively.”

“I still can’t get the last scene out of my head. It was my first time seeing such a beautiful spin kick in my life.”

“It was incredible. I never knew a kick could be that powerful.”

“It was so satisfying. That nasty examiner won’t be eating anything soon after getting thrashed like that. He got completely swept away by that kick, haha.”

“What goes around comes around. He deserved it for trying such a cowardly move on Raul.”

Conversations about Raul’s evaluation were happening all over the spectator stands. In the last moment, Raul had deflected the examiner Langley’s longsword with his two-handed sword and simultaneously performed a spinning kick. It was a chosen method since killing the examiner wasn’t an option, but the dynamic and beautiful kick naturally thrilled the audience.

Meanwhile, a majestic podium made of white marble had been set up in the center of the coliseum, and the participants were lined up for the third evaluation. Uniquely, not only examiners but also Holy Knights in white armor were standing around the podium. The Commander of the Holy Knights, Medairos, was conversing with Carson, the head of the Knight Association, and the Sage Gray in the VIP section. Sir Medairos. There won’t be any problems, right?”

“Of course. Those with malignant auras cannot escape. Isn’t that right, Mr. Gray?”

“Don’t worry. At least the innocent will not be harmed.”

It wasn’t until after Gray’s firm assurance that the Association President nodded heavily.

“Then, I’ll leave the matter in your hands, trusting you both. As you said, the perimeter around the Colosseum has been securely surrounded, so the rest will be up to Sir Medairos.”

“We’ll make sure there are minimal damages.”

Medairos bowed his head and left the VIP section, while Gray, unlike usual, looked down at the arena with a cold gaze.

The power armor used in this third examination had been specially made.

Installed in it was a kind of ‘hybrid core’ that combined the usual mana-operating core with a holy power core, exclusive to Holy Knights.

Normally, only the standard core would be activated. However, if black magic was detected, the holy power core would also activate, burrowing into the wearer.

Black magic and holy power are antithetical. An individual exposed to holy power, who uses black magic, cannot escape unscathed.

If any of the participants were spies from the empire or users of black magic, they would inevitably reveal their true identities during this examination.

“There will be no escape.”

The reason Gray witnessed the ceremony was partly due to Raul’s invitation but also to catch spies from the empire.

With Gray watching, the third examination began.

Participants had to step up onto the platform alone, put on the prepared power armor, and prove their qualifications.

Meanwhile, on a magical screen, the participants’ personal details and highlights from the first and second examinations were briefly introduced.

When the first participant activated their power armor and maintained a mana blade for a minute, applause poured from the audience.

Subsequently, the examination proceeded with participants’ respective successes and failures.

Then, it was the thirteenth participant’s turn, and something happened.

Zap.

“Aaagh!”

The moment the participant activated the armor, sparks flew, and a black tattoo etched itself onto his arm.

Black smoke started to furl out from it.

“Catch him!”

Examiners and several Holy Knights rushed onto the platform to surround the participant.

“Urgh. What is this treachery?”

The participant, veins bulging grotesquely on his face, cringed back, wrapping his arm.

One Holy Knight stepped forward, made a sign of the cross, and said,

“Evil aura emanates from your body. If you cease resistance and follow the guidance of God, we can help you diverge from this wrongful path.”

“What nonsense is this? Ugh, I don’t know what this is, but please release me from it.”

Even in pain, the participant tried to deny it. However, the black tattoos and aura spreading all over his body could not be hidden.

‘Sigh. It’s a shame you have no intention of repenting.”

The Holy Knight slightly shook his head side to side, raising one arm towards the participant while murmuring softly,

“The blessing of the Holy Spirit.”

From his palm, a sphere of bright light materialized and flew towards the participant.

Whoosh.

“Aaargh!”

The sphere that enveloped the participant exploded into radiant light, burning him with divine power.

‘The blessing of the Holy Spirit’, though a blessing-type holy magic, was nothing short of an attack to those possessed by demonic energy.

After flailing within the flames of light for a few seconds, the participant eventually collapsed to the ground, limp as a puppet with its strings cut.

Click.

And then, the power armor, having finished its task, unlocked from his arm.

“Have this man transported to the temple.”

Following the Holy Knight’s command, soldiers restrained the participant and carried him out of the coliseum on a stretcher.

The sudden incident unsettled the audience, until the head of the Knight’s Association calmed them down with a loudspeaker spell.

However, the real panic was among the spies hidden amongst the participants.

“What in the world is going on? No explanation and such a trial? I refuse to undergo such a review!”

“That’s right. How can we trust this weird device actually identifies spies? This must be a plot to frame someone! I won’t participate in this sham of a review either.”

A few participants expressed their dissatisfaction and stepped out of the line, and an examiner blocked their way.

“Are you truly refusing to undergo the review?”

“That’s right. Move aside!”

“Understood. Are there any others who wish to withdraw from the review?”

No further dissenters stepped forward.

“Then, follow me.”

The moment the examiner turned,

Phoosh.

A powerful aura erupted from a participant standing behind the examiner and a few hidden in the ranks. One of them swiftly tried to snatch the examiner’s weapon.

“Hmph! Such foolish actions.”

The prepared examiner drew his sword and quickly stepped back, rendering the participant’s attempt futile.

But the real threat was elsewhere.

Transformed into something no longer human, four black knights wreathed in ominous, dark fiery flames targeted Raul and the First Knight’s Order. They seemed ready for death, having invoked ‘The Black Sacrifice’.

“Protect the master!”

“These bastards, who do they think they’re targeting!”

However, as if they had already anticipated an attack, the knights arrayed in formation calmly faced their opponents. Despite being nearly unarmed, having set aside their weapons and armor ahead of the third examination, not a single one of them showed fear.

Woosh.

As the members of the First Knight Order simultaneously bolstered their morale, golden mana enveloped them, contending against the dark flames.

Thud! Thwack!

And swiftly, the situation was resolved.

No matter the use of suicide attacks, there was a fundamental difference in levels.

Surrounded by Jake, Pierce, and the knights, the dark knights collapsed under a barrage of punches, aglow with golden light.

“Holy Bless!”

“Purification!”

The Holy Knights, arriving a tad late, poured divine spells onto the dark knights. Thanks to this, the raging dark energy subsided, though it seemed a few had already lost their lives.

Thus, the empire’s spies’ disturbance was anticlimactically quelled. Yet, the gravity of the event was not to be taken lightly.

The citizens, having only heard rumors of the empire’s dark knights, could not hide their shock upon witnessing them firsthand.

Although their quick subjugation lessened anxiety, the word “empire” would linger in their minds for some time.

The visiting dignitaries and nobles also took the incident seriously.

They were made acutely aware of how close the forgotten threat of the empire had come.

Once the situation was under control, a Holy Knight approached Raul and made the sign of the cross, saying,

“Brother, we are thankful for your cooperation.”

“I merely did what was necessary.”

Raul modestly responded with another sign of the cross, prompting a warm smile from the Holy Knight.

“Apologies for the delayed introduction. I serve Lord Xenon, a humble servant named Medairos, currently the commander of the Xenon Church’s Knight Order.”

“I am Raul de Ashton of the Count Ashton family. I am well aware of the Knight Commander’s reputation and am honored to meet you.”

Raul was surprised by the appearance of such an influential figure.

The Xenon Church, serving the Radiance God, was the most powerful church at the moment, having produced the current pope.

Meeting the Knight Commander of the Xenon Church was not an easy feat.

“I often hear of your exploits, brother. On behalf of the church, I extend my gratitude once more. Though today’s circumstances don’t allow for a lengthy conversation, I hope we will have the opportunity to talk more soon. May the divine protection be with you….”

Medairos made the sign of the cross and bowed before departing.

‘An unexpected advantage?’

Better to be acquainted with high-ranking individuals than awkwardly befriend various priests. The power of the sect would undeniably be necessary later on, even if not immediately.

Realizing again the importance of reputation, Raul returned to the ranks. The interlude had occurred, but the third examination was not yet over. As things settled down in the Colosseum, the examination resumed.

(To be continued)