Chapter 9: Expensive Armament

In the recruitment office of Dalton Society, a man propped his chin with his hand, yawning, his eyes barely able to stay open.

Recently, there had been few people in Dalton City promoted to baron; for nearly half a month, no new members had joined, and John Rowe was so bored he could hardly stand it.

“Old Rowe, has no one come to join today?” A man with a head of straight red hair burst in energetically, banging on the table and shouting loudly.

“No, no, Stephen Brooks, how many times have you come to ask in the past few days? Even if you’re not annoyed, I am.” John Rowe replied impatiently.

Stephen Brooks said with a bitter face, “It’s not like I have any other options. The day after tomorrow is the coming-of-age ceremony for Earl Dalton’s beloved daughter, Miss Sophie. At her birthday last year, Earl Dalton already announced that at this year’s coming-of-age ceremony, there would be a baron-level martial arts tournament. The team that wins first place in the tournament will receive five baron-level martial arts personally taught by him, as well as a baron-level longevity technique.”

“But for some reason, Earl Dalton has stipulated that this tournament must be entered as a five-person team. We had already gathered five people, but who would have thought that Baron Dalton would die unexpectedly at a suddenly-appearing Undying Altar. Now, with only a day or two left before Miss Sophie’s ceremony, the other barons have already formed their own teams. I can only come here and try my luck.”

“Excuse me, is this the recruitment office for Dalton Society?” While Stephen Brooks was complaining, a young man with delicate features walked in.

“You’re here to join?” Before John Rowe could speak, Stephen Brooks eagerly ran over.

“Yes.” Edward White looked at Stephen Brooks with some wariness.

“So you’re a baron?” Stephen Brooks quickly followed up.

“Yes.”

“Isn’t that obvious? Why would someone who isn’t a baron come here to join?” John Rowe couldn’t take it anymore, pulled Stephen Brooks aside, and said to Edward White, “Show your insignia and state your title.”

On the Stairway of Light, only titles matter, not people. The title represents everything, so John Rowe only asked for Edward White’s title and nothing else.

“Baron Fist!” Edward White revealed the baron insignia on his forehead and announced his title.

John Rowe checked the martial rankings, found the name Baron Fist, and nodded, “The information checks out. Being ranked within the top hundred million is pretty good. Fill out this form and you’ll be a member of Dalton Society. Dalton Society provides special rooms for members; if you like, you can live here. Of course, you can also stay at your own home.”

After Edward White finished filling out the form, John Rowe gave him a badge representing membership in Dalton Society: “Don’t lose this. It’s your identification in Dalton Society, and you’ll need it in many places here.”

Edward White examined the badge in his palm. It was cast from an unknown metal, shaped like a shield, with a crossed knife and sword on the front.

“I want to learn martial arts. What do I need to do?” Edward White put away the badge and asked.

“Most martial arts require contribution points to exchange for. You can earn contribution points by completing tasks assigned by the society. There are also some martial arts that members can purchase directly with life scale. Each baron-level martial art requires more than a year’s worth of life scale.” John Rowe explained patiently.

“Thank you.” Edward White had no contribution points, and his remaining life scale was already running low. It was impossible for him to spend over a year’s worth of life scale to exchange for a martial art.

“Please wait a moment, friend.” Seeing Edward White about to leave, Stephen Brooks seized the opportunity and immediately walked over.

“What is it?” Edward White frowned.

“Brother, you’ve heard about the martial arts tournament, right? As the team leader, I invite you to join our team and participate in the tournament together.”

“What martial arts tournament?” Edward White was slightly taken aback.

“Seriously, you don’t know? Never mind, I’ll tell you.” Stephen Brooks explained the matter of the martial arts tournament held by Baron Dalton.

“Thank you for the invitation, but I’m very sorry—I don’t plan to participate in the tournament for now.” Edward White thought to himself, “Even if I did, I wouldn’t join a team that recruits people so randomly. There’s no way to win.”

As if seeing through Edward White’s thoughts, Stephen Brooks said, “Friend, you must have heard of Baron Dalton, who died at the Undying Altar. He was one of our original teammates. Because of his unexpected death, we have to look for new members. Now, almost all the other barons have their own teams, and we simply can’t find anyone. And you—if you want to participate in the tournament, besides us, it’ll be very hard to find another team.”

“Stephen Brooks is right. If you really want to participate in the tournament, it’s very hard to find another team. Their team is actually a pretty good choice.” John Rowe added from the side.

“That’s right, join us! While I can’t guarantee our team will take first place, making it into the top ten is absolutely no problem.” Stephen Brooks extended the invitation again.