Charlot Mecklenburg had no idea how infuriating it was for him, known as the suitor of the West Wind Goddess, to be strolling intimately with Laurel Goddess Dolores Soumet across the campus of Gorgias University.

  Dolores never mentioned her reason for returning to school, and Charlot didn’t ask. However, while waiting for Annie Bretagne, Charlot nudged Dolores several times to leave, but she refused. Her behavior made Charlot wary.

  Although Dolores was a God Pact Holder, Charlot could not guarantee Annie would react with magnanimity. As he wracked his brain for a solution, a stranger's voice suddenly called out to him.

  “Are you Mr. Mecklenburg?”

  Charlot looked over and saw someone unfamiliar. The man appeared refined, wearing a monocle. Although framed spectacles had started to gain traction in the Old Continent, monocles remained a prestigious accessory due to their historical significance and cost.

  Charlot nodded and replied, “Yes, that’s me.”

  Denying it would be pointless; few men at Gorgias University did not recognize him.

  “I am Hans!”

  “I find it extremely immoral and against public decency for you to pursue Annie while simultaneously being with Dolores. I challenge you to a duel!”

  Charlot was taken aback and was about to expin when Hans cshed his fists and unched into a Kickboxing technique, attacking Charlot directly.

  Dolores smiled faintly and stepped aside, giving way to the battlefield.

  Charlot had learned Kickboxing technique before—it was one of the seven most popur unarmed combat skills in the Old Continent, taught in National Institutes and avaible at universities with specialized instructors. However, Charlot was by no means proficient in it.

  If not for inheriting Angel's Thorn and ter learning throwing knife techniques with the Mask of the Cat, Charlot would still be utterly useless in close combat. Before achieving Transcendent status, his best feat was defeating two or three untrained brutes in a brawl.

  Now, though this duel was unexpected, Charlot could handle it with ease. He swayed slightly, utilizing the speed and bance granted by the Swiftstep Technique, easily dodging Hans’s continuous strikes. Turning sharply, Charlot unleashed a move from Kickboxing technique—the Sea Serpent Kick, knocking the challenger ft onto the ground.

  The Sea Serpent Kick was a particurly aggressive maneuver in Kickboxing technique, emphasizing swift and forceful strikes that resembled a sea serpent’s unpredictable, powerful movements.

  Having bested his opponent, Charlot was about to utter some courteous words when another voice rang out.

  “Mr. Mecklenburg? Allow me to challenge you for Annie’s honor!”

  Before Charlot could respond, a whirlwind of motion charged at him. Another Gorgias University student hurled himself into the air, executing dazzling kicks from Galbas Combat Technique aimed at Charlot’s upper body.

  Charlot once again relied on the Sea Serpent Kick, unching a high kick that knocked the second challenger out of the air. Before he could catch his breath, a third challenger stepped forward…

  Before his duel with Harriet Alva, Charlot had never fought a single duel. Yet today, he had been challenged to twenty-three duels in a row—all by students of Gorgias University.

  When the twenty-third challenger fell to Charlot’s Kickboxing technique, he habitually shouted, “Next!” But no twenty-fourth challenger appeared. Instead, appuse erupted around him.

  Charlot gnced up and saw Annie Bretagne, her cheeks flushed. Feeling inexplicably guilty, he asked, “You’re done with css?”

  Annie smiled. “I arrived just as you defeated the sixth challenger.”

  Charlot noticed Dolores was nowhere to be seen. Wisely, he chose not to ask about the former Laurel Goddess. Annie also refrained from mentioning her senior. After boarding the carriage, Charlot suggested they go watch an opera. Annie agreed happily.

  The two enjoyed a sweet evening at the opera.

  As evening fell, Charlot returned to 58 Elysée Avenue after parting with Annie. He turned to Mrs. Nancy and said, “Tell Madam Umeboshi to prepare ingredients for a roast tomorrow. I’ll be inviting a gentleman for dinner.”

  Charlot had yet to receive orders to march out, but since obtaining his Knighthood Registration Certificate, he needed to prepare ahead.

  Although Ross Bard from the Bard Commerce Guild was a capable merchant, the guild dealt in ordinary goods. To procure battlefield supplies, Charlot had to turn to Louis Simy.

  The next day, Charlot intended to personally invite Louis Simy to his home for dinner.

  After instructing Mrs. Nancy, Charlot went up to the third floor. Following his routine, he pyed with his cat for a while before beginning his training of Blood Glory.

  His primary focus remained on the Spider Technique, though he hadn’t abandoned the other Blood Runes. After an hour and a half of breathing exercises paired with Spider Technique Meditation, he briefly practiced Eye of Insight, Bloodfme Aura, and Angel’s Thorn, albeit for shorter intervals of half an hour each.

  While finishing his training of Angel’s Thorn, Charlot suddenly experienced a transformation in his mind. Images of countless ruthless, electrifying, and unpredictable sword techniques merged, giving birth to a new variation.

  The newly-formed sword technique was like a faint glimmer of light—gentle in appearance, yet boundless in potential.

  Every seemingly ordinary move contained more intricate and unpredictable transformations, with each strike capable of birthing dozens of variations.

  A realization struck Charlot—this was the Second Movement of the Angel’s Twelve Movements: Dawn’s Light!

  Charlot, who had previously shown no talent for close combat, never prioritized swordsmanship despite inheriting Angel’s Thorn. Although he had never stopped practicing it, he had also never put in much effort.

  To his surprise, his breakthrough had come while training the Spider Technique.

  With a flick of his fingers, Blood Rose materialized elegantly in his hand.

  Charlot grasped the Blood Rose rapier and twirled it casually. Even he could sense his sudden leap in swordsmanship. The magical rapier felt like an extension of his own body—flexible and attuned to his thoughts. A mere shift of his mind sent the bde twisting effortlessly, pointing toward an invisible target.

  Charlot stood with the rapier in hand for a long time before stowing Blood Rose into his left arm. After a brief wash, he went to bed.

  …

  The following day, Charlot made a trip out in the morning.

  By midday, he returned with Louis Simy. The merchant’s attitude toward Charlot was noticeably more enthusiastic.

  Louis Simy had learned of Charlot’s recent exploits. He knew that the day he had encountered Charlot coincided with the fall of the Lukavaro District Commander, who had been fleeing at the time. He also knew that Charlot had managed to turn the tables, bringing down former Warden Magru Trell of Kilmainham Prison and regaining favor with the First Rose of the Empire. Simy was impressed yet regretful that his “investment” in Charlot had been so small.

  Upon learning Charlot had been promoted to Third-Css Chief Clerk of the Empire’s Thirty-Fifth Rank, Louis Simy’s first thought had been: “I should have given him the Shanlens’ Spear back then!” A vampiric weapon might have been costly, but the friendship of an Imperial Rank Thirty-Five noble was far more valuable.