Jacob impassively replied, "Enlightened me." But the wariness in his eyes increased.
He suddenly felt like a frog in the well who only see the world with that narrow viewpoint.
Austrian said, "Zodiac Warriors Alliance is the strongest because they only had fighters or true warriors in their ranks and they didn't let just any tom dick and harry into their ranks, even if it's the Nightmare Knight Legion
"They only give access to the Nightmare Knight Legion through a kingdom's army while creating a Black Knight Order within the army, and then to join the Nightmare Knight Legion through the Black Knight Order you have to be someone below the age of thirty and strength equivalent to a C Rank Mercenary."
Jacob's eyes shine with understanding, he finally understood why Austin was going to such a great length to tell him all this. It was because of his young appearance.
Austin's next words just confirmed his guess, "The moment I saw you I can guess you're extremely young, and I don't want you to waste your youth and potential like those fools in the wild and then die.
"I'm training my foster son to enter the Black Knight Order and he might be able to make it in the upcoming test. But on the other hand, you are completely another story, you are like those youths trained under first-class knights.
"That's why you'll get into the black knight order and then might have a chance to enter the Nightmare Knight Legion.
"I won't lie to you about the Nightmare Knight Legion, only someone with B Rank Mercenary Strength and age below forty can join their ranks. In the history of our human race, only three humans managed to join them.
"The current Marshal of the Knight Order is also a Nightmare Knight and he is the strongest person in humanity. That's why everyone is afraid of offending the knights."
Austin's voice was filled with longing and worshiped in the end. But there was also bitterness since he knew he had little potential, he wasn't even qualified to enter the Black Knight Order and that was why he trained Kai to fulfill the biggest regret of his life.
However, Jacob wasn't moved by Austin's speech in the least bit, and all his focus was on the information about the Zodiac Warriors Alliance.
'I have to be careful of this alliance. Since they are so strict with their selection process, then they are really not to trifle with. Who knows what kind of existences are within their ranks to have them become the strongest force.'
He looked at Austin who was still lamenting about his past, he said, "You say they didn't have anything the other two powers have, then what do they have to offer?"
Austin was surprised by Jacob's uninterested expression and thought it was his fault for getting off rails, he didn't tell Jacob about the true strength of the alliance and directly told him about the joining process.
He said, "I'm sorry I got slightly emotional. So, as I said, they had fighters, but what drew those fighters and made them strive to join the alliance is not wealth or any technology, but the Fighter Manuals in their possessions.
"Don't look down on these Fighter Manuals, although there isn't much information about them in Knight Order. But according to some senior knights, those Fighter Manuals have the ability to increase your fighting potential and prowess!"
'Just that?' Jacob felt his expectations got burned all of a sudden.
But when he thought from the perspective of someone like Austin, he thought it made sense that all those fighting maniacs would choose to join the alliance since money and knowledge can come with power as well!
Furthermore, he knew there might be some important information being held back and someone like Austin or the ordinary Knight from Knight Order won't know the complete mystery of these Fighter Manuals.
Nevertheless, he was still halfhearted because he had a manual of his own that can increase his strength to an unknown height, so the allure of this alliance was almost like dry meat to him.
As long as he wasn't desperate, he won't eat it no matter what!
But he can't tell this Austin, since he told him this information which gave him more prospects about this world, he won't be ruthless to the old knight.
He said as he nodded, "So, how can I join this Black Knight Order?"
Austin smiled broadly as if he had already expected it, "You just have to head toward the royal city and pass the examination of Black Knight Academy in six months."
Jacob nodded, but he suddenly sensed something and asked, "I think you're missing something? I heard you guys hate the mercenary agency, but why did you promote the Black Knight Order?"
Austin's expression changed ever so slightly, but Jacob noticed it and he knew he had hit a bull's eye!
Austin sighed, "You're just too sharp for your own good. But since you have noticed it, I'll tell you which you're supposed to know after the test. This is also good since you won't think I trick you.
"The thing is, the Black Knight Academy accept anyone under the age of thirty as long as they passed the strength and comprehension test. But they only train them until they reached the age of 39. No matter at what age you joined, you'll be kicked out at the age of 39.
"As to the reason for this rule, it's because, during your stay in the academy, you have to become a True Black Knight, which is equivalent to a B rank mercenary.
"If you succeed, you'll get a chance to join the Nightmare Knight Legion Academy in Rare Province as long as you pass the entrance test.
"But if you failed…" He deeply looked at Jacob's cold eyes and sighed, "If you failed, you have to join the Black Knight Order Academy as a teacher and serve your kingdom for your entire life. It's the rule of every kingdom with Black Knight Academy!
"This is the steep price to pay for who wants to join the Nightmare Knight Legion. Since they had already spent resources on you and let you practice in the Fighter Manuals, they won't leave you free.
"But don't worry…"
Jacob cut Austin short with his icy voice, "I understand. I'll consider it. You may leave now!"