Building My SSS-Rank Universal Empire: From Trash to Cosmic Overlord-Chapter 73: Scuffed Bones

Indeed, it was. Vale had made a strong impression, and the Knights soon began shouting. Some of them rushed outside to see if Slya was still around. They demanded to go to the address immediately to confront the one who dared to speak to their boss in such a manner.

Essence pressure clashed in the room so fiercely that their hair stood on end, and they looked ready to fight each other. It was enough to bring other Knights from the upper floors down to the ground floor. Once they learned of the matter, the situation only escalated.

It was only when the team leader came down himself—a solidly built man with sparse hair on his head and small, smiling eyes—that the chaos subsided. He wore slack brown trousers and an off-white shirt. "What’s going on here?" he asked.

His voice was low but carried through the room like a bell. The Knights fell silent as one, their essence pressure vanishing. They turned toward the voice of their Team Leader, Senk, who stood there.

They saluted and presented the letter, explaining what had happened.

Senk read it and nodded slightly, a smile forming on his lips. "Is this why you’re so worked up? How many of them have I killed? Even a lot of my squad leaders handle little shits like this."

"She was very rude, Team Leader! We should definitely start with her—tear her limb from limb," one of the Knights with red, flashing eyes said.

Squad Leader Mundo sneered. "Our Scuffed Bones are known for our brutality. Team Leader, it’s been a while since we made others tremble from our might."

The other Knights cheered him on, shouting and raising their hands. Their essence pressure swelled in the room again, making the air feel almost too thick to breathe.

Team Leader Senk smiled, feeling as though he were in the midst of slaughtering monsters. Indeed, it reminded him that it had been a while since he’d personally ventured into a ruin to fight. That won’t do. I’ll use the blood of this Vale to cleanse myself. Then I’ll conquer some ruin... and then... I’ve been eyeing that new female Knight who just joined my team... doing it on the floor with monster bodies around me...

His smile turned savage. "Return the letter. Tell them that in three days’ time, they should wash their necks before coming!"

The Knights roared in response, their voices swelling and shaking the building.

☆☆¤☆☆

Vale was surprised the letter was returned that same day. He had expected to be ignored until he went over himself. "Three days, eh? That’s convenient."

For the next three days, they did nothing but study the book of techniques the demon had given them. Vale made them sit in front of him, writing and rewriting the formations for their techniques.

Slya sighed. "How will the formation for the Errant Knight rank be?"

Tiber and Vale didn’t reply, focusing instead on their own parts. Xan, however, was busy gathering and spreading information. He spun the news of the duel in such a way that the whole of Veilwood was talking about it—or at least had heard of it.

The news even reached some of the outlaws deep in the forest: a certain Vale, possibly an outlaw himself who had just reached the second layer, wanted to fight a team leader. 𝒇𝙧𝙚𝓮𝔀𝓮𝒃𝙣𝓸𝒗𝒆𝒍.𝙘𝒐𝒎

The general consensus was amusement. Becoming a team leader of any rank wasn’t something that happened by chance. Within their ranks, team leaders were strong. So, they waited patiently for news of the arrogant man’s defeat, ready to celebrate with ale.

"It seems you did your job a little too well," Vale said with a smile as they made their way to the base of Team 34. Everyone was looking at them, pointing or nodding their chins to indicate them.

Xan laughed dryly. "It seems nothing exciting has been happening recently."

Slya scowled. "They don’t think we’ll win."

Tiber’s deep voice rumbled. "Then we’ll just have to prove them wrong."

Prove? There’s nothing to prove. The only thing that matters is winning, Vale thought calmly.

They soon reached the base and found the gate already open, with Knights lingering near the front door. Vale led the way, ignoring the glaring eyes. You guys don’t matter. That’s why you’re Rank 34. But you’ll make a nice stepping stone for me.

He entered the first floor with the others, his gaze calmly surveying the environment. Most of the Knights glared at him, but the squad leaders looked mostly bored.

One of them stood up and looked him over from head to toe. Squad Leader Mundo sneered. "You’re the leader? You’re younger than I expected. Are you one of those fat frogs stuck in a well, who’s never seen a river but thinks they can fight the sea?"

Vale smiled. The description was amusing. Is he some kind of poet?

"We’ll find out," he said. "Where is he? Your team leader. He isn’t hiding, is he?"

This caused a small uproar, as Vale had intended, but the squad leader quickly brought it under control. Then he pointed to the ground. "He’s in the training room. Do you dare go down to meet him?"

Vale didn’t bother to reply.

"Lead the way," Tiber rumbled.

The squad leader complied. Vale expected the other Knights to follow them, but they stayed behind, cursing him. They were led underground to a training ground with a hard stone floor and walls covered in enchanted runes.

Metal stands were installed around the room for spectators. About twenty Knights sat there, their dangerous eyes fixed on him. It felt as if monsters were staring at him. Their essence pressure mixed with bloodlust; they were the team’s elite members.

In the center of the room stood a man with small, smiling eyes, looking at Vale as if he were a long-awaited meal.

Vale nearly facepalmed. "Xan, you never told me his name."

His voice was low but carried effortlessly through the room. The essence pressure immediately intensified.