"Welcome, Kingdom's hero, the savior of our lands. I hope you rested well," the King said, extending his hand in a formal greeting. His expression was warm, as he got up from his throne and walked down to his level.
"I have," Michael replied, shaking the King's hand. "I got some good sleep, and I'm even ready to go on another adventure"
The King smiled as he heard him but the moment King heard his second half of reply, the King's grip tightened ever so slightly.
Michael raised an eyebrow. What's with this old man? He thought it was just the King's way of testing him.
Though unknown to him, his simple reply, made King head go bonkers 'Another Adventure? Is he telling me that If I don't reward him properly he will go to another kingdom?!'
King Wiesbaden was deep in thought, carefully calculating his next words.
No… I can't let him leave just like that. If he remains independent or worse—if he sides with another Kingdom—Eternal Kingdom will lose this heaven sent chance of turning into an Empire.
But, how can I keep him here?
The King's lips curled into a slight smile. Initially, he had considered granting Michael the title of Archduke, a high noble position with immense power-Power second only to King, 'No, I need something more'.
'Yes, I can do that' King thought as a plan already formed in his head as he smiled.
Michael, noticing the King's expression, suddenly felt a chill run down his spine. Why is he looking at me like that…?
The King then freed his hand and walked back to his throne.
"Thank you, once again."
Wiesbaden expressed his gratitude from his throne, his voice filled with sincerity.
"If it weren't for you, this kingdom might have disappeared from history."
Michael just smiled as he replied, "I only did what was right—to protect the innocent."
The King nodded, a knowing smile on his face. "Yes, like a true hero," he added.
Michael simply returned the smile, unfazed by the praise.
"Earl Aden," the King called out.
An elderly nobleman, dressed in luxurious robes, stepped forward. He was the person in charge of the kingdom's finances. Clearing his throat, he spoke with great reverence.
"First of all, Lord Michael, on behalf of the entire kingdom, we offer you our deepest gratitude for saving our homeland."
After a brief pause, he continued, "Lord Michael, with your Black Knight, you alone stood against an army of one thousand golems that threatened our kingdom. While the knights and other adventurers fought bravely, it was you who single-handedly annihilated over sixty percent of the invading forces. Additionally, you defeated the most powerful combatants of the invading army, The twelve Ancient Weapons, ensuring our kingdom's survival."
As he finished, he stepped back, bowing respectfully.
Now, all eyes turned to the King as he stood up.
"The time has come for your rewards."
"Lord Michael, The Saviour of our Kingdom will be given 500,000 gold, an infinite amount of kingdom contribution and the large city Reidan. In addition, you will be awarded the title of Arch-duke and your statue will be set up in the Hall of Fame, keeping you alive to the next generation."
[The title 'Kingdom's Hero' has been obtained.]
[The title 'First Arch-Duke' has been obtained.]
[You have become a Arch-duke of the Eternal Kingdom.]
[Depending on the historical background of the continent, a Arch-duke has no limit on their expansion of power. The royal family won't be able to openly bind you.]
[Please note that there will be repercussions if you expand your power to the extent that it infringes on the royal family's authority.]
[If a statue is made in the Hall of Fame, special effects will occur.]
[First Arch-Duke]
A user has become a Arch-duke for the first time.
* Dignity Stat will open and increased by +1000
* Charm Stat will open and increased by +1200.
[As a prominent figure, your reputation across the continent has risen by 10,000.]
"These are the highest rewards I can bestow upon you, but you are also our kingdom's hero and its savior."
[You have gained the title Kingdom's Hero.]
[Kingdom's Hero]
A hero who saved the Eternal Kingdom from a great crisis.
All stats +120.
The highest reputation throughout the Eternal Kingdom.
The nobles murmured in awe, while Michael simply nodded, absorbing the notifications.
"And Lord Michael, the way you fought reminded us of the legendary warriors who once slew great demons and brought peace to the land of humans," the King continued.
"Not just adventurers, but even us bowed in respect at the sight of you riding through the battlefield, making even the enemy hesitate."
The King then took a deep breath before making his next announcement.
"I would like to grant you the title of Eternal Duke of Pressure."
[You have gained the title Eternal Duke of Pressure.]
[Eternal Duke of Pressure]
[Your overwhelming presence instills fear in weaker enemies, making them hesitate before you.]
If an enemy falls into the Fear status, the damage dealt to them increases by 50%.
Enemies with lower Willpower or Mental Resistance have a higher chance of succumbing to Fear.
The duration of the Fear effect is extended by 30%.
[Skill: Execution Strike Generated]
Effect:
When a target that is a higher level than the user falls into a Fear state, the user can activate Execution Strike, dealing 10,000% of physical + magical damage to the target.
Cost: 5000 Mana
Cooldown: 6 hours ]
[ You have become the First Player to obtain a Duke title ]
[ Incomplete Duke title obtained ]
[ Effect: Chance of acquiring additional Duke titles increased by 20%
All stats +100]
'Fuck...' Michael's mind went blank as he processed the reward. Meanwhile, the King simply smiled.
'The Duke title...'
Yes, if he remembered correctly, every Duke title had an condition to acquire it. And "Pressure" had the simplest yet the difficult one—a title that instilled fear into enemies while inspiring hope in allies at the same time.
'I guess the raid really did that...' Michael thought, looking at his reward with satisfaction.