Chapter 4: The King of Dunmei’s Gift

Translator: EndlessFantasy Translation Editor: EndlessFantasy Translation

After the high priest’s funeral ended, King Dunmei began to busy himself with matters concerning Locke.

First, he went to the Senate to discuss with all the elders about Locke’s training.

Originally, the king’s suggestion was to quietly cultivate Locke’s strength, but it was quickly rejected by his council. They reasoned that a stable and harmonious environment was not beneficial to Locke’s growth!

In the end, everyone agreed that Locke was to be assigned to the Kingdom’s Special Operations Team, allowing him to adapt to various situations before the war. When the various countries began to wage war, Locke would be sent to the battlefield. Even though this was against the rules, the current situation was a special one, and they could not care less about the rules anymore!

Soon after, Locke arrived at the castle in the king’s carriage.

He followed Clifford to a very spacious room. The original plan was for the king to present the award to Locke in a proper ceremony that was to be held in the banquet hall, but now the king had decided to proceed without the ceremony.

Clifford brought Locke straight to the king’s room.

The king was over sixty years old this year. Despite his age and a head full of snow-white hair, he looked very dignified.

Upon seeing Locke, he revealed a rare friendly smile.

“You are Reynolds Locke?”

Hearing his king calling out to him, Locke immediately knelt down on one knee and replied, “I am Reynolds Benson’s eldest son, Locke!”

King Dunmei immediately walked to Locke’s side and helped him up.

“From today onward, you are a Dragon Knight mage. I hereby award you the Magic Dragon Cross medal!”

Even Clifford was shocked.

The Magic Dragon Cross Medal was the highest honor for a Dragon Knight mage. To think that the king had awarded it to Locke just like that!

Soon, Clifford understood why.

“From today onward, Clifford will be your personal magic tutor, and he will guide you as you join the Special Forces of the Kingdom of Dunmei.

“Protect the territory of the Kingdom of Dunmei and ensure its safety!”

Hearing this, even Locke was stunned!

As it had always been, the kingdom’s Special Operations Team did not allow students who had just reached adulthood to join. This was really a precedent!

Clifford immediately knelt on one knee.

After the two confused people left, the King Dunmei immediately wrote a letter and sent it to the Reynolds’ Manor.

Reynolds Benson, who had originally been demoted to a Count, was promoted by one rank. The reason for the promotion was that his eldest son had obtained the Magic Dragon Cross medal, and raising his noble rank was only one part of the reward.

After leaving with Clifford, Locke touched the Magic Dragon Cross medal on his chest, thinking that he was still dreaming.

Seeing Locke’s stunned face, Clifford immediately turned around and said seriously, “The King is not joking this time! I need to tell you about the Special Operations Team in the Kingdom of Dunmei!

“Normal citizens only know of the existence of such an organization. No one knows the truth behind the Special Operations Team of Dunmei.

“Its official name is Dunmei Dark Blade Dragons!

“This special task force is formed by twelve teams!”

When Locke heard this, he asked, “Isn’t this something like an upgraded version of a garrison guard station?”

Clifford shook his finger and said, “You underestimate this organization. First of all, this organization does not participate in any of the Garrison Guards’ matters. Also, even a captain of the Special Operations Team has a higher rank than the person in charge of the Kingdom’s Police Department. Lastly, the Dunmei Dark Blade Dragons will never participate in ordinary events!

“For example, some time ago, a village massacre happened in a place near the border city of Dunmei. The matter was handled by the Dunmei Dark Blade Dragons!

“Team 8 found a 1,000-year-old demon corpse there. The captain of Team 12 personally led the team and captured the thousand-year-old demon corpse and sent it to the Hanos Science and Technology Tower for research!

“The Dunmei Dark Blade Dragons may be very idle normally, but once the war starts, the surrounding countries will definitely cook up some shenanigans to cause trouble for us. It’s time for us to get real busy!”

As they walked, Locke followed Clifford to the street behind the castle, and they entered a very narrow shop.

Clifford greeted the shopkeeper before entering the underground through a secret door.

After about fifteen minutes, a large space appeared before him.

“This is the headquarters?”

“No! This is just a branch in the capital city. Normally, no one goes to the headquarters. It’s a place to give orders. It’s located in the Hanos Science and Technology Tower. However, during this period of time, you still have to go there to collect your equipment!”

They entered a room. Many people were in there. They were all dressed differently, and they were not all humans!

When they saw that someone had opened the door, they all turned around to look. When they saw that it was Clifford, they lost interest.

However, Clifford did not stop walking. He brought Locke to another office.

Pushing the door open, a half-naked man leaned against his chair. Hearing the door open, he extinguished the cigarette in his hand and stared at the door.

“Clifford, why are you here today?”

Clifford showed Locke to his desk, picked up a cigarette from it, and said, “I’m here with a new member, of course!”

He pointed at the Magic Dragon Cross medal on Locke’s chest and explained, “The King made me his mentor, so I came here to look for some missions for him to complete!”

Hearing that, Adolf Green immediately stood up. “What?! That old man sure likes to give me trouble! I don’t have time to take care of children!”

Hearing this, Eliza jumped out of Locke’s arms and punched Adolf Green in the face.

However, it was only a single punch and did not cause him any harm.

“Wow! This little one is pretty active! Such power at such a young age, how awesome!

“Welcome to the Dunmei Dark Blade Dragons. I’m Adolf Green, the person in charge here!

“From today onwards, you are the captain of Team 4! As for the members…” He lowered his head and thought about it.

“As for the team members, you can find them yourself!”

Hearing this, Locke almost fell to the ground. Could this matter really be so casual?

Seeing Locke’s confused expression, Adolf Green spread his hands helplessly and explained, “Some time ago, all the members of Team 4 died, and not a single person was left!”

His tone was regretful. After saying that, he picked up the cigarette on the table and continued to smoke..