Beginning

Knight, A being transformed beyond ordinary life.

Once one became a Knight, they would completely cast off common illnesses, and their lifespan would be extended to a certain degree.

In Signo City, people over fifty were rarely seen. Those who were tended to be nobles or wealthy merchants skilled at preserving their health.

It was difficult for ordinary people to live long.

Especially in an age lacking medicine and treatment, a single cold or infection could very well cost someone their life.

But Knights, So long as they did not die in battle, they could generally live past eighty, gaining several more decades than ordinary people.

To become a Knight, Life Potions were indispensable.

Obtaining a Life Potion in Signo City was exceedingly difficult. It required not only strength but also a certain background; for a lone man to feel his way through the channels, who knew how long it would take.

For now, Karl still saw no hope.

Now...

He only needed to kill ferocious beasts.

To do a good job, one must first sharpen one's tools.

Even if he was going to hunt ferocious beasts and Undead Creatures, ensuring his own safety was especially important.

Early in the morning, Karl arrived at the church and took out ten Gold Pounds to offer to the Lord of Dawn as a show of devotion.

The reason he had not used Gold Coins was that ten Gold Pounds looked weightier and more conspicuous than a single Gold Coin.

"Lord of Dawn above..."

With a sorrowful expression, he said, "Father Vic, a friend of mine was unfortunately tainted by yin energy while passing through a swamp. He is now bedridden. I heard that Holy Water can bestow the gods' blessing and dispel the yin energy from one's body."

"The merciful Lord of Dawn surely cannot bear to see His loyal follower die while struggling in misery."

"Dear Baron Karl." Father Vic's face was filled with compassion.

"God loves all people!"

"He surely cannot bear to see His followers suffer, but there are always false believers who come to swindle God's blessing. God can distinguish truth from falsehood, but I do not have that ability."

So how would he prove that his friend was not a false believer?

"..." Karl opened his mouth, then said helplessly, "My friend's devotion to the Lord of Dawn is beyond question. He is willing to offer one Gold Coin to improve the church's conditions."

"One Gold Coin?"

At that, a smile appeared in Father Vic's eyes. He picked up a wooden ladle used for serving meals from the side and walked before the statue.

Before the statue stood a water vat about a meter square.

He scooped up a ladleful of water.

"This is God's blessing!"

Karl blinked. From Hibel, he had learned that the Church's Holy Water could dispel yin energy and was even remarkably effective against Undead Creatures, wandering spirits, and the like.

But he had never expected that this so-called Holy Water came from this water vat. Was it not simply available in endless supply?

Of course.

He did not doubt Hibel's words.

"Father."

Looking at the wooden ladle, which held less than a mouthful, Karl said slowly, "My friend can offer ten Gold Coins."

"Ten?" Father Vic's eyes lit up. He picked up a large bowl from the side and gestured with it.

"This is also God's blessing."

Karl rolled his eyes. Your god was really practical!

With Laka Market at its center, several nearby blocks had all been brought under the City Guard's protection.

Within that area, safety was assured.

But to enter, one had to pay a certain amount of Black Stone, or provide proof of having killed ferocious beasts or Undead Creatures.

Aya found a temporary foothold nearby.

Because they had failed to buy Wisteria Grass, Xiao Nan's condition was worsening by the day. He was already showing early signs of mutation; if he was not treated soon, it might be beyond saving.

"Here."

Karl helped Xiao Nan sit up and held the Holy Water to his lips.

"Swallow carefully."

"Gulp..."

Xiao Nan's throat bobbed as he instinctively swallowed the Holy Water. Within moments of it entering his stomach, his complexion began to improve.

It worked!

Karl's heart eased. It seemed Holy Water worked no matter what world one was in.

"That's wonderful."

Aya was so excited that tears welled in her eyes.

"Xiao Nan is going to be okay!"

"Mm."

Karl nodded.

"He's fine for now. Next, let's talk about our cooperation."

"Just tell us what to do, Uncle. We'll follow your arrangements." Aya hurriedly waved her hands.

"That won't do." Karl shook his head.

"There are six of you, and you'll be taking most of the risks. You need to be paid enough."

The people in the room were all the core members of Aya's team.

Xiao Nan, Dana, Hausman...

Every one of them had lived in Black City for years. They might not have been particularly strong, but each had their own means of staying alive and could not be underestimated.

"How about this."

Karl spoke.

"For any operation I participate in, I take forty percent of the proceeds and you take sixty. When I'm not around, you can work it out among yourselves."

"What do you think?"

Aya's eyes flickered.

The others exchanged glances, each seeing the eagerness in the others' eyes.

"Alright!"

After a quiet discussion, Aya nodded.

"When does Uncle plan to make a move?"

"Not yet."

Karl waved his hand.

"The situation in the city is still unclear. Charging in rashly could easily get us into danger. Let the others scout the way first."

Those without enough food stores would certainly be the first to crack.

"Also..."

Karl looked at Aya.

"At a time like this, all kinds of weapons, armor—anything that can increase one's strength—will rise in price."

"Ask how much Exotic Beast Meat my magic seal can be traded for."

"Mm."

Aya nodded heavily.

"Be careful when negotiating, in case someone jumps over the wall when driven desperate." Karl reminded her again.

To prevent people from paying but refusing to do any work, the City Guard had banned private trading during this period. Anyone discovered doing so would certainly be severely punished, while informants would receive generous rewards.

Of course.

Such things could be reduced, but never completely eradicated.

The next day.

Aya brought back news. The reply had come so quickly because anything that could increase one's strength was indeed in short supply right now.

"High-grade Exotic Beast Meat is extremely rare. Even the City Guard doesn't have much of it. They can offer at most two portions."

"Plus twenty portions of ordinary Exotic Beast Meat."

"Two portions?" Karl's gaze shifted slightly.

Previously, they had offered only one portion, and there had been no room for negotiation. The quantity of ordinary Exotic Beast Meat, on the other hand, was easier to discuss.

"Agree to it!"

Karl said:

"The deal's fine, right?"

"Absolutely." Aya guaranteed it. "This is a channel Old Lev introduced. If anything really goes wrong, he'll put up his own magical seal as collateral."

Magical seals had a preservation time limit. That very afternoon, the two sides concluded the deal, and Karl acquired a whole crate of Exotic Beast Meat.

As for hunting savage beasts...

He still wasn't in a hurry.

A few more days passed.

Name: Karl (Lord of the Divine Domain Fragment)

Constitution: 0.89

Mental Power: 1.51

Source Essence: 0

Professions: Knight Squire, Beginner Wizard Apprentice

The effects of high-grade Exotic Beast Meat were astonishing. Just one serving had sent Karl's constitution soaring in a short time.

Reaching the peak Knight Squire stage of 0.9 was now within arm's reach.

His Mental Power was also steadily increasing.

By then, the situation within the city had gradually become clear. Led by the City Guard, the townspeople began to fight back. The generous rewards had stirred everyone's enthusiasm.

The savage beasts and Undead Creatures near Laka Market had been wiped out completely.

"I heard the City Lord bought a large batch of slaves outside the city and is escorting them to Black City to fill the miners' vacancies."

"On top of that, he hired mercenaries to come and slaughter the savage beasts."

Aya said:

"Once they arrive, hunting savage beasts won't be so easy anymore, and the exchange price will go up too."

"Mm."

Karl was crouching opposite her. At this, he looked up.

"It's time for us to make a move too."