"What is that…?"
Kurose Akira stared unblinkingly at the white rose floating high in the sky.
Its sheer scale was astonishing. The flower spanned dozens of meters across—each individual petal alone stretched several meters in length. Waves of white mana rippled gently across its surface like tides, releasing a faint, refreshing fragrance that seemed to cleanse the air itself.
"That is the guardian of Sunset City—the White Rose," Natasha explained with a soft smile."It has stood over Sunset City for countless years, yet no one has ever been able to determine its true origin. Some firmly believe it is a divine blessing bestowed by the gods, a symbol of protection and grace. Others claim it was formed from the soul of a saint, eternally watching over this city in that form."
"I see…"
Akira nodded slowly, deep in thought.
Curiosity stirred within him.Could there be a hidden quest tied to this thing…?
[Detected: Soul of the White Rose (Locked)]
…You've got to be kidding me.
Akira's pupils trembled slightly.
There really is a hidden objective?
"Hmm~?"
Ivsha, seated right beside him, tilted her head in curiosity.
They were sitting so close that Akira's involuntary shudder—born from shock—didn't escape her notice. Confusion flickered across her eyes.
Is it because the guildmaster is interested in the White Rose?Or… did he notice my succubus tail peeking out in the carriage earlier?
That made no sense!
She'd already restrained her charm aura as much as possible…
It's the carriage's fault.It's way too cramped—we're practically glued together!
Under Roxia's arrangements, Akira was guided to a viewing stand close to the arena.
The Vowbound Knight selection was held in a structure resembling a coliseum. Tiered spectator stands surrounded a vast open field at its center.
The colossal White Rose hovered silently above the arena, its white mana rippling outward like gentle waves. That mana formed an invisible barrier, enveloping the entire grounds.
"Let's sit here," Natasha said, inviting Akira to take a seat.
He nodded and sat down, sweeping his gaze across the surroundings.
All six knight families had arrived. A rough estimate put the crowd at two to three hundred people.
As for their strength—
It wasn't as formidable as he'd initially assumed. The highest level in Sunset City seemed to cap around Level 18, not 20 as he'd first guessed. Only knights who had undergone the White Rose Rite could possibly undergo a qualitative leap.
And among them all, only the Yerman Family could truly be called a legitimate knightly house, with deep-rooted traditions and lineage. The other families had their own inheritances, but compared to the Yerman Family, they were little more than minor houses.
Unfortunately, that devastating sea disaster had crippled the Yerman Family, leaving Sunset City's overall combat strength noticeably weak.
"In a moment, Roxia will enter that arena to receive the White Rose Rite," Natasha said, pointing toward the mana-shrouded field."If anything unexpected happens… I'll be relying on you, Mr. Akira."
"Understood."
Akira responded calmly, his eyes already scanning the crowd for suspicious figures.
There had been no ambushes along the way. No strange disturbances. No ominous signs.
That only deepened his unease.
What exactly are they planning…?
At the same time, it further confirmed his suspicion—the enemy guild would make its move during the Vowbound Knight selection ceremony.
While they spoke, twelve young knights from the six knightly families stepped forward, fully prepared to enter the arena. Several senior knights from each family accompanied them, acting as escorts to ensure their safety.
As for the Yerman Family's two candidates—
One being Roxia was no surprise.
But the other was her cousin, Mei Xing—an unexpected choice. Still, family structures in this world weren't strictly patrilineal.
When the twelve young knights appeared before the crowd, a wave of astonished cries erupted throughout the stands.
"So that's Lady Roxia of the Yerman Family?"
"Absolutely stunning!"
"They say she's the most talented young knight Sunset City has seen since Knight Loserine!"
"Well, she is her niece—and Loserine was the strongest Vowbound Knight in the last hundred years!"
"Her beauty is extraordinary too—she truly resembles Knight Loserine in her youth!"
"..."
Voices rose one after another, filled with awe for Roxia's beauty and strength.
"Silence."
A deep voice thundered across the arena like rolling thunder.
The heads—or acting heads—of the six knight families stepped onto the main platform. Their presence alone was enough to still the restless crowd and quiet the young knights instantly.
An elderly knight of the Yerman Family stepped forward, withdrew a prepared manuscript, and began to read. As tradition dictated, the Knight's Declaration had to be recited before the selection commenced.
"The White Rose Rite is Sunset City's grandest selection ceremony, held once every twenty years. It represents—"
"..."
"—That concludes the declaration."
At last, the long and solemn address came to an end.
The old knight raised his voice.
"Now then—let the Vowbound Knight Selection Ceremony officially begin!"
The crowd erupted.
"Finally!"
"I've been waiting for this!"
"Let's see whether the title of Vowbound Knight remains with the Yerman Family!"
"Roxia still far surpasses the others of her generation—I believe she's the strongest contender!"
"That's not guaranteed. I've heard the other families invested heavily in cultivating their successors."
"Especially since the Yerman Family hasn't fully recovered even ten years after their catastrophe—whether they can reclaim their former glory is anyone's guess!"
"..."
Amidst the cheers, the twelve young knights stepped toward the blooming White Rose.
The moment they entered the mana-shrouded arena, a golden glow enveloped each of them.
That glow was proof of their qualification. Only those bearing it could avoid being repelled by the White Rose's power.
Akira fixed his gaze on Roxia's surroundings, scrutinizing every fluctuation of mana. The instant danger appeared, he would have Loserine act without hesitation.
Just then—
Petals of white rose drifted silently into the arena.
One by one, they separated the twelve young knights, isolating each into their own individual combat space.
As the White Rose bloomed further, its mana condensed into phantom figures of knights. After performing a knightly salute, the phantoms raised their blades and advanced.
The young knights drew their swords in unison, facing the first trial of the White Rose Rite.
"Hah…"
Roxia stood still and took a slow, steady breath.
Her azure eyes glimmered faintly as her fingers wrapped around the hilt. With measured calm, she drew the golden sword at her waist.
[Sword of the Vow (Elite): A golden longsword forged from special mineral iron, containing a trace of vowbound power.Attack +300Deals +50% damage to evil-aligned units.]
"An Elite-quality sword…"
Akira's attention naturally snapped to the weapon in Roxia's hand.
An Elite-grade weapon was no joke. If he could secure one like that for Loserine, her combat power would undoubtedly rise to a new level.
"This aura—?"
Just as Akira focused intently on the arena, Ivsha—ever sensitive as a nun—picked up on something wrong.
Her eyes flickered. She leaned close to Akira's ear and whispered urgently,
"Mr. Akira… I sense the presence of death and decay nearby."
"Death and decay?"
"Yes." Ivsha nodded, her voice low."If my judgment is correct… there's a necromancer hiding somewhere close to us."