On Gloomshade 15, 1850 AC (Arbiter Calendar), Alistair began his usual training in the Whisperpine Expanse. He utilized the snowy wild trees as part of his regimen, chopping them down with his axe and carrying the felled trees for about 10 kilometers each day and night to increase his strength and stamina. Additionally, he received random abilities and items from the system on a daily basis, all of which he accepted with enthusiasm.
Two months later, the calendar moved from the 9th Month of Gloomshade to the 10th Month of Hollowrest, and finally to the 11th Month of Snowhearth. On Snowhearth 3, 1850 AC, the season brought a gradual snowfall across the entire Freedom Continent. However, the Whisperpine Expanse experienced winter storms and blizzards almost daily. The system informed Alistair that these conditions were ideal for his training, as long as he was careful not to get caught in a storm. Alistair, in response, remarked that it was a rather extreme way to plan his training.
System Advice: "Alistair, how about becoming a soldier from the Rocky Mountains of Frostgate and experiencing what it's like to be ordered around by the Commander of Frostgate? You will also learn about military formations, strategy, teamwork, and even leadership. So, what do you say?"
"Becoming a soldier—do they accept my age?" Alistair pondered this question. The system replied, "Yes, they accept recruits aged twelve and older for joining the military." Alistair was shocked that they would accept young children, and the system continued, "One of the common reasons is the need for more manpower, apprenticeship-style training, loyalty building, economic survival, and social status, such as granting them knighthood. But you already have a social status."
Confused, Alistair asked the system, "What social status do I have?" There was a brief silence before the system responded, "You don't remember? Your mother and two older sisters received a noble title and were granted a small plot of land. Based on that status, you are the son of a Baroness from the Dawnstrike Family Household. Essentially, your name is Alistair Dawnstrike."
Alistair's jaw dropped in disbelief as he struggled to understand. "So, what does a noble do? And what rank does a Baroness hold?"
The system replied, "A noble is someone who controls land, governs people, collects taxes, and provides military support to the king. There are two primary ways to attain noble status. The first is by joining the military; based on your contributions and military deeds, you can be knighted and earn a family name. The second option is to receive a special recommendation from the Church, which holds more power than the royalty, nobility, and military. An example of this is your family."
"Regarding the noble hierarchy, the starting point is typically being knighted. Before being knighted, there are two titles that hold the same rank. The first is 'Populace,' which refers to individuals who are considered half noble and half commoner; they often serve as butlers or maids in a noble household. The second title with equivalent status is 'Fallen Nobles.' These are former nobles whose families have lost their power, titles, or wealth but have the opportunity to reclaim them if they meet the necessary conditions set by those of higher status."
"The Populace and Fallen Noble statuses represent the lowest ranks within the noble system. The next tier is the Knighted, which can be attained through military contributions or, in rare cases, through connections. However, most individuals prefer to earn their status through merit rather than relying on assistance. After all, the Two Arbiter Continents of Freedom and Neutrality is a land of duel, honor, and war."
"There is also another way to become knighted through apprenticeship as a squire. Observing candidates transition from squire to knight can significantly enhance their chances of advancement. However, a knight is limited to having a maximum of five squires; exceeding this number is not permitted."
"The hierarchy following knight includes several noble titles: baronet, baron, viscount, count, margrave, earl, marquis, duke, grand duke, prince, king, and emperor. From knight to marquis, these individuals govern land, manage people, collect taxes, and provide military support to the king."
"Dukes and grand dukes are high-ranking nobles who govern a duchy, which is a large area within the kingdom. Princes and princesses usually oversee large regions as inspectors or observers, monitoring how their vassals govern their territories in preparation for future rulership."
"The king or queen rules a single kingdom, while the emperor or empress governs an empire, which typically comprises multiple kingdoms or nations. The primary distinction from knight to marquis is that as a noble's status increases, so does their plot of territory."
"The Freedom Continent is vast, with 35% of its land still unclaimed due to the prevalence of fierce wild beasts and monsters. Some nobles and military volunteers venture into these dangerous areas because many hidden treasures lie in regions inhabited by monsters."
"Wait, enough system! My head is aching from your lectures. I don't need that information right now." The system replied, "This information is important. Instead, have this: knowledge of the Feudal System." Suddenly, all the knowledge about the feudal system was forced into Alistair's mind, causing him immense pain as complicated words and meanings overwhelmed him. "What the hell, system? Argh!" Alistair cried out, rubbing his head in an attempt to calm down. He sat on the ground and took deep breaths to relax his body as he absorbed the information.
"Yep, it's too complicated after learning about the Government, Administration, and the Feudal System. I prefer fighting and training so I can protect the people I love and care about. Becoming a soldier could be a good option; after all, there are benefits to it, even if some aspects are not great. So, what do you think, system?"
"It's your choice, Alistair," the system replied.
Three months had passed inside the Outer Zone of the Whisperpine Expanse. Now, it was time to leave and enter the Frostgate Fortress to join the military.