RE - Ascension

Currently, Marco's caravan was waiting for their turn to enter Genoa amidst a long line of people, stretching for hundreds of meters from the city gate.

Genoa was a great city, wholly encircled by 20 meters tall of sturdy stone walls and with a total population of 600,000 people.

The city not only functioned as the grand capital of Genosia Kingdom but also as one of the most important trading hubs in this part of the continent. It was said that Genoa was the second-largest city in Lampero just behind White Rose, the capital of Eternal Fragrance Kingdom.

Judging from the sight of uncountable numbers of people waiting in front of the city gate, and the vibrant sound originating from within the wall could even be heard outside. It was certainly the city deserved to be ranked in the second place.

Overall, Genoa could be considered a large metropolis.

Since Marco's trading caravan consisting of huge members, from carriages that brought the goods, hundreds of guards, Marco's own servants and to some stragglers following the caravan. It would take a long time for all of them to enter the city.

Marco had ordered Dima to supervise the caravan, while he and Gareth would enter the city ahead of them using his carriage. This time, his family and Gareth's companions were going along with both of them.

Marco has five wives in total, and each of them has given him lots of children. On top of that, there were still other relatives, who mostly worked with the caravan, accompanying him on this trading journey. Thus, Marco has a really big family.

Just like Marco himself, most of his wives and children were plump and chubby, But looking from their interaction, this family was extremely harmonious and happy.

Even though their husband was a noble and rich, the wives did not exhibit any arrogant behaviors at all. The children's attitudes were also polite and humble.

Gareth originally thought they acted humble like that only when in front of him because he was someone they didn't want to offend. However, he had seen the family behaving similarly towards other people, including the servants, which show that they're not faking their humbleness.

Marco and his family were indeed warm and generous.

No wonder there wasn't a single person in the caravan willing to abandon them during the bandit ambush. Even the caravan guards have fought bravely for the family's survival.

Those people genuinely loyal to the Bonucci.

Right in front of the city gate, Marco's carriage was stopped by a squad of Genosian soldiers. Marco then used his status as a noble to procure permission to enter the city. Although he was only a Baron, it was more than enough for the soldiers to give him permission.

The permission that was granted also included the access to the city for the caravan. Hence, their entrance to the city would be easier and smoother.

"Sir Gareth, welcome to the city of Genoa." Said Marco as the carriage made its way into the city.

"It's my first time being here... The city is not bad at all." Gareth replied with little enthusiasm.

"Well, although it didn't have the same grandeur as those cities in Mandala region, Genoa is still a great city worthy of admiration... Hehe." Marco proudly spoke.

Gareth merely smiled in response. He tries to change the topic, "By the way, when you'll be departing for the Beastman countries?"

Marco sighed after he heard the question, "Originally, I should be leaving tomorrow. My ship and her crew are ready to sail too. But the bandits attack... Eh... I have to delay the departure for a few days at least."

Gareth realized that Marco still needs to send the deceased bodies of his personal guards back to his territory, together with the consolation money intended for their families. These efforts could take days to process. Thus, it was understandable if his journey will be delayed.

Marco owned a mansion within the city. It was the kingdom's mandate for every Genosian noble to have a mansion in the capital. Gareth speculated that the mandate was necessary for the kingdom's royal family to keep the nobles in check, to ensure political stability in Genosia.

Therefore, Marco and his family will be staying at their mansion.

Gareth and his team have been offered a place within the mansion, but just like Marco's previous offers, it was refused as well. The team would stay in this city for one night only and will continue their trip on the next day. So, there's no need for them to bother Marco and his family any further.

Gareth opted to have a rest in an inn, which he thinks as a more practical and easier option. That's why Marco had told the carriage driver to head straight for the most expensive hotel, located in the city's downtown area.

Since Marco's carriage was bigger than ordinary carriages, along with its grand and luxurious appearances, it has attracted lots of attention as the carriage seamlessly making its way through the streets of Genoa.

A wide plaza lies in the center of the downtown, many important buildings and markets stood encircling it. This area was extremely crowded with people walking here and there doing various activities.

After several minutes cruising on Genoa's clean streets, the carriage arrived in front of an inn just near the plaza, called the Resting Moon Hotel.

The carriage's occupants began to disembark one by one.

"Resting Moon... This hotel is the most recommended hotel in the whole of Genoa. A favorite place to stay for upper-class people... I can assure you, Sir Gareth. Their service is top-notch." Marco immediately introduces the inn once Gareth landed his feet on the ground.

While his companions scanning the surrounding area, Gareth, instead, cast his eyes towards the hotel. He saw a large building with pristine and clean decorative. The aura of "high-class" could already be felt from the outside.

"That's good. It looks comfortable too..." Gareth gave his simple compliment.

"Hehe, you'll be satisfied, Sir. I bet my entire life on it..." Said Marco confidently.

At this time, Gareth has become the center of nearby people's attention.

Initially, the onlookers did not have particular thoughts when they saw a luxurious carriage stopping near the Resting Moon. This hotel was catered towards the wealthy, and all of them had come here with their expensive carriages. Thus, the sight of another luxurious carriage coming to the inn unable to surprise the nearby people anymore.

But when Gareth stepped outside the carriage, the onlookers began to hold their breath and stop their tracks.

No matter, it was men or women amongst the onlooker, they were all shocked and amazed due to Gareth's look. They have never seen a man so dashing and so devilishly handsome like him.

"I believe you... And thank you for bringing me and my team here." Gareth replied while smiling radiantly. The man knew he was being watched by lots of people. But he simply ignored those people's gazes.

The smile further amplified his already extraordinary charm. Lots of nearby women couldn't stop themselves from becoming dazed as they stared dreamily at Gareth.

Marco quickly shook his head furiously, "No... No... No, Sir! I'm the one who should be thanking you for the immense help I had received. Hell! I practically owe you my whole life. So, please... I could not receive any gratitude from you. In fact, it is my greatest honor to be at your service, Sir Gareth."

"Baron, You shouldn't overly polite to me as well, please. Just count our meeting as simple fate. You have a great heart and a good person. Having a new friend like you is my luck." Said Gareth as he offered his hand to Marco.

Marco was elated. This amazing young man has regarded him as a friend.

Having the friendship of a powerful cultivator was always a great thing. Moreover, this cultivator was also a friendly and good person worthy of making friends with.

Thus, Marco quickly shook Gareth's hand with his own as they cemented the relationship between both of them.

*Boom!*

Suddenly, a thunderous sound caused by air friction was booming from afar.

It was followed by the scene of a person flying in high-speed on the sky above Genoa. That person's body also enveloped by a beautiful fiery light, which created dazzling afterimages.

People within the city stared at the scene with astonishment written on each of their faces. Even from the ground, they could feel the powerful pressures radiated by that person.

"Th... That's Saint Alessandro!"

"Yes! That is Saint Alessandro of our kingdom, haha."

"Long live Saint Alessandro!!!"

Various shouts and cheers began to emerge from the mouth of the people who watched the scene. The volume of their voices was extremely loud and deafening.

Even Marco couldn't help himself but witnessing the moment with his mouth agape.

Gareth and his team also set their vision on that flying person, who was called Saint Alessandro by the local people. According to their observation, that person was a human male dr.a.p.ed in a glorious armor and a red cape.

"2nd-rank Martial Saint." Said Diandra, who stood beside Gareth, under the breath.

With a single glance, she was able to accurately gauge Saint Alessandro's strength. Obviously, Saint Alessandro was a genuine Martial Saint cultivator, since only Martial Saints or above who were able to fly in the sky by using their own power.

Gareth merely nodded to her words. That flying Martial Saint was the eastern continent's most powerful cultivator the team has encountered so far.

"Tch... F.u.c.k.i.n.g show off." Heinz spat in disgust, dissatisfied with Alessandro's extravagant display.

After a while, the scene was over the moment Alessandro flies towards the direction of the Royal Palace and disappeared from everyone's sight.

"Gods! I can't believe I just saw Saint Alessandro himself flying above me... Hahaha, this is great!" Marco clutched his head with an ecstatic expression.

"He's the Saint Protector of Genosia, right?" Gareth asked.

Marco recovered his emotion partially and answering, "Indeed, he is... It has been more than a decade since Saint Alessandro become the Saint Protector of our kingdom... That man's deed is legendary, even his fearsome reputation also spread to the neighboring regions... He had protected the kingdom from many enemies and disasters. Our current king once said; the kingdom owes Alessandro a lot for his service, and the king was not sure whether we could pay him or not."

'A patriot, huh? That's really commendable.' Gareth praised inside his mind.

Actually, Gareth had learned Alessandro's identity from Siri's intelligence, so he already knew about the Saint beforehand.

Alessandro was the only Martial Saint expert belongs to Genosia, and he held the title of Saint Protector. A title that can only be held by a Martial Saint.

Because Martial Sages almost did not exist within this continent, it was Martial Saint cultivators whose being regarded as the peak powerhouses instead. They acted as a shield and a strategic weapon for the powers that have gained their service. On top of that, they're also being used as powerful deterrence.

Any organization or country which possessed the protection of at least a single Martial Saint cultivator would be regarded as a regional power worthy of respect.

In Lampero region, the reason Eternal Fragrance was considered the most powerful kingdom, was not only because their strong national power, but also, due to them possessing the protection of two Martial Saints.

Even though Genosia only had Alessandro protecting them, there were no other powers in the surrounding regions dared to attack them.

That was the power and the deterrence that the Martial Saints carried.

The geopolitical atmosphere of the Eastern Profound Continent was extremely harsh and cruel. Dozens of countries and organizations willing to spend huge amounts of resources and efforts in order to attract Martial Saints into their rank. So that they could boost their strength further to compete with other powers as well as for their own survival.

Overall, Martial Saints' status in the eastern continent was slightly higher compared to the central continent. They were literally worshipped by almost every common person.

Different from the local residents, Gareth and his team did not hold any special reaction towards Saint Alessandro's appearance.

For example, Zeke merely stood by near the carriage while looking bored as he's waiting for the time to enter the inn. He did not have any opinion about the earlier event. He himself was also a Saint, and not to mention, he's stronger than Alessandro. Thus, the scene earlier does not affect him much.

However, he does feel a bit weird from seeing the local people's reaction upon witnessing a Martial Saint passing by.

Zeke began to look at Marco, who still had an ecstatic expression plastered on his face.

'I'm curious. What would happen if the fat Baron know he had been talking to a Martial Sage all this time? Heh, it would be an interesting sight to see.' Zeke shook his head and inwardly asked to himself.

"The Saint seems to be in a hurry. I wonder why..." Diandra suddenly barges into the conversation.

"Too bad, I didn't know anything about that, Lady Diandra... I'm just a lesser noble, who too far away from anything related to Lord Saint Protector. But, Saint Alessandro has seldom showing himself to the public... I think something has happened this time." Said Marco as he held his chin.

"Anyway, all of that has nothing to do with us. I remember that you've promised me to arrange the inn's accommodation, Baron Marco... Can I ask for it now?" Gareth requested teasingly.

Marco slapped his forehead as he remembered, "I totally forgot about that... It's because I was too happy upon seeing the Saint passing by earlier ago. Forgive me, Sir Gareth."

The accommodation of the Resting Moon Inn was completely different from any other inn. Their entire service was based on membership exclusivity. Only the registered members would be allowed to rent a room in this inn.

Since Gareth and his team do not have the inn's membership, they could not rent a room by themselves. That's why they need Marco to arrange it for them because he was one of the inn's members.

Gareth waved his hand and softly reply, "Don't mind it... It's fine. Shall we proceed to the inn, then? The sun is about to go down... I'm sure you still have many matters that need to attend."

"Yes... Yes... If you will, Sir. Follow me, please." Marco immediately brought Gareth along with his team into the inn.

***

Meanwhile, within the grand palace of Genosia, located at Genoa's northern district.

The king of Genosia, Giuseppe, was sitting on a grand chair inside his royal office while being flanked by several high-ranking ministers and military officers. All of them were waiting for the arrival of the kingdom's most honored figure — the Saint Protector of Genosia, Alessandro.

Who has returned to the country from an important assignment and has been summoned by the king for a debrief.

Giuseppe did not feel any discomfort even though he's being forced to wait. In fact, he was rather high-spirited and energetic enough. To be honest, he has no right to voice his complaints or showing his dissatisfaction.

Martial Saint possessed exalted status far beyond any kings and rulers could have. Giuseppe may be the sovereign of all Genosia, but he still needs to be humble in front of a Saint.

At this time, the office's door sprang open. From outside, an official in sharp uniforms entered the room while escorting someone.

"Lord Saint Protector has arrived!" The official announced the Saint arrival.

Alessandro, still wrapped in his magnificent white-colored armor and red cape walked closer to the king's desk.

All eyes were gathered at him, but Alessandro shows no sign of being nervous or embarrassed at all. Every step he took was filled with overpowering pressures and confidence.

A moment later, he finally stopped just a few meters in front of the king. The official who escorted him has dismissed himself and retreated from the room.

"Greetings, Your Majesty." Alessandro greeted the king with a deep albeit soft voice. He also nodded his head slightly.

A simple nod was already the greatest form of acknowledgment from him. As a Martial Saint, Alessandro was exempted from following the strict custom of kneeling or bowing before the king.

"How's your journey, Alessandro? I hope it's not too tiring for you..." Said Giuseppe.

Alessandro smiled after hearing the king had asked about his well-being, "It's a pleasant one, Your Majesty. I came here as soon as I've received your summon."

Giuseppe nodded, he then spoke, "Good... Let's not waste any more time, then. Tell us, what happened at the conference?"

The king has inquired the most important matter for today. It was also the primary objective of Alessandro's assignment.

A few months ago, Alessandro was tasked to attend a conference held in Eternal fragrance. He came as the main representative of Genosia.

The conference was engineered by a coalition of various cultivators from either locals and abroad, all of them had come to Eternal Fragrance specifically for the recently discovered ruins.

As most people had already known, that ruin has been completely shut from the public's hand by the host country. Thus, the coalition had utilized the conference as a platform to negotiate with the government of Eternal Fragrance, concerning the access to the ruin.

The reason Genosia had to send Alessandro to the conference was because they saw immense profit could be gain from the ruin. It's imperative for them to have its access. Besides, the ruins were supposed to be left behind by a Martial Sage, according to one of the popular rumors on the street.

The ruins of a Martial Sage!

That thing was a thousand times rarer than diamonds. Just imagine what kind of valuable treasures housed within the ruin.

Therefore, even though Genosia had enjoyed a warm and friendly relationship with Eternal Fragrance for decades, the ruin can be extremely priceless and it would be worth enough to fight for if the rumor was proven to be true.

"The negotiation was a success. The coalition has secured unlimited access to the ruin, Your Majesty... The deal was signed by the queen of Eternal Fragrance herself. Here's the copy of the deal that belonged to us..." Alessandro declared the conference's result, he then handed over a scroll of parchment from his Space Ring to the king.

Giuseppe received the parchment and quickly reads it.

Other people in the room were curious about the deal's content, but they didn't dare to utter a single sound as they saw the king was busy reading it.

"Hahaha!!! Bravo... Bravo." After Giuseppe finished, he loudly laughed in satisfaction.

Surprisingly, the result of the conference was more than what Giuseppe had expected. He initially thought Eternal Fragrance wouldn't succ.u.mb to the pressure of the coalition's members and will continue blockading the ruin.

"But, they've been saying they absolutely won't lift the ruin's blockade for months. What caused them to change their decision?" Giuseppe asked in confusion.

It was unbelievable for the always elegant and aloof kingdom to lower their heads before the coalition's demands.

"From what I've heard, it was because several forces from Mandala region had pressured the queen to sign the deal, Your Highness... But there are other conflicting reasons, I do not know which were the truth." Alessandro replied hesitantly.

The king's eyes widened in shock, "Mandala region? No wonder..."

Giuseppe has the experience of visiting Mandala during his youth. He had seen the formidable strength that the forces there have. It might be due to that, Eternal Fragrance finally relented.

The rest of the ministers and the officers immediately reads the deal's parchment in detailed manners as soon as the king gave it to them.

"Joined exploration? Lord Saint Protector, can this be beneficial to us?" Asked one of the ministers, who seemed skeptical about one of the deal's agreement.

Several other people, mostly ministers, also doubted whether a joined exploration with foreign cultivators could benefit Genosia or not.

"It will... Ancient ruins usually plagued by many dangers, exploring it with more people would greatly increase the chance of survival. To be honest, we can't possibly excavate the ruins on our own, since we do not have the manpower to undertake such an effort. That's why we have to join with others, and alas, we also need to share the spoils too." Alessandro answered decisively.

The ministers' doubt was quickly cleared after they've heard the Saint's answer.

"Since it's like that, how fast can you send a team to the ruin, Alessandro? The date of the exploration is just around the corner after all." Giuseppe asked with a worried tone.

The exploration was set to be launched two weeks later, and the ruins will be open to the public at the same time. The king was worried because the distance of the northern border of Eternal Fragrance, where the ruins was located, was extremely far from Genoa.

"You don't have to worry, Your Grace... I've already assembled a team by recruiting dozens of skillful fighters from all over the kingdom, including some of my own best disciples. Not only that, the team is ready and they could be deployed as soon as possible." Said Alessandro assuringly.

"Is that so? That is good, then." Giuseppe spoke while he sighed in relief.

Alessandro opened his mouth again, "However, I would like to ask one thing, Your Majesty..."

The king was taken aback a little. Alessandro requesting something from him was a rare occurrence.

He was curious, what kind of matter will the Saint request?

Giuseppe nodded as he beckoned Alessandro to state his request.

Alessandro put his right hand across his c.h.e.s.t and spoke, "Allow me to lead the kingdom's exploration mission..."