Chapter 71 - 70: The Brand’s Testament, the Silent Knight
Chapter 71: Chapter 70: The Brand’s Testament, the Silent Knight
First, all three major countries have traced the coordinates to within France. Second, there are internal debates within each country between hawks and doves on the issue of making contact.
However, their primary objective is still to understand the situation.
Furthermore, Baru didn’t forget his primary duty. He analyzed the three countries’ current progress in responding to the "supernatural anomalies."
On the surface, the country with the largest investment was surprisingly not the United States, but the United Kingdom. And the one with the most staying power was actually the laggard, France. He surmised this was because they were so far behind that their proportional increase in resource allocation was massive.
The United States, on the other hand, had already begun what appeared to be a "frivolous endeavor"—a "new round of infrastructure construction planning."
"Hmm? What is it specifically? Something like civil defense shelters?"
The term Baru used made it difficult for Qin Xiaoxia not to think of the "Civil Defense Modernization Project" that Hua Country had already launched.
"As expected of you, Mentor! While it’s not a civil defense project, in my eyes, they’re nearly identical. The official documents call it a feasibility study for constructing trial underground cities to prepare for Earth’s population boom, but everyone in our department knows what’s really happening."
’Population boom?’
Qin Xiaoxia chuckled.
The country that should be concerned about that problem might have been Hua Country some years ago, or perhaps Yin Country today, but it definitely wouldn’t be the United States.
Still, this policy, most likely plagiarized from Hua Country, was rather interesting.
But it wasn’t surprising, either.
If even he and Huang Jiutian could deduce what Hua Country was up to, there was no reason the Americans wouldn’t be aware of it too.
And in this regard, Hua Country’s ability to execute its plans was simply astounding.
This probably gave the United States the impression that the Huaguo People had already thoroughly analyzed the situation and were now rolling out methodical countermeasures based on a precise understanding.
It was like the first country to invent some high-end weapon; the second country to follow would inevitably start by studying and emulating the first.
’In a situation like this, how could they just sit and do nothing while watching others prepare with such fervor?’
Especially when the anomalous incidents within their own borders were on the rise, and particularly when this must-read email brought up the theme of a "coming darkness."
’Wouldn’t that make you panic?’
And their actions said it all: they were panicking.
As Qin Xiaoxia listened to Baru’s report, the corners of his mouth curled up higher and higher.
’Having a spy on the inside was so convenient. They could dig up everything for you.’
Baru’s hard work during this time had not only yielded astounding intelligence but had also earned him the trust of his superiors, giving him access to more comprehensive information.
As a result, Qin Xiaoxia had a basic understanding of the situation.
At the very least, these countries’ understanding of the situation was no better than he had anticipated. They were, in a word, in a state of "utter chaos."
Baru circled back around to the topic of the email.
"So, Mentor, the importance of the sender to them right now is self-evident!"
"That email? Was it really from another Savior Organization?"
Jenny chimed in, asking first.
Qin Xiaoxia nodded, then shook his head, and rose from his seat with a smile.
From a checked suitcase to the side, he took out a silvery-white metal Scepter.
He answered Jenny’s question—which was on everyone’s mind—in a firm tone.
"No, that wasn’t some other Savior Organization. They are descendants of our ’Dawn,’ or at least people connected to us. They clearly lack composure and haven’t fully grasped the situation."
From the moment Qin Xiaoxia produced the Scepter, Baru’s attention was completely captivated. He had never seen it before, but he had dreamt of it.
"Baru."
Finding Baru’s expression, so out of place for someone his age, amusing, Qin Xiaoxia suddenly called his name.
"Ah?! Yes, sir!"
"You have done well. In the name of the Dawn Manager, here and now, I bestow upon you the Dawn Seal!"
’What? So suddenly? Right here?’
Although the thought had flashed through his mind the moment he saw the Scepter, Baru was still flustered and at a loss. Of course, more than anything, he was thrilled!
"What? Are you not yet prepared, Baru?"
Qin Xiaoxia’s expression instantly turned solemn, his tone sharp and severe. His eyes glittered with the fluctuations of Magic Power as he gazed at Baru with immense authority.
"Quasi-Knight Baru, I ask you again, are you prepared?"
WHOOSH! Baru snapped to attention, standing ramrod straight with his head held high and chest puffed out. His heavy breaths made his clothes strain at the seams as he opened his mouth to speak in a near-roar.
"Ever since the Night of Illumination, I have always been prepared!"
"Very good!"
Qin Xiaoxia said no more. He transferred the Scepter to his right hand, gripping the protrusions on its head to reveal the slightly raised ’Day of Dawn’ symbol at its tip.
"Quasi-Knight Baru, now, swear your oath to the Scepter!"
As he spoke, Qin Xiaoxia’s left hand passed lightly over the Scepter.
Before the excited eyes of the onlookers, the Scepter became enveloped in a pale violet, particulate glow. The symbol on its head began to shine with a reddish-purple glimmer.
A searing heat radiated from it, one that felt as if it were scorching both body and soul.
Baru’s heart rate reached its peak for the night, THUMP-THUMPING so hard it felt like it would burst from his chest.
Forcibly suppressing the urge to let out a wild roar, he began to recite the oath, the words rumbling from deep within his throat in a low, solemn voice.
"The final war drums will soon sound. In the long night, from this moment, I shall burn!
I shall become a torch in the night for the Sages, the Light of Dawn that pierces the darkness, and with my fervent blood, I shall melt the frozen earth!"
Baru snapped his head up, unflinchingly meeting the gaze of Qin Xiaoxia, whose eyes now seemed to blaze with light.
He took a deep breath.
"I am the sharpest spear! And I am the strongest shield!"
"I will cast aside hesitation and sever fear! I will not retreat, I will not surrender! I will remain loyal to my duty, until death itself!"
As he reached the last lines, Baru thought of his comrades from his military service, both the living and the fallen. He thought of his late colleagues from the security company, of his family and friends, and of the countless millions who lived in blissful ignorance before the encroaching darkness.
He spoke slowly, yet his voice carried an unwavering conviction that left no room for doubt.
"I offer my *life and soul* to Dawn! Today and every day, I shall not falter...!"
Qin Xiaoxia’s expression grew taut. He took Baru’s right palm. The light from the Scepter was brilliant but not blinding, its aura majestic but not oppressive.
"Though the circumstances are humble, without the cheering crowds of millennia past, this is still the honor of a lifetime!"
"Baru Gesenier, in the name of the Dawn Manager, I bestow upon you the title of ’Silent Knight’!"
As his words fell, they were accompanied by the SIZZLE of searing flesh.
Baru clenched his jaw, enduring an unimaginable searing pain—a brand that was being seared into both his body and his soul.
’This was his glory!’
’The first Silent Knight to have his glory restored!’
The branding lasted a mere ten-odd seconds, yet it felt like an eternity.
When Baru finally raised his head and steadied himself.
His entire being—from head to toe, from soul to body, from mind to will—radiated a transcendent aura!
"Silent Knight, Baru Gesenier, at your service until death, Master Sage!"
A Sage may not necessarily wield the Scepter, but whoever wields the Scepter must be a Sage!
Previously, Baru had not been formally knighted, so he could only address him as Mentor. Now, he could finally use the proper title!
’Holy shit, what’s going on?’
Qin Xiaoxia felt the power inside Baru’s body ’sublimate’ once again. At least, according to his Perception, while the total amount of power hadn’t increased, it now seemed to be perfectly integrated with Baru, whereas before it had been slightly incompatible.
’Holy moly... so that actually works!’
Qin Xiaoxia once again had his understanding of the power of will and spirit completely redefined. Hmm, in other words, the powerful effect of a good pep talk.
Now that the "reward" had been given, it was time for a new mission.
"Baru, the Dawn Seal will only manifest on your flesh when you will it to, or at the moment of your death. So you don’t have to worry about it affecting your daily work."
"Now, in addition to continuing to gather intelligence, your primary mission is to find the group of French people who sent that email. I will help you make contact with them before anyone else does."
"As possible descendants of Dawn, we must ensure their safety!"