Chapter 157: Baron

These soldiers and believers who have regained humanity either kneel and weep, or beat their chests and stamp their feet; their despair and remorse spread over every inch of the Northern Frontier.

Past atrocities cling to them like nightmares; the road to future redemption, under this heavy guilt, seems exceedingly long and arduous.

Unfortunately, Robin saw none of this; now he is about to collapse from exhaustion.

The moment he steps out of the ruined walls of South Stone Village, a howling cold wind carries fine ice crystals to his face.

Robin just raises his hand to shield himself, but the sudden crushing pressure from above shakes his breath—five powerful figures clad in gilt‑emblem cloaks hover in the air, the foremost an elder with silver hair unmoving, and the surrounding Order Force condenses in the void into translucent chain phantoms.

"Lord Ba Long!" Jialaisi's voice trembles with excitement, the runes on his silver‑white heavy armor flashing violently from resonance.

His single‑knee kneel stirs a spray of snow, and his long spear thuds heavily onto the frozen ground, emitting a crisp clang of metal striking stone.

Lao Mao's gaunt fingers suddenly clasp Robin's wrist, the palm's warmth seeping through the clothing: "This one is an ancient royal ancestor, a Third Tier Order Knight at the pinnacle, just one step away from becoming a Dawnstar Knight."

A hoarse voice hides a barely perceptible awe; the black cat on his shoulder unusually arches its back, its pure white pupils narrowing to needle points.

Ba Long lowers his gaze, scanning the crowd's tattered garments and blood‑stained wounds, his eyes finally resting on the golden chain flowing around Robin's arm.

He lifts his hand and gestures lightly; the invisible Order Force instantly smooths the chaotic Magic Power surrounding everyone, his voice deep as a bell: "Well done."

With this soothing, the Sun‑Moon Twin Guard, who had just been in excruciating pain, suddenly straightens his back, and the damaged armor heals at a visibly rapid pace.

Ba Long's gaze burns like a torch, slowly sweeping over the crowd, finally fixing on the Order Blade still emitting golden light in Robin's hand.

"Little one, you're the Robin who's recently risen to fame, mastering Order Power?" His voice is calm yet carries an irresistible pressure.

Robin inhales deeply, straightens his back, and meets Ba Long's stare with firm eyes: "Indeed, it is I."

Ba Long nods slightly, a hint of admiration flashing in his eyes: "To break through such a predicament and also thwart the Frost Eagle Grand Duke's plot, well done. However, although the Northern Frontier's crisis is temporarily eased, the remnants of the Mechanical Church have not been eradicated; this battle is far from over."

As soon as he finishes speaking, a strong figure behind Ba Long steps forward and respectfully reports: "Lord, we have discovered several remaining Mechanical Church outposts nearby; those believers have lost control but some devices are still active and could trigger new disasters at any moment."

Ba Long's expression turns grave; he turns toward the north and says in a deep voice: "Immediately clear the remaining forces and heal the Northern Frontier's wounds." He then looks back at Robin and the others, "You all return to the Royal Capital to recuperate; I will handle the subsequent matters myself."

Jialaisi rises and salutes: "At your command! However, the villagers of South Stone Village who were once controlled by the Mechanical Church…"

"I will send people to settle them properly," Ba Long interrupts, "They were bewitched, their consciousness just restored, and they are at a fragile stage; be sure to comfort them well."

Robin's heart stirs, thinking of those mechanical believers who, after regaining consciousness, fell into despair and remorse, and he says: "Lord, perhaps we can have them join the reconstruction of the Northern Frontier, letting labor atone for them; maybe they can rediscover a reason to live."

Ba Long eyes Robin with interest, a faint smile tugging his mouth: "That's a good idea, we'll do as you suggest."

Then Ba Long sweeps his hand, and a golden teleportation array lights up beneath everyone's feet: "Return to the Royal Capital; the ones there are waiting to reward you properly."

The moment Robin and the others step into the array, they feel a whirlwind of sky and earth; when they open their eyes again, they stand before the magnificent palace of the Royal Capital.

The brilliantly lit palace shines in the night, and the square has already gathered a huge crowd; they cheer and shout, expressing respect and gratitude to the returning heroes.

Watching the bustling scene, Robin feels a flood of emotions. Since stepping onto the Northern Frontier, he has endured countless life‑or‑death trials, and now finally enjoys a staged victory.

As Robin and the others enter the palace, the crystal chandeliers' dazzling light reflects on them, exposing every bit of fatigue and bloodstain on their bodies.

The ministers inside look on with only awe—when news of the Frost Eagle Grand Duke's downfall reached the Royal Capital, these nobles who have floated in the vortex of power realized for the first time that this unknown young man might reshape the kingdom's whole landscape.

The massive gilt doors thunder open, and the emperor, clad in a twelve‑emblem coronet robe, descends the steps. His gaze passes over Jialaisi, Lao Mao and other veteran strongmen, and lands directly on Robin: "Allen·Wilk, you turned the tide of the Northern Frontier war, single‑handedly preventing the Mechanical God's arrival. I hereby proclaim to the world."

The emperor raises his hand, and an inner attendant immediately unfurls a bright‑yellow edict: "Bestow the title of Baron of the Western Frontier, the fief bordering Viscount Wilk's lands, hereditary and irrevocable!"

The hall instantly erupts with exclamations.

Though the baronial title is not the highest, its fief's location holds great significance; it not only borders the Wilk family's domain but also guards the strategic route from the Western Frontier to the Northern Frontier.

This means Robin instantly becomes a pivotal new noble of the Western Frontier, and also signals the royal family's absolute trust in him.

A burst of hearty laughter suddenly rings out from the crowd. Viscount Wilk pushes aside the surrounding nobles, his face flushed as he rushes to the steps, his beard trembling with excitement: "You are truly my offspring!"

He slings an arm around Robin's shoulder, completely ignoring the dust‑covered clothes, "When you first returned, I said you'd have a future, hahaha!"

Tears glisten at the corner of Viscount Wilk's eyes, yet his voice booms through the hall, "Let's go! Tonight we'll set a hundred‑table feast, no drink left untouched!"

The emperor watches this scene and can't help but smile, raising his hand to signal quiet: "Hold off on celebrating for now." His expression turns stern, "The Mechanical Church's remnants still lurk in the shadows; the Eastern Frontier's Round Table Council and the Western Frontier's Knight Guild suffered heavy losses in the last battle and need to recuperate. Baron Allen."

The emperor personally hands Robin the sapphire‑inlaid ceremonial sword; the royal crest on its hilt gleams in the candlelight, "This 'Duan Zui', I grant you the authority to protect the kingdom."

Robin kneels on one knee, and as he takes the sword, a cold chill spreads from the palm.

He looks up toward the gradually brightening sky outside the hall, suddenly realizing that this title and sword are both honor and a heavy burden, and in his mind he mentally greets the emperor's entire family.

This isn't just sending himself to the most dangerous place, is it?

(End of Chapter)