Fantasy Family Simulator-Chapter 216: The Fall of the Circular Tower

Returning to his room, Rhett's expression had become much sterner.

Sitting at his desk, he rested his chin on his hands, lost in thought. Once again, Nicole's image surfaced in his mind.

He shook his head, knowing deep down that resurrection might be as difficult as ascending to the heavens. But this was a world of extraordinary powers, and he couldn't view it with the same perspective as his previous life. He hadn't even touched the limits of this world yet, so how could he dismiss the possibility?

As long as there was a glimmer of hope, no matter the obstacles, he would pursue it. No matter how long it took, he was willing to wait. He was confident in the future.

With his mind made up, Rhett delved into his thoughts and opened the system.

He needed to run a simulation, to glimpse the future and see if Carlton could find any useful information for him.

[Would you like to initiate a text simulation? Each simulated year will cost 5 Destiny Points.]

"Yes, simulate one year."

[Year 477 of the Kinlun Calendar, June 15th. Carlton found you and informed you that Coiling Dragon was being urgently printed, with plans for nationwide distribution. You requested that he search for legends about deep-sea mermen and the secrets of resurrection.]

[June 17th. Angela, a member of the training ground, broke through to Apprentice Knight.]

[June 20th. A letter from the Circular Tower arrived, stating that Master Nero wanted to know more about the evil alchemy organization. However, you remained vague and did not reveal your stance.]

[July 3rd. Trufo succeeded in crafting an apprentice-level longsword, becoming an apprentice blacksmith.]

[July 10th. Glenko, a Level 3 Knight and official blacksmith, came to your territory seeking to join you. You gladly accepted. Glenko was impressed by Willow's performance.]

[August 10th. Coiling Dragon was officially released in the capital and gradually in other cities, sparking a wave of interest.]

[August 15th. Carlton visited again, bringing a notebook from a Saint-level dark mage and detailed legends about deep-sea mermen. By reading it, you uncovered some untold secrets between the Saints and the true history of the mermen, revealing many truths and clearing some of the world's mysteries.]

[August 17th. A Level 5 Ice Spike Bear led a small beast tide from the Thunder Bear Range into the Darkhawk Eagle Branch. You killed the leader and allowed the remaining beasts to settle in the area.]

[August 20th. Coiling Dragon caused a sensation in the capital, triggering a craze among readers.]

[September 5th. Third Prince Hogus Kinlun paid a secret visit to your territory.]

[October 2nd. Snow Elf Nina awakened, elevating Rilai to a Level 3 mage.]

[October 15th. After your delayed visit, Master Nero from the Circular Tower personally came to your territory to discuss the Blood Source Orb with you. You claimed ignorance and did not reveal any information.]

[October 29th. After much effort, Kleina became pregnant with a second child.]

[November 4th. Oriks from the training ground broke through to a Level 1 Knight.]

[Year 478 of the Kinlun Calendar, January 7th. A Level 4 Wind Feather Hawk harassed the Darkhawk Eagles on the Lonely Peak. Wodelger retaliated fiercely but lost three eggs to the bird.]

[January 17th. Blackstar arrived at your territory alone, reporting that a powerful band of robbers had appeared in Dahhe Town. He requested your assistance, offering generous compensation. You agreed.]

[February 6th. In the quiet of the night, McCoff and Vicky had an unexpected encounter, resulting in a new life.]

[February 15th. Upon reaching Dahhe Town, you confidently headed to the center of town, expecting to deal with the strongest adversary swiftly. You believed the situation was as Blackstar described, with only a Level 5 Knight to face. But then, a terrifying pressure from a Grand Magus struck you down. You blacked out. Upon waking, you found Blackstar unconscious beside you, and all your valuables were gone. Though you felt unlucky, you also sensed something suspicious. Blackstar apologized profusely, and you took the opportunity to press him for information about his organization. After persistent questioning and a vow of secrecy, Blackstar revealed that their entire organization was dedicated to becoming the world's greatest villains. He, Jinsa, and the others were all orphans taken in by a mysterious leader.]

[February 29th. Since Dahhe Town was close to the capital, you visited the capital on your way. That night, Hogus learned of your arrival through his informants and immediately contacted you. You showed him the existence of elves and expressed a desire to share resources with elves of other elements. Hogus was overjoyed and assured you that he would handle it. He also asked for your help in nurturing the royal family's magical beasts and plants, to which you readily agreed.]

[March 3rd. You visited the royal palace, where the majestic castle left you in awe. Led by Hogus, you used the Sand Elf to bless the royal family's earth-aligned magical plants and beasts. That night, Hogus introduced you to a Grand Magus named Dikala Aiken, who summoned a flame to bless your Fire Grid.]

[March 25th. Dikala summoned the Fire Spirit to bless your territory's fire-aligned magical plants. Through your discussions, you learned that the Fire Spirit could influence the environment's temperature in addition to bestowing blessings.]

[April 11th. Moger broke through to a Level 1 magical beast.]

[April 29th. White Grid broke through to a Level 1 magical beast.]

[May 23rd. Shocking news spread across the nation: The Circular Tower of the Reem Kingdom was destroyed in a single night by a mysterious powerhouse, leaving rivers of blood. This upheaval caused turmoil within the Reem Kingdom.]

[June 12th. Beastmen launched a massive assault on the weakened Reem Kingdom, breaking through multiple defenses and inciting a rebellion.]

[June 15th. The neighboring Kinlun Kingdom, closest to Reem, was the first to send aid, recruiting elite nobles from across the country. You were summoned and required to depart for the capital within three days.]

[June 18th. Fire Grid broke through to a Level 1 magical beast.]

[Simulation complete. Would you like to continue simulating?]

The text before him was blinding.

Especially the latter part of the simulation, which shook Rhett to his core—something major was about to happen!

The earlier part of the simulation didn't show significant deviations, though Hogus introducing him to a Fire Spirit wielder wasn't too surprising, given the royal family's connections.

But as events unfolded, who could have expected the Circular Tower to be annihilated?

If it weren't for the system's powerful capabilities, which had never let him down before, he would never have believed such a thing could happen.

Wasn't there supposed to be a Saint-level powerhouse guarding the tower? And yet, it was destroyed.

Whoever destroyed that organization must at least be on the Saint level, right?

Rhett's pupils couldn't hide his shock as his thoughts churned. Taking a deep breath, he stood up and stared out the window in silence.

This upheaval was likely the most significant in recent history—the effects could very well be written into the annals of history and change the continent's balance of power!

From what he could predict, once war broke out in Reem's heartland, the Kinlun Kingdom, as its closest neighbor, would not sit idly by.

For the sake of humanity, they couldn't allow the beastmen to grow stronger. Moreover, the chaos in Reem Kingdom was a tempting opportunity...

The Kinlun Kingdom wouldn't selflessly send large numbers of troops and resources without expecting something in return. Quite the opposite, driven by profit, the royal family and great nobles would certainly eye this opportunity to take a big bite of the spoils!

Rhett understood the nature of nobles too well. Narrowing his eyes, he let his emotions settle before calculating the pros and cons, weighing risks and benefits.

This was both a risk and an opportunity!

After much deliberation, Rhett reached a conclusion—he couldn't stay out of it. Whether due to the pull of the broader situation or his own interest in the opportunities—merits, destiny points, and wealth—the chaos would make it easier to reap rewards. With his foresight, Rhett wouldn't let this chance slip by.

Furthermore, with his connection to the Third Prince, his maneuvering room would be even greater...

Realizing this, Rhett noticed that the simulation window hadn't disappeared yet because he hadn't made a choice. It still asked, [Simulation complete. Would you like to continue simulating?]

Narrowing his eyes, Rhett didn't choose "No" as he usually would.

He sat down again, his expression calm, and made a decision.

"Yes, simulate another year."

[Year 478 of the Kinlun Calendar, July 13th. You arrived in the capital and joined the army led by Third Prince Hogus, marching toward Reem Kingdom.]

[August 5th. Your army reached Winter Fortress on the southwestern border of Reem Kingdom and was ambushed by a group of Night Catmen. After a day and night of fighting, your side narrowly won.]

[August 6th. In the early hours, while the troops were resting, a shadowy figure appeared—a mysterious figure in blood-red robes, who unleashed a forbidden curse on your army. You saw several Sky Knights and Grand Mages desperately resist, only to melt into blood bubbles within seconds. Facing such overwhelming power, you were powerless. As the army dissolved...]

This simulation ended quickly, but it made Rhett's pupils contract sharply.

"This is bad... It must be the Blood God Sect Master targeting Reem Kingdom!"

Rhett frowned deeply as the image of the Blood God Sect Master flashed in his mind.

Of course, he had never seen the Blood God Sect Master in person. His imagination conjured the image of Leon, the royal knight who had been possessed, with an ominous aura.

Recalling past simulation details, Rhett began to piece things together. He suspected that the Circular Tower had likely continued investigating the Blood God Sect, whether out of curiosity or greed.

In the end, their relentless pursuit had provoked the mysterious powerhouse, who annihilated the Circular Tower.

As for why the Blood God Sect Master attacked Hogus's army, it was simple. Rhett figured that the sect master saw the large number of knights and mages as a valuable opportunity.

After all, as long as there were fresh knight and mage corpses, more Blood Source Orbs could be created.

Rhett pondered aloud, "It makes sense. Traveling such a distance to eliminate an enemy, wouldn't it be natural for a villain to seize any benefits along the way?"

"Following this reasoning, the attack on the Kinlun Kingdom's army was just a matter of convenience?"

"It wasn't because they were from Kinlun Kingdom, but because they were in the wrong place at the wrong time..."

Understanding this was crucial. If the Blood God Sect Master was specifically targeting Kinlun Kingdom, Rhett would absolutely avoid joining the war.

It would be a death sentence, taking his loved ones along to perish.

Rhett sighed. He was dissatisfied with such an outcome. After adjusting his plans, he reopened the system.

In subsequent simulations, where he altered marching routes, battle strategies, and more based on earlier insights, Rhett managed to survive longer.

He also gathered more information.

However, even as a Level 6 Magus, he found himself outmatched in large-scale battles. Whether assassinated by high-level beastmen or killed by the Blood God Sect Master, death seemed inevitable on the battlefield. Without real-time simulation, survival by sheer luck was impossible.

Moreover, it seemed the Blood God Sect Master knew how to restrain themselves. They balanced their actions, not overextending. Both the Kinlun Kingdom, the Reem Kingdom, and the delayed army of the Grey Rule Kingdom suffered heavy losses, as did the beastmen.

By the end of the year 478 of the Kinlun Calendar, the Blood God Sect Master seemed to have stopped, either satisfied or intercepted by other Saint-level powerhouses. There were no further reports of their actions on the battlefield.

But the ongoing war against the beastmen was still fraught with difficulties.

Rhett died more than once.

Even in simulations where he survived, the war showed no signs of ending as the second year came to a close.

"This won't be easy..."

With a sigh, Rhett lay back on the long bench behind him. The simulation window faded.

There was no need to continue simulating.

Through multiple simulations, Rhett realized that his current Level 6 power was insufficient for the upcoming war.

No matter how many times he simulated, he couldn't achieve a perfect outcome.

Thus, there was no point in trying to find an ideal path with his current power level.

There was still a year before the war began, a year to grow stronger. Once the war broke out, he could harvest a vast amount of Destiny Points.

Just as the situation at the Canyon Line of Defense had unfolded, the final outcome would differ drastically from the initial stages.

Similarly, his true stage would come when the war fully erupted, and he would step forward to perform...

With newfound clarity, Rhett knew what he had to do next—focus on growth, prepare for war.

When he joined the battle, Rhett would bring more people this time. Fortunately, most of his subordinates had already experienced war. Returning to the battlefield would mean maintaining their readiness.

As for himself, he needed to break through the threshold of Grand Magus before or during the early stages of the war. This would increase his chances of survival and help protect his subordinates.

And... to gain a wealth of military merits!

With these thoughts, Rhett stood up, ready to return to his bed to meditate on the mysteries of magic. He needed to be fully prepared for the Third Prince's arrival, with a solid foundation to comprehend the essence of condensation.

Suddenly.

A flash of inspiration struck him.

Rhett's steps halted as he realized he had overlooked a crucial detail. In the previous simulations, his focus had been on the onset of the war and the Blood God Sect Master's disruption.

He hadn't paid attention to the earlier incident when he and Blackstar went to Dahhe Town to eliminate evildoers, only to be ambushed.

When he awoke, though unharmed, his belongings were gone.

Rhett pondered, "Something's not right!"

"On a routine mission to eliminate evildoers, not to trade, I wouldn't normally carry large sums of money..."

"The most valuable item on me would be the Sand Elf, but that can't be taken away. The next most valuable... is the Blood Source Orb!"

The connections between these seemingly dormant clues began to surface.

Rhett recalled Blackstar's and the Circular Tower's suspicious ties. He had previously dismissed the idea that Blackstar and Jinsa were connected to the Circular Tower, but recent events made him reconsider.

With the insights from the future simulation, Blackstar's invitation, the loss of the Blood Source Orb after fainting, and the eventual destruction of the Circular Tower...

Rhett narrowed his eyes. This series of events greatly increased Blackstar's suspiciousness.

He stopped in his tracks.

Once again, he opened the system, this time intending to refuse Blackstar's invitation outright. He wanted to see how things would unfold if the Blood Source Orb wasn't lost.

Moments later, the simulation concluded.

In this scenario, after refusing Blackstar's request, the trajectory of events didn't change significantly.

However, there was one notable difference—the destruction of the Circular Tower was delayed by over a month...

Rhett's eyes gleamed. This was solid evidence.

His suspicion was correct. Without the purple-red Blood Source Orb, the Circular Tower's search had been delayed.

This confirmed that Blackstar was indeed connected to the organization!

While he didn't fully understand the Circular Tower's motives for cultivating this peculiar group of enforcers, Rhett felt it wasn't his concern. Instead, unraveling the connection between Blackstar and the Circular Tower cleared his mind.

Reflecting on what he had learned from the simulation and his upcoming plans, Rhett pushed aside all distractions and returned to his bed. He spread out his mental energy.

Carefully attuning himself to the surrounding earth elements, he sought to grasp the elusive mysteries of dissipation.

Another month passed, and the threshold of dissipation grew ever weaker. The sensation of understanding deepened, as if only a thin veil remained—just one push, and he could break through, yet the strength needed to pierce it eluded him.

It felt like a mosquito buzzing incessantly around his ears, a persistent itch that couldn't be scratched!

Descending to the first-floor hall, the aroma of a hearty breakfast greeted him.

Aside from Taylors and Mina, who were absent as usual, one more person was missing from the table—Rilai!

At that moment, Rilai stood beside a gray wooden easel made of ironwood, a smile playing on his lips as he painted with a watercolor brush.

The spacious hall, with its blue crystal lampshades, a long dining table draped in white linen, a red carpet, dark-patterned tiger skins on the walls, and picturesque views of the manor...

All were vividly portrayed on the canvas, down to the faint wisps of smoke rising from the dishes.

As Rhett rounded the corner and saw this scene, he couldn't help but laugh softly.

"Rilai, it seems you've found new inspiration again!"

He had grown accustomed to such sights. Over the past few months, as Rilai's painting skills had advanced, so too had his passion for the art. It even rekindled creative ideas he had previously been unable to realize due to lack of skill.

The portrait of Rhett and his granddaughter Trissy was just one example. In fact, Rilai had captured images of every family member, every corner of the territory, and various scenes, all meticulously recorded with his brush.

Rilai glanced at his father. "Yes, Father, will you keep your promise to fully support my painting?"

"Oh, of course!" Rhett shrugged. "I'm happy to see you all living such fulfilling lives."

"Then, Father, please hold your pose just as you are—stepping off the last stair!" Rilai looked at Rhett expectantly. "Everyone else's portrait is done. You're the only one left!"

"Is that so?" Rhett remained expressionless. "It must be a heartwarming work. It's a pity Taylors isn't here."

"There will be another chance. Next time we gather, I'll paint another one."

Rilai's gaze shifted between Rhett and the canvas as his brush moved steadily. Everyone else—Tuck, Vanessa, Kleina, the cook Maru, Svetta, and others—stayed perfectly still, not moving an inch.

Half an hour later.

"Thank you, everyone, for your cooperation."

As Rilai's words fell, the hall, which had seemed to be frozen in time, suddenly came to life.

It was as if time itself had resumed. Rhett's foot left the last stair as he walked toward the dining table.

Svetta, the cook Maru, and the surrounding maids stretched their limbs and necks.

Tuck, who had been holding his breath, let out a laugh.

"Finally, we can eat! Rilai, next time, make sure to paint Trissy's portrait. This little one was perfectly behaved—no crying, no fussing. She didn't even need soothing!"

Trissy waved her tiny hands with unconscious delight. "Eeya, eeya!"

Rilai chuckled at his niece's antics.

"No problem at all."

Seated at the table, Rhett cut into his steak, casually advising, "Rilai, it's great that you enjoy painting, but be careful not to neglect your training. You know the risks we face in this area. No one can afford to let their guard down."

"I understand, Father!" Rilai, having set the canvas aside to dry, joined the table. He assumed his father was referring to the dangers from the monster ranges, though Rhett was actually thinking ahead to the war in a year's time.

"And Tuck, make sure you continue refining your combat techniques. Practice with different opponents to enhance your combat experience."

"Don't worry, I spar with Tadel and Kurse every day!"

"That's not enough." Rhett glanced at Tuck. "When you fight the same people too often, your practice can become routine and predictable. You won't be able to fully push yourself, and the training will eventually lose its effectiveness."

"So I should go to Darkhawk City and spar with other transcendents?" Tuck blinked.

"No need." Rhett looked at his son. "I think those two beastmen will do just fine as your sparring partners. And not just for you—everyone in the training ground should regularly spar with them."

"You mean to incorporate combat with beastmen into our daily training?" Rilai seemed to catch on, thoughtfully adding, "Has something happened?"

Rhett shook his head. "No, just a precaution. War is unpredictable, and I'm concerned that conflict with the beastmen might flare up again. History shows that every few decades or a century, there's a major outbreak of war between humans and beastmen. I think we're approaching that cycle again.

"We've had peace for thirty or forty years, but the risk is always there.

"So it's time to start using those two beastmen to help our people prepare for potential future battles."

Tuck grinned. "Father, you're right. I've been wanting to spar with the beastmen, but they're so stubborn. They keep saying they only listen to your orders, and they just keep chopping wood. They won't agree to my requests.

"Give the command, and I'll get them to the training ground to be our sparring partners."

Rhett chewed and swallowed a piece of steak. "No problem."

Although having the beastmen chop ironwood would increase efficiency, the top priority now was to improve his subordinates' ability to fight beastmen.

The Circular Tower.

In a dimly lit room.

Master Nero stood respectfully before the back of an ornate chair, saying:

"Tower Master, Lord Rhett has not given any response. According to Gault, it seems he's being cautious and unwilling to speak."

The emerald green chairback completely obscured the person sitting in it, with the top of the chair reaching well above their head, not even a strand of hair visible.

A cold, authoritative voice drifted from the chair.

"Then go in person. Find a way to learn the whereabouts of the Blood Spirit products, but be discreet. You know what to do, no need for further instructions."

Master Nero nodded. "Understood, Lord Hypast. I'll depart immediately."

Having finished breakfast, Rhett and Tuck headed to the Darkhawk Lumberyard.

The lumberyard was like an island surrounded by a sea of grass, with only a single wide stone road leading to it. All around was a vast expanse of green.

On this summer morning, there was little mist, and the sun was rising over the mountains on the horizon.

Thud, thud, thud...

The loud sound of axes striking logs echoed from afar.

Mixed with the clinking of metal—these were the sounds of the beastmen chopping ironwood. Unlike ordinary trees, the sound of chopping ironwood was more like the clashing of metal.

The minotaur and the boarman worked opposite each other, swinging their huge axes down on the logs before them, their strikes alternating in rhythm.

"Giant Horn, let's spar!" Tuck's eager voice called from outside the lumberyard.

Giant Horn was the name of the minotaur. Through the fence, Giant Horn looked up and, in rough Common tongue, greeted his lord.

"Good morning, Lord Rhett."

Then he turned to Tuck. "I still need to chop wood, no time for sparring."

Rhett observed Giant Horn's massive bronze-colored horns for a moment before giving an order.

"Giant Horn, Blackhide, you two don't need to chop wood anymore. Come with me."

Clang, clang.

The axes dropped as soon as the command was given. Giant Horn and Blackhide set down their tools and climbed over the fence to stand before Rhett.

The minotaur and the boarman, towering over everyone else, cast long shadows as the morning sun rose behind them. Despite their massive size, they knelt respectfully, awaiting orders.

"Gather your things. You won't be staying here anymore."

"Yes, Lord Rhett!" Giant Horn and Blackhide responded in unison.

Rhett led the two beastmen to the training ground.

The gathered knights whispered among themselves, awed by the sight of Giant Horn and Blackhide. Although they had seen beastmen before, the knights didn't have much free time to observe them closely. Few had been this close to such formidable creatures.

"These guys are huge, at least twice my height, and so muscular!"

"Beastmen are truly powerful!"

"Those horns look deadly!"

"And that boarman's skin—it's like resin, so tough. His defense must be incredible!"

"But the boarman's filthy. His pink skin is all covered in dirt. No wonder they call him Blackhide."

"...."

Currently, there were over twenty knights in the training ground. Some had joined back in Hawke Village, while others had been recruited after relocating to Darkhawk City.

There were even a few whose names Rhett barely remembered, as he had only met them a handful of times.

Tadel and Kurse stood before Rhett, listening attentively to his training instructions, which focused on improving the knights' ability to combat beastmen.

Since the upcoming battlefield wouldn't be the familiar Canyon Line, Rhett's experience with the terrain would be of little use. The importance of pre-battle manuals would also be greatly diminished.

All their accumulated knowledge would eventually be exhausted. On a new battlefield, it would all come down to their basic skills, adaptability, awareness, and command abilities...

"Every knight here needs to train hard. Don't worry about injuries—we have plenty of healing potions!"

Rhett's tone was serious as he delivered his final instruction to the two trainers.

Tadel and Kurse nodded in unison. "Understood, Lord Rhett. We'll begin immediately. Would you like to supervise and offer guidance?"

"Of course."

"All knights, gather!" Tadel and Kurse returned to the front of the group, shouting commands.

A flurry of footsteps followed as the knights quickly formed into a square formation, standing at attention.

"Do you see those two beastmen over there?" Tadel pointed at Giant Horn and Blackhide.

The knights turned to look, only to hear Tadel continue.

"These are Lord Rhett's personal property. They're here today not for show, nor to perform circus tricks."

"Lord Rhett has ordered us to improve your ability to fight beastmen. From today on, our training regimen will change.

"Your daily basic training remains the same, but time spent on combat techniques, endurance, and sparring will be cut in half.

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"We're adding a new training module—sparring with beastmen."

The knights were taken aback. None of them had expected to be sparring with beastmen. Some showed fear, while others, eyeing the formidable creatures, felt a surge of battle lust.

Noting the varied expressions of the group, Tadel spoke coldly.

"Retreating won't help. The only thing it will get you is punishment. Knights must always move forward!

"Moreover, Lord Rhett has promised that the top performer in beastman sparring each month will have their resources doubled!

"Second and third place will also receive an additional bottle of Fervor Potion!"

The training ground erupted in excitement.

The knights' eyes shone brightly with eagerness.

For them, the Fervor Potion was a crucial resource that directly accelerated their training progress. The monthly distribution of potions never seemed enough to meet their needs.

Now there was a new opportunity to earn more. How could they not be thrilled?

Especially since the training ground's genius, Lawrence, had been transferred to Darkhawk City.

With the top contender gone, everyone had a chance at first place. And this time, not only first place but also second and third offered rewards. For a group of only twenty or so knights, the incentive was substantial!

The knights' enthusiasm was palpable.

"Tadel, watch me—I'll definitely take first place!" declared a young knight with a crew cut.

"Briso, you're too confident. I won't give up first place to anyone!" countered a red-haired knight.

"I'm in too. Even if I can't get first, second or third would still be great!"

Seeing the knights' fighting spirit ignite, Tadel smiled and waved his hand.

"Next, Master Tuck will spar with the beastmen. Watch closely and learn from their combat style—it'll benefit you in your future battles."

Tuck, now clad in sturdy armor and wielding sword and shield, stepped forward like a metal-clad warrior. He strode toward Giant Horn and Blackhide.

On the way over, Giant Horn and Blackhide had already been briefed on their role as sparring partners. For realism's sake, Rhett had instructed them to wield their axes, rather than fight barehanded.

For the most authentic experience, they should use the weapons they excelled with in battle—the spiked greatshields that allowed them to combine offense and defense.

Rhett had initially planned to have these crafted by his blacksmith friends, but with an official blacksmith set to join soon, the task might be better suited for him.

The fight began.

Under the watchful eyes of the gathered knights, Tuck charged forward, sword extended like a speeding train. His massive frame, though moving quickly, lacked any sense of agility.

Giant Horn snorted, white breath puffing from his nostrils. His legs dug into the ground, launching him forward like a black meteor. With a mighty swing, he raised his axe high overhead and brought it crashing down.

The air whistled as the axe descended.

Sparks flew as the enormous weapon cut through the air, its terrifying power causing the onlookers' hearts to skip a beat. Such force—how could a knight withstand this head-on?

The knights' fervor was dampened as if doused with cold water. They realized that winning the rewards wouldn't be easy. Sparring with these beastmen one-on-one would be a challenge. Surviving without getting crushed would be an achievement in itself.

Boom!

Tuck executed Phantom Flash, darting back three meters in an instant. The axe struck the ground where he had just stood, sending shockwaves through the air.

The impact shattered the floor, driving the axe deep into the earth, creating a meter-deep trench.

Rocks flew, and dust billowed as Giant Horn roared, his blood pumping.

Beastmen were known for their simplicity. In battle, they quickly became consumed by their bloodlust, losing control of their emotions, and fighting without fear of death.

This was especially true for lower-level beastmen, with the tendency diminishing as they grew stronger.

Giant Horn remembered Rhett's instructions to fight with all his might and hold nothing back. He obeyed to the letter. Once the battle began, his mind couldn't focus on much else.

Rhett was confident he could intervene to save anyone from a Level 2 beastman.

Seeing Tuck evade the first strike, the knights felt a collective sigh of relief.

An invisible mark of energy swept through the air.

Tuck remained focused, pushing his speed to the limit as he executed the second phase of Phantom Flash. His figure blurred in the rising dust, seeming to vanish before Giant Horn's eyes.

The beastman's dull mind didn't immediately register what had happened.

The next moment, his hind leg took a heavy blow from Tuck's shield.

Bang!

Tuck's face was set in a grimace as his shield connected with Giant Horn's leg. The impact, however, didn't inflict significant damage.

A rush of wind filled Tuck's ears as the axe came from his right. He raised his sword, slightly lowering his body, and the tip of the blade met the edge of the axe.

A sharp clink rang out.

Tuck seized the opportunity to leap, aiming a kick at the axe, intending to use the momentum to strike at Giant Horn's back.

But the beastman's instincts were sharp. His left elbow jerked back like a battering ram, swiftly colliding with Tuck's shield.

Crap!

Tuck's pupils contracted as he drew back, raising his shield to block the blow.

Giant Horn's elbow struck the shield with a resounding thud.

Tuck felt the force, but thanks to the shield, he remained unscathed, his body propelled several meters through the air before landing steadily.

His eyes narrowed as he studied Giant Horn, every muscle in his body buzzing with excitement.

It had been too long since he had faced such an opponent.

One that could challenge him without overwhelming him, where every exchange felt perfectly balanced.

Since leaving the battlefield at the Canyon Line, Tuck hadn't experienced this thrill in a long time.

The exchanges had been brief but electrifying, leaving the watching knights in awe. Their eyes gleamed with admiration.

Master Tuck was incredible! Holding his own against a beastman in a direct fight—no wonder he was the lord's son.

They weren't blindly worshiping Tuck's abilities, either. They saw that the key to his success was his speed.

The Phantom Flash movement technique had played a crucial role. Without it, a regular knight would have struggled against a beastman.

"Go, Master Tuck!"

"Defeat the minotaur!"

"The minotaur is going to lose!"

...

As the intense exchange momentarily eased, some savvy knights began cheering, hoping to flatter Tuck.

Rhett, standing nearby, quietly remarked.

"Giant Horn, keep up the pace. Don't hold back. Defeat Tuck, and you'll earn a feast!"

Giant Horn had already been slightly irked by the knights' taunts, but his simple nature kept him from taking it to heart. However, Rhett's words were like a shot of adrenaline. His eyes began to glow red as the promise of a feast filled him with boundless energy!