Even after entering the Gene Era, Angel Civilization still placed great importance on Knightly Spirit. It was a tradition they had upheld for tens of thousands of years.
A knight's allegiance meant serving their master for life, sparing no cost. Even if it meant sacrificing their life, loyalty and faith would remain with them forever, unwavering.
Thus, the ritualistic aspect of reciting the Knight's Oath was still necessary.
The specific steps were as follows:
The one pledging allegiance knelt on one knee before their master, and the master said, "So-and-so, are you willing to swear to me that for the rest of your life, you will be my loyal knight? Will you serve me with your courage, strength, and wisdom, draw your sword and fight for me, and never leave my side until eternity?"
Then the one pledging allegiance answered, "I, so-and-so, swear allegiance to my lord, so-and-so. My loyalty shall remain steadfast, and I shall never leave your side..."
After he finished his impassioned recitation, the master lightly touched his shoulder three times with the flat of a sword and bestowed a word of counsel. The ritual was then complete.
The entire process was solemn and dignified, without the slightest trace of frivolity. It was not only a sign of respect for the master, but also an acknowledgment and affirmation of the one taking the oath. But...
"Th-this... what is going on? Isn't he the guard the chairman arranged for you?" Gus pulled Xuan Ji aside and asked quietly.
Three days earlier, the Construction Department had brought Xuan Ji and a burly man named Andre here on the former Angel King's orders. Since Hua Zhen had gone to see the Royal Consort at the time, the Construction Department's steward had merely said in a businesslike manner, "I've brought the people to Third Prince," then turned and left without another word.
Xuan Ji himself was not particularly strong in combat. Nearly all of his genetic upgrades had focused on brain development. Compared with others, it would not have been an exaggeration to say he was too weak to truss a chicken. Naturally, Gus had mistaken Andre for a guard accompanying Xuan Ji to protect him.
But now that he looked at it, how was this Xuan Ji's guard? The bastard was clearly here to steal his job!
Gus could not help thinking, He stammered through a whole bunch of nonsense and could not even recite the Knight's Oath properly. How could he possibly protect His Highness?
"I came to serve as His Highness's tutor. What guard are you talking about? Besides, I haven't offended anyone in the palace, so who could possibly do anything to me?" Xuan Ji rolled his eyes at Gus and replied in an equally low voice.
You haven't offended anyone, sure, but who can guarantee some freak with unusual tastes won't do that to you...? Gus glanced at his delicate, flawless little face and silently grumbled. Still, this guy seems to have gotten prettier than before...
Xuan Ji did not realize his friend was having such improper thoughts about him. After watching the burly man for a while, he suddenly gave a soft cry, tugged at Gus's sleeve, and whispered, "I remember now!"
"Uh... wh-what?" With Xuan Ji suddenly leaning close, Gus instinctively leaned back a little.
Xuan Ji tapped his smooth chin, then leaned closer to Gus again. "Do you remember? Right after we were transferred out of the Sixth Legion, they expanded its ranks. Legion Commander Kent came to the Scientific Research Council looking for me back then. He said he had found a promising recruit, but unfortunately, that person was terrible at manipulating Dark Energy.
"Legion Commander Kent specifically asked me to help design and forge a High-Strength Alloy Weapon without any Dark Element mixed into it. If I remember correctly, that person seemed to be named Andre. I heard he was a ruthless man... Don't you think... it could be him?"
"Oh?" Gus looked rather surprised as he glanced at the burly man who had crushed the floor with his knees. The corner of his mouth twitched as he wiped away a cold sweat. "He... he really is a ruthless man, huh?"
Though the two spoke quietly, Hua Zhen heard them clearly. If what they said was true, did that not mean he had gained a fierce general under his command?
Suppressing the excitement in his heart, he cautiously asked, "Andre, were you previously part of the Sixth Angel Legion?"
"Yes, Your Highness!" Andre's voice rang out like a struck bell, making Hua Zhen's ears buzz. He spoke sparingly, his expression calm.
Rather than feeling displeased, Hua Zhen's previous dissatisfaction with Andre's behavior vanished completely. If not for the need to maintain his image before everyone, he might have leaped up in excitement.
How could he not be excited? Compared to the First Prince and Second Prince, he was alone and without support in the heavenly palace. Once he came of age and went out for training, there was no telling whether someone might target him. Therefore, having another close guard like Gus was of the utmost importance.
And looking at Andre, setting everything else aside, he was a born enforcer just based on appearance alone. With him at his side for close protection, anyone who truly wanted to harm him would have to think twice beforehand, would they not?
With that thought, Hua Zhen stepped forward and helped Andre up. "Come, come, stop kneeling. Get up quickly. Do your knees hurt?" He practically looked as though he were welcoming a worthy man with his shoes on backward, making Gus beside him feel quite jealous.
Standing before Andre and studying him, Hua Zhen grew more satisfied the longer he looked. This guy was not like Gus, who chattered away all day. He did not speak much, was cool and aloof, and had a powerful presence. His face looked fierce and his gaze indifferent. A close guard should be like this...
After patting Andre on the arm and feeding him some empty praise like, "You're very good!", "I think highly of you!", and "Work hard under me from now on!", Hua Zhen finally turned his attention to Xuan Ji, who had been waiting for him for quite some time.
This enchanting fellow first swept back his long hair, then offered a gentle smile. Every movement he made radiated astonishing charm.
In an instant, Hua Zhen felt a massive chill shoot from his tailbone straight to the top of his head. He bared his teeth, his expression twisted as though he had eaten shit.
How the hell can anyone stand this? What was Old Stick thinking? Isn't he afraid this guy will turn me gay? he roared silently.
But since the man had already come, Hua Zhen could not simply leave him hanging. After thinking for a moment, he forced out a smile. "Hehe, Tutor... Tutor Xuan Ji, right? Gus told me that your attainments in academic research are quite profound. I'll have to rely on your guidance from now on!"
"Please do not listen to his nonsense, Your Highness~" Xuan Ji cast Gus an extremely seductive glare, then looked at Hua Zhen with admiration. "If not for Your Highness proposing the Micro Wormhole Transportation Weapon in the great hall of the heavenly palace, who knew how much longer it would have taken for this technology to emerge? What profound academic attainments? I am merely a rigid-minded person who knows only how to research and not how to adapt~"
Hua Zhen had to admit that those words instantly improved his impression of Xuan Ji considerably. Waving his hand with a smile, he said, "What are you saying, Tutor Xuan Ji? The fact that Father recognizes you is enough to prove your exceptional depth of knowledge... How about this? It is nearly lunchtime. Let us have something simple first, then discuss matters afterward. What do you think?"
"I shall follow Your Highness's arrangements in all things!" Xuan Ji replied respectfully.
Before you continue