72 Do you want to walk? (1/2)

”You should come back to stay at our place, boy. It's not safe to stay here.” Ignis suggested, but actually it was non-negotiable. He was taking Leon back, whether he was willing or not.

With their strength, the Duke and his wife did not fear anyone in the kingdom, but that didn't mean it was the same for those around them.

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In the past, nobility was bestowed upon those that made great contributions for the prosperity of the kingdom and the survival of humanity. However, things gradually change after the introduction of the annual Nobility Assessment Tournament.

On paper, the Nobility Assessment Tournament is held annually to welcome new awakeners into the ranks of nobility and for existing nobles to compete for higher status, but secretly it was the royal family's way of keeping track of their vassal's strength.

Generally, 4th step awakeners are eligible to compete for the Baron rank, 5th for Viscount rank, 6th step for Earl rank and 7th step for Marquis rank respectively. Those below the 4th step did not have the right nor the strength to participate.

However, the last Noble Assessment Tournament held was 18 years ago. With the increasing numbers of awakeners growing in the kingdom, the King sought to abolish the tournament before scraping the nobility system entirely.

There was a fixed quota for each noble rank and increasing it would only invite instability to the kingdom. Additionally, the nobility system was outdated and did not support the current development of the kingdom.

Nobles single-mindedly chase strength and profits, but what the kingdom needed was not strength, but talents. Strength without discipline invites chaos.

The discovery of ancient ruins and advanced tech from a bygone civilisation required the talents of many, who are able to study and understand the tech. Such talents can only come from the commoners, which are many in numbers and working in various professions.

More nobles would only mean more commoners being exploited and talents being buried. This wasn't something the King wished to see, thus the attempt to abolish the nobility system and create equality among his subjects.

...

Having finished his words, the Duke waved his hand and a large blanket of fiery hot flames descended from the skies, blocking out the rain and incinerated the pile of bodies. The flames were weakened by the rain, but it did not stop Ignis from reducing the bodies to ashes in a matter of seconds.

This was a feat Leon currently could not accomplish. There was no need for comparison between the two. They were not even on the same level. The Duke's flames also appeared to be of higher quality than his own and not just the power brought by the difference in their cultivation levels.

Leon wondered if the other noble families lusted after the Duke's and Royal family training methods that was fast, powerful and not dependant on pills.

”I wish to pick up my parents along the way. Is that alright?” Leon nodded towards the Duke's suggestion.

”There is no problem... in fact, I can't wait to meet them.”

The foster parents, who raised Leon into such an outstanding youth cant possibly be ordinary, the Duke thought. But he was bound to be disappointed.

”If you're both done then get in the car. Do you both like soaking in the rain? Robert hollered at them. Everyone had returned to the car except them and the servants waiting on the Duke's next order.

”Let's go.” The Duke issues his command.

Making their way back to the car, Leon borrowed an umbrella to stop further rain from falling on him before he utilised his fire ability to quickly dry clothes.

”Oh? That is pretty handy. Let me try.” The Duke took the umbrella after Leon entered the car. He had never thought of using his fire ability in such a manner before. It was always used for combat purposes only. Who knew it could also be used as such a convenient lifestyle skill? His son-in-law sure had an interesting mind for thinking of it.

Pft* A part of the Duke's clothes lit on fire after the majority had been dried.

”Sh*t$&@#%!” Ignis spewed a string of curses as he patted the fire out.

Everyone in the car looked at him incredulously.