BXBX NOVEL Chapter 105 - 104:
Chapter 105: Chapter 104:
Noboru, Layla, Yumeko, Fire General Kai, Emiko, and the city\'s key figures—such as council members Elder Anya, Head of Noboru\'s Council; Councilor Kyo, Head of Defense of Chikyu Chikara City; Elara, Head of Education; Senju, Head of Medical; and Tony, Head of Technology—stood alongside city civilian representatives. The center was secured, with guards stationed everywhere. Noboru\'s personal guards, trained in Chikyu Chikara City, were present, along with guards from the Dukes and the Earth God\'s elite squadron, the Terravalean Protection Services. They were tasked with ensuring everything ran smoothly.
Noboru, Layla, Yumeko, Fire General Kai, Emiko, the city\'s councilors, and the city\'s representatives stood side by side behind a white podium prepared for them.
"This is a momentous occasion, Noboru-Sama. The Earth God rarely ever leaves the capital city, let alone to visit a newly appointed lord\'s city. But what\'s even more special is the presence of the Dukes. Never have the brothers who rule ever shown up in one place," Elder Anya said.
"It\'s a huge honor. We must make sure everything goes perfectly," Councilor Kyo said nervously, fiddling with his collar.
"Don\'t worry. Everything will be fine," Elara, the Head of Education, reassured him, placing a hand on Kyo\'s shoulder.
Noboru looked out at his city and smirked, sensing the excitement in the air. His smile widened when he spotted his student, Alazon, the Basilisk of Legends, standing by. He noticed Earth monsters arriving with soldiers from the Dukes. They dismounted and formed a path towards the city center, where Noboru and his chosen entourage stood.
Eventually, an expensive carriage pulled up. Trumpets blared as a man from the Dukes\' side announced, "Now presenting the Four Dukes: Duke of the East, Alexander; Duke of the South, Charles; Duke of the West, Theodore; and Duke of the North, Alister!"
The carriages opened, revealing the four Dukes, who made their way to the stage.
"Big brother, I can\'t believe a noble from your domain tamed the great Basilisk of Legend," Charles, the Duke of the South, remarked to Alister, the Duke of the North, as he eyed the legendary creature.
"Hah. Believe me, neither can I. I thought it was just a rumor. But then my scouts visited the city and confirmed it," Alister replied, glancing at his brothers.
"Still, I\'m glad to finally see our brother outside of the palace," Alexander, the Duke of the East, said, looking at his brother Theodore, the Duke of the West.
"Ahhh, don\'t start, Alexander. Not now," Theodore replied, clearly annoyed.
"You can\'t blame me. After all, you just sleep with women, eat, and do nothing else," Alexander retorted, equally annoyed.
"So, does anyone know when eldest brother, His Majesty the Earth God, is going to arrive?" Theodore asked.
"No one knows, but he will be here soon," Alister said, as the Dukes took their seats.
"Greetings, Viscount Noboru. It\'s been some time since I last saw you—ever since I granted you the title of Viscount for impressing me in the tournament. I see you\'ve made this city prosperous and even managed to befriend and tame the Basilisk that once fought the great hero," Alister, the Duke of the North, said to Noboru, who nodded in response.
"Yes, Duke of the North, Lord Alister," Noboru said, bowing.
"I must admit, I didn\'t expect you to turn this city into such a beautiful and prosperous place. Not bad. You might just earn a higher title after all," Alister said, smirking.
"I have to admit, Viscount Noboru, your display at the Dungeon of Seven Eternities and now taming the Basilisk of Legend... I think it\'s safe to say you\'re on your way to a higher rank," Charles, the Duke of the South, added, as the crowd began cheering.
"Thank you," Noboru said with a smile.
"So, how did you do it? How did you befriend and tame the mighty beast?" Alexander, the Duke of the East, asked.
"Oh... umm..." Noboru began but was cut off.
"That\'s because Noboru-kun is special. He can befriend the greatest of beasts and even control the dead," Layla interjected, wrapping her arm around Noboru\'s shoulder.
"Indeed. Noboru-kun is a special person," Emiko added.
"You\'re lucky to have such loyal and beautiful followers," Theodore, the Duke of the West, said with a smirk.
"Thank you, Layla and Emiko," Noboru said, as Layla and Emiko blushed and the crowd cheered.
"I can\'t wait to see more of your city and the Basilisk," Charles, the Duke of the South, remarked.
"And the Earth God will surely grant you a higher title after today," Alexander, the Duke of the East, added.
"He\'d better," Alister, the Duke of the North, said, causing everyone to laugh.
"I must admit, brother, I\'m jealous you have such a powerful and capable Viscount in your domain," Charles, the Duke of the South, said.
"I agree. To be able to tame the Basilisk of Legend... Only our elder brother could have done that," said Alexander, the Duke of the East.
Noboru laughed awkwardly as the Dukes and the people around him looked at him in awe. "I\'m sure there are others," Noboru said, trying to remain humble.
"Humble as well, brother. You\'ve hit the jackpot. Most other nobles would be gunning for your position or our brother\'s position," Alexander, the Duke of the East, noted.
"Isn\'t that the truth," Theodore, the Duke of the West, chimed in.
"I, for one, am jealous of the beautiful women he has," Charles, the Duke of the South, said. Before anyone could respond, trumpets sounded, followed by a voice announcing, "Now presenting His Majesty, the Earth God George."
"Everyone, welcome the Earth God, King George," Alister, the Duke of the North, proclaimed as the crowds cheered and bowed. The other three Dukes, along with Noboru and his people, stood as they watched the royal carriage open. Earth God George stepped out, waving to the people as he made his way to the center. He acknowledged his brothers, the Dukes, and shook Noboru\'s hand.
"Viscount Noboru Chikara, I\'ve heard much about you. Your feats are quite impressive," Earth God George said as he took his seat.
"Thank you, Your Majesty, for gracing us with your presence," Noboru replied with a smile.
"You\'re welcome, Viscount Noboru Chikara. After all, how could I not grace a foreigner who managed to gain power and status in my kingdom?" Earth God George said, smiling. His words shocked everyone for different reasons. Layla, Yumeko, Sky, Fire General Kai, and Emiko knew this truth: Layla, Sky, and Yumeko were from Aeritha, Fire General Kai was from Ignarock, and Emiko had been informed by Noboru. The Chikyu Chikara city council and civilian representatives were baffled, while the four Dukes, especially Alister, were confused.