Chapter 3: Spring Hunt Trial
"From now on, I am Sauron!"
After accepting the reality of crossing, Sauron took a deep breath and decided to live on with the identity of Sauron.
Then, he began organizing the memories in his mind.
"Oren, Western border, Night Raven City!"
A hint of contemplation appeared on Sauron's face. The disappearance of Lord Oren, the ruler of Night Raven City, was the main reason for his own poisoning.
As for the secret mastermind, it was most likely the nobles from the Western border. However, Sauron couldn't determine the specific person behind it. One thing was certain; they wouldn't give up easily.
"The poisoning plan failed this time; who knows what means they'll use next."
Dong dong!
Just as Sauron was contemplating, a knock on the door sounded from outside.
"Who?"
Sauron's heart skipped a beat, and a wary expression appeared on his face. Having just neutralized the toxins in his body, he was still in a weakened state.
"It's me, Ron."
The door was pushed open, and a young man walked in. He was dressed in linen clothes, had an ordinary appearance, and sported pale-gold short hair. Ron looked Sauron up and down.
"Feeling better, Sauron?"
A trace of concern appeared on Ron's face. He said, "I heard you were in trouble, so I rushed back from outside. How are you feeling now?"
"Thank you, Ron."
Sauron nodded, trying to maintain the original owner's tone as much as possible. At the same time, he quickly recalled information about the young man in front of him.
Like Sauron, Ron was also a member of the Holy Splendor Knight Academy. However, unlike Sauron's noble background, Ron came from a common merchant family and joined the academy based on his wealth and innate talent.
Normally, Ron and Sauron had a good relationship. At the academy, they were considered the best of friends. However, after experiencing life and death, Sauron couldn't help but feel a hint of wariness when he saw Ron again.
However, he didn't show it.
"Weren't things fine before? Why the sudden..."
Ron sat on the bed, a hesitant expression on his face. He whispered, "Is it because of your father's disappearance?"
The disappearance of the Lord of Night Raven City was no longer a secret. Sauron had previously mentioned it to Ron, who comforted him, saying that with the Lord's strength, nothing should happen easily.
"Perhaps."
Sauron nodded, not denying it.
Ron opened his mouth but didn't say much. Being a commoner, he had no influence in the conflicts of the Western border.
"By the way, Sauron."
After a brief silence, Ron changed the topic, saying, "In a little over half a month, it's the day of the Spring Hunt Trial. How are you preparing?"
"I heard that this year, Lord Red Knight will also participate!"
"If you perform well in the trial, maybe you can get pointers from Lord Red Knight. It's a rare opportunity!"
"Spring Hunt Trial?"
Sauron frowned slightly, recalling the information about the Spring Hunt Trial. It was a tradition of the Holy Splendor Knight Academy, held in the Grey Forest every year during the revival season as a test for the students.
Now, it was less than a month away.
The academy attached great importance to it, inviting Lord Red Knight to participate to motivate the students.
"Being able to invite Lord Red Knight shows how much the academy values this Spring Hunt Trial!"
A look of yearning appeared on Ron's face. He said, "If things go as expected, the rewards for this year's trial should be quite substantial."
"I don't have much of a chance."
Sauron shook his head. The Spring Hunt Trial at the Holy Splendor Academy had hundreds of participants each year, and achieving a good ranking was not an easy task.
"Alright, I won't disturb you."
Seeing Sauron's low spirits, Ron shook his head and said softly, "No matter what happens, we are friends!"
"Don't put too much pressure on yourself. Take a good rest."
With that, Ron turned and left.
"Could it be you, Ron?"
Watching Ron's departing figure, a faint shimmer appeared in Sauron's eyes. After experiencing life and death, he now trusted no one.
Even seemingly friendly Ron might not genuinely express his emotions.
In this world, even blood relatives might kill each other for enough benefits, let alone friends like Ron.
"It shouldn't happen again in the short term."
Sauron shook his head. Having just experienced an assassination, it shouldn't happen again in the short term.
After all, the Holy Splendor Academy had a royal background, and even the nobles from the Western border wouldn't dare to act recklessly.
In the short term, as long as Sauron stayed within the academy, there shouldn't be too much danger. However, how long this situation would last was uncertain.
Moreover, the Spring Hunt Trial was less than a month away.
"Spring Hunt Trial!"
Sauron muttered to himself, a hint of seriousness in his eyes.
The Spring Hunt Trial was a tradition of the Holy Splendor Academy, and unless there were special circumstances, all students were required to participate. During the hunting process, there were often unknown risks.
Therefore, if the secret mastermind wanted to take action against Sauron, the Spring Hunt Trial would be an excellent opportunity.
After all, every year's trial at the Holy Splendor Academy resulted in some casualties. As long as the secret mastermind's methods were discreet enough, no one would investigate how Sauron died.
Thinking of this, Sauron took a deep breath.
"I must improve my strength as much as possible before the Spring Hunt Trial!"
Sauron's eyes flickered with determination. If he wanted to survive the upcoming trial, he needed to become strong. Additionally, only by becoming powerful could he have more value.
The incident of Sauron being poisoned and killed hadn't attracted much attention from the academy because, besides being the son of the Lord of Night Raven City, he hadn't shown any other value.
If Sauron had outstanding innate talent, even without the support of the Lord of Night Raven City, the higher-ups of the Holy Splendor Academy would protect him. At that point, as long as Sauron smoothly graduated as a Knight, with the support of the Holy Splendor Academy, inheriting Night Raven City would be a matter of course.
Weekly Power Status
-- Power
Ranking 
-- Power
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