The Iron-Blooded Lord was probably around thirty years old when he was given a Middle Name. On the other hand, I was only sixteen years old now. Roughly calculating, it seemed as if I had achieved similar results when I was half the age of the Iron-Blooded Lord. Of course, at that time, the position of the Middle Names had just been created. The selection requirements and procedures would be much more stringent than they were now.
In any case, keeping my mouth shut for a long time was the worst choice I could make. Moreover, the other party was the emperor of this nation.
I immediately spoke up. "Your Majesty, I am overwhelmed by your praise. I shall take your words as advice for the rest of my life, and strive even more for the honor of my family."
"Yes."
"However, Your Majesty, the title of a Middle Name still weighs heavily upon me. I humbly ask for your understanding."
The moment I said this, the armor of the knights trembled slightly. It was right after I uttered the word 'understanding."
The Lotus Jade Emperor, who had a gentle smile on his face, straightened his expression and the entire atmosphere shifted.
My skin stung. The pressure he exuded went beyond mere pressure. It manifested as a tangible force.
How was it possible for a being who didn't have a high level of martial arts to release this level of force? I wouldn't have believed it if I hadn't actually seen it.
"Understanding?" His voice was hot. It was like heat seeping from cracked, scorched ground. "Do you mean that you won't follow my orders?"
The Lotus Jade Emperor didn't bother to hide his displeasure. Even considering this fact, I felt it was strange for someone of his status to show his emotions so openly. In other words, it was on purpose.
Was he trying to put pressure on me to make me his Middle Name? The methods felt somewhat lacking for the emperor of an empire. At this point, it was almost like threatening me with words.
"That's right."
I was the type of person who never succumbed to intimidation. Of course, the capital was the safest, most beautiful, and comfortable place on the continent. It was the type of place I had once longed for when I was a mercenary.
Now that was no longer the case. There were still many places to go and many more things to do. If I was bound to the empire, the capital and the imperial family, I wouldn't be able to achieve even half my goals. Even the fence of the Badnikers couldn't restrain me. In the same way, the capital couldn't become my purgatory.
"I am an immature person who has only felt responsibility in words," I said.
"In the imperial palace, the best teachers are prepared. You will never struggle with lessons," the Lotus Jade Emperor argued.
"The dwarf blacksmiths in the south say that the true worth of a peerless sword can only be proven on the battlefield. I am still in the process of proving my worth. I'm worried that I might be of no use even as a mere ornament," I claimed.
"Do you doubt my vision?" Lotus Jade Emperor asked.
"That is out of the question. I merely fear that the rumors of the public will become a screen for judgment," I replied.
"What?" The Lotus Jade Emperor slapped his thigh and laughed.
It was a cool laugh that ignored his expressionless face. It was an act that didn't fit his position as emperor, but strangely enough, even this suited him.
"A screen of judgment. I didn't think you would retort with the words I said. How bold."
"I'm sorry."
The Lotus Jade Emperor let out a low laugh. "Yes, as you said, making you a Middle Name might be premature. I acknowledge it. Then Luan Badniker, will you accept another position?"
"What is the other position?"
"The order of knights won't suit your aptitude... The Imperial Special Forces or the Royal Knights would be good. Of course, it is a temporary position. However, once you have sufficient skills and experience, you can be promoted to a Middle Name at any time."
I never thought this person would be so obsessed. I was tired and also afraid. In any case, the conversation had gone on for so long that I managed to come up with an excuse. "Your Majesty's proposal is the glory of a lifetime—"
"You are speaking unnecessary words. Get to the point."
"I apologize, but before coming here, I made a promise with the head of the family."
The Lotus Jade Emperor's eyebrows twitched. "With Delac?"
"That's right."
In the end, I explored all the connections I knew, and the only person who could oppose the emperor was the Iron-Blooded Lord. It felt like summoning a demon king just to avoid being captured by a dragon, but now wasn't the time to be picky. No matter whether it was a demon king or god of disaster, I should make use of it if possible.
The Lotus Jade Emperor asked, "What type of promise did you make?"
"I have a duty to perform as a Badniker. He asked me to accompany him, and I accepted."
"A duty as a Badniker," the Lotus Jade Emperor echoed.
I didn't mention the Hero Society on purpose. This alone allowed the Lotus Jade Emperor to notice something.
The Lotus Jade Emperor was silent for quite a long time. Then he muttered something that I didn't understand. "Is it karma passed down from the previous generations? I will respect it. However, have you forgotten that Delac also bears a Middle Name? If the two of you are to undertake a joint mission, the empire will also support you."
The karma of the previous generations. What did the mission to Spirit Mountain have to do with the Badnikers? Kuset... and Eldest Senior Brother?
I was confused but decided to take advantage of this opportunity. "It is a family matter. The Badnikers haven't accepted interference from anyone since ancient times."
The Lotus Jade Emperor seemed quite displeased, but I dared to add one more thing. "Your Majesty, you have just resolved the Goodspring family's long-standing wish. What this humble one desires is the same. I ask only that you allow the Badnikers to resolve their long-standing wish on their own."
"Hah."
In general, outright denying the emperor's words was sheer madness. This was unless they were someone with considerable authority or had earned the Lotus Jade Emperor's trust. For a snot-nosed kid like me to speak out of turn was no different from committing a mortal sin. Therefore, the only way to deflect the Lotus Jade Emperor's anger was to return his own words to him.
I didn't know if I should call this a good thing or not, but the Lotus Jade Emperor talked quite a lot. This meant it wasn't difficult to steer him into contradicting himself.
The Lotus Jade Emperor laughed in disbelief. Then he looked at me again and muttered, "Luan Badniker, I am coveting you more and more. Okay. This time, I will give into your obstinacy. However, you will need to prepare a different excuse next time."
"I am deeply honored."
"Then... If you don't want the Middle Name or other positions, what should I give you?" The Lotus Jade Emperor thought about it for a moment before smiling once again. "I will grant Luan Badniker the right to enter the Master Craftsman's Sect."
***
If there was one thing I liked about the Lotus Jade Emperor, it was that he didn't enjoy tedious formalities. After the award ceremony, he canceled the bothersome events. He waved his hand and ordered for us to depart.
"Still, you should attend the banquet in the evening. It has been prepared quite grandly, and there are many people who want to see you. I won't be attending, however."
These were the last words of the Lotus Jade Emperor. Then I followed the guidance of a knight and headed toward the Master Craftsman's Sect.
What was it about this Master Craftsman's Sect that surprised me so much? In short, it was a place where craftsmen of the imperial palace stayed. It was the largest treasure trove in the empire. It contained not only weapons handmade by the best craftsmen in the empire, but also fine handicrafts, magic tools and even artifacts.
I felt sorry for Alderson, but his collection warehouse couldn't even compare.
"His Majesty has allowed you to choose you to select items from the Master Craftsman's Sect up to three times."
"Up to three times?" I asked at the slightly strange words.
The knight explained in a casual tone like the question was familiar, "In order to own something from the Master Craftsman's Sect, you must receive the approval of the imperial craftsmen. That is the rule."
"I see..."
"Just securing one is a great achievement, so please don't feel burdened."
I had another question. "What exactly do I need to do to receive approval?"
"The first one is naturally your skills. As you might know, the pride of dwarf craftsmen is very high. They never send away their family's collection to those who aren't skilled enough."
I couldn't help asking at the new words, "Their family's collection?"
"Ah, excuse me. That is how we evaluate their own masterpieces."
"We..." I glanced at the knight. I thought he was a bit short for his age. Now it was likely that he had dwarf blood in him.
The reason why there were so many mixed-bloods in the imperial family was probably due to the Lotus Jade Emperor's tendencies. It was his tendency to prioritize talent over status or lineage. In any case, I was confident in my skills, so pass.
"Next, it is to have a keen eye. They will ask about the characteristics, history, use of the item you wish to own and even why you appreciate it. If you can't answer any of the questions, you will lose the opportunity."
"Got it."
The Seven Sins Sword was still hanging at my waist. It wasn't removed even when I met the emperor. It was because originally there was a part of the ceremony where I paid homage to the emperor with my sword? In other words, I could use the Martial God now. This test wouldn't be a problem for me.
"Is there anything else?"
"Yes. Even if you pass both these tests, it won't do you any good if you don't impress the craftsman. In a way, this is the most challenging test," he replied.
"Isn't that too much?"
"That's true, but... Young Master Luan, His Majesty ordered you to go to the Master Craftsman's Sect to receive a reward. You should be accepted without much trouble."
We arrived at the Master Craftsman's Sect as we were talking.
The Master Craftsman's Sect was located at the far end of the imperial palace's outer wall. Despite the chilly weather, the temperature in this area was quite hot. I saw dwarf craftsmen hammering, carrying equipment, or resting with their muscular bodies exposed. They seemed completely disinterested even though I passed by them.
"Come this way."
I followed the knight's guidance and passed through a series of workshops. Then I stood at the entrance of what looked to be a large warehouse.
Somehow, it wasn't the glittering treasure trove I had imagined. It looked like a very shabby warehouse. The size was enormous, but there was nothing grand about it. Still, the lock was firmly in place.
The knight opened the door with a key and looked at me. "The time limit is one hour. Please consider it carefully."
I nodded and walked inside.
The door closed with a heavy sound. I started looking around inside. The vast space that seemed to stretch on endlessly was quite cool, illuminated by only the faint glow of lanterns.
I coughed. "Damn it."
They didn't even clean this place. The old dust tickled my airways. I walked while waving my hands to drive away the dust.
I don't think they are taking care of this place properly.
Was this really the warehouse of the Master Craftsman's Sect? I couldn't help wondering if the angry emperor wanted to lock me up in an antique warehouse.
After looking around at the items for a while, that thought disappeared. The level of the equipment was amazing. I could tell at a glance that they were on a completely different level from the treasure sword I sold before.
I could tell just by looking at the blade. If a neighborhood kid was to wield it, they would be able to cut through rocks. That being said, I wasn't particularly greedy for them. No matter how sharp the blade, it couldn't be as good as the Seven Sins Sword or the Yin-Yang Dao. In truth, both of these weapons had their origin rooted in legend. One was the relic of the Nameless King and the other was the weapon of a demon king.
The part that is creepy is that the two of them are the same person. What am I thinking? I shook my head and scanned my surroundings again.
"I don't need armor, gems are useless, and I don't know what these magic tools are..."
Was there only one way? Did I have to wake up the Martial Good soon?
The moment this thought crossed my mind, I stumbled upon something quite interesting. "Is this a book?"
An old book was placed between glittering armor. It had an unsettling black cover.
"Wait." Somehow, the letters engraved on the cover were familiar. It was a strange shape that looked like symbols. I had seen them somewhere before.
Where was it?
"Ah."
" Hey, Luan! Look at this."
" What is it? A drawing?"
"No. This is my name."
" Eh?"
Yes, it was quite similar to the character that Third Senior Brother sometimes scribbled with branches while crouching on the ground.
I stared at the cover of the book. "I thought I could read this."
The characters used by Third Senior Brother had an unusual shape, so I had been slightly intrigued. There was nothing to play on Spirit Mountain, so he would teach it to me occasionally. The problem was that I had almost forgotten the language by now.
Still, if I squeezed my eyes tight and racked my brain, I could somehow read it. Of course, there weren't many characters that I could actually read.
"La... pl... a... ce?"
Laplace? At that moment , Seren crossed my mind. Before my regression, at a time when the Black Swamp Demon King descended, they were the words Seren had left behind just before dying.
"The Goodsprings have a family heirloom, Laplace's New Book. It records events yet to come. A prophecy."
Laplace's New Book... Could it be that there were two copies of this?
I racked my brain again and managed to read the words before.
"Stra... te... gy... Gui... de?"
What was this saying?