[Additional rewards have been granted.]
- The “purchasable items” in the donation shop have been expanded by one tier.
- A promotional banner (1 hour) has been awarded!
“A promotional banner?”
Henry tilted his head. When he reached 10 subscribers, the “donation shop” had opened as a “Stage 1 goal reward.”
“I expected the variety of products to increase, but what’s this promotional banner?”
It was undoubtedly a gift imbued with the Grand Mage’s intent. But just from the name, he couldn’t quite figure out what it was. When he tapped the message, a detailed explanation appeared:
[It’s a type of signboard that can be displayed for an hour.]
“A signboard!”
This time, Henry understood immediately. It seemed that many mages were still unaware of this “broadcast.” The signboard was an item designed to help more mages notice and watch him.
“This will definitely be a big help.”
The amount of sponsorship money and the number of subscribers were similar to the number of mages watching. He wasn’t sure how effective it would be, but if used well, it could yield significant results.
“In that case…”
Henry turned his attention back to the donation shop.
[You can now purchase Stage 2 items!]
[Level 2 Talent Orb (Circulation): 378,000 won]
- Requires proficiency in Level 1 [Circulation] to use.
“As expected.”
Henry inwardly cheered. A Level 2 Talent Orb—this meant he could take today’s newly acquired talent to the next level.
“The issue is the price and efficiency. 378,000 won… that’s four times the cost of a Level 1 talent.”
If its efficiency was high he’d buy it without hesitation.
“But there’s no way to know for sure.”
It was clear that Henry himself had no natural talents related to mana. That meant he needed to purchase all available talents “without exception.”
[Level 1 Talent Orb (Emission): 99,000 won]
[Level 1 Talent Orb (Sustainment): 148,000 won]
[Level 1 Talent Orb (Binding): 48,000 won]
He scrolled through the list. Including the [Circulation] he had already bought, there were six types of Level 1 talent orbs related to mana utilization. The total cost was around 500,000 won.
However—
[Level 1 Talent Orb Bundle]
[499,000 won → 439,000 won]
[You already own some of these orbs.]
[A discount has been applied.]
Fortunately, the shop offered bundled discounts.
The Kingdom of Knights, Ballaran
Henry’s homeland had been founded by its first king, one of the most brave knights.
“He used to say it often—that the noblest thing was to stand at the forefront of everyone. Back then, nobles were always asked where they had stood on the battlefield.”
Honor stemmed from courage. That belief was what the founding king cherished the most. As a result, knights of that era were closer to “warriors” than traditional “knights.”
However, after the founding king’s death, when his son ascended the throne, the times changed. War was no longer about survival, and while the people still faced instability, they had begun to enjoy a facade of peace.
“That was when the concept of knighthood was first formalized.”
The second king didn’t prioritize sheer bravery among his subordinates. A stable nation required more than just armed warriors.
As time passed and numerous trials and errors unfolded, the chivalry Henry studied and practiced today differed greatly from what existed three hundred years ago.
[Wow… this medieval setting is hitting hard…]
[When was the academy established?]
“The academy has been around for nearly a hundred years.”
[LOL, a school with history and tradition]
[So, basically, all knights today are from this academy?]
[No room for nepotism, then? Hahaha]
“Yes, that’s correct. More than half of Ballaran’s knights have studied at the academy.”
[Are there exceptions?]
“According to the kingdom’s laws, nobles of count rank and above can appoint knights at their choice.”
Even among nobles, counts held a different level of authority. From the size of the castles they could build to the extent of their territories, the number of soldiers they could train, and even their right to appoint knights—these privileges were granted because they were considered ‘knights of the king.’
“The founding king personally granted noble titles to the knights he led, starting from the rank of count, and that tradition continues today.”
Of course, times had changed. Wars were rare now, and it was even rarer for common nobles to personally join the battlefield.
However, the significance of those traditions remained untouchable—even for the king.
[Damn, ‘knights of the king’ sounds badass]
[So can common knights still become nobles these days?]
[Looks like they can only reach baron rank? Is that right?]
This was precisely the point Henry wanted to make.
“That’s correct. Only knights can be granted noble titles in Ballaran. No matter how great one’s achievements, if they are not a knight, they cannot become nobility.”
That was why Henry had fought so desperately to stay in the academy—enduring all kinds of ridicule and contempt, driven solely by his determination to restore the House of Viscount Hamilton.
[Wait, wasn’t your family a viscount house? Can’t viscounts appoint knights?]
[Yeah, and what about private soldiers? Are those restricted too?]
“It’s impossible for a viscount to knight a commoner. However, they can still take in existing knights under their service. Viscounts are nobles, after all.”
[But if only knights can become nobles, wouldn’t mages object to this?]
“Ah, well…”
For a moment, Henry was at a loss for words. His audience consisted of mages. Their question likely came from ignorance of political matters, but it was a sensitive issue that could easily offend them.
“In practice, while mages cannot be granted titles, Ballaran does not neglect them in any way. Additionally, to my knowledge, Court Mage Heinrich…”
Henry explained. While only knights could be formally labelled as nobles, mages received treatment no different from nobility. Every king in history had generously supported the Mage Tower, and most mages cared more about magical accomplishments than noble titles.
“Furthermore, in times of war, if mages are endangered on the battlefield, knights will willingly lay down their lives to protect them—”
[LOL]
[Ahhh, someone hit a nerve with our knight here!!!]
[His panic is hilarious LOL]
[This isn’t even a character act anymore, is it?]
The mages teased Henry, calming him down. After taking a moment to regain his composure, he returned to the conversation.
“That is why I have insisted on becoming a knight. Additionally, academy trainees with outstanding grades are given priority opportunities to earn merit later on.”
[Didn’t you say there’s no war?]
“Merits aren’t limited to battle. Any contribution to the kingdom can be recognized.”
For example, subduing monsters that threatened specific territories—or even going a step further and wiping out entire monster nests.
Even in peacetime, there were plenty of opportunities for knights to prove their worth.
[Then what’s the exam like? Swordsmanship?]
[Magic swordsmanship, maybe?]
“The exams vary widely. At the end of each term, a comprehensive evaluation takes place, but that’s not the most important test. Every scheduled or surprise test holds significant weight.”
[So you can escape that barn soon?]
[Man, just getting out of there would be a huge achievement LOL]
[He’s using mana now, so it’s not that bad anymore, right?]
[When’s the first test? Do you get to attend some classes first?]
Once the semester begins, the first test is scheduled right away.
Trainees at the academy had to take exams twice per semester—once at the start and once at the end. The reason for holding two tests in such a short interval was to account for cases where the initial results were either a fluke or influenced by poor condition.
[Lol, this was really just a tutorial]
[True lol, without that test, F-Class wouldn’t even be an option]
[Now that I think about it, even the dorms were specially made lol]
[So that means the test happens right after the break?]
“Yes, the test is conducted as soon as the semester begins. That means including today, there are two days left.”
For most trainees, it was just another test. But for Henry, who was at rock bottom, it was an opportunity he absolutely couldn’t miss. The entire semester would be determined by the starting point he established here.
I’ll definitely move up.
Even just proving that he could wield mana would improve his situation significantly. So the real question was—
Not just moving up, but how far up.
The extent of change was crucial. The better his test results, the better his future. And right now, the best choice available to Henry was clear.
[Level 1 Talent Orb (Mana)]
[499,000 won → 439,000 won]
[You already own a similar orb.]
[A discount is applied.]
I have to buy that before the test.
To do that, he needed to maximize his streaming revenue. Fortunately, Henry had a special gift from the Archmage as a secondary bonus reward.
[Applying promotional banner.]
[Applied instantly! Effect lasts for one hour!]
This is really effective.
Less than thirty minutes after applying the banner, Henry could already feel its impact. And the promotional banner wasn’t the only thing working in his favour.
<‘Eohwadungdung’ has donated 1,000 won!>
<“If you do ten more laps, I’ll donate 10,000 won!!!”>
“I’ll begin right away.”
Henry had been steadily maintaining his physical training for a while. His systematic approach—executing an exact number of exercises each session—ignited something in certain viewers.
<‘Eohwadungdung’ has donated 10,000 won!>
<“You still have stamina left, right??????”>
“Yes, I still have some left.”
<‘Eohwadungdung’ has donated 1,000 won!>
<“100 push-ups for 10,000 won, let’s go~!”>
It was a mission—viewers set specific conditions, and if Henry met them, they rewarded him accordingly. Naturally, Henry had no reason to refuse.
“I’ll begin.”
As the donations steadily piled up, Henry carried out the missions while suppressing his satisfaction. Normally, he would have done these workouts daily with no conditions attached. But now, he had allies who could give him guidance.
[Sir Knight!!! If you look a little more exhausted, they’ll donate more!!!]
“I’m not tired at all—”
[Don’t say anything!!! This is manager chat!! Only you can see this!!!]
[I also…… agree……]
[Poporijang is right…… If you look more tired, they’ll donate more……]
Thanks to his two managers, Henry even started to understand the mindset of the mages throwing money at him.
They want to see me exhausted? I don’t know why, but—
“Hahh… I think I’m reaching my limit.”
<‘Eohwadungdung’ has donated 1,000 won!>
<“But??? If it’s 10,000 won per 100 reps???”>
“I’ll do it.”
Once again, the managers were right! Henry controlled his breathing to appear just a bit more fatigued, the mages were satisfied, and their satisfaction translated into more donations.
[Lololololol]
[Is he an Energizer??????]
[This streaming concept is genius lol]
[!!!Official Announcement!!! Henry Hamilton, a first-year trainee at the Ballaran Royal Academy, is strictly maintaining his character concept. According to his setting, he has no talent for using mana……]
[Wait, he’s actually doing it himself??? It’s not a character model moving???]
[How is he still going lol]
[Please support our knight!!!]
The chat exploded with reactions. Some called him a “natural-born monster,” but Henry simply focused on completing his missions.
And then—
[Promotional effect has ended.]
By the time the hour-long promotional banner expired—
[Subscribers: 102]
[100 subscribers achieved!]
[‘Subscription’ third milestone reached! You can receive an additional reward.]
[Total donations: 121,000 won]
Henry had successfully secured these results.
[This knight’s stamina is insane!]
[The value of money earned through sweat lol]
[This is basically warehouse loading work lol]
As the promotional effect ended, so did the missions. Henry wiped the sweat dripping down his face—it was no exaggeration to say he was practically bathing in it.
And yet, surprisingly, he didn’t feel the least bit exhausted. In fact, he felt refreshed. If anything, he hadn’t even reached the level of training intensity he was used to.
However—
I should stop here.
His managers had advised him—only do the set amount of training, and increase it only when a mission comes in.
They also said I can expect similar results with sword training.
Just imagining it made him feel good.
“I’ll now move to the training grounds.”
[!!!Official Notice!!! Sword training content will begin at 4 PM!]
Checking the perfectly timed announcement from manager ‘Poporijang,’ Henry climbed the stairs to the training grounds.
