They all call me Great Master

The young 'Spirit Medium' certainly knew what the Businesswoman was referring to — other than the fact that the prize for the 'Swordsmanship Competition' champion, the title of 'Knight', had finally been set, Arthur couldn't think of anything else.

And with this matter settled, Arthur finally breathed a sigh of relief.

The title of 'Knight' was critical to many of Arthur's future plans.

If something had gone wrong, although he could make up for it in other ways, the time and energy expended would have increased tenfold, which was something Arthur could not tolerate or accept — in any world, achieving a true leap in social status was exceedingly difficult, especially entering the privileged class.

Because...

Resources are limited!

These resources include traditional ones such as food, minerals, population, as well as non-traditional ones like relics, Secret Medicine, secret techniques, and particularly the latter, which in the current world, is of paramount importance — in order to better enjoy traditional resources, the few who control the non-traditional ones will guard them even more fiercely.

Will those already on the cart leave space for those below?

Such a thing does not exist!

Those already on the cart would only weld the doors shut, step hard on the gas, and speed forward, moving further and further away amid the cursing of those left behind, with a wild laugh.

This has nothing to do with morality or honor.

It's just human nature.

And the world rules that emerge from it.

Of course, there are those who can overturn such rules.

But that requires immense strength.

And...

The right timing, location, and support!

Arthur was well aware that he possessed neither the former nor the latter.

Therefore, he chose to integrate into the current rules, become one of the Nobles, gain access to the corresponding resources, gain the necessary qualifications, and then?

Wait for the opportune moment!

Arthur believed that day would not be too far off—

The lion is already getting old.

The tiger, on the other hand, has just reached adulthood.

And there are many wolves and vultures lurking in the shadows.

Therefore, Arthur felt a sense of urgency; he needed to have the corresponding strength and power before that day arrived to protect himself.

Otherwise, he could only wait to be torn apart by others.

Arthur certainly did not wish for others to dance on his corpse.

So...

He would strike first and eliminate anyone who dared to bare their fangs and claws at him.

Retreat?

One lesson from the 'Muck Cart' was profound enough!

Another similar incident?

Arthur would only think of himself as a fool!

"You must become the 'Champion' — that is the precondition for the Lord Count to honor this reward. If you fail, you must provide appropriate compensation to the Lord Count!

If you die.

Then the Kledos Family will have to pay this compensation!"

In the corner, Marinda took the pipe from her mouth and said very seriously.

Arthur had no objections to this.

Tickets are hard to come by!

Arthur could fully imagine how crazy the people of South Los eligible to participate in the 'Swordsmanship Competition' would be once the champion's prize was announced — not just the original competitors but even the Nobles who had always kept a conservative stance would surely take part.

It's a fact that the 'Knight' title is not hereditary.

But it's also true that 'Knights' have Noble Privileges.

Those who cannot inherit the family name, the second sons, the third sons, or later heirs, will surely flock to it.

They will definitely find a way to participate!

For them, this is yet another opportunity in life!

They absolutely will not give up!

Not to mention those merchants who possess vast wealth but lack the 'Noble' title.

Their pursuit of this title probably far exceeds that of the noble offspring.

Because, to those merchants, the 'Knight' title is seen as a true opportunity for a rise, a chance for their family to flourish for hundreds or thousands of years!

And this, is exactly what Arthur anticipated—

He wanted not just the Champion, but also to fish in troubled waters!

"Go mad!

Fight fiercely!

This is the 'Movement of Destiny'!"

Arthur whispered to himself.

Hearing such 'Shaman-like speech,' Marinda immediately rolled her eyes.

Afterwards, the lady loaded her pipe with enough mint-flavored tobacco and, while sticking the lit pipe in her mouth, continued to speak—

"I've already 'warmed up' for you; there's no need to become the target of public criticism before the Swordsmanship Competition even starts, at the time of registration. Among the four Barons, aside from the deceased Baron Kemir and the half-dead Baron Harold, the remaining 'Baron Korol' and 'Baron Hausman' will certainly send someone to participate, and they are definitely formidable contenders.

And the seven Lords?

Lord Doyle's heir, Fengter, surely will not participate, and you also own half of the Oakwood Manor, so you're one of our own.

But among the remaining six Lords, there are not a few who are 'determined to make progress.'

'Lord Lisop' owns South Town, which is the largest town nearest to South Los and usually the first stop for merchants leaving South Los. He himself participated in the Seven Years' War, was promoted to Knight because of his brave fighting, and then advanced to Lord through two Desperate Assaults.

'Lord Bern' has his own manor and was once a well-known mercenary in North County. He was knighted for saving The Old Earl and later followed The Old Earl into several battles, and for his loyalty, was knighted as a Lord. However, with the advancing age of the Lord himself, his three sons have already been in constant conflict.

'Lord Ernest,' 'Lord Dibwa,' and 'Lord Bass' own Spring Water Town, Grass Branch Town, and Bass Town respectively. All three are traditional Nobles of South Los, whose families have been passed down since the Silver Age, with unparalleled loyalty to the Earl, especially Lord Bass, who has served the South Los Family since the first generation.

And the last 'Lord Laurie'—

This Lord from Barny is not important; he is only a 'Noble' in name, as the place has always belonged to the 'Selina' family.

Although stripped of his noble status, what Lord Laurie is loyal to is this family, not the South Los Family.

Similarly, that 'Selina' family will have no interest in this 'Swordsmanship Competition.'

Listening to Marinda's introduction of the Nobles of South Los, Arthur was roughly able to discern the friends and foes of this 'Swordsmanship Competition.'

The competitors from the two Baron's Houses were undoubtedly on his opposing side and needed to be dealt with carefully.

The rest of the Lords, for the most part, need not be considered, as they were essentially his own people.

The only two worth paying attention to were Lord Lisop and Lord Bern!

For the former, Marinda's description did not mention 'loyalty.'

For the latter, Marinda's reference to the Old Lord's three sons spoke volumes.

And as for 'Lord Laurie'?

The situation was clearly complicated.

Unlike other South Los Nobles, who all had some fame, Arthur had never heard of the 'Selina' surname.

Yet, having been stripped of their noble status, this surname should have been 'infamous.'

'Is there some hidden story?'

Arthur contemplated, yet outwardly, he asked without any change in his demeanor.

"I'm more concerned about the arrangements you've made than about the opponents I might encounter.

Tell me about your 'warm-up'!"

Hearing Arthur's words, Marinda immediately narrowed her eyes and laughed—

"Guess!"