Chapter 187: Big Improvements
Days passed quickly, and it had already been three months since Shido arrived in this world. Following the downfall of the Eight Fingers, the entire Kingdom was thrown into a state of shock, and ultimately, celebration. The criminal organization that had long instilled fear in the hearts of many had finally been destroyed.
In recognition of their efforts, the adventurers who took part in the raid were generously rewarded, with some even receiving promotions in rank. However, the one who received the most credit was none other than Shido.
Although he wasn’t the one who initiated the raid, it was his actions that set everything in motion. It was because of him that the meeting to discuss the assault on the Eight Fingers was held in the first place. Furthermore, he had single-handedly taken down the organization’s soldiers guarding their base and successfully captured most of their members, except for Zero, who perished by his hand.
Even though Zero died, no one really cared but they were amazed by how Shido could easily kill Zero which made the people wonder if his strength exceeded the rank of Adamantite and entered the realm of heroes. These thoughts stirred excitement and unease, especially among the nobles, who began to imagine the benefits of securing Shido’s aid in the future.
The King shared similar thoughts and soon extended an offer, hoping to recruit Shido into the service of the Kingdom. However, Shido declined the offer without hesitation. While some nobles frowned at his refusal, the King remained unbothered, as Shido’s response was not disrespectful.
Recognizing the value of Shido’s contributions, particularly in removing the ’tumor’ that had plagued his Kingdom, the King instead rewarded him with a generous sum of gold as a token of gratitude.
The King was even tempted to offer his beloved daughter to Shido in hopes of binding him to the Kingdom. However, he held back, reluctant to entrust his precious child to any man, no matter how extraordinary he is.
Little did he know, if Princess Renner had heard his thoughts, she would have accepted without hesitation as her desire for Shido growing stronger with each passing day. Even Climb who was her personal guard felt the change in his princess but he didn’t think too much as the Blue Roses were around her.
Meanwhile, the Adventurer’s Guild acknowledged Shido’s extraordinary accomplishments by promoting him directly to Orichalcum rank, a leap of two full tiers, something nearly unheard of. Though a few adventurers were dissatisfied with the sudden promotion, none voiced their complaints aloud as Shido’s overwhelming strength silenced any protest.
In this world, strength dictated authority. Only the powerful had the right to speak, while the weak had no choice but to accept the way of things.
With that, Shido became an Orichalcum-ranked adventurer without much resistance. In recognition of his fearsome strength and unmatched swordsmanship, the people began to call him ’The Black Swordsman’. Clad in black from head to toe, wielding two equally dark blades, he cut down enemies with a skill and speed no one could rival.