"What's that?"
Su Xuan stared intently at the White Rose Flower floating in the sky.
The Rose was astonishingly huge, at least several dozen meters in size. Even a single petal was several meters long! It undulated with waves of white Magic Power, emitting a light, refreshing fragrance.
"That is the Guardian of our Sunset City—the White Rose," Natasha explained with a smile. "It has stood in Sunset City for countless years, yet no one knows its true origin. Some believe it is a generous gift from the Gods to Sunset City, a symbol of their protection and blessing. Others think it is the embodiment of a Saint's soul, eternally watching over this city."
"I see."
Su Xuan nodded thoughtfully.
He was curious about the White Rose's origin and couldn't help but wonder, 'Could there be a hidden quest here?'
[Soul of the White Rose detected! (Inactive)]
'For real?'
Su Xuan's pupils trembled slightly. 'Is there really a hidden quest?'
"Hm~?"
Sitting beside Su Xuan, Ivsha looked at him curiously.
They were sitting very close, so she felt the slight tremor that ran through his body from surprise.
This made Ivsha a little puzzled. She couldn't help but think, 'Is my President interested in that White Rose Flower?'
'Or did he find out that I secretly let my Succubus tail out in the carriage?'
'That's impossible!'
'I was being so careful to restrain my charming Magic Power...'
'It's all this crowded carriage's fault for making us sit so close!'
As arranged by Roxia, Su Xuan was led to a viewing stand close to the arena.
The venue for the Oath Knight selection was an arena-like area, with a ring of stands surrounding an open field in the center.
The massive White Rose Flower floated silently above the field, its white Magic Power gently rippling outwards like water. This Magic Power seemed to form an invisible Magic Barrier, enveloping the entire area.
"Let's sit here."
Natasha invited Su Xuan to take a seat.
Su Xuan nodded, and after sitting down, his gaze swept across the surroundings.
All the members of the six Knight Clans were present, numbering at least two to three hundred by a rough estimate.
As for their strength...
'They don't seem as strong as I first judged,' he thought. 'The highest Level in Sunset City is probably only around 18, not 20 like I initially estimated. Only those Knights who have undergone the White Rose Ceremony are likely to have a qualitative transformation.'
Furthermore, only the Yerman Clan was a true, orthodox Knight Clan with a long history. Although the other Knight Clans had their own legacies, they were merely minor powers compared to the Yermans.
Unfortunately, that maritime disaster had caused the Yerman Clan to suffer heavy losses, leaving Sunset City's overall combat strength quite weak.
"In a moment, Roxia will enter that area to receive the White Rose Ceremony," Natasha said, pointing to the field enveloped by the White Rose's Magic Power. "If anything unexpected happens, we'll be counting on you, Mr. Su Xuan."
"Alright."
Su Xuan agreed, his eyes scanning the crowd for any suspicious individuals.
They hadn't encountered any ambushes on the way, nor had they caught wind of any unusual disturbances.
This confused Su Xuan; what exactly was the enemy plotting? At the same time, it made him even more certain that the rival Guild would make its move during the Oath Knight selection ceremony.
During their conversation, the twelve young Knights from the six Knight Clans had already assembled, ready to enter the arena. They were accompanied by several Knights from their respective clans to ensure their safety.
As for the two candidates from the Yerman Clan, one was Roxia, which was no surprise. However, the other was her cousin Mei Xing, which was somewhat unexpected. But in this world, the family system was a bit different and not purely patrilineal.
When the twelve young Knights appeared before the public, the entire venue erupted in gasps of admiration.
"Is that Miss Roxia from the Yerman Clan?"
"Absolutely stunning!"
"I've heard she's the most talented young Knight in Sunset City since Knight Rosaline!"
"Well, she is her niece, and Knight Rosaline was the strongest Oath Knight in a hundred years!"
"Her beauty is also unparalleled, reminiscent of Knight Rosaline in her youth."
"..."
The crowd cheered, marveling at Roxia's beauty and strength.
"Everyone, silence please!"
Just then, a deep voice boomed across the venue like rolling thunder.
The Patriarchs or acting Patriarchs of the six Knight Clans ascended the main viewing stand one by one. Their dignified presence immediately silenced the young Knights in attendance.
An old Knight from the Yerman Clan stepped forward and pulled a prepared speech from his pocket. As was tradition, he had to read the knightly declaration before the Oath Knight selection began.
"The White Rose Ceremony is Sunset City's grandest selection ritual, held once every twenty years. It represents..."
"..."
"...And that concludes the declaration!"
Finally, the long and solemn declaration ended. The old Knight announced, "And now! The Oath Knight selection ceremony officially begins!"
As his voice fell, the audience erupted with excitement.
"Is it finally starting?"
"I can't wait!"
"Let's see if the title of Oath Knight remains with the Yerman Clan!"
"Knight Roxia is still far ahead of the other clans' young Knights of her generation. I believe she's still the best candidate to inherit the title of Oath Knight."
"That's not a given. I heard the other Knight Clans have also put in immense effort to cultivate their younger generation."
"Especially since it's been ten years since the Yerman Clan was hit hard, and they still haven't fully recovered. It's hard to say if they can make a comeback this time!"
"..."
Amidst a wave of cheers, the twelve young Knights walked toward the blooming White Rose Flower.
As they stepped into the field enveloped by the White Rose's Magic Power, a faint Golden glow appeared on each of them. This was the proof of their qualification; only with this Golden light could they avoid being repelled by the White Rose's Magic Power.
Su Xuan focused his attention on Roxia's surroundings, meticulously searching for any trace of Magic Power fluctuations. If any danger arose, he would have Rosaline act immediately.
Just then, Su Xuan noticed Rose petals silently drifting into the selection grounds, separating the twelve young Knights into their own individual spaces.
As the White Rose Flower bloomed, its Magic Power gradually coalesced into the phantoms of Knights. After performing a knightly salute, these phantoms swung their swords and blades at the twelve young Knights.
The young Knights all drew the swords from their waists, ready to face the first trial of the White Rose Ceremony.
"Hooo..."
Roxia stood her ground and took a deep breath. Her azure eyes shimmered, and her fingers gently gripped the hilt as she slowly drew the Golden sword from her waist.
[Oath Sword (Elite): A Golden longsword forged from special ore, containing a trace of the Power of Oath. Attack Power +300! Deals an additional 50% damage to Evil Units.]
'An Elite quality sword?'
Su Xuan had naturally noticed the sword in Roxia's hand.
'An Elite quality sword is indeed good. If I could get one for Rosaline, her combat power would undoubtedly be further enhanced.'
"This aura is...?"
Just as Su Xuan was intently focused on the situation in the arena, Ivsha, in her guise as a Nun, sensed a dangerous aura.
Her eyes flickered. She quickly leaned close to Su Xuan's ear and whispered, "Mr. Su Xuan, I sense the nearby presence of death and decay!"
"Death and decay?"
"Yes," Ivsha nodded, continuing, "If I'm not mistaken, there should be a Necromancer hiding among us..."