The First Magic World War

Kreel glanced at Anne and gestured, saying, "Let's talk somewhere else."

He pointed at another young officer and said, "Ebner Sumei! My closest friend, a twenty-fifth rank Fifth Order Army Warden and a Seventeenth Rank Knight, also the only man who has forced me to remove my gloves to fight."

The young officer, with healthy vigor and black hair and eyes, naturally exuding a strong oppressive aura, laughed and said, "I have indeed heard about you! A loyal subordinate of my cousin."

Charles gave a forced laugh and did not dare to follow up on that point; he certainly could not say in front of Anne that he was an admirer of Menilman, The Empire's First Rose—it would show too little emotional intelligence!

Kreel and Ebner, Anne and Charles, the four of them left shoulder to shoulder.

The spectating students of the University of Georgia couldn't help but whisper among themselves. Many of them were not Transcendents; Charles's ability to dodge swiftly under the assault of Kreel, a Seventeenth Rank Knight, and use the Bloodflame Transformation Technique, was beyond many students' comprehension, leading to a "misunderstanding" about Charles's real strength, which instantly spread his reputation across the campus at a completely different level than before.

After leaving the University of Georgia campus, Kreel pulled open a military carriage door and was the first to get on.

Charles had no choice but to follow. The interior of the carriage was unlike a typical family carriage; it clearly resembled a small conference room, evidently meant to serve as a small command post during wartime.

Kreel resumed the previous conversation, asking, "Anne told me that you are only Fourth Order?"

Charles nodded and replied, "Yes."

Kreel asked another question, "Have you awakened the Special Ability of Blood Flame Qi?"

All four universities have the legacy of Bloody Glory. Kreel has undoubtedly perused the secret scrolls of the Great Philosopher of the Human Race, Protégo, so Charles didn't think this matter needed to be concealed and answered, "Yes."

Kreel smiled and said, "Since you can comprehend the Blood Banquet Meditation Technique at Fourth Order and cultivate a Bloody Rune, there's no need to try the last two moves. Ebner and I will take over the duel for you."

"However, to marry Anne, being a Fourth Order Transcendent is not enough."

"Mister Mecklen, please continue to work hard!"

Anne's cheeks instantly flushed red, and she retorted angrily, "Cousin Kreel, what are you talking about? Charles and I are just good friends!"

As she spoke, she felt a pang of guilt.

After all, just good friends would not invite a cousin for help, especially not Kreel Brittany, a rising star in the military. If not for being young and having not yet established sufficient achievements, he would have already been leading a military unit on his own.

Kreel shrugged his shoulders. He wouldn't embarrass Anne and said, "Alright, we should head back to the army and will not disturb you both anymore."

Watching Anne and Charles get off the carriage, Kreel regretfully said, "I was actually looking forward to introducing Anne to you, but it seems someone else got there first."

Ebner Sumei smiled slightly and said, "You shouldn't worry about my romantic life. Have you met Taoles? Are you interested?"

Kreel shook his head and replied, "Your sister is too quirky, and it seems like she's not interested in me either."

Ebner Sumei laughed heartily and said, "Suddenly, I feel much more balanced."

Kreel sighed softly and said, "It's a pity I still cannot possess the Proof of War and didn't get the chance to challenge that man."

Ebner Sumei also looked regretful and said, "I heard he was executed."

"I also hate myself for not being strong enough to challenge that scum on behalf of Miss Menilman."

Neither of them mentioned the man's name—Zimmerman Axel Robin.

The military carriage moved slowly away, and Charles asked, "I just bought a second-hand carriage today. Shall we take it for a spin?"

Anne said excitedly, "Yes!"

Madam Nancy had noticed Charles come out earlier, but she also saw him boarding a military carriage with an extremely beautiful girl and two young officers. With her extensive experience, she knew that at such times, it was best to wait obediently in place rather than approach her employer unannounced.

After bringing Anne back, Charles gave a slight smile and said, "Ladies and gentlemen, please get on!" and stretched his hand to pull the brass knob beside him, sliding open the door of the carriage.

This was a small feature found in many upscale carriages, a mechanism near the coachman to open the door, allowing the master to enter and exit the carriage gracefully.

Charles invited Anne into the carriage before stepping in himself.

Anne gave the carriage a quick glance and then paid it no more attention. As the daughter of the Brittany Family, she was used to traveling in custom-made carriages; to her, this mass-produced carriage was merely a "means of transport" with no luxurious attributes.

She whispered, "Have you also condensed the Blood Flame Qi's runes?"

Charles spread his hands and replied, "Yes!"

"I didn't mean to hide it. I just felt that this trivial achievement wasn't worth boasting about to you."

Anne didn't mind that Charles hadn't told her about condensing the runes of Blood Flame Qi. Rather, she was somewhat excited and happy.

Though she had seen with her own eyes Charles using the Bloodflame Transformation Art and had heard his reply to her cousin, she still wanted to ask again.

Having received a formal response, Anne said softly, "Having condensed the Bloody Rune, your true combat power might now be comparable to a Mid-Level Transcendent!"

"If…"

Anne mused for a long while but did not continue the subject.

Charles told Madam Nancy, "Go to the Val de Vaz District. Just wander around."

Madam Nancy agreed and drove the carriage slowly along the street toward the Val de Vaz District.

The upper seven districts of Strasbourg each had distinct functions.

The Val de Vaz District housed the Imperial Palace and the four universities, as well as various government offices and the great noble mansions.

The Alexander District was a high-end commercial area, equivalent to the medieval CBD, and a favorite among the top wealth class.n/ô/vel/b//jn dot c//om

The Alcatraz District was a middle-class residential area, home to the most detective agencies and various private companies.

The Picardy District was the commercial and craft district, also the biggest market, where one could buy almost anything.

The Garonne District, the Val de Vaz District, and the Marvinsad District were all old town districts from the time of the Sherlock Dynasty, featuring many scenic spots such as the Rose River which nearly crossed Strasbourg, the famous old shops on both banks, the renowned Bridge of Love, as well as Destiny Square, the Gateway of Stars, and the Lantern Tower from the Sherlock era.

These districts were also slightly old-fashioned, so the emerging nobility of the Fars Empire did not particularly like to live in the old town areas.

While passing a famous coffee shop by the Rose River's edge, which had been open for nearly three hundred years, Charles had Madam Nancy go down and buy two cups of coffee.