The Adventures of an Overpowered Knight in Another World Chapter 617- Strange Dream (2)

Brutus was the focus of all the commanders’ attention. Reinhardt himself had been contemplating how to bring up the subject, but to his surprise, Brutus broached it first. “Don’t look at me that way. I admit I’m getting ahead of myself, but this is our sole opportunity. You all must already grasp this fellow’s objective.”

He gave Reinhardt’s shoulder a firm clap. “I am merely clearing the path for him. The World Tree has been revitalized, and the purification of the Tainted Lands is an unavoidable occurrence. Following this will be humanity’s offensive. Is that not correct, Reinhardt? Enlighten us with your strategy.”

Reinhardt regarded Brutus with disbelief. He hadn’t disclosed his strategies to the commanders. Yet, Brutus, with his limited understanding and ability to infer, had accurately deduced his intentions. This man, despite his appearance, was exceptionally astute.

.

Later that evening, Reinhardt collapsed onto his bed, forgoing the need to change his attire. He gazed blankly at the ceiling. Despite consuming a considerable amount of ale at the tavern, he remained perfectly lucid. His Divine Traits inherently purged any toxins from his system, rendering alcohol largely ineffective. Consequently, even though he wished to experience the world spinning around him, his mind was crystal clear.

As he lay there, fixated on the ceiling, the events of the evening replayed in his mind. “What are your thoughts on… venturing into the Tainted Lands?” Brutus had subtly steered him towards revealing his plan. But in truth… there was no more opportune moment.

And so, Reinhardt articulated his intentions. He elaborated on his mission to locate the High Elf capable of nurturing the World Tree and his subsequent conflict with Beelzebub, who had defiled the roots of the former World Tree. “With the High Elf priestess’s assistance, it will not be long before the World Tree gains strength. The tree will gradually eradicate the corruption emanating from the Tainted Lands. This presents the ideal juncture to launch an expedition… deep into the Tainted Lands.”

With his genuine objectives laid bare, a profound silence descended upon the chamber. Each commander carefully contemplated his words. “How feasible is this plan?” Conrad inquired first. He gently set down his mug and leaned forward, his seasoned eyes conveying immense gravity. “Surely, you understand the horrors that lurk within the depths of the Tainted Lands. Can humanity truly prevail against such overwhelming odds?”

The room’s atmosphere grew increasingly somber. Reinhardt, of course, comprehended Conrad’s implication. It was an experience every knight present had endured, succumbed to despair over, and ultimately overcome. The failed expedition, a catastrophe so devastating that history remembers it by a single name. Indeed, Conrad was referring to the event known as the Bloody Rain.

An entire allied army, comprising knights from the Seven Kingdoms and smaller nations, had marched into the corrupted territories. Yet, in the end, a mere handful managed to return alive. And upon their return, the sky had literally rained blood. It was a horrifying spectacle witnessed by the entire world.

The seven commanders present were acutely aware of the true terror of the Tainted Lands. Nevertheless, even amidst such an oppressive atmosphere, Reinhardt did not falter. He nodded calmly. “I believe humanity has a fighting chance.”

He was about to elaborate, to state that merely sheltering behind walls and defending endlessly would never secure humanity’s salvation. However, before he could utter another word, the commanders all nodded in unison. “Finally.” “Took someone long enough to voice it.” “I’m weary of anticipating demon assaults.” One by one, they expressed their sentiments. They appeared… exhilarated!

At that instant, Reinhardt had an epiphany. He had underestimated them. These were the leaders of humanity’s most elite knight orders. They had dedicated years to defending cities. Years spent reacting to demonic invasions and witnessing territories gradually fall. They were fatigued by defense; they yearned to strike back.

Reinhardt exhaled slowly as he lay on his bed. From that point onward, everything proceeded without a hitch. Reinhardt detailed his forthcoming plans, and no unforeseen incidents occurred. Speaking of incidents, there was that chaotic affair at the tavern which nearly annihilated the entire establishment. If not for their prompt intervention…

Before he could delve further into his thoughts, his eyelids grew heavy, and he succumbed to sleep.

.

.

Within the dreamscape, he found himself in a state of profound peace. Enveloped by nothingness and a sense of comfort. “Are you truly certain you wish to proceed?” However, this tranquility was short-lived. A gentle voice emerged from within his dream. It was a woman’s voice, soft and soothing. She addressed him by a name he did not recognize.

Reinhardt could not perceive her face. Yet, somehow… he knew she was of unparalleled beauty. A delicate and sacred aura emanated from her presence. The woman spoke once more.

"It will put your soul in danger. There is no guarantee... You will remain the same person."

What did she mean? Who was she speaking to?

The woman’s words were fragmented and obscure, like a fractured recollection. Before Reinhardt could decipher her meaning, another voice echoed.

This time, it was a man’s voice. And curiously, it sounded incredibly familiar.

"Yes, I’m sure. I will; no, I must do this."

After a brief silence, the man’s voice resumed.

"Don’t worry. Regardless of what memories I may forget... regardless of what form I may assume... I shall always be myself."

Reinhardt observed the woman bow her head, tears tracing paths down her face. She was weeping.

"In that case, I will not dissuade you. However, I shall seal a portion of your memories. This will ensure... your soul can assimilate more easily."

With those pronouncements, silence descended once more, and the dream concluded.

"What was that?"

Reinhardt’s eyes snapped open, his gaze filled with bewilderment. He placed a hand on his chest, feeling his heart pound erratically.

"What is happening...?"

The dream still held a faint presence in his mind.

The woman’s voice. The peculiar exchange. The distinct feeling that he knew both individuals, yet nothing made logical sense.

Why would such a dream visit him? And why did it feel... so vivid?

He delved into his memory for answers, but found none.

"Strange..."

Pushing these thoughts aside, he glanced out the window.

The morning light had begun to illuminate the room. The sky outside was gradually growing brighter.

Today was the day.

The day he would officially be conferred the title of Viscount.

Recognizing the futility of attempting to sleep again, Reinhardt rose.

After a shower to clear his head, he put on the attire Verdia had selected for him the previous day.

The white ensemble, accented with golden trim, fit him impeccably, lending him the air of a young noble lord rather than a seasoned battlefield commander.

Once prepared, he made his way to the royal palace.

..

Within the magnificent hall of the royal palace, the ceremony was already underway.

Reinhardt stepped forward, kneeling on a single knee before the Queen.

"Reinhardt Arcknight... For your invaluable contributions to the kingdom, your valor in combat, and your service to humanity. From this day forth, I bestow upon you the esteemed title of Viscount."

She lifted a ceremonial sword, gently laying the blade upon his shoulders.

"You are now Viscount Reinhardt Arcknight."

The hall resonated with a wave of applause.

As the ceremony concluded and the subsequent banquet commenced, Reinhardt found himself encircled by nobles eager to establish connections.

Reinhardt maintained a composed smile, engaging each of them with polite conversation.

Everyone sought an audience, an introduction, or a potential future favor.

It was a taxing endeavor.

Adopting the persona of a distinguished noble, carefully selecting one's words, adhering to strict etiquette... all these demanded a far greater reserve of patience than facing demonic foes.

Nevertheless, as both a Viscount and the scion of a Duke, Reinhardt navigated these social intricacies with practiced grace.

HAHAHA....

Just as a sense of mental weariness began to creep in, a booming voice announced its presence, and a formidable shadow fell over him.

Unmistakably, it was Brutus.

"Look at you! Getting worn out by mere pleasantries!"

He clapped Reinhardt on the shoulder and pulled him aside.

"Well, looks like we've come to your rescue. Those nobles were swarming you like hungry wolves," Zargues quipped.

With the arrival of the Seven Great Knight Commanders, the surrounding nobles strategically withdrew.

"Hmph, what sort of trouble could there possibly be? As a noble myself, I find your choice of words rather insulting."

Marquis Herman adjusted his attire.

Reinhardt disregarded their banter, surveying the hall. Perceiving his gaze, Vanessa offered a knowing smile.

"If you're searching for Leona..." She gestured towards the far end of the hall. "She's over there."

Reinhardt followed her indication and located Leona.

A stark contrast to her usual battle armor that earned her the moniker 'Iron Maiden,' she was adorned in resplendent attire. Clad in a light blue ball gown that elegantly emphasized her strong yet graceful physique, she appeared utterly captivating.

For a fleeting moment, Reinhardt almost failed to recognize her.

But... why was she standing so isolated, so far removed from the throng?

As if divining his thoughts, Vanessa chuckled softly.

"Following yesterday's events... I suspect she's attempting to avoid you."

"Indeed... To think the Iron Maiden possessed such a delicate sensibility. It's quite astonishing," Zargues mused, scratching the back of his head.