The road leading away from Liedenstorm stretched before them as a well-maintained path of packed earth and gravel that cut through fields before disappearing into the distant tree line. The morning air was crisp and cool, carrying with it the scent of dew-wet grass and distant woodsmoke from the city behind them.

Nero rode slightly behind Arthur and Jacob, letting the two nobles take the lead as Sergeant Aldric had positioned himself even further back, maintaining a distance that suggested he had no intention of involving himself unless absolutely necessary. The rhythmic clopping of hooves against the road provided a steady background to the conversation that began to develop between the two young lords.

“So,” Arthur said, adjusting his reins as his horse settled into an easy pace. “Have you heard the latest news about the trial?”

Jacob glanced over at him, his expression thoughtful. “Only rumors. Father mentioned something about the higher ups making some changes unlike any ever seen before, but he was frustratingly vague about the specifics. What have you heard?”

“More than rumors,” Arthur replied. He shifted in his saddle, his armor creaking slightly with the movement. “My father had a meeting with the Commander last week. Apparently, the Church is restructuring the entire evaluation process.”

“Restructuring?” Jacob raised a brow.

“Multiple stages instead of the traditional three. They’re adding preliminary elimination rounds before the main trials even begin.”

Jacob’s eyes narrowed. “Elimination rounds? That’s new.”

“Very new. And very telling.” Arthur’s voice took on a more serious tone. “The word is that they’re expecting a much larger candidate pool this year. More noble families are pushing their heirs forward, and apparently, there’s been pressure from the Emperor himself to increase Templar recruitment numbers.”

Nero listened quietly, keeping his expression neutral. This was news to him too. Lyon had mentioned nothing about elimination rounds or increased recruitment pressure.

“The Emperor?” Jacob’s tone suggested surprise. “Why would he involve himself directly? Templar recruitment has always been the Church’s domain.”

Arthur snorted. “Because the situation is getting worse. The corruption zones are expanding and the Abominations are becoming increasingly mad. Hearing all that, I can see why everyone is concerned.”

Jacob snorted as he spoke coldly. “I’m not buying it…”

He turned around and glanced at the Templar who didn’t seem to be too interested in them at all.

Then he spoke grimly,

“The real question is whether all this information is accurate or just Church propaganda to justify us bleeding our asses and lives dry for their own ends and pockets.”

Arthur’s expression remained unchanged,

“It could be that. But it is hard to justify something on this scale with just ‘propaganda’, I believe.”

There was a brief silence. Meanwhile, Nero was busy behind, absorbing the information and filing it away.

Expanding corruption zones…

Increased recruitment…

The Emperor involving himself in Church matters…

All of it painted a picture of a situation growing more dire than the general population was being told.

Jacob spoke again, his voice thoughtful. “So what are the trials supposed to look like now?”

Arthur shook his head, “I do not know. I tried to get more information, but…”

“That makes sense, I suppose.”

“Exactly.” Arthur’s horse tossed its head, and he absently ran his fingers through his dark locs.

“Although I would much rather waste away, it seems that is no longer possible.”

Jacob was quiet for a moment before speaking. “House Brimm has similar concerns. My uncle the one who serves in the Ironherd Order, he came to visit last month. He spent three weeks putting me through what he called ‘realistic combat scenarios.'” He grimaced. “I’ve never been beaten so thoroughly in my life.”

Arthur laughed, “Was it helpful?”

“Humbling, certainly. Helpful? I suppose I won’t know until the trials begin.” Jacob paused. “But he did teach me something important.”

“And what could that possibly be?”

The two continued their discussion as the road began to wind through grassland.

Fields of green on either side, with the occasional tree visible in the distance. Nero found himself fading into the background of their conversation, his presence seemingly forgotten as the two nobles became more engrossed in their exchange.

Arthur was quiet for a moment. “Have you given thought to which Order you’d prefer to serve under?”

“Ironherd,” Jacob answered without hesitation. “My family has connections there, and the Seal of Craft appeals to me. Being able to forge Relics and channel spiritual forces seems more… constructive than simply becoming a living weapon. What about you?”

“Crimson Crucible,” Arthur said. “House Koh has traditionally produced warriors, and Father expects me to continue that tradition. Though I’ll admit, having to bathe in the fires of battle everyday seems far less exciting than drinking myself to death.”

Jacob let out a boisterous laugh,

“Who said nobles can’t have humor?! Hahaha!”

Behind them, Nero could help but purse his lips,

‘Are these two really nobles?’

Their conversation reminded him a lot of the conversations he used to have with Declan. The typical conversations of young men, only a bit less relatable.

Jacob changed topics again. “What about the hunting grounds we’re heading to? Do you know anything about the specific area?”

“Some,” Arthur replied. “It’s called the Thornwood. It is a stretch of forest that borders the western edge of Malady’s Garden. It’s technically outside the Garden’s official boundaries, but the corruption has been seeping into it for years. The Church has been active in clearing it specifically because it has a high concentration of Grade E and F Abominations. This way, it doesn’t turn into a category grade location close to the city.”

“Grade E and F,” Jacob mused. “That means mostly Wretches and Scavengers. Maybe some Brandors if we’re lucky.”

“Likely. Though there’s always the possibility of something stronger wandering in from the Garden proper. That’s why we have Sergeant Aldric watching over us.”

Jacob clicked his tongue. Then he turned to subtly glance over at Nero who seemed none the wiser.

“If that’s the case, then there will barely be enough for the three of us “

There was a pause, and Nero thought they might finally acknowledge his presence, but instead Arthur stayed silent with a telling smile on his face and Jacob snorted before moving on to another topic.

Source: Webnovel.com, updated by NovelKeep