Way of the Knights

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"Right, that's basically what happened. As for the Merit Points I earned for the team, Senior Brother said that it won't be deducted. You guys are in the lead currently but make sure you stay ahead. As for me, I don't know what will happen but I'll work hard as well." Raven said as he just finished explaining the situation to his teammates without revealing anything that he could not. 

"Well then, good luck you guys. Work hard." Raven nodded to them and stood up, walking out of the base. 

The Unit-17 were relatively silent but they still wave goodbye to him. Although Raven didn't fully explain what happened, they could more or less tell that a huge opportunity came knocking at his door and it's something that he can't refuse. 

While the time he spent with them were relatively okay, who knows how long it's going to take them to eventually become Inner Disciples? If they were on his shoes, they wouldn't hesitate to grab this chance as well. However, they still thought that it's a bit of shame since they're going to lose such a powerful combatant on the team. 

As Raven exited the base, he couldn't help himself but to take a second look before releasing a sigh. The time he spent in here was short but for some reason, he grew somewhat attached to this place. Anyway, it's time to move on and face the new opportunities laid in front of him. 

Not too far from him, Kyrie was waiting. He nodded to her and together they both disappeared from Tartarus and arrived at the same location where Kyrie brought Raven earlier. 

According to her, this place is unnamed but if Raven wants to, he could name it. After all, this is going to be his personal dimension from now on. 

Yes, a personal dimension. This is just one of the benefits that Raven received upon agreeing to become an official 'Chosen'. 

From this point forward, Raven's status had changed. He's no longer an Outer Disciple. He's now the 'Ninth Chosen of Zeus'. This title is almost equivalent to an Elder of some sorts. Anyone upon seeing the Thunderbolt Mark on his forehead are not allowed to slight him. In a sense, it might not be a bad idea to hug his thighs since Raven might eventually become the next Grand Elder of the sect. 

Aside from the current Grand Elder and the Sect Master, the 'Chosen' doesn't take orders from anyone else. If someone wants to mobilize them, asking for their aid, they need to personally send a request to the Grand Elder or the Sect Master. Of course, if the 'Chosen' himself mobilized on their own, then they don't have to. 

The status of a 'Chosen' is a rather sensitive one. Being on their shoes meant that they must uphold the glory of the sect and prove that they're worthy of their title. Countless of eyes will be watching each of their move - which also includes the other 'Chosen', one wrong move and it's likely that they'll be besieged from all sides. 

Nevertheless, even with such a strict requirements, the benefits one will receive is just mind-boggling. 

First was the pocket dimension. Just that alone is worth millions of Merit Points. This place is just as big as an entire country. It's infused with a high-grade spiritual vein that enriches the the quality and quantity of energy within. It could also be modified to their liking without needing to pay for anything. 

Another benefit is human resources. Raven was bestowed with five Battle Maids - all of which are at least reached Immortal Knight Emperor level cultivation. Each maidens were bound by oath to their Master, therefore their loyalties cannot be questioned. 

Aside from that, he's also received at least 9 Elite Guards which hadn't met yet but according to what Kyrie told him, are bound by oath as well. Each of these Elite Guard commands 100 soldiers which will obey any command he'll give them. 

The lives of everyone was on his hands, if Raven wants them to die, they will die without hesitation. Such fate is a bit miserable but every single one of them pledged their lives willingly. 

Raven would also receive a total of 500,000 Merit Points per month as an allowance. This is for his personal use. He'll also receive an additional 1,000,000 Merit Points as a resource for his subordinates. 

As a bonus, Raven received a list of items. Kyrie told him that he can receive a single item from the list for free. Additionally, Raven has access for any Cultivation Environment as he wishes. 

This benefits caused Raven's mind to shake for a bit. This was just too much of preferential treatment, although it came with a heavy responsibility, he didn't mind. With this, he'll be able to achieve his goals in a much faster way. 

***

As Raven and Kyrie returned to the pocket dimension, she lead him towards the entrance and opened the door for him. 

A mansion was specifically created just for him and from this point forward, this will be his new home. And just from the atmosphere alone, this already much better than Tartarus. 

They went towards a nearby table and just like before, Raven sat on it again, feeling a bit surreal. Next, he started asking Kyrie about more important matters. 

"Alright so, I'm a 'Chosen' now. Which means eventually, some people will deliberately make things difficult for me. Can you tell me more about them? And while we're at it, can you also explain how this competition will work?"

"Sure thing, Young Lord." Kyrie replied as she sat in front of him. "Like I told you earlier, aside from you there are 8 other 'Chosen of Zeus' as well. For now, I won't mention their name but instead I'll tell you their strengths."

"4 of your competitors have 'Knight Monarch' cultivation rank. Two reached 'Knight King' rank and the last two at in 'Saint Knight Emperor' rank." 

'Oh, cool. So you mean to say I'm royally fucked. Great.' Raven grumbled inwardly. 

Well, in a sense he was already expecting this. However, even if he was, hearing directly how fearsome his competitors are was still shocking to him. 

The cultivation chart went something like this: Saint Knight (Raven's current cultivation level), Lord Knight, Knight Monarch Realm, it would then be followed by Knight King, and Knight Emperor - which has sub-stages like: Platinum, Saint, Immortal, Perfected Immortal, Deity and Perfect Deity. After Knight Emperor Realm comes the Empyrean Knight Realm. What follows is the stage that is yearned by many. The Divine Knight Realm.

Raven's just a puny 'Saint Knight', how's he supposed to compete with those freaks? Even the weakest of them were two levels above him! Of course, there no need to even talk about the last two. 

Kyrie was right, there's no need to mention their names…for now anyways. He had no real desire on confronting them just yet anyway.  action

"For now, there so need for Young Lord to worry about confrontation for now. According to the rules, the other Chosen aren't allowed to challenge you for the first 20 years of your campaign. After that time period, you can decline their challenge a total three times only."

"Of course, this doesn't mean that you can use this full 20 years to close up. There will be times when either the Grand Elder or the Sect Master will hand out a mission. These missions requires your presence since you won't be mobilized for something unimportant."

"Since it'll be a mission, of course there are certain rewards attached to it. From what I heard, each one will be extremely beneficial you, Young Lord. So I really encourage you to do your best."

"Due to the disparity of your cultivation rank, they will only be able to challenge you every five years. But once again, let me remind you that you can only decline for a total of three times."

"The fight for the title will be decided by the current Zeus. It might be a one vs. one battle, a full out war, smelting trials and etc. In order to inherit the title of Zeus, you must defeat every single one of them. As a participant, you may only be defeated three times. If you managed to plunder the inheritance from another chosen, then that number increases by one."

"Plundering someone's inheritance permanently gets them out of the way. Winner takes all and by the end of this, only one will remain. And I certainly hope that's it's you Young Lord."

Kyrie's words were full of faith and hope, causing Raven to sigh deeply inwardly.

"For now however, I believe that Young Lord has plans for himself. As you're guide from now, I'll be tasked to let you know about everything that you needed to know about our history, our sect, our ancestors, and all of the important matters that you need to know in order to be a better Lord.. Once we are done, then it'll be time for you to meet your loyal army."