The Stonehearted Knight
Chapter 172: The hidden currents (1)

Chapter 172: The hidden currents (1)

’What tremendous power!’

Hex kept clenching and relaxing his fists, mesmerized by his increased strength. Hex had never suffered defeat in a real fight. But there were instances where he felt overpowered and won due to sheer willpower and luck.

Take for instance Tarquin’s group. He could go toe on-toe and even match their powers in pure physical aspect but if they went all out, he would suffer. Their energy-filled attack would shatter his defenses.

But with energy equivalent to more than a thousand drops, he believed he could hold on even if they fought seriously.

’Having power sure is an addictive feeling.’

The more Hex improved on the path of Blessed, the more he could understand the greed in people’s hearts to seek power and control. Hex liked the feeling but didn’t lose himself in it. Power was nice but it was a means to a goal. It wasn’t his goal in itself.

Hex’s goal was simple. He wished to have a home in Grindeston and travel around to enjoy life.

"What are you looking at?"

Hestia’s question caused Hex to look away from his arms and look at her. She sat right beside him in the carriage. The other Hawks were immersed in their conversations. Each person returning to the city’s ruin was enthusiastic, having undergone a growth in power.

"Just thinking about the ranking and how to top the list."

Hex wasn’t truly lying, he was only not entirely forthcoming. Althea and Hestia were the two people he trusted the most but they were still not him. His experience with the Dawnbringers left him skeptical about everyone.

"You say that but where did you hole yourself the last two weeks?"

Hex saw Hestia look at him curiously but sensed Althea also perk up to hear his reply. Apparently, they went to look for him a few times but never saw him. Even with the entire commotion in the Temple, they never saw Hex.

The Hawks used other parties to refine their crystals so they wouldn’t hinder the training sessions of their soldiers.

"I needed the rest and trained my techniques. I outsourced the refinement of the crystals."

Hex kept Mike’s identity a secret, not revealing it to anyone. The best secrets were the ones not spoken about.

His explanation didn’t satisfy the two ladies but before they could press for more details, they heard exclamations from the people at the front of the carriage.

Like many others, Hex stuck his head out of the carriage through one of the small windows. The sight before him was enough to understand why people were reacting shocked.

Above the distant, towering walls thick columns of smoke rose high into the sky, turning the sky above Notrelune black. It looked ominous.

’What happened here?’

The day they left the ruin, he heard about the plans of storming deeper into the ruins with experienced Knights and Hawks. The group consisted of people like the Duke and the second prince. They had platoons of Refined Knights amidst them.

’From the look of it, they have pushed into the market district till the walls. Based on Notrelune’s layout, the most prominent businesses should have been there, and with them, the most dangerous creatures are holed up there.’

It was a simple deduction. The most prominent shops had the strongest people. If those people were turned into a Heartless, they would retain their attainments and even gain the enhanced attributes of a Heartless, turning them into a dangerous force.

The caravan reached the campsite outside of the ruin at a steady pace. As Hex exited the carriage, he glanced at the sky. The thick columns looked like massive pillars reaching into the sky.

The people around him had solemn looks on their faces. Some even looked worried. Hex saw Tarquin’s team in the distance. They looked grim but determined. They had a new member amidst them. Most likely replacing Gabe, their fallen teammate.

Hex recognized the new person, Quid Poundersire. He belonged to the Silver Serpents and was Sterling’s relative. They met briefly at the governor’s feast.

’If not for the struggle for Grindeston, I would team up with them earnestly.’

Hex liked people who pushed themselves. Despite their status, all members of Tarquin’s team trained seriously and fought hard.

"Are you sire Hex Darkenmane?"

Just as Hex was about to walk up to the entrance, he was stopped by a nervous-looking boy. The boy should be barely sixteen and a recruit.

Hex saw similar recruits approaching Althea and Tarquin. Hex nodded at the boy.

"Sir, you are summoned to the command center. The Commander’s orders."

Hex frowned. Throwing a glance at the smoke columns, he followed the boy. He was quickly met with Althea. Approaching the command center, Hex saw more people walking to it. A quick observation revealed the one thing they held in common. They were part of the top hundred in the rankings.

The insides of the command center were larger than it seemed from the outside. Many smaller tables were lined up, seating people busy debating or studying scrolls.

The people didn’t bat an eye at them. They continued as if the group in the middle of the command center didn’t exist. This disgruntled some of them but no one spoke. They knew the Hawks and the governor’s office handled the ranking. No one wished to be on their bad side.

They waited in silence. Just as they thought they were forgotten, a person entered, eying them with his gem-like eyes. It was the old man called Old Gargoyle.

"Ah. I see the hundred best rookies are gathered," he chirped happily. "After a nice break of two weeks, you all should have become stronger. Now you are a bit stronger...rookies."

Even a calm person like Hex didn’t like being called a rookie, especially not after putting his life on the line. The youngsters around Hex felt irritated and stared daggers at the old man. He, however, seemed to thrive on their anger. He seemed genuinely happy.

"Excellent. You guys do have some killing intent. At least one ball sack hair of mine trembled. But you need more bloodlust. That’s why, we have decided to grant you the opportunity to join the experienced vanguard. You will be their

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