Iron-Blooded Knight

The Sheffield family's manor was exceptionally lively today, not just because the guards who had accompanied Altair's original body's father, "Hade Sheffield," on an expedition had returned.

More importantly, "Leif Strauss," his maternal uncle, had been promoted to Sequence Four of the "Hunter" pathway, a Demigod known as the "Iron-Blooded Knight."

Given the relationship between the two families, this meant that as long as "Altair Sheffield" was alive, no one would dare trouble the Sheffield family. Demigods lived for at least several hundred years; unless killed, they were essentially ancestral figures of their families.

"Simon Blanco, what are your plans for the future?"

Altair asked the tall, middle-aged man before him, dressed in a black trench coat and a round hat.

Simon Blanco slowly shook his head. "Most of us in this squad are residents from Baron-sama's territory, and a few are orphans sponsored by the Sheffield family. Even if we disband, we don't have many other places to go."

"On our way back this time, we discussed it and hope Count Altair can put aside past grievances and continue to keep our squad together."

Listening to Simon Blanco, Altair understood their choice.

The surviving members of this squad were all Extraordinary individuals, making a return to ordinary life unsuitable.

While it wasn't difficult for Extraordinary individuals to find work, as everyone needed them, anything related to the extraordinary was life-threatening. To risk their lives for a meager salary – how much could they earn in a month!

Since they came from the Sheffield family, and they were already selling their lives, they might as well choose a familiar old employer.

Furthermore, they had spent a long time in the military and were out of touch with the outside world.

Altair looked at Simon Blanco and said, "Since you all wish to stay, then stay. You can ask Hahn for an advance on some Gold Pounds during this period. You can stay in Bexland for a few days, or you can choose to go home to see your families and report that you are safe. The Royal Summer Hunt is in five days, so just be back before the event begins."

Altair didn't have immediate plans for this squad, but he had a clear objective for their future.

They would basically all be sent to the factory to oversee its safety. In his later plans, the factory played a significant role. As for his own safety, who could be more loyal than his pets?

In the evening, Altair visited his maternal uncle Leif's home. Perhaps due to his promotion to Demigod, Leif seemed younger. It wasn't a change in appearance, but a hard-to-describe feeling – perhaps this was the charm of the extraordinary.

As Leif Strauss was the absolute protagonist of this banquet, he was constantly surrounded and didn't have time to greet Altair.

So, after entering the manor and greeting the butler to announce his arrival, Altair casually found a few acquaintances and started chatting.

Seeing the person approaching, Altair quickly stepped forward to greet him. "Good evening, Uncle Leif. You're becoming more and more charismatic."

After speaking, Altair thought of a humorous phrase, "'Drink' the Hunter potion, become a man among men!"

Leif Strauss looked at "Lucius Sheffield," Altair's original name, who was dressed as a young lady. He felt a bit of regret about his past decisions and sighed. "Altair, I didn't expect you to make such significant moves in just over two months since I left. You researched and created 'New Gunpowder' yourself. It seems my granddaughter might become the next Steam God Child, surpassing Emperor Roselle..."

Altair, without blushing or his heart skipping a beat, replied to the praise, "It was mainly good luck, and my family happened to have some residual materials related to this. I just integrated those things, and the invention was complete."

Leif Strauss listened to Altair's modesty and thought, What does his family have that outsiders don't know about? Do I not know? If they had such things, that old man would have used them long ago.

Leif Strauss knew about Altair's family situation, but since his own family said so, he wouldn't expose it.

He said frankly, "Even so, it requires your organizational skills. Otherwise, those materials would be like waste paper."

"Oh, right. I brought a gift for you from your Uncle Charles when I returned from the South Continent. I've arranged for someone to deliver it to your carriage. Remember to take good care of them when you get back, and be careful. These are rare and valuable gifts."

Altair had already known that Leif had returned from the South Continent that morning.

Simon Blanco and the others had returned with his maternal uncle via the military's special transport unit. Otherwise, relying on themselves, they would still be drifting at sea.

Hearing about his uncle, who only existed in his memory and whom he had met only a few times, Altair was curious. "Uncle Charles, how is he doing in the South Continent? I heard the South Continent is in turmoil again. And he hasn't returned for many years; will he be transferred back to the North Continent this year?"

Altair's words made Leif fall into thought. After reacting, he said, "It's been six years. Every time, I'm the one who goes to see him; he never actively returns. He should be transferred back. I'll find him a wife to marry then."

It seemed the main reason Uncle Leif went to the South Continent for his promotion was to see this uncle. Every promotion for an Extraordinary was a challenge; failure meant becoming a Monster. Not everyone had a cheat.

As for the latter part about returning to get married, that had nothing to do with him. If they asked him, he wouldn't acknowledge it.

"By the way, that kid Owen said you've been waiting for me?"

"Yes, Uncle," Altair nodded directly. "Since the item was completed and tested, it couldn't be shelved. It just so happened that you were away, so I've been waiting for your return to discuss the factory construction."

"Ha... ha... ha..."

Hearing this, Leif burst into laughter. "I can already see from your eyes that you have a plan, but you've been delaying its execution because you lack direct support."

Caught in his scheme, Altair didn't feel embarrassed. "I do have plans for those inventions. Of course, this plan requires various families to provide assistance in the early stages. If I try to persuade them alone, I don't have much confidence in getting them involved."

"I was thinking, with Uncle back, someone could back me up, right?"

Hearing the explanation, Leif Strauss wasn't angry but smiled. "You, you. You've done well in this matter. If you had faced them directly, it would have been difficult to reach a consensus."

"Those old guys can now only strive for more benefits for their families. This will inevitably affect your interests and plans."

"After the banquet, tell me your ideas, and I'll help you brainstorm."