《My Paladin Wife Is Actually a Vampi》


 Chapter 1: A Common Farmer

    "Am I not able to go back?"


    Kenley raised his hands, and immediately, his character attributes appeared in the game''s interface.


    [Player: Kenley]


    [Level: 1]


    [Class: Farmer]


    [HP: 10]


    [Charm: 50+20 (Outstanding)]


    [Note: A farmer living in the Cain Empire, with limitless potential.]


    So I''m really a farmer?! But wasn''t I supposed to be the Sword Saint Wilk? Wasn''t I killed by the curse of the Dark Lord Pelon? According to logic, I should have been brought back to the character selection screen! System? Where''s the system?


    Kenley, a professional gamer, had won the PvP solo championship at the Ode Continent World Championship. His main account was a max-level warrior at level 100, and he had leveled every other class to 99.


    But now, he had reincarnated into the game world. As a professional player, he had tried every possible way to contact the game''s GM and tried to log out, but it had all been in vain. Now, he was certain¡ªhe had crossed over into this magical world.


    After organizing his thoughts, he decided to first bring up the class interface and investigate. If he had really reincarnated into the game world, this class had to be a mistake.


    Sure enough!


    As soon as the class interface appeared, Kenley immediately noticed the problem.


    Because the farmer class was listed under life professions, while his primary class was empty.


    So it turned out, aside from the farmer class, there were no other classes available, and the system had determined that this was his only class, which is why it was displayed as his primary class.


    Kenley breathed a sigh of relief. He had thought he had really become a farmer. Since the primary class slot was still empty, it meant he still had a chance to acquire a class through"apprenticeship."


    Focusing his attention again, Kenley''s heart began to burn with excitement. He realized this was his second chance at life, and just like it was described, he truly had limitless potential. He immediately opened the map to see where he was.


    "Lopa Town?" Looking up, Kenley saw a slave caravan slowly heading southwest. If he remembered correctly, the southwest led to the imperial capital of the Cain Empire: Marlen Imperial City.


    "Appraisal!" He activated the appraisal skill (a skill obtained from the prologue chapter: basic appraisals can be done remotely, while touching characters gives detailed appraisals). Kenley''s eyes sparkled, and soon all the members of the caravan revealed their class, level, and race.


    Merchants: 5 people, race: human, all level 10.


    Guards: 16 people, race: human, all level 12.


    In addition, there were several slaves locked in the cages, most of them orcs, but one girl caught his special attention.


    [Princess of the Fallen Kingdom¡¤ Vampire¡¤ Tia], Level 3, Undead.]


    Wait a minute, this name seems familiar.


    Kenley''s eyes lit up. He remembered seeing a guide about the Princess of the Fallen Kingdom in the game. There was a hidden side quest where you could acquire a princess from a slave merchant who had been turned into a vampire by a vampire count.


    Thinking of this, Kenley couldn''t help but carefully observe the princess.


    Her melancholic eyes carried a faint sadness. Dressed in tattered clothes, she no longer held the sharpness of royalty. Her silver hair shimmered like a starry river, and her blood-red eyes were mesmerizing. Holes in her clothes revealed her fair skin and body, with her long, pale legs exposed to the air, leaving little to the imagination. She was so beautiful...


    Kenley remembered that this princess had exceptional talent. With her golden bloodline, she had reached level 99 (in the game, servants had talent grades, and only those with high growth quality could undergo the silver rebirth, unlocking the 61-99 level cap). She had even completed the task for the silver rebirth.


    The guild members had been thrilled when they found out. They even formed a team to find the slave merchant, hoping to score such a rare bargain, but in the end, they found nothing.


    Kenley''s heart burned with desire. This was a high-growth exclusive servant. Even in the game, most servants would stop progressing after reaching the bronze tier, and the ratio was about ten to one. So high-quality servants were rare. If he could make her his servant, it would greatly benefit him in future battles.


    Inventory!


    Kenley opened his inventory. He clearly remembered that his main account had around 5,000 to 6,000 gold coins. Buying a level 3 vampire slave shouldn''t be a problem.


    But¡­If you encounter this narrative on Amazon, note that it''s taken without the author''s consent. Report it.


    As the inventory opened, the expected scene didn''t happen!


    Not a single coin¡­ Where''s the money? Did the system swallow it all? Could it be because of the reincarnation?


    Looking at the slave caravan that was about to disappear, Kenley furrowed his brows. Just then, his eyes lit up¡ªhe had an idea!


    He could steal the key from one of the guards and unlock the cage to free Tia! These guards had low levels, and first-tier warriors didn''t have skills like detection or scouting. As long as he hid well, he wouldn''t be discovered.


    Kenley immediately stood up and hurried after the slave caravan. Fortunately, they were in a forest, with trees lining both sides of the path. As long as he was careful, he should be able to remain unseen by using the trees for cover.


    "Got it!" Kenley''s eyes lit up as he saw the warrior at the back of the cage carrying a jingling keychain!


    Kenley cautiously approached step by step, while the guard didn''t notice him at all, confirming that, just like in the game, a Level 1 warrior had very little perceptiveness.


    "Step lightly... act quickly..." Kenley reminded himself, his hand slowly reaching for the keys on the guard''s belt, just one step away from grabbing them.


    But just then, a raven flew overhead."Caw¡ªcaw¡ª" The sound of the raven immediately drew the guard''s attention, but fortunately, he didn''t turn around. Kenley''s heart raced.


    "Coalball! I call you brother! Don''t ruin this for me!" Kenley glared at the raven, silently praying.


    Of course, the Mother God had other plans for him. Just at that moment, the guard, who had been tired from the journey, yawned and opened his mouth wide. The raven seized the opportunity and flew right over his head!


    Next, Kenley saw a chunk of raven droppings, the size of a fist, fall straight into the guard''s open mouth! Perfect shot! Like a three-pointer!


    "Ha¡ªugh?! Mmm!!! Ugh¡ªugh¡ª!" The guard immediately went into a rage, the sensation of raven droppings in his mouth making him want to vomit his last meal!


    Kenley''s face darkened... this little beast actually dared to do that! And it was such a huge pile! It really looked like a coalball, but I don''t think its... well, never mind!


    At that moment, the guard turned around, intending to spit out the mess in his mouth, only to spot Kenley, who was looking like a thief.


    "Ah¡ªugh¡ªyou¡ªyou!" The guard''s eyes widened in panic.


    Without thinking, Kenley turned and bolted! He''d only glared at the raven, but the bird had gone ahead and done this to someone else! Unbelievable!


    "Stop!" Finally, the guard had spit most of it out. Fearing that Kenley would escape, he lunged forward and knocked him down!


    Kenley sighed in resignation. Having a profession would be great right now! Unfortunately, he didn''t have any skills, so he was in this mess.


    "Sneaking around, ugh¡ªare you a thief?" The guard grabbed him, his breath still smelling of the raven droppings. With his superior strength, Kenley, a mere Level 1 farmer, had no way to fight back against a Level 12 warrior.


    "Big brother! Big brother! Let me go, I''m not here to steal anything!"


    "Pah! I saw you sneaking behind the caravan, pah¡ªdon''t tell me you''re not a thief!" The guard stared at Kenley with suspicion.


    "Bro, at least spit out the crap before you talk." Kenley frowned, though he didn''t dare say this out loud.


    The commotion immediately drew the attention of the caravan''s captain.


    "John, what''s all the noise? What''s going on?" The captain frowned, already exhausted from the journey. He was thinking about getting to Marlen Imperial City and relaxing. He didn''t want any trouble here.


    "This kid tried to steal something. Pah¡ª"


    "Then cut off his hands. Once we''re done, we can leave." The captain waved his hand impatiently and glanced at Kenley, dismissing him as a simple farmer, not worth his time.


    Without a second word, he ordered to cut off Kenley''s hands. No evidence? This was too overbearing...


    But Kenley was just a farmer now. He had no way to handle these ruthless slave merchant guards.


    "Ah, hahaha, unlucky for you! Heh! Ugh¡ªdamn, that shit tastes horrible!" The guard cursed while drawing his sword, seemingly about to strike.


    What should I do? If this keeps up, I''m definitely losing my hands! Wait, I have an idea! Kenley suddenly had a brainwave.


    "Guard captain, please have mercy! I came here to offer you valuable information! I mean no harm!"


    Sure enough, as soon as those words left his mouth, the captain, who had been about to walk away, stopped in his tracks.


    After all, in the world of Ode, what was the most valuable thing? Besides gold and treasures, it was information!


    "Huh? Interesting, but do you think I''ll believe a thief like you?" The captain paused, eyeing Kenley suspiciously.


    Kenley saw an opportunity and seized it.


    "Respectful captain, please! Trust me! I''m just a farmer, I only want to discuss something with you..."


    "Then why were you sneaking around?!" John, who stood nearby, clearly didn''t buy it.


    "Exactly, you can''t explain this, right? John, cut him!" The captain waved dismissively and started walking away again.


    "I was actually trying to catch that raven for you! That beast has been shitting on people''s heads repeatedly, and if I made too much noise, it would have flown away! Mother God above! John, don''t you think I''m telling the truth? I saw that crap go straight into your mouth!"


    The moment Kenley spoke, the crowd erupted in laughter."No way, John? You actually ate shit?"


    "This luck... it''s probably on par with my uncle who became a father seven times in a row! Hahaha!"


    "Enough talking! I know your uncle too! First he became a father, then a brother, then a younger brother, and now he''s an uncle again! John''s just lucky to have eaten that shit!"


    John''s face turned bright red, embarrassed not just for eating the shit, but for having everyone hear about it. Just then, from the forest, the sound of"caw¡ªcaw¡ª" echoed again, and John glared at the raven with vengeance, swearing to get back at it.


    Hearing the raven caw, Captain Stephen''s expression softened slightly. But instead of teasing John, he asked,"John, do you think he''s telling the truth?"


    John''s face turned red with embarrassment. How was he supposed to answer that?


    "John, are you gonna say something or not?" The other team members started goading him.


    "Quiet! Let him speak." Stephen was patient.


    "He... he''s telling the truth." John finally admitted, though this only made everyone burst out laughing.


    Stephen nodded and then turned to Kenley."Alright, I''ll believe you for now. You said you have some information for us?"


    Kenley, sensing he was in the clear, immediately added,


    "Yes, captain, there''s an old noble tomb to the south of our town, and inside, there''s a rumored relic with a lot of valuable treasures!" Kenley spoke in an enticing tone.


    "Treasure?" John''s eyes immediately lit up. Even though he was humiliated earlier, the word ''treasure'' made him salivate.


    "Where is it?" John was eager to know the location of the treasure.


    Kenley secretly smirked. The man was a greedy one. Well, the greedier he was, the more opportunities Kenley would have.


    But just then, Captain Stephen scoffed,"If there''s treasure, why don''t you go get it yourself? Could it be a trap you set with your friends?"


    As expected, the captain wasn''t easily fooled. Before Kenley could react, the captain drew his sword and pointed the tip at his chest.


    It hadn''t even pierced him yet, but just the touch of the sword dropped his health by one. Ouch, that really hurt!


    Kenley''s face turned a little pale, but he quickly explained,"Captain, you don''t know. There are some skeletons in that area, and I''m just a farmer. I''m no match for them."


    "But you guys are different! Well-equipped, imposing! You guys are the real warriors, while I''m just a farmer, looking up to you! Mother God, if I''m lying, I''ll die from the curse of Dacey! My body will rot and decompose!"

 Chapter 2: The Noble Tomb

    System:"Talent [Genius Negotiator](acquired from the prologue chapter) has been activated. You have successfully persuaded Captain Steven, Steven''s affection +3, John''s affection +5."


    This can actually increase affection?!


    And lucky enough, I directly triggered the Genius Negotiator''s activation rate. Although I''m not sure what the default success rate for communication is, the frequency of triggering is certainly high!


    "Hmm¡ª!" Steven''s voice rose from low to high, seemingly pleased with Kenley''s flattery.


    "Hahaha, buddy, come, tell me more about that noble tomb. By the way, no one has already beaten us to it, right?" Steven and John immediately made a complete 180-degree turn in their attitude toward Kenley.


    Kenley grinned:"Heh heh, Captain, that tomb was discovered just by me, and I haven''t told anyone except for you."


    "Good, good," Steven nodded in satisfaction, then turned to John and said,"John, get everyone ready. We''re going to investigate that noble tomb."


    "Yes, Captain!" As soon as John heard there was treasure to be dug up, his eyes immediately lit up. He went to discuss it with the caravan leader and gathered several helpers, though he left a few behind to guard the caravan.


    Kenley rubbed his hands together and cautiously probed,"Captain, about the money..."


    Hearing Kenley ask for money, Steven gave him a glance and his tone became slightly colder,"Buddy, don''t rush. The treasure isn''t in hand yet. Once we get the treasure, we''ll split it and give you your share. By the way, you have to follow us the whole way. You understand, right?"


    After all, he was the captain of the guards, and caution was part of his duty. However, Kenley could already foresee the fate of this group.


    Kenley clearly remembered that during the first DLC, the noble tomb in Lopa Town was notorious for being a killer of first-tier players. Despite these guards being many in number, the tomb had a level 20 (second-tier) elite monster. Wouldn''t they be scared out of their wits if they went in?


    Kenley''s original plan was to lure all these guards in, use the monster to eliminate them, and then rescue the princess from the clutches of the slave traders.


    Since these merchants were ordinary people without combat professions, and although Kenley was just a farmer, with the right equipment and his skills, taking out a few merchants shouldn''t be a problem.


    The real problem now was that Steven hadn''t sent all his men. Instead, he''d only sent half of them, which made Kenley somewhat dissatisfied. He needed to find a way to lure a few more away. What should he do?Unauthorized duplication: this tale has been taken without consent. Report sightings.


    Got it! Kenley had a sudden idea:"Captain!"


    "Hmm? What''s the matter?" Steven, who was organizing his equipment, turned around.


    Kenley forced a smile, acting embarrassed:"Captain, I think I remember vaguely¡­ there might be skeleton archers inside."


    As soon as those words were out, Steven''s expression changed immediately.


    "How many?"


    "Can''t remember exactly, maybe two or three, or four or five¡­ Heh heh¡­"


    "Damn!" Steven cursed, but his eyes flickered before he turned to John and said,"Skeletons are tough to deal with, go call a couple more people."


    "Yes, Captain!" John, ever obedient, immediately went off to carry out the order without questioning it.


    Kenley glanced around. Only two guards were left behind. He felt a little relieved; with only two level 12 guards, using some skill, they should be manageable.


    Kenley calculated it out. The team heading out to search for treasure had a total of fourteen level 12 warriors, with no clerics, no priests, and no archers.


    Kenley really wanted to complain¡ªhow on earth did such a team manage to protect the slave caravan heading to the imperial city? Could it be that the caravan wanted to keep a low profile, which is why they chose such a shoddy escort team?


    Kenley complained, but he still glanced at the slave merchant leader. He was immediately taken aback. The accessory hanging around the leader''s neck was impressive. It had to be at least a finely crafted (blue-quality) accessory.


    Finely crafted equipment, before reaching the third tier (level 30), was considered top-tier gear. Back in the first expansion, having a finely crafted item could make a whole group of people envious.


    The group was ready to go, and Kenley had no reason to avoid it, so he followed the team out.


    About twenty minutes later...


    "It''s just ahead, Captain." Kenley led the way, clearly acting like a local, which made Stephen trust him more and lowered his suspicions.


    "It seems like you really know this place well," Stephen complimented.


    Kenley thought to himself,"How long have I been playing this game? I might not remember all of Odran''s continent, but if I''ve forgotten the map of the newbie village, I might as well smash my head into a rock."


    "Be careful! The plants here are poisonous, if they sting you, you''ll be paralyzed!" Kenley suddenly pulled a guard aside. The guard thanked him gratefully.


    Seeing Kenley so proactive, both John and Stephen exchanged glances. Their trust in Kenley grew a little more.


    "We''re here, this is it!"


    Finally, a dark tomb emerged abruptly in the middle of the farmland, a pungent smell wafting from within. Looking down from the edge, there was only a square spiral staircase leading down.


    "It''s definitely the aura of the undead," Stephen''s eyes brightened.


    John coughed, waving his hand in front of his nose."Damn, the smell of these boneheads is intense." After a pause, his desire for treasure took over again."Heh, Captain, let me go down first, I''ll scout ahead."


    Stephen didn''t stop him. He nodded."Hmm, be cautious." He then waved to the two guards behind him."You two, go with John and follow him down. If you encounter any undead, don''t engage, just run back up without looking. Understood?"


    "Yes, Captain!"


    The two guards immediately joined John, forming a small reconnaissance team of three, and began making their way down the staircase.


    They lit a torch, which instantly illuminated the entire entrance of the tomb.


    The interior of the tomb was simple and straightforward. Aside from the spiral staircase leading down, there was a large circular stone pillar in the center, adorned with many ancient creatures as decorations.


    At the bottom of the entrance, there was a stone door, tightly sealed, and no matter how hard John pushed, it wouldn''t budge.


    "Captain! There''s nothing here except a door that won''t open!"


    Hearing John''s words, Stephen frowned and turned to Kenley."Didn''t you say there were skeleton soldiers? Why is there nothing here?"

 Chapter 3: The Noble Tomb 2

    Seeing that Stephen was starting to doubt him, Kenley quickly pretended to be nervous and said,"Captain, in the past, the noble tombs in the northern regions used secret doors as the main structure, hiding the main passage. That stone door can only be opened using a mechanism."


    Upon hearing Kenley''s words, Stephen squinted his eyes."You seem to know quite a bit about this."


    Kenley scratched his head."I heard it from my grandfather¡­"


    Stephen nodded but didn''t press the issue further. Instead, he said,"Then how do we open this door? You''ve been here before, so you must have some experience. You go ahead and open it when we get down there."


    Upon hearing this, a sudden idea popped into Kenley''s head. That''s right, now that I''m being forced to go down and open the door, I can use this as an excuse to ask for a weapon to defend myself. I''ll also try to deceive them into teaching me a few tricks. Maybe that will allow me to gain a combat class!


    What do I lack the most right now? Not weapons or equipment, but a class! The most important thing is the class! Without a combat class, I can''t do anything. Even if it''s just a thief, as long as I have a class, I''ll have a chance to turn things around.


    Time to act.


    Kenley nodded repeatedly."Of course, I have experience, but..."


    "But what?" Stephen asked.


    Kenley stammered,"Captain, behind that door are skeleton soldiers. As soon as we open it, they''ll rush out and start killing! I... I''m scared!"


    Kenley''s trembling appearance immediately caused the guards to burst into laughter. Seeing him act so comically made Stephen feel even more at ease.


    "What are you afraid of? We''re here with you." Stephen reassured him.


    "Uh... Could I get a weapon to defend myself? I''m unarmed, and what if... what if..." Kenley scratched his hand nervously.


    So he wants a weapon, huh? But looking at Kenley¡ªa mere farmer with such a frail body¡ªhe probably wouldn''t even last a second against skeleton soldiers. What good would giving him a weapon do? Stephen thought to himself.


    But after considering it, giving him a weapon might at least give him a little courage, so Stephen rummaged through his coat and took out a short sword to hand over to Kenley.


    Just as Kenley''s eyes lit up in joy, thinking his plan was about to succeed, Stephen stopped his hand.


    "With that body of yours, giving you a weapon is useless. Whatever happens, you''ll just end up getting killed with a single strike. I think it''s better you don''t have one," Stephen said with a dismissive look, preparing to retract the weapon.


    Speechless. This guy really isn''t easy to handle, Kenley thought, grumbling internally. Seeing how things were unfolding, Kenley realized that forcing it would not work¡ªafter all, Stephen was too cautious.


    Kenley sighed dramatically and said,"I never thought that today would be the day I die in such a dirty tomb. I haven''t even paid respects to my parents at their graves, and here I am, burying myself. I guess this saves me the cost of a funeral. It''s like the Mother Goddess took pity on me, sobbing!"


    At that moment, the system chimed:"Talent [Genius Negotiator] has been triggered. Stephen was moved by your cries and you successfully invoked his sympathy."


    "Alright, alright! Take the damn sword and stop crying in front of me, it''s annoying!" Stephen grimaced and shoved the short sword into Kenley''s hands.


    [Genius Negotiator] is truly useful. One can only imagine the unexpected benefits it will bring in the future.


    "Thank you, Captain!" Kenley quickly accepted the short sword, then examined it.


    [Equipment: Short Sword]The story has been stolen; if detected on Amazon, report the violation.


    [Class: All Melee Classes]


    Note: All equipment is the same. Non-matching classes can equip it as well. Even if you''re a farmer, as long as your level is sufficient, you can only benefit from the basic attack attributes of the equipment and not its other additional properties. If the class matches but the level is insufficient to equip it, the system will automatically adjust the power based on the level. If the class doesn''t match and the level is insufficient, the power will be reduced based on the level first, and you''ll only enjoy the basic attack attributes.


    [Quality: Ordinary (White)]


    [Attribute: Physical Attack +4]


    [Comment: An ordinary short sword that any blacksmith in Odran can forge.]


    This really is a self-inflicted sword, Kenley couldn''t help but chuckle bitterly. But then again, it''s fine. It''s just a white-tier item, and as a farmer, having a short sword still means I now have combat power.


    Taking the sword, Kenley took two steps forward before stopping again, as if he had something to say.


    "What now?" Stephen asked impatiently.


    Kenley scratched his head and said,"Uh, Captain, I... I don''t know how to use it. Could you teach me a bit?"


    "Damn it!" Stephen frowned in dissatisfaction. This farmer is so troublesome... But after thinking for a moment, he figured it wouldn''t hurt to teach him a little. After all, he was just a farmer, and if things really went south and he was killed by a monster, there would be no one left to lead them.


    "Fine, I''ll teach you." Stephen finally relented and patiently walked forward, taking the sword from Kenley''s hand.


    System:"Guard Captain Stephen''s affection for you has decreased. Affection -2."


    Kenley couldn''t help but mutter to himself, but fortunately, the increase in favorability earlier was enough to cover the decrease. The most important thing was that he wanted to test if he could acquire a new profession through learning.


    At that moment, something happened that made Kenley''s heart skip a beat!


    As soon as Stephen walked up to Kenley, a system dialogue box appeared in the game interface:"Stephen has offered you professional training: Warrior. Would you like to accept?"


    When this dialogue box appeared, Kenley felt as though his soul was floating."Mother Goddess, I love you so much! Warrior, my destined profession! I love you, Mother Goddess!"


    Seeing Kenley in a daze, Stephen impatiently said,"Are you going to learn or not?"


    System:"Stephen''s favorability decreased by -1."


    "I''ll learn!"


    "Alright, I''ll show you how to use the sword. Like this... and like this... Got it? These are the two moves. The rest won''t do you any good." Although Stephen had a fiery temper, when it came to teaching, he was actually quite patient and didn''t interrupt his lessons even though Kenley was daydreaming.


    However, Kenley didn''t really pay attention to Stephen''s instructions. Instead, what caught his eye on the game interface was a long list of Warrior skills. This was the Warrior''s basic skill tree, a must-learn for every Warrior.


    But since Kenley was only level 1 in the Warrior class and had no experience, he couldn''t unlock any skills and could only watch. But it was okay¡ªjust having Warrior as a primary profession opened up endless possibilities!


    After the lesson, Kenley quickly expressed his thanks:"Thank you, Captain! I''ll lead the way now, hehe."


    Kenley immediately resumed his confident and calm demeanor. Seeing the change in Kenley''s expression, Stephen finally nodded in satisfaction.


    Let the favorability drop; three points of favorability for getting the main profession was already a win for Kenley.


    Boom¡ª!


    With a dull sound, the main door to the tomb slowly opened, and a strong, rotten odor blasted everyone.


    "Cough... cough cough..."


    All the guards, including Kenley, couldn''t help but fan in front of their noses; the smell was unbearable.


    Kenley immediately used the Life Ring to scan, but couldn''t detect any life. Right, the Life Ring only detects living beings, so it didn''t work on the undead. He had to give up.


    John, being the most eager, grabbed a torch and waved it toward the door, but the tunnel was so long that the light from the torch barely illuminated the end.


    Just then...


    "Creak, creak¡­"


    The sound of something moving regularly echoed from the main corridor. Everyone heard it.


    "What''s that sound?" someone couldn''t help but ask.


    As the torchlight illuminated the dark, narrow passage, two figures gradually appeared. No, they weren''t people¡ªthey were two ghastly pale skeletons!


    The skeletons snapped their teeth together, each holding an iron sword. The empty eye sockets glowed with flickering soul flames, and their red eyes looked terrifying in the dark.


    "Skeleton soldiers!" someone shouted.


    "Defensive positions!"


    Everyone immediately took combat stances, holding their iron swords, and focused their eyes on the two skeleton soldiers about to charge.


    "Crack¡ª!"


    At that moment, with the sound of bones cracking, Stephen, as the captain, took the lead and charged ahead!


    In an instant, one of the skeletons was cleaved in half by Stephen''s sword, and it shattered into pieces before it could react.


    The other skeleton soldier, having reacted, quickly turned around and aimed a vertical slash at Stephen!


    "Captain, watch out!" John shouted.


    But Stephen didn''t even glance at the skeleton. With a single hand raised, he easily deflected its attack with a resounding thud.


    The skeleton staggered back three steps, the rebound causing it to lose balance.


    Stephen''s eyes flashed with cold light, and like a sudden pouncing leopard, he seized the opportunity and launched a thrust at the skeleton soldier. His sword pierced straight into its skull, and the soul flame instantly extinguished.


    The battle was over!


    "The captain is the best!"


    "The captain is the strongest!"


    Some of the guards started cheering.

 Chapter 4: The Noble Tomb 3

    Stephen didn''t seem particularly pleased with the outcome of the battle, but of course, he couldn''t help but enjoy the praise.


    He swung his sword, striking a very cool finishing pose:"Alright, let''s move quickly."


    Kenley nodded. Stephen had mostly relied on his own moves during the fight, except for the last thrust, which was a warrior''s [Charge] skill.


    Let me add a side note here: in the world of the Aude continent game, most people refer to the cooldown of skills as the"elemental replenishment period." Since the entire world was created by the Mother Goddess, and it contains elemental laws, after using a skill, everyone, whether a warrior or a mage, must wait for the elemental energy to replenish before they can use another skill. For players, this is essentially the"cooldown" period.


    But what excited Kenley the most was that after Stephen killed the two skeleton soldiers, he saw two golden lights rush into his body¡ªexperience points! The two level-10 skeleton soldiers were enough for Kenley, a level-1 warrior, to level up several times! What was even better was that although he was in a party with Stephen, Kenley didn''t receive any party experience penalty! This was fantastic news.


    Each level-up granted Kenley five skill points, and the warrior skill tree didn''t have many initial skills, just a few crucial ones: Battle Stance, Defensive Stance, Sweep, Slash, and Charge, each with three levels. Kenley was still at level 0 (pre-level 10), and he couldn''t unlock more skills until he reached the first tier.


    Kenley quickly leveled up to level 4, gaining 20 skill points, which he immediately used to max out his basic attack skills. Strengthening himself was his priority.


    Kenley first maxed out Defensive Stance, Battle Stance, Sweep, and Vertical Slash, while he needed level 5 to learn Charge. The early warrior skills are divided into three tiers¡ªlow, medium, and high. It only costs three skill points to max out each skill.


    Some might wonder why there are so many skill points at each level, but the few skills available at the first tier are scarce. This is because later on, players can learn skills from NPCs, so extra skill points are used for learning new abilities after seeking out a master. But we''ll leave this for now and move on.


    Back to the main perspective:


    As they continued down the path, they encountered several scattered skeleton soldiers. These skeletons had naturally been created by the influence of dark elements, a common occurrence in tombs. Kenley quickly defeated them and absorbed the experience, continuing to clear monsters until they reached the tomb chamber. Kenley had already reached level 7, and his HP was now 27.


    "We''re here, it''s this one," Kenley pointed to a large door at the end of the narrow path. Through the door, there was a faint blue glow that illuminated the entire tomb chamber.


    Even without torches, the group could see the layout of the entire tomb clearly.


    Around the room were numerous ornate coffin racks, neatly arranged with coffins. This style was created by the Light Church of Lopa Town, a typical Northern noble tomb style.


    In the center of the room was a special coffin, belonging to the tomb''s owner, a wealthy noble from the area. Behind it was a redwood chest, clearly the treasure they were looking for.This story originates from Royal Road. Ensure the author gets the support they deserve by reading it there.


    "Mother Goddess above, forgive our intrusion. We did not mean to disturb your eternal rest. The child is crying, the wife trembling, and we only ask that after death, the useless belongings are left for those in need. Once we have the treasure, we will leave," Stephen took a step forward, respectfully performing a warrior''s salute to the tomb''s owner.


    Afterward, he turned back to the group and said,"Everyone, stay extra vigilant. Do not touch anything except the treasure!"


    "Yes! Captain!" the group replied in unison.


    Translation of the Original Text:


    Hiss~ There''s some etiquette. I didn''t expect that Stephen would have such a noble air. Could it be that his ancestors were nobles? Maybe they''ve fallen from grace now? Kenley couldn''t help but think.


    The group cautiously approached the treasure chest, carefully avoiding the main coffin. It was easy¡ªthere were no more dark minions like before.


    Just as Stephen reached out to open the chest''s lid, before he could even see what was inside, they suddenly heard a long sigh.


    "Hm?!" Everyone was startled.


    As Kenley had expected, the treasure chest triggered the key mechanism for a boss fight. The moment it was touched, the boss battle would begin.


    Kenley glanced around the tomb room and quickly noticed a crack. When they were clearing the noble tomb dungeon in the past, a player had discovered a hidden passage inside the tomb that was just wide enough to hide a person.


    The boss had been slowly trapped in this passage by that player, and the player was able to whittle it down over time. The boss had a very obvious weakness: its large size prevented it from entering the narrow passage, so the player could counterattack from the safety of the passage.


    This created a strategy for soloing the boss, and the official game developers never fixed this bug, allowing players to continue exploiting it. Later, when new expansions were released and players leveled up, fewer people bothered with this 20-level dungeon, heading instead for higher-level ones. This explained why the developers didn''t fix the issue.


    And just like in the game, the secret passage was still there!


    "You alone know how much impurity and filth have seeped into your hearts..." As the sigh finished, the central coffin in the tomb slowly opened.


    "In the embrace of the Mother Goddess you once rested, now you embrace the light of Daisy. Intruders, you shall sleep here with me..."


    Just as expected, the exact same lines as in the game, Kenley thought, feeling a bit moved as memories of the early days in the newbie village resurfaced.


    As the speech ended, a tall skeleton mage in a robe rose from the coffin! A skeleton mage¡ªthis was a boss-level entity that could wipe out teams in the early stages, though later on, it would just be an elite monster. Kenley let out a sigh of relief, it seemed the secret passage could be used again, and they didn''t have to worry about being wiped out.


    Stephen, seeing the robe, immediately narrowed his eyes. He realized that things weren''t going well.


    However, he stood with his sword in both hands, taking a step forward and planting the sword into the ground."We walk under the same light, following in Daisy''s footsteps. Tomb''s master, forgive our sudden intrusion. We meant no disrespect to your eternal rest. We only seek to satisfy the hunger of children, ease the labor of wives, and light the fires of winter. Once we have taken what is needed, we will leave."


    "Filthy intruders, gold cannot satisfy the endless pit of desire, and food cannot satisfy the greedy stomach. Your excuses are meaningless. Death is justice... Pass my test, or you shall sleep with me!"


    As the words finished, Kenley''s game interface immediately displayed an entry with the boss''s health bar.


    [Lost Noble¡¤ Skeleton Mage¡¤ Dain]


    Race: Undead


    Level: 20


    HP: 122


    MP:???


    Note: Once a renowned noble of the Kane Empire, now resting in an unknown place...


    A mage-type boss, still carrying the bloodline of nobility. Besides basic spells, this type of boss might also have inherited magic.


    With 122 HP, it clearly had the fragile nature of a mage. If this had been a level 20 skeleton knight, its health would easily have been over 300. But even with this relatively low HP, it was still quite challenging for players at the first tier when the dungeon was first released.

 Chapter 5: The Noble Tomb 4

    "You said there were just a few skeletons here, didn''t you?" Stephen almost roared with fury, grabbing Kenley by the collar.


    Kenley quickly pretended to be clueless,"I¡ªI didn''t know this thing was here! I swear, by the Mother Goddess!"


    Forget it, arguing with this peasant is pointless. Right now, dealing with this mage is the most important thing.


    "We''ll settle this later!" With that, Stephen threw Kenley to the ground, and Kenley scrambled towards the secret passage, pretending to shiver in fear.


    Let him enjoy his moment, soon they''ll know how powerful this skeleton is! Kenley thought to himself, secretly laughing. They probably don''t know how the first-tier assassin title came to be.


    "Spread out!" Stephen shouted as he gave his orders.


    When facing a mage, they had to be extra cautious. If the mage had area attacks, standing too close together would surely cause trouble.


    Additionally, all of them were wearing armor focused on physical defense, so against magical attacks, they were practically helpless.


    Dane glanced over the group, then raised his hands high."Awaken, my kin, drive out these filthy intruders!"


    "Hmm?!" Stephen let out a surprised gasp. Suddenly, stone doors on the east and west sides of the tomb opened.


    "It''s skeleton archers!" someone shouted.


    At the same time, there was a sound of the ground being overturned, and a set of pale bony hands reached up from beneath the earth¡ªskeleton soldiers!


    There were three archers on each side, and six skeleton soldiers rising from the ground. With Dane added, the undead had about the same numbers as the merchant guards.


    "Damn!" Stephen broke out in a cold sweat. A single skeleton mage is weak, and with concentrated fire, they could be taken down quickly. But the worst part was the tomb''s environment. The dark elements here were abundant, allowing the mage to freely summon his minions. Looking at the numbers, this skeleton mage was probably already at second-tier, and if it advanced further, it could become a necromancer.


    "Six people intercept the skeleton soldiers, the other six go after the archers! John, come with me to deal with the mage!" Stephen wasted no time making the quickest decision. The numbers were roughly equal, but since Dane was likely a second-tier mage, the combat power was skewed in the undead''s favor.


    He knew that the weakness of mage-type enemies was their frail bodies. As long as they trapped Dane and interrupted his casting, they could finish off the other minions, focus their fire, and eliminate Dane quickly.


    Kenley shook his head in pity. Without even looking, he knew Stephen''s group was doomed. He didn''t want to be dragged into the battle, so he quickly slipped into the secret passage while Stephen was distracted by Dane.


    Everyone received their orders and began acting, but at that moment, Dane''s hands lit up with a blue glow, and icy air began to gather around them.


    "Whispering winter, the cold is coming. Freeze! Filthy intruders!" Dane immediately shot a long stream of blue ice wind toward Stephen.


    [Spell: Freeze (Second-tier)]


    [Damage: None]


    [Effect: Freezes the enemy, decreasing agility by 15 points, preventing the use of any charge-type skills below second-tier.]


    [Duration: 5 seconds.]


    For a level 12 warrior, losing 15 agility points was a death sentence! And this was an area spell with a very short casting time¡ªStephen didn''t even have time to react.


    Stephen''s charge required some distance to activate. Since he was too close to the treasure chest and too far from Dane, he didn''t get within range to charge, giving Dane plenty of time to cast.Stolen from its original source, this story is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings.


    With a sharp sound, Stephen felt his body, along with his blood, as if it were freezing. Though he didn''t take any damage, his movements became as slow as a snail.


    Freeze was also a cone-area spell, so John and the two unlucky guards behind him also got caught in it.


    "We''re done for!" The first thing Stephen thought of was how doomed they were.


    Taking advantage of the frozen state, the skeleton soldiers attacked the two guards with wild swings, and they could barely manage to defend.


    This was the downside of not wearing magic resistance or elemental resistance gear. Freezing-type spells had to be especially wary in the wild, particularly against unknown mage enemies.


    Though Stephen was a quick thinker, they were still doomed.


    "Pfft¡ª!" A gleaming iron sword pierced through one of the guards'' shoulders, and blood splattered everywhere.


    HP -17, the guard''s face turned pale, and at the same time, the slowed guard next to him was also struck.


    "Mark! Sibik!" John grew anxious. He knew those two, but now he was also slowed, so he couldn''t help.


    Meanwhile, the other guards were caught in a chaotic melee with the skeleton soldiers and archers, and they didn''t have time to turn around and assist.


    At that moment, Dane''s hands glowed red again!


    "Mother Goddess, forgive me!" Stephen couldn''t help but curse. This was a dual-element mage, how could this be fair?


    To know that the fire element is the most lethal magic in the early stages, and is a favorite of players, Stephen, being a native of the Oden continent, knew this better than anyone.


    Dane immediately conjured a fireball and chanted an incantation. The destructive power of the second-tier fireball was definitely not something these first-tier warriors could withstand.


    "Run!" Stephen immediately shouted to the soldiers behind him, who were exposed to Dane''s fireball, because Dane''s target was them.


    But it was too late!


    "Boom¡ªBoom¡ª!"


    Two massive fireballs, like merciless beasts, instantly engulfed the two guards who were still focused on the skeleton soldiers!


    HP -85!


    The two guards had only around 54 HP, and they couldn''t withstand such a powerful attack.


    "Ah, ahh¡ª!" With screams that echoed with despair, they were burned to nothing but blackened bone frames, a gruesome sight.


    Once death appeared in the crowd, fear spread like a virus. As everyone heard those screams, their attention was immediately drawn to the horrifying sight.


    But while they were stunned, the skeletal frames didn''t have the leisure to watch others die.


    Two distracted guards were immediately struck by swords, and with the interference of four fewer guards, the archers quickly got their chance and shot arrows at the two guards who were hit by the swords.


    "Ugh¡ªah¡ª!" One moment of distraction, and they were done for!


    The icy arrows pierced through their bodies, and the skeletal soldiers took advantage of the opportunity to slash open their chests, spilling blood and internal organs in a horrifying display, plunging them into a sea of fear.


    This scene scared the young guards senseless, with one collapsing to the ground in terror. However, he reacted quickly and dodged a sword strike from the skeleton soldier by rolling to the side.


    "I¡ªI''m not fighting anymore!"


    "Help! Help!" Several guards immediately turned to flee, trying to escape in the direction they had come from.


    But at that moment, two more skeletal frames entered through the front gate and blocked it, sealing off their escape!


    The skeletons they had previously looked down on now stood like two death gods, blocking their only path to safety!


    "We''re finished! We can''t get out!" Two guards backed away in terror.


    At this point, Stephen finally regained control of his body, but in the short span of five seconds, so much had happened.


    The continuous deaths had crushed their morale, and several guards were mentally breaking down. Plus, the front gate was now blocked by more guards, sealing off their escape route.


    Stephen was furious. It was all because of that sly peasant! He scanned the scene but couldn''t spot that damn guy. Perhaps he was hiding or had already fled.


    When I get out of here alive, I''ll skin him, rip out his muscles, and feed him to the dogs!


    But surviving was the most important thing now.


    "Charge!" Stephen shouted in anger, his sword thrusting into the skeleton mage''s chest, as if releasing all his fury.


    HP -31, Dane''s HP dropped by a quarter.


    Kenley narrowed his eyes. He hadn''t been able to get a good look earlier when Stephen quickly killed the two skeleton soldiers. Now he realized that Stephen was wielding a finely crafted sword.


    No wonder this guy became the leader. He had such a good piece of equipment.


    [Item: Cain Empire Military Sword]


    [Level Requirement: Level 10]


    [Class Requirement: Warrior, Berserker, Knight, Assassin, Paladin, Magic Knight]


    [Quality: Exquisite (Blue)]


    [Attributes: Physical Attack +22]


    [Gem: Strength +5]


    [Notes: Crafted by the artisans of Marlon Imperial City''s army. Reliable quality, a guarantee for soldiers'' lives.]


    Wow, it even has a Strength +5 gem! No wonder this guy could break a skeleton soldier with one strike. If he had three more hits like that, Dane would probably be dead by now.


    But things were not so simple. If it were an ordinary skeleton mage, Kenley would be considering running right now. If Stephen really killed Dane, the next person to face trouble would be him.


    However, Kenley knew well why Dane was called the first-tier killer. Don''t forget, Dane was a deceased noble mage, and he had inherited magic spells!


    Just as Stephen thought he had struck a blow, he clearly noticed that Dane was weakening. He thought he was about to kill the mage, claim the treasure, and trample on that peasant who made him grind his teeth in frustration. But then something unexpected happened!

 Chapter 6: Spoils of War 1

    "Clang¡ª!" Another strike landed, and Stephen''s grin widened. He could clearly feel Dane growing weaker.


    But Dane suddenly leaped backward, dodging Stephen''s attack, and spoke in a deep voice,"The body is but a silent, dried-up well. Let it bear all the pain, marching forward in the darkness!"


    Still spouting nonsense! Stephen''s expression turned scornful. His Charge skill was still on cooldown, so he could only sprint forward to continue his assault.


    He knew his opponent was either chanting a spell or making some kind of proclamation, but this was clearly the perfect moment to finish him off. The enemy might care about etiquette, but he didn''t have to.


    Raising his gleaming military sword, Stephen aimed straight for Dane''s skull.


    Just then, a sudden crimson light flared up from Dane''s body, as if something was about to explode.


    "Huh?!¡± Stephen was startled.


    Dane crouched low, and with a bone hand wrapped in searing flames, he slammed the ground.


    "Whoosh¡ª!"


    Fiery rings erupted from the impact, blazing outward in all directions!


    One of the guards, who was even closer to Dane than Stephen, had no time to react. The moment the fire passed under his feet, an inferno engulfed him, reducing him to ashes in an instant.


    It had begun! Once Dane''s health dropped below half, he would enter his second phase. Kenley knew this well¡ªthis was when Dane''s Signature Inherited Skill: Crimson Flame Ring activated.


    A wide-area magic skill, it scorched everything within a 30-meter radius, dealing damage equivalent to a Tier 2 Fireball to anyone caught inside!


    The tomb chamber wasn''t particularly large. Even though Dane had moved from the center, he was still within ten meters of it¡ªjust enough to cover most of the room.


    The guards, completely unprepared for such a powerful spell, were burned alive in the blink of an eye. Their agonized screams echoed through the tomb, filling it with a horrifying cacophony.


    Stephen''s face went pale with fear. Just then, his Charge skill came off cooldown. He reacted instantly, turning and dashing in the opposite direction without a second thought. He didn''t care how far the fire ring extended¡ªhis only instinct was to run.


    And as fate would have it, he was sprinting straight toward Kenley''s hiding spot.


    No! He''s going to see me! Kenley panicked. He had been watching everything unfold from a narrow gap, never expecting Stephen to flee.


    At that moment, golden light shimmered in the air around him. Experience points? What''s going on?!


    It turned out that Dane''s fire ring had incinerated his own skeleton soldiers and archers along with the enemy forces. And all their experience points went directly to Kenley.


    Kenley smacked his forehead. Damn it, I forgot! This fire ring damages allies too!


    Stephen, too focused on escaping, had no time to process what was happening behind him. After using Charge to gain some distance, he sprinted frantically toward the corner where Kenley was hiding¡ªonly to catch sight of him.


    "You filthy peasant!" Stephen roared in fury. So this bastard was hiding in that secret passage!


    Now that he had discovered the entrance, he figured he could use it too. If Kenley had been safe inside, then he would be as well. Drawing his sword, Stephen lunged, intent on killing Kenley.


    Kenley, however, had no intention of giving up his refuge. The Crimson Flame Ring is blocked by obstacles, and the passage is L-shaped¡ªso I''ll be safe in here!


    Without hesitation, he dumped all his newly earned experience points into leveling up. Ding! Level 10 reached!


    Although he was still two levels lower than Stephen, his base strength was now close enough for a fair fight.


    "Defensive Stance![Third Form]!"


    Kenley immediately assumed a defensive posture. His weapon might be a basic white-grade short sword, but as long as he had equipment, he could still activate Warrior Skills.A case of theft: this story is not rightfully on Amazon; if you spot it, report the violation.


    Clang!


    A metallic clash rang out as Stephen''s attack was perfectly deflected.


    "You''re a warrior?!" Stephen gasped, realization dawning on him.


    Now it makes sense! This peasant had lured them into a noble''s tomb¡ªit was all a trap!


    "Just figuring that out now? Too late! Look behind you.¡±


    Kenley smirked coldly. This was the same man who had planned to cut off his hands. Against these ruthless slaver guards, he had no sympathy to spare.


    In the First Age, the Tenth Cycle, the Year of Origin, slave traders were one of the most notorious professions on Aude Continent. They pillaged and plundered without mercy, hunting for young, strong, and useful captives to sell.


    It didn''t matter whether they were elves, dwarves, beastmen, humans¡ªeven the undead were not spared. The vampire princess outside was a prime example.


    At Kenley''s words, Stephen instinctively turned¡ªonly to see Dane cackling maniacally.


    Two massive fireballs hurtled straight toward him!


    "No¡ª!¡±


    Stephen''s scream was cut short as the flames engulfed him.


    Within seconds, all that remained was a pile of charred, blackened bones.


    Then, with a brittle crack, his remains crumbled into ash.


    The sight was utterly gruesome.


    Urk¡­


    Watching the guards burn to death earlier had been unsettling enough. But now, seeing Stephen reduced to ashes right before his eyes, Kenley truly grasped the horror of it all.


    This isn''t like a game, where a dead character simply vanishes into light and returns to the embrace of the Mother Goddess.


    This is real.


    The sheer realism of it hit Kenley like a hammer.


    He swallowed hard. This is too much¡­ It''s almost too real¡­


    Suddenly, he felt a gaze upon him¡ªit was the gaze of the Fallen Noble, Dane. Instinctively, he shrank back, pressing himself against the innermost part of the hidden passage, not daring to look around recklessly.


    Who knew if things worked exactly like they did in the game? What if Dane could burn him alive?


    Fortunately, Stephen had just blocked Dane''s line of sight, or else he would have definitely been discovered.


    Kenley waited patiently for a long time, straining his ears to catch any sound from Dane. As soon as the boss confirmed that all intruders were eliminated, he would surely return to his coffin to rest.


    Sure enough, Dane scanned his surroundings once more. Finding no enemies, he turned around with a series of cracking noises and made his way toward the coffin where he had first lain dormant.


    Kenley knew that sound all too well¡ªit was the sound of bones clattering as they walked. He quickly peeked out just a little, pressing himself against the wall and using the corner of his eye to observe the burial chamber.


    Dane was heading back to his coffin. The skeletal soldiers and archers that once filled the room had completely vanished, leaving behind a battlefield littered with the corpses of fallen guards¡ªa truly gruesome sight.


    Suddenly, Kenley''s eyes lit up. A gleaming sword fell to the ground¡ªit was Stephen''s Imperial Military Sword! He had just absorbed the experience left behind by the skeletons, and he had conveniently leveled up to ten, allowing him to equip the weapon.


    Not to mention, Dane had just taken three direct strikes from Stephen¡ªhe was already on the verge of collapse. If Kenley picked up that sword now, he could end this monster once and for all.


    This was an opportunity he couldn''t afford to miss!


    Kenley remembered well that if Dane made it back to his coffin, the boss would quickly regain full health upon disengagement.


    He didn''t know if reality worked the same way as the game, but he wasn''t about to take that risk.


    Swish!


    Kenley rolled out of the hidden passage, grabbed the Imperial Military Sword from the ground, and just as Dane heard the commotion and was about to turn around¡ªhe launched a charge attack!


    Crack!


    Before Dane could even turn his head, Kenley drove the sword straight through his skull!


    "Intruder¡­ you¡­¡±


    Before he could finish his sentence, the Fallen Noble, Skeletal Mage Dane, extinguished the flame of his soul and would never awaken again.


    Kenley let out a long breath of relief. That was way too close.


    At that moment, a golden light surged into his body¡ªit was the experience gained from decapitating a boss. Wow, enough to level up five times! However, Kenley wasn''t in a hurry. He decided to save that experience for later when it would be more useful.


    As he looked around at the battlefield, strewn with corpses and equipment, his hands were still trembling.


    This wasn''t like the game at all¡ªthis was a real battle of life and death.


    A single mistake could have meant his end. In the game, he could respawn, but in reality? He wasn''t willing to gamble on that. No matter how skilled he was as a player, caution was still necessary.


    Kenley closed his eyes, taking a deep breath in and slowly exhaling. He shook his head to clear his mind, trying to shake off the lingering surrealism of having taken down Dane.


    Once he fully calmed down, an overwhelming sense of joy washed over him.


    Because now, all the loot¡ªevery piece of equipment, the boss''s drops, and the treasure inside the chest¡ªbelonged to him.


    Time to loot the battlefield!


    This was a player''s favorite activity. As a creature driven by profit, Kenley knew the process all too well.


    "Ugh¡­ just a bunch of useless white-tier gear¡­ but this captain had some decent stuff.¡±


    ¡¾Refined Leather Gloves (Green Quality)¡¿


    ¡¾Refined Leather Legguards (Green Quality)¡¿


    Unfortunately, the only green-tier iron breastplate had been burned into a "damaged" state¡ªuseless unless repaired by a blacksmith.


    But those weren''t the most important finds¡ªthe boss''s loot was where the real treasures lay.


    "Huh? Only one item?¡±


    He picked it up and examined it¡ªa mage''s skill book:


    ¡¾Dane''s Runic Tome: Crimson Flame Ring¡¿


    Huh? A legacy skill? Unexpectedly, this turned out to be a rather practical ability. If he could learn it, he''d practically become an AoE machine.


    Too bad he was a warrior¡ªhe couldn''t use it!


    But that didn''t mean he couldn''t find someone else to use it¡­ like that vampire princess.


    The vampire princess was a natural dark magic user, but she also knew fire magic. If he could teach her this skill, she''d become a powerful grinding machine for leveling up.


    That would be incredibly beneficial for Kenley in the long run.

 Chapter 7: Spoils of War 2

    At first, in order to farm this legacy skill, some people had to camp for several days and trigger hundreds of attempts before finally getting a single book. He never expected his luck to be this good, getting the skill book on his first try.


    Afterward, he made his way to the treasure chest. If he remembered correctly¡­


    Kenley opened the chest, and a ghostly blue light flashed.


    "As expected, just like in the game!"


    Inside the chest was a finely crafted pair of shoes:[Noble Riding Boots¡¤Exquisite (Blue)].


    [Level Requirement: Level 10]


    [Class Requirement: None]


    [Quality: Exquisite (Blue)]


    [Attributes: Agility +10]


    [Notes: Once popular among the middle class, these noble riding boots are now outdated.]


    Just as he remembered, a level 10 blue item. Although it wasn''t a level 20 piece, in the early stages, boots with +10 agility were highly sought after by players like rangers and thieves. Additionally, the chest contained 20 silver coins.


    For elite monster dungeon runs at this level, finding a blue item in a beginner village was rare. This pair of boots was once ubiquitous during that time. As the expansions rolled out, the game opened up more and more items, and players'' gear started to diversify.


    He checked his inventory. He had picked up a few usable white-tier items, but the rest had been burned into unusable, broken gear. Captain Stephen''s equipment, on the other hand, was in decent condition, and he also found their coin pouches.


    After counting, the 14 people had a total of 82 silver coins and 10 copper coins. Kenley couldn''t help but complain. They were supposed to be a slave merchant escort team, and with over ten people, this was all they had to show for it.


    But then again, they were only level 12. Well, no point in dwelling on it. He needed to hurry back; if the merchants noticed anything odd and ran, it would be trouble.


    On the way back, Kenley checked his inventory for any other unexpected loot and, while walking, he glanced at his player interface.


    "Could it be that I can''t return to reality?" Kenley sighed softly, a bit dazed.


    Looking at the real world around him, he felt a strange sense of unreality. The fresh scent of grass, the clear sky, the beautiful forest, the crystal-clear stream¡ªeverything seemed so ethereal.


    He clearly remembered that he had died from Perron''s curse, and by all logic, he should have returned to the character selection screen.


    But why hadn''t he returned to the character selection screen? Instead, he had started over as a level 1 farmer?If you discover this tale on Amazon, be aware that it has been unlawfully taken from Royal Road. Please report it.


    Then he remembered something else. In the second expansion, after Wilke and the others sealed Perron, they disappeared from the world, never to be seen again. Oh right, the High Priest had returned to his position as the Pope, but the other three were nowhere to be found.


    Could it be that this farmer form was Wilke''s new appearance after that?


    Kenley flipped through his character screen, equipment screen, and inventory screen, layer by layer, investigating.


    At that moment, Kenley let out a soft gasp.


    His gaze fixated on the title screen. To his surprise, there was a title there, and it was the only one.


    [Reborn Sword Saint]


    This¡­


    Just as he had guessed, he was the reincarnation of the Sword Saint!


    Then he recalled the mysterious Sword Saint class-changing item he had found earlier in his inventory (from the prologue chapter). Was this some kind of joke the heavens were playing on him?


    [Effect: Swordsmanship +10%]


    Swordsmanship +10%? What did that mean? Swordsmanship could be increased by 10%? This was a first for him. As a veteran player at level 100, this was the first time he had seen an effect like this.


    Forget it, I''ll study it later. For now, let''s just equip it first.


    Back at the slave merchant''s camp, Kenley let out a sigh of relief. Fortunately, they hadn''t left yet. However, the two guards seemed to be getting impatient.


    "Hey, buddy, do you think the captain''s been gone too long? Where is he?"


    "I don''t know, maybe they''re dividing up the loot. They get the meat, and we''re left with just the soup."


    "That''s true. Last time on the East Coast, we did that big job, and yet we''re the ones left behind."


    "Yeah, tell me about it. Why don''t you go check?"


    "No way, no way. The captain would probably kill me if I did¡­"


    While the two of them were chatting, Kenley had already walked up to them with a grin on his face.


    "Weren''t you that farmer from before? Why did you come back?" One of the guards immediately noticed something was wrong.


    Kenley sneered. "The captain asked me to deliver a message to you two."


    "A message?" The two exchanged a glance, thinking the captain had brought them good news.


    "Goodbye!" The moment Kenley''s words ended, before they could react, he waved his hand, and the powerful strike of his Imperial military sword instantly slit their throats!


    Blood sprayed out like a fountain!


    Is this what killing looks like in the real world?


    Since this was Kenley''s first time killing, he didn''t expect the immediate result. Having been used to the game world, he hadn''t fully adjusted to his new reality.


    Though he had seen many people die in the tombs before, those were all by Dane''s hand, and he never felt the weight of the kills.


    But now, as he was the one doing the killing, he realized just how intense it was.


    He stared at the bodies on the ground for a while. It was thrilling, but not the excitement he had imagined. If anything, it felt more like an inexplicable heaviness. However, since he had already taken care of the entire slave merchant guard, he didn''t feel as burdened.


    After pausing for a moment, Kenley lifted his head again. What he needed to do now was deal with the remaining merchants.


    And Kenley''s change in expression was noticed by the vampire princess¡­


    "No, please don''t kill me!" At that moment, one of the slave merchants saw the scene and screamed.


    He had intended to call the two guards to check why the captain hadn''t returned, but as soon as he arrived, he saw a farmer kill two guards. Terrified, he screamed in panic.


    "This is bad! If we alarm the others, they''ll surely escape in their carriage!" Kenley immediately realized the situation was turning sour.


    Even though he had boots with +10 agility, he knew he wouldn''t be able to catch up to a carriage moving at full speed.


    Charge!


    There was no time to be stunned by the shock of his first kill. He had to quickly eliminate the enemies.


    With a swift motion, the merchant who had screamed and tried to flee was decapitated by Kenley''s sword.


    The remaining merchants were quickly drawn to the scream. Soon, they saw a blood-soaked farmer, holding a shining sword, rapidly charging toward them.


    The merchants turned pale with fear, realizing the danger, and immediately ran toward the nearest carriage, clearly attempting to escape.

 Chapter 8: Spoils of War 3

    Kenley was not about to give them a chance! His decision was swift and decisive¡ªhe didn''t go straight after the merchants, but instead sprinted toward the nearest carriage.


    With his agility-enhancing +10 equipment, Kenley moved so fast that to the merchants watching, it looked like a gust of wind.


    "He''s so fast!" one of the merchants exclaimed in surprise.


    "Stop staring, do you want to die? Get on the carriage!" another merchant swore.


    Just as they were about to board the carriage, Kenley arrived at the same time.


    "Ah!" followed by several screams. But at that moment, something unexpected happened.


    The last merchant suddenly activated a sturdy blue magical shield, protecting himself.


    Clang! Kenley''s sword was deflected by the magical barrier with a loud sound. Kenley was stunned. What kind of defensive magic was this?


    Then he realized that the merchant was the one he had seen earlier¡ªthe one wearing exquisite magical accessories.


    "Please, don,t kill me! Please don,t!" The merchant cried, huddled inside the carriage with his hands over his head, pleading desperately.


    Magical accessories? Kenley froze. This seemed to be the same merchant with the exquisite accessories from before.


    Identify!


    Damn it, there was no information at all! It seemed like he had hidden it somehow.


    The shield only lasted a few seconds before it disappeared.


    The merchant had a necklace hidden in his clothes and was shrinking back, trying to conceal it. Because the necklace was covered, Kenley couldn,t identify its properties.


    "Give me that necklace, and I promise I,ll spare you." Kenley,s gaze was cold. He was worried that this guy might try something under the protection of the accessory''s invincible defense time. He wouldn,t be able to do much if that happened. His plan was to get the necklace from him first, just in case it could also offer defense.


    "Thank you, thank you! Blessed Mother, I,ll give it to you! Please spare my life!" The merchant said, his voice filled with gratitude.


    He immediately reached into his clothes to pull out the accessory, but his movements were slow.


    Kenley feigned lowering his guard and lowered his sword, giving the merchant a false sense of safety. His main goal was to trick the merchant into handing over the accessory.


    The merchant lowered his head and slowly took the accessory out, but Kenley couldn,t see his expression clearly.


    At that moment, the merchant,s face suddenly twisted into a grimace, and he growled through clenched teeth,"Die!"


    A gleaming dagger mysteriously appeared in the merchant,s hand, and he thrust it violently toward Kenley,s heart.Stolen from Royal Road, this story should be reported if encountered on Amazon.


    Medusa''s deadly poison! The eerie glow of the dagger was something Kenley knew all too well! Where had this guy gotten a silver-tier monster''s deadly poison? If he was struck, even ten lives wouldn,t be enough to survive!


    A cold sweat broke out on Kenley,s body. But his reaction was quick. The benefit of his +10 agility came into play. He suddenly jerked his body to the side, his long-standing PK training kicking in at just the right moment to dodge the lethal thrust.


    The slave merchant,s dagger grazed past Kenley,s body, but fortunately, Kenley managed to avoid it just in time!


    Kenley immediately raised his long sword and swung it backward in a swift motion, not giving the merchant a second chance to strike! A sharp "splurt" sounded as the gush of blood sprayed like spilled ink, instantly staining the inside of the carriage, resembling a coat of vibrant oil paint.


    Seeing the merchant''s eyes widen in disbelief as he fell, Kenley was still shaken, his dilated pupils trembling slightly. If he had been a moment slower, he would have been finished. The poison from the silver-tier monster would have killed him with a mere scratch¡ªhe was only level 10, and even a graze would have been lethal!


    After calming himself for a moment, he turned his attention to the body. Kenley carefully wrapped the dagger in cloth and put it away, thinking it might be useful in the future. He then proceeded to collect and organize the corpses of the merchants, including the necklace, "Adding more stock."


    But Kenley didn''t have the mood to check the equipment''s attributes at the moment. This was a busy road, and someone could show up at any time. He needed to quickly clean up the aftermath and avoid being seen.


    Kenley''s mental fortitude was strong. Although he had just killed someone, he quickly adapted. It wasn''t that he wanted to, but his long-standing professional training told him not to stop, to avoid giving himself time to think. Moving forward kept his focus sharper.


    After briefly counting his spoils, Kenley raised an eyebrow. Merchants were indeed different. They were far wealthier than the guards he''d encountered earlier. Though they didn''t have valuable gear, they had plenty of money. Just from this merchant caravan, he had earned 460 silver coins, and with the loot from the tomb earlier, a rough estimate would put it at around 5.8 gold coins.


    If this were in a game or the previous expansions, Kenley would have been a small-time tycoon by now.


    Finally, after tidying up, Kenley turned to the prisoner carriage at the back and took a quick look¡ªInspect!


    He had rushed here earlier without a proper inspection, but now he had the time to look more closely. There was quite the assortment of slaves in the cages. The people from the royal capital really had no preferences.


    There were werewolves, pigmen, lizardmen, and more, but no humans (vampire princesses aside). The orcs were probably meant for hard labor or to be sent to the gladiator arenas for the entertainment of the nobles.


    Kenley immediately slashed through the chains of the cages. He wasn,t interested in these strange beasts. They were all low-level, low-growth creatures, weak and harmless, so he decided to give them a chance at freedom.


    The beasts saw Kenley easily take down the entire merchant caravan and didn,t dare to make any moves. After Kenley let them go, they ran into the forest without looking back. As for what trouble they might cause later, Kenley couldn,t be bothered.


    Finally, Kenley reached the vampire princess...


    Her silver hair cascaded down like a river of stars, her blood-red eyes as mesmerizing as snake-eye gemstones. She wore tattered brown cloth, and her torn garment revealed her fair skin, making her look even more alluring in her youthful thirteen or fourteen-year-old form.


    A black slave collar was tightly fastened around her neck, and her melancholic gaze followed Kenley,s every move. Her ragged attire failed to fully cover her lower body, exposing her long, white legs, while her curled-up feet showed her unease.


    She was only level 3, and from Kenley,s memory, he recalled that the lucky player had managed to level her to 99. He wondered if she could complete the transformation quest for the Golden Body.


    [Ex-Princess of the Fallen Kingdom ¡¤ Vampire ¡¤ Tia]


    [Race: Undead]


    [Level: 3]


    [HP: 12/30]


    [MP: 0/60]


    [Notes: The once glorious kingdom collapsed in an instant. The light of the church drowned in dark corridors. Who still remembers her voice?]


    Glancing at the shackles on her hands, Kenley immediately realized that the reason her MP was 0 was because the shackles were restricting her.


    He looked over to the corner and saw a dirty jar filled with what appeared to be filthy blood drained from some creature. Were they feeding her this? No wonder her HP was nearly gone¡ªthese merchants were truly heartless.

 Chapter 9: The Master-Servant Contract 1

    Kenley gazed at the princess with eyes that were a little too intense, almost as if they came from a player. The stare made Tia feel uncomfortable. Did this human have some strange fetishes?


    But only Kenley knew the true meaning behind his gaze. The vampire''s potential for growth was truly astonishing. She had 30 HP at level 3, which meant she must have had 20 HP at level 1.


    For humans, no matter if they were merchants, nobles, or from any other background, their HP at level 1 was always 10 points.


    But this princess already had 20 HP at level 1, which meant her physical growth rate was twice that of a normal human. If she continued to grow at this rate, she would certainly become a boss-level existence.


    And Tia wasn''t just a mage; she held two positions: her main class was a mage, and her secondary class was a fighter.


    "After all, she''s a special character with a title," Kenley thought to himself, impressed.


    "What is your name?" Kenley asked. Of course, he already knew her name, but if he said it directly, it would surely raise her suspicion and wariness. It was better to start fresh and be honest.


    Tia stood up. She didn''t seem the slightest bit afraid of the strange human before her. Her crimson eyes remained still, and she stood tall. She gently lifted the hem of her tattered clothes with both hands and curtsied to Kenley. It was a perfect noblewoman''s curtsy. In that moment, she seemed to have transformed back into a high-born princess:"Your Excellency, my name is Tia."


    Even though she wasn''t wearing a dress, her movements were so graceful it seemed as if she were wearing one. Kenley was immediately captivated by the beauty of this vampire princess.


    Kenley was momentarily stunned. It was just a brief moment, but it felt a little too long, and Tia''s response was quicker than his.


    She cleared her throat softly.


    The sound of her throat clearing broke Kenley''s trance, and he snapped back to attention. His face flushed with embarrassment. It was the first time he had acted so awkwardly in front of a girl.


    Although she was just an NPC... no, wait, she was a living, breathing being, not an AI.


    Kenley closed his eyes, mentally reorganizing the words he wanted to say. He lowered his head for a moment to compose himself before lifting his gaze and continuing,"Your Royal Highness¡­"


    Just as he began to speak, Kenley immediately felt something was wrong. Why did he say what was in his mind out loud? He quickly corrected himself,"Tia, is it? You may call me Kenley. I have a question for you: would you be willing to become my servant and sign a contract with me?"


    Tia wasn''t foolish. She clearly heard Kenley refer to her as a princess, which immediately sparked a hint of suspicion and wariness. But then she thought, perhaps it was her noble curtsy earlier that led Kenley to make the connection. Could it be that he guessed her identity?A case of literary theft: this tale is not rightfully on Amazon; if you see it, report the violation.


    When Kenley mentioned signing a contract with her, she immediately furrowed her brows. The young girl looked quite adorable with her furrowed brows, and her princess status only made her seem even more interesting.


    Tia was currently very weak and was certainly no match for Kenley, who was armed with a sword. Moreover, she still had shackles on her wrists and her magical power was suppressed. It seemed she had no choice. So, she turned her gaze back to Kenley...


    "Lord Kenley, are you referring to a slave contract?" In Tia''s view, what other kind of contract would humans wish to sign other than a slave contract? Her eyes immediately turned somewhat hostile toward Kenley.


    The slave contract, as the name implies, means that the life and death of the slave are entirely at the whim of the master. No matter what happens, as soon as the master dies, the slave dies as well. Therefore, the slave must go to great lengths to protect the master''s safety, or else it''s a matter of shared fortune and misfortune.


    But at that moment, an unexpected answer emerged.


    "It''s not a slave contract, it''s a master-servant contract," Kenley said aloud.


    A master-servant contract? Tia froze for a moment. How ancient is this contract? She remembered it had disappeared in the seventh year of the First Cycle. Now it was the fifth era, the first year of the Apocalypse Cycle, and that was more than four hundred years ago.


    Since the invention of the slave contract, this contract with extreme control had become widespread throughout the continent of Aode. The aristocracy had taken to it eagerly.


    Beautiful elves, seductive Medusas, and mysterious mermaids¡ªnoble tastes were never picky. The more unusual and bizarre their preferences, the more they adored it.


    The slave contract restricted the freedom of these slaves, turning the females of these exotic races into playthings for the nobles. Later, it wasn''t just the females, which is why the slave trade boomed across the continent.


    This represented the dirtiest and most evil side of the aristocracy. On the surface, they were devout followers of the Mother Goddess and the Sun God, but in reality, they were all beasts in human skin.


    Look at Tia¡ªnow you see that those beasts didn''t even spare the undead. Since the invasion of Aode by Peron, this was the first time anyone had sent a vampire to the slave market.


    But the master-servant contract was completely different. The power of the master-servant contract was far lower than that of the slave contract and was more akin to a labor contract. After the master and servant enter into the contract, the master is fully responsible for the servant''s food, clothing, and housing, while the servant must work according to the master''s demands.


    The servant cannot kill the master, and the master cannot kill the servant. Moreover, after the master''s death, the servant will regain their freedom. Compared to the cruel slave contract, this immediately seemed much more refined.


    This human, showing such kindness? Signing such an ancient and non-profitable master-servant contract with her? Tia could hardly believe it.


    "Respected Lord Kenley, could you please say that again? I didn''t quite understand," Tia still seemed somewhat puzzled, unable to believe her ears.


    Kenley repeated himself, "I want to sign a master-servant contract with you, not a slave contract."


    "Really?"


    "Really. Do you prefer a slave contract? I can change it if you''d like." Kenley said, sounding a bit irritated.


    Tia immediately became anxious and took a step forward. "No, just the master-servant contract. This is perfect!"


    Seeing Tia''s anxious expression, Kenley couldn''t help but chuckle. This princess...


    Kenley then bit his finger and unrolled a clean piece of parchment he had scavenged from a merchant, spreading it on the floor.


    As he wrote, he recited, "The Mother Goddess came to the Endless Sea, singing aloud. You are no longer an anonymous face, nor a silent shadow. You have no splendid attire, nor ordinary eyes. You were once in the embrace of the Mother Goddess, and even now, you remain in her embrace. I miss you, just as you miss me..."


    When Kenley finished writing the contract, he looked up, only to find that, at some point, Tia''s eyes had welled up with tears.

 Chapter 10: The Master-Servant Contract 2

    "Tia, what''s wrong?" Kenley asked, somewhat surprised.


    "It''s nothing, just some sand got in my eyes," Tia quickly realized her slip-up and discreetly wiped away her tears, not wanting Kenley to see.


    Would a vampire really be bothered by the wind and sand? Although Kenley secretly mocked her, he didn''t expose her.


    After all, this isn''t like the game anymore. Though she''s a vampire, she''s also a living being standing right before me. I can''t just treat her as if she''s a character from a game. Kenley couldn''t do that.


    Kenley didn''t press further but instead wrote his name on the contract:"I, Kenley, a citizen of the Kane Empire, will hereby sign this contract with Tia. As a follower of the Mother Goddess, I will abide by the rules of the contract, strictly adhere to the counsel of Sanfister, and keep in mind the admonitions of Damianel. Together with my servant who fights by my side, we shall walk the path towards the creation of miracles! Blessed be the Mother Goddess!"


    After speaking these words, Kenley breathed a sigh of relief. He was quite familiar with this, having done it countless times before.


    In the game, the developers had opened a servant system, allowing players to freely sign contracts with servants they hunted from all over the world. One of the hardest aspects was that they never simplified the steps, even after many player complaints. They simply stuck to their ways.


    Many players praised this approach, feeling that it made the game more immersive. That''s why Kenley was so adept at it.


    However, what Kenley was doing seemed completely different to Tia.


    She stared at him in shock because what Kenley had just written and recited wasn''t a standard master-servant contract, but an ancient Saint Servant Contract! This contract had been specifically created by the early Light Church to spread the worship of the Sun God. The powers and rules of this contract were far more advanced, and only bishops and priests of the Church could use it. No one else, and certainly no one outside the Church, could use such a contract.


    Who is he really? Just an ordinary peasant from the Empire? No, it can''t be that simple. If he were a peasant, how could he have such skill? He killed two guards in a single, swift strike, then effortlessly dodged a poisoned dagger aimed at him. Does he have some hidden identity that''s beyond ordinary imagination?


    The Saint Servant Contract differed from the Master-Servant Contract in several ways. While it had all the features of a Master-Servant Contract, it also had some unique advantages.


    First, a bond is established between the master and the servant, allowing either to sense the other''s location at all times. Second, the master can summon the servant at any time through the Mother Goddess, instantly teleporting them before the master. Third, there is a subspace where the servant can reside, and the master can enter this space at any time. Finally, as long as the master is alive, even if the servant is gravely injured, they will be teleported back to the subspace and can safely be revived.Did you know this story is from Royal Road? Read the official version for free and support the author.


    As a former princess of the kingdom, Tia had read many ancient documents in the towering library of spires. She knew many secrets that most nobles were unaware of.


    This is an extremely advanced contract spell. How could a mere peasant possibly learn it? She is now full of curiosity about this mysterious master who appeared so suddenly. Who is he? Why is he here? Why did he choose to sign a contract with me? The orcs he let go earlier were all strong and majestic, yet he chose me over them?


    Could it be...?


    As she thought about this, Tia''s face turned red, and she dared not think any further, fearing that the more she imagined, the more confused her thoughts would become.


    But Kenley had no idea of Tia''s wild speculations. Tia had no way of knowing that these four abilities were very common in the game. Every player had them, and if Kenley couldn''t use them, it would be better to take a piece of tofu and smash it over his head.


    "Well? Have you made up your mind?" Kenley''s voice interrupted Tia''s mental turmoil, pulling her back to reality.


    Tia''s face flushed slightly as she took a small step forward and then knelt down. She used her sharp nails to slit her thumb. As dark red blood flowed, her brows furrowed.


    As Tia wrote her name on the parchment contract, the sky suddenly showered down a golden light that bathed her in its glow.


    Although she was of the undead race, when she bathed in this light, she didn''t show any signs of rejection.


    "Is... is this the grace of the Mother Goddess?!" Tia''s eyes filled with disbelief. The Mother Goddess was so kind, no matter the race, everyone was her child, a part of her.


    However, to Kenley, this scene was quite different. He saw Tia''s health (HP) and magic points (MP) rapidly recovering. When the holy light faded, Tia was completely restored.


    This was just like the game: as soon as a servant was accepted, they would immediately recover to full health and be added to the servant list.


    He quickly opened his game interface, navigated to the "Servants" section, and soon saw a character card appear:


    ¡¾Exiled Princess ¡¤ Vampire ¡¤ Kenley''s Holy Servant ¡¤ Tia¡¿


    As expected, this was no different from the game. Now, Tia had officially become his servant.


    "Honorable Master, from now on, Tia will be your most loyal servant," she said, once again lifting her tattered clothes. Though her clothes were ragged, her graceful and refined movements were still pleasing to Kenley.


    Kenley immediately rummaged through his backpack, pulled out a rough cloth dress he had previously acquired from a slave merchant, and handed it to Tia.


    With an apologetic smile, Kenley said, "Sorry, Tia. The conditions are limited right now, so you''ll have to make do. Once we get to the Maren Imperial City, I''ll buy you a new set of clothes."


    Tia seemed somewhat surprised by Kenley''s kindness. She took the rough cloth dress, feeling somewhat uneasy, and said, "There is no such thing as lowly clothing, only eyes clouded by dust. I will deeply cherish anything you, my Master, bestow upon me. You need not waste valuable resources on your servant."


    As expected of a princess, her words were eloquent and pleasant to hear. Kenley thought to himself, growing fonder of this young woman. Who wouldn''t like someone so elegant and beautiful? His resolve to buy her new clothes grew stronger.


    Kenley nodded. "Indeed, the quality of clothing doesn''t reflect rank or worth. But if there are good things in this world and you don''t use them, isn''t that a waste? Money doesn''t come with you when you''re born, nor does it go with you when you die. What good is it to keep it? So don''t refuse; I''ll get you a beautiful outfit later."


    Upon hearing Kenley''s words, Tia''s eyes brightened. This was the first time she had heard such a novel perspective.

 Chapter 11: The Master-Servant Contract 3

    "Then, Tia thanks you, Master." She bowed once more.


    Kenley nodded. At the very least, walking alongside such a beautiful and elegant young woman was quite pleasant.


    He helped her remove the shackles and glanced at the slave collar before saying,"Unfortunately, I can''t take this off for you. It serves as an identity marker. With it, you won''t be met with hostility in the imperial city. After all, the undead aren''t exactly welcomed there."


    Tia immediately responded,"I will follow your arrangements."


    Indeed, the undead were considered part of the evil faction. Without the slave collar, if she were sent on an errand and encountered a paladin from the Church of Light or an inquisitor from the Tribunal, they would likely burn her as a heretic on sight.


    Kenley kept one clean carriage while releasing the horses from the others. Then, he set the remaining prison carts and corpses ablaze, ensuring complete destruction. Now, no one would know he was responsible.


    After all, slave caravans typically operated under an alliance. If the Slave Trade Guild found out, they might track the incident back to him. Leaving no evidence was the best course of action.


    Watching Kenley''s practiced movements, Tia''s eyes filled with curiosity."Master, was this your first time killing someone?"


    Kenley froze for a moment."How did you know?"


    Since she was already his servant, he saw no reason to hide it from her.


    Tia continued,"I''m quite curious. Master, this is clearly your first time taking a life, yet both your movements and composure resemble those of a seasoned warrior. The contradiction is too stark."


    Kenley chuckled inwardly. You wouldn''t understand¡ªbeyond this world, there exist beings called¡®players''.


    Of course, he wouldn''t say that out loud. Instead, he simply replied,"I''ve practiced some swordsmanship before."


    Tia''s eyes were filled with doubt."Just some practice?"


    Kenley nodded."Yes, just a little."


    Tia''s crimson eyes remained locked on Kenley, as if trying to see through him. She was deeply intrigued. Everything about him¡ªhis attire, his appearance¡ªmarked him as a native of Laupa Town. How could someone like him possess such skill and ability, yet be experiencing his first kill? The contradiction was simply too great, too illogical.


    But Kenley had no intention of lingering on the matter. He stood up, dusted off his hands, and turned to Tia with a perfectly executed knight''s bow.


    "Noble Princess, shall we set off together?" With one hand resting behind his back, he extended the other toward Tia, his posture slightly inclined.


    Tia unexpectedly smiled.Stolen from its original source, this story is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings.


    Kenley looked puzzled. "Why are you smiling?"


    Tia gently covered her small cherry lips with the back of her hand, but the smile on her face was unmistakable. After a brief pause, she finally spoke. "Esteemed Master, your knightly salute is... rather far from standard."


    As she spoke, she couldn''t help but laugh again. It was clear that Kenley''s gesture had been quite amusing.


    Kenley had played a Level 99 knight before, so he certainly knew how to perform a knightly salute. However, as a player, he had always been rather casual about it.


    He hadn''t expected his attempt to look utterly ridiculous in the eyes of this princess. Feeling a little awkward, he found himself in an embarrassing dilemma¡ªwhether to withdraw his outstretched hand or leave it hanging.


    Just as Kenley was hesitating, Tia stopped teasing him. Instead, she gently extended a delicate finger and lightly touched his palm.


    "Thank you, gallant knight," she said, her tone laced with amusement.


    Kenley''s face flushed red. He coughed lightly to cover his embarrassment before finally taking her hand.


    Perhaps because of her undead nature, Tia''s hand was ice-cold, entirely devoid of a living person''s warmth. However, her skin was not stiff or dry; instead, it was smooth and supple, almost like polished jade.


    Just that brief touch sent a rush of heat through Kenley. Though he had held a girl''s hand before in the real world, this was the hand of a girl from another world¡ªit felt completely different.


    Especially given Tia''s unique aura, Kenley couldn''t help but feel a ripple in his heart. His mind started to wander, filled with countless fantasies, but he quickly suppressed them, forcing himself to remain focused.


    Leading Tia to the carriage, he watched as she carefully lifted the hem of her dress and stepped onto the driver''s seat one step at a time.


    "You''re not sitting inside?" Kenley asked in surprise.


    Tia looked at him with mild astonishment. "You are my master. Driving the carriage should be the servant''s duty."


    Kenley thought for a moment and didn''t argue. Instead, with a swift motion, he climbed onto the driver''s seat as well, choosing not to sit inside either.


    "I''m a bit different. But this is fine¡ªlet''s drive the carriage together. We can chat along the way."


    With that, Kenley sat beside Tia, shoulder to shoulder.


    What an interesting master, Tia thought as she cast a curious glance at him. However, she did not object. Whatever her master wished to do was entirely his choice.


    With a flick of the reins and a command, the carriage began to move forward, the rhythmic clopping of hooves echoing through the air as they made their way toward Maren Imperial City.


    As they left the dense forest, the sky suddenly opened up before them. Rounding a bend, the carriage''s front turned northeast, and Kenley caught sight of a magnificent Sky Tower.


    At the sight of that tower, something stirred deep within him. A memory resurfaced, and he suddenly recalled¡ªif he could obtain the Golden Forbidden Fruit again and unlock reincarnation, could he return to the real world?


    The thought sent a wave of emotions surging through him, and even his breathing grew slightly erratic.


    Tia noticed the shift in his demeanor. "Master, what''s wrong?"


    Her voice snapped Kenley back to reality. He quickly emptied his mind.


    "It''s nothing¡­ I just¡­ miss home," he said, deftly steering the conversation away.


    "Home?" Tia repeated softly, her voice tinged with contemplation.


    "Yes, home." Kenley started to say more, then paused and glanced at Tia. He suddenly realized he knew very little about this young princess. After a brief hesitation, he asked, "Tia, do you still remember your family?"


    At his question, Tia fell silent. She did not answer, merely lowering her gaze as if lost in thought.


    Seeing her reluctance to respond, Kenley didn''t press further. Instead, he quietly focused on driving the carriage.


    They passed through forests, crossed streams, and rode past a breathtaking sea of flowers. Along the way, they saw countless butterflies in brilliant colors fluttering through the air.


    Kenley closed his eyes for a moment, quietly savoring this rare moment of tranquility.


    Compared to his original world, this one was far, far better.


    Perhaps¡­ staying here wouldn''t be so bad.


    The thought crept into Kenley''s mind before he could stop it. But then, he thought of Irene¡ªand his heart filled with regret.

 Chapter 12: Marlen Imperial City 1

    As the carriage slowly entered the official road leading to Marlen Imperial City, the number of pedestrians gradually increased.


    Along the way, Kenley witnessed a variety of scenes¡ªpeasants in rough linen garments walking along the roadside with their children, devout believers in ascetic robes bowing toward the Grand Cathedral of Light as they traveled, merchants in extravagant caravans showcasing their wealth, knights clad in gleaming armor atop majestic steeds, and half-elven archers draped in flowing green cloaks, their feathered hats swaying in the breeze. The diversity of travelers was endless.


    From the outside, the imperial city displayed an architectural style that was grand and imposing. Towering spires rose from the city''s center, spreading outward in a descending gradient. The massive city gates were adorned with intricately carved buttresses, and the deeply recessed ribbed arches along the walls were a masterpiece of symmetrical artistry.


    The imperial guards rarely questioned merchants, travelers, or adventurers passing through. This lenient policy was a reflection of the Kain Empire''s unwavering confidence in its own strength. Throughout the road, patrol cavalry could be seen in perfect formation, their armor polished, their steeds powerful, and their eyes filled with unwavering faith as they rode through the streets with an air of dominance.


    Clip-clop. Clip-clop. The carriage pressed onward.


    Passing beneath the grand arched gate steeped in history, the first sight that met their eyes was the smooth, gray-white flint-paved road¡ªspotless, expansive, and meticulously maintained. The streets were bustling with activity¡ªwarriors, knights, nobles, merchants, dwarves, beastmen, monks, half-elves, and even the occasional enigmatic mage in flowing robes.


    The distinctive southern Kain-style red-brick buildings lined the streets, forming a path that led straight to the Grand Cathedral of Light. There were no obstacles or unnecessary structures blocking the way¡ªan architectural hallmark of the Kain Empire, where every city was constructed with a central avenue leading directly to the cathedral upon entry.


    The carriage continued forward.


    Kenley maneuvered it along the eastern Light Avenue for a short distance before making a turn, guiding it slowly toward the left. This was the commercial district of the imperial city¡ªa place Kenley knew all too well.


    At the street corner, a flower shop stood adjacent to a quaint caf¨¦. Following the road inward, one would soon encounter a distinctive guild¡ªthe Adventurers'' Guild. Next to it stood the Saint''s Echo Inn, a favorite haunt of players, where they could rest and restore their energy or log out (as in the game, a player''s body would enter a sleep state upon logging out).


    To the south of the Adventurers'' Guild lay the blacksmith''s shop, the armor store, and a lively tavern. To the north were the tailor''s shop, the Magic Association, and an astrology parlor. To the west stood the Elven Lodge¡ªan establishment that only allowed elves and half-elven players to enter¡ªalong with an archery store. Meanwhile, Kenley''s entry point was from the east, home to two particularly special establishments: the Arcane Library and the Duke''s Bistro.


    This district held a wealth of memories for Kenley. In the game, once players reached level 20 and progressed through the main storyline, they would arrive in the imperial city, where they would spend a significant portion of their time. Whether it was completing quests, socializing with fellow players, or forming parties for expeditions, this area served as the heart of the game¡ªundoubtedly the most valuable zone in the world.This novel''s true home is a different platform. Support the author by finding it there.


    For Tia, this was her first time setting foot in Marlen Imperial City. She had once been a princess of a distant kingdom along the eastern coast, dreaming of one day visiting the capital of the Kain Empire. However, the series of events that followed had forever changed her fate. Now, she had finally reached the empire''s grand capital¡ªbut as a vampire.


    Marlun Imperial City ¡¤ Commercial District Streets


    Tia curiously looked around, her gaze flitting left and right. She was captivated by the artistic architecture and deeply admired the city''s broad-minded and inclusive atmosphere. Everything here felt fresh and new to her.


    Before arriving, she had been worried that she would be bought by some depraved noble and turned into a mere plaything. Yet, fate had taken an unexpected turn. Thanks to her master, she was now able to experience this world again, even if only as a half-free person.


    She stole a glance at Kenley, who was focused on driving the carriage. For some reason, she felt a slight fondness toward him. To be honest, she still remained wary of him. After all, she knew nothing about him¡ªnot his nature, nor his true intentions.


    Although the Holy Servant Contract had indeed altered her perception of Kenley, her past experiences reminded her not to judge a person based on appearances alone. People had many facets, and while Kenley treated her well now, who knew what the future held?


    The carriage slowly approached the entrance of the Adventurers'' Guild. However, instead of stopping, Kenley pulled the reins and redirected the carriage elsewhere.


    Tia was surprised. Just moments ago, she had thought he would stop at the guild, yet he had chosen to turn instead.


    "Master, where are we going?" she couldn''t help but ask.


    Kenley smiled slightly. "Do you remember the promise I made to you?"


    "Promise?"


    "Mhm. Don''t be impatient¡ªyou''ll find out soon enough," he said, offering no further explanation as he continued guiding the carriage forward.


    Tia grew increasingly curious. On the continent of Aude, it was common for villagers visiting the city for the first time to be wide-eyed, marveling at everything around them. Even if Kenley was a local, he was unusually calm and composed. This only deepened her suspicions about his true identity.


    From the moment they entered the imperial city, Tia had been quietly observing him. She noticed that he showed neither excitement nor curiosity toward his surroundings. He didn''t glance around, nor did he engage in idle chatter with others. His movements were purposeful, his control over the carriage smooth and practiced¡ªlike someone entirely familiar with the city.


    For someone who appeared to be only seventeen or eighteen¡ªan age where one had just recently undergone the coming-of-age ceremony¡ªhow could a simple farmer boy be so well-acquainted with the imperial city? Moreover, he had effortlessly navigated them into such a bustling district, weaving through the streets without hesitation, as if he had lived here all his life.


    Could he have been born in the imperial city? That was the only explanation Tia could come up with.


    Kenley gave the reins a slight tug, skillfully bringing the horse to a stop. Tia turned her head and saw that they had arrived in front of a tailor shop. She suddenly realized something, and warmth spread through her heart¡ªher master had truly kept his promise.


    "I told you I''d get you a beautiful new outfit," Kenley said, tilting his head slightly with a gentle smile.


    Then, he stepped down from the carriage, extending a hand in an elegant gesture to assist her in alighting.


    Though his movement was not entirely refined, it exuded a natural gentlemanly charm. Tia was taken aback¡ªhow could she, a mere servant, allow her master to personally help her down from the carriage? That was far too improper.


    Kenley might not be aware of the etiquette breach, but as a servant, she certainly was.


    "Master, this is something I should be doing for you..." she said hesitantly.

 Chapter 13: Marlen Imperial City 2

    "It''s alright. I''ve never been one to stick to conventions," Kenley said with a smile.


    Seeing his insistence, Tia didn''t argue further. Instead, she gently placed her fingertips into Kenley''s palm as he helped her down from the carriage.


    Just then, a soft scoff came from the side. Kenley turned his head and saw a young man dressed in noble attire staring at him with a look of disdain.


    "A peasant and a filthy vampire slave¡ªwhat a perfect match," the noble sneered, deliberately raising his voice as if Kenley wasn''t even worth his notice.


    Appraise!


    A glint flashed in Kenley''s eyes as the young man''s personal details appeared before him.


    [Auber Arifin]


    [Level: 8]


    [Class: Scholar]


    [Identity: Son of a Baron]


    So, just a minor noble''s son. Kenley didn''t bother acknowledging him¡ªhe had no interest in wasting time on such people. Tia''s identity was rather sensitive, and lingering on the street would only attract more unwanted attention.


    Without responding, Kenley simply led Tia into the tailor shop. But in Auber''s eyes, that look of indifference was no different from a slap to the face. A mere peasant dared to ignore him?


    Fuming, Auber completely forgot whatever business had brought him here. Instead, he immediately followed Kenley inside.


    Ting-a-ling!


    The shop''s welcome bell chimed as the door swung open, producing a crisp, pleasant sound.


    "Welcome, welcome! Esteemed guests, are you here to order custom clothing or¡ª" The tailor, Tyler, trailed off mid-sentence the moment he turned around.


    What he saw left him momentarily speechless¡ªan ordinary peasant in rough linen clothes, accompanied by an undead creature. What in the world was this?


    Kenley, however, remained unfazed by Tyler''s reaction and stated plainly,"Good day, Mr. Tyler. I''d like to order two sets of clothing."


    Tyler was taken aback. He knows my name? For a moment, he wasn''t sure how to respond. But a customer was a customer. If they dared to enter his shop, they likely had money. Keeping this in mind, he quickly restored his businesslike smile, masking the disdain in his eyes.


    "Of course, dear customer. Just let me know what you need. In all of Marlen Imperial City, there''s no design my golden scissors can''t craft," he said with a practiced grin, smoothly pulling a measuring tape from around his neck.This story has been stolen from Royal Road. If you read it on Amazon, please report it


    "Shall we start with your waist measurements?" he asked, eyes gleaming with a merchant''s interest.


    "Of course, but I''d like to see your latest designs first," Kenley said casually, as though he had visited this shop countless times before.


    Hearing this, Tyler quickly pulled out a catalog from his pocket. No matter how much money the customer had brought, a true businessman should never reveal any doubt¡ªmaintaining proper etiquette was essential in his trade.


    But just then, a sharp, mocking voice cut through the air.


    "A country bumpkin, enjoying service in a shop that tailors for nobles? Tyler, aren''t you worried about ruining your reputation?"


    At these words, Tyler immediately turned to look at the speaker¡ªit was Auber, the son of Baron Arifin. He shot a glance at Kenley, then back at Auber, and asked in confusion, "Auber, are you two together?"


    Auber let out a scornful laugh. "Tyler, are you deaf? Do I look like I would associate with this lowly peasant?"


    Kenley frowned. He hadn''t intended to stir up trouble, yet this fool had sought it out himself. Were all the nobles in the city this lacking in manners?


    Ignoring him, Kenley let Tyler take his waist measurements and responded coldly, "Tyler is renowned as the Golden Scissors of the Royal Capital, his craftsmanship unmatched. He is also one of the most devout followers of the Church of Light. Not only has he designed attire for Her Majesty the Queen, but he has also crafted the sacred cloak for the High Priest himself. When he attended the church''s sacred bestowal ceremony, it was the bishop who presided over it personally. His achievements are ones you could only ever dream of reaching in your lifetime."


    At those words, Tia looked at Kenley in shock, Auber''s face twisted in disbelief, and Tyler was the most astonished of all. He rarely spoke about his past to outsiders¡ªhow could this young man know so much about him? Had his reputation as the Golden Scissors spread beyond the capital, reaching even the countryside?


    Auber''s face turned red with embarrassment. "You¡­ you''re making this up! I grew up here¡ªI know everything about my neighbors! How could some lowly peasant know more than I do? You must be spouting nonsense!"


    The moment those words left his mouth, Tyler''s expression darkened with rage. This little brat dares to call my achievements fabricated? He really must not want to stay in this city any longer if he''s foolish enough to insult me, the Golden Scissors.


    Just as Tyler was about to speak, the doorbell suddenly chimed, announcing the arrival of a new customer.


    "It seems there are still young ones who do not know the name of Golden Scissors Tyler¡­"


    A deep, weathered voice filled the room. Though slightly hoarse, it carried a sense of solemn dignity. The moment the speaker entered, a faint floral fragrance spread through the space, refreshing and calming.


    Everyone turned their gaze toward the newcomer, revealing an elderly man clad in pristine white clerical robes, holding a silver staff. His eyes were filled with wisdom, his neatly groomed white hair complemented by a brilliant red solar mantle draped naturally over his shoulders.


    Despite his advanced age, time had left few wrinkles on his face. A gentle smile lingered at the corners of his lips, and his brown eyes shone with intellect. The hem of his robes trailed behind him like the flickering flames of the stars.


    Sacred. Compassionate. Approachable. These were the words that came to mind as the onlookers beheld him.


    He stepped through the doorway, walking toward them, and behind him followed a knight clad in gleaming silver armor. The knight was no ordinary guard¡ªhis armor, crafted from pure silver and inlaid with gold filigree, bore a golden sun emblem at the center of his breastplate. Anyone familiar with the Grand Cathedral of Light would recognize this mark¡ªit signified a Temple Paladin with the legendary Bronze Body!


    "M-Most Reverend Bishop?!" Auber stammered in shock. He had never seen the bishop visit such a small shop before. Why would he come here of all places?


    Tyler, too, was startled. He hastily set aside his work and strode forward, dropping to one knee before the bishop.


    "Holy Mother''s blessings be upon us! Your Excellency, what brings you here today?"

 Chapter 14: Marlen Imperial City 3

    Michael hurriedly helped Tyler up, just about to say something when, all of a sudden, the knight beside him seemed to go berserk. He instantly pressed his hand against the hilt of his sword, took a heavy step forward, and coldly glared at Tia.


    "Filthy undead creature!"


    Seeing that the knight was about to strike, Kenley immediately stepped forward to shield Tia."She is my servant! Sir Knight, I ask for your mercy!"


    This instinctive act instantly won Tia''s favor. She hadn''t expected Kenley to stand up for her like this. Before the bishop himself, he actually had the courage to block a knight''s sword for her.


    At that moment, Auber sneered maliciously."Honorable Sir Knight, do not listen to him. He is nothing but a lowly peasant, surely bewitched by that vampire whore. Please, Sir Knight, eliminate the vampire and save the people of the Cain Empire!"


    "That damn noble scum!" Kenley cursed inwardly. He hadn''t expected things to escalate this way¡ªhe had only shot Auber a cold glance earlier, yet Auber had responded with such venom. Kenley was filled with fury.


    Of course, he didn''t voice his anger. Instead, he quickly said,"Sir Knight, do you see the slave collar around her neck? She is my personal property, not some undead creature that has bewitched me. She will never harm anyone! By the Holy Mother above, I swear it!"


    "A race abandoned by the Holy Mother¡ªwhat right does a lowly peasant like you have to swear on her behalf?" Auber continued to fan the flames.


    Finally, Tia couldn''t stand it any longer. She spoke up,"I can prove my loyalty to my master. If I have ever bewitched him, if I have ever turned him into a slave of darkness, then I am willing to be burned at the far shore of the Mirror Lake, forever cast out from this world!"


    "A filthy undead like you dares to¡ª"


    "Enough!"


    At that moment, the bishop finally spoke. His voice was not loud, but it carried an overwhelming presence that instantly silenced everyone.


    In an instant, the situation was brought under control. The knight still gripped his sword tightly, and Auber continued to glare coldly at Kenley''s group. Only Tyler remained motionless, his eyes curiously fixed on Kenley and Tia.


    Kenley was, of course, familiar with Bishop Michael. Back when he played as a low-level paladin, he had encountered him more than once. He had always found this benevolent old man quite likable¡ªat least, that was how it was in the game.


    The bishop stepped forward and examined Tia with curiosity.


    "You just mentioned the far shore of Mirror Lake?" he asked.


    This content has been misappropriated from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere.


    Tia didn''t understand why the bishop would bring that up, but she obediently nodded.


    "That is from the Murphy version of the Holy Scripture. The Church of Light now uses the Grier version, where Mirror Lake has been renamed Dream Lake."


    The bishop was actually discussing holy scripture with a vampire. Everyone exchanged glances, their faces filled with confusion.


    "I see, I see... I apologize, Bishop, Tia was unaware. Please forgive me," Tia said as she quickly performed a standard noble curtsy to express her apology.


    Upon seeing this gesture, Michael''s eyes immediately brightened. "The royal etiquette of the East Coast! Which country from the East Coast do you hail from?"


    As expected of the well-traveled and knowledgeable bishop, he deduced Tia''s general origins simply from the etiquette.


    Tia''s eyes darkened, but she still answered truthfully, "The Kingdom of Gaefi."


    "I see... You must have been turned into an undead during the Fourth Epoch, when the Dark Lord invaded the East Coast. Poor child, may the Holy Mother share her love with you, just as she shares it with me. May the Mother''s grace bless you," Michael said, taking his silver scepter and gently tapping Tia''s shoulders. Instantly, a beam of holy light enveloped Tia.


    "Bishop..." The paladin immediately took a step closer to Michael, obviously puzzled.


    Michael raised his left hand and made a stop gesture. "I have my own judgment."


    "Understood..." The paladin stepped back.


    At that moment, Tia was completely bathed in the holy light. It felt just as serene and comforting as when she had undergone the Holy Servant ceremony with Kenley. Tia felt an overwhelming sense of calm and peace.


    Surprisingly, Tia didn''t feel any pain in the holy light but instead wore a contented expression, fully enjoying the sensation.


    "This... This is impossible... It''s supposed to be an undead... One abandoned by the Holy Mother..." Auber''s face twisted in disbelief.


    The previous paladin was also stunned, almost thinking he had seen things incorrectly.


    Only Michael and Kenley weren''t surprised. Noticing Kenley''s expression, Michael became curious about the source of his confidence but refrained from asking.


    After Tia finished receiving the holy light, Michael smiled warmly. "You are still in the embrace of the Holy Mother. Congratulations, my child. This is a small gift from me to you. I hope it can guide you in the corridors of the future."


    With that, Michael fumbled in his robe and took out something. This item made Auber''s eyes bulge out, and the tailor, Tyler, was left speechless. The paladin was even more aghast¡ªhe never imagined that the bishop would go this far for an undead.


    Tia was completely taken aback. As an undead, she had long been separated from the living, despised by the world and shunned by life itself. How could such kindness happen to her?


    It turned out that the gift Michael presented was called the "Proof of Devotion." This was a gift only truly devout followers could receive from the church. No amount of money from nobles, merchants, or adventurers could buy it; only genuine believers were worthy of such a gift.


    "Bishop, I can''t accept this!" Tia said in a panic, shrinking back awkwardly.


    "Take it, child. As Princess of Gaefi, I understand you, just as the Holy Mother understands you. I love you, just as the Mother loves you." Upon hearing this, everyone was shocked¡ªeveryone except Kenley.


    She was a princess?!


    Auber couldn''t believe it¡ªthis undead being was a princess? And she had just received a blessing from the bishop without being burned to death?


    The paladin was also shocked. He had just tried to strike down an undead who, as it turned out, had been royal in life! On the continent of Odr, even dead royalty were not to be treated lightly.


    This revelation involved the history and secrets of the human race, and at this moment, the paladin felt utterly ashamed, with no place to hide his embarrassment.

 Chapter 15: Marlen Imperial City 4

    "How did you know?" Tia looked at Archbishop Michael in surprise, then turned her gaze to Kenley. She suddenly remembered that, in the beginning, Kenley had accidentally let slip that she was a princess. Back then, she thought Kenley had merely guessed based on her mannerisms.


    But now, the Archbishop had directly referred to her identity as a princess in front of her. This made her reassess Kenley. The Archbishop must have inferred her royal background through the recent blessing, especially with the earlier question about the East Coast royals. It wasn''t hard for him to deduce the truth. But Kenley? What was his reason? What secrets is my master hiding?


    Just then, the door was pushed open, and the attention of everyone shifted as another paladin entered.


    "Archbishop, it''s almost time..." The paladin bowed slightly and then spoke.


    The Archbishop nodded and waved at the paladins behind him. He first turned to Tyler and said,"The Church needs a new design. The Feast of Blessings is the day after tomorrow; I hope it can be completed in time."


    After speaking, the paladin immediately pulled out a piece of paper from his waist and handed it to Tyler.


    "Of course, it''s my honor to serve the Church. May the Mother God''s blessing be with you." Tyler immediately gave a devout salute and took the paper.


    The Archbishop then turned his gaze back to Tia."Child, at the Lake of Dreams, the Mother God still loves you. If you are still trapped in the whirlpool of confusion, you may come to the Cathedral for answers, in my name."


    Tia was immediately flattered. This was an invitation from the Archbishop himself! But she was now a servant, having severed her wings of freedom, and everything had to be approved by her master. So, she quickly turned her gaze to Kenley.


    At that moment, Kenley...


    System:"Hidden side mission unlocked:[Princess of a Fallen Kingdom]. Would you like to accept?"


    Kenley was a bit dazed. He hadn''t expected this hidden mission to come from Archbishop Michael of the Bright Church.


    But he quickly regained his composure and accepted the mission.


    "Archbishop, your charity from the Mother God is the fortune of all beings, including myself. If Tia needs anything or is lost, I will personally bring her to the Cathedral to seek guidance. May the Mother God''s blessing be upon us," Kenley said, bowing. However, he did not perform the devout salutation but the standard church greeting.


    In the Bright Church, there were strict rules for etiquette based on status. Kenley''s current standing in the eyes of others was that of a humble peasant, a common follower under the Mother God''s grace. The only form of etiquette he could perform was the church''s greeting.


    Unauthorized usage: this tale is on Amazon without the author''s consent. Report any sightings.


    The Archbishop nodded but did not continue the conversation. Before leaving, he gave Tia one last piece of advice."Child, the Mother God will never abandon the bloodline of any hero."


    He also gave Kenley a meaningful look. After this, the Archbishop and the paladins boarded their carriage and disappeared down the street.


    "Auber! Auber!" Just after the bishop and his group had left, Tyler, furious, stormed over to Auber, grabbing his ear and saying, "You little brat, didn''t your parents teach you how to speak properly?"


    Auber quickly begged for mercy, "Uncle Tyler, I''m sorry, I''m sorry! Isn''t that enough?"


    "Go apologize to Her Highness the Princess! Do you know who you''ve offended? That''s the Golden Child, the one with the blood of heroes! Aren''t you afraid the spirits of heroes will come in your dreams tonight and make you drink your own blood!" Tyler scolded Auber, both frightening and berating him.


    "I''m sorry, I''m blind and foolish! I spoke without thinking! I shouldn''t have slandered you, I swear to the Mother Goddess! I''ll never speak carelessly again!" Auber looked utterly ridiculous at this moment, like a clown. But Kenley could clearly sense that this guy wasn''t really repenting. Just moments ago, Auber had shot Kenley a dark, resentful glance.


    Kenley was sure of it¡ªAuber probably still hadn''t learned his lesson. But why did it feel like he was aiming his resentment at Kenley?


    "Don''t just stand there, get out!" Tyler gave Auber a kick in the rear, sending him flying out of the shop.


    Kenley didn''t dare to make a scene in front of Tyler, especially since Tyler had already kicked Auber out. He decided to deal with him later.


    Kenley knew that the world of Ode was very real¡ªboth now and in the game. NPCs had not only a favorability system but also a hate system. He remembered that there had been a player who once angered a dragon knight with their words, and the AI dragon knight chased them all over the city. The player was too scared to log in for a month until the knight''s anger subsided.


    Auber''s hate for him had definitely increased, and there was a good chance he would try to do something underhanded. Plus, Auber was a native aristocrat from the imperial capital. Though he was only the son of a baron, even a small baron couldn''t be taken lightly in the royal city.


    Well, whatever schemes Auber might have, Kenley would handle them when the time came.


    However, even though Auber was kicked out of the shop, he secretly hid by the glass window outside, eavesdropping to see what this lowly commoner would do next.


    Tyler turned around and chuckled, "Apologies for the scare, esteemed guests. Don''t pay any attention to that little brat. He''s the son of Baron Arifin, a notorious fool around here. He''s not only temperamental, but also stubborn. He once designed a new set of armor for a blacksmith''s shop, but the materials he chose caused the furnace to explode, making it impossible to do business. Smith was so angry, he cursed him for days."


    Hearing Tyler talk about Auber''s antics made Kenley care less about him. People like that were a dime a dozen in the royal capital, always dreaming of becoming famous overnight. After all, heroes were the most admired and sought-after figures in this world.


    "Thank you, Mr. Tyler, for standing up for us. By the way, Mr. Tyler, would it be possible for us to have two sets of clothes made?" Kenley asked.


    "Of course, no problem! Oh, and from now on, whenever you come to my shop, I''ll give you a 30% discount! Whatever you order, it''s the same discount for everyone!" Tyler said with a smile, possibly because he had seen the Faith Token on Tia or perhaps because of her status.


    But Kenley knew that this discount was actually a result of his "talented negotiator" skill. The system had given him a 30% price reduction... Was this a coincidence, or was it destiny? Kenley couldn''t quite say.


    Kenley flipped through the clothing catalog, which was similar to the one in the game. The prices ranged around 1-2 gold coins, though there were more expensive items as well. Of course, Kenley wouldn''t need those.

 Chapter 16: Marlen Imperial City 5

    The outfits in the catalog were all pre-designed styles. Since Tyler was a magical tailor, these existing designs could be crafted instantly, meaning they only needed to wait in the shop for a short while. However, custom orders required a brand-new design, which meant scheduling an appointment and allowing time for creation¡ªit was impossible to get them right away.


    Kenley had no patience for waiting in line for a custom order. He would simply buy an existing outfit¡ªhis priority was to get rid of his current peasant attire as soon as possible. Otherwise, it would be difficult for him to carry out his tasks wherever he went.


    After all, this wasn''t the world he once knew¡­


    The catalog was quite thick, spanning over a hundred pages, offering a wide range of outfits for various professions and social classes. The prices, however, were far from cheap.


    Fashionable clothing in the game had no attributes. The official game system categorized clothing into two types: combat outfits and fashion outfits. The garments in the tailor shop were all magical fashion outfits¡ªby simply touching them, they would automatically be worn, overlaying the wearer''s combat gear for a more personalized look.


    In the game, players could switch between combat and fashion outfits with just the press of a button.


    "I''ll take this one," Kenley said, pointing at a specific design.


    Tyler glanced at it and nodded. "No problem. And what about the little princess?"


    Kenley immediately handed the catalog to Tia. She hadn''t expected him to actually buy her clothing.


    She hesitated. "Master, the clothes I''m wearing now are already quite good. There''s no need for you to¡ª"


    Before she could finish, Kenley interrupted her, "Tia, do you remember what I told you?"


    "¡­Alright, I''ll take a look first."


    Hearing the firmness in Kenley''s tone, Tia felt a warmth in her heart. It seemed her new master was truly kind. The memory of Kenley stepping in to shield her from the paladin''s attack was still fresh in her mind, further deepening her fondness for him.


    She browsed carefully, taking her time as if she were meticulously considering every option. Midway through, she suddenly looked up.


    "Master, am I making you wait too long? Perhaps you should choose for me instead?"


    The thought had just crossed her mind. She was being cautious¡ªher taste in clothing was particular, and she feared that taking too long might irritate her master.


    Seeing how she was treading so carefully, afraid of upsetting him, Kenley found her utterly endearing.


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    With a gentle smile, he reassured her, "There''s no rush, Tia. Take your time¡ªI have plenty of it. Choose what you like; I don''t mind."


    "Thank you, Master!"


    For the first time, Tia smiled sweetly. Compared to the polite smiles she had given before, this one was more genuine and charming. Kenley was momentarily stunned.


    She was breathtaking¡­


    Another twenty minutes passed. Kenley patiently waited as Tia continued her careful selection. Meanwhile, Tyler had already finished crafting Kenley''s chosen outfit.


    Tyler was about to ask Kenley to try on the outfit, but Kenley gestured for silence because Tia was caught in a dilemma.


    "What''s wrong, Tia?" Kenley asked.


    Tyler smiled slightly and tactfully stepped aside, waiting without interrupting.


    Tia seemed troubled. Upon hearing her master''s voice, she immediately looked up and inadvertently caught sight of the clock on the wall. Oh! By the Holy Mother! Had she really taken this long? How utterly impolite!


    "I''m so sorry, Master! I''ve kept you waiting again!" Tia lowered her head, her voice filled with shame.


    Kenley chuckled wryly to himself. As expected, when it came to buying clothes, girls were the same in every world, whether in his old one or this one. Having dated before, he understood this all too well¡ªbut he didn''t blame Tia.


    "It''s fine. Just tell me, what''s troubling you?" Kenley asked patiently in a gentle tone.


    Tia immediately smiled sweetly, raising the clothing catalog in her hands. Her slender fingers delicately held the middle of the book, purposefully leaving two pages open.


    "Master, I can''t decide between the linen silver-floral gown and the linen elven-leaf gown¡­"


    Kenley took a closer look. Both were under one gold coin¡ªsome of the cheapest dresses available. Finding something this affordable at Golden Scissors was quite rare. How had he not noticed before?


    So, she was trying to save him money¡­ Kenley felt a pang of sympathy for the girl.


    But these linen dresses, if taken to a rural town, would still be considered upper-middle-class attire. After all, Golden Scissors didn''t deal in common goods.


    Kenley took the catalog from her hands, firmly closed those two pages, and then swiftly flipped through a large section.


    "Pick anything from here to here," he said, handing the catalog back to Tia without giving her a chance to protest.


    Tia glanced down and immediately trembled. Oh heavens! He was letting her choose from the three-gold-coin price range?! She was just a servant¡ªwas it really okay for him to spend so much on her?


    "Master, isn''t this too much¡­?"


    On the continent of Od, an average farming family earned only 80 silver coins a year¡ªit would take them ten years to earn eight gold coins. Though Tia was once of royal blood, she still understood this basic fact. But Kenley was a mere farmer¡ªwhere did he get so much money? She cast him another glance, her curiosity about this enigmatic master growing stronger. (Note: Tia hadn''t witnessed Kenley looting wealth from the slaver and the guards, nor had she considered the possibility.)


    Kenley, however, was secretly amused. He had just gotten a fortune from the slaver and the guards, and right now, he had exactly 5.8 gold coins on him. Buying two outfits was nothing.


    Besides, in the later stages of the game, powerful equipment and gems would cost thousands¡ªno, tens of thousands of gold coins. Compared to that, these few coins for clothing were a mere drop in the ocean.


    Most importantly, as a player, he had endless ways to make money¡ªestablishing territories, raiding dungeons, completing quests. If he was going to be stingy over a single dress, he might as well renounce his status as a player.


    Kenley patted Tia''s shoulder lightly and said, "Don''t worry. I''m never stingy with those who follow me."


    That was the truth. Back in the guild, everyone called him "Big Bro" out of respect. Whenever rare loot dropped, he often distributed it among his guildmates, earning him great popularity.


    Tia''s fair cheeks flushed slightly. What did he mean by "those who follow me"? Honestly, this master really had no sense of restraint¡­

 Chapter 17: A New Look 1

    Tia, being a girl, found it a little awkward when Kenley patted her shoulder in a brotherly manner. She wasn''t quite used to such gestures, which made her feel a bit shy.


    "Then¡­ thank you, Master," Tia said softly, her face tinged with a rosy blush, clearly a little embarrassed.


    Following Kenley''s request, Tia began flipping through the catalog. As expected, when it came to high-class fashion, making a decision wasn''t difficult. She quickly found her choices.


    "Master, look here. Between these two, which one do you prefer?" Tia pointed to two dresses.


    "Let me see¡­"


    ¡¾Mandora¡¤ Summer Night¡¿


    ¡¾White Rose¡¤ Black Thorn¡¿


    As someone who had accompanied girls on shopping trips before, Kenley knew from experience that when a girl asked a guy which outfit he preferred, she usually already had an answer in mind. She was just giving him the illusion of making the decision.


    This was tricky¡ªboth dresses were beautiful. Which one should he choose¡­?


    Seeing Kenley''s hesitation, Tyler suddenly clapped his hands and grinned."Honored guest, if you''re unsure, I have a suggestion."


    "Let''s hear it," Kenley said.


    "Both of you, please look this way." Tyler gestured and led them to a large mirror.


    Wait a minute¡­ Kenley suddenly realized something.


    In past games, players could use the interface to preview outfits instantly, without physically changing clothes. NPCs, however, didn''t have such a convenient function. They relied on enchanted mirrors to try on clothes. If not for Tyler, Kenley might have completely forgotten about this feature.


    "Princess, please step in front of the mirror," Tyler said, his voice full of anticipation.


    Tia nodded obediently, her light footsteps bringing her before the full-length mirror. The moment she stood in front of it, Tyler pulled out a magic wand and tapped the mirror''s surface.


    A soft sound like water droplets rippling on a pond echoed through the air.


    Drip¡­


    Tia''s eyes widened in astonishment as a breathtaking scene unfolded before her.


    The polished mahogany mirror reflected the image of a stunning young woman. Silken silver hair cascaded behind her like waves of moonlight, a delicate contrast to the black velvet ribbon tied into an elegant bow at the back of her head. A white ruffled headband framed her lustrous locks, perfectly complementing her ethereal beauty.


    The black-thorn-trimmed bodice revealed her alluring collarbones and smooth shoulders, while a neatly tied black ribbon rested at the base of her neck. The pure white gown flared into a lovely bell shape, the knee-length hem swaying slightly, revealing her slender legs. Black ribbons adorned the skirt, decorated with delicate flowers of an unknown name.


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    She stood there quietly, eyes filled with amazement at her own reflection, as if a new chapter of her story¡ªone she had never imagined¡ªwas about to begin.


    The Fallen Princess of a Vanished Kingdom¡ªVampire Tia.


    "This is¡­ me?" Tia murmured, still struggling to process what she saw.


    Kenley was utterly stunned. The saying "clothes make the man" had never felt more accurate than at this moment.


    Tyler was just as mesmerized, gazing at Tia in the mirror as if he were beholding the most exquisite masterpiece ever created. His wide eyes betrayed his sheer awe.


    Outside the shop, Auber, who had been secretly watching, was also captivated. In that instant, it was as if he had discovered the rarest treasure in the world. A single thought echoed in his mind:


    "I must have her. I must have her... I must..."


    The air grew still, the silence so profound that the only sounds in the shop were the quiet breaths of those present.


    Then, someone cleared their throat softly, breaking the spell and pulling everyone back to reality.


    "White Rose, is it? Let''s go with this one." Kenley was completely shaken by the sight before him. So this is the elegance of a princess¡­? He had to admit¡ªthis was probably the most beautiful NPC he had ever seen in the game. No¡­ not an NPC. A real, living being.


    "Have you made your decision?" Tyler clapped his hands lightly.


    Kenley glanced at Tia once more, only to find her looking back at him at the same time. Their eyes met, and for some reason, Kenley''s heart skipped a beat. Feeling a sudden heat rise to his face, he quickly turned his gaze away. "Yes! I''ve decided!"


    With Kenley''s decision made, Tyler immediately got to work. Since it was an existing design, the tailoring process was swift. And with Tyler being a magical tailor, this kind of work was practically effortless for him.


    "All done, my esteemed guests," Tyler announced cheerfully.


    "How much?" Kenley reached into his pocket, ready to pull out some gold coins.


    "Two gold coins!"


    "Wait¡ªhow much? Did I hear that right?" Kenley froze. His own outfit was worth at least two gold coins, and Tia''s was undoubtedly even more expensive¡ªat least three. Yet, Tyler was only asking for two in total? Was there some kind of hidden catch?


    "Honored guest, you heard correctly. Just two."


    "Why?" Kenley asked suspiciously.


    "Because this noble little princess is simply too beautiful," Tyler beamed. "I''d love to invite her to be a model for my Golden Scissors Boutique. Would you be willing to grant your approval?"


    Just then, a system notification popped up:


    [Side Quest Received: "Tyler''s Living Doll." Accept?]


    Kenley felt his mind go numb.


    ------


    By the time Kenley and Tia stepped out of the shop, both had undergone a complete transformation.


    Tia, who had once been dressed in a plain, coarse-fabric dress, now radiated the elegance of royalty, as if she had returned to the era of her lost kingdom.


    Kenley, on the other hand, had changed into a typical mid-tier Southern gentleman''s ensemble. A brown-gray short jacket layered under a trench coat, a white floral cravat tied neatly at his neck, and flared cuffs that added a subtle aristocratic flair.


    To be honest, Kenley had never cared much about what he wore. As long as his outfit wasn''t too flashy or too shabby, he was fine with something understated¡ªsomething that wouldn''t attract too much attention or spark jealousy. This was the perfect balance.


    For players like him, appearance was secondary. The true focus was always on the strength of one''s gear and the difference in abilities¡ªunless, of course, they belonged to the fashion-conscious crowd or the scenic-exploration enthusiasts.


    After all, Kenley had only been in this world for less than a day. He still hadn''t fully adjusted to his new reality.


    "Master, you look quite amusing like this," Tia suddenly commented.


    "Amusing?" Kenley blinked.


    "Mhm. From a distance, you look like a nobleman, but up close, you seem completely out of place among the aristocracy. This contradiction is quite amusing."


    "Then¡­ do I look good? Honestly?" Kenley wiped a bead of sweat from his forehead. Truth be told, he never paid much attention to his own fashion sense.

 Chapter 18: A New Look 2

    Tia thought for a moment before answering,"Master looks good in anything."


    Kenley couldn''t help but wonder: Why had Tia suddenly become so charming with her words? Was she trying to flatter him because he was her master? He couldn''t help but think this with a hint of suspicion.


    Suddenly, a thought flashed through his mind¡ªwhat if the outfit had some attributes? In the past, when he played the game, outfits didn''t provide any stat boosts, and they only offered cosmetic effects like glowing effects or skin changes, but they had no impact on combat.


    But now he was in the real world. What if they did have effects?


    When Kenley opened the outfit interface, his eyes widened in disbelief, and he even rubbed his eyes, thinking he was seeing things.


    No way. Could it really have an attribute boost? In the past, outfits in the game never increased charm, so Kenley was genuinely shocked.


    [Strength Style¡¤ Brown Bear]


    [Charm +15]


    Note: Typical attire for Southern nobles of the Kane Empire, designed with the art of the Duchy of Kurze. This style is most favored by Southern merchants and middle-tier nobles.


    Kenley quickly checked his total attributes. His charm was now 50 + 35 (Grace). Could it really increase?


    He then opened the servant interface to check Tia''s charm.


    150 + 30 (Enchanting)!


    Kenley vaguely remembered that the game didn''t disclose the exact formula for charm, but players had tested that the maximum charm value could only reach 200 (Captivating), and it was incredibly hard to increase charm in the game.


    But in the real world, it seemed different. What was going on here? Was this world completely different from what he had imagined? Kenley began to ponder.


    Moreover, Kenley recalled that in the game, dark creatures like vampires and succubi could use charm spells on players, and if the target''s charm was lower than theirs, they would most likely fall under the spell. Once charmed, the player would lose control of their body and be compelled to walk toward the charmer.


    With Tia''s high charm value, combined with her being a vampire, she must have charm-related magic. If she used her charm at the right moment¡ªwell, that could be incredibly effective.


    "Tia, wait for me for a moment," Kenley said, quickly heading back to the tailor''s shop.


    However, after a while, he came back out with a dark expression.


    Tyler''s shop was already the best in the imperial capital, and the outfit Tia had chosen was the one with the highest charm value in the store¡ªthere was no better option available.


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    As expected, just like in the game, increasing charm was incredibly difficult. Kenley knew there were items that could boost charm, but he wasn''t sure if the real world had the same mechanics.


    Well, he decided to take things one step at a time.


    Watching Kenley come and go, then walk out with a frown, Tia looked at him curiously.


    "Master, what happened?"


    Kenley shook his head, trying to clear his mind. There were more important things to handle right now.


    "It''s nothing. I just suddenly remembered something I forgot to bring, but it turns out I didn''t forget anything. Let''s go." After saying that, Kenley led Tia back into the carriage, heading toward the Adventurers'' Guild.


    At that moment, with Tia¡ªsuch a stunning, enchanting princess¡ªby his side, Kenley quickly became the center of attention. A mid-tier nobleman was walking around with such a striking beauty; it was impossible not to draw eyes.


    As soon as they stepped into the Adventurers'' Guild, a large group of male adventurers immediately focused their heated gazes on Tia.


    "Hey, hey, look, it''s an undead!"


    "My goddess, it''s real! But¡­ she''s so beautiful!"


    "I can''t believe it, such a beautiful undead, and it looks like a slave! How come something this good didn''t happen to me? So frustrating!"


    "Wait a minute, did you see that? That undead has the Mark of Devotion!"


    "An undead with that? Am I seeing things?"


    The Mark of Devotion was engraved on the back of Tia''s hand. It was a symbol of status, an insignia that could not be desecrated.


    And this was in the capital of Marlen, right under the watchful eyes of the Church of Light. No one would dare to forge the Mark of Devotion, unless they were seeking death.


    Shocked, amazed, doubtful, jealous, curious¡ªeyes filled with various emotions were cast upon her. Feeling the gazes surrounding her, Tia, who had always been calm, for the first time felt uneasy.


    Kenley, however, paid no attention at all. He had long been accustomed to the attention and was unfazed by such scenes. After all, he was a world champion.


    "I want to sign a contract and become an adventurer." Slap! Kenley walked up to the front desk of the Adventurers'' Guild and slapped his hand on the counter, startling the receptionist who had been staring at Tia in a daze.


    "Oh, oh! Hello! This is the headquarters of the Southern Adventurers'' Guild in the Marlen Imperial City. May I have your name, class, and rank?" The receptionist snapped back to reality, though his eyes kept glancing at Tia.


    Kenley inwardly sighed. Indeed, having too much charm wasn''t necessarily a good thing.


    "Kenley, warrior, first rank," Kenley said.


    "Alright, please write your name here. The registration fee is 50 silver coins." As the receptionist spoke, he pulled a parchment contract from a drawer and laid it on the table.


    Kenley didn''t hesitate and quickly signed his name on the parchment. The process was swift, with no obstacles. Kenley had done this countless times before and knew the procedure by heart.


    Once the contract was complete, a tattoo-like adventurer''s mark appeared on the back of Kenley''s hand, signifying his identity as an adventurer.


    "By the way, there''s her too. Please help her sign the adventurer''s contract as well," Kenley said, pushing Tia forward.


    "Of course. May I have her name, class, and rank?" The receptionist was momentarily stunned but quickly focused on the desk, trying not to look at Tia because she was so beautiful he couldn''t take his eyes off her.


    Although she was a servant, in both the game and the real world, she was still eligible to sign an adventurer''s contract. In the game, however, each player could only take one servant into a dungeon at a time. He wasn''t sure if the same rule applied in the real world.


    "Tia, mage, rank 0."


    Tia stepped forward, gracefully extended her fair hand to take the pen, and wrote her name. In no time, an adventurer''s mark appeared on the back of her hand as well.


    Once the entire process was complete, Kenley glanced at the notice board beside the reception desk and said with a smile, "I''d like to inquire, are there any special tasks available recently? I''d like to give them a try."

 Chapter 19: A New Look 3

    "Special tasks?" The receptionist was momentarily stunned.


    Kenley was well aware that the Adventurer''s Guild periodically released special tasks, with different tasks being assigned based on the player''s current rank. These tasks might seem no different from regular ones on the surface, but they often came with a few special conditions:


    Random drops of high or low-level treasures.Triggering hidden storylines.Unlocking special dungeons.


    This was one of the most amazing aspects of the continent of Aude. According to official sources, Aude was a living world. Changes occurred in the game every month¡ªthe nations changed, people changed, and storylines evolved. Many hidden quests were unique, something no previous MMORPG dared to achieve.


    Moreover, the world would update its main storyline based on the direction the current plot was taking. Each player''s storyline could differ, but they would generally converge in certain cities, such as the Marlen Imperial City in the Cain Empire.


    In addition, the developers preserved all the main storylines from past expansions, allowing both old and new players to experience them through saved game files. This meant the game was both an MMORPG and a single-player game, allowing players to enjoy it however they liked. This feature was widely appreciated by players, which is why the game attracted so many fans of both scenic exploration and narrative-driven content.


    Kenley then added,"You know, the kind of task... you get it... heh heh."


    System:"[Genius Negotiator] Triggered. Special task channel opened."


    "Oh!" The receptionist''s eyes lit up as if he understood, but before speaking, he covertly glanced at Tia. Finally, he leaned closer to Kenley and whispered,"Don''t tell anyone I told you, but there''s a task at the blacksmith''s shop, Smith. You can go try it."


    "Thanks!" Kenley immediately smiled and slipped a 10-silver coin tip into the receptionist''s hand. The receptionist, seeing this, pretended to cough a few times and casually tucked the tip into his sleeve.


    After receiving the tip, the receptionist quickly crouched down, found a rolled-up task document in the drawer beneath the desk, and handed it to Kenley.


    Kenley, of course, didn''t hesitate. He took the document and added it to his bag.


    "Let''s go."


    Kenley then led Tia out of the guild, disappearing from view amidst the distant howls of wild wolves.


    "Master, is this your first time at the Adventurer''s Guild?" Tia asked, curious, as she followed Kenley.


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    Kenley seemed incredibly familiar with the city, almost like a long-time resident. He knew the routes, the people, the locations, and the functions of various places¡ªhe seemed to know everything. Could a simple farmer really have such experience? Tia couldn''t believe it. However, Kenley''s age couldn''t deceive her, as she had clearly seen that Kenley had written"18 years old" when signing the adventurer contract earlier.


    "Yeah, what''s wrong?" Kenley replied casually, walking with an air of ease, as if nothing in the world could bother him. His carefree attitude made Tia feel a surge of envy. She was incredibly curious about this mysterious master of hers, wondering what kind of identity and experiences he had in the past. He seemed like a book filled with secrets, one that could never be understood but was impossible to stop reading.


    "Nothing..." In the end, Tia couldn''t bring herself to ask. As a servant, she had neither the qualifications nor the right to question her master''s every action. She only needed to obey his will.


    Kenley, of course, could sense Tia''s curiosity and doubt about his identity. He wasn''t planning to explain himself. This was one of the advantages of being a player in this world. Perhaps one day, he would be unable to resist explaining, but certainly not now. At the moment, he was focused on planning a new adventure¡ªa journey that would help him grow and level up. He was determined to take Tia along as they explored this world.


    Besides, he hadn''t lied. This was indeed his first time visiting the Adventurer''s Guild in this world since his reincarnation. But compared to ordinary people, he understood more about the world''s mechanics and rules.


    If he had a goal, it would be to reach the 180th floor of the Golden Forbidden Hall: Heart of the World. According to official announcements, there was a god there, along with the strongest boss in the world. As a professional player, what could be more fulfilling than taking on a god-level boss? Moreover, before his reincarnation to Aude, the game hadn''t even reached the 180th floor yet.


    What intrigued Kenley was that, even though the 180th floor hadn''t been completed in the game, he had reincarnated into this world. Did that mean a boss was already waiting for him on that floor? What would that mean for him?


    Suddenly, Kenley asked, "Tia, do you have any dreams you want to achieve in life?"


    "Dreams?" Tia was slightly stunned. It was the first time her master had asked her about dreams. She hesitated for a moment, wondering if he was testing her loyalty. Then she responded, "My master''s dream is also my dream. I don''t have any dreams of my own."


    At these words, Kenley''s cheerful steps immediately halted, and he was one step ahead of Tia, just enough for her not to see his expression.


    After a moment, Tia heard her master speak in a tone she had never heard before, saying, "A person can live without dreams, but they cannot live without faith. Tia, what is your faith?"


    "My faith?" Tia was once again stunned.


    "Then what is your faith, Master?" she couldn''t help but ask.


    "My faith? To defeat the gods!" Kenley suddenly turned around, his voice full of vigor. It was as though there were no obstacles in his words, and he answered without hesitation.


    "Defeat the gods?" Tia looked at her master in disbelief. If a street thug had said such a thing, Tia would surely think of him as a madman or a fool.


    But her master was different. He was too mysterious and confident. When he said those words, it sounded as though it was only natural. The mysterious servant contract, his profound knowledge of Tyler''s past, and how he seemed so familiar with the Adventurer''s Guild even though it was his first time¡ªit all added layers to the enigmatic aura that surrounded Kenley.


    Perhaps, as he said, he really could defeat the gods. But then, Tia couldn''t help but smile inwardly. What was she thinking? If gods were that easy to defeat, there wouldn''t be so many heroes buried in foreign lands.

 Chapter 20: The Heavy Hammer 1

    "Master, where are we going?" Tia clearly remembered that the task Kenley had just received was to go to the blacksmith''s shop, but now they had ended up at a tavern.


    As soon as they entered the tavern, a wave of attention was immediately drawn to them. The tavern was full of all sorts of people¡ªOrcs, Half-Orcs, Humans, Half-Elves, Dwarves¡ªbut Kenley and Tia''s appearance immediately caught the eye of everyone present.


    Kenley didn''t mind at all. In Marlen Imperial City, which boasted the best security in the entire continent, no one dared to stir trouble in the Imperial City. You could provoke people, curse them, but if you actually tried to fight here¡ªwell, you''d soon experience a "friendly greeting" from the Dragon Knights.


    Especially in a tavern like this, which was under the watchful eye of the military. Knights with swords at their waists often patrolled here.


    "Bring me two barrels of the strongest wine!" Kenley slapped a gold coin onto the table.


    Tia was puzzled by her master''s behavior. Why did they come to buy wine? Could it be that her master liked to drink? But the strongest wines weren''t something just anyone could handle, were they?


    Moreover, he casually threw down a gold coin. It seemed like her master''s money was endless. He wasn''t a noble, nor did he have any land¡ªwhere did he get so much money from?


    Tia still remembered her past life''s experiences. Every time her kingdom held a banquet, the ministers who loved to drink strong liquor were often the ones who ended up vomiting everywhere, with some even vomiting blood. Looking at Kenley''s build, he didn''t seem like someone who could handle such strong liquor.


    "Here''s the wine you asked for, customer." The bartender grinned, revealing a mouthful of yellowed teeth, and placed two barrels of wine on the counter. His gaze was filled with disdain, as if saying,"I don''t know if you can handle it."


    But Kenley paid no attention to the looks around him and didn''t explain. He simply grabbed the wine and walked out, with Tia following closely behind. What Kenley didn''t notice was that a pair of predatory eyes were secretly watching him in the tavern and had begun to follow him.


    Kenley then took Tia to the blacksmith''s shop. As soon as they arrived, they were greeted by a lively scene: an old man with a white beard, wearing a pair of large, soot-blackened leather gloves, was swinging a massive hammer, relentlessly striking an iron sword in its early stages of shaping.


    Beside him, a young apprentice was working the bellows, sweating profusely as he provided air to the forge. The flickering flames cast an orange glow throughout the blacksmith''s shop.


    But Kenley''s attention was fixed on the old dwarf, for he had come prepared.


    [Heavy Hammer¡¤ Smith]


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    Level: 50


    Class: Blacksmith


    Note: One of the eight famous blacksmiths in the Imperial City. He once forged the legendary sword Taiyi: Elven Dance of the Spirits for the Elven race. The Elven King once commented:"No one can escape from the brilliance of Taiyi. Smith created such a miracle."


    The saying "The greatest hermits hide within the city¡± might well apply to an old man like Smith. Dwarves had long lifespans, and Kenley recalled first encountering him back during the first expansion (Third Era) of the game. He had seen him again just before his reincarnation (Fifth Era).


    "Raden, you lazy stick of a man! Even the donkey that grinds flour works harder than you! If you move any slower, tonight you''ll be eating Stark''s horse feed and drinking his horse urine!" Smith suddenly turned around and glared at his apprentice.


    "Mr. Smith, I really am trying my best," Raden protested repeatedly.


    "Don''t think I don''t remember that your mother, old and over fifty, came to me with a basket of bread begging me to take you in. Otherwise, I would have kicked you out of my shop long ago!" Smith glared at him, harshly reminding him.


    At this moment, Kenley entered. Seeing a customer, Smith''s tone softened slightly, but the anger from earlier had not quite dissipated. "Are you here to craft equipment or to embed some gems?"


    Kenley wasn''t upset at all. He knew Smith''s temperament. When he was still playing the game, he had received a mission to help Smith''s brother, Stark, steal a barrel of Smith''s wine. As a result, this old man had sent an entire Elven ranger squad to hunt him down. Kenley had joked at the time, "For one barrel of wine, really?"


    So, Kenley had no intention of angering this old dwarf. Smith was a man with some serious connections. The Elves had a long-standing, permanent alliance with Smith. Whenever he had difficulties, the Elves would go to great lengths to help him.


    In Marlen Imperial City, Smith was a figure not to be trifled with. Even the royal family would show great respect when they wanted him to forge equipment.


    Kenley grinned. "Smith, guess what I brought for you?"


    With that, Kenley placed the two barrels of wine on Smith''s table. Smith''s eyes immediately brightened, but he quickly regained his composure. "Kid, I don''t know who you are. How did you know I like the Battle Axe''s Fire Brew?"


    Tia immediately understood. Her master had bought the expensive liquor for the old dwarf blacksmith.


    But Kenley had just taken a job and hadn''t completed it yet to collect his reward, yet he had already spent a large sum of money. This behavior confused Tia.


    Her master certainly had a unique way of doing things...


    Kenley, of course, knew exactly what Smith liked to drink and also knew that Smith had three old lovers! And to make it even worse, all three of them were the wives of his brothers! That was enough to completely shatter Kenley''s worldview. Smith certainly had the potential to be a legendary stud.


    Kenley chuckled. "Mr. Smith, Lady Lytalia asked me to bring you..."


    Before Kenley could finish, Smith suddenly panicked. He quickly rushed over to Kenley and shoved his dirty glove over Kenley''s mouth to silence him.


    Seeing Smith''s nervous reaction, Kenley couldn''t help but laugh inwardly. Lytalia was one of Smith''s three lovers, and she was also Stark''s wife. Kenley realized that Smith was afraid of being found out about his relationship with Lytalia. He immediately dragged Kenley to one side and whispered urgently, "What does Lytalia want with me? What''s going on?"


    Seeing Smith so flustered yet still so concerned, Kenley responded, "Lytalia said that the boots you bought her the other day were too small. They didn''t fit, and she wants you to order a new pair for her."


    "Is that all? Nothing else?" Smith asked.


    "Yes, that''s it. Nothing more," Kenley said casually.


    Smith immediately let out a sigh of relief, thinking that Stark hadn''t discovered his relationship with Lytalia, and that Lytalia had just sent this young man with a simple message.

 Chapter 21: The Heavy Hammer 2

    Smith had always been extremely cautious, and he made sure that Lytalia was just as careful. They never met in public unless it was either in secret rendezvous or openly in the presence of his brother.


    That was precisely why he had found it suspicious that Lytalia would send a random young man to deliver a message. Under normal circumstances, she would never use such a method to communicate with him.


    At last, he let out a sigh of relief, but then something seemed to dawn on him."Wait a minute¡ªyou know Lytalia?"


    Kenley shrugged."I don''t know her. I just happened to run into her at the farmers'' market twenty minutes ago, and she asked me to pass the message. So, I went out of my way to find you."


    "Pfft!" Tia finally couldn''t hold it in anymore and let out a laugh. Her master was such a skilled actor¡ªjust moments ago, he had been at the tailor shop ordering clothes for himself, yet now he was claiming to have been at the farmers'' market twenty minutes ago? He spoke so convincingly that even Tia nearly believed him.


    Hearing the laugh, Smith''s attention shifted to Tia, but the moment he got a good look at her, his eyes widened."An Undead!"


    Then, as if realizing something, he turned back to Kenley."Is she your Holy Servant?"


    Kenley was momentarily taken aback. Smith could actually tell she was a Holy Servant¡­ As expected, the older, the wiser. This dwarf was no ordinary blacksmith. Suddenly, Kenley recalled the Archbishop''s meaningful glance before he left. Could it be that the Archbishop, like Smith, had also realized he was using a Holy Servant Contract? Was that why he deduced Tia''s identity and ultimately gave him the Token of Devout Faith?


    "What''s the matter? Is there a problem?" Kenley''s eyes swept around cautiously. Fortunately, the passersby were too preoccupied with their own affairs to pay attention to their conversation. He exhaled in relief.


    However, someone had overheard their exchange. The moment Kenley''s gaze swept over, the figure quickly shrank back, vanishing into the crowd.


    Smith merely chuckled."No problem. I''m just a little moved. After all these years, there are still people who know how to use this contract."


    He didn''t press further about the contract, seemingly uninterested in continuing the discussion. What concerned him more was the real reason for Kenley''s visit. Kenley still hadn''t explained those two barrels of wine. Well, considering that he had just delivered a message from his old flame, Smith decided to offer him a 30% discount.


    Of course, Kenley had no idea what Smith was thinking. Instead, he pulled out a scroll from his sleeve and said,"I heard from the receptionist at the Adventurers'' Guild that you might have some tasks that are difficult to handle. So, I thought I''d come and give it a try."


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    "Oh?" Smith took the scroll and examined it. The Adventurers'' Guild seal was indeed authentic. He then handed it back.


    "This way," he said, nodding toward Kenley before opening the shop door and leading the two of them inside.


    Kenley, of course, didn''t forget about the two barrels of wine. He quickly picked them up and followed behind.


    Smith closed the door and led the two of them to sit at the table in the center of the living room. Only then did he solemnly say to Kenley,"I''m in trouble."


    What kind of trouble could make an old veteran like Smith frown? Who was he? He was the master who forged the legendary weapon Taiyi¡ªeven royalty had to treat him with respect. What kind of problem could possibly stump him?


    Yet, this only made Kenley''s heart race. Smith''s status was anything but ordinary. If he was issuing a request, it might very well be a legendary quest. That thought alone was enough to stir some excitement within Kenley.


    "Can you explain in detail? Oh, and let me make this clear first¡ªI''m at First Tier. I won''t accept anything beyond that level," Kenley reminded him immediately. While he was certainly tempted, he wasn''t reckless. He wasn''t some hot-headed fool who took on quests without thinking.


    Adventurers on the Aude Continent were deeply bound by the spirit of contracts¡ªeither you refused a task, or once you accepted, you had to see it through to the end. That was the most basic principle of being an adventurer. If someone took on a quest beyond their ability, they''d have no choice but to complete it, even if it meant risking their life.


    This wasn''t a game. In a game, a player could die and respawn, but Kenley wasn''t sure if he would be able to come back after death. He wasn''t about to gamble his life on a quest.


    Smith scratched his head awkwardly and chuckled."Actually, the task isn''t difficult. Even you can do it. I just can''t hand this over to just anyone. Since you helped Lytalia deliver a message today, I figured I could trust you."


    It was true¡ªeverything Kenley had told Smith earlier was the truth, from the ill-fitting boots to the farmers'' market. A few days ago, he had indeed bought Lytalia a pair of boots, and since Lytalia often visited the farmers'' market, Smith had no reason to doubt him.


    Kenley paused for a moment."Alright, but I still need to hear the details first. I have to make sure I can handle it before I agree." He remained cautious, subtly urging Smith to reveal the full truth.


    Ding¡ª!


    [Genius Negotiator] has been triggered. Smith appreciates your caution.


    Kenley smirked inwardly. It was probably thanks to the two barrels of wine and the fact that he mentioned Lytalia that the skill had activated. What a convenient ability.


    Smith scratched his head again and let out a sheepish laugh."So, here''s the thing. The day I bought Lytalia''s boots, I also bought a pair for Parisha and Kerr. But I mixed them up. It''s not something I can ask just anyone to handle, so I entrusted the Adventurers'' Guild to find someone reliable. Oh, and don''t worry¡ªthe reward is very generous! I promise!" He pounded his chest as he spoke, as if swearing an oath.


    Kenley almost faceplanted onto the ground.


    This old pervert¡­


    Lytalia, Parisha, and Kerr were all his former lovers¡ªand yet, he just had to buy boots for all three of them on the same day and managed to mix them all up! No wonder he didn''t dare ask the elves for help and instead sought an adventurer¡ªso this was the reason!


    When Kenley had first taken Lytalia''s task, he thought it was just one pair of boots. He never imagined there were three!


    This old fox must have split them into three different requests! Otherwise, Kenley would have noticed!


    If Smith''s brothers found out what he had done, they''d chase him down from the Gebi Mountains all the way to Elven Lake with hammers in hand!


    Kenley took a deep breath, then forced a smile."Alright, I''ll take the quest. But I want double the reward. Otherwise, I''m not doing it."


    Ding¡ª!


    [Genius Negotiator] has been triggered. The old pervert has been convinced.

 Chapter 22: The Heavy Hammer 3

    Even the system called him an old pervert¡ªI can''t take this anymore!


    Kenley was laughing so hard inside that he felt like his stomach was turning upside down, but he forced himself to hold it in.


    Smith gritted his teeth before finally saying,"Fine! I agree! But I have one condition."


    Since Smith had already agreed to double the reward, adding an extra condition wasn''t too much to ask. Kenley nodded and said,"Go ahead, what''s the condition?"


    Smith said sternly,"You cannot tell anyone about this. Both of you must swear an oath to the Mother Goddess!"


    "That''s not a problem," Kenley responded before turning to Tia."Tia?"


    "I will follow my master''s will," Tia replied with her head lowered.


    With that settled, Kenley made his oath in front of Smith. Only then did Smith breathe a sigh of relief.


    "Alright, the oath is made. Now, Mr. Smith, what exactly do you need us to do?" Kenley asked.


    Smith immediately stood up."Wait here for a moment."


    With that, he walked over to a wardrobe at the back of the room and began rummaging through it. He dug through piles of items, shifting things around for quite a while before finally pulling out a small box.


    "Here, take this. But remember¡ªyou have to return it after you''re done." Smith walked back to the table and handed it over.


    "What is this?" Kenley took the box, unable to resist the urge to open it.


    As soon as he lifted the lid, his expression froze¡ªas if he had been hit by a time-stopping spell.


    "Master?" Tia was startled and immediately called out to him.


    Smith, noticing Kenley''s reaction, grinned knowingly."Kid, don''t tell me you actually recognize it?"


    The Cloak of Light?!


    Kenley was genuinely surprised. He hadn''t expected it to be this legendary artifact. But upon closer inspection, he could tell¡ªit was a replica.


    Still, in this early stage of the era, possessing an orange-tier magic item was enough to make anyone green with envy.


    "This is the Cloak of Light," Kenley finally spoke.


    At that moment, not only Smith, but even Tia was stunned.


    Tia murmured in disbelief,"The Cloak of Light¡­ Is it the same legendary invisibility cloak that the Steel City Hero wore to sneak through the Dragon''s Lair in the Gebi Mountains?"


    Smith was taken aback once again."Well, well¡­ I didn''t expect you two brats to actually recognize it."


    You could be reading stolen content. Head to Royal Road for the genuine story.


    He nodded and continued,"To be honest, this isn''t the original. This is¡ª"


    Before he could finish, Kenley cut in."This is a replica personally crafted by you, isn''t it, Master?"


    Smith''s eyes widened in utter disbelief as he stared at Kenley."How the hell did you figure that out, kid?!"


    He had spent countless hours gathering every legend and piece of information available before carefully crafting this replica. When he finally completed it, even he thought it was indistinguishable from the real thing.


    And yet, this young stranger had seen through it at a single glance¡ªhow could he not be shocked?!


    Hearing Smith''s words, Tia was also taken aback. Her curiosity and admiration for her mysterious master only deepened. Who exactly is he? Why does he always feel like a mist¡ªimpossible to see through, yet making her eager to witness his next move?


    Kenley didn''t offer an explanation. Instead, he said,"With this cloak, completing this mission will be no problem. But I also have a condition of my own¡ªif you''re willing to agree, Master."


    His eyes narrowed slightly as a new objective took shape in his mind.


    "Go ahead, I''m listening." Smith''s interest in this young man had only grown. Not only had he brought two barrels of his favorite liquor, but he had also instantly recognized the Cloak of Light, distinguishing it as a replica. It had been a long time since Smith had come across something this entertaining¡ªeven if it was still a little less exciting than forging iron.


    Kenley rested his chin on both hands."Forget the double reward. I just want this cloak."


    As soon as he spoke, he waited quietly¡ªbut even after a long pause, the system gave no notification.


    Did Genius Negotiator fail to trigger?


    Could it be that his request was too difficult, lowering the base success rate of negotiation? Kenley couldn''t help but wonder.


    Smith, meanwhile, had fallen into silence. He didn''t answer immediately. Instead, he crossed his arms, lowered his head, and stared at the table, deep in thought.


    Tick. Tock. Time passed second by second. The candle on the table flickered, casting a haze over the already heavy atmosphere. Even Tia could feel the tension in the air.


    Although the Cloak of Light was only a replica, Kenley fully understood its value. With this cloak, he wouldn''t suddenly become invincible, but at least within the first 50 levels, it would provide a crucial lifeline.


    The moment he laid eyes on it, countless ideas flooded his mind.


    He could use the cloak to cheese a particular grinding spot and power-level himself like crazy. Or, he could sneak into a boss''s treasure hoard mentioned in certain strategy guides. Or maybe even¡ª


    In short, this item unlocked endless possibilities, and Kenley really, really wanted it.


    But this was also a gamble. He was betting on how much the old pervert valued his reputation. If things went sideways, Smith''s dirty secrets could get exposed. Three women showing up at his doorstep at the same time? That wasn''t out of the question. And if that happened, the entire Imperial City would be buzzing about Smith''s scandalous past.


    Still, Kenley knew he was asking for a lot. This was, after all, a legendary-tier item. Even if it was a replica, an orange-tier item this early in the game was an immense advantage.


    The minutes ticked by, but Kenley slowly calmed himself. There was no rush anymore.


    If the system hadn''t triggered Genius Negotiator, then it was purely up to luck.


    It was like rolling the dice¡ªsometimes you win, sometimes you don''t. After countless luck-based encounters in games, Kenley had long since learned to take things as they came. If it worked, great. If not, move on.


    But just then, Smith finally spoke¡ªsaying something completely unexpected.


    "Fine, you can have it. But in exchange, you need to tell me exactly how you recognized it was a replica at a glance. And¡ªI''m taking both barrels of liquor."


    Wait¡­ he actually agreed?!


    Kenley felt a surge of excitement, but he kept his expression neutral. The last thing he wanted was to seem too eager¡ªthat would only make Smith suspicious.


    "Alright, I agree. Come here for a second¡­" Kenley motioned for Smith to lean in.


    Smith immediately did so, pressing his ear closer.


    Kenley whispered,"Now you see¡­ that''s how¡­ just like this¡­"


    Once he finished, he casually leaned back in his chair.


    Tia, meanwhile, was burning with curiosity. What exactly did Master say? How had he seen through it so effortlessly?


    He was just too mysterious¡ªand that only made her all the more intrigued.

 Chapter 23: The Heavy Hammer 4

    "What? So that''s how it is!" Smith stared at Kenley in disbelief. He never expected to have such an obvious flaw exposed.


    But then, his eyes flickered, and with a sly grin, he chuckled,"Say, why don''t you become my apprentice? I can tell you''ve got talent. If you agree, I promise to teach you my most prized techniques."


    System Notification: Smith has offered to teach you the lifestyle profession¡¾Blacksmith¡¿. Accept?


    Kenley fell into deep thought. Smith was no ordinary blacksmith¡ªhe had forged legendary weapons. Becoming his apprentice might even grant access to rare, secret blueprints.


    However, Kenley decided to remain calm. No rush. Lifestyle professions were extremely important¡ªin the game, each player could only have four lifestyle professions at most. Once filled, no more could be chosen.


    At the start of the game, he had already been assigned a non-combat subclass¡ª¡¾Farmer¡¿. That left only three valuable slots. He had long planned for those to be professions that enhanced combat ability, such as Alchemist, Potion Master, or Apothecary¡ªall crucial for battle.


    One slot for one advantage. Wasting a profession meant losing a potential combat tool. This decision had to be made with extreme caution.


    "No, no, this is too important. I need time to think about it." Kenley immediately stalled for time. No way was he making a rash decision. Right now, he was the only player in this world. Even though Tia was a strong potential ally, this wasn''t just a game. He needed to secure as many survival, combat, and reconnaissance methods as possible.


    Smith wasn''t upset at Kenley''s refusal. Instead, he chuckled, his sharp eyes twinkling with amusement."That''s fine. I have plenty of patience. I believe you''ll change your mind, young man."


    Change his mind? That wasn''t certain. Blacksmithing was indeed a solid profession, but with one production job already locked in, did he really want to use up another slot instead of a combat-related one?


    "Are we going to keep talking about this, or are we getting back to the mission?" Kenley rolled his eyes.


    Smith nodded."Here''s the job. Using this Cloak of Light, you need to find a way to steal these three pairs of boots and replace them with the correct sizes. Once you''ve completed this task and I personally verify it, the Cloak of Light is yours. How about it?"


    "Deal." Kenley agreed instantly. His only concern was that Smith might change his mind later. If that happened, there was no telling when he''d get another chance to obtain a legendary-tier cloak like this.


    "Hold on, kid. No need to rush. I haven''t finished talking yet." Smith smacked his thigh.


    Kenley squinted at him."Wait¡­ You''re not about to back out, are you?" He grinned, but his tone carried a hidden edge.


    Stolen story; please report.


    "No, no! It''s just¡­ these boots won''t be easy to steal. I figured I should warn you first¡­" Smith sighed, seemingly resigned. He really must be worried about this whole thing blowing up into a city-wide scandal¡ªhe had even gone out of his way to prepare a warning.


    "Oh? That so? Alright, let''s hear it." Kenley let out a small breath of relief. If Smith had tried to back out, he wouldn''t have hesitated to drag this whole affair to the Adventurer''s Guild. If it came to that, even Smith wouldn''t be able to weasel his way out of the consequences.


    "That''s right. First of all, the Lytalia household has a special magic door. Even if you go in wearing the Cloak of Light, it will still trigger a magical trap. You''ll need to find a way to bypass or disable it."


    Wait¡­ Why hadn''t he encountered this before? Every time he visited Lytalia''s place, she was the one who opened the door for him.


    "What else?" Kenley asked, still uneasy.


    "There''s also the matter of the Black Mountain Spider in Parisha''s house¡ª"


    Smith hadn''t even finished speaking when Kenley shot up from his seat.


    "Mr. Smith, isn''t this difficulty way beyond what a Rank One Warrior like me can handle? A Black Mountain Spider? That''s a Rank Seven magical beast! You''re kidding, right?"


    Kenley''s brow furrowed. Was this some kind of joke? A Black Mountain Spider? That was a beast straight out of Perron''s lair, infamous for its web-sensing ability. Once it spread its silk all over the place, even the slightest disturbance¡ªa single strand of hair falling onto it¡ªwould immediately alert the creature.


    If he had the genuine Cloak of Light, he might have considered taking the risk. But attempting this mission with a mere imitation? Absolutely not.


    "I refuse." Kenley rejected it outright.


    "Young man, calm down and let me finish!" Smith huffed, a flicker of surprise in his sharp eyes. So he knows about the Black Mountain Spider? Impressive.


    Tia, too, had a troubled look."Master, I''ve heard of the Black Mountain Spider as well. It''s a Dark Lord''s lair beast¡ªonly Heroic-tier adventurers with a Silver Body or Paladins can handle it. My master is only Rank One; I fear this task is beyond his capability¡­"


    Smith''s expression darkened. He huffed, stroking his beard before snapping,"What''s with the panic? You two already agreed to the contract! It''s too late to back out now."


    Kenley was speechless. This old man¡­ He only revealed half the story and left out the most crucial details. Was he trying to get them killed?


    After this, Kenley swore to himself¡ªnever accept a mission without questioning every detail. Those bad habits from his gaming days? He needed to fix them.


    "Alright, alright. My apologies, Master. Please, continue¡­ I''m all ears." Kenley let out a long breath and sat down again.


    "That''s more like it¡­" Smith grumbled before explaining,"It''s not as bad as you think. That Black Mountain Spider was hatched from an egg Parisha found and brought home. It''s only just reached Rank Three¡ªnothing too scary if you''re careful."


    Rank Three Entry-Level (Level 30).


    Kenley''s expression darkened. Just one step away from Bronze-Tier.


    On the Aude Continent, advancing to Bronze and Silver was a massive leap in power. He was still just a Black Iron-tier commoner¡ªwith low health and fragile combat ability. A Rank Three magical beast? He wouldn''t even stand a chance.


    He and Tia together wouldn''t even be a proper appetizer for that spider.


    Kenley arched a brow but held his tongue. He''d at least hear Smith out before deciding.


    "Parisha has a habit of hoarding valuables. The boots I gave her? She''s never worn them. She probably hid them in her underground cellar. All you need to do is use the Cloak of Light to sneak in and swap them out. Simple."


    Kenley took a deep breath, inhaling slowly before exhaling just as carefully.


    That Black Mountain Spider was going to be a problem. He would have to be extra careful¡ªone mistake, and it wouldn''t be just the mission that failed. His life would be over.

 Chapter 24: Ranger I

    "What about Kerr?" Kenley tried to keep his composure as much as possible, hoping things wouldn''t get any more complicated.


    "Kerr is the easiest. She''s probably hidden the boots in the well, the underground cellar, or maybe the attic. Nothing too difficult¡ªjust search carefully, and you''ll find them."


    Thank goodness. The last one wasn''t too bad. At least it followed the logic of a game. One house had a magic-trapped door that had to be bypassed or disabled. Another had a cellar guarded by a Rank Three Black Mountain Spider. And the last one? A simple treasure hunt.


    Still, the order of tasks mattered.


    First, he''d deal with the easiest one¡ªthe hide-and-seek game.


    Then, he''d handle the magic-trapped door.


    Finally, he''d face the spider.


    As a professional gamer, Kenley instantly broke down the quest into clear steps. After all, this was just an item-exchange mission, not a combat one, which made things significantly easier.


    "Alright, I think I''ve got the general idea. Is there anything else I need to know?" Kenley asked, still feeling a little uneasy.


    "Oh, just one more thing," Smith said with a sly grin."You''ll have to measure their foot sizes yourself. Heh."


    Kenley smacked his forehead. Seriously? Oh well, it was just a foot measurement. He could just check their usual shoes¡ªnot a big deal.


    Before leaving, Kenley emptied his backpack, selling off a pile of worthless white-tier gear to Smith. At first, the blacksmith scowled, clearly reluctant to accept such useless junk. But with Kenley''s legendary negotiation skills, Smith begrudgingly agreed¡ªnot just this time, but from now on as well.


    Although the gear was all low-tier, selling everything netted him 1.3 gold coins. Combined with the 1.7 gold he already had, that made exactly 3 gold coins.


    Finally, with the mission accepted, Kenley exited the blacksmith''s shop, exhaling in relief. The sky had already turned a deep orange¡ªtwilight was setting in.


    Nightfall was approaching.


    With three locations to visit, the task would definitely take a long time.


    First things first¡ªhe needed food.


    Placing a hand on his stomach, he realized that he had been so busy all day that he hadn''t even felt hungry.


    "Tia, are you hungry?" Kenley asked absentmindedly.


    Tia''s expression dimmed slightly."Master, have you forgotten? I''m a vampire¡­"


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    "Oh, right. I almost forgot about that." Seeing the sadness in her eyes, Kenley''s heart ached a little. Becoming a vampire meant never being able to enjoy human food again. That was¡­ unfortunate.


    Curious, he asked,"As a vampire, do you really only survive on blood?"


    Tia frowned slightly."To be honest, I don''t know for sure. But I''m not hungry right now. If you want to eat, Master, please don''t hold back on my account."


    Kenley fell silent for a moment.


    "¡­Alright. It''s already late, and nighttime isn''t ideal for completing the quest. I think I''ll¡ª"


    Suddenly, he whipped his head around, staring intently in one direction.


    Tia flinched at his abrupt movement. What''s wrong?


    Kenley''s expression turned serious. He kept his gaze fixed on a single point for a long time before finally speaking:


    "Don''t say a word. Just walk. Don''t look back."


    What''s going on?


    Tia didn''t question him. Whatever her master told her to do, she would obey. She gave a small nod and silently followed his lead.


    Kenley kept walking, turning corners multiple times, leading them through an intricate path.


    Tia finally realized something was off. This route¡­ was a classic evasion maneuver.


    Someone was tailing them.


    Her mind flashed to Auber, the nobleman''s son who had insulted them earlier that day.


    If someone harbored ill intentions toward her master, he was the most likely culprit.


    She fell silent as well, following closely behind Kenley without a word. Every now and then, she subtly tilted her head, hoping to catch a glimpse of whoever was tailing them.


    "Don''t look back." Kenley frowned, reminding Tia.


    "Mm!" Tia responded softly, though she found it strange¡ªhow were they supposed to investigate their pursuer without looking?


    She remembered clearly: Kenley was a warrior, not a ranger. He didn''t have any scouting or counter-tracking abilities.


    Yet, Kenley continued weaving through the city''s alleyways, his path becoming increasingly secluded. The farther they went, the fewer people there were¡ªuntil finally, they arrived at a completely deserted corner.


    Suddenly, Kenley yanked Tia aside and swiftly threw the Cloak of Light over both of them.


    In an instant, they vanished.


    The alley fell into an eerie silence. No figures. No animals. Only the dim, fading twilight cast a faint glow over the empty space.


    Then, a set of light footsteps entered the alley.


    Both Kenley and Tia remained utterly still, their gazes locked on the alley''s entrance.


    Under the dim twilight, a mysterious figure stepped into view¡ªclad in a green elven cloak, their face obscured.


    "A ranger?" Kenley was startled.


    He could see it clearly now¡ªthe stranger carried a bow on their back, a dagger at their waist, and wore the signature light-footed shoes of the elven race. A classic elven ranger''s setup.


    To be honest, if not for the Ring of Life, Kenley wouldn''t have noticed the tail at all.


    In his game vision, there was a mini-map, and the Ring of Life highlighted any living beings within a 50-meter radius.


    The moment Kenley left the tailor''s shop, he noticed a light marker on his mini-map¡ªstaying exactly 30 meters behind him. At first, he assumed it was just a coincidence. After all, this was the royal capital, and it was normal to have people walking in the same direction.


    But when he left the tavern, that same marker followed him inside. And when he exited the tavern, the marker left right after him.


    That immediately raised his guard.


    Following once could be a coincidence. Following twice¡ªmaybe still a coincidence. But three times? That wasn''t chance. That was intentional.


    Kenley had no choice but to be cautious. This wasn''t a game¡ªit was reality.


    Identify!


    Kenley''s eyes gleamed as his game vision immediately displayed the figure''s status screen:


    ¡¾???¡¿


    Class: Ranger


    Race: Elf


    Level: 15 (First Rank)


    HP: 93/93


    MP: 73/73


    RP: 150/150


    No name?


    That was new. This was the first time he had encountered a situation where"Identify" didn''t reveal a target''s name. It seemed there were limitations to the skill.


    But Kenley''s biggest concern wasn''t just the elf''s identity¡ªit was whether this person had allies.


    And more importantly¡ªwhy were they following him?

 Chapter 25: Ranger 2

    Could it be for wealth?


    Elves were naturally indifferent to material wealth. They valued artifacts and equipment far more than gold. If it was about equipment, then maybe¡ªthat was a possibility.


    Beyond that, there was another explanation¡ªhe was hired to follow them.


    And if that were the case, the first person that came to Kenley''s mind was Auber¡ªthe baron''s son.


    After all, Kenley had a past grudge with Auber. If he had hired someone to track him down, it would make perfect sense.


    Kenley checked his mini-map again¡ªno backup. The ranger had come alone. Level 15¡ªfive levels higher than Kenley.


    Kenley''s gaze turned icy.


    The saying went:"Strike first, or suffer later." Against an enemy, there was no need for mercy.


    Someone skulking in the shadows, tracking him like this¡ª what good could they possibly be? If Kenley didn''t take this chance to eliminate him, this ranger could become a threat in the future.


    In these alleyways, a few missing people were nothing unusual.


    As long as no one saw it happen, he could dispose of the body, and no one would ever trace it back to him.


    Murder in the royal capital? Plenty of players had done it before.


    And when it came to evading knight patrols and avoiding the tracking skills of rangers and rogues¡ª


    Kenley was the best.


    He glanced at Tia and gave her a small nod.


    Tia understood instantly and nodded back.


    Kenley led Tia silently around to the ranger''s blind spot. Then, he drew his imperial military sword.


    The ranger was still scanning the alley.


    Perfect.


    In one swift motion, Kenley dropped the Cloak of Light and immediately activated his Charge skill!


    Rangers were famous for their agility, excelling at guerilla tactics and stealth. Against an enemy like that, he couldn''t afford to let him escape¡ª


    It had to be a one-hit kill.


    But¡ª


    The Charge connected.


    Yet, the moment Kenley''s blade was about to land¡ª


    A blue energy shield suddenly flared up around the ranger!


    A magic shield?!


    The same glow. The same round barrier.


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    Just like what happened earlier today¡ª when Kenley saw that merchant''s enchanted trinket.


    This guy had one too?!


    What a coincidence.


    Kenley''s ambush was completely blocked, and the impact alerted the ranger.


    The ranger''s eyes widened in shock.


    Fighting a warrior in close quarters? Terrible idea.


    He immediately activated Swiftstep, transforming into a blur of motion and accelerating backward¡ª


    Straight into a dead end.


    Kenley had already sealed off the only exit.


    But the ranger wasn''t trying to escape.


    He was creating distance for a counterattack.


    Kenley knew it.


    And the moment the ranger used Swiftstep¡ª


    Kenley reacted.


    Instead of chasing with his sword drawn, Kenley did something insane¡ª


    He sheathed his sword and sprinted.


    A risky move.


    In combat, putting away your weapon meant no attacking. No defending.


    If anything went wrong¡ª


    He''d pay the price in blood.


    But Kenley didn''t care.


    He knew that a ranger''s biggest weakness was close combat.


    Once a warrior closed the distance, even if the ranger was five levels higher, it wouldn''t matter.


    The ranger reached the end of the alley.


    Immediately, he drew his bow and nocked an arrow, ready to fire at Kenley.


    But the moment he turned around¡ªhe froze.


    He hadn''t expected this¡ª


    Kenley had sheathed his sword just to sprint after him?!


    Was he underestimating him?


    Mocking him?


    Or just reckless?


    Whatever the reason, the ranger had no intention of showing mercy.


    Kenley had almost killed him just moments ago, after all.


    But in the brief instant of hesitation¡ª


    Kenley closed the gap by another ten meters.


    So fast!


    Wasn''t he a warrior?


    How did he have this kind of speed?!


    (If only the ranger knew Kenley was wearing +10 Agility boots. Meanwhile, his own gear was still basic-tier.)


    Whoosh!


    The ranger fired.


    *Precision Shot¡ª*a first-tier ranger skill, a magically-guided arrow that never missed.


    He was confident in his aim¡ªand his weapon.


    His bow was no ordinary bow.


    It was a blue-tier, mastercrafted weapon.


    At this level, whoever landed the first hit usually won. Either the enemy was instantly killed, or at least critically wounded.


    Kenley knew this.


    And so did the ranger.


    Precision Shot!


    The arrow locked on and shot forward.


    But Kenley kept running.


    No dodging.


    No blocking.


    Just cold, unwavering eyes, locked onto his target.


    Is he insane?! He''s not even trying to defend himself?!


    That was the last thought the ranger had¡ª


    Because in the next instant,


    a blue energy shield flared around Kenley''s body, just like before.


    Damn it!


    A normal person would instinctively dodge or defend against an incoming attack.


    But this guy¡ª


    He acted like he already knew exactly what would happen.


    There was no time to react.


    The moment the arrow bounced off the barrier¡ª


    Kenley was already in front of him.


    With a powerful kick, he struck the ranger''s abdomen¡ª


    And in the same motion, he drew his sword.


    So fast!


    The ranger couldn''t even react.


    How could a young warrior have this much combat experience?!


    Even among the most talented youths he had seen in the Kane Empire, none had been this strong!


    As the kick landed, the ranger instinctively reached for his dagger¡ª


    But Kenley''s sword hilt struck his wrist, knocking it away.


    He wasn''t aiming to kill.


    He was disrupting the ranger''s weapon draw.


    What was he planning?!


    Before the ranger could even process it¡ª


    Kenley spun around and slammed the sword hilt into his spine.


    [Blunt Strike]¡ªa first-tier swordsman control skill.


    No damage¡ªbut it caused stun.


    Three strikes in a row, and the target would be stunned for three seconds.


    Thud!


    The ranger staggered.


    His vision blurred.


    His body refused to move.


    He dropped to one knee.


    Kenley seized the opportunity.


    He grabbed the ranger''s bow and dagger¡ª


    And threw them far away.


    (He couldn''t store them in his inventory¡ªbecause they were still bound to their owner.)


    Then, with a single fluid motion¡ª


    He placed his sword against the ranger''s throat.


    A battle lasting mere moments¡ª


    And a ranger five levels above him was utterly defeated.


    What a brilliant fight!


    Tia couldn''t help but admire it.


    Her master''s level may have been low,


    But his battle instincts and tactical choices¡ª


    Were flawless.


    Watching this, Tia was suddenly reminded of her old combat instructor from the kingdom.


    If Kenley kept improving¡ª


    One day, he might truly become a master.


    Kenley tilted the ranger''s chin up with his sword, his eyes cold.


    "Speak. Who sent you?¡±

 Chapter 26: Ranger 3

    "Not talking, huh?" Kenley frowned.


    "Take off her hood," he ordered Tia.


    Tia nodded, stepped forward, and slowly pulled back the ranger''s hood.


    The moment it was removed, a cascade of golden hair spilled down like a waterfall, stunning Kenley for a brief second.


    Judging by her appearance, if she were an elf, she wouldn''t be more than two hundred years old¡ªwhich, in human terms, was about the same as reaching adulthood.


    So young¡­ and already a ranger?


    Kenley was momentarily surprised.


    In his experience, most NPC rangers he had encountered were at least four or five hundred years old, some even older.


    (Of course, players didn''t count. Players were a different breed altogether¡ªthe younger they were, the more reckless they tended to be.)


    "Talk. Why were you following us?"


    Kenley had no intention of going easy on her.


    She might be young and beautiful, but an enemy was an enemy.


    From the very start, she had been tracking him in secret¡ªthere was little chance she had good intentions.


    People often romanticized elves, but Kenley had dealt with plenty of them before.


    And he knew not all elves were kind-hearted.


    In a vast forest, there were bound to be some vicious birds.


    "Still not talking?"


    Kenley tilted her chin up slightly with the tip of his sword.


    "Then I''ll just end it quickly for you."


    "Master! Please, show mercy!"


    Tia suddenly spoke up.


    Kenley hadn''t expected this¡ª


    Tia was pleading for the elf''s life?


    "Hm?"


    Kenley was puzzled.


    Why was Tia speaking up for this stranger?


    His eyes flicked to the mini-map¡ª


    No life signals within fifty meters.


    No reinforcements.


    "What''s going on?"


    Kenley decided to wait for Tia''s explanation.


    If she could get useful intel from this elf, all the better.


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    Tia''s gaze locked onto the elf''s face.


    And the elf stared back.


    It was as if Tia was trying to remember something¡ª


    Like this elf was familiar.


    Too familiar.


    As if she had seen her somewhere before.


    "...Sylph?"


    Tia hesitantly called out.


    The elf shuddered.


    Her eyes glistened with unshed tears.


    "...Tia?"


    System Notification:[The Fallen Princess] Hidden Quest Triggered.


    Current Progress: 1%.


    A hidden quest?


    What are the odds¡­?


    Kenley let out a silent, helpless chuckle.


    Just moments ago, he had been this close to killing this ranger.


    [Appraise.]


    Kenley checked Sylph''s information¡ª


    And his eyes flashed with shock.


    Not only that¡ªhe also spotted something even more interesting.


    With only 1% progress, and after today''s run-in with the bishop, it was clear¡ª


    That encounter had simply opened the quest.


    But meeting this elf ranger?


    That was when the story actually began.


    Which meant that if he followed this"Fallen Princess," he might soon meet even more people.


    Fine.


    For now, he''d let Tia talk.


    "Are you really Sylph?"


    Tia asked, disbelief in her voice.


    It was as if her memories were stirring.


    ".Yes, it''s me, Tia."


    Sylph''s eyes still shimmered with tears.


    "You... remember me now?"


    "Mhm, yes, Sylph, I... I remember now..." Tia''s eyes shimmered with emotion.


    "When we were little, in the forests of the kingdom..."


    Kenley, seeing the scene unfold, sheathed his sword. He then turned around, picked up the elf''s bow and arrows, and quietly stood aside, allowing them to reunite.


    "Yes! You still remember, don''t you? We made flower crowns together¡­ and even named a little finch! Its name was Yuxi..."


    As Sylph spoke, she threw her arms around Tia, embracing her without the slightest hint of disgust, despite Tia being undead.


    "Of course, I remember! Yuxi was so mischievous¡ªit knocked over its own nest! I nearly fell from the tree while trying to fix it, but you saved me, Sylph!"


    Tia hugged her tightly, the warmth of their reunion defying both time and death.


    Kenley let out a small breath of relief. At least she wasn''t an enemy.


    Still, he cautiously checked the mini-map again¡ªno approaching hostiles.


    And judging by their conversation, along with Tia''s expression, it didn''t seem like a lie.


    Besides, with an elf''s pride and nature, lying wasn''t something they did easily.


    Kenley turned his gaze back to the two.


    Watching this heartfelt reunion, he couldn''t help but feel something stir within him.


    For the first time, he found himself envying Tia.


    Even though her kingdom had fallen, and her family was gone without a trace, she still had the chance to meet a childhood friend again.


    He couldn''t say the same for himself.


    Did he know anyone in this world?


    Friends? Fellow players?


    Or... family?


    No.


    He had nothing.


    Nothing but his experience and skills.


    Was he happy?


    Maybe.


    But from another perspective, wasn''t it also tragic?


    As Kenley stood there in silence, an indescribable loneliness settled over him.


    Yet, Tia was perceptive.


    Her position allowed her to see Kenley''s expression clearly.


    She noticed something in his gaze.


    A thought flickered through her mind.


    Slowly, she released Sylph from her embrace and smiled.


    "Sylph, I''d like to introduce you to my master¡ª"


    Before she could finish, Sylph exploded like a firecracker.


    "He''s not your master!"


    "Tia, you don''t need a master! You are free! You are a princess of Gaifei! You carry the bloodline of heroes! Even if you have become an undead, the merciful Mother Goddess has not forsaken you!


    "Tia, wake up!"


    Kenley immediately understood.


    So this was why Sylph had been following them.


    Tia, however, looked troubled.


    She glanced at Sylph, then at Kenley.


    Then, with furrowed brows, she said,"Sylph, it''s not what you think."


    "Tia, listen to me!"


    "I''m not saying there aren''t righteous humans¡ªthere are heroes among them. But there are also monsters, parasites, and snakes.


    "They capture our people¡ªenslave them.


    "They turn them into mindless puppets, forced to obey.


    "But don''t worry.


    "I''ll save you from this human."


    Fearless.


    Sylph stood her ground, boldly declaring her intentions in front of Kenley himself.


    Anyone else in Kenley''s position would have run her through on the spot.


    Kenley''s brow twitched.


    Annoyed, he finally spoke.


    "Oi, oi, kind-hearted elf lady, I''m standing right here, you know?"


    "Ah¡ª!"


    Sylph let out a shriek, completely losing her elven grace and composure.


    "You¡ªyou¡ªyou¡ªdon''t come any closer!


    "My uncle is the legendary ranger, Brook!


    "If you dare to harm me, you''ll regret it!


    "The Elven Ranger Corps will hunt you down!"


    Brook the Ranger?


    Kenley''s eyelid twitched.


    ...Well, shit.

 Chapter 27: Ranger 4

    Kenley drew out his words, narrowing his eyes as he slowly approached her with a sly grin.


    "But you sneaked out, didn''t you? I bet you wouldn''t want Uncle Brook to find out, would you?"


    Then, crouching down beside Sylph, he leaned in close and whispered in a voice Tia couldn''t hear:


    "Your Highness."


    Sylph''s eyes widened in pure disbelief, as if she''d just seen a ghost.


    "Y-you... Y-you...!"


    Her words caught in her throat.


    This despicable human must be a complete degenerate!


    If he could stoop so low as to take in an undead like Tia, what wouldn''t he do?


    And now that he knew she was an elven princess, he was probably thrilled beyond belief.


    But Kenley simply stood up, then casually tossed her equipment back at her feet.


    "Tia, let''s go. I''m starving."


    "B-but, Master..."


    Tia hesitated, glancing at Sylph with clear reluctance.


    Of course.


    After an entire era apart, finally reuniting with her childhood best friend¡ªhow could she possibly bear to part again so soon?


    "Eh?"


    Sylph let out a small gasp, staring at Kenley in sheer astonishment.


    She never imagined he wouldn''t take advantage of her.


    He even returned her weapons.


    Wasn''t he supposed to be a pervert?


    Wasn''t he supposed to be lustful?


    Then why was he letting her go?


    Hearing Sylph''s reaction, Tia glanced back at her, her concern evident.


    Because Tia knew Sylph''s identity.


    She was no longer the na?ve young girl she once was.


    Decades of darkness and hardship had taught her well.


    It wasn''t hard to guess¡ªSylph had probably run away from home, just like when they were kids.


    "Master! Could we..."


    Tia turned to Kenley, pleading with her eyes.


    But Kenley didn''t even look back as he walked toward the alley''s exit.


    "Like I said, we''re going to eat."


    Then, as if remembering something, he added casually:


    "Oh, and if she wants to eat, bring her along."


    Tia''s eyes lit up.


    Her previous worry shifted into delight.


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    "Thank you, Master!"


    Kenley muttered under his breath, exasperated:


    "Women... such a hassle."


    ------


    Greenleaf Restaurant


    Kenley sliced into a piece of venison, then unceremoniously gulped down a mouthful of table wine.


    Tia, watching him in stunned silence, looked like she had just witnessed a barbarian.


    Where was his noble demeanor?


    Kenley, catching sight of Sylph, gave her a glance.


    "Hey, Elf over there."


    "Why aren''t you ordering anything?"


    Sylph, frowning in disgust, gave Kenley a look that screamed:


    Ugh. Just look at this uncultured peasant.


    "I''m not used to human food..." she muttered, lowering her head.


    Technically, that wasn''t true.


    Elves loved plant-based foods¡ªfruits, leafy greens, and stalk vegetables.


    But that didn''t mean they didn''t eat meat.


    Ranger elves, like hunters, regularly tracked prey in the forest.


    The only difference was, after every hunt, they would recite a long prayer before harvesting the meat.


    Kenley smirked.


    "Sylph, do you know why this place is called Greenleaf Restaurant?"


    Sylph looked at him, puzzled.


    "Why?"


    Kenley didn''t bother explaining. Instead, he turned toward the front desk and waved.


    "Waiter!"


    A moment later, he received a menu from the server. Flipping through it carelessly, he ordered:


    "Give me another serving of Green Summer Leaves, another bottle of Moonlight Nectar, and... oh, add a serving of Berry Bread as well."


    Since everything he ordered was vegetarian, the food arrived quickly. In no time, a server approached with a tray full of dishes and set them on the table.


    Kenley grabbed the bread with his bare hands, took a large bite, then washed it down with a hearty gulp of Moonlight Nectar. After that, he took a bite of the Green Summer Leaves, eating them along with the bread.


    "Crunch¡ªcrunch¡ª"


    Though his eating habits were far from refined, the way he chewed and swallowed with such relish made the food look irresistibly appetizing.


    Even Sylph, a pure-blooded elven princess, found herself unable to resist the hunger rising within her.


    She instinctively swallowed a mouthful of saliva, her eyes fixed on the food.


    These were all dishes beloved by elves.


    Without realizing it, she rubbed her stomach lightly. She was hungry.


    And yet, she still forced herself to frown and mutter,


    "How crude and barbaric."


    Hearing her remark, Kenley took another long gulp of Moonlight Nectar, swallowing his food in one go.


    "Gulp."


    Letting out a satisfied sigh, he glanced at Sylph.


    "Aren''t you hungry? This is all your people''s favorite food. Why don''t you try some?"


    "I... I..."


    Sylph clearly wanted to say something, but the words wouldn''t come out.


    She knew the truth better than anyone.


    She had rushed out of her home too hastily, completely unprepared¡ªshe didn''t even bring human currency with her.


    She did have valuable treasures, but those were far too precious to casually trade away¡ªif she took them out, she would surely attract unwanted attention.


    Right now, she was completely penniless.


    Originally, she had planned to earn money through the Adventurers'' Guild, but in her ambition, she had taken on an extremely difficult quest.


    In the end, she was forced to use a hidden treasure just to defeat the monster.


    Now, that treasure was in its recharging phase, meaning she couldn''t use it again for a while.


    To make matters worse, she had obliterated the monster so thoroughly that there wasn''t even a trace of it left¡ªnot even enough to prove she had completed the quest.


    Which meant no reward money.


    Kenley''s eyes suddenly lit up with realization.


    "Oh~! I get it now."


    "You don''t have any money!"


    "I-I do have money! I just... I just..."


    Sylph was now completely famished.


    Kenley''s words only reminded her of how bad her situation was.


    She still refused to admit that she had lost¡ªboth in battle and in this predicament.


    Yes! That''s right!


    I must have lost because I was too hungry!


    Otherwise, there''s no way that man could have defeated me!


    But the harsh reality was that if she didn''t eat something soon, she''d pass out on the streets from starvation.


    The dignified elven princess¡ªreduced to starving on the roadside¡ªwould be the laughingstock of every three-year-old in town.


    Just imagining it made Sylph burn with shame.


    At this point, even Tia could sense Sylph''s predicament.


    Though she didn''t know how things had come to this, her worried expression said everything.


    "Master, could you... help Sylph?"


    Tia''s voice was hesitant, tinged with nervousness.


    She had already pleaded with him too many times today.


    Even she felt embarrassed at this point.


    But Sylph remained stubborn.


    "Tia, you don''t need to beg him!" she huffed.


    "I can still hold on! Once I find Uncle Brook, I''ll make sure to teach this guy a lesson!"


    She even waved her tiny pink fists for emphasis.


    Kenley rolled his eyes.


    "This girl is way too young."


    Who just casually blurts out their plans in front of their enemy?


    What if he had been the kind of person who would kill her on the spot?


    ...Oh well.


    Guess I''m just too kind-hearted.


    Besides, she just came of age¡ªbasically still a child.


    Letting her starve to death on the streets would be a bit too cruel, even for him.


    "Waiter!"


    With that thought, Kenley waved a hand toward the server.

 Chapter 28: Ranger 5

    "Give this lady the exact same order as before," Kenley said, gesturing toward Sylph.


    He turned to glance at her, puzzled.


    "Strange..."


    The moment he called for the server, she suddenly quieted down. Instead of arguing, she lowered her head, pulling her cloak up to hide her face, making it impossible to read her expression.


    Meanwhile, Tia''s eyes lit up again.


    Her enigmatic master was like a multifaceted gem, revealing a new color with each action.


    At this moment, she found herself gradually acknowledging Kenley.


    His outward coarseness concealed a heart of gold.


    And after witnessing how he had shielded her from the Holy Knight earlier that day, Tia finally lowered her guard toward him¡ªthough now, she felt a deep sense of guilt for having doubted him before.


    Soon, Kenley was greeted with an unexpected sight¡ª


    A beautiful elven princess, devouring her meal ravenously, with no regard for image or grace, eating at breakneck speed, using both hands and mouth in unison.


    "Has she not eaten for days?"


    Seeing her desperate hunger, Kenley lost the urge to tease her further.


    Instead, he asked,"Do you want more?"


    Sylph slowly lifted her head, looking at Kenley with a complicated expression.


    "No... I''m already full."


    "Alright then. Time for bed. You have a place to stay, right? Well, this is where we part ways."


    Kenley stood up and gave Tia a subtle look.


    Tia gently shook her head at Sylph.


    She had already pleaded with her master too many times today.


    If she continued, even she would have to admit there was a limit to how thick-skinned she could be.


    Besides, she wasn''t a free person anymore¡ªher choices were dictated by her master alone.


    Kenley turned to the server.


    "How much?"


    "Esteemed guest, that will be two gold coins," the server replied.


    "Wait a second, don''t I have a 30% discount?"


    Kenley picked up the menu and flipped through it.


    What he saw left him utterly dumbfounded.


    Since he never needed to eat in the game, he had never bothered checking restaurant prices before.


    He hadn''t expected the food at Greenleaf Tavern to be this expensive.


    Then, something else caught his eye.


    Human food wasn''t that pricey.


    But elven cuisine?


    Outrageous.


    A single loaf of berry bread cost 50 silver coins!


    "This is daylight robbery!"


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    A farmer working an entire year for a lord would only earn 80 silver coins¡ªyet one meal here could wipe out most of that!


    "These merchants are practically thieves!"


    Then again, rarity drives up value.


    Scanning the room, Kenley noticed most of the patrons were nobles, likely seeking novelty and extravagance.


    That probably explained why elven food was priced so absurdly high.


    "Forget it. Let''s just pay and move on."


    With a dark expression, Kenley handed over the money.


    Saying nothing, he turned and strode toward the exit.


    Tia immediately followed after him.


    And to no one''s surprise, Sylph quickly got up and trailed after them.


    The moment they stepped outside, Kenley abruptly spun around.


    "Sylph, why are you still following me?"


    "Do you not have a place to stay?"


    But Sylph clung to him like glue.


    "Can you lend me some money first?" she asked, her tone unusually meek.


    "I swear, I''ll pay you back in the future."


    Kenley was stunned.


    "This Sylph... is she really this broke?"


    "She''s a princess, for god''s sake! And she left home without a single coin?!"


    He frowned, not responding immediately.


    For starters, it was already dark.


    Nighttime was not ideal for taking on quests.


    Even in the royal capital, once the sun set, certain shady professions came out to cause trouble¡ª


    Groups like the Dragon Blasphemers or the Black Sheep Society.


    These dreadful individuals were scattered across the continent of Ord, much like slave traders.


    Kenley had no clue where these sinister factions had emerged from. The officials had never provided an explanation, only telling players to investigate on their own, maintaining the mystery of this hidden side quest.


    There had even been a past incident where a player was kidnapped by the Black Sheep Society late at night within the imperial capital. The event had caused an uproar in the Sanctum Guild (a major player guild).


    Determined to uncover this hidden quest, the guild searched the entire capital for three days and three nights.


    Ironically, the kidnapped player only managed to escape because of sheer dumb luck¡ªthe Black Sheep Society''s ritual malfunctioned, granting him an opportunity to flee.


    And now, there was Sylph, a young elf girl who had just recently completed her coming-of-age ceremony¡ªna?ve and inexperienced.


    Her lack of caution was evident from her careless speech earlier.


    Her elders were surely panicking right now.


    The Elven King himself was probably going mad, searching frantically for his missing daughter.


    Kenley couldn''t help but feel curious about the reason behind her escape.


    Turning back to her, he asked,"Let''s set aside the money issue for now. How many days have you been away from home?"


    Sylph blinked, then began counting on her fingers.


    "About three days, I think."


    "Three days?"


    Kenley frowned deeply.


    To travel from the Elven Forest to Marlen Imperial City, one would have to cross the Rides Mountain Range, the Kingdom of Cepro, and the Musa Fortress.


    Not to mention the treacherous Bilak Swamp, a notoriously difficult region to navigate.


    It was absolutely impossible for her to have made the journey in just three days.


    Unless...


    Had she secretly activated an ancient elven teleportation gate and sneaked out?


    Damn.


    That actually seemed very likely.


    Kenley suddenly recalled an important mechanic¡ª


    In Ord Continent, teleportation was primarily a privilege reserved for players.


    After all, it was a game¡ªplayers couldn''t be expected to waste countless hours running across the map just to reach a quest location.


    However, in-game NPCs could only teleport through specific methods¡ª


    Such as ancient teleportation gates or spatial crystals.


    According to the official lore, the game world wasn''t just governed by the six primary elements¡ªLight, Darkness, Wind, Fire, Water, and Earth¡ª


    There were also higher-order laws that only appeared in the game''s main storyline¡ª


    Laws of Time, Space, and Life.


    These laws maintained the fundamental balance of Ord Continent.


    Although the developers had never explicitly stated whether players could control these laws in the later stages of the game, eagle-eyed players had long picked up on the hints.


    For NPCs to travel long distances instantly, they had to use one of these special teleportation methods.


    And the restrictions were insanely strict¡ª


    Some teleportation gates required royal blood to activate.


    Others depended on massive teleportation arrays tied directly to the Laws of Space.


    "...W-What''s wrong?"


    Tia stammered nervously.


    The mysterious human warrior had helped her multiple times, yet Sylph no longer carried the arrogance she had displayed earlier.


    Though still wary of Kenley, she was clearly less hostile now.


    Kenley sighed.


    "How about staying at an inn with us tonight?"


    He mentally calculated¡ªone gold coin would be enough to book three separate rooms.


    Leaving this reckless elf princess to roam the streets at night was too dangerous.


    With the Black Sheep Society and the Dragon Blasphemers lurking around, Kenley felt obligated to ensure the Elven King''s daughter didn''t end up in their hands.


    The last thing he needed was for the elven race to discover that he had a chance to save their princess but chose not to.


    Even if they couldn''t hold him accountable, such an act would surely earn their resentment.


    Sylph froze, visibly startled by Kenley''s offer.


    She didn''t answer immediately but instead carefully weighed the risks in her mind.


    So far, Kenley had shown himself to be decent.


    He had instantly recognized her royal status¡ª


    Yet, despite knowing she was an elven princess, he had no ill intentions and even let her go freely.


    At the very least, that meant Kenley was not some perverted lunatic.

 Chapter 29: Sacred Sound Inn - 1

    "Alright, I agree. But I want a room to myself! I''ll pay back the money I owe you!" Sylph gritted her teeth and, after much hesitation, decided to trust this stranger. She had already spent two nights on the streets. Recently, she had also felt that someone had been watching her from the shadows, which made her extremely uneasy.


    "By the way, thank you," she added at the end. Though her tone was somewhat stiff, there was a hint of sincerity that could still be felt.


    Kenley nodded, not bothering to argue over something so trivial."Of course, I definitely won''t sleep in the same room with you."


    "Oh!" Sylph replied indifferently. While Kenley''s words gave her some comfort, she still couldn''t shake the feeling of unease. Why couldn''t she feel happy? Was her charm really that lacking? Did this human not feel the slightest attraction to the beauty of Princess Sylph? How frustrating!


    Humans... such strange creatures. Even elves weren''t immune. She had despised him earlier, but now, just because he didn''t care about her, she felt strangely affected by it.


    Time passed quickly, and the three of them arrived at the Sacred Sound Inn. Kenley approached the front desk, grinning widely."Hey, Sharp, long time no see!"


    Sharp, who had been calculating the bill, was startled and thought it was a familiar face. But upon hearing the voice, it didn''t sound familiar. He quickly raised his head, adjusted his glasses, and saw a strange human male, and to his shock, there was also a half-elf and a undead following behind him? What in the world were these things?(Note: Elves were rarely seen in human cities, and since half-elves resembled full elves, ordinary people often couldn''t tell the difference.)


    Then, upon closer inspection, his eyes widened in disbelief. An undead wearing the Adventurer''s Guild seal and the Faithful''s Seal! Wasn''t this exactly what he had heard about in the rumors today? Could it be the adventurer who had just signed the adventurer contract?


    How did he know me? Oh, right! The Sacred Sound Inn receives all kinds of guests every day. Maybe a previous guest recommended the inn to him, and that''s how he knows me.


    Realizing this, Sharp quickly put on a business-like smile."Honored guest, you''ve come to the right place to stay at Sacred Sound Inn. We offer the best lodging experience in the Imperial Capital. If you have any horses, we can feed them with fresh hay in the backyard. For first-time guests, we offer a free serving of hay! A night''s stay is very affordable, only 50 silver coins!"


    Kenley chuckled."My name''s Kenley, so how about giving me a 30% discount?"


    Sharp froze for a moment, then, as if struck by inspiration, he slapped his forehead."Oh, right! I can''t believe I forgot! Today is Sacred Sound Inn''s anniversary, and you happen to be the last guest on the list for today''s event! Congratulations! From now on, every time you visit, you''ll enjoy a 30% discount! We look forward to your future visits!"


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    Kenley then saw the looks of disbelief from Tia and Sylph. Both were staring at him as if he were a born negotiator. Tia was amazed because both the tailor shop and Greenleaf Restaurant had given Kenley a 30% discount, and now the Sacred Sound Inn was doing the same.


    If this was a coincidence, it was just too perfect!


    Sylph was impressed by Kenley''s negotiating skills. As a young girl who was curious about the world outside, she had heard her people talk about human merchants. They were always described as smooth-talking, greedy, and ruthless in their pursuit of profit. Once they had their prey in sight, they would always demand outrageous prices, never knowing what fear was. As long as they could make gold, they would stop at nothing. But this mysterious human warrior was too impressive. He was able to take advantage of these merciless merchants, which was unimaginable to her.


    Kenley, however, knew this was simply the effect of the Genius Negotiator skill, granting him a 30% discount! Every time he used the skill, these merchants would somehow come up with all kinds of excuses and reasons to give him a discount, finding ways to sell at a reduced price.


    Kenley thought to himself that choosing to experience the prologue first had been the right decision. Acquiring the Genius Negotiator skill and occasionally being surprised by a good deal was quite enjoyable.


    But...


    Sharp changed his tone,"Honored guest, we only have one room left today. However, the three of you can still share it if you''re comfortable." He said this with a knowing look, as if Kenley would understand.


    Kenley was taken aback, not immediately realizing what was going on. He thought the room was simply full. After all, in the game, inns like Sacred Sound Inn were often fully booked. Since inns offered some privacy, there were rumors that some players secretly rented rooms in the game. While it wasn''t as intimate as in the real world, they could still do things that didn''t cross any lines. The officials had turned a blind eye to this, and that was why Sacred Sound Inn often had no rooms available.


    At first, Kenley subconsciously thought he was back in the game, so when he heard that there was only one room left, he believed it. He overlooked Sharp''s suggestive expression.


    Turning to the two women, he sighed,"Looks like we''re out of luck. The inn only has one room left. What do you think?"


    Sylph immediately frowned. While she mostly trusted that Kenley wasn''t a pervert, she still couldn''t accept the idea of sharing a room with him."How about we find another place?" she started to say, but was cut off.


    Sharp quickly interrupted,"Ah, honorable guests, curfew is coming soon, and the Holy Blessing is the day after tomorrow. If you don''t hurry, you won''t have time to check in. You have only three minutes left!"


    Three minutes?! The three of them exchanged glances. There was no time to find another inn now.


    Kenley also understood what Sylph had meant, but Sharp''s timely interruption made them all give up on the idea of switching inns.


    "Well, what should we do? Shall we make do with this one night? What do you think, ladies?" Kenley could only say with a resigned tone.


    To be honest, Kenley didn''t want to share a room with Sylph. If the Elf King ever found out that his daughter had spent a night in the same room with a strange human male in the Imperial City, he didn''t even want to imagine how the Elf Royal Guard would chase him to the ends of the earth.


    Sylph blushed."I-I agree, but... you can''t..." Sylph was struggling, as she never wanted to stay with this annoying guy. But reality was harsh, and she had no choice.


    She looked up, only to realize that Kenley had already grabbed the key and was heading upstairs.


    "Hey! You guys, don''t go so fast! I haven''t finished speaking!"

 Chapter 30: Sacred Sound Inn - 2

    Sylph stood there, dumbfounded, as she looked at the spacious room. There was only a single double bed. No two beds, no three beds¡ªjust one!


    Kenley had thought about this too, and he let out a sigh.


    "Master, Tia can sleep on the floor. I''m an undead, it doesn''t matter where I sleep. You can sleep on the bed," Tia said, glancing around before speaking her mind.


    Sylph frowned but then gritted her teeth and said,"I''ll sleep with Tia. You sleep on the bed, human, I won''t fight you for it."


    Kenley rolled his eyes, thinking, as if I wanted you to fight me for it.


    Kenley didn''t speak but instead walked over to the bed, gently pressing on the surface, then walked around the bed in a circle.


    "Tia, I remember vampires are supposed to be nocturnal, right? You''re not on the same time schedule as us. Can you sleep during the day?" In general, that''s how it was, but Kenley had never really looked into the background of vampires; he was more focused on actual combat stats and abilities.


    Tia answered without hesitation,"Master, actually, Tia doesn''t need to sleep. I don''t get tired, and I''m never exhausted¡ªexcept when I''m hungry."


    Kenley looked up,"So, does that mean you have to stay awake all the time?"


    Tia thought for a moment before responding,"Not exactly. Vampires can enter a dormant state, similar to human sleep, but this state can be disturbed by intruders or by our own waking."


    "I see," Kenley said,"So you can sleep, but it''s different from humans."


    "Yes, and Tia isn''t affected by normal sunlight," Tia added.


    Kenley''s eyes lit up. He had not noticed this all day. Tia had been with him the whole time, and yet she had never seemed uncomfortable due to the sunlight.


    Perhaps it''s because of her royal blood?


    At this point, Sylph added,"Tia is not like those common, filthy creatures. She has the bloodline of a hero flowing through her veins. Even as an undead, she remains under the protection of the Mother Goddess, so the sunlight doesn''t harm her."


    It was as Sylph said. After hearing her explanation, Kenley nodded. As the princess of the Elven Forest, her words carried significant authority.


    "Tia, are you hungry?" Truthfully, Kenley had noticed Tia''s condition. In Kenley''s servant profile, he could clearly see that her blood thirst was almost at zero. But Tia had been silently enduring without saying a word.


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    Tia''s face instantly paled. In the end, her master had asked the question.


    "Tia is not hungry," Tia muttered, lowering her head.


    "That''s a lie!" Kenley was angry. As his servant, how could she act so recklessly?


    Tia immediately trembled, quickly turning her head away to avoid his gaze.


    Kenley stood up as he spoke. He walked up to Tia, his eyes locking onto hers as she tried to avoid his stare."You are my holy servant, Tia. You are mine! From the moment we signed the contract, I swore before the Mother Goddess to be your master and take care of everything about you¡ªincluding your life!"


    Upon hearing those words, Tia immediately looked at Kenley with eyes full of color¡ªnot in shock, nor surprise, but with a warmth she couldn''t explain.


    Sylph, on the other hand, didn''t quite understand. She thought Kenley was asserting his dominance. Frowning at Kenley''s domineering behavior, she stood up and said,"Tia, drink from me! If you''re hungry, just drink my blood! I''m an elf, and my blood has a powerful life essence that will be beneficial to your body."


    Tia panicked, shaking her head repeatedly."No, I can''t! Sylph, if your father sees the wound, he will be deeply, deeply hurt! And I have the dark seed inside me, I can''t let you be tainted!"


    "What should we do, then? We can''t let you stay hungry like this! Do you want me to just watch you die in front of me? Tia, I can''t do it!" As she spoke, Sylph''s tears welled up, clearly overwhelmed with emotion.


    After all these years, Tia remained the pure, kind-hearted Tia from the past. Even when she was suffering, even when she was in pain, she didn''t want anyone around her to be affected by her own burdens.


    "Sylph, please... don''t make it hard for me..." Tia''s eyes were filled with tears, and it was evident that she, too, was in immense emotional pain at this moment.


    Just then, Kenley spoke up."Stop arguing!"


    With that, Kenley walked over to the table, picked up a water cup, and then pulled out a short sword from his backpack. Looking at the short sword he had gotten from Stephen, Kenley couldn''t help but let out a self-deprecating laugh. Truly, he was seeking his own demise.


    Kenley then focused, his eyes sharp. He drew the sword across his palm, and blood began to flow, filling the cup beneath him.


    "Tia, drink from me," Kenley said, filling the cup. He pressed a cloth against his wound to staunch the flow of blood and then held the cup out to Tia.


    "Master, you!" Tia looked at him in shock. Was this something a master would do for their servant? She was just a servant¡ªshe didn''t need... she didn''t deserve such kindness.


    "It''s still fresh. If it''s left too long, it won''t be drinkable. I remember vampires don''t like stale blood, right?" Kenley said, pressing the cloth against the wound and frowning.


    Tia stared at the cup filled with her master''s warm blood, and at that moment, she felt as though something inside her chest was being filled. Sylph, standing nearby, also looked at Kenley in disbelief. She never imagined that Kenley, a human, could possess such a broad heart.


    Since she was a child, Sylph had heard many things about humans from the elves. Some were heroes, of course, but most were villains.


    She had always believed that humans like heroes must be clad in golden armor, fearless warriors radiating light. But those lowly, shameless humans¡ªdriven by their own desires¡ªwere often portrayed as merciless pillagers. They were ugly, or their beautiful appearances hid their wicked souls.


    The elves had suffered much at the hands of humans. Many of their kin had been kidnapped and sold in slave markets, reduced to human playthings. This history led the elves to shut themselves off from the outside world, forbidding outsiders from easily entering the Elven Forest, making it a secluded, isolated place.

 Chapter 31: Sacred Sound Inn - 3

    Tia gently cradled the cup of blood in her hands. It didn''t feel like she was holding a mere source of sustenance, but rather a sacred chalice. She stared intently at the liquid¡ªshe did not lose herself to bloodlust, nor did hunger drive her into a frenzy. There wasn''t even a trace of entitlement in her heart.


    At this moment, she felt as though something deep within her had been filled. But what was it? Gratitude? No, it wasn''t gratitude. The warmth of being cared for? No, not that either.


    Suddenly, as if recalling something, she sharply raised her head to look at Kenley. He met her gaze with a calm, reassuring expression.


    And then, she understood.


    This feeling¡ªit was the sense of being needed. Kenley had given her this cup of his own blood because he needed her. Yet why was it that she couldn''t detect even the slightest hint of selfishness in his actions? This sensation was strange, inexplicable.


    "Drink, Tia. If it''s not enough, my wound hasn''t closed yet¡ªI can give you more," Kenley said with a faint smile.


    To him, this was nothing more than losing a bit of HP. Restoring HP was easy. When he raided the slaver caravan, he had taken plenty of low-quality healing potions from them.


    Even if they were of poor quality, for someone at the first rank like Kenley, just one bottle was enough to nearly restore him to full health. Losing some blood was no big deal. The people of this world likely didn''t even have a concept of HP, so they wouldn''t understand his reasoning.


    "Master¡­" For the first time, tears welled in Tia''s eyes¡ªnot from pain or despair, but from Kenley''s words alone.


    "Master, please rest assured. From now on, I will do my best to never let you bleed again," she said solemnly.


    Then, she lifted the cup and drank it all in one gulp.


    After finishing, she still seemed unsatisfied, her eyes flickering with a lingering hunger as she stole a glance at Kenley''s wounded palm.


    The sensation of blood sliding down her throat dulled the burning thirst inside her, but drinking from a cup didn''t truly quench her hunger. Only the feeling of sinking her fangs into flesh, drinking directly from the source, could truly satisfy a vampire''s craving.


    Kenley caught the look in her eyes and let out a wry chuckle. He knew all too well¡ªTia had entered a full-fledged bloodthirst state. In this condition, a vampire''s desire for fresh blood became an instinctual compulsion.


    Glancing at Tia''s status screen, he saw that the cup of blood had only restored 37% of her need¡ªfar from enough.


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    Kenley nodded at her."Tia, go ahead."


    With that, he pulled off the blood-soaked bandage, letting the crimson liquid trickle down his palm.


    In an instant, Tia lunged forward with the speed of a panther, catching Kenley completely off guard.


    "Master?" Tia halted just in time, raising her head to glance at Kenley with a hint of concern in her eyes.


    Kenley gave her a reassuring nod."Drink. I won''t resent you for it, so don''t worry."


    "Thank you, Master." As she spoke, she parted her small lips, revealing her fangs, which had been concealed deep within her mouth. Only now did she truly resemble a vampire.


    Having a living, breathing vampire sink her fangs into him¡ªit was hard for Kenley not to feel a little unsettled. But as he looked at Tia''s delicate figure, the pain became somewhat more bearable.


    "Hiss¡ª" Kenley''s face twisted slightly. The sensation of teeth piercing flesh was far from pleasant, especially as he could feel his life force rapidly draining away. For a brief moment, he had the illusion that he was on the verge of death.


    He gritted his teeth and endured, but midway through, something changed¡ªthe pain dulled. He could still feel his life slipping away, and his HP was dropping bit by bit, but the agony was no longer as sharp.


    A natural vampiric paralysis effect? Kenley speculated.


    Meanwhile, Sylph could no longer bear to watch. She covered her eyes with both hands, though Kenley clearly saw how she left a gap between her fingers, unable to resist sneaking a peek.


    Just as Kenley''s HP was about to hit critical levels, and he was on the verge of calling it quits, Tia finally stopped!


    Satisfaction was evident on her face as she covered her mouth with her hand, tilting her head back and closing her eyes, savoring the afterglow of her feast. She looked just like those addicts in movies, basking in their high.


    Without wasting a second, Kenley yanked the cork off a bottle of low-grade potion and downed it in big gulps. Yeah, it was time to seriously consider picking up an alchemist or potion-brewer profession¡ªno delays, no excuses!


    Only when he saw his HP bar finally ticking back up did he let out a breath of relief. He lifted his hand, watching his wound visibly knit itself back together, and felt slightly reassured.


    "Is it over?" Sylph cautiously lowered her hands upon hearing the sound of Kenley drinking his potion.


    Kenley, still looking a little pale, nodded."Yeah, it''s over. Alright, I''m exhausted. Let''s get some sleep¡ªI''m dead tired."


    With that, he expertly opened the wardrobe, pulled out a spare blanket and quilt, and spread them on the floor.


    "I''ll sleep on the floor. You two take the bed." Not waiting for any protests, he collapsed onto his makeshift bedding and instantly fell asleep.


    He really was exhausted. After a long day of running around, he still had to deal with the tasks the dwarves assigned him tomorrow. Reality was such a hassle¡ªif this were a game, he would''ve just powered through the night and finished the quests. But here, he actually had to consider stamina management.


    Tia, finally coming back to her senses from the lingering euphoria of being fully sated, blinked."Why is Master sleeping on the floor?"


    Sylph stared at Kenley with a complex expression. She was beginning to find this human increasingly difficult to understand. Why would he willingly sleep on the floor while letting them take the bed?


    "I have no idea," Sylph admitted, shaking her head.


    Tia gazed at Kenley, lying alone on the cold floor, and after a moment of contemplation, made up her mind. Turning to Sylph, she said firmly,"Sylph, I''m sorry, but I''m going to sleep with Master. You take the bed."


    Sylph nodded absentmindedly."Mm¡­ okay¡­"


    Then, realizing something was off, she snapped her head up."Wait, what did you just say? Say that again?"


    Tia repeated, her voice unwavering,"I want to sleep with Master. You take the bed."


    Her tone left no room for argument.


    Sylph was completely stunned.

 Chapter 32: Sacred Sound Inn - 4

    In the early morning, a cacophony of noise drifted in from outside the window.


    Sunlight, like golden gossamer breaking through the clouds, was carefully spread into the room by the Mother Goddess. The wooden, classical-style furniture, bathed in its glow, seemed to gain a more tangible presence. From outside, the melodious sound of an organ played softly, as if the spirits of the Elven Lake were celebrating a grand festival with their gentle music.


    Amidst the enchanting melody, Kenley slowly pried open his heavy eyelids and stretched lazily.


    He lifted his head and glanced at the clock on the wall¡ªit was already seven in the morning. The curfew should be lifted by now, right?


    Just then, something felt off.


    He noticed that Tia was lying on her side, dressed in nothing but the simple nightgown provided by the inn, pressed closely against him. His arm, which had been casually resting, had somehow ended up wrapped around her slender waist. The ambiguous intimacy of the scene instantly jolted Kenley awake.


    But what truly shocked him was Sylph.


    She wasn''t on the bed either. Instead, she was nestled right behind Tia, clinging tightly to her.


    Good grief. In the end, none of the three of them had slept on the bed. If he had known this would happen, he might as well have slept out on the streets.


    What frustrated him even more was the realization that he had spent the night in the same bed as Sylph. If the Elven King were to witness this scene, Kenley could only imagine how eagerly he would want to kill him on the spot.


    Only now did Kenley finally get a clear look at the elven princess''s face. Yesterday, the dim lighting and her hood had obscured most of her features, leaving only a vague impression.


    Sylph was facing Tia, while Tia faced him, giving him a perfect view of her delicate countenance. Her golden hair, as lustrous as woven silk and precious jade, cascaded beneath her like a luxurious tapestry. Clad in a pure white nightgown, she lay curled up like a small angel, exuding a beauty so pure that it felt almost sacred, beyond desecration.


    Her exquisite features were enough to topple nations. Her long, soft lashes trembled faintly, perhaps fluttering in the midst of a sweet dream. Her elongated ears bore the elegance unique to elves, and her gentle breaths made it impossible to disturb her slumber. Even in deep sleep, she was utterly captivating.


    She was not tall, her petite frame fragile and delicate, as if she had no bones at all. Her smooth, snow-like skin, illuminated by the morning''s soft light, shimmered like fine porcelain. Tiny, starlike particles swirled around her¡ªan enchanting glow born from her extraordinary affinity with the elements, manifesting as photonic wisps of ambient magic.


    Kenley found himself momentarily entranced.


    Two such stunning beauties lay quietly before him, yet he felt not the slightest trace of desire.


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    All he had was admiration¡ªlike gazing upon two exquisite porcelain figurines¡ªserene, tranquil, and ethereal.


    Accompanied by the melodious organ music drifting in from the window, Kenley felt as if everything in this world¡ªthis sky, this land, this very space¡ªhad become more beautiful.


    "Time to get up!" With a blink, Kenley abruptly sat up. There was still much to do today¡ªcompleting the dwarves'' task, fulfilling the Golden Scissors commission, and pursuing the path of a potion master.


    He walked to the washroom and splashed his face with cold water, shaking off the last remnants of drowsiness.


    If this were a game, he could have completed all these tasks in less than an hour. But this was reality¡ªthere was no accelerated time, no convenient shortcuts. Everything had to be done step by step.


    The moment he stepped out of the washroom, he found that both of them had woken up as well.


    As soon as Sylph saw him, a faint blush spread across her face. She turned away deliberately, avoiding his gaze as if she were actively trying to keep her distance.


    And then, without warning, Tia threw herself into Kenley''s arms.


    The sudden movement startled him.


    "Tia? What are you doing?" Kenley asked in shock.


    "Did I scare you, Master?" Tia lifted her large, watery eyes, blinking up at him innocently.


    Kenley was instantly at a loss. Faced with such an expression, there was no way he could resist. Add to that Tia''s breathtaking beauty, and truly¡ªhow could any man resist such a test?


    "¡­Not scared." His words came out slightly stammered. Though this wasn''t the first time a girl had hugged him, it still made him a little flustered. After all, Tia was only the second woman to ever embrace him. He hadn''t completely outgrown his youthful awkwardness just yet.


    Tia giggled sweetly."Master, I know I can be a little willful, but I wanted to discuss something with you."


    "What is it?" Kenley was slightly surprised. At the same time, he noticed that at some point, Sylph had already put on her cloak, her head lowered as if she didn''t dare to look in his direction.


    "Well, Master, Sylph wants to team up with us. She''s also an adventurer¡ªa ranger, actually. She''s skilled in reconnaissance and tracking, which would be really useful for hunting treasure and prey. So, Master, what do you think¡­?" Tia spoke in a coaxing, almost pleading tone.


    So that''s what this was about.


    Kenley inwardly chuckled¡ªafter all the times he had helped Sylph, no wonder she was acting this way now.


    He seriously considered the possibility of forming a party with her. As a professional player, Kenley had extremely high standards for teammates¡ªanyone who didn''t meet the gear requirements was out, anyone lacking skill was out, anyone who misallocated their stat points was out, and anyone with poor synergy was definitely out.


    In the world of gaming, dungeon runs were all about efficiency¡ªfast, ruthless, and precise.


    Of course, exceptions were made when carrying new guild members or assisting them with non-boss missions. But otherwise, standards had to be upheld.


    "Sylph." Kenley called her name, not immediately answering Tia''s request.


    Sylph tensed as if she had been struck by lightning. She shot to her feet, stiffly responding,"Here!"¡ªonly to realize a moment later how unnecessary her reaction was. A deep blush crept onto her face as she quickly sat back down.


    "What am I even doing? Why am I reacting like this? It''s not like he''s a thief or something¡­" She scolded herself internally.


    "Sylph, aside from being a ranger, do you have any other skills?" Kenley asked.


    He knew very well that elves possessed an extraordinarily high affinity for the elements. It was unlikely that she was only a ranger.


    "Huh? What do you mean?" She blinked, momentarily confused.


    Kenley didn''t get annoyed. Instead, he patiently rephrased,"I mean, aside from being a ranger, can you use magic? Do you have abilities related to elemental control?"


    "Oh, that''s what you meant. Yes, I''m also an Elementalist." She finally understood.


    Kenley couldn''t help but inwardly sigh. Just what was this elven princess thinking about? Why did she seem so absentminded whenever he spoke to her?


    What he didn''t realize was that Sylph''s gaze upon him had turned increasingly fleeting and dazed¡ªas if she were caught in some kind of trance.

 Chapter 33: Sacred Sound Inn - 5

    Elementalist?


    Kenley rested his chin on one hand, deep in thought.


    "Among the six primary elements, which one do you have the highest affinity for?" he continued asking.


    Sylph was stunned for a moment. She lowered her head in contemplation before answering hesitantly,"I don''t think any of them are particularly high¡­ Maybe¡­"


    Kenley was dumbfounded. This was an elven princess, yet her elemental affinity wasn''t high in any of them? My god, I feel like smashing my head against a wall.


    If what Sylph said was true, Kenley figured he could randomly pick any villager from an elven settlement, and they''d probably be far stronger than her. After all, elemental affinity was a crucial measure of an elf''s potential. Simply put, every single elf possessed exceptional elemental affinity¡ªthere was no such thing as a weak one.


    "Give me your hand!" Kenley''s patience wore thin. Was she deliberately hiding the truth? Or did she just fail to understand his question again?


    "What are you trying to do?!" Sylph was startled. Like a frightened rabbit, she instantly sprang to the other side of the bed, watching Kenley with wary eyes.


    Kenley rolled his eyes."I just want to check your elemental affinity!"


    If not for the fact that [Appraisal] could only assess basic information such as level and race from a distance, he wouldn''t have bothered with this.


    Only through physical contact could Kenley obtain precise details about Sylph''s abilities and determine the best course of action.


    "You''re not an Elementalist, a Mage, a Priest, or a Cleric. How could you possibly see my elemental affinity?!" Sylph was visibly unconvinced.


    That''s it! That must be it!


    This terrifying man had finally revealed his true colors. Yesterday, he held himself back, likely because he was too exhausted. But now? Now, she was trapped in this room with him, and she wasn''t even his match in combat.


    If he planned to take advantage of her, now would be the perfect moment!


    The stories passed down by her people¡ªthe horrific tales of abuse and enslavement¡ªflashed through her mind, making her tremble. Was this man planning to sell her to slavers? Or worse, to take advantage of her while she was defenseless?


    He had woken up before them this morning¡ªhad he seen her body? Had it awakened his beastly desires? And now, he was using this excuse to get closer to her, to seize an opportunity when she wasn''t paying attention¡­


    Kenley took a step forward impatiently.


    Sylph immediately retreated in fear."D-Don''t come any closer!" she stammered in panic.


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    Kenley let out an exasperated sigh."Sylph, your Highness, could you stop thinking of yourself as some irresistible beauty? I just want to test your elemental affinity. I''m not going to eat you! Do you even want to join my party or not?"


    "But¡­ but forming a party doesn''t require touching, does it? You''re making things very difficult for me," Sylph insisted stubbornly.


    Kenley rolled his eyes once again and turned around."Tia, she''s the one refusing. Let''s go. We have plenty of tasks to complete today."


    Tia immediately panicked."Sylph, please trust Master! He would never harm you. I trust him with all my heart!"


    Kenley shook his head and gave Tia another reminder."Tia."


    Tia frowned before rushing to Sylph''s side."Didn''t we agree last night? I''d cover for you, and you''d take the opportunity to agree. You have no idea how incredible Master is! I can''t explain all the details, but he knows the Imperial City inside and out. With him around, you''ll avoid countless detours!"


    Kenley didn''t rush to leave. Instead, he deliberately paused to let Tia and Sylph talk, overhearing every word clearly.


    With an amused smirk, he remarked,"What a pity¡ªsome people just don''t appreciate kindness. Well, I''m no charity worker, Tia. Let''s go. No need to waste any more time."


    To be honest, If not for Tia being so obedient and endearing, he wouldn''t have bothered dealing with Sylph. So what if there was a hidden quest? Was it a matter of life and death if he missed out on it? Kenley had plenty of ways to grow stronger on his own.


    Finally, under Tia''s persuasion and Kenley''s taunts, Sylph gritted her teeth. She walked up to Kenley, stretched out her hand, blushing as she turned her face away."Fine, fine! Just touch already! Touch yourself to death, you scoundrel!"


    Kenley chuckled."Now that''s more like it. Just follow my instructions properly, and we wouldn''t have to go through all this nonsense."


    Without hesitation, he grasped Sylph''s hand. She let out a small, frightened whimper, her entire demeanor resembling a helpless lamb about to be slaughtered¡ªso delicate and fragile.


    Kenley couldn''t care less about what she was thinking. Instead, he focused his mind."Appraise!"


    In an instant, Sylph''s full status information was revealed before him.


    Kenley froze on the spot.


    What kind of terrifying talent is this?!


    Under the Elemental Affinity section of her stats, all he could see were numbers that defied logic.


    ¡¾Light Element Affinity: 100%¡¿


    ¡¾Dark Element Affinity: 100%¡¿


    ¡¾Wind Element Affinity: 100%¡¿


    ¡¾Fire Element Affinity: 100%¡¿


    ¡¾Water Element Affinity: 100%¡¿


    ¡¾Earth Element Affinity: 100%¡¿


    Is this what NPC-exclusive privileges look like? A straight-up bloodline inheritance?


    Kenley immediately checked his own status panel. Same first-tier rank¡­ yet all six of his elemental affinities were sitting at 0%!


    How is this even fair?! How are players supposed to compete?!


    Kenley felt like crying. The envy¡­ the sheer envy!


    If he had such an elemental affinity, he would have undoubtedly chosen the Mage class! While Warrior was his strongest class, Mage was a close second.


    Of course, Elementalist was also a decent option, but when it came to PvP battles, Mages had far greater flexibility. Not that Elementalists were weak¡ªfar from it. In dungeons and monster raids, they were actually superior. If he had a choice, he''d definitely lean toward Elementalist in PvE content.


    Wiping the cold sweat off his forehead, Kenley stared at Sylph."And you call that ''not particularly high''?"


    Are you kidding me?! Every single one of them is at the highest possible level!


    Then again, if he twisted the perspective a little, technically, none of them were "higher" than the others, since they were all at 100%.


    Still, that''s some next-level absurdity!


    Sylph looked confused."You can see it?"


    Kenley rolled his eyes. He didn''t bother explaining and simply said,"Alright, I''m allowing you to join my party. But listen carefully¡ªI am the leader. You will follow my commands. Understood?"


    "But you haven''t told me what my elemental affinity is yet."


    To be honest, Sylph herself had no idea what her elemental affinity was like. She only vaguely remembered her father laughing as he praised her for inheriting his bloodline well, but he never elaborated beyond that.

 Chapter 34: The Dwarven Quest 1

    "Let''s go. Move out." Kenley didn''t even acknowledge her, simply leading Tia forward without looking back.


    Seeing this, Sylph quickly picked up her pace to follow. She was still curious¡ªhow could a warrior like Kenley possibly detect elemental affinities? But for now, she had to suppress her curiosity.


    She caught up to Tia and flashed her a smile. Tia returned it with a sweet smile of her own. At this moment, neither of them spoke a word, choosing instead to cherish this rare moment of companionship.


    Tia knew all too well¡ªSylph was the princess of the Elven Forest. One day, she would have to return. That was exactly why she had done everything she could to get their master to form a party with her.


    As Kenley led them toward East Light Avenue, he mulled over which quest to tackle first.


    After a moment''s thought, he settled on the Dwarven Quest. Of all the quests available, this one had the highest level of uncertainty. In particular, the Black Mountain Spider, a third-tier threat, was the greatest danger he had to watch out for.


    Please, let nothing unexpected happen¡­ Kenley silently prayed, trying to suppress his unease.


    With his course decided, he steered the carriage toward the Kerr household. Kerr didn''t live within the city; he resided in the countryside by a small stream. Following East Light Avenue out of the city gates, one had to take the third fork south and travel a bit further until a massive waterwheel came into view. Once past the waterwheel, Kerr''s home would be just ahead.


    As Kenley silently drove the carriage forward, Sylph found herself unable to contain her curiosity. She kept sneaking glances at his face along the way.


    After a while, Kenley spoke without even turning his head."Sylph, you keep staring at me like that¡ªwhat, do I have lice on my face?"


    Sylph''s face immediately flushed red. She hastily turned away, pretending to focus on the passing scenery instead.


    "I wasn''t staring at you! I just happened to be looking in your direction!" she huffed.


    There was a brief pause. Seeing that Kenley didn''t continue to engage with her, Sylph couldn''t help but ask,"Why did you save Tia?"


    The moment those words left her lips, Tia instinctively turned back to glance at Sylph.


    Kenley continued guiding the carriage forward as he replied indifferently,"And why should I answer you? What do I get out of it?"


    Sylph''s temper flared instantly. Again! This guy always acted like she wasn''t worth his time.


    Am I really that unworthy of his attention?!


    Why is he always like this?! What did I ever do to deserve this attitude?!


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    "You¡ª!"


    Sylph was momentarily speechless, unable to find a rebuttal against Kenley''s reasoning. Every word he said made sense, leaving her no room to argue. Frustrated, she chose to sulk in silence.


    The carriage continued forward, the rhythmic clattering of hooves echoing in the quiet. Before long, a massive waterwheel came into view, turning steadily beside a small stream. The moss-covered paddles lifted water into the air, sending crystalline droplets splashing about. The sight was mesmerizing, and Sylph couldn''t help but steal a few more glances.


    "So this is a human waterwheel?" she mused aloud."This is my first time seeing one. It''s surprisingly fascinating."


    It was clear that everything in the human world was novel to her. Though she had ventured into the Gaifei Kingdom as a child, she had never strayed far, always under the discreet protection of her father.


    But this time was different. She had secretly activated an ancient teleportation gate, having no idea where she would end up. She simply followed an old incantation and¡ªbefore she knew it¡ªhad been transported straight to Marlen Imperial City.


    This meant she had completely bypassed the normal process of entering the human world, leaving her knowledge of it fragmented¡ªgleaned from old books, the idle chatter of her people, and the childhood stories she had exchanged with Tia.


    Kenley gave a slight nod. Since there was nothing else to do, he casually explained,"This device is called a waterwheel. It uses the power of flowing water to scoop water into buckets, which then rotate and pour it into an artificial aqueduct. This allows water to be transported from lower areas to higher fields, ensuring proper irrigation for crops. With this system, farmers can cultivate their lands efficiently, leading to plentiful harvests and a stable food supply."


    "So that''s how it works! You''re really knowledgeable!" Sylph blurted out in admiration.


    Tia giggled sweetly."Master was a farmer before. Of course, he knows more about these things than the average person."


    Hearing Tia''s laughter, Kenley suddenly felt a wave of satisfaction wash over him. Traveling with beautiful women really was a pleasure.


    At that moment, a thought struck him.


    He possessed the¡®Farmer'' profession, yet he had never truly explored it. Since it was a non-combat profession, he had always dismissed it, never bothering to study its mechanics.


    But what if he fully developed it? Could it be a hidden goldmine of potential?


    Driven by curiosity, he opened his Farmer Profession Interface while still steering the carriage.


    His eyes immediately landed on the Peak Skill of the profession tree¡ªthe ultimate ability that often defined a profession''s worth.


    [God of Abundance]


    Effect: Increases all agricultural yields by 200%.Bonus 1:+79% fruit yield.Bonus 2:+79% grain yield.Bonus 3:+79% livestock production.Bonus 4:+79% vegetable yield.Bonus 5: Your agricultural products gain worldwide acclaim, becoming the most sought-after goods in every nation. Market success rate +100%.


    "...What the hell?"


    Kenley almost gouged his own eyes out to make sure he wasn''t hallucinating. Was this for real?!


    This skill was utterly broken! How had he never heard of this before?!


    His heart raced with excitement. Unlike combat professions, which required max level and a Golden Rebirth to unlock their final skills, lifestyle professions followed an entirely different set of rules.


    Take the Dwarven Blacksmith, Smith, for example. He was purely a blacksmith, level 50, with no combat abilities whatsoever, yet he could craft legendary weapons that rivaled those of the greatest warriors.


    Kenley''s gaze shifted to the level requirement for [God of Abundance].


    Level 60.


    That was just the threshold for a Silver Rebirth¡ªridiculously easy compared to the requirements for combat professions!


    "...Is this my destiny?" Kenley couldn''t help but chuckle bitterly.


    Looking at the absurdly high return on investment, he suddenly found himself warming up to the idea of being a Farmer.


    But then, a new problem arose¡ª


    To be a farmer, he first needed land.


    And land was monopolized by the nobility.


    There were only two ways to acquire land:


    Lease it from the aristocracy.Become a lord himself.

 Chapter 35: The Dwarven Quest 2

    Rent land? Forget it. Those vampire nobles wouldn''t just sit by and let him profit. They''d probably find a way to extort him, one way or another. The only way forward was to become a noble himself! Kenley''s mind was suddenly set.


    Becoming a noble was a common path for players, but the real question was which nation to join.


    The Cain Empire? That nation was indeed powerful¡ªboth in military strength and economic prowess, making it one of the peak powers in the mid-game. But Kenley knew that at the start of the Fifth Era, the Cain Empire had been struck by the new expansion "Doomsday Calamity", where the Demon King, Karlis, directly attacked the imperial capital, and despite all the players'' efforts, the empire had fallen.


    That had marked the twilight of the Cain Empire.


    Now, in the Fifth Era, after the sealing of the Dark Lord, this was the empire''s most prosperous year, its zenith.


    Kenley, knowing what was to come, fell into deep thought, wondering whether he should join the Cain Empire or not.


    As Kerr''s house drew nearer, Kenley shook his head, deciding to take things one step at a time."Let''s complete the task first, then decide."


    "We''re here,¡± Kenley said, dismounting from the carriage and helping Tia down as well.


    "You jerk! Why are you only helping Tia and not me?¡± Sylph bit her teeth in irritation, glaring at him.


    Kenley rolled his eyes, not even turning his head."I''m afraid someone will suspect I have ulterior motives again."


    After that, Kenley just walked ahead, not even sparing Sylph a glance.


    "You!" Sylph was at a loss for words, her mouth shut tight as she fumed in silence. She could only hold back her anger.


    Tia smiled helplessly at Sylph."Alright, Sylph, don''t argue with Master anymore."


    Sylph grabbed Tia''s hand."It''s not that I want to argue with him, it''s just that he''s so infuriating."


    Tia chuckled softly, covering her mouth."Sylph, you''re getting more and more beautiful. You''re becoming more feminine."


    Sylph frowned, looking confused."Tia, why are you talking like my uncle now, playing word games? What do you mean ''feminine''? Are you saying I smell bad?"


    "I wasn''t playing word games, you just didn''t understand." Tia glanced at Kenley, who was already walking farther ahead, and quickly tugged at Sylph."Let''s hurry up, otherwise Master will get too far."


    "Oh!" Sylph puffed out her cheeks in response since Tia didn''t explain further.


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    Under Kenley''s lead, they cautiously approached the house.


    From Tia''s explanation, Sylph learned that the task they had received was to deliver a few pairs of shoes to a dwarf blacksmith. At first, Sylph didn''t understand and was puzzled for a long time. She thought adventurers were those brave warriors who wielded swords, ventured into deep mountains, and slew dragons. How could they be doing such sneaky tasks? It seemed beneath them.


    After Tia''s repeated encouragement, she reluctantly agreed to follow Kenley. According to Tia, Kenley was the bravest warrior she had ever met. Not only was his courage unmatched, but his combat talent was exceptional. Tia suspected that Kenley might very well become a master in the coming decades.


    However, Sylph''s perception quickly shifted when she witnessed the following scene: As Kenley passed a wooden barrel outside Kerr''s house, he noticed a silver cup resting on top. Without hesitation, he grabbed it and stuffed it into his cloak. Then, upon spotting a beautiful painting on the wall, he casually drew his dagger, cut it open, and shoved it into his bag.


    "Is this what you call a brave warrior, Tia? How is this any different from being a thief?" Sylph turned back, her face filled with disbelief.


    Tia looked awkward, unsure of how to explain. After all, Kenley had been fine yesterday, but today... his actions were puzzling.


    Wait, that''s it! It must be related to the task. Master is surely collecting clues, trying to find those boots! She hurriedly explained to Sylph,"Don''t worry, Master must have a reason for this, like gathering clues."


    Sylph furrowed her brow."Alright, I trust you."


    Kenley, however, was wrongly accused. It was simply a habit from being a player. In the game, how many players hadn''t picked up things they found along the way? If something valuable was spotted, players would casually stuff it into their bags because, after all, it''s money.


    Especially at this early stage, when money was scarce. Even the smallest opportunity to earn would not be missed. In the game world, players could be lawless; NPCs were constantly being driven mad by these players, and the prison in the imperial city was always filled with players enjoying the luxurious suite service.


    After using the Ring of Life to scan Kerr''s house several times, Kenley confirmed that no one was home. He then turned back and waved to Sylph.


    Despite her suspicions, Sylph trusted Tia''s word and patiently walked over to Kenley.


    "What''s up?" Sylph asked.


    "How about teaming up with me?" Kenley asked.


    "?!" Sylph was momentarily stunned."Aren''t we already in a team?"


    Kenley ignored her remark, as a notification appeared in his game interface: Successfully teamed up with Sylph. On the mini-map, Sylph''s blue icon now appeared, a special marker that only appeared after a successful team-up.


    Kenley nodded."Since you''re a ranger, you must have the Wild Sensory ability, right?"


    "How did you know that?" Sylph asked instinctively.


    Of course I know, I have a level 99 ranger alt. Kenley didn''t bother explaining."Can you use your Wild Sensory to investigate where the owner of these boots has been recently?" As he spoke, he pulled out a large, foul-smelling, disgusting boot.


    Taking the boot, Sylph suddenly recalled what Tia had said. Could it be true? Was this human really collecting clues?


    The stench... Sylph immediately frowned."Dwarf?"


    Kenley nodded.


    "I''ll give it a try..." Sylph''s hands shimmered with green light, covering the entire boot. After waiting a moment, her eyes gleamed with a ghostly green light.


    Seeing this, Kenley immediately understood that Sylph had entered her Wild Sensory mode. In this state, the places the boot''s owner had recently visited would be highlighted.


    "Follow me!" Sylph said, and immediately began following the trail, heading toward a certain area of the house.


    Kenley was thrilled. It had been the right decision to bring the ranger elf princess along. With her, he had far fewer problems and saved a lot of time.

 Chapter 36: The Dwarven Quest 3

    Following Sylph for a short distance, they soon arrived in front of a shelf.


    "Strange... The footprints disappear here, almost as if the person walked straight into the shelf," Sylph frowned, puzzled. This was the first time she had encountered such an odd situation.


    "Let me take a look." Kenley stepped forward.


    He examined the storage shelf, which was filled with baskets, fruits, and other miscellaneous items. At first glance, there was nothing particularly suspicious. However, Kenley knew that in most games, when a puzzle was set up for players, there was always a conveniently placed clue to help them solve it.


    Just then, his eyes lit up. He suddenly noticed a cup that was perfectly aligned with the shelf, almost blending into it. He reached out to grab the cup, intending to do something, but before he could, Sylph pulled him back.


    "What are you doing?" she demanded.


    "I''m unlocking a mechanism," Kenley replied with a frown.


    "Are you trying to steal something again?" Sylph''s sense of justice flared up. Earlier, she could believe Kenley was just looking for clues, but now that they had found one, he was still trying to take things.


    Such a na?ve young girl... Kenley sighed inwardly but could understand her point of view. Judging by her age, she was at that stage where she still believed in the bright and noble side of the world. She had probably read countless stories of dragon-slaying heroes, leaving her with an overwhelming sense of justice. And while Kenley found it exasperating, he didn''t want to shatter her idealistic view of heroes.


    However, he also had a mission to complete. At any moment, Kerr could return, and considering how some quests had hidden time limits, he couldn''t afford to waste this opportunity while the house was still empty.


    "I know what I''m doing," Kenley stated before reaching for the cup again.


    Sylph had had enough. She grabbed Kenley by the shoulder, trying to stop him.


    But Kenley wasn''t about to be held back. Ignoring her protests, he firmly twisted the cup.


    With a loud click, the entire shelf shifted, slowly rotating to reveal a hidden passage.


    Sylph, still gripping Kenley''s arm, stood there utterly stunned, her eyes wide with shock. She had never expected things to turn out like this.


    "See? It''s not what you thought at all!" Kenley said, exasperated, before stepping forward to enter the passage.


    "You¡ª!" Sylph''s face turned red with frustration and embarrassment, but refusing to admit defeat, she quickly rushed ahead of him and entered first.


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    Just then, Kenley''s expression changed."Watch out!" he shouted.


    In an instant, he tackled Sylph to the ground. A razor-sharp arrow whizzed past, barely grazing the edge of her clothing!


    With a loud thud!, the arrow embedded itself into the wall right above their heads.


    Cold sweat broke out on Kenley''s forehead. He hadn''t expected such a simple secret passage to be rigged with traps. Without a rogue in their party, detecting hidden mechanisms like these was much more difficult.


    At that moment, Kenley was completely unaware of the awkward position they had ended up in.


    His large hand had accidentally grabbed onto Sylph''s coat, pulling it open and exposing a vast expanse of her smooth, snow-white skin. Not only that, but his gaze unintentionally landed on her chest¡ªthough not fully revealed, the sight was enough to make his pulse race.


    Sylph''s face, already flushed with embarrassment, only added to the strangely alluring atmosphere. Kenley''s legs had pinned Sylph in place, and a certain part of him was pressing directly against her stomach. The two of them stared at each other in stunned silence, while Sylph''s face turned so red it looked like she could boil water.


    "S-Sorry!" Kenley blurted out, immediately scrambling to his feet. He spun around, deliberately avoiding her gaze.


    Damn it... He had just accidentally glimpsed Sylph''s exposed body. In elven society, such an act was nothing short of blasphemy. Violating the sanctity of a newly-adult elven maiden¡ªlet alone a princess¡ªwas a crime punishable by death. He didn''t even want to imagine the consequences.


    Meanwhile, Sylph remained on the ground, her lips slightly pursed, her face still flushed, saying nothing. Kenley had no idea what she was thinking.


    After a moment of silence, he cleared his throat and said,"We should hurry up and finish the mission."


    "Mm." Sylph tugged her coat closed and nodded lightly, her gaze fixed on the ground.


    ¡ª


    When Kenley and Sylph finally emerged from Kerr''s house, they were met with Tia''s suspicious stare.


    There''s definitely a story here.


    Tia''s instincts told her something had happened between them, but she chose not to pry. Instead, she stepped forward and asked,"Master, how did the mission go? I kept watch the whole time¡ªKerr hasn''t returned yet."


    Kenley exhaled slowly, regaining his composure, and nodded."It''s done. Next, we head to Lytalia''s house."


    The group set off in silence. Kenley drove the carriage without a word, but Tia''s curious eyes kept darting back and forth between him and Sylph. Eventually, she couldn''t hold back any longer and cautiously asked,"Sylph?"


    Sylph nearly jumped in surprise. She patted her chest, trying to calm herself, and stole a quick glance at Kenley before replying,"What is it, Tia?"


    Tia gave her a knowing smile before changing the subject."We''re heading to Lytalia''s house next. According to Master Smith, there''s a magical trap door there. Since you''re an Elementalist, you must have a way to deal with magical traps, right?"


    Sylph let out a small sigh of relief. So that''s what she wanted to ask¡­ She quickly smiled."Of course! A magic trap? That''s nothing to me!"


    Tia''s eyes lit up with admiration."Sylph, you''re amazing! Look at me¡ªI barely did anything during the mission. All I could do was stand guard outside." Her voice grew softer, a hint of disappointment creeping in as she lowered her head.


    Sylph''s heart ached at the sight. She quickly reassured her,"Tia, don''t say that! You have so much potential. I believe in you! Even though you''ve become a vampire, you''ll still find your own place in this world. The Mother Goddess still loves you."


    "Thank you, Sylph." Tia beamed, her smile as sweet as ever.


    Seeing Tia''s bright expression, Sylph gradually pushed aside the chaotic thoughts swirling in her mind. She couldn''t help but sneak another glance at that frustrating man. What is this idiot even thinking? He''s been quiet the whole time, acting like a damn rock.


    Kenley, on the other hand, was silently relieved. Since Sylph hadn''t mentioned the incident in front of Tia, it meant she had chosen to forget it. And if that was the case, then the best thing he could do¡­ was forget it too.

 Chapter 37: The Dwarven Quest 4

    Driving the carriage, Kenley and his group returned to the city. Their next destination was Lytalia''s house, located in a narrow alley in the northern part of the commercial district.


    "We''re here." Kenley hopped off the carriage, but he soon noticed Sylph standing still, staring in a particular direction.


    "What''s wrong?" he asked, puzzled.


    "It''s nothing."


    Kenley followed her gaze and realized¡ªwhat a coincidence. The place Sylph was absentmindedly staring at was exactly where they had first met her the day before.


    He shook his head without commenting further and instead led Tia toward Lytalia''s house.


    Lytalia''s home was a three-story building. Kenley was somewhat familiar with her daily routines. At this time, she was usually not at home¡ªmost likely working alongside her husband at the blacksmith''s forge.


    As a dwarf, Lytalia wasn''t just the wife of a blacksmith; she was also a rune engraver, which explained why she was skilled at crafting magical traps.


    Rune engravers were rare on the continent of Aude. In the early stages of their training, they had little presence or combat involvement. However, in the later stages of their craft, they became invaluable. After all, the ability to imbue weapons and armor with magical properties could change the tide of battle entirely.


    Sylph frowned as she took in the house''s location. Though tucked away in an alley, it was still within the city. Avoiding unwanted attention from passersby and nosy neighbors would be extremely difficult.


    Just as she was about to discuss a strategy for infiltrating the house, Kenley took the lead¡ªcasually pushing open the door and walking inside, as if he were a frequent guest with nothing to fear.


    "Lytalia! Lytalia!" he called out while striding in, but there was no response.


    Sylph stared at him, dumbfounded. Is this human afraid of nothing? Doesn''t he care if the mission fails?


    Shaking her head in frustration, she silently followed him inside.


    As expected, no matter how loudly Kenley called, there was no sign of anyone in the house. He eventually turned to the two women and said,"Alright, follow me."


    Tia exchanged a glance with Sylph before quickly following him.


    As they ascended the stairs to the third floor, Sylph realized just how complex the house''s layout was. Every turn of the staircase made her pause to get her bearings, yet Kenley navigated the place effortlessly, as if it were his own home.


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    If not for her heightened senses as a ranger, Sylph would have had a hard time keeping up.


    This guy¡­ was he a thief in the past? How is he so skilled at this? He''s moving around like he''s completely unafraid of getting caught.


    At last, they reached the third floor. As Sylph stepped onto the landing, she saw Kenley standing in front of a door, his brows furrowed.


    "Sylph, give it a try," he said, turning his gaze to her.


    "So in the end, you still need this princess to help you?" Sylph thought smugly to herself. However, she maintained a nonchalant tone as she asked,"What''s wrong? Can''t get in?"


    Kenley didn''t seem to mind her attitude at all. Instead, he said,"Sylph, take a look at the magical trap on this door. Can you determine its rank and type?"


    Seeing how serious and cautious he was, Sylph lost interest in teasing him. She turned her attention to the door, stepped forward, and placed her right hand against it.


    "O Fountain of Magic, reveal to me all the secrets that lie within this place."


    A soft blue light immediately spread across the entire door, as if it had been wrapped in a glowing green LED strip¡ªor at least, that was how Kenley perceived it.


    After a short moment, Sylph withdrew the light into her palm. Her eyes snapped open, and she spoke with a hint of nervousness in her voice.


    "A fourth-rank magical trap. The mana core is embedded in the door handle. If anyone other than the rightful owner of this house touches it, the trap will activate instantly."


    A fourth-rank trap? Just for a door?


    Sylph closed her eyes for a moment, as if analyzing further, before continuing,"We can''t simply force our way in. That would also trigger the trap."


    She opened her eyes again, a hint of admiration in them."What a sophisticated design. Even I can''t say for sure that I can disable it. Who knew dwarves had such impressive magical talent?"


    Hearing her explanation, Kenley frowned. Why did this trap''s design seem so familiar? It reminded him of something¡ªmaybe from one of his past dungeon raids? The Draconic Heresy''s secret ritual hall, perhaps? Hadn''t he encountered a similar mechanism when fighting the High Priest?


    Tia, concerned, quickly asked,"Sylph, can you disarm it?"


    Sylph tensed up. She had boasted to Tia before, but now she realized she might have spoken too soon.


    "Uh¡­" Sweat beaded on her forehead. Damn it. I promised Tia I could do it, but I can''t.


    A fourth-rank magical trap wasn''t beyond her ability to break, but she would need to advance to the third rank herself before she could attempt it.


    "Tia, listen to me," Sylph said, trying to divert the conversation.


    "Hmm?" Tia tilted her head, her trust in Sylph unwavering. She didn''t seem to doubt her abilities at all.


    "Tia, you know that magical traps have unique mechanisms. If someone who doesn''t understand them tries to dismantle one carelessly, they''ll trigger the trap instead. While I can see the structure and strength of this one, I need a little more information¡­" Sylph chose her words carefully, unwilling to shatter the competent image she had built in Tia''s mind.


    But before she could finish, Tia suddenly pointed at Kenley.


    "Sylph, do you mean¡­ like Master?"


    Sylph froze. She turned her head¡ªand the sight behind her made her jaw drop.


    Kenley had casually placed his hand on the door handle. Without any visible magic or special techniques, he gave it a slight push, and with a soft creak, the door simply swung open. No trap activation, no resistance.


    He had done it effortlessly.


    Sylph''s mind went blank.


    What¡­ what just happened?


    Her voice faltered."H-he¡­ how did he get in?"


    Tia tilted her head thoughtfully."While you were talking to me, Master seemed to draw a symbol on the door. Then it just¡­ opened."

 Chapter 38: The Dwarven Quest 5

    "Symbols?"


    Sylph immediately looked at the markings on the door, her expression one of sheer astonishment.


    "These are ancient runes!" Sylph instinctively exclaimed at the top of her voice.


    Tia was equally surprised."Ancient runes? Sylph, are you saying the mysterious ancient language that vanished into the mists of history?"


    Sylph nodded."Yes, Tia. You''re a princess of the kingdom¡ªyou must have heard of the Third Creation War, right?"


    "Yes, I remember. I once saw a historical tome about it in the kingdom''s spire library. It stated that since that war, the use of ancient language came to an end. Ever since, civilizations like humans, elves, and dwarves have all used what is now called Mohi, which was apparently developed from the ancient language to better suit the modern environment."


    Tia, true to her title as a princess of the kingdom, demonstrated a broad knowledge of such matters.


    Sylph expressed her admiration,"You''re absolutely right, but in fact, our elven race has preserved complete collections of ancient texts. Though I studied them, the ancient language is so obscure that even I can only understand a small part of it."


    At that, memories flooded back for Sylph, deepening her astonishment even further. She couldn''t help but glance at Kenley''s back¡ªthis human was becoming increasingly mysterious. Who was he?


    How could he know how to use such an ancient script? After all, since the First Creation War, the Golden line of humans was almost wiped out, and even the Silver line became extremely scarce, with only hero-level figures surviving. Only such beings would be familiar with ancient runes.


    Not to mention, in today''s society, people generally use the more accessible Mohi language, having abandoned the archaic and obscure ancient tongue. Ancient language is no longer widely known; it has been gradually forgotten and replaced. Given Kenley''s age, he certainly didn''t appear to be someone who should know these ancient writings.


    The reason Sylph knew the ancient language was that, as an elf with a notably long lifespan, she had access to the ancient knowledge preserved in the Elven Forest¡ªknowledge that the rest of the world lacked. Being a princess of the elven race, she had both the environment and the authority to study and understand these ancient texts. But what about Kenley? According to Tia, he was merely a peasant. A peasant? The deeper she thought about it, the more mysterious he seemed, and Sylph found herself becoming increasingly curious about him.


    Hearing Sylph''s words, Tia''s eyes lit up."Then, Sylph, how do you read the ancient script that Master just wrote? What exactly does it mean?"


    Sylph smiled confidently."Coincidentally, I know this one."


    Never mind; I''ll investigate that mysterious fellow later, Sylph thought to herself.


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    Meanwhile, Kenley paid no mind to what Sylph was pondering. He rifled through his belongings and soon found Lytalia''s boots. He then took out Kerr''s boots to compare.


    They turned out to be the perfect size¡ªso it seemed he wouldn''t need to make another trip to Kerr''s house. Next up was the final, and most troublesome, stop: the cellar of Parisha''s house, which was guarded by a third-rank Black Mountain Spider stationed at the boots.


    ------


    "You''re sure this is the place?" Sylph fanned her nose, nearly convinced she had walked into a garbage dump.


    "Of course. But this time, you two don''t need to come in. I''ll handle it alone," Kenley reminded them without looking back.


    "Why? We''re a team. If we''re going to complete this mission, how can we just let you take the risk alone?" Sylph immediately voiced her disagreement.


    To Sylph, this human warrior was far too mysterious, and his vast knowledge clearly hid many secrets. She had finally managed to sneak away from home, all for the purpose of exploring the human world. Now that she had such a perfect opportunity to observe and learn how human adventurers carried out their missions, how could she possibly let it slip away?


    "Sylph, have you forgotten who the leader is? Tia, make sure you keep an eye on her. If she follows me in, I''ll hold you responsible," Kenley said, his tone more serious than before.


    This time was different.


    An adult Black Mountain Spider was a seventh-tier magical beast, and it belonged to the Black Mountain Nest. While the one at Parisha''s house was only a juvenile, that didn''t mean it could be underestimated¡ªespecially considering that both Kenley and Sylph were only at the first tier.


    This reckless elven princess had no sense of the real danger she was facing, but Kenley refused to be equally reckless. If anything went wrong, he couldn''t guarantee he''d be able to protect both her and Tia while keeping himself safe.


    No matter what, he couldn''t let Sylph have her way this time. The fact that she had managed to sneak out of her home already proved that she wasn''t the kind to obediently wait for his return. She was brimming with curiosity about everything, but what she didn''t realize was that such curiosity could very well get her killed.


    "Yes, Master! Tia will make sure to keep an eye on Sylph. Please focus on your task¡ªI believe in you!" Tia smiled sweetly before promptly grabbing hold of Sylph''s arm.


    "Tia! How can you side with him instead of me?"


    "Sorry, Sylph. He''s my master."


    "I¡­"


    Kenley couldn''t be bothered with the impulsive little elven princess. With a swift movement, he disappeared, leaving Sylph behind to glare resentfully in the direction he had vanished.


    She still hadn''t figured out how a mere farmer like Kenley could possibly know the ancient language. And now, she was curious about how exactly he was planning to complete this mission, given that her understanding of human adventurers was still quite limited.


    Kenley slipped into the house in one breath. He was somewhat familiar with Parisha''s home layout¡ªafter all, he had completed a mission here before.


    Unlike the other two dwarves, Parisha was someone who rarely left her house. She barely even stepped outside.


    What baffled Kenley the most was¡ªwhat was Parisha thinking when she brought a Black Mountain Spider offspring into her home? Wasn''t she afraid that one day, the creature might turn on her?


    Maybe she had some secret method to control the beast. A profession like an Insect Master could tame spiders, after all. But Kenley didn''t recall dwarves having an Insect Master profession. Could it be a rare subclass?


    He draped the Cloak of Light over himself and carefully scanned the inner rooms with the Ring of Life. Two glowing points appeared in his detection, and through the wall, he could faintly hear voices.


    It was probably Parisha and her husband.


    Perfect. As long as they kept talking, he could sneak down into the cellar and grab the boots. He had already checked Parisha''s shoe size on his way in¡ªjust as expected, it was a mistaken swap with Lytalia''s boots.

 Chapter 39: The Dwarven Quest 6

    Kenley carefully opened the cellar door, keeping himself concealed as he scanned the underground chamber.


    No webs, no spider, no visible traps.


    He checked the Ring of Life¡ªno signs of life.


    Strange. Where had the spider gone?


    Kenley didn''t let his guard down. What he saw from the doorway wasn''t necessarily the same as what was inside. The cellar was spacious, in line with the dwarves'' tendency to build everything on a grand scale.


    The wide chamber was spotless, clearly well-maintained. Two rows of neatly arranged shelves lined the walls on either side, filled with preserved food stored in glass jars. In the southeast corner, six wooden barrels were stacked atop one another.


    Kenley''s eyes lit up.


    At the very back of the cellar sat a large wooden chest, painted in a striking red lacquer. He didn''t know exactly what was inside, but if the boots were anywhere, that was the most likely place. The shelves were in plain sight, and there wasn''t a single boot among them.


    He crept down the stairs, moving with the utmost caution.


    The Cloak of Light could make him invisible, but spiders weren''t like ordinary animals. Though they had eyesight, they relied more on vibrations and sound than on vision.


    The cellar floor was clean and well-kept, with no webs in sight. That meant the Black Mountain Spider hadn''t set up any traps here, making it relatively safer.


    Step by step, Kenley edged closer to the wooden chest.


    The Black Mountain Spider was a third-tier creature¡ªan insurmountable threat for him.


    In the game, tier suppression was brutal. The higher the tier, the more overwhelming the power gap. If the enemy was only one tier above, a group of well-coordinated players might still stand a chance. But facing an opponent two tiers higher? No amount of numbers could bridge that gap.


    If Kenley were level 20, at the second tier, he wouldn''t have to be so cautious¡ªhe might even have a shot at killing the Black Mountain Spider outright.


    But at level 10, still within the first tier, he was utterly outmatched. Against a third-tier spider, his body wasn''t even enough to serve as a decent snack.


    He didn''t touch the chest immediately. The more obvious something was, the more careful one needed to be.


    In Aude Continent, Kenley had heard too many stories of players meeting untimely ends during seemingly simple quests.


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    There was one guild member, for instance, who had taken on what seemed like an easy mission¡ªonly to walk straight into a silver-tier monster as a mere bronze-tier player and get instantly obliterated. The poor guy later went on the forums to vent his frustration for days.


    Kenley scanned his surroundings once more, double-checking every possible threat. Only after ensuring nothing was amiss did he finally approach the red-painted chest.


    Since opening the chest required exposing his hands, the Cloak of Light wouldn''t completely conceal him. Bit by bit, he reached out.


    As the lid creaked open, an icy gust swept past the back of his neck.


    A bad feeling surged through him.


    He let go of the chest, withdrew his hand, and pressed himself tightly against the wall¡ªcompletely still.


    At that moment, Kenley finally looked up¡ªonly to realize that, at some point, a massive black spider, the size of a full-grown adult, had latched onto the cellar ceiling!


    He sucked in a sharp breath.


    Thankfully, his movements had been light, his hand hadn''t been fully exposed, and he hadn''t made a sound. Otherwise, he wouldn''t even know how he had died.


    Strange. The Ring of Life hadn''t detected this thing. Was it because the spider had entered a stealth state, making it undetectable? Or was it simply that its level was too high and his own level too low to perceive it?


    He was relieved he hadn''t brought Sylph along. Knowing that little elf princess, she''d probably try to slay this spider like a dragon from some heroic tale.


    And then, before she even realized what was happening, she''d be sucked dry like a shriveled grape.


    Kenley steadied his breathing, trying to keep his emotions in check. Since spiders relied on vibrations and sound to track their prey, the louder his breath, the higher the chance of being discovered.


    The Cloak of Light he wore was merely a replica, far inferior to the original. It had little to no soundproofing, but its anti-detection and anti-visual properties were excellent. The Black Mountain Spider hadn''t noticed him at all.


    Even so, that chilling sensation at the back of his neck earlier had been real. It was likely because he had briefly exposed his hand, putting the spider on alert.


    He needed a way to divert its attention.


    Kenley furrowed his brow. He had already thought of a plan before coming here, but now that he was about to put it into action, he couldn''t help but feel a twinge of anxiety.


    One misstep, and things could go horribly wrong.


    Reaching into his backpack, he retrieved the silver goblet he had taken from the Kerr household. Silver was a striking color¡ªbright enough for even a near-sighted spider to notice.


    And once the goblet hit the ground, it would create a loud clatter, drawing the spider''s attention away.


    All he needed to do next was seize that moment¡ªswitch the boots at lightning speed¡ªand get out as fast as possible.


    This was where his earlier decision to complete the Kerr and Lytalia family quests first paid off. Now, he wouldn''t have to make a second trip to swap the boots for Parisha; he could do it all in one go.


    Since he had already matched the size of the boots, he quietly placed the pair he had obtained from Lytalia at his feet, ready for a swift exchange.


    Then, he lifted the silver goblet, weighing it slightly in his hand. His gaze locked onto the farthest corner of the room¡ªhis target.


    He would throw the goblet there, luring the spider away to investigate, then use the brief window of opportunity to complete the swap.


    1¡­2¡­3¡­Time to move!


    Kenley lifted a corner of his Cloak of Light, grabbed the goblet, and hurled it toward the opposite wall. The silver cup arced beautifully through the air.


    But he didn''t act immediately. He had to see with his own eyes that the spider was truly distracted before making his move.


    Sure enough, the goblet caught the spider''s attention. Its eyes tracked the shining cup mid-flight, and the moment it clattered to the ground with a crisp sound, the spider reacted instantly.


    Seeing this, Kenley wasted no time.


    He grabbed the boots, stretched out both hands, and moved swiftly¡ªevery second counted!

 Chapter 40: The Dwarven Quest 7

    But what Kenley hadn''t anticipated was that when he tossed the cup, it just so happened to hit the edge of the shelf at an awkward angle, causing it to spin back slightly and shift its position a few inches toward the center.


    At the same time, the spider scuttled onto the shelf and started climbing downward. As it moved, its line of sight gradually adjusted, and it ended up staring directly in Kenley''s direction.


    Why are there human hands floating in the air?


    The spider''s tiny brain struggled to process what it was seeing. It couldn''t quite understand the situation yet. It first moved closer to the silver cup, examining it carefully¡ªthis thing wasn''t alive. Then, it lifted its gaze toward Kenley. Without hesitation, it decided to investigate the nearby chest instead.


    Meanwhile, Kenley was focused on swapping his boots as quickly as possible. However, what he hadn''t expected was that the chest was filled with miscellaneous junk, completely burying the boots out of sight.


    He had no choice but to dig through the mess, grumbling in frustration. But that frantic search ended up costing him precious time¡ªlong enough for the spider to creep closer and get right behind him.


    "Got it!" Kenley''s eyes lit up as he finally found the boots and swiftly swapped them.


    Nice! Once I finish this mission, that legendary Cloak of Light will be mine.


    Getting his hands on an orange-tier item this early in the game would be a huge advantage. But what he didn''t notice was that when the spider turned its head back around, it caught a glimpse of Kenley''s partially exposed hands.


    That immediately made it suspicious.


    Kenley''s instincts were sharp¡ªhe sensed something was off right away. But by then, it was too late.


    The Black Mountain Spiderling had already charged at him.


    He spun around just in time to see it looming right behind him, its many eyes flickering with curiosity. It looked at the boots in his hands, then back at him¡ªclearly puzzled.


    For a brief moment, human and monster locked eyes.


    Oh, crap.


    Charge!


    Kenley didn''t hesitate. He dropped low and slid right under the spider''s legs in a swift maneuver, immediately following up with a powerful charge forward.


    Now that his stealth had been compromised, using the Cloak of Light would be too risky. He wouldn''t be able to move silently anymore, and the Black Mountain Spiderling would definitely unleash its Hunting Web¡ªa large-area skill designed for capturing prey.


    The only correct choice was to run straight for the cellar exit!


    There was a reason the Black Mountain Spider was trapped in the underground cellar¡ªit couldn''t leave. Kenley was betting on that fact.


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    But a third-rank Black Mountain Spider was no easy opponent.


    It reacted with terrifying speed. Just as Kenley''s charge ended, the spider had already begun spinning a massive ball of white silk between its forelimbs and tail spinnerets.


    Kenley didn''t even need to look to know¡ªit was the Hunting Web skill!


    Beneath this web, even the Cloak of Light would be useless. If it wrapped around him, he would be dead for sure.


    What should I do?


    Kenley turned around decisively. Charge¡ªhis only usable skill at this stage¡ªhad already been consumed to create distance and was still on cooldown.


    If he stubbornly insisted on heading straight for the exit, the Black Mountain Spider''s reflexes would undoubtedly allow it to seal his escape route with its web.


    Without hesitation, he drew his Imperial Military Sword. He was about to attempt something only pro players dared to pull off¡ªExtreme Counterplay!


    In Aude Continent, warrior players always had an exceptionally high death rate. As a frontline class, they lacked the thick HP and shields that paladins relied on, making them far more vulnerable.


    To balance this, the developers had given warriors a hidden ability¡ªExtreme Counterplay. If a player timed their defense at the exact moment an enemy''s attack landed, they could completely negate the damage.


    However, the conditions were brutal.


    Extreme Counterplay required players to predict an enemy''s attack with absolute precision in a fraction of a second. Too early or too late, even by a split second, meant failure. Without rigorous practice, the average player couldn''t hope to achieve it consistently.


    Even professional players struggled, as maintaining such peak concentration drained mental energy rapidly. After a single fight, even the best warriors would be utterly exhausted.


    Thus, a saying emerged in the community:


    "Playing a warrior is like gambling with your life."


    A person''s attention span and reaction time were limited. Maybe you could pull off one or two perfect counters in a fight¡ªbut could you guarantee success every single time?


    It was nearly impossible.


    This extreme difficulty set an absurdly high skill ceiling for warrior players. Many attempted to master it, only to suffer countless deaths in the process.


    Kenley furrowed his brows.


    This would be his first attempt at Extreme Counterplay in this world.


    He had only 0.1 seconds¡ªthe precise moment the web touched him¡ªto react and strike back. Otherwise, death was inevitable.


    This was beyond human reaction limits. Even in reality, the fastest recorded human response time was only 0.15 seconds.


    But Kenley was different.


    He knew every character''s abilities, every action, every skill.


    He had studied nearly every monster in Aude Continent.


    The moment an enemy raised their hand¡ªthe exact frame when an attack connected¡ªhe could predict them all with surgical precision.


    Because he had spent years observing and training.


    Because he had once been a professional player.


    If not for that, he never would have pushed himself this hard.


    If not for that, he never would have become the PVP Solo World Champion¡ªusing only the warrior class.


    It wasn''t just a title. It was well-earned.


    Kenley narrowed his eyes as the Black Mountain Spider continued spinning its web, the sticky mass growing larger and larger.


    Even though he could counter it, that didn''t mean he could win. The level gap between them was too vast.


    Their HP difference alone was an insurmountable chasm.


    Even if he managed to kill it, doing so wasn''t worth the risk¡ªespecially considering his current mission objectives.


    And this wasn''t a game.


    If he failed¡ªhe died.


    That was a gamble Kenley couldn''t afford to take.


    The Black Mountain Spider, unaware of the human''s thoughts, only knew that its prey had suddenly stopped running.


    It didn''t care why.


    It didn''t need to care.


    With a sharp, whistling sound, the spider launched its web, lifting its forelimbs and spitting a thick mass of silk directly at Kenley!


    Kenley''s eyes narrowed.


    He raised his sword¡ªbut didn''t swing yet.


    He had to see it clearly¡ªto track the silk threads until the exact moment they touched him.


    Closer¡­


    The web expanded in his vision, filling his field of view.


    The angle was just right.


    Now!


    Kenley swung his sword!

 Chapter 41: The Dwarven Quest 8

    Facing the incoming web, Kenley didn''t hesitate¡ªhe swung his sword in a direct block.


    In an instant, as if leaving behind an afterimage, the web spun by a Tier 3 spider was cleaved apart by a single strike from Tier 1 Kenley.


    Fast, ruthless, precise!


    That was Kenley''s self-assessment¡ªand precisely why he had chosen Warrior as his primary class.


    With the sheer power of Extreme Counter, even slaying gods wasn''t out of reach¡ªas long as it was mastered.


    The only problem? The skill ceiling was absurdly high.


    The Black Mountain Spider froze, visibly stunned. It had never expected this fragile human to possess such overwhelming skill, effortlessly slicing through its web with a single stroke.


    For the first time, a sliver of caution crept into its instincts.


    As the descendant of a high-tier magical beast, it wasn''t mindless¡ªit had intelligence. And before a strong enemy, hesitation was natural.


    Kenley, however, couldn''t care less what the spider was thinking. If he didn''t escape now, then when?


    He glanced at his Charge skill¡ªit had fully cooled down.


    Without another thought, he vaulted onto the stairs¡ªand launched into a full-speed Charge!


    Finally, he burst out of the cellar!


    Letting out a deep breath, he slammed the trapdoor shut, locked it tight, and yanked the Cloak of Light over himself.


    BANG! BANG!


    The cellar shook under the force of the spider''s enraged blows.


    A shrill, frustrated screech echoed from below¡ªit had expected a battle, but instead, the cowardly human fled without a second thought!


    The betrayal of its expectations sent the Black Mountain Spider into an ear-piercing tantrum, screeching in fury.


    The commotion immediately startled the couple inside the house.


    "What''s going on?! Is the Black Mountain Spider starving, or is it throwing a tantrum again?"


    From another room, a plump dwarven woman suddenly burst in.


    She was even shorter than the old dwarf Smith¡ªand her entire face was covered in a thick beard.


    Kenley couldn''t help but internally roast the situation¡ª


    Just what did Smith see in this woman?


    Do all dwarves have the same taste in beauty¡­?


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    While it wasn''t uncommon for dwarven women to have beards, Parisha''s was¡­ exceptionally lush.


    Kenley crouched low, slipping away without a sound. He didn''t care how Parisha would handle the spider¡ªhe was already making his way to the window.


    With a swift movement, he climbed out.


    "Master! You''re back! Are you hurt?"


    From the carriage, Tia leapt down in a flash, rushing over in just a few quick strides.


    Kenley lifted the boots in his hand, flashing a grin¡ª


    "All good! Mission complete!"


    Knowing that the Cloak of Light was now in his hands so early in the game, Kenley felt immensely satisfied.


    Just as he expected¡ªnot even a Tier 3 Black Mountain Spider could detect him while he wore it.


    His leveling plan was now completely secured.


    ------


    "Well done, kid! I didn''t expect you to complete it so smoothly," the old dwarf Smith chuckled.


    Kenley flashed a sly grin."You''re not going back on your word, are you?"


    Smith let out a dry cough."Of course not! I, Smith, always keep my promises! The cloak is yours!"


    "Great! That''s what I like to hear. I''ll head back to the guild and report the mission." Kenley was feeling like he''d hit the jackpot.


    "Of course!" Smith nodded, then hesitated for a moment before giving him a knowing smile."So, what do you think? Interested in becoming my apprentice? I''ve got some rare treasures hidden away, you know."


    Kenley shook his head. Though he was tempted to find out just what Smith had stashed away, he already had his own plans¡ªhe had no intention of wasting too much energy on blacksmithing.


    "Sorry, but I''m afraid I''ll have to decline."


    "Well, if you ever change your mind, you''re always welcome! My doors are always open for you!"


    Kenley felt a twinge of emotion. Who would''ve thought the old man had such a sentimental side?


    All this effort just to recruit an apprentice? He was really pulling out all the stops.


    "I''ll keep that in mind. I''ll be off then." Kenley waved and left the forge with Tia and Sylph.


    However, just as he turned the corner, he noticed someone storming into the forge.


    It was Parisha!


    "Smith! You shameless old fool! Did you mix up Kerr''s boots with mine?!"


    Oh, crap.


    How did Parisha figure it out so fast?!


    "My dear Parisha, what are you talking about? When have I ever been to your house?" Smith feigned innocence.


    "Oh, really? Then how do you explain this silver goblet?!"


    "What silver goblet?"


    The moment Kenley heard that, he instinctively shrank his neck.


    Oh no.


    He didn''t want Smith connecting the dots¡ªthat he was the one who lost that silver goblet.


    He had thrown it as a distraction for the Black Mountain Spider, never expecting that Parisha would recognize it and trace it back to its original owner.


    This was bad.


    If Smith found out, he''d definitely try to take back the Cloak of Light.


    Kenley needed to get out of here¡ªfast.


    Trying to take back a treasure I''ve already swallowed? Not a chance!


    Meanwhile, poor old Smith''s reputation was crumbling before his very eyes.


    A crowd had already gathered outside the forge, eager to watch the spectacle unfold.


    Turns out, Parisha¡ªthe bearded dwarf woman¡ªhad been more than just friendly with old Smith.


    And the juiciest part?


    She was actually Smith''s brother''s woman.


    If Smith''s brother found out, he''d probably come after him with a cleaver.


    But Kenley, having insider knowledge, knew this wasn''t even the biggest scandal.


    Oh, no¡ªSmith had been messing around with more than just Parisha.


    He had also hooked up with his other two brothers'' women¡ªKerr and Lytalia!


    And as if on cue¡ªKerr arrived.


    "Smith, you bastard! So you''ve been sneaking around with Parisha behind my back?! If she hadn''t stormed into my house just now, I wouldn''t have even known it was you who stole my silver goblet!"


    "K-Kerr?! What are you doing here?! Oh, blessed Mother above, it''s so good to see you!" Smith beamed¡ªbefore suddenly pretending to be confused.


    "Wait, what did you just say? I don''t understand a word of it!"


    "Drop the act, Smith! Don''t you dare play dumb with me¡ª"


    That was Kenley''s cue to leave.


    Sure, watching the drama unfold was fun, but if he stuck around too long, he might get dragged into it.


    "Master, do you know something about all this?"


    Hearing the heated shouting match behind them, Tia looked up at Kenley with a knowing smile.


    Kenley cleared his throat, feigning ignorance.


    "Know something? Nope! Not a clue! Let''s just hurry back to the guild and turn in the quest."


    Tia wasn''t fooled.


    She smirked.

 Chapter 42: The Noble Aristocrat 1

    The Golden Scissors quest turned out to be incredibly simple¡ªit was nothing more than having Tia model different outfits for Tyler.


    Not that Kenley minded.


    He got quite the visual feast, watching Tia try on all sorts of outfits. With her figure and beauty, she looked stunning no matter what she wore.


    More importantly, Tyler wasn''t stingy with his reward¡ªKenley walked away with a handsome sum of five gold coins.


    Clearly, Tyler was making a lot of money, most likely from his noble clientele. At the very least, Kenley wouldn''t have to worry about lodging expenses for the next few days.


    As Sylph sat nearby, wide-eyed, enjoying Tia''s little fashion show, Kenley suddenly felt a strange gaze from outside the window.


    Auber Arifin?


    Again?


    Last time, during the bishop''s incident, Kenley had noticed Auber spying on him from outside the shop, though he hadn''t confronted him¡ªhis attention had been on Tia at the time.


    But now, here he was again.


    This was no coincidence.


    Kenley''s eyes narrowed as he watched Auber turn away and disappear into the crowd.


    A bad feeling crept up his spine.


    "Sylph," he turned and said,"stay here with Tia. I have something to take care of."


    Sylph pouted, clearly curious about where he was going, but since Tia needed company, she reluctantly nodded.


    Kenley didn''t waste any time. He slipped out the door and began tailing Auber.


    There was no way he''d let this nasty little rat off the hook.


    The memory of Auber''s sneering insults yesterday was still fresh in his mind.


    Luckily for Kenley, Auber was completely unaware that he was being followed. As a scholar with no combat abilities, he lacked the instincts to detect a pursuer. Plus, with Kenley''s Ring of Life, tracking him was a breeze.


    Auber wove through winding streets, his path seemingly random, but Kenley''s expression grew more and more serious as they progressed.


    The Colosseum?


    What business did Auber have in a place like this?


    The Colosseum was one of the most popular entertainment venues for the nobility. In a world without computers or smartphones, the elite had few pastimes, and watching beast fights was among their favorites.


    Kenley, however, had no intention of buying a ticket, nor was he willing to pay for entry.


    Instead, he waited for the perfect moment, pulled up his Cloak of Light, and slipped inside unnoticed.


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    Soon, he spotted Auber.


    And he wasn''t alone.


    Sitting shoulder-to-shoulder with him was a massive, overweight nobleman, his face covered in layers of fat. The contrast between Auber''s frail figure and this bulky aristocrat was almost comical.


    "Viscount Lucas, I came here today to bring you some good news, just as I mentioned yesterday¡­"


    Kenley''s ears pricked up.


    Auber was speaking to this nobleman about something important.


    But the noise of the crowd made it impossible to hear clearly.


    Kenley inched closer, carefully weaving through the audience.


    Good thing I have the Cloak of Light.


    No one noticed him as he silently positioned himself right next to Auber, listening intently.


    "Are you serious? A vampire princess? And she''s beautiful too?" Viscount Lucas raised an eyebrow, skeptical.


    "Of course! I saw her with my own eyes!" Auber declared with conviction."That stunning vampire noble not only underwent the bishop''s holy rites but also emerged unscathed by the sacred light! More than that¡ªshe even received the Bishop''s Proof of Devotion!


    Lucas narrowed his eyes.


    He had heard rumors earlier today¡ªsomething about a vampire slave spotted at the Adventurers'' Guild, one who bore a divine sigil on her hand. But what made it even more intriguing was her so-called owner¡ªa nobody from the countryside.


    And that wasn''t even the most tantalizing part.


    Word had it that the vampire girl was so beautiful, she could rival Princess Guinevere herself.


    A mere peasant, Lucas scoffed inwardly, and he dares to claim such a woman?


    To think that Auber had brought him such a delightful piece of information so soon¡ªLucas could hardly contain his excitement.


    His imagination ran wild.


    What did it matter if she was undead?


    Lucas had never been one to discriminate when it came to his desires. The exotic only made things more thrilling.


    He had already sampled mermaids from the Eastern Coast, seductive half-elves, and even dwarven women out of sheer curiosity.


    But an undead?


    Now that was a new experience.


    Would she be tight or loose?


    Would she be as icy as the rumors claimed?


    The anticipation sent a shiver of excitement through him.


    "Hehehe¡­ this will be quite the treat."


    Lucas turned back to Auber."So? You came running to me¡ªdoes that mean you already know where she is?"


    "Naturally!" Auber pounded his chest in confidence."She''s in Tyler''s tailor shop as we speak! I can take you there personally!"


    That bastard.


    Kenley wrinkled his nose, barely suppressing the killing intent rising within him.


    This filthy rat was practically hand-delivering their whereabouts to this lecherous noble without a second thought.


    And Viscount Lucas¡­


    Kenley didn''t even need to guess what kind of vile scum he was.


    Anyone willing to associate with Auber couldn''t be anything less than utter trash.


    But¡­


    Attacking them outright in the capital wouldn''t be easy.


    Kenley took a deep breath, deciding to wait and listen¡ªto see how they planned to move against him.


    Lucas suddenly smirked."Hold on. This is the Royal Capital, after all. And like you said, that vampire girl has the Proof of Devotion. We can''t just march in and take her, can we?" His eyes glinted with amusement."Come on, tell me¡ªdo you already have a plan?"


    Auber grinned."Viscount, you''re as sharp as ever. Of course, I have a perfect plan¡ªone that''ll leave that lowly peasant with no way out."


    Lucas leaned back, intrigued."Go on, I''m listening."


    Auber chuckled darkly."That peasant is insufferably arrogant. The first time I met him yesterday, he dared to ignore and defy me. I have no idea where a lowborn like him gets such confidence, but¡­" A cruel glint flickered in his eyes."It''ll be his downfall."


    "The plan has two phases.


    First, I''ll provoke him¡ªpublicly humiliate him. If he hands over the vampire willingly, perfect. If not¡­ we move to phase two."


    "Phase two?" Lucas''s lips curled into a grin.


    Auber smirked."I''ll keep provoking him until he snaps¡ªuntil he can''t hold back and tries to strike me. And that is where you come in, Viscount. Your private soldiers, disguised as the city patrol, will step in immediately.


    Assaulting or insulting a noble is a serious crime. He''ll be arrested on the spot.


    And once we have him?"


    Auber leaned in, whispering,"We drag both him and his vampire slave to your estate. And once they''re inside?" His lips curled into a sneer."Not even the Holy Mother herself will be able to save them. Heheheh¡­."


    Lucas''s eyes gleamed.


    "Brilliant! Absolutely brilliant!" He burst into laughter."I never expected the son of House Arifin to have such cunning. I should make you my personal advisor!"

 Chapter 43: The Noble Aristocrat 2

    Auber''s face flushed slightly, and he chuckled sheepishly."Hehe, Viscount, you flatter me. It was nothing more than a passing thought¡ªI''m hardly worthy of being anyone''s advisor."


    Lucas waved dismissively."No, Auber. I can already see it¡ªthe empire''s future has a rising star, and that star is you, Auber!"


    Hearing such praise, Auber felt as if he were floating.


    All these years, even his own father had never looked at him with recognition. And that stinking dwarf Smith¡ªhow dare he scoff at Auber''s designs?


    Utterly ridiculous!


    But look at Viscount Lucas¡ªa true nobleman, one with vision and grandeur, capable of recognizing talent at a glance. Not like those filthy commoners, their eyes blinded by dung, unable to see his golden brilliance!


    "Thank you, Viscount!" Auber was practically glowing with excitement.


    Lucas smirked."Enough talk¡ªtake me there now. Execute your plan boldly, and I''ll bring my men to teach them a lesson. Once we have that vampire princess in our grasp, rest assured¡ªyou and I shall enjoy her together."


    That was all Auber needed to hear. His heart leaped with joy, and he hurriedly declared,"It is my honor to work alongside you, Viscount Lucas!"


    Lucas chuckled darkly."Likewise. And once this is done, I''ll throw a grand banquet at my estate¡ªyou''ll be one of the evening''s stars."


    Auber''s eyes widened with delight."Truly?! By the heavens, Viscount Lucas, you are too perfect! Too generous! I, Auber, will most certainly be there!"


    Kenley couldn''t take another second of this.


    Let them drown in their fantasies.


    Without a word, he turned on his heel and walked away.


    What a vile scheme.


    They wanted to force him into action, to bait him into fighting within the capital¡ªjust so they could justify arresting him. They even planned to impersonate the city''s patrol knights.


    Utterly audacious.


    There was no avoiding them. As long as he remained in the Royal Capital, these flies would continue swarming around him.


    Then why flee? Why not strike first?


    They wanted to come after him?


    Fine.


    He would make them regret it.


    With that thought, Kenley quickened his pace, heading straight back to the tailor shop.


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    ¡ª


    By the time he arrived, Tia had already finished trying on her new clothes. The moment she saw him step inside, her eyes lit up.


    "Master, where did you go? Tia was so worried about you."


    There was a deep concern in her voice¡ªmixed with a strange, unfamiliar feeling that had settled in her heart ever since Kenley left.


    It had only been two days since she met her master.


    Yet, he had already taken root in her soul.


    The moment he walked out of the shop, a horrible thought had crept into her mind¡ªhad he abandoned her?


    Had he grown resentful of her?


    After all, she had pleaded with him again and again to save Sylph.


    Had she angered him?


    Had he left her here, never to return?


    Even as she waited, she had imagined the worst¡ªthat this was his way of getting rid of her.


    That he had no intention of coming back.


    But now¡­ he was here.


    Standing before her once more.


    And in that moment, relief and joy flooded her heart.


    What was this feeling?


    Was it because he had left that she felt this way?


    Could it be¡­?


    Kenley had no idea what was going through Tia''s mind. At this moment, his thoughts were entirely occupied by the sinister scheme Auber had just discussed with Lucas.


    If he didn''t act quickly, those two nobles¡ªcombining their forces¡ªmight actually pull something off.


    "I''ve taken care of everything I needed to."


    After handing over his task to Tyler and collecting his payment, Kenley immediately headed for the exit, grabbing Tia''s hand as he strode forward, urgency written all over his face.


    "Why are you walking so fast?" Sylph asked, puzzled.


    Kenley didn''t answer.


    As soon as the three of them boarded the carriage, he ordered the driver to head straight for the Grand Cathedral of Light.


    During the journey, he caught sight of Auber leading Lucas and his personal guards in pursuit.


    That was fast.


    But Kenley wasn''t running away¡ªhe was leading them exactly where he wanted.


    ¡ª


    "Viscount, there they are!" Auber pointed at Kenley''s carriage.


    Lucas''s eyes gleamed the moment he spotted Tia.


    "Is that the vampire princess you spoke of?"


    "Yes, that''s her! Viscount, are you satisfied?"


    "Satisfied? Extremely!" Lucas licked his thick lips with a disgusting smirk.


    Auber observed the carriage''s steady pace and hesitated."They don''t seem to be rushing anywhere. Should we follow?"


    Lucas didn''t even think twice."Of course we follow! Even if he''s headed for the Imperial Palace itself, I''ll chase him to the end!"


    His hungry gaze remained locked on Tia¡ªcompletely enthralled by her.


    "Understood!" Auber took the lead, ensuring they stayed right on Kenley''s trail.


    ¡ª


    Kenley didn''t even need to look back¡ªhis mini-map already showed a cluster of lights pursuing him.


    He narrowed his eyes.


    Fine. If they''re so eager to die, I''ll be more than happy to oblige.


    ¡ª


    "Strange¡­ Why are they heading toward the Grand Cathedral?" Auber muttered to himself.


    Lucas snorted."And? What about it? I donate money to the Church of Light every year! My name is even listed among the benefactors of the Grand Cathedral!"


    His expression darkened as he added,"If they do go inside, we''ll just wait at the entrance. The moment they step out, we''ll seize them immediately."


    His impatience was evident.


    Auber, however, paled slightly."Viscount, please calm down. This isn''t what we planned. Arresting someone outside the cathedral will cause a scene¡ªit''ll attract unwanted attention. You wouldn''t want someone else snatching away your prey, would you?"


    Lucas hesitated."Then what do you propose?"


    Seeing his chance, Auber''s eyes gleamed with calculation.


    "I have an idea.


    "Let''s enter the cathedral with just the two of us¡ªbringing along only two guards.


    "We''ll make up an excuse. Say that filthy peasant stole from you and demand he accompany you back to your estate for questioning. That way, not even the High Bishop can interfere."


    Lucas''s eyes lit up with excitement."Brilliant plan! Auber, you truly have the makings of a fine strategist!"


    His grin widened wickedly.


    "Yes, that''s exactly what we''ll do. We''ll both swear he stole from me. We''ll take him and his slave for questioning.


    "Not even the Bishop can stop us when two nobles press charges!"

 Chapter 44: The Noble Aristocrat 3

    Kenley led the two women toward the Grand Cathedral of Light. This was Tia''s first time visiting the cathedral in Marlen Imperial City. Though she had been to countless cathedrals in her homeland, the architectural style of Marlen''s cathedral was noticeably different. However, it still embodied three key characteristics: grandeur, sanctity, and symmetry.


    Before her eyes stretched a breathtaking sight¡ªa sprawling array of towering spires radiating outward from the city''s center. A scarlet carpet ran straight through the three-tiered granite staircase, leading deep into the cathedral, where a steady stream of worshippers passed through. Though they conversed with one another, they maintained hushed tones, ensuring an atmosphere of serenity free from the slightest clamor.


    The pristine white stone walls were adorned with a deliberate interplay of interruptions and ornate embellishments. The cathedral''s soaring doors bore intricate bas-relief carvings of various deities. Following the scarlet carpet inward, one was immediately met with the sight of an enormous statue¡ªthat of Sanphest, the Sun God, the highest deity of the Church of Light, the Left Eye of the Mother Goddess, and her divine child.


    Sanphest stood with both hands raised high, his gaze lifted toward the Golden Forbidden Court, the Heart of the World¡ªthe resting place of the Mother Goddess. Every statue of Sanphest in cathedrals across the world faced this direction. His expression was solemn and majestic, as if witnessing the eternity of time and the very end of existence. The sculptor had rendered every muscle contour and sinew with lifelike precision, imbuing the statue with an awe-inspiring presence.


    Inside, the cathedral''s architecture followed a columnar layout, yet it showcased an ingenious array of artistic techniques unique to the Kain Empire, reflecting the craftsmanship and artistry of southern architects. In contrast to the symmetrical exterior, the interior embraced broken, fragmented, and asymmetrical designs, creating a palatial aesthetic¡ªone that exuded rich colors, opulent gold embellishments, and overwhelming grandeur.


    Above, the stained-glass ceiling formed a mosaic of vibrant shards, arranged with exquisite precision. A keen observer would notice that when sunlight filtered through, the Church of Light''s emblem was cast perfectly upon the floor. The sheer brilliance and meticulousness of this design astounded even Tia, a princess well-versed in architecture and literature. Her gaze brimmed with admiration.


    ¡ª


    The moment Tia stepped into the cathedral, she immediately lowered herself into a deep, devout bow before the statue of Sanphest. Her gratitude was sincere¡ªshe truly thanked the Sun God and the Mother Goddess for their benevolence.


    Though she no longer lived in the conventional sense, the Mother Goddess had granted her the opportunity to experience life a second time. She cherished this second existence deeply and felt a profound gratitude toward her master for his kindness.


    As she prayed, she secretly made a wish for her master¡­


    ¡ª


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    Kenley smiled faintly and followed suit, offering a respectful bow to the Sun God.


    Only Sylph was different. The elves'' supreme deity was not Sanphest, but Firstborn Fuerst, the Progenitor of the Elves and the Sovereign of Life''s Highest Laws. Nonetheless, she still performed an elven salutation toward Sanphest¡ªa graceful, fluid motion that embodied the free-spirited blossoming of life, distinctly different from the solemn, sacred gestures of human worship.


    At that moment, a Holy Knight approached them.


    "The High Bishop has been expecting you. Please, follow me."


    The voice was familiar¡ªit belonged to the same Holy Knight who had accompanied the bishop at the tailor''s shop days ago.


    Kenley immediately responded with due respect:"Thank you, Sir Holy Knight, for leading the way."


    That was fast.


    It seemed the High Bishop had anticipated his arrival.


    Did he possess the Grand Prophecy?


    Kenley wasn''t sure, but he had witnessed numerous archbishops using the Grand Prophecy in past events to foresee the future of the world.


    Oh righ, and the Grand Cathedral of Light in the Kain Empire was merely a branch of the Church of Light. The true headquarters wasn''t here.


    ¡ª


    Not long after following the Holy Knight, two other figures slipped into the cathedral as well¡ªAuber and Lucas.


    "They actually followed the Holy Knight inside?" Lucas frowned.


    "Viscount, perhaps we should wait outside for now?" Auber, witnessing this scene, seemed to regain some clarity. He recalled the words the bishop had spoken to Kenley''s group back at the tailor''s shop. If they forced their way in, things might not end well for them.


    "No! What''s wrong, Auber? Are you getting cold feet now?" Lucas scoffed."This whole plan was your idea. If you back out halfway, don''t expect to reap any benefits at the end."


    Lucas truly was fearless, completely blinded by his desire for the vampire princess''s beauty.


    Auber clenched his teeth. Forget it¡ªwe''ve come this far. There''s no turning back now. He took a deep breath and nodded."Fine. We''ll do it. But we need to act fast¡ªif they meet with the bishop first, things will get complicated."


    "The bishop? What are they meeting him for?" Lucas was taken aback.


    "Nothing important. Let''s just move quickly before they get too far ahead." Auber didn''t bother explaining what had transpired at the tailor''s shop the previous day. Lucas still assumed Kenley''s group had simply come to the cathedral to pray or seek penance.


    "Stick to the plan," Lucas reminded him.


    "Of course, Viscount."


    With that, Auber quickened his pace, taking long strides to overtake Lucas as he rushed forward.


    ¡ª


    "Sir Holy Knight!" Auber boldly called out.


    What sheer audacity.


    For the sake of his own selfish desires, he actually dared to make a move inside the Church itself.


    Hearing someone call out to him, the Holy Knight came to an immediate stop. As he turned around, his gaze landed upon Auber.


    "Auber?" The knight seemed to recognize the young nobleman.


    "Yes, Sir Holy Knight. You should know me. But today, I''ve come to request justice from you." Auber declared without hesitation.


    "Justice? What matter requires my judgment?" Though the Holy Knight wasn''t familiar with Auber, he remained patient enough to hear him out.


    Kenley watched as Auber suddenly pointed straight at him, his expression twisted with malice.


    "Sir Holy Knight, this thief¡ª" he sneered, his voice dripping with venom."He stole from Viscount Lucas! I saw it with my own eyes! I demand you allow me to take him into custody. I will bring him before the court to stand trial and expose his filthy, despicable crimes!"


    ¡ª


    The Holy Knight''s brows furrowed.


    Viscount Lucas?


    He had heard of the man¡ªa greedy, lustful, and notoriously difficult noble. Those who had the misfortune of crossing him rarely met a good end.


    Then, his gaze shifted to Kenley.


    An adventurer, yes, but of peasant origin. Could it be that Lucas had set his sights on him instead?


    The Holy Knight couldn''t help but feel a tinge of pity for Kenley.

 Chapter 45: The Noble Aristocrat 4

    Kenley stared coldly at Auber and gave a faint smile."Lord Auber, I stole Viscount Lucas''s property? Then perhaps you could kindly tell us, in front of the Holy Knight, exactly what it is I supposedly stole?"


    Kenley''s simple question immediately left Auber stunned. Since they had come up with the new plan on the spot, without any prior preparation, Auber was caught off guard by this sudden challenge, and his words began to stumble.


    "Y-you... you stole... you stole..."


    Just then, a sharp voice interrupted,"You stole a ring from this Viscount!"


    The crowd turned to look behind Auber, where a corpulent nobleman stood, his face thick with excess flesh and his ears large and round. He was extravagantly adorned with jewels, dressed in luxurious, ostentatious clothing.


    "You lie!" Tia''s voice grew urgent. She had been with her master these past few days, and she knew he had never stolen anything, let alone a ring. This was nothing but a false accusation!


    Tia turned to the Holy Knight and said,"Holy Knight, I''ve been with my master these past few days. Whatever my master has done, I''ve seen with my own eyes. He hasn''t stolen anything from Viscount Lucas! This person is framing him!"


    "Tia, calm down!" Kenley frowned. Tia''s nature was still too young. If it had been him facing accusations from two nobles, he would never have lost control of his emotions.


    "But master, they''re clearly framing you! I can''t just stand by!" Tia''s brow furrowed as she looked at Lucas with disgust.


    Lucas''s face flushed red with anger."Frame you? Look at the beautiful ring on his hand! The gem on that ring is so rare and precious¡ªthere''s no way a mere farmer like him could afford it. How much could a farmer possibly earn in a year? Where would he get the money to buy such a beautiful ring? The answer is simple¡ªhe''s a thief! And he stole it from me, Viscount Lucas!"


    "Viscount Lucas is absolutely right! How could this filthy commoner have the money to buy such expensive jewelry? Holy Knight, I request that you arrest them. They need to be thoroughly investigated!" Auber, feeling supported, quickly echoed Lucas''s words.


    The Holy Knight furrowed his brow. He didn''t want to dismiss a member of royalty so quickly. However, the two nobles were so adamant, and given that they were of noble birth, it was hard to ignore their words. On the other hand, Kenley was just a peasant, and compared to the two, he certainly didn''t seem like someone who could afford such valuable possessions.


    Moreover, under the laws of the Kain Empire, the victim had the right to demand that the thief be detained for questioning.


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    Tia''s face was filled with rage. She opened her mouth, ready to speak again, but before she could, Sylph also couldn''t stand it any longer.


    "Although I don''t know why you''re framing him, I can testify that Tia hasn''t lied. She couldn''t possibly lie. As a princess of the Gaefi Kingdom with heroic blood in her veins, Tia would never do anything to tarnish the legacy of her ancestors!" Sylph stepped forward. Despite her cloak, it was obvious to everyone that she was a half-elf.


    Lucas now clearly saw Sylph''s appearance, and once again, he was struck by her beauty. His desires flared up even more. Just recently, he had"disposed of" a half-elf beauty and had been worried about having to spend a large sum of money to buy another from a slave trader, but now it seemed like he had found one for free.


    "And who are you? You''re standing with him. You must be in cahoots with this commoner, right? It''s obvious you''re trying to speak up for him! And this undead creature is his slave, so of course she''ll support her master! Her words aren''t worth listening to!" Lucas narrowed his eyes, no longer anxious. The more the argument escalated, the more calm and confident he became.


    "Viscount Lucas is absolutely right! This half-elf might even be an accomplice of this filthy commoner! Holy Knight, please let us take all three of them for investigation! We must make them understand the strictness of the Empire''s laws and make them regret their actions that trample on the laws of the Empire!" Auber was now thinking clearly, his voice rising dramatically, almost like an opera singer. Kenley couldn''t help but feel the urge to applaud his performance.


    "You two despicable scoundrels, spouting nonsense!" Sylph was so enraged by Auber''s provocations that she didn''t know what to say.


    "Holy Knight, please believe Tia! Tia would never dishonor her ancestors'' name. Tia is willing to swear an oath to the Mother Goddess to prove her master''s innocence!" Tia was on the verge of tears, distressed and confused. This was the first time the young princess had ever faced such a situation, and she had lost her composure.


    "Can''t say anything, can you? Not being able to speak means you have a guilty conscience! Swearing an oath doesn''t prove anything. If you''ve committed a crime, you must face punishment! Holy Knight, please allow us to take them away immediately! Also, please convey my apology to the Bishop for disturbing the sanctity of the church. I will personally go to the temple to repent before the Sun God on another day." Lucas, influenced by Auber, spoke with a fervor that made him sound like a man of great righteousness.


    The Holy Knight stood in silence, his expression unreadable behind his mask. He neither rushed to give a response nor showed any anger or suspicion toward Kenley and his group.


    In truth, the Holy Knight couldn''t help but feel pity for Kenley''s group. Even he could see that Lucas and Auber had clearly targeted Tia. Lucas had been staring at her the entire time, and with the Holy Knight''s prior knowledge of Lucas''s character, he knew that Lucas was a noble who would do anything for his desires.


    If it had been any other noble, the Holy Knight might have trusted them more, but it was Lucas, who had appeared here.


    The most troubling part for the Holy Knight was that the two of them were working in such perfect coordination that he couldn''t find a way to help Kenley''s group. What should he do? The Holy Knight was deeply conflicted.


    What made things even more complicated was that Lucas had the backing of the royal family, being a hereditary viscount. In the Kain Empire, any noble with a hereditary title was no ordinary person.


    And here they were, in the imperial capital, where it wasn''t simply about trust. This was about facing accusations from a hereditary noble, and unless Kenley could provide concrete evidence, there was little hope that anyone would be spared from being taken away.

 Chapter 46: The Noble Aristocrat 5

    "You all should..." The Holy Knight had made his decision. He could only silently pray that this young man would have a favorable outcome, at least in the court trial, where evidence could be found to counter Lucas''s accusations. The Holy Knight still believed in the Empire''s justice and fairness.


    After all, he was a man of true faith, a devout believer who held onto the light. However, what he didn''t know was that Lucas and his group had no intention of taking Kenley and the others to court. Their plan was far more sinister¡ªthey only wanted to drag them back to Lucas''s mansion for their wicked schemes.


    "Hold it right there!¡± Kenley immediately interrupted the Holy Knight upon hearing those words. He knew the knight had fallen into the enemy''s trap, but he had no intention of sitting idly by.


    Kenley locked eyes with Lucas and stepped forward, slowly reciting:


    "I enter this sacred sanctuary¡­¡±


    The moment Kenley spoke, the Holy Knight froze in shock. Tia also gasped, while Lucas and the others simply stared at Kenley in confusion, unable to understand what he was doing.


    "To lament the chaos and imperfection beyond the Forbidden Garden. Even as you repent, suffer, and torment yourself, you continue to seek the truth you pursue. Suffering itself is steeped in sin for the ignorance beyond the door. I do not blame you for resenting my soul, for you have shattered the mirror in which I could not see my own reflection¡­¡±


    At that moment, a radiant holy light descended from the heavens. This was the Grand Cathedral of Light¡ªthe place closest to divinity. Kenley''s words instantly triggered a reaction from the statue of Sanphest!


    "This... This is¡ª!¡± The Holy Knight''s eyes widened in disbelief upon hearing the prayer. Impossible. It was impossible. How could a mere peasant know such a thing?


    Tia took a deep breath. Master¡­ Master¡­ How does he¡­?


    Only Sylph remained clueless, yet she could feel the overwhelming holiness and solemnity within Kenley''s prayer.


    "What nonsense are you spouting?¡± Lucas''s face twisted in anger. He had expected this lowly commoner to argue back, but instead, Kenley was putting on some kind of religious act in front of him."Holy Knight, he''s playing tricks! Please stop him at once!¡±


    Auber, on the other hand, turned pale. He had never expected Kenley to know this. As a scholar, he was all too familiar with those words.


    "Shut your mouth!¡± The Holy Knight''s voice thundered, laced with unmistakable fury. And it was directed at Lucas. It was clear that the knight''s patience had reached its limit.


    "Holy Knight?!¡± Lucas was stunned. Why was the Holy Knight suddenly taking the other side? He opened his mouth to protest, but before he could utter a word¡ª


    "Silence!¡± the Holy Knight commanded, cutting him off.


    Lucas''s expression turned stiff and awkward. Fine. Fine. You won''t let me speak? He clenched his fists, his eyes dark with malice. Let this wretch put on his little performance. Once it''s over, we''ll see how I make him suffer.


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    Kenley completely ignored Lucas''s clownish chattering and continued walking forward, reciting,


    "If I am guilty, then scourge me. If I have fallen, then purify me. I do not fear the curses of darkness, for I have witnessed miracles. Yes, you know nothing of me, yet I blame you not, nor do I blame anyone. What you guard is what you hold dear, and what I pursue is what I have dreamed of. Besides your calloused hands, besides your scarred hands, besides your mourning song of death¡­ Now, may your blade, steeped in sin, clash against me. Let it wound me, awaken me, and forever judge me within my slumber!¡±


    At that moment, the holy light intensified, and everyone could feel an overwhelming force of divine judgment descending from the heavens. The radiance immediately drew the attention of the Inquisition.


    "The Light of Judgment?! Who has triggered the Light of Judgment within the Grand Cathedral?!"


    The High Inquisitor stood at the entrance of the tribunal, staring intently at the descending light. Not only was it the Light of Judgment, but it was also the highest grade of divine radiance¡ªsomething that the Inquisition would never unleash without the explicit authorization of a bishop.


    "Go and investigate immediately!"


    With that command, a large contingent of inquisitors set off, their synchronized footsteps echoing as they marched swiftly toward the Cathedral of Light.


    Beneath the sacred glow, Kenley ignored the stunned gazes around him and pointed directly at Lucas, raising his voice toward the heavens:


    "O holy and mighty Sun God, I beseech You¡ªjudge me! Has Your child committed the crime of theft for the sake of this man''s possessions?¡±


    Kenley suddenly lifted his head, his eyes sharp and unwavering like a wolf''s as he fixed his gaze upon Lucas.


    A chill shot up Lucas''s spine. He didn''t know what this lowly wretch had done, but judging by the Holy Knight''s shock and Auber''s fearful expression, he knew this was no trivial matter.


    Then, a voice resounded. Deep, sacred, and carrying an infinite echo¡ª


    Not heard, but felt, rising from the depths of the soul.


    "Child, you bear no guilt of theft.¡±


    That voice¡ª!


    It was truly the Sun God!


    In the Grand Cathedral, within this most sacred place, everyone heard it. And upon witnessing this divine miracle, all who heard the voice trembled with reverence, unable to contain their emotions.


    They dropped to their knees, fervently worshipping the Sun God.


    "Praise the Sun!¡±


    Even the Holy Knight fell to his knees, his entire body shaking¡ªnot out of fear, but out of sheer, overwhelming awe at the presence of his god.


    Tia hastily lifted the hem of her dress and knelt in the direction of the holy light. Sylph, far from foolish, felt the divine presence more acutely than anyone¡ªshe, the Golden Child, lowered herself with the highest elven etiquette, half-kneeling in reverence to the Sun God.


    Auber was deathly pale. All the schemes in his mind shattered instantly, cold sweat drenching him as he collapsed to his knees, barely managing to stay upright.


    Seeing the entire assembly kneel, even Lucas, lawless as he was, finally understood the gravity of the moment.


    This was a miracle. A true, undeniable miracle.


    With a loud thud, he dropped to his knees as well. His massive body made the motion look more like an ungainly fall, as though he had simply plopped onto the floor. His fleshy face glistened with cold sweat, his fear evident. He didn''t know what would happen next, but an ominous premonition gnawed at him.


    Kenley raised his voice again.


    "O holy and mighty Sun God, I beseech You¡ªjudge me! Has Your child committed the sin of impurity?¡±


    "Child, you bear no guilt of impurity.¡±


    "O holy and mighty Sun God, I beseech You¡ªjudge me! Has Your child spoken falsehoods?¡±


    "Child, you bear no guilt of falsehood.¡±


    Kenley placed a hand over his heart and bowed deeply toward the sacred light.


    "O holy and mighty Sun God, I give my deepest gratitude. Your child shall forever walk in the name of light, in the name of love, in the name of justice¡ªpursuing the path of dreams until I reach the other side of the mirror.¡±


    The moment his words ended, the sacred light began to fade.


    The Grand Cathedral, once engulfed in divine radiance, slowly returned to normal.


    Yet, silence filled the space.


    The sanctity of the scene had left everyone in profound awe.


    Even though the light had vanished, not a single person dared to rise¡ªso shaken were they by the revelation they had just witnessed.


    Then¡ª


    "Arrest these two defilers!¡±


    It was the Holy Knight''s voice, ringing with righteous fury.

 Chapter 47: Heroic Bloodline 1

    Auber hung his head in utter despair as two Holy Knights restrained him, his eyes lifeless, unable to utter a single word. Lucas, on the other hand, snapped back to his senses and shouted,


    "You can''t arrest me! I am a viscount personally appointed by the royal family! My uncle is Count Megan! You have no right¡ª"


    "Silence!"


    The Holy Knight''s voice was ice-cold.


    "Under the gaze of the Sun God, who gave you the audacity to frame a sacred citizen? Who emboldened you to defy the empire''s laws?! Do you wish to drag your uncle down with you and have him experience the flames of the Inferno as well?!"


    Lucas''s face instantly turned a sickly shade of purple. He had never imagined the situation would escalate to this extent.


    "Why?! Just because of that madman''s nonsense? Just because he summoned a so-called miracle? I refuse to believe it! I demand to see¡ª"


    SMACK!


    A resounding slap echoed through the hall.


    Everyone turned to see an imposing, bald old man in a crimson clerical robe, his expression stern and unwavering. The sheer force of his strike nearly dislocated Lucas''s jaw.


    "Grand Inquisitor!"


    The Holy Knights immediately bowed in reverence.


    Kenley''s gaze flickered. He recognized this crimson-robed elder immediately¡ªthe Grand Inquisitor of the Marlen Imperial City''s Church of Light.


    Feared by heretics and worshippers alike, his name alone was enough to strike terror into the hearts of those who strayed from the righteous path. His power was second only to the Archbishop, and in the entirety of the Imperial Capital, there were but a handful of individuals who could rival him.


    [Ruthless Grand Inquisitor¨C Terence Westcott]


    [Race: Human]


    [Level: 60]


    [Class: Cleric]


    [Title: Grand Inquisitor of the Marlen Imperial City''s Tribunal]


    [Note: The presiding judge of the Church of Light''s Tribunal. His voice alone strikes terror into the hearts of heretics, a figure so feared that even children whisper his name when threatening nonbelievers.]


    Every person in the hall, upon recognizing him, bowed respectfully.


    There was no one here who hadn''t heard of Grand Inquisitor Terence.


    His name was synonymous with the eradication of heresy and the obliteration of darkness. Even the dark nobles who once invaded from the Eastern Coast trembled at its mere mention.


    Lucas, his mouth already bruised and swollen, felt his soul nearly leave his body at the sight of the Grand Inquisitor.


    "Slander against divine miracles is tantamount to heresy."


    Terence''s voice was hoarse and dry, like sand scraping against stone, yet there was no trace of jest in his tone.


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    "Take him to the Tribunal of Judgment. If he is innocent, then let the court grant him a fair and just trial."


    The moment the words "tantamount to heresy" were spoken, the expressions of everyone in the cathedral changed dramatically.


    They all knew that Grand Inquisitor Terence was truly furious.


    To be labeled a heretic-equivalent was a grave sin. Not even the Emperor himself could plead for mercy in the Grand Cathedral under such a charge! This was a decree issued personally by the Grand Inquisitor¡ªwho would dare object?


    Even a lawless scoundrel like Lucas couldn''t withstand such terror. His eyes rolled back, and he collapsed unconscious on the spot.


    As for Auber, he seemed to have completely lost his sanity, giggling uncontrollably like a lunatic.


    With four Holy Knights escorting them away, escape was utterly impossible.


    As for the private soldiers Lucas had brought with him, they quickly realized that their master had fallen from grace, dragged into an abyss from which there was no return. Without hesitation, they scattered like frightened rats, dashing home to pack their belongings.


    Their master had not only been overthrown but also branded as a heretic. If they didn''t flee now, they might lose their own heads next.


    As Lucas and Auber were dragged out of the grand hall, Terence turned his gaze toward Kenley, curiosity flickering in his aged yet penetrating eyes.


    "Young man, I''m quite curious¡ªhow do you know the Golden Judgment Prayer? And who taught it to you?"


    Terence''s gaze softened as he looked at Kenley, his demeanor much kinder, his tone notably more amiable.


    What a joke! I''m a Level 99 High Priest and a Level 99 Paladin¡ªhow could I not know? Back when I had to clear the main storyline, the system required players to recite this exact prayer to proceed. I ran through the main quest twice! Do you have any idea how painful it was to memorize it back then? I could recite it backward in my sleep!


    Kenley had anticipated such a situation. He simply shook his head and responded,"Grand Inquisitor, I was orphaned at a young age and have lived alone ever since. My only inheritance from my parents was a few books, and among them was this prayer. My parents left a note in the book, saying that whenever I encountered injustice, I should recite it."


    The Grand Inquisitor studied Kenley closely. Though the young man dressed like a middle-class noble, he lacked a family crest¡ªan essential symbol of true nobility. Every noble family had its own emblem, and forging one was a punishable offense. This meant Kenley wasn''t an actual noble but a commoner with enough wealth to afford fine clothing.


    "I see¡­ I see. Truly, the Holy Mother watches over us. Child, the very fact that you''ve found your way to the Church of Light proves that all of this is Sanphest''s divine arrangement."


    The Grand Inquisitor''s heart stirred with emotion.


    A descendant of the Golden Bloodline¡­


    That was his conclusion.


    By the gods¡ªan heir of the Golden Bloodline had been wandering the land unnoticed! Fortunately, by the grace of the Holy Mother, fate had guided him to the Grand Cathedral. And by sheer chance¡ª*or rather, divine will¡ª*Lucas''s vile actions had revealed him.


    Terence felt a surge of sentiment. He didn''t yet know which hero''s lineage Kenley carried, but since the boy had come, he was determined to take good care of him.


    Nearby, Sylph whispered to Tia,"What exactly is the Golden Judgment Prayer?"


    Tia leaned closer and replied in a hushed voice,"It''s the Church''s highest-tier judgment prayer¡ªonly the Grand Inquisitor, Bishops, High Priests, or the Pope himself can invoke it."


    "Hiss¡ª!" Sylph sucked in a sharp breath, her eyes widening in shock as she turned to look at Kenley.


    Never in her wildest dreams had she imagined that the very man who had constantly irritated her could actually recite a prayer reserved for the Pope and the highest-ranking clergy!


    However, what Tia didn''t know was that this prayer only responded to those of heroic bloodline.


    At that moment, a voice rang out from behind the crowd.


    "My dear Terence, my brother, do you finally believe what I told you?"


    A soft floral fragrance wafted through the air. Terence froze for a moment¡ªhe knew exactly whose voice that was.


    It was Bishop Michael.


    "Your Excellency¡­!" The crowd immediately bowed in greeting.


    Terence turned to Michael with a look of disbelief."Michael, is this the young man you spoke of yesterday? The child of a hero?"


    His eyes flickered between Kenley and Tia.


    "Yes, it is them," Michael confirmed with a nod.


    "No wonder¡­ No wonder."


    Terence nodded repeatedly, his gaze on Kenley now filled with both admiration and expectation.


    "A fine young man indeed¡­"


    With that, the Grand Inquisitor bid the crowd farewell."Tomorrow is the Holy Bestowment, and there is much to prepare. I won''t remain in the cathedral any longer. Oh, and young man¡ªshould you encounter injustice again in the future, you may come directly to the Tribunal for aid. There is no need to invoke that prayer each time."

 Chapter 48: Heroic Bloodline 2

    "Here, take this."


    The Proof of Devotion! And it was given by the Grand Inquisitor himself!


    "Thank you, Grand Inquisitor."


    Kenley bowed deeply before accepting the Proof of Devotion.


    Once Terence had departed, the bishop finally spoke."Children, and Her Highness, the princess from the Elven Kingdom¡ªplease, come inside for a private discussion."


    "You¡­ You recognize me?" Sylph''s face was full of astonishment.


    The bishop smiled mysteriously."With such a pure aura of natural life, how could I not?"


    Without further explanation, he turned and led the way. The three exchanged glances before quickly following.


    Tia, however, stole glances at Kenley along the way, her heartbeat quickening slightly.


    So Master is the child of a hero¡­ Was that why he saved me that day?


    Yet, he didn''t seem to be aware of his own lineage. Why is that? Is it the will of the Holy Mother guiding him?


    Though she had become one of the darkborn, Tia was not entirely ignorant of the world. She had overheard slave traders speaking in hushed tones, picking up fragments of history and truth.


    During the Fourth Age, the Era of the Dark Invasion, many of the Golden Lineage perished on the battlefield. Countless heroes lost their lives far from home, standing against the Dark Sovereign.


    The Gaifei Kingdom was no exception. Her father, her uncles, her elder sister, and her brother¡ªevery one of them had fallen on the Eastern Coastline, sacrificing themselves to defend the light.


    Back then, her father had risked everything to protect her¡ªthe youngest of the royal bloodline¡ªsending her through a secret escape tunnel to ensure that at least one heir of the Gaifei royal family survived.


    But who could have foreseen that a terrifying Vampire Earl had already laid an ambush within the tunnel?


    Even now, she still remembered his name.


    Though she had been turned¡ªcorrupted into a vampire''s thrall¡ªher unyielding will, born of her Golden Bloodline, had given her the strength to seize an opportunity to escape.


    Yet fate had not been kind.


    She had only barely broken free, only to fall into the hands of slave traders.


    It was as if the Holy Mother herself were playing a cruel joke on her¡­


    But now, she had met Kenley.


    Kenley had saved her from those very same slavers, helped her reintegrate into human society, and even gone so far as to shield her from a Paladin''s blade.


    Master¡­ just how many more secrets do you have that I don''t know?


    Tia continued to watch Kenley in silence.


    "Please, come in."


    The bishop personally opened the door for them.


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    Kenley gave a slight bow before stepping inside, followed by the others. The room had a distinct atmosphere¡ªsomewhere between a study and a private chamber.


    It was clean and minimalist, furnished with a desk, a fireplace, a long table, and a plush long sofa. Two smaller sofas flanked the table, while bookshelves brimming with ancient tomes lined the walls.


    Once they were seated, the bishop finally spoke.


    "Children, the reason I have called you here¡­ is because of a confidential mission regarding the Gaifei Kingdom."


    Kenley''s eyes flickered in surprise. A hidden side quest?


    Meanwhile, the moment Tia heard mention of Gaifei Kingdom, she immediately tensed.


    She leaned forward and asked,"Your Excellency, may I ask¡­ what exactly is this mission?"


    The moment she finished speaking, Tia immediately realized her mistake. As her master''s servant, it was Kenley who should have spoken first. By speaking out of turn, she had overstepped her bounds.


    "Ah¡­ I apologize, Master." Tia quickly lowered her head and apologized to Kenley as soon as she realized her error.


    Kenley merely waved his hand dismissively, unfazed by the matter. Instead, he turned to the bishop and asked,"Something related to Gaifei Kingdom? But the Kaine Empire and Gaifei Kingdom are separated by a vast distance. Even if there were a mission, completing it would be extremely difficult for us."


    The bishop chuckled softly."There is no need to worry, children. First, allow me to explain the full context."


    "Please go ahead, Your Excellency," Kenley replied.


    The bishop then began,"Ever since Gaifei Kingdom was consumed by darkness, the Kaine Empire, the Holy Light Theocracy, and the Misty Sea Empire have been working tirelessly to cleanse the corruption left in its wake. We seek to restore order and the presence of light on the Eastern Coast. However, we lack capable individuals who can purify the land. That is why we need people with deep roots in the region¡ªthose who can pave the way for the light''s return."


    Kenley immediately exchanged glances with Tia before responding,"But Tia and I are still young, and our strength is shallow at best. If we were to venture to the Eastern Coast now, it would be no different from walking to our deaths."


    The bishop nodded in agreement."Of course. We do not expect you to go immediately. Based on our current plans, this purification process will take two to three years. It is not something that needs to happen overnight. You will have time to grow stronger, and once the moment is right, we will embark on this mission together. For now, I merely wish to discuss it with you and hear your thoughts."


    Tia felt a surge of urgency. She wanted to go. Desperately.


    She longed to uncover the fate of her father, her mother, her brothers, and sisters. Were they still alive, or had they, too, been turned into darkborn? Or had they already returned to the embrace of the Holy Mother?


    Yet, she forced herself to hold back. Instead, she fixed her gaze on Kenley, her eyes filled with silent plea, hoping¡ªpraying¡ªthat he would give the answer she wanted to hear.


    Kenley, however, remained silent, not rushing to respond.


    To be honest, he was quite tempted by this mission. A task involving the Golden Bloodline was bound to come with significant rewards.


    But two to three years¡­ That was far too short.


    This wasn''t a game. It was reality.


    Unlike in a game, he couldn''t be certain that leveling up would be as quick and straightforward.


    Ever since completing the Dwarven Quest and the Golden Scissors Quest today, he had only received treasures and money¡ªnot a single bit of experience points. His level had remained exactly the same.


    That meant he either had to hunt monsters to gain experience or test other quests to see if they rewarded any experience.


    And from what he remembered of the game¡­


    The Eastern Coast during the mid-game phase was crawling with powerful enemies.


    Everywhere, formidable bosses and high-level foes roamed freely. Even the smallest monsters weren''t to be underestimated.


    Although he had earned a massive sum of experience from defeating Dane, enough to level up five times in one go, he wasn''t in a hurry to use it.


    His plan was to unlock the Alchemist profession first¡ªthen invest the experience points into it.


    After all, Alchemists possessed many highly practical skills worth mastering.


    Right now, in the early game, leveling up was still relatively easy. But once he passed level 30, the experience required to progress would skyrocket.


    And in the Eastern Coast¡­ Silver-tier bosses were everywhere.


    Even in the current game version, that region still remained a high-level danger zone.


    Even if a level 99 player were to venture there, they would still need to tread carefully, lest they fall prey to the monsters lurking about.


    The reason?


    Because Ode Continent was a game that prioritized realism.


    Levels existed, but monsters were categorized by tier¡ªsuch as Silver-tier.


    Even a low-level Silver-tier enemy could still pose a lethal threat to a higher-level player.


    Faced with the bishop''s proposal, Kenley knew he had to carefully weigh his decision.

 Chapter 49: Heroic Bloodline 3

    "Your Excellency, this matter is far too significant. Please forgive my caution. I''m afraid I cannot agree to your request just yet, and I have two reasons for this:


    First, we are far too weak. To charge forward blindly is not wisdom¡ªit is recklessness.


    Second, even our current lives in the Kaine Empire are difficult. How can we possibly carry out such a grand vision? Ideals are not achieved by mere words; they require a solid material foundation to support them.


    Therefore, I ask that you grant us some time."


    Kenley spoke slowly, making his thoughts clear.


    To outsiders, his response might have seemed a bit petty, perhaps even lacking in ambition. But he didn''t care in the slightest.


    Your ideals are yours. Your light is yours. Your glory is yours. None of it belongs to me.


    Besides, Kenley knew that the Golden Bloodline Questline didn''t solely revolve around Tia. There were other paths¡ªother, potentially more rewarding quests. He just needed time to grow stronger.


    Accepting this mission now would mean binding himself to the church''s cause, tying his fate to theirs. From that moment onward, he would be obligated to fight against the dark aristocracy on the Eastern Coast, shouldering the burden of restoring the church''s influence there.


    That would mean losing his freedom.


    It would also mean sacrificing the chance to pursue other quests he was interested in¡ªbecause this one task would consume all of his time and effort.


    At Kenley''s response, Tia grew anxious.


    In her heart, she had already come to see him as a heroic figure¡ªa savior.


    From the moment he rescued her, to when he shielded her from the Holy Knight''s blade, and just earlier, when he recited the Golden Judgment Prayer in the Grand Cathedral¡ªrecognized by the Sun God himself.


    Kenley had proven himself a man of purity and righteousness.


    So why?


    Why, at this moment, did he suddenly seem so calculating, so shrewd, like a seasoned merchant carefully weighing profit and loss?


    Why was he not thinking about honor, integrity, and sacrifice?


    She was desperate, but she said nothing.


    Her pleading gaze lingered on Kenley, but she dared not voice her thoughts.


    Perhaps my master has his own reasons¡­


    Maybe, if I can talk to him later, I can change his mind¡­


    The bishop observed both of them carefully¡ªKenley''s measured words and Tia''s conflicted expression.


    Then, with a warm smile, he nodded and said,"The Holy Mother does not force her children''s hands. She does not impose upon others that which she herself abhors.


    Your response, child, is an expression of Her divine love, and as one of Her children, I respect your choice.


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    That said, I have a proposal. Would you be willing to hear me out?"


    Kenley''s heart stirred slightly.


    A proposal?


    "Please, Your Excellency, I am listening."


    At that, the bishop reached into his robes and pulled out a pristine, custom-made parchment scroll. With great care, he unfurled it on the table before them.


    "This is the contract of an Honorary Holy Knight.


    The church rarely grants this title, as it is reserved for those who are not formally part of the Holy Order but still seek the path of knighthood.


    If you accept, child, you will gain the right to study under the church''s Holy Knights at any time. Any question you ask, they will answer without reservation."


    Honorary Holy Knight?!


    Kenley was stunned.


    He vividly remembered his past struggles in the game¡ªhow he had begged the Pope over a dozen times for this very opportunity, only to be repeatedly denied.


    And now?


    A single bishop was offering it to him outright¡ªof his own accord.


    This was no ordinary offer.


    The Honorary Holy Knight title was incredibly valuable.


    It wasn''t a class, yet it was even better than a class in some ways.


    To explain why, one needed to understand the game mechanics of Ode Continent.


    Every player character was officially allowed to take on one main class and up to two secondary classes.


    For example:


    A Warrior could dual-train as a Mage, or even a Priest.


    However, dual-classing required significantly more experience points compared to one''s main class due to the secondary class experience penalty.


    The second class incurred a 1.25x experience penalty.The third class incurred a 1.5x experience penalty.


    Some players¡ªespecially casuals¡ªalready found managing a single character exhausting. They didn''t want to create multiple alts just to experience different classes.


    So, when they reached the late game and realized their main class didn''t suit them, many of them shifted focus to their secondary class instead. This system allowed them to find their true playstyle, leading to overwhelmingly positive feedback about the multi-class system.


    But this also created a limitation¡ªplayers could only take two secondary classes at most. No more, no less.


    Kenley''s main character followed this exact rule:


    Main class: WarriorSecondary classes: Mage, Ranger


    However, Honorary Holy Knight was different¡ªit didn''t count toward the class limit!


    As long as a player had any of these three melee classes¡ªWarrior, Berserker, or Knight¡ªthey could merge the Honorary Holy Knight title into their main class without taking up a secondary class slot.


    For example, since Kenley was a Warrior, acquiring the Honorary Holy Knight title would alter his class skills, infusing them with Light elemental properties and granting him access to exclusive Paladin magic!


    Additionally, his skill tree would receive a massive upgrade.


    For instance, take the Charge skill¡ªnormally, Warriors could only use it once per cooldown. But with the Honorary Holy Knight title, Kenley would gain a second Charge, allowing him to use his Warrior Charge first, then immediately follow up with a Paladin Charge!


    This was a game-changer.


    Unlike Mages, who relied on mana and casting times, Warriors had no resource cost¡ªtheir skills only had cooldowns.


    In the mid-to-late game, some abilities did require Rage Points (RP) to unleash their full potential, but with Honorary Holy Knight, Kenley would essentially be playing with cheat codes enabled.


    Of course, in PvP, the double-charge mechanic was officially banned to preserve game balance.


    However, in PvE, the developers placed no such restrictions.


    In fact, the Honorary Holy Knight discovery was originally a complete accident¡ªa random player stumbled upon it, and soon after, everyone started trying their luck to obtain it.


    Had Kenley not been busy raiding the Golden Forbidden Court with the Dragon''s Roar Guild, he definitely would have tried for Honorary Holy Knight.


    After all, leveling a brand-new alt was too exhausting, and resetting his main character would have been an incredible waste of time.


    But now?


    He hadn''t even asked for it, and the bishop was offering it to him on a silver platter.


    For a moment, Kenley froze, feeling conflicted.


    There was no way he wasn''t tempted.


    "Honorary Holy Knight?" Kenley asked, keeping his expression neutral, careful not to reveal his true emotions.


    Because, in reality, this hit him right in the heart.


    With this, he could essentially quadruple-class¡ªcombining Paladin with his existing three-class setup.


    That was insanely powerful.


    And the biggest strength of Paladins?


    They allowed Warriors to use mounted combat and wield large shields. Normally, Warriors were limited to small shields, but with this, he could equip knight-grade armor, purchase mounts, and ride more than just horses.


    Paladins weren''t restricted to horses¡ªthey could ride all kinds of bizarre and rare creatures.


    Just imagine¡ªswitching gear mid-fight, transforming from a Warrior into a tank-like mounted knight¡­


    Now that was exhilarating.

 Chapter 50: Heroic Bloodline 4

    The bishop nodded."Yes, Honorary Holy Knight. I understand the struggles you face in the real world, just as the Mother Goddess knows all the hardships of this world. As an Honorary Holy Knight, the Church will provide you with a house of your own¡ªyou may settle in Marlen Imperial City with peace of mind. Furthermore, this title does not restrict your personal freedom. You may come and go as you please, and the Church will always welcome you whenever you seek guidance or education. After all, you are a child who carries the bloodline of a hero."


    Kenley''s mind reeled. So that was why the bishop was willing to grant him this prestigious class¡ªbecause of his heroic lineage.


    But¡­ wasn''t he just a common farmer''s son? How could he possibly have the blood of a hero?


    Then, a realization struck him.


    His title¡ªthe one tied to his reincarnation.


    That''s right. He had nearly forgotten¡ªhe was the reincarnation of the Reverse Scale Sword Saint, Wilk. That was a hero''s bloodline.


    Before Wilk''s reincarnation, he had been a Paladin¡ªnot just that, but a Dragon Knight.


    Was this fate? Or the arrangement of the Mother Goddess? Kenley didn''t know. But it seemed that destiny was like an intricate web¡ªthreads that appeared to be entirely unrelated would always find a way to intertwine.


    A Paladin?


    It seemed, in the end, everything had come full circle.


    Kenley let out a soft sigh, pretending to act as though he were making a selfless decision.


    "Bishop, let me be honest with you." He kept his expression composed, his tone steady."I do not fear the darkness, nor do I desire a peaceful life. It is because my parents warned me never to involve myself in worldly conflicts. They wished for me to live as an ordinary person.


    When I saw Tia, I knew she was just like me. I could not bear to watch her suffer through pain that was never meant to be hers.


    Tia has already endured more than enough pain, Bishop. Can you understand the weight of my words?"


    For a moment, the bishop was speechless.


    Yes¡­ the Era of Dark Corruption had claimed countless heroes, drowning the world in their bitter blood and sorrow.


    How many warriors had perished in foreign lands, never to return?


    Kenley and Tia¡ªboth of them were clearly children of heroes. And surely, their parents would not have wanted them to walk the same tragic path.


    To protect one''s child¡ªthat was the most primal, instinctual drive of a parent.


    Who would ever willingly send their children into war?


    Who would ask them to face overwhelming enemies, when even parents themselves could not guarantee victory?


    Tia''s heart skipped a beat.


    Her eyes grew moist.


    So¡­ so Master had been thinking about me all along.


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    He had known her identity from the very beginning.


    How could she have been so foolish?


    She had been so obsessed with finding her parents and siblings, she had never once stopped to consider Master''s feelings.


    Yes¡­ Master carried the blood of a hero, just as he had told her before¡ªhe, too, had lost his parents.


    At least she had once known the warmth of a family.


    But Master¡­ Master had lived alone all his life.


    By the Mother Goddess¡­


    Tia, how could you be so selfish?


    How could she, driven by her own personal desires, push Master into unnecessary pain?


    If even he thought of her well-being, then shouldn''t she do the same for him?


    Tia clenched her fists, a resolve forming deep within her heart.


    She stood up and faced the bishop.


    "Bishop, I believe Master is right." Her voice was firm.


    "Tia wishes to see her parents again, and she wishes to help the Church purify the darkness.


    But I know that my parents¡­ they would never want me to experience those horrors again."


    Tia''s eyes brimmed with tears, her voice filled with sincerity.


    "Tia?" Sylph looked at her in disbelief. She couldn''t fathom that Tia would say such words. After all, Tia was a princess of the Gaifei Kingdom, and Sylph was well aware of the deep bond she shared with her family. Even after all these years, Sylph knew that Tia was still Tia.


    "Don''t worry, Sylph. I''ve thought this through carefully."


    Tia''s voice was soft, yet unwavering. Though tears welled in her eyes, she smiled sweetly at Sylph, as if there wasn''t even a trace of sorrow in her heart.


    The bishop furrowed his brows.


    He had believed his words would surely convince the descendants of two heroes, yet instead, they had reached a unanimous decision against him.


    Even if he wanted to persuade them further, he feared it would be a futile effort.


    Looking into Tia''s tear-filled eyes, the bishop let out a sigh in his heart.


    "So be it. I shall not force you further," he said solemnly.


    "My children, the Mother Goddess has always seen your suffering. She understands, and her boundless compassion will forever shelter you."


    With those words, the bishop let out a deep sigh and extended his hand, pressing it against the Honorary Knight Contract, preparing to withdraw it.


    But at that very moment¡ª


    "Wait!"


    Kenley suddenly reached out and placed his hand on the contract.


    Everyone turned their gazes toward him.


    Feeling the weight of their stares, Kenley let out a slow breath and spoke:


    "Bishop, I will accept this task. When the time is right, I will bring Tia to the Church myself. However, until then, I ask that the Church refrain from interfering with our personal freedom."


    As soon as he said this, Tia''s expression became a storm of emotions¡ªshock, joy, and deep gratitude all swirled in her eyes.


    The bishop''s lips curved into an involuntary smile.


    As expected¡ªa child with the bloodline of a hero.


    He had known all along that they would come to understand the Church''s goodwill.


    Even Sylph was taken aback.


    This shameless bastard¡ªhe had suddenly changed his stance at the last moment!


    Up until now, his attitude had made Sylph believe he was nothing more than a street rat, a man who clung to an ordinary life and refused to step out of the mire of mediocrity.


    And yet, at the crucial moment, he had seen the bigger picture.


    The bishop, Michael, nodded approvingly.


    "Descendants of the Golden Bloodline, the Church accepts all of your conditions. If you have further requests, you may write to me at any time."


    Kenley exhaled in relief.


    Negotiating with the Church is no different from doing business.


    Only by applying the right amount of pressure could he gain the upper hand, allowing him to voice his demands and secure his own interests.


    Because Kenley knew one thing for certain¡ª


    Once he accepted the title of Honorary Paladin, he would be branded as part of the Church''s faction.


    And in the grand conflict between royal authority and divine power, the two sides had always been at odds.


    His ultimate goal was to become a noble.


    If he allowed himself to fall too deeply under the Church''s influence, he risked losing the freedom necessary to climb the aristocratic ladder.


    That could very well become his greatest obstacle in the future.


    Kenley had to make things clear with the bishop now¡ªbefore it was too late.


    He had to negotiate the terms to protect his own position.


    He had no intention of getting caught between two warring factions, forced to navigate the ever-shifting power struggle between nobility and the Church.


    Tia might be na?ve about the ways of the world, which was understandable¡ªshe had lived in the Fourth Era.


    But Kenley knew better.


    The Fifth Era Expansion was all about the war between royal authority and divine power.


    And in conflicts like these¡­


    There was no light¡ªonly shadows.

 Chapter 51: Hero Brook 1

    After finally finishing the side quests at the Church, Kenley glanced at the quest progress¡ªit had reached 3%.


    He led the two women toward the main hall, his heart full of joy, yet he struggled to suppress the smile that kept threatening to rise on his face.


    Honorary Paladin? Kenley had just taken another careful look at the contract, which stated that not only would he have his own house in the royal capital, but he would also receive a monthly salary of 8 gold coins from the Church. Moreover, the bishop had promised to send him a mount every once in a while.


    Kenley was quite pleased with these arrangements. Most importantly, he was still in a no faction status, a completely free agent. In other words, he wasn''t bound by the Church but could still enjoy its benefits. If this were a game, many players would probably envy him.


    The no faction status was incredibly comfortable. It gave him more time to decide which faction to join later, allowing him to delay the decision for as long as possible. Kenley wasn''t in a hurry to make that choice. After all, the upcoming struggle between royal and divine powers would make it ideal to remain neutral for the time being. Being a free agent was just too comfortable.


    As Kenley walked ahead, he calmed his excitement and thought about his future plans: he now had a place to stay, some familiar faces in the city¡ªhigh-ranking figures like the bishop and the chief judge. He was slowly starting to build a network. Now, the next step was to start his leveling plan, considering which place would be the most suitable for it.


    Just as Kenley was walking and thinking, a shout suddenly came from the main gate of the hall:


    "Sylph!"


    Sylph instinctively screamed.


    That voice¡ªSylph was all too familiar with it. It was Hero Brook, the captain of the Ranger Battalion! The shout immediately jolted Kenley out of his thoughts. Damn it, of all people, why him!


    "Uncle Brook..." Sylph instinctively stepped behind Tia.


    "You''re really here," Brook exclaimed as he saw Sylph, his face a mix of excitement and urgency. Since they were in the Bright Cathedral, beneath the statue of the Sun God, he had to maintain decorum. Despite the burning urgency in his heart, he could only hurry toward Sylph, walking quickly, taking two steps at a time.


    At that moment, Kenley finally saw the person approaching them¡ªleading four rangers clad in green cloaks, the man himself stood out: golden hair flowed smoothly and naturally, and though he was in his middle years, he still looked impossibly handsome. His deep blue eyes held a sharpness, a look that only seasoned warriors had, forged through years of battle.


    He wore shiny silver armor, but as he moved, there was a faint green wind around him¡ªthe effect of magical armor, adding an aura of mystique. On his back was a longbow wrapped in green ivy, and Kenley recognized it immediately: it was the legendary bow Forest Starry River¨C Light Feather (a red-quality item, even higher than legacy quality). A short sword was sheathed at his waist.


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    "Sylph, stop this nonsense and come back with your uncle," Brook said, noticing a undead blocking Sylph''s way. His expression tightened immediately. He called out in a loud voice:"Undead?"


    This is the Bright Cathedral in the Marlen Imperial City, not a vampire''s domain. How could there be such a filthy, evil creature as a vampire here? Doesn''t Bishop Michael fear defiling this sacred place? Brook simply couldn''t understand.


    "Uncle! Please don''t misunderstand! She''s Tia!" Sylph hurriedly stepped in front of Tia, hoping to avoid any misunderstandings, and quickly explained.


    "Tia?"


    "Uncle, don''t you remember? From the Gafey Kingdom, our Elderwood Forest''s eternal ally¡ªthe kingdom''s princess: Tia!" Sylph was becoming desperate.


    "She''s Princess Tia?" Now it was Brook''s turn to be caught off guard. He never expected that, despite the kingdom''s fall, he would encounter the descendants of a once-great kingdom, only to see that they had tragically been transformed into evil undead.


    Tears welled up in Sylph''s eyes as she slowly began to explain how they had met, until Brook finally understood.


    After hearing Tia''s story, Brook felt an immense sense of sorrow. He closed his eyes to absorb the sudden surge of information, then let out a long breath.


    When he opened his eyes again, the previous look of disdain he had toward Tia had disappeared. Just like the bishop, his gaze softened considerably.


    "Princess Tia, the friendly pact we had in the past still holds, even after the fall of your kingdom. Though you have unfortunately been tainted by darkness, the Elven people will always remember the blood your parents shed while fighting the Dark Lord on the Eastern Coast¡ªdefending light, justice, and glory." As he spoke, Brook performed the highest elven salute to Tia.


    Tia was deeply moved, and she also bowed to Brook."Thank you for your understanding, Uncle Brook. Please convey my greetings to the Elven King and Queen."


    "I will relay your greetings to my King," Brook said before standing up.


    He then turned his gaze back to Sylph."Sylph, this time you can''t run off like that again. Do you know how heartbroken the Elven King was when you ran away? He nearly overturned the entire Elderwood Forest looking for you..."


    Sylph''s expression darkened as she realized how much harm her reckless actions had caused. She lowered her head and said,"I''m sorry, Uncle. It was my fault."


    "I''m just glad you''re okay. If it weren''t for the Judgment Light of the Bright Cathedral, I wouldn''t have come here. But what exactly happened? Why did such a divine miracle occur in the Bright Cathedral? Could it have something to do with you, Sylph?" Brook stared at her closely, his eyes full of suspicion.


    Sylph avoided his gaze, feeling a little guilty."Well... it''s partly because of me¡­"


    "What? The Judgment Light has something to do with you? Did you anger Bishop Michael? Or maybe Chief Judge Terence? Come with me and apologize!" Brook''s voice became urgent. The Judgment Light was no small matter.


    "It''s not what you think, Uncle. It''s because¡­"


    Tia, seeing the situation, quickly stepped in to explain."Uncle Brook, it''s actually like this¡­" She glanced at Kenley, and seeing he didn''t object, she began to explain the situation to him.


    ...


    "Another child with heroic bloodlines?" Brook shot a surprised glance at Kenley. He never imagined that a Judgment Light would bring three children with golden bloodlines together. What does this mean? Is this the Mother Goddess''s will, or just a coincidence? I must report this to the King immediately¡ªthis is far too important.


    To Brook, if Kenley were just an ordinary person, then the meeting between Tia and Sylph would have been a mere coincidence. But Kenley, with his golden bloodline, made things more complicated. Having dealt with prophecies and omens for years, even a ranger like Brook had an extraordinary intuition.

 Chapter 52: Hero Brook 2

    "Thank you, son of the nameless hero. From Tia''s description, if those two evil nobles had succeeded, both Sylph and Tia would have likely met a tragic end. It is your purity that saved these two innocent children." Brook also gave Kenley a respectful bow.


    Kenley was taken aback and quickly said,"I''m undeserving of such praise. Those nobles were clearly after me. I only acted in desperation to save myself. At the time, I didn''t think things through. And I even caused the Bishop and Chief Judge to be involved. I feel deeply ashamed."


    Brook shook his head."The Judgment Light is no ordinary power. If you could emerge unscathed under the Sun God''s judgment, it means you are pure and untarnished¡ªtruly the son of a hero. Furthermore, those two nobles have clearly been overtaken by dark thoughts. If they had succeeded in taking Sylph and Princess Tia, the consequences would have been unthinkable. Therefore, as the child of a hero, you deserve this bow."


    System:"Congratulations to player Kenley for unlocking the title [Pure and Untarnished]."


    Kenley froze for a moment."What? A title? I wonder what effect this title has..."


    He quickly responded,"Thank you for your praise, Captain Brook. From now on, I will continue to uphold light, justice, honor, and righteousness."


    After some formalities, Brook finally turned to Sylph and said,"Sylph, let''s head back. The King is still waiting for you."


    Sylph looked reluctantly at Tia, then glanced at Kenley. Her expression became a bit more complicated when she turned her eyes to him. She suddenly spoke,"Uncle, could you let me be a little reckless for just one more day? Just one day! I want to stay with Tia for one more day."


    "This¡­" Brook clearly looked troubled.


    At this moment, Tia stood up."Uncle Brook, it''s been so hard for Sylph and me to meet again. And we''ve been apart for a whole era. We''ve been through so much. I have so much to say to Sylph, so much longing to express. My father, mother, brother, and sister¡ªwhether they are alive or dead, I do not know. Sylph is one of the few remaining friends I have. Please, Uncle Brook, let me stay with Sylph for just one more day."


    Kenley sighed and stepped forward, explaining,"Captain Brook, we are in Marlen Imperial City, under the watch of the Bright Church, and the Bishop has promised to protect them. I ask for your understanding¡­"


    Brook furrowed his brows."It''s not that I don''t want to agree, but the situation in the Elderwood Forest¡­"


    "Uncle¡­ just one day! Just one day!" Sylph looked at Brook with pleading eyes.


    Brook sighed, helplessness filling his heart. After a moment of hesitation, he finally relented,"Alright, but after noon tomorrow, we must leave. Can you manage that?"


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    "Yay! Thank you, Uncle Brook!" Sylph''s face immediately broke into a joyful smile.


    Tia''s eyes were misted with tears, but she smiled warmly."Thank you, Uncle Brook."


    Kenley also gave Brook a deep bow.


    "You really know how to make it difficult for me, but Sylph, you must wear this." Brook said, taking out a ring."I''ll have someone secretly protect you. If anything happens, we''ll be able to protect you."


    With that, Brook handed her the ring.


    She, of course, knew what kind of ring it was¡ªit was a Tracking Ring. Once worn, no matter where she was, she could always be found.


    The group exited through the main gate of the Bright Cathedral, but Kenley''s expression immediately tightened when he saw someone familiar.


    "Smith? What''s this old dwarf doing here?"


    "Stubborn brat! I''ve been looking for you everywhere! You''re not getting away today. Brook? What are you doing here in the Imperial City?" Smith''s angry face turned toward Kenley first, then immediately froze when he saw someone unexpected.


    "Ha! Smith! Long time no see, my friend!" Brook greeted with a beaming smile, clearly excited to see Smith. It was evident that Brook and Smith had been old friends for years.


    "I know, right? Brook, my friend! It''s been years! How''ve you been? Want to come to my place for a drink or two? I''m really glad to see you. What brings you to Marlen Imperial City? Surely you''re not here on a secret mission, are you? Heh heh heh." Smith leaned toward Brook with a grin.


    The tall and short figures collided their shoulders playfully, creating a rather comical scene. But Kenley knew that for dwarves, this was the highest greeting for close friends. It was obvious that Brook and Smith had been friends for a long time.


    "It''s a long story¡­" Brook glanced at Sylph and then said,"Well, if we''re drinking, I''m definitely going to your place to help you finish your treasured wine collection. Don''t you dare hold back!"


    The Elf and Dwarf races were always friendly with each other¡ªthis was a well-known fact on the continent of Aude. Plus, Smith had once forged the legendary sword Tai Yi: Elf''s Dance, so his name was well-known among the Elves.


    "Haha, I''m just afraid you won''t be able to handle two sips before passing out!" Smith laughed, then his eyes shifted behind him,"Where''s that brat?"


    "Who?" Brook asked in confusion.


    Tia, holding her mouth, chuckled softly,"Master? He went to take care of something else."


    Sylph, equally puzzled, asked,"What did he go to do?"


    Tia whispered something in Sylph''s ear, and Sylph''s expression darkened."That scoundrel¡ªhe''s that scared of me? As soon as he sees Uncle Brook, he runs away like a scared little child? Is he worried I''ll go and tell Uncle bad things about him? Hmph! I''m not as childish as he thinks! I''m a hero who''s going to brave the dragon''s lair! I wouldn''t hold a grudge over something so trivial! Hmph!"


    Tia laughed even harder, but she didn''t say anything more.


    So, what was Kenley doing? That''s right¡ªKenley had seen Smith quickly take off. After informing Tia, he asked her to stay with Sylph while he went to find Green, a local potion master, to learn about the profession of alchemy.


    System, activate.


    With the title system opened, Kenley saw a new title:


    Title: Pure and Untarnished


    Effect: Increases Light Element Affinity by 30%


    Note: Light resides in everyone''s heart; even in the darkest places, there is still hidden hope.


    Wait¡­ just a title could increase his Light Element Affinity by such a high amount? Even in the later stages of the game, Kenley''s single legendary light element affinity accessory only increased it by 35%. A title alone, almost as powerful as a legendary accessory? This seemed a bit overpowered!

 Chapter 53: Alchemist Green 1

    Before reaching the Bronze Body stage, players had almost no way of increasing their elemental affinity, because in the Black Iron stage, elemental affinity was rarely needed.


    Only after reaching the Bronze Body could players undergo Elemental Awakening. Once awakened, all professions could increase their elemental affinity. They would also gain equipment and glyphs that enhance elemental affinity, or even treasures.


    Below level 30, players only have the following equipment slots available:[Helmet],[Left Earring],[Right Earring],[Necklace],[Left Finger Ring],[Right Finger Ring],[Chestplate],[Bracers],[Leggings],[Boots],[Left Hand Held],[Right Hand Held]. Slots like treasure, glyph, and additional rings for both hands must be unlocked upon reaching Bronze Body.


    Now that Kenley had earned the Honorary Paladin title, he could use Light Magic. With this 30% light elemental affinity, it meant a boost to his paladin''s light magic. Additionally, when facing enemies that used light magic, he would also receive a 30% damage reduction.


    This was fantastic! If he went up against dark creatures, he would practically be a mini Necromancer Slayer. Everywhere he went, he would hear the wails of Undead and Necromancer types. Dark creatures below level 30 would probably avoid him, right? This was going to be great!


    While thinking about this, Kenley stepped into the potion shop. As soon as he entered, he heard the pleasant sound of wind chimes. He knew it was the chimes that Green loved so much; she would often play with them when she had nothing else to do.


    "Who''s there? Looking to buy potions or powders?"


    A lazy voice came through, sending a tingle down Kenley''s spine.


    Just as he expected, it was the same personality and lazy attitude, as if nothing could pique her interest.


    "Green, I want to become your apprentice and learn alchemy." Kenley didn''t waste any time and went straight to the point. He knew Green''s style well; it was best not to beat around the bush when talking to her, or she would just stare at you with annoyance.


    "Become my apprentice?" At that moment, Kenley saw a woman wearing a magician''s hat so large it could be used as a blanket. She slowly raised her head. The face that appeared was that of a mature woman, full of allure. Her dark skin gave the illusion of being mismatched with her face, and her crimson red pupils glinted with a mesmerizing light. As she spoke, she looked at Kenley with a puzzled gaze.


    What bothered Kenley the most was her impossibly large chest. It was ridiculous. Green always wore outfits that showed off her chest, as if she were making sure everyone knew she had an impressive pair. She looked like a walking weapon. If it weren''t for the small piece of cloth barely covering her, Kenley would have suspected that with just a slight bend of her waist, he''d see things he shouldn''t.


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    It was too big, far too big. Kenley furrowed his brows and quickly turned his gaze to her eyes, trying his best not to look at her body.


    Green wore a black, off-shoulder mage robe, and her pink lips, coated with some kind of mysterious lipstick, gleamed with an alluring shine. Her high nose gave off an air of arrogance, but her eyes remained lazily indifferent, as though nothing interested her. Her gray, lightning-like long hair was unique, and when Kenley first saw her, he was immediately drawn to her striking appearance. Even now, he still found her image captivating.


    "Not bad, I want to become your apprentice," Kenley reiterated.


    Green scanned Kenley from head to toe, but her gaze seemed unconcerned, almost detached. After a long pause, she finally said,"Three gold coins."


    "Three gold coins?" Kenley was shocked. When he had tried to learn from her before, it only cost ten silver coins. This was thirty times more! Why the price hike?


    Kenley, puzzled, immediately asked,"I heard that learning from you only costs ten silver coins. Why is it so expensive for me?"


    Green lay back down, casually covering herself with her hat, and lazily muttered,"Because you''re ugly."


    Kenley was stunned. His charm value was 85! While he might not be handsome enough to dazzle the heavens, he certainly wasn''t ugly. Was his definition of "ugly" outdated? Or was Green''s standard of "handsome" too advanced?


    Kenley felt a sharp pang in his chest. Fine, fine, whatever. Three gold coins it is. The reason he wanted to learn from Green was that, as her apprentice, he could learn the exclusive Alchemist skill: Black Cat Potion.


    This was a valuable skill, spanning the entire game from low to high levels. Whether in dungeons or treasure hunting, it was an essential potion that players couldn''t do without. With his accumulated experience, he could start leveling up from level 1 and reach level 10 as an alchemist, just in time to learn Black Cat Potion.


    Just as Kenley was preparing to pay the three gold coins, a loud crash came from outside the door.


    "So you''re hiding here." At that moment, six figures in thief attire burst into the room, their faces shadowed as they stared intently at Kenley.


    Identify!


    Kenley immediately sensed something was wrong. He scanned them quickly: Thieves, Human, Level 10 to 15.


    What was going on? These six seemed to be targeting him. Kenley thought to himself that since Lucas and Auber were already dealt with, there shouldn''t be anyone else coming after him. Where did these six come from?


    Without saying a word, the six thieves drew their weapons and attacked!


    Kenley furrowed his brow and instantly drew his Imperial Sword from behind him.


    Clang! A sharp, ringing sound echoed as the leader of the thieves collided with Kenley''s weapon. As the leader engaged Kenley, the other five immediately rushed in, surrounding him from all sides.


    Kenley kicked the level 15 thief leader away with a powerful strike. Thanks to his Strength +5 gem, plus the natural strength of a warrior, the thief was completely caught off guard by Kenley''s force and was sent crashing into the door.


    The other thieves were momentarily stunned, but they quickly regained their composure and pressed the attack.


    Because Kenley had sent the leader flying, there was now a gap in their temporary formation. He swiftly repositioned himself to where the leader had been.


    Before the leader could recover, Kenley knew he had to quickly reduce the number of enemies.


    "Die!" One of the thieves, wielding a dagger in his right hand, didn''t care about Kenley''s movements. He hurled a glass vial filled with eerie green liquid straight at Kenley.

 Chapter 54: Alchemist Green 2

    "Poison Bomb!" Kenley instantly recognized the object''s origin.


    It was a skill commonly used by thieves, one of the most valuable abilities for early-stage thieves. But why was the vial green instead of the usual purple one seen in the game?


    Thieves, unlike warriors, specialize in stealth, traps, and gadgets. Before level 10, they only have basic skills like stabs, sweeps, kicks, rolls, and blocks. After level 10, they unlock their class abilities: Stealth, Trap Sensing, Poison Bomb, and Backstab.


    Thieves rely primarily on agility, with secondary emphasis on strength and intelligence. In the early stages, melee classes like thieves and warriors are relatively evenly matched. But in a direct fight, three thieves wouldn''t stand a chance against a warrior.


    Kenley couldn''t help but mutter,"You''re pretty bold!"


    Kenley broke into a cold sweat. This guy was throwing things without even aiming. This was Green''s Alchemist Shop, and the potions hanging on the walls were all valuable. If those potions were destroyed, Kenley couldn''t even imagine how Green would react.


    When facing a poison bomb, the key was not to block with a sharp weapon, as it would cause the bomb to explode.


    "I''ll kick it!" Kenley shouted, delivering a flying kick that sent the poison bomb back towards the thief. The thief was startled, but his reaction was too slow to match the speed of the bomb''s return.


    Boom!


    With a loud explosion, the poison bomb instantly detonated. The green poison started to hiss and bubble on the thief''s body.


    "Ugh~! Ahhh~!" The thief seemed to recognize the poison, his eyes filled with terror as he twisted and screamed in agony. The poison corroded his body without mercy.


    A foul stench instantly filled the air. The poisoned thief slowly turned into a cloud of green smoke and was completely killed by the poison.


    Kenley cursed under his breath."What the hell! This looks like the venom from a toxic swamp lizard! Where did this guy get this stuff from?"


    Thankfully, he had reacted quickly. If the poison bomb had hit him, there was no doubt his fate would''ve been the same as the thief''s. Kenley realized he needed to be extremely careful; his enemies might have more of these bombs.


    "You bastard!" The thieves were furious. They never expected this human warrior to kill their comrade. They lunged toward Kenley, activating their Thrust skills.


    Fight head-on? Kenley sneered. The reason he had moved to the gap earlier was to avoid getting backstabbed by the thieves.


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    Sweep! When it came to facing them head-on, Kenley wasn''t backing down.


    But then Kenley saw something unexpected: three thieves had activated Thrust, while another thief had raised a poison bomb.


    Purple? Kenley saw it clearly¡ªit was a typical poison vial for thieves, which would inflict a Poisoned status on the target, dealing 2 damage per second for 1 minute.


    It seemed that the thieves didn''t have any more green poison bombs, which made sense since they must be quite expensive. However, even with the purple poison, Kenley wasn''t entirely out of danger. Unless he had an antidote or a detoxification spell, he still had to be cautious. Moreover, these thieves didn''t seem like ordinary rogues, and the purple poison might be from some high-level monster''s venom. Kenley had to stay alert.


    Their coordination was quite good: three thieves in the front and one in the back for ranged attacks. But Kenley was completely unfazed. With a swift Sweep, combined with the longer reach of his Imperial Military Sword compared to the thieves'' short blades, the thrust from one thief on the left couldn''t be stopped in time and was instantly decapitated by Kenley''s sword.


    Blood splattered everywhere, and it quickly stained Green''s counter. Green finally lifted her lazy head, her cold eyes scanning the chaos inside the shop. It was as if the death of a person in her own store didn''t even faze her.


    The other two thieves'' thrusts arrived immediately, but Kenley grinned."You guys are out of luck." With that, he swiftly turned and charged toward the back.


    "What?!" The two thieves didn''t expect Kenley''s reaction to be so fast, and they were caught off guard by his sudden reverse movement using Charge.


    Boom!


    "Ugh~ ahhh!" Another poison bomb exploded, and since Kenley had vacated his position, one of the thieves ended up eating his teammate''s bomb.


    How stupid. While their front-back attack coordination was a good idea, these thieves were like a group of disorganized stragglers, with no teamwork at all. If this were Kenley''s own team, they''d probably be berated for this poor performance. Who hired these thieves? Was it for their cheap price or something else?


    The poisoned thief groaned in pain for a while, then hastily took an antidote from a pouch at his waist and drank it down.


    Phew. It looked like a regular rogue''s poison. Seeing this, Kenley let out a small sigh of relief; as long as it wasn''t the monster-level venom from before, he was fine.


    At that moment, a lazy voice called out,"Who gave you permission to fight in my shop? Are you going to pay for all the broken vials and bottles here?"


    Upon hearing Green''s voice, all the thieves turned their attention toward her. But Kenley noticed that the thief leader was missing. He quickly realized that the leader had probably gone into Stealth while Kenley was occupied with his subordinates.


    A thief''s stealth ability couldn''t be used in front of enemies unless they had entered a Bronze Body state. That meant they couldn''t go invisible if someone was watching. Kenley immediately pressed his back against the wall. When facing a stealthy thief, the first thing was to ensure your back wasn''t exposed.


    "I suggest you mind your own business," one of the thieves said coldly.


    "Oh?" Green smiled faintly, but Kenley knew that these thieves were about to be in trouble.


    Kenley''s eyes shifted, and he called out,"Teacher Green!"


    "I''m not your teacher yet..." Green''s lazy attitude remained unchanged, even after hearing the thieves'' threats.


    Kenley grinned,"Well, you will be my teacher in the future."


    "What do you want?" Green asked.


    "Here!" Kenley immediately threw three shining gold coins from his chest. Green''s reaction was quick¡ªshe raised her hand and caught all three coins, not dropping a single one.


    What fast reflexes!


    Seeing that she accepted the coins, Kenley smiled and said,"Now you''re my teacher."

 Chapter 55: Alchemist Green 3

    "You want me to help you? This amount of money isn''t enough," Green reminded.


    "No! Teacher, I don''t need you to help me. On the contrary, I should be the one protecting you. I can take care of these punks with one hand," Kenley grinned, then positioned himself in front of Green, facing the thieves from a distance.


    "Interesting." Green narrowed her eyes slightly. This little guy was intriguing. She was curious to see how Kenley planned to protect her.


    "Don''t get yourself killed," Green said, then casually pulled her hat back over her head, as if the chaos outside had nothing to do with her.


    However, Green secretly left a small gap in her hat, observing everything that was happening in the store. Through the small gap, she clearly saw that the leader of the thieves was hiding behind the group, in a state of Stealth. She wanted to see how Kenley would handle the hidden thief.


    "You''re quite bold! Soon we''ll dig your brain out and fill it with my shit, so you can die properly!" The thieves burst into laughter, completely forgetting that two of their teammates had already died in the first encounter.


    In their eyes, Kenley''s earlier success was just a stroke of luck. They believed they still had the advantage in numbers and didn''t think Kenley stood a chance.


    The key point was that their leader had gone into Stealth. The pathetic guy probably wouldn''t even know how he was going to die.


    "I suggest you take a good look around. Do you notice anyone missing?" one of the thieves, on the right, said with a grin, hinting at the missing leader.


    Kenley glanced at the door."Oh, you''re right. There''s one person missing. I''m so scared now, I''m done for. Hurry up, you idiots, I''m waiting for you to come dig my brain out."


    Kenley spoke with no fear at all, obviously mocking them.


    "You''re asking for death!" One of the thieves immediately rolled and, enraged, tried to close the distance to Kenley.


    Foolish! A flash of coldness crossed Kenley''s eyes. To show his Roll ability in front of the enemy like that was unbelievably reckless. Although the cooldown for Roll was only two seconds, that short cooldown could be fatal in combat!


    "Teacher Green, do you think I''m going to lose?" Kenley said, then swung his sword forward.


    Earlier, there were enough enemies¡ªsix in total¡ªso Kenley had taken the opportunity to eliminate two. Now, only four remained, which was perfect for Kenley''s kill range.


    However, the arrogant leader didn''t realize that he had the Ring of Life, a tracking item, and he was unaware that Kenley could clearly control his position in his view.


    Kenley had Charge Level 2, Sweep Level 2, and Vertical Slash Level 2. Don''t underestimate these basic skills¡ªthey were often the most core output abilities in combat.


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    "I can''t see you winning..." Before Green could finish her sentence, her eyes widened in surprise as she witnessed the following:


    "Sweep! Level 2!"


    Kenley''s sword moved like a phantom, and after the first slash, it was immediately followed by the second. What sword style was this?! Green was astonished. Her experience was vast¡ªhaving seen many warriors, from nobles to commoners, since opening her shop in the imperial city. She had encountered countless types of swordsmanship.


    But this? This was the first time she had seen anything like it.


    Kenley swung both swords simultaneously, and the thief attempted to block. Although the first sword was deflected, the powerful force immediately sent his weapon flying, and the second sword followed!


    The thief''s head dropped to the ground! The two remaining thieves were stunned¡ªwas this person human or a ghost?


    Kenley inwardly sneered. They were surprised by this? The real surprise was yet to come. Do you know why the Honor Paladin is considered an overpowered existence? Is it because PvP disables cooldowns for Dual Strike? It''s because when combined with the warrior class, it''s like having a double attack, which is an incredibly powerful skill!


    Immediately, Kenley charged again, perfectly landing the charge on the stunned thief. Overwhelmed by his surprise, the thief had forgotten to defend. Another swing of Kenley''s sword pierced his heart! The thief''s HP was instantly depleted!(Thieves already have low HP growth, and under the precision of a fine-quality weapon, they can easily be taken out in one hit.)


    Kenley didn''t even glance at the fallen thief; he turned and delivered another Vertical Slash!


    The last thief was truly afraid now. Although he reacted in time and swung his weapon to block, his swordsmanship was no match for Kenley''s, which seemed to leave behind a phantom afterimage!


    It was as if with the first swing, a second sword immediately followed!


    "Ah!" A scream echoed, and this thief was once again slain by Kenley!


    However, just as Green thought Kenley''s killing spree was over, something even more shocking happened!


    "Charge!" Kenley moved again!


    "This is impossible!" Green screamed inwardly.


    How could he have another charge ready?! Green''s eyes widened, and her mouth slightly opened. This was the first time in years that she had been so repeatedly shocked.


    The most critical part was that Kenley was charging toward the Stealthy leader! How did he know where he was?


    "Blunt Strike!" Once again, Kenley swung, leaving behind a trail of afterimages. The sword handle rose twice, then fell twice!


    Although the leader of the thieves had prepared for the attack, the Blunt Strike had a break-effect!


    The thief leader''s defenses were shattered. How could he have anticipated that this warrior would be so absurdly powerful?


    Boom! Boom! The leader of the thieves was knocked out cold. Kenley kicked the thief''s weapon aside and swiftly lifted his sword to the leader''s neck!


    The battle was over!


    Clean! Swift! Accurate! Deadly! Shocked¡ªstill shocked! Green''s pupils were dilated.


    The most astonishing thing was that Kenley gave the impression that he hadn''t moved an inch the entire time. Although Charge was a movement skill, the sensation of instantaneous travel was so fast that it felt like moving from one spot to another in an instant¡ªit was frighteningly fast! In under 3 seconds of combat, the four thieves hadn''t even had time to react before they were completely defeated!


    It was like watching a master at work! Yes, a master! A warrior from the Black Iron Tribe, yet the way he fought gave the illusion of watching a hero in action!


    Who exactly was this new apprentice? How could he have such skills? Who was his warrior teacher? All these questions made Green incredibly curious about Kenley!


    Her usual lazy demeanor was gone, replaced by an alert posture. For the first time in ages, she sat up straight and took a genuine interest in something. She no longer appeared indifferent, nor was she disinterested in everything around her as she had been before.


    Yes, this new apprentice was too astonishing, too intriguing. She wanted to understand Kenley''s true identity, and she was also eager to ask him where he had learned those techniques.


    "Tell me, who sent you?" Kenley flicked the thief leader''s chin with his sword and asked coldly.

 Chapter 56: Alchemist Green 4

    Kenley was no fool. These thieves neither teamed up with other professions nor announced their names. If they were from the Adventurers'' Guild causing trouble, they would have some kind of marking. Kenley glanced at their hands¡ªno adventurer''s insignia.


    That meant they were likely rogue thieves involved in dirty work. Thieves like these specialized in handling tasks their employers couldn''t be seen dealing with personally. In the game, players referred to such thieves as"Runners."


    There were even guilds formed purely out of interest in the"Runner" concept. Their sole purpose? Red-name PK. It was said that these guilds had invented an entire set of terminology dedicated to studying the Runner profession, which led to countless fascinating stories.


    Unfortunately, back when Kenley played a low-level thief alt, he had once joined one of those guilds.


    "Be honest with me¡ªwhich ''Fat Cow'' sent you to remove a ''Nail''?" Kenley asked when the thief leader remained silent, switching to Runner slang.


    The thief leader visibly flinched. How did this guy know our coded language?


    "Fat Cow" referred to the employer, while"Nail" meant the target."Removing a Nail" was another way of saying"assassination."


    "If you know about the ''Dark Gate,'' then why would I ever answer your question?" the thief leader sneered."You think I''d betray my Fat Cow? Not a chance."


    The Dark Gate was the underground network these thieves operated in. It was both an organization and not quite one¡ªmore like a shadowy black market.


    Employers posted requests through the Dark Gate, and thieves accepted them. As long as they delivered the Nail''s head, they could complete the job and get paid.


    Kenley frowned. What a pity¡ªTia had yet to grow strong enough. If she had already developed her Charming Enchantment, he might have been able to extract some intel from this thief.


    A shame¡­


    "In that case, I''ll just have to send you to meet Daisy. Farewell¡ª"


    Just as Kenley was about to end the thief leader''s life, a voice suddenly called out behind him.


    "Wait!"


    Kenley was momentarily stunned. Teacher?


    It was Green. She looked like she had something to say.


    "My dear student, how could you let him die so easily?" Green flashed a playful smile.


    Kenley hesitated."But, Teacher, this guy nearly killed me just now. And he almost destroyed the potions in your shop."


    "No need to rush¡­"


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    She swirled a pink potion inside a clear glass bottle, and something about it gave off a sinister aura.


    Kenley''s eyes widened."Truth Serum?!"


    This thing was useless to players in the game¡ªit wasn''t combat-related, and besides, players couldn''t be affected by it. It was merely a storyline item.


    But things were different now. Kenley was in a real world. If he could learn the formula for Truth Serum¡­


    Green''s eyes gleamed with excitement. She was growing more and more fond of this new student."You recognized it at a glance? Impressive."


    Kenley instinctively glanced at Green''s"grand peaks," gulped, then quickly shifted his gaze back to the thief leader."Not really, I just happened to have seen it before."


    "Don''t try to fool me. This potion is my own unique creation¡ªnowhere else has it. Where exactly have you seen it before?" Green''s lips curled into a strange smile.


    "N-No, I haven''t seen it anywhere¡­" Kenley averted his gaze, looking somewhat evasive.


    "Alright, let''s see just how tight-lipped this guy really is. I do hope, for his sake, that he can keep his mouth shut like he claims¡­" Green stopped pressing Kenley for answers and instead pried open the thief leader''s mouth, mercilessly pouring the potion down his throat.


    The pink liquid dribbled from the corners of the thief''s mouth and stained his collar. Though he struggled against it, under Green''s forceful grip, he had no choice but to swallow.


    Before long, Kenley saw a strange pink glow flicker in the thief leader''s eyes.


    Green fixed her gaze on him and asked,"Speak. Who hired you to remove the Nail?"


    Kenley gave Green a surprised glance¡ªso she understood the slang as well. Then again, it made sense. Green was far too mysterious. As someone recognized by the Magic Association as a Secret Witch of Potions, she was no ordinary figure.


    In the game''s main storyline, she had appeared multiple times¡ªnot to mention her infamous Black Cat Potions. And then there were those massive peaks of hers¡­ From Kenley''s current angle, he couldn''t help but notice her cleavage. Damn, that was explosive.


    "Heh¡­ hehehe¡­ Boobs. Such huge boobs," the thief leader muttered as he regained awareness.


    Kenley was stunned. That was his first reaction?!


    Green pressed her fingers to her forehead and sighed."Looks like this potion still needs some refining."


    "Forget it¡­" Green seemed to have thought of something and suddenly reached inside her ample chest, rummaging around.


    The sight made Kenley''s blood boil. His face flushed red, and though he quickly turned away, Green leaned in even closer, making him feel incredibly uncomfortable.


    Kenley didn''t want to admit it, but he had to acknowledge that Green''s body was absolutely incredible. Her dark, glossy skin, her sensual curves, and those plump lips coated with pink lipstick¡ªshe was irresistible.


    Noticing Kenley''s reaction, Green chuckled softly."No need to be shy, my dear student. I''ll take good care of you."


    N-No, no, no! Who could possibly resist Green''s charm?! He would fall for her at this rate!


    "I-I didn''t see anything!" Kenley forced out the words, his voice strained. But Green only laughed, looking even more amused and smug.


    "Aha! Found it!" Green beamed. Then, without hesitation, she pried the thief leader''s mouth open again and force-fed him a powdered potion.


    "This should do the trick."


    A moment later, the thief leader lifted his head once more. This time, his eyes were even duller, his expression completely vacant.


    "Speak. Who hired you to remove the Nail?" Green asked again.


    "I¡­ I don''t know¡­ A white-bearded butler¡­ L-Looked like a noble''s servant¡­" the thief leader murmured weakly, as if he could pass out at any moment. Still, the information was useful.


    A noble''s butler?


    Kenley frowned. Aside from dealing with Auber and Lucas in the church, I shouldn''t have offended any nobles¡­ right?


    "Do you recognize this butler? What''s his name? What noble house''s emblem did he bear?" Kenley fired off a string of questions.


    "D-Don''t¡­ know¡­ H-He hid¡­ his emblem¡­ Heh¡­ hehe¡­"


    Kenley fell into silence. As expected, those who posted jobs through the Dark Gate were cautious. Still, at least they had a lead.


    But at that moment, Green suddenly asked a critical question.


    "Did that butler wear any accessories?"

 Chapter 57: Alchemist Green 5

    "I think... there was some kind of accessory..." The thief leader squinted his eyes, as if he didn''t pay much attention to details that weren''t important to him.


    "Think carefully," Green reminded him impatiently.


    After a moment of deep thought¡ª


    "Oh! I remember now! That butler was wearing a very beautiful ring on his left hand! Yes, yes! I recognize the gemstone on it¡ªit was a Haizum! Blue! Incredibly beautiful! Hehehe." The thief leader''s eyes lit up as if he had just recalled something significant.


    Haizum? Damn, that thing isn''t cheap. What kind of status does one need for even their butler to afford a gemstone like that? Kenley carefully analyzed the clues¡ªthe white-bearded butler, his knowledge of the underworld, and the Haizum gemstone ring on his left hand.


    Green raised an eyebrow."I didn''t expect it to be that guy. Kid, you''re in trouble."


    "Trouble?" Kenley was slightly stunned. Did Green know something?


    A seductive smile curled up at the corner of Green''s lips as she leaned in close to Kenley''s ear. In a breathy, teasing voice, she whispered,"My dear student, tell me where you learned your swordsmanship, and I''ll tell you who''s after your life. How about that?"


    Hiss~! His ears tingled, and the temptation in her voice made Kenley''s whole body shiver. He couldn''t handle this¡ªthis woman was too damn alluring! If she pressed any closer, he''d completely lose control.


    "I... I..." Kenley turned his head to the side, trying to put some distance between them.


    "Hmm?" Green let out a soft hum, deliberately stretching out her voice as she pushed her body against Kenley''s. Those full, soft mounds, like water balloons filled with elasticity, pressed against his arm. Feeling the warmth and softness against his skin, Kenley''s thoughts started to wander.


    They''re huge!


    Cold sweat dripped down Kenley''s forehead. These had to be at least an E-cup, right? How many men in real life could actually resist this?


    Only those with a certain level of experience would truly understand the deadly power of a well-endowed woman. His mind suddenly drifted to his ex-girlfriend¡ªif he hadn''t been so young and naive back then, maybe they wouldn''t have broken up. Her figure wasn''t as exaggerated as Green''s, but she was still dangerously attractive.


    The warmth of Green''s body radiated onto his skin, and a delicate, uniquely feminine fragrance filled his nose. Damn, his body was actually reacting? Kenley wasn''t a pervert, but physiological responses were simply unavoidable.


    "Professor Green, I''m self-taught... I-I don''t have a teacher..." Kenley averted his gaze, doing his best not to look at her chest¡ªbecause that was a weapon of mass destruction.


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    Kenley remained steadfast, never crossing the line. Otherwise, who knew what Green might do to him?


    "Really?" Green finally straightened up, no longer pressing against him. As the warm, soft sensation left his arm, Kenley dared not indulge in it. Maintaining his composure was the top priority.


    There was disbelief in Green''s voice, but she didn''t press further.


    "What do you plan to do with this thief? Want to sell him to me?" Green cast a glance at the sleazy-looking thief leader, clearly unimpressed.


    "Sell him to you?" Kenley exhaled in relief, adjusting his posture before asking.


    "You''re not going to let him live anyway, right? So why not sell him to me? My pet hasn''t eaten in days... this guy should be a nice little treat." Green tapped her chin with a thoughtful expression.


    Pet? Kenley felt a chill run down his spine. He knew exactly what she meant.


    Green was a Level 60 Mage and Witch¡ªa bona fide enchantress. In Marlen Imperial City, a place teeming with hidden powerhouses, almost every shop owner had some kind of extraordinary background.


    For example, the owner of the Elven Inn wasn''t just an ordinary innkeeper¡ªhe was a pure-blooded elf and one of the eyes and ears of the Elven Forest scattered across the world. Even though the Elven Forest had declared its seclusion, that didn''t mean it had lost all means of gathering external information.


    Thinking about how quickly Brook had managed to find Sylph¡ªless than a week, in fact¡ªit was highly likely that the Elven Inn played a significant role in that. Given Sylph''s nature of wandering around, it was impossible for her not to draw attention.


    Her pet... definitely wasn''t some ordinary cat or dog...


    "Alright, but I won''t take any money. Consider this a gift for my esteemed professor." Kenley let go of his sword.


    Green didn''t refuse his offer, though Kenley could clearly sense that her opinion of him had changed.


    System Notification: Secret Potion Witch Green''s favorability towards you has increased by 20 points. Favorability Level: Friendly.


    That''s a big increase in favorability...


    Do you know why the world of Aude Continent is so popular among players? In the game, not only could players marry each other, but they could also marry NPCs!


    What''s more, there was no limit to how many NPCs a player could marry! Aude Continent was incredibly immersive¡ªits massive population ensured that, even with an influx of players, there were still plenty of characters to interact with.


    Back then, players found it strange¡ªthis was an MMO, not a single-player game, so why did the developers dare to make such a bold design choice? It wasn''t until later that players realized the developers'' twisted sense of humor¡ªor rather, their mischievous intentions.


    If two or more players pursued the same NPC, a duel would be triggered!


    Kenley still remembered how the Holy Maiden of the Church of Light had thousands of players vying for her attention every single day. At its peak, there were over 10,000 players confessing to her daily! Eventually, players started treating the pursuit of the Holy Maiden as a competitive event, with ranking boards and entire strategy guides dedicated to it.


    Of course, Kenley wasn''t interested in the Holy Maiden. As a professional player, his focus was solely on grinding levels and mastering class mechanics to win the world championship.


    Naturally, he had neither the time nor the energy to engage in deep interactions with NPCs.


    "If I remember correctly, the favorability system''s max affection score is 200... 0 means stranger, 20 is friendly, 40 is... what was it again? Oh right,¡®cordial.'' I don''t remember the rest, but 200 should be¡®unwavering devotion.''" Kenley mentally recalled the favorability system.


    Too bad he couldn''t casually use the Identification skill on random strangers. But with Tia, that was a different story¡ªhe''d have to try it later to see how much favorability she had for him.

 Chapter 58: Alchemist Green 6

    In his memory, one of the most outrageous players was the one who didn''t go for the beautiful human or elven women but instead deliberately chose the most extreme orc females. What''s more, he even achieved the hidden achievement of"Orc King of Kings"¡ªby marrying ten thousand female orcs.


    Kenley rubbed his forehead, not knowing how to even begin to comment on that.


    Green waved her hand, dismissing the thief leader to her backyard. Not long after, Kenley heard a series of strange beastly roars coming from the backyard, followed by a pitiful scream.


    "Alright, now that''s taken care of. Let''s talk about your matter," Green said as she moved closer to Kenley.


    "Um, Teacher, I¡ªI still have something to do. Can I leave first...?" Kenley broke into a cold sweat and instinctively shrank back.


    "Oh~" She lowered her voice¡ªnot in mockery, but in teasing."What''s wrong? I''ve just taken an interest in you, and you''re already trying to run away?"


    System:"Potion Witch Green''s favorability toward you has increased by 20 points. Unlocked stage: Friendly."


    What the¡ª?! I only just met her, and her favorability is already rising this fast?


    "No, it''s not that. Teacher, could you... give me the Potion Book first? I''ll go back right away and study diligently, twice as hard!" Kenley took another step back, his nervous demeanor catching Green''s eye, further igniting a peculiar desire within her.


    System:"Potion Witch Green''s favorability toward you has increased by 20 points. Unlocked stage: Familiar."


    This is rising way too fast!


    Could it be that the Potion Witch has a thing for this type? Does she like innocent young men? Kenley couldn''t help but speculate maliciously.


    "Leaving already? I still have so many incredible potions here. Don''t you want to learn? For example... one that extends your endurance in that aspect..." As she spoke, Green inched even closer to Kenley, her warm breath tickling his skin and making his heart itch.


    Her ample chest pressed against his, like crashing waves surging toward him. Kenley felt his face heating up, nearly turning red. Facing such a mature, alluring, and seductive Potion Witch, even with his past experiences dealing with women, he couldn''t withstand this older woman''s advances.


    I haven''t even gotten the skill book yet, so I can''t leave! My three gold coins! Hold it in! A small loss now for a greater gain later! Who knows if this witch is the type to devour people whole, bones and all? She probably has some kind of ulterior motive for me.


    "Um... Teacher, can I get the book first?" Kenley genuinely wanted to accept her offer, but he knew that nothing came without a price. This wasn''t a game but reality. Even with the favorability system, he couldn''t be sure of Green''s true intentions. He had to stay vigilant.


    Love this novel? Read it on Royal Road to ensure the author gets credit.


    "Of course you can. Come here, it''s right here." Green pushed up her chest slightly, clearly indicating that he had to reach in to get it. Her tone was laced with temptation¡ªit was practically a fatal attack on Kenley.


    Hiss~, this is a total bombshell move! Kenley swallowed hard again.


    "Really?" Kenley asked in a shy, hesitant tone, his face burning.


    System:"Potion Witch Green''s favorability toward you has increased by 20 points. Unlocked stage: Intimate."


    Holy crap, Green really does like this type! Her favorability is skyrocketing. If this keeps up, won''t it reach the marriage threshold?


    Just imagine¡ªhaving a level 60 witch as a wife this early in the game? That''d be like having cheat codes enabled! Exciting!


    "Of course. Would I lie to you?" She pressed against his chest again.


    And so, Kenley closed his eyes and reached out."Then I''ll take it. Sorry, Teacher."


    "You don''t have to apologize. I''m the one asking you to take it." Green''s gaze was full of seductive charm.


    Kenley had no choice but to reach in. She really wasn''t resisting! The moment his hand touched that warm, soft mass, he felt as though his entire hand had sunk into heaven.


    "Mm~" Green let out a soft, sultry moan.


    Her skin was smooth and supple. A light squeeze was enough to send waves of ecstasy through him. Kenley, feeling the intoxicating sensation, blushed so hard he could practically bleed from his face.


    System:"Potion Witch Green''s favorability toward you has increased by 20 points. Unlocked stage: Caring."


    It''s still increasing! Isn''t this already at 100?!


    How many points does it take to propose again? I think it''s 140... Love? That should be it. If I keep working at it, I might actually succeed.


    Kenley fumbled around inside for a while and finally grasped a small notebook-like book.


    He didn''t pull it out immediately. Instead, his flushed face peeked at Green occasionally, and after confirming her expression, he carefully withdrew it.


    Seeing Kenley''s cautious demeanor, Green seemed to like him even more. She continued making alluring sounds while locking eyes with him, as if she was enjoying this immensely.


    System:"Potion Witch Green''s favorability toward you has increased by 20 points. Unlocked stage: Affectionate."


    Kenley was at a loss for words. His heart pounded wildly! Her favorability kept rising! It was already at 120¡ªAffectionate level! If it increased just a bit more, he might actually be able to marry her...


    Just as Kenley pulled out the book, Green suddenly leaned in and kissed him on the cheek.


    "My dear student, study hard. If you don''t understand anything, remember to come back and ask me, okay?" She then stepped back.


    Th-this is it? It feels like fate¡ªit just so happens that I''m still 20 points short of proposing. But she stopped herself right on time.


    Is she afraid of falling too deep? Or is there another reason? Kenley kept guessing.


    But this wasn''t bad at all. He had gained another strong connection in the royal capital. Having a witch teacher with Affectionate-level favorability was a huge win.


    Since favorability affects interactions, it also influences relationships. If the other party is a merchant, for example, you could get special discounts when buying from them.


    "Then, Teacher, I''d like to buy some potions from you. Your potions are incredibly powerful, and I''d love to study them." Kenley''s gaze darted around as he tried his best to sound like a bashful young boy.


    Kenley wanted to test if he could raise the favorability even higher. After all, the higher the favorability, the more advantageous it would be for his future plans.


    Green returned to her seat, but she clearly enjoyed Kenley''s reaction¡ªespecially when he praised her potions."Of course, but this time, I won''t charge you. You can pick three potions for free. Choose wisely, though. I won''t tell you their names¡ªconsider this a test of your talent in potion-making. Hehehe~."

 Chapter 59: Alchemist Green 7

    "Really? Can I?" Kenley scratched his head, deliberately putting on a shy and innocent look. Pure, huh? Let''s see how much you like it. This wicked woman actually had a thing for innocent young boys. How come he never noticed this back in the game?


    "Of course, giggle~ I never lie." Green rested her chin on her hands, leaning forward on the table as she gazed at Kenley with anticipation. She was curious to see what he would pick.


    "Thank you, Teacher!" Kenley bowed deeply.


    "Hurry up and choose."


    With that, Kenley walked up to the shelf, glancing left and right.


    He appeared hesitant, as if he was unsure of what to pick. Green smiled slightly."Would you like me to give you some hints?"


    Kenley immediately shook his head."Since this is a test from teacher to student, I won''t let you down no matter what!" He even made a little cheering gesture on purpose.


    "Alright, I''ll wait and see how you do." She chuckled, seeming even more intrigued.


    "Then, Teacher, I''ll take this one, this one, and this one!" Kenley pointed to three different-colored bottles.


    One contained a golden liquid, another a crimson-red liquid, and the last one an icy-blue liquid.


    Green was stunned. Her eyes widened in shock!


    By the Mother Goddess¡­ Could he actually be a prodigy in alchemy? The three potions Kenley had just chosen were far from ordinary¡ªthey were the best ones in her entire collection!


    First, the golden potion, Blessing of the Sun God, instantly granted the drinker a Light Elemental Shield for three minutes, making them immune to all damage below Tier 7¡ªwhether magical or physical, even penetration attacks were nullified.


    Second, the crimson potion, Breath of the Elven Ancestor, instantly restored the drinker to full health and granted a Rebirth effect for three minutes. If the drinker were to suffer a fatal blow within that time, they would be resurrected immediately, with their body and energy completely restored¡ªthough the rebirth effect would disappear afterward.


    Finally, the icy-blue potion, Seer''s Elixir, greatly enhanced the user''s potential for a short time, doubling both magical and physical damage. Moreover, all spells and abilities would have their cooldowns reduced by 50%, and the effect lasted for a full five minutes.


    For the first time, Green truly understood what it meant to feel heartache. Her lips twitched. These potions were made from rare ingredients she had painstakingly acquired from all over the world, each one worth a fortune. Not to mention, their effects were extraordinarily powerful.


    If he had only taken one of them, Green wouldn''t have felt so bad. But of all things, he chose three of the very best ones! This brat¡­


    "Um¡­ my dear student¡­ could you perhaps¡­" Cold sweat trickled down Green''s back as she tried to retrieve at least one or two of them.


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    But before she could finish, Kenley interrupted with a pitiful gaze and a soft voice,"Teacher, you wouldn''t go back on your word, would you?"


    "You little¡ª!" Green cursed inwardly but ultimately endured. Since she had agreed to it, she could only let it slide.


    "Of course, I wouldn''t break my promise. But tell me, where exactly did you learn your swordsmanship?" Green clearly hadn''t given up on uncovering Kenley''s identity.


    Kenley secretly sighed in relief. As long as she wasn''t insisting on taking back the potions, sharing some information wouldn''t hurt¡­


    His eyes flickered, and he answered,"Actually, I learned it from my father." A complete fabrication, of course. No way was he going to tell her that his warrior¡®teacher'' was actually a dead man¡ªa former captain of a slave merchant''s escort team.


    "Your father? Who is he?" Green pressed further.


    Kenley had no choice but to brace himself and continue with the lie."About my father¡­ I only remember someone calling him something like Reverse Scale¡­ but I don''t recall his full name."


    Reverse Scale? Green froze. There was only one person in the world daring enough to use that title.


    Green knew a lot of the world''s secrets, including the existence of a man known as the Sword Saint of Reverse Scale. Could it be that this boy was¡­?


    "No way!" Green suddenly shot up, her voice rising by several decibels.


    "That old man? There''s no way he could have a child!" she shouted angrily. But after a moment, noticing Kenley''s stunned expression, she realized she had lost her composure. Her gaze flickered before she forced herself to calm down.


    Her brows furrowed as she scrutinized Kenley''s face, as if trying to find some sort of clue. Yet Kenley''s eyes were crystal clear, without a trace of deception. She couldn''t detect even the slightest hint of a lie.


    "You''re saying your father''s nickname was Reverse Scale?" Green asked again, seeking confirmation.


    Kenley shook his head."I''m not sure. I never met my parents. I only vaguely remember someone referring to my father by that name."


    "Where did you grow up?" Green continued her questioning.


    "Laupa Town."


    "Laupa Town?! You mean the one east of the royal capital?" Green''s eyes widened again.


    Kenley nodded.


    "No, you can''t be that man''s child. But wait¡­ your face¡­ you really do look like him¡­" As if talking to herself, she seemed to be denying the possibility¡ªbut then, a moment later, her expression changed.


    Suddenly, she rushed out from behind the counter and stormed up to Kenley.


    "You''re Wilk! Aren''t you?! Wilk! You''re Wilk!" The Witch of Alchemy, Green, now seemed almost hysterical, standing uncomfortably close to Kenley.


    "Teacher, you''re scaring me," Kenley deliberately shrank back.


    This development was way too dramatic. Who would''ve thought that the infamous Witch of Alchemy had a past with Wilk? Judging by her reaction, they might''ve even been lovers.


    But¡­ how did she recognize him as Wilk''s reincarnation?


    "You¡ª!" Green started, then abruptly stopped herself.


    Staring into Kenley''s¡®fearful,''¡®nervous,'' and¡®panicked'' eyes, she seemed to regain her senses. Slowly, her hysteria faded into calmness, then softened into something almost melancholic.


    "¡­I lost control there. My apologies." She turned away, her silhouette looking unexpectedly lonely."Leave. Go on with your business."


    After a pause, she added,"But leave me your address. And¡­ a strand of your hair."


    Kenley eyed Green as he walked back to the counter, wrote down his address, and plucked a strand of hair, placing it on the paper. He knew witches could use hair or nails for divination¡ªtracking a person''s location.


    "Teacher?" Kenley asked cautiously.


    "Just go." Green didn''t turn around, but her voice was laced with turmoil.


    "¡­Then I''ll be going now," Kenley said, stepping outside. He kept looking back until he was sure Green could no longer hear his footsteps.


    As soon as the shop door closed, Green abruptly turned back and muttered to herself,"Old man¡­ I refuse to believe you died that easily."


    ¡ª¡ª


    "Whew!" Kenley let out a breath. What a bombshell. Who would''ve thought the infamous Witch of Alchemy and Wilk had a history? Fate? Or just sheer coincidence?


    Kenley didn''t know, nor did he have time to dwell on it.


    Whatever. Focus on the present.


    Weighing the three potions in his hands, he could barely contain his glee.


    "Hahaha! Oh, Green, you thought you were testing me? Look at you now¡ªoutsmarted and suffering the loss instead!"

 Chapter 60: New Home 1

    As Kenley walked, he mentally calculated his current resources and capabilities.


    Three bottles of orange-quality potions, 14 gold and 20 silver, a blue-quality imperial army sword, a high-growth vampire servant, a warrior (Honorary Paladin), a book on fire magic inheritance [Crimson Flame Ring], a pair of +10 agility boots, a piece of +15 charisma clothing, a dagger poisoned with Medusa venom, and a legendary cloak of light.


    Next, he needed to figure out how to acquire a full set of armor. However, Kenley didn''t plan to spend money on body equipment. He knew where there were tasks that could provide good gear for free.


    Equipment needed to be continuously updated. As his level increased, the need for upgrading gear became more important. The most crucial part was that this was reality, not a game where time sped up and actions were simplified. People needed rest, and thus time felt much slower.


    Kenley wondered how long it would take to level up to 30 in reality. Therefore, obtaining a blue-quality set before reaching level 30 was very important.


    As for purple-quality gear, obtaining such equipment early on was too exhausting and inefficient. Kenley''s plan was to at most acquire a purple-quality weapon. After reaching level 30, the models for equipment would undergo a significant update, with a major jump in base values. The high-quality gear obtained earlier would no longer suffice for mid-game. So, it was crucial to make smart choices regarding gear routes and tasks.


    As he walked back, Kenley suddenly spotted a craftsman''s shop. Inside, a person caught his eye:"Legendary Architect Leonbali!"


    No, no, he''s not yet a legendary architect...


    Kenley remembered that during the sixth expansion of the game, Leonbali was the chief designer behind the incredibly grand Silent Fortress. This massive fortress had blocked the demon invasion for over twenty years, and when Kenley reincarnated into this world, it was still holding the line.


    Normally, Kenley wouldn''t have known the architect. After all, professional players and architects usually didn''t have much to do with each other. However, because there were many women in his guild, they often praised Leonbali''s work when looking to design houses. So, Kenley had ended up taking on many tasks related to this (by the late stages of the game, most players owned at least one house, and some had dozens).


    As a result, it was hard for Kenley not to know him. Now, it was after the dark lord invasion expansion and the end of the fourth expansion,"Royalty and Divine Power." At this point, Leonbali wasn''t yet a legendary architect but still an unknown rookie.


    Kenley paused, thinking it wouldn''t hurt to get to know Leonbali in advance. After all, during the future demon invasion, he''d likely need to do tasks or level up in high-level monster zones.


    When demons ran rampant, he''d often need to visit the Silent Fortress to rest and resupply (Leonbali would be stationed at the fortress for maintenance). So, it made sense to establish a relationship with Leonbali beforehand, so they could help each other out if they met again.


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    With this in mind, Kenley walked over...


    ------


    "Master! Where have you been? Tia''s been looking for you everywhere."


    As soon as Kenley returned, Tia''s eyes lit up.


    Kenley had a divine servant''s sense, so he could always find where Tia was. Right now, Tia was sitting in the first-floor lobby of the Elf Inn, having tea with Brook, Sylph, and the dwarf Smith.


    Although the Elf Inn only allowed elves and half-elves, dwarves and elves were friendly factions, so he could enter. But Kenley was different¡ªwhen he tried to enter, he was stopped at the door. Had Tia not spotted him, he would have likely been trapped outside.


    Kenley glanced carefully at Smith inside before saying,"Tia, let''s go. Let''s go check out the new house the bishop left for us."


    "Okay! I''ll go call Sylph." Tia obediently replied.


    "Alright."


    Not long after, Sylph walked out with Tia. As soon as they met, Sylph asked,"Hey, why were you gone for so long? Smith kept asking about you. He definitely wants something important."


    Kenley broke out in a cold sweat, worried that Sylph might expose his whereabouts."Tia, let''s hurry, it''s almost dark."


    He quickly urged Tia to leave, not caring what Sylph thought. After all, he had just obtained the cloak of light, and he definitely couldn''t let Smith take it back.


    "Why are you walking so fast!" Sylph, seeing Kenley running off with Tia, immediately got angry.


    Kenley rolled his eyes. It''s said that elven princesses are symbols of grace, elegance, and beauty, but why was Sylph the complete opposite? She was neither graceful nor elegant.


    Had she read too many fantasy novels about heroes and gotten influenced by them? It was Tia who seemed more like a princess. Kenley couldn''t help but think maliciously.


    As soon as Kenley and Tia climbed onto the carriage, Sylph quickly followed and jumped into the compartment.


    The church had left Kenley a house, which, while not in the city center, was located in a residential area on the west side of the city. The people who lived there were either minor nobles or merchants, so the house shouldn''t be too bad.


    Thinking about it being his first house in this world, Kenley felt a little sentimental. Things had changed, but he finally had a home of his own. He just didn''t know what the new house looked like.


    As Kenley drove the carriage toward the location described, they quickly came upon a building: a noble-style mansion built from lime stone and beige stone bricks. The roof had a pointed, palace-like design, with blackened tiles layered like scales, and glass windows scattered across the exterior in an alternating pattern.


    The pale gray stone walls enclosed a lawn overgrown with weeds, likely due to neglect. From the external structure, it looked okay, but as soon as they entered the interior, they all frowned. The walls, long unmaintained, were cracked in many places, and cobwebs filled the beams and corners of the house.


    The first floor consisted of the main hall with a spiral staircase. To the left was the reception room, and to the right were the dining room and another sitting room. Walking deeper from the hallway, there was the kitchen, a washroom, and a storage room, along with two guest rooms and a dining area.


    On the second floor, there was a master bedroom, a secondary bedroom, and another guest room. In the center, there was a small living room, and on the right side, there were also a storage room and a washroom.


    At the top, there was an attic, but Kenley didn''t bother to check it, assuming it was probably not important. The house was large, with many rooms. Apart from the first and second floors, there was also a wine cellar in the basement for storing wine and food.


    Kenley furrowed his brow. It seemed like this house would need some repairs.

 Chapter 61: New Home 2

    "The house seems a bit too old, doesn''t it?" Sylph frowned, catching a faint musty scent in the air.


    "It''s not too bad. I actually think it''s quite nice. Having a place to live means having a home." Tia glanced around the living room, as if filled with anticipation for the future. However, she seemed even more attached to Kenley, following closely behind him no matter where he went.


    Kenley nodded."Tia''s right. Space is scarce in the Imperial City. The church providing us with a decent residence is nothing short of the Mother Goddess''s blessing."


    Sylph, however, remained unimpressed."That''s easy to say, but the dust here is thick enough to bury someone, not to mention those dreadful cobwebs. With so many rooms, cleaning this place is going to be a nightmare. How are we supposed to rest tonight?"


    She wasn''t wrong¡ªthe large house was nice, but maintaining it would be a real hassle. Wealthy merchants and nobles had servants to take care of such things, but Kenley had nothing. Cleaning a house this big would be no small feat.


    Just then, Tia stepped forward."Don''t worry! Leave the cleaning to me! I may not know cleaning magic, but I can still do it by hand." Her gaze was firm and determined. Though she was once a princess, that was in the past¡ªnow she had to learn to adapt to her new identity.


    As a servant, it was her duty to ease her master''s burdens at all times.


    Sylph was stunned. She clearly hadn''t expected Tia to volunteer for housework. After a brief moment of thought, she suddenly smiled."Alright, if Tia is cleaning, I''ll help too!"


    "You, Sylph?" Tia was visibly surprised.


    "Hehe, Tia, we''ve finally reunited. Let''s face this challenge together!"


    "Alright!" Tia responded energetically.


    The two girls then turned to Kenley."Master (Kenley!), we''ll get to work now!"


    Kenley was speechless. He hadn''t even said anything yet, and these two were already so proactive. The house was huge, and if they had to clean it every day, it would be exhausting.


    He really needed to consider hiring some servants in the future¡­


    "Wait!" Kenley called out, stopping them.


    "Huh?" Both girls turned around, looking puzzled.


    "Neither of you are cleaning tonight."


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    "Why? Are you really going to let Tia sleep in such a filthy bed and stay in this rundown house?" Sylph placed her hands on her hips, looking indignant.


    So you''re worried about Tia, huh? Kenley thought to himself.


    "No, I have other plans," he replied patiently.


    "Other plans? What plans? Don''t tell me you''re just looking for an excuse to slack off and stay at an inn instead? No matter how rich you are, you shouldn''t waste money like that!" Sylph was completely baffled.


    Kenley sighed."Haven''t you noticed something strange about this place?"


    "Strange?"


    Kenley pointed upwards.


    Following his gesture, Sylph looked up. But the moment she did, her face turned pale.


    "Ahhh!" She let out a shriek and lunged straight into Kenley''s arms.


    With a thud, she crashed into him. Damn, as expected of the elven princess¡ªshe was soft as a cloud. Even through his coat, he could tell she was well-developed.


    "What''s wrong, Sylph?"


    "S-Sp-Spider! A spider!" she stammered, trembling.


    "You''re afraid of spiders?" A smirk played on Kenley''s lips.


    "I''m not scared of anything else, but I''m terrified of spiders!" Sylph''s eyes welled up with tears.


    "I see¡­" Kenley didn''t doubt her fear, but he was curious."Aren''t there spiders in the Elven Forest?"


    "There are, but I always lived inside the Tree of Life. I only saw them occasionally when I went outside." Sylph thought for a moment before answering.


    "Well then, I guess I can''t count on you to clean." Kenley took a step back, putting some distance between them.


    "What do you mean by that?!" Sylph frowned at his retreat, assuming he thought she was being lazy.


    Kenley simply shrugged, offering no further explanation. The answer would be clear soon enough."Princess Sylph, neither you nor Tia need to clean tonight."


    "Why?" Tia couldn''t help but ask.


    "Tia isn''t afraid of getting her hands dirty!"


    Kenley shook his head."Tia, take a break tonight. You don''t need to clean."


    "But why, Master? Tia doesn''t understand."


    At that moment, the sound of chatter and horses neighing came from outside the front door.


    "They''re here!" Kenley''s lips curved into a smile.


    "They? Who''s¡®they''?" Sylph didn''t understand, exchanging a puzzled look with Tia.


    "You''ll see soon enough. Let''s go take a look." Kenley ruffled Sylph''s hair before heading outside.


    "You! You scoundrel!" Sylph''s heart skipped a beat at his touch, and she blurted out,"I''m not some little child for you to keep patting my head!"


    Walking up beside her, Tia giggled."Sylph, it''s obvious¡ªMaster likes you."


    Sylph''s eyes widened in shock."W-W-Who likes me?!"


    "Master, of course." Tia shrugged.


    "Hmph! It''s not surprising that he likes me! I am the princess of the Elven Forest. There are countless people who admire me¡ªI don''t care if he''s one of them!" Sylph lifted her chin haughtily.


    Just then, a voice called out from the doorway."Sylph, stop being so full of yourself. I just think your head feels like a big golden retriever''s¡ªreally satisfying to pat!"


    "A¡­ golden retriever?" Sylph looked utterly confused.


    "Maybe it''s some kind of pet?" Tia guessed.


    "What?! That scoundrel actually compared me to a pet?! I won''t forgive him!" Sylph bristled with anger.


    "Wait, don''t be mad, Sylph! I was just making a wild guess. Master was probably just joking with you." Tia quickly tried to calm her down.


    "Hmph! If it weren''t for you, Tia, I wouldn''t let him off so easily!" Sylph clenched her fists while trailing closely behind Kenley.


    "Hehe, Sylph, you''re actually really cute when you''re like this," Tia giggled.


    "Ah! Tia, you better not tease me!" Sylph lunged toward her.


    Tia laughed and dodged."Alright, let''s hurry and catch up!"

 Chapter 62: New Home 3

    "Honored guest, you are the very first to personally request me, Leonbali, as your architectural designer to renovate your home! I sincerely appreciate your trust! From this day forward, Leonbali shall regard you as the most, most, most treasured client, and henceforth, all design costs for you shall be reduced by thirty percent!"


    The moment they met, Kenley was greeted by an architect wearing a black top hat and a brown overcoat over a white shirt¡ªLeonbali.


    At just twenty-five years old, Leonbali was still at the beginning of his career. He was not yet the legendary master architect he would one day become, but with time, his achievements would only continue to grow.


    Leonbali removed his hat and gave Kenley a polite bow.


    Kenley nodded."I appreciate you making the trip all the way to the west side of the city. This is my new home. I know you are a magical architect, and my request is simple¡ªbring your team and make sure I can move in and live here comfortably by tonight. The price remains as agreed. I trust in your abilities, Leonbali."


    "No problem, honored guest." Leonbali turned around and waved his hand."Alright, everyone, let''s get to work!"


    Behind Leonbali stood a large group of construction workers. Apart from him, there was also an apprentice mage, likely his assistant.


    As a magical architect, Leonbali''s abilities far surpassed ordinary manual labor when it came to cleaning and organizing. However, such services also came at a steep price.


    "Ah! So you hired workers!" Sylph had just stepped out and naturally overheard the conversation between Kenley and Leonbali at the door.


    Kenley turned around and instinctively reached out to pat her head.


    "You¡ªyou¡ªyou! Don''t touch my head!" Sylph dodged swiftly.


    "Why not?" Kenley asked, puzzled.


    "You still haven''t told me what you meant by¡®golden retriever''! Were you mocking my hair?" That was the first thing Sylph thought of, considering her golden locks.


    Kenley chuckled."I wasn''t mocking you."


    "I don''t believe you!" Sylph glared at him.


    Just then, Leonbali turned back around."Honored guest, on my way past your residence, someone entrusted me with a letter for you."


    A letter? Kenley frowned. He didn''t know many people in the city¡ªwho would be writing to him now?


    Hastily, he tore it open. One glance at the contents, and he smacked his forehead.


    He had left Green''s place too quickly, too caught up in the moment, and completely forgot to ask about the noble''s steward. Fortunately, Green had remembered and sent the information through this letter.


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    "Count Megan? That name sounds somewhat familiar¡­" Kenley furrowed his brows.


    Leonbali was instructing the workers when he suddenly heard Kenley mention Count Megan. He immediately turned his head."Count Megan? My heavens, honored guest, you must stay far away from that man!"


    Kenley was surprised. He hadn''t expected Leonbali to know him.


    "Why?" Kenley asked.


    Leonbali glanced around cautiously before lowering his voice."Count Megan is infamous¡ªpeople call him the Count of Fear. He is extremely petty, ruthless, and sinister. Everyone around him lives in fear."


    "Is he really that terrifying?"


    "Yes. And please, don''t let anyone know I said this. Count Megan is a recluse, and some even suspect he has ties to heretics. In reality, he has only one known relative¡ªhis nephew, Lucas, a viscount. But from what I''ve heard, Lucas somehow offended the church today and was sent to the Inquisition. Given Count Megan''s temper, he must be furious right now."


    As Leonbali spoke with Kenley, his eyes inadvertently landed on Tia.


    His gaze suddenly brightened, and he unconsciously started walking toward her.


    "I see¡­ So that explains why those six thieves came after me today. Turns out Lucas, that worthless insect, is his nephew. Truly, like uncle, like nephew. Lucas just got into trouble, and Megan has already traced a connection to me. He must have quite a few informants in the royal capital." Kenley rested his chin on one hand, deep in thought.


    A count, huh? That was troublesome. A count who resided in the royal capital was no ordinary noble. The question was whether he held an official position in the royal court. If he was merely a titleholder with no real power, it wouldn''t be a big issue. But if he had actual authority, things could get complicated.


    Fortunately, Kenley had the status of an honorary knight. Even if Count Megan wanted to make a move, it wouldn''t be easy. With the church''s protection, Megan wouldn''t dare attack him openly without a justified reason.


    But in the shadows? That was a different matter.


    Just like today¡ªKenley had only gone to a potion shop, yet Megan had brazenly hired assassins within the royal capital.


    Perhaps he assumed Kenley was still too weak and didn''t want to make too big a scene. So he sent six unremarkable thieves, planning to eliminate Kenley and then find an excuse to dispose of them afterward, ensuring no one would trace it back to him.


    What a vicious plan¡­ Kenley narrowed his eyes.


    The saying goes,"A man is either the butcher or the meat." If he didn''t take control of the situation, Megan would come at him again. Right now, the priority was to grow stronger as quickly as possible.


    Given his status as a count, he likely had powerful subordinates. On top of that, Kenley had never encountered Count Megan in the game, so he knew little about him.


    Since Teacher Green knew about him, he''d have to ask for more details later to gauge Megan''s true strength.


    "Right, I should also check the game''s display for furniture." Kenley suddenly recalled how the women in his old guild used to design furniture. His curiosity piqued, he wanted to try it himself.


    With his attention now on furniture, he failed to notice what was happening right beside him.


    "Ah, sir, please focus on your work. Tia really isn''t interested in going on a date." Tia nervously took a step back.


    "Please, my beautiful lady! Accept my request! I shall lay out the finest flowers, light the most dazzling candles, and beneath the reflection of Lake Maierzhu, give you a grand and enchanting evening!" Leonbali was now down on one knee, extending a hand forward as if hoping to take Tia''s.


    Sylph stood stiffly at the side, seemingly too infuriated by Leonbali to even speak.


    This was the first time Sylph had ever been at such a loss for words.


    "Master!" Tia quickly scurried behind Kenley, mistaking his glance for a return to awareness (when in reality, he was still looking at the game interface).


    "Ah! My beautiful lady, please don''t run! Say yes to me!" Leonbali pleaded desperately.


    It turned out that Leonbali had taken a liking to Tia and was now fervently pursuing her.

 Chapter 63: New Home 4

    Mr. Leonbali, this slave already has a master. You should take a careful look." Sylph once again solemnly pointed to the slave collar around Tia''s neck.


    "This... Esteemed guest, would you be willing to sell this slave lady to me? I''m willing to pay three times¡ªno, five times the price! I truly like her too much!" Leonbali''s eyes burned with passion as he immediately turned to Sylph, mistakenly assuming that Tia belonged to her.


    Tia was startled by Leonbali''s fervor and quickly hid behind Kenley, her gaze filled with hope as she looked at him, wishing for him to protect her.


    Sylph, on the other hand, was fuming. She suddenly became curious about how Kenley would handle such a situation¡ªsurely, this was when Kenley would pull Tia into his arms and boldly declare:


    "Esteemed Mr. Leonbali, this is my personal slave, my woman, so you''d best abandon that thought!"


    That scoundrel would undoubtedly seize this opportunity to take advantage of Tia! Come on, let me see your true colors, Kenley!


    "Hey, he''s talking to you! Why aren''t you saying anything?" Sylph suddenly raised her voice at Kenley.


    "These furniture pieces are ridiculously expensive, costing several gold coins each. What''s going on?" Kenley, who had been browsing items, suddenly heard Sylph''s voice and snapped out of his in-game view, still unaware of the situation.


    "Mr. Kenley! I''m willing to give you all of my money!" Leonbali finally realized that Tia actually belonged to Kenley. Though he wasn''t a noble, he came from a family of merchants and had some wealth to his name. When it came to money, he had confidence.


    No matter how expensive Tia was, even if it cost him everything, he was willing to pay! He believed his willpower would never waver!


    "All of your money? Why?" Kenley was indeed short on funds at the moment, but he hadn''t noticed Leonbali''s interest in Tia at all, as he had been too focused on the exorbitant furniture prices.


    "Mr. Kenley, because I''ve decided to give up everything to chase my dream!"


    Chase his dream? Kenley thought for a moment. He vaguely recalled something about Leonbali''s dream¡ªwasn''t it to abandon everything and travel the world? But what did that have to do with giving him all his money?


    "I don''t get it, Mr. Leonbali. Why would pursuing your dream require giving me your money?"


    "Because to me, my dream is everything. And Mr. Kenley, you have brought me good fortune, so I am willing to abandon everything for my dream!"


    Though the reasoning felt a bit odd, Kenley seemed to understand. If this was truly about his dream, then there was no reason to refuse the money.


    "Alright, then. I accept."


    "Are you serious?!" Leonbali was instantly overjoyed!


    "Master! Y-you don''t want Tia anymore?" Tia was utterly shocked. She had never expected her master to truly give her away. In an instant, panic, unease, confusion, and contradiction surged through her heart. Her eyes trembled in disbelief¡ªKenley was actually going through with it?! This was too sudden, too overwhelming!


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    "You¡ªyou! You bastard! How could you?!" Sylph was equally stunned, never imagining that this scoundrel would actually agree.


    Shock, disbelief, astonishment, and incomprehension flooded her mind. She felt like her brain was about to explode. How could this human be so selfish and greedy? Just for the sake of money, he was willing to sell Tia to someone else?!


    Even if Tia was technically his servant and he had the right to sell her, Sylph couldn''t accept it emotionally. She could clearly see that Tia had feelings for Kenley¡ªhow could he be so blind?!


    "Tia, Tia doesn''t want to leave Master!" Tia suddenly burst into tears and threw herself into Kenley''s arms. No one had expected such an intense reaction from her.


    Leonbali''s expression stiffened. He hadn''t realized that the woman he admired already had someone in her heart, making the situation awkward for him.


    "Tia! Forget about this scoundrel! Even after all this, you still want to cling to him?!" Sylph said angrily, unable to believe that Kenley would say such a thing. Seeing Tia still holding onto Kenley only fueled her frustration.


    Hearing Sylph''s words, Leonbali''s eyes lit up¡ªyes, this half-elf lady was absolutely right!


    He immediately regained his passionate expression and spoke fervently:


    "My beautiful lady¡ªno, my goddess! Please, come into my embrace! Even if I must part with fragrant meadows, I shall still pour forth the sweetest nectar for you! I, Leonbali, swear to grant you freedom and take you as my eternal wife!"


    One had to admit¡ªLeonbali was both bold and determined, willing to set Tia free and even marry her.


    Watching this dramatic turn of events, Kenley was completely dumbfounded. What the hell was going on?! Wasn''t he supposed to be chasing his dream? How did this suddenly turn into him pursuing Tia? Because he had been too preoccupied with furniture, he had entirely missed the key points of the conversation.


    Kenley hurriedly asked,"Wait, what exactly is happening? Sylph? And what was that dream he was talking about? I don''t understand."


    Sylph glared at him furiously."What do you mean, what''s happening?! Why did you try to sell Tia to someone else?! And to think I actually had some trust in you!"


    Kenley froze. He looked at Tia''s tear-streaked face and finally pieced things together¡ªso Leonbali had been trying to buy Tia! Was that his so-called dream? Well, to be fair, in Leonbali''s eyes, Tia was a slave, and in this world, slaves were essentially commodities, so it made sense that he''d make such an offer.


    Kenley immediately furrowed his brows. He had to fix this misunderstanding before things got worse.


    "Mr. Leonbali, I thought you meant your dream was to travel the world. I take back what I said."


    "How did you know my previous dream was to travel the world?" Leonbali was taken aback.


    "Also, Mr. Leonbali, you keep saying that Tia is your dream, but have you really looked at her carefully?"


    "Look carefully?" Leonbali frowned and examined Tia more closely.


    In his past life, Kenley had known that Leonbali was a devout religious zealot, dedicated to eradicating heretics and demons. How could someone like him possibly love a dark being? How could he ever marry a vampire?


    "A vampire?" As soon as Leonbali took a closer look, his expression changed dramatically.


    "N-no way! My beloved goddess, how could you be such a filthy creature?!" He sprang to his feet, unable to believe that the woman he had just admired was actually a vampire.


    Tia flinched at his reaction but still lowered her head and spoke with difficulty.


    "Mr. Leonbali, you did not see wrong¡ªI am a vampire."


    "This... this is impossible?!" Leonbali staggered backward, shifting from passion to sorrow, and finally, to fury.


    "Mr. Kenley, you must be joking!"


    "I am not, Mr. Leonbali."


    Leonbali''s family had been devout followers of the Church of Light for generations, one of the most faithful lineages in service to the Sun God. He had sworn to dedicate everything to his faith. Now, to ask him to accept a vampire as his wife¡ªit would be a direct betrayal of his beliefs.


    "Why¡­ does it have to be like this¡­" Leonbali laughed bitterly, staring at the ground in despair.


    Kenley patted him on the shoulder."So, Mr. Leonbali, are you thinking clearly now?"


    Leonbali shook his head, took one last, conflicted glance at Tia, and finally made his decision.


    "I am. Thank you, esteemed guest. I apologize for my rudeness tonight."


    With that, he removed his hat, bowed to Kenley, and after one last, meaningful glance at Tia, he turned and returned to his work.


    Kenley let out a small sigh of relief¡ªhe had actually been quite nervous. He hadn''t expected this situation at all.


    But then he suddenly felt an unsettling gaze on him.


    Because Sylph was angry.


    "You bastard! Were you actually serious just now?!"

 Chapter 64: New Home 5

    Sylph was furious. What if Leonbali had actually agreed just now? What if Leonbali was serious about it?


    Faced with Sylph''s questioning, Kenley could understand her frustration. However, besides Sylph wanting to know Kenley''s true thoughts, Tia also surely wanted to know.


    Tia stared intently at Kenley, hoping that he would refute Sylph''s accusations and prove that their master was merely joking.


    "I wasn''t joking." Kenley, whose mind was in chaos, blurted it out before he could stop himself. The moment he said it, he wanted to slap himself¡ªhow could he slip up at such a crucial moment?


    "What?!" Sylph was shocked.


    "Master, you¡ª!" Tia was also taken aback.


    Seeing their astonished expressions, Kenley hurried to clarify his words."No, what I mean is that what I just said to Leonbali wasn''t a joke."


    "Oh really?! And how is that any different from agreeing to Leonbali''s request? You were only after the money!" Sylph''s eyes were filled with doubt and anger.


    Tia''s face turned pale. She hadn''t expected that their master was actually considering Leonbali''s offer because of the terms...


    "When have I ever done anything just for money?!" Kenley''s mind was in complete disarray.


    Not for money? Tia was stunned.


    "Then tell me, what was your reason? Say it!" Sylph was seething with anger. Just when she had started to change her opinion of Kenley, she realized that her initial suspicions were right¡ªhe was just a greedy man. Someone who would even steal a cup¡ªhow could he have any grand ambitions? What justice or honor could he possibly possess?!(This misunderstanding arose because when Kenley was viewing the game interface, the others, unaware of his ability, assumed he was aware of what was happening.)


    "I already consider Tia as my family. How could I possibly sell her off?!" Kenley''s voice rose in volume.


    "?!" Sylph was stunned, while Tia''s eyes immediately lit up!


    "Sylph, from the moment I signed the contract with Tia, we have been bound together!" Kenley declared, his emotions surging.


    The force of his words left Sylph momentarily speechless. She couldn''t find anything to refute him with.


    "Tia, let''s go. Mr. Leonbali will need about one to two hours for construction. We''ll come back after we''ve eaten." Kenley, his face slightly flushed, gently patted Tia''s shoulder¡ªthe same familiar gesture, the same familiar warmth.


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    That simple action snapped Tia back to her senses.


    What just happened? She was still processing everything.


    Tia''s gaze fell on Kenley. That sudden outburst of his¡­ it felt like she had discovered something¡ªlike she had realized something.


    "Then why didn''t you say so earlier?!" Watching as Kenley prepared to leave with Tia, Sylph finally came to her senses.


    Kenley turned back with a frustrated tone."Come on, big sis, if you had just taken a moment to think about it, you would''ve understood. I could never¡ªwould never¡ªtreat Tia as a mere commodity."


    With that, he left with Tia without looking back.


    "You! Wait for me!" Sylph, flustered and furious, hurried after them. No way¡ªshe wasn''t going to let this go! And he had the nerve to call her¡®big sis''?! Was she really that old?! This was infuriating! She had to set things straight with him!


    ¡­


    "Sylph, don''t be mad at Master anymore. He was just joking with you, but you took it too seriously¡­" Tia gently patted Sylph''s shoulder.


    On the way back after dinner, Sylph was still sulking. She wasn''t someone who held grudges, but she couldn''t stand the way Kenley treated Tia. It was obvious how much Tia liked Kenley¡ªeven Sylph could see it. And yet, what about Kenley? How did he act?


    "I''m not mad at him. I just wanted to get a proper answer for you. Tia, be honest with me¡ªdo you like that guy?" Sylph turned to her, seizing the opportunity while Kenley was walking ahead.


    Tia''s face instantly turned red. She hadn''t expected Sylph to bring up such a question at a time like this.


    "Sylph!" Tia gasped softly, immediately glancing at Kenley in fear of being overheard.


    "Sigh! I just don''t understand¡ªwhat exactly do you like about him?" Sylph let out a deep sigh, truly baffled.


    "When did I ever say I liked Master¡­" Tia denied repeatedly, but her face was as red as a ripe apple.


    Seeing Tia''s blushing face, Sylph suddenly burst into laughter."Still saying you don''t? The moment I brought him up, you had such a big reaction. Tia, even I can see what''s in your heart."


    Tia huffed."Sylph! You haven''t even been in a relationship yourself¡ªwhat gives you the right to lecture me?"


    "Uh¡­" That was true. Sylph had never been in a relationship. The question instantly silenced her. But she quickly recovered."But, but¡­ I''ve read plenty of literature! In those stories, the prince and princesses¡ªevery one of their romances is epic and moving! The princes are always gallant and noble, true knights filled with justice!"


    "Tia, you''re a proper princess yourself. And that guy? Even if he has a hero''s bloodline, he has none of the awareness of a hero''s descendant! What kind of hero''s heir is that?! Honestly, even that Holy Knight from the church today seemed more noble than that scoundrel!"


    Tia rolled her eyes."That''s just empty theory. If you have the ability, go experience a relationship for yourself first. Once you''ve got real experience, then you can give me advice!"


    She emphasized the last part of her sentence.


    "Tia, don''t do this to me! I''m only thinking about you! If I don''t stand up for you, that guy will just keep bullying you every day! After tomorrow, when I return to the Elven Forest, there won''t be anyone left to care for you like I do! Tia!" By the end, Sylph''s voice carried genuine emotion.


    Tia immediately understood¡ªno wonder Sylph had been so worked up tonight. It was all for her sake.


    "Sylph, I will always, always cherish the time we''ve spent together today. If we ever have another chance, please don''t forget to come find me." That''s right¡ªSylph would be leaving tomorrow. The thought filled Tia with sorrow.


    But Sylph simply smiled."Alright, don''t make the mood so heavy! Look at that scoundrel¡ªhe''s walking ahead without a care. Let''s hurry up and catch up to him!"


    "Mm." Tia forced a smile and followed along.

 Chapter 65: New Home 6

    "Well-maintained! Mr. Leonbali, I must commend your architectural talents."


    As soon as Kenley returned, he was greeted by a lush, neatly trimmed lawn, tightly fitted walls, and vibrant new stained-glass windows.


    Inside, the dust-free floors, orderly furnishings, pristine walls, and spacious, well-ventilated layout all contributed to a satisfying result. The two gold coins spent were well worth it. Since Leonbali was only twenty-five, his fees were quite reasonable. Factoring in both labor and material costs, it was an absolute bargain.


    "Haha! Honorable guest, your satisfaction is our highest honor! Thank you for choosing us today. If you or your friends or family ever need similar services in the future, I would be most grateful for your recommendation!"


    With that, Leonbali gave Kenley a respectful bow.


    Truth be told, Leonbali was a decent man¡ªpolite and well-mannered. Though he was a devout believer, he harbored no resentment toward Kenley despite Tia being his servant.


    "I doubt someone as talented as you will remain confined within the borders of the Cain Empire forever, Mr. Leonbali. One day, you may step onto an even grander stage."


    Kenley didn''t hold back on his praise¡ªLeonbali was truly a remarkable talent.


    "Thank you, honorable guest! Your compliments are more than I deserve! It has been my utmost honor to serve you today!"


    After a round of formalities, Leonbali finally led his workers away. As he departed, his gaze lingered on Tia for a brief moment, filled with a trace of regret and melancholy.


    Perhaps this was for the best.


    Tia, of course, noticed his look, but her eyes remained fixed on Kenley. She wanted to know what her master was thinking¡ªwhat he truly thought of her.


    "Alright, our new home is settled. We can finally get a good night''s rest." Kenley let out a yawn.


    "You scoundrel! Don''t rush off to sleep just yet¡ªyou haven''t finished explaining!" Sylph was clearly displeased.


    Kenley chuckled helplessly."Sylph, aren''t you tired of bickering with me all day long? Can''t we take a break? I''m exhausted. I''m going to bed."


    He waved her off without a second thought and headed straight for the master bedroom.


    "Oh, and by the way, there are plenty of rooms here¡ªpick one for yourself. And don''t start with any nonsense about me having ulterior motives."


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    "You¡ªyou¡ª!" Sylph fumed as she watched him leave, but there was nothing she could do.


    "Alright, Sylph, don''t be mad at Master." Tia gently tugged at her arm.


    Sylph huffed."I just can''t stand his attitude. And Tia, I''m not questioning his authority over you¡ªhe''s your contract master, and he has every right to keep you. That''s not what bothers me. What I care about is how he sees you. What does he truly think of you? Does he see you as a real person, or just something he can discard at any moment?"


    "You''re still worried that Master might sell me?"


    "Of course! You never know what might happen!"


    Tia sighed softly."Sylph, I am Master''s servant. How he treats me is his choice. Besides, don''t forget¡ªwithout Master, I might have already died, or fallen into a far worse fate. And you don''t know this, Sylph, but Master once shielded me from a paladin''s sword to protect me."


    Sylph froze."What did you say?"


    Tia met her gaze."Not only did he protect me, but my servant status was also something he arranged for my sake. He worried that, as an undead, I wouldn''t be able to move freely in human cities. That''s why he told me to keep wearing the slave collar¡ªit''s a disguise, a layer of protection."


    "Moreover, Master is a man of his word¡ªI can feel it. Sylph, before meeting you, he even bought clothes for me. From the moment he saved me, he promised he would, and he never went back on his word after entering Marlen Imperial City."


    "So, Sylph, do you understand what I''m saying?" Tia''s eyes were unwavering.


    Sylph was momentarily stunned."So that''s how it is... But I still don''t believe him! He accepted Leonbali''s money right in front of us!"


    "That doesn''t matter, Sylph. I believe Master''s explanation." Tia''s voice was firm.


    "You''re too kind, Tia. You don''t understand how deceitful humans can be. Aunt Olika once told me¡ªnever trust a human''s words unless that person is a true hero."


    "But isn''t Master a hero''s descendant?"


    "That doesn''t mean anything..."


    "Alright, Sylph. Just go to sleep."


    "But¡ª"


    "Sleep!"


    ¡­


    Half-asleep, Kenley suddenly felt something sneak under his covers.


    His hand instinctively reached out, touching something cool, smooth, and unexpectedly soft and elastic. What was this?


    Slowly, he opened his eyes¡ªonly to see Tia, her silver hair cascading down, pressed closely against him in his bed.


    "Mm¡­!" Kenley blinked in drowsy confusion before jolting awake in shock.


    "Tia?" He called out.


    "Master¡­" Tia murmured, her head buried against his chest. Kenley couldn''t see her expression, but her voice was as light as a feather.


    "Master, do you¡­ not want Tia anymore?" Her voice was quiet, but the sorrow in it was unmistakable.


    Kenley''s heart clenched. He sighed. This girl¡ªwas she still dwelling on today''s events? It made sense. Women were sensitive, prone to overthinking, and if left unresolved, small worries could spiral into deeper wounds.


    "No. I never thought that."


    Tia instantly lifted her head, her face bright with joy."Really? Master, Tia thought you didn''t want me anymore!"


    But Kenley''s next words left her stunned.


    "I only wanted to give you your freedom."


    Tia was caught completely off guard."Tia doesn''t want freedom! Tia only wants to be with Master!" Her voice rose several octaves, her emotions surging uncontrollably.


    Kenley fell silent. After some thought, he realized today''s misunderstanding had gone too far. He needed to clear things up properly¡ªotherwise, it would leave a lasting scar in Tia''s heart.


    "I''m sorry, Tia. Tonight made me realize something. Tia, you are a living person, not a tool. I sincerely apologize for how I treated you. I''m sorry."


    His apology was genuine, and he continued,"But when I said today that I see you as family, I truly meant it."

 Chapter 66: New Home 7

    "Master, do you truly think that way?"


    Tia was momentarily stunned. She had never expected Kenley to say such a thing.


    If Kenley had misunderstood Leonbali''s words today and thought that he lacked money for arranging a wedding, then his earlier behavior would make sense. The blush on his face, his nervousness, and his stammering¡ªit was all too genuine to be an act.


    In the world of Aude Continent, where slave traders ran rampant, becoming a slave meant losing one''s freedom, reduced to nothing more than a commodity to be bought and sold. Yet, Kenley had never treated her as a mere slave. Instead, he provided her with food and clothing, even giving up his own bed so she could sleep comfortably.


    To her, Kenley was not just an ordinary master. Though he seemed shrewd on the surface, she saw him as a knight with a pure heart. To outsiders, it might appear that he took her in as a servant to satisfy his own desires, but Tia knew the truth¡ªhe treated her like family. Not only did he protect and cherish her, but he would rather let her drink his own blood than see her starve.


    How many masters in the real world would act like Kenley? A master who did not scold, abuse, or control their servant? Perhaps there were some, but they were rare.


    To Tia, meeting Kenley was the greatest fortune of her life, a mercy granted by the Mother Goddess herself.


    Kenley gently ran his fingers through Tia''s hair and said apologetically,"Tia, I''m sorry for giving you such an unpleasant experience today."


    Tia lifted her face and shook her head."No, Master, you don''t need to apologize."


    Kenley said nothing, waiting to hear what she would say next.


    "It''s alright, Master. No matter what you do to me, I will never complain. It was you who gave me a second chance at life. You saved me when I was at my lowest, and you let me feel the warmth of the sun again. I just want you to know that no matter what you decide for me, I will accept it without regret¡­ even if it means becoming another man''s wife."


    As she spoke, Tia slowly raised her head and gazed directly into Kenley''s eyes.


    Kenley met her gaze in silence.


    Time passed, second by second. Though her vampire heart no longer beat, she was filled with overwhelming tension. She had no idea how Kenley would respond.


    Would he cast her aside? Would he come to hate her? Would he truly abandon her?


    But this was who she was¡ªthis was Tia''s heartfelt truth, the result of careful contemplation.


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    No matter what fate awaited her, even if it meant her death, she would not hesitate.


    And then¡ª


    Kenley suddenly laughed.


    His unexpected laughter left Tia completely frozen.


    "Master¡­ what do you mean?"


    "Tia, aren''t you overthinking things?" Kenley chuckled, both amused and exasperated. Why did this girl always manage to turn things into such an emotional ordeal?


    "Master, these are my true feelings! I thought long and hard before speaking!" Tia protested, confused by his reaction."Please, don''t make fun of me."


    Instead of answering, Kenley pulled her into a firm embrace, wrapping his arms tightly around her waist.


    Caught off guard, Tia''s face instantly flushed red.


    "Tia, have you forgotten what I said tonight?" Kenley''s voice was low, teasing.


    "I said I wanted to prepare a grand wedding for you. So tell me, Tia¡ªhow could I ever bear to give you to someone else?"


    His gentle words struck her like a bolt of lightning.


    Tia felt as though something deep within her had suddenly been fulfilled.


    So he never intended to give her away. That was all she needed to know. She wanted nothing more.


    "But¡­ but¡­"


    Tia was overjoyed, yet she was also afraid¡ªafraid that she had misheard him, that it was just an illusion.


    She wanted to confirm it again.


    Kenley fell silent, reflecting on his actions today. He had indeed made a terrible mistake. Perhaps it was because he had spent the last four years immersed in high-intensity gaming. This was only his third day in this world, and he had yet to fully adjust his perspective.


    He couldn''t afford to make such a mistake again.


    Kenley gently patted Tia''s back before saying,"Tia, there are no¡®buts.'' Do you remember the vow we made before the Mother Goddess? You long for me, just as I long for you."


    The moment he spoke those words, Tia felt as though she had been struck by lightning.


    Her eyes widened in disbelief as she stared at Kenley. Her expression was a mix of joy and astonishment, like a lost traveler in the desert who had suddenly discovered an oasis.


    Her chest rose and fell rapidly, her heart filled completely by Kenley''s presence. At that moment, all she wanted¡ªall she needed¡ªwas to be with him.


    Yes! No matter what he thought, she had already made up her mind!


    "Master! I love you! I love you so much!"


    And with that, she threw herself at him, pressing her lips fiercely against his.


    "Mm¡ª!"


    Kenley was caught completely off guard.


    His only intention had been to comfort her, to ease the tension from today''s misunderstanding. He had never expected such an intense reaction from her.


    Was this what they called love born from deep emotions?


    For the first time in his life, Kenley found himself on the receiving end of such a passionate advance.


    He instinctively tightened his arms around her, but something felt off¡ªwas Tia only wearing her undergarments?


    Wouldn''t that¡­ make this situation dangerously heated?


    But before he could think further, Tia clung to him like a serpent, entwining herself so tightly that he couldn''t break free.


    Left with no choice, Kenley surrendered to her kiss, gradually responding in kind.


    It had been a long time since he had shared such an intimate moment with a woman. Was this his first kiss in this new world?


    To be honest, he hadn''t expected it to happen with Tia.


    Since he had experience, he gently guided her, deepening the kiss with soft, deliberate motions.


    "Mmm¡­!"


    Tia''s kissing was clumsy¡ªshe merely pressed her lips against his, not realizing that such a kiss lacked finesse.


    "Tia¡­"


    Sensing Kenley''s growing heat, Tia instinctively responded even more passionately.


    But then¡ª


    "Hiss¡ª!"


    Kenley suddenly gasped in pain and immediately pulled away.


    "W-What''s wrong?!"


    Tia was completely lost in the moment. Kenley''s abrupt retreat left her flustered and confused.

 Chapter 67: New Home 8

    "No, it''s just that your movements were too intense just now. Your fangs scraped my tongue¡­ I think it''s bleeding." Kenley wiped his tongue with his finger, then extended it to check. Sure enough, there was blood.


    "Ah! I''m so sorry, Master! It''s all my fault!" Tia panicked the moment she realized her fangs had injured her master''s tongue."Master, does it hurt? I-I-I''ll go get some medicine right away!" Her voice was filled with guilt and anxiety.


    Seeing Tia flustered like that, Kenley found it amusing."It''s fine, Tia. It''s just a small wound. Besides, aren''t vampires supposed to love blood? Since it''s already flowing, don''t let it go to waste. Here, you can drink it."


    "B-But¡­ is that really okay?" Tia was caught completely off guard by Kenley''s suggestion. Her face flushed red like an apple.


    "Of course it is." Before she could react, Kenley leaned in and kissed her once more. The taste of blood lingered between them, igniting an unexplainable heat within Tia.


    Their tongues entwined, mingling with the crimson fluid that spread through their mouths. A shiver of excitement ran through Tia¡ªthis was exhilarating. She felt that meeting her master was the greatest fortune of her life.


    "I want more¡­" As their lips parted, Tia''s unsatisfied expression sent a spark through Kenley, stirring a certain desire deep within him.


    He pinned her wrists down, and Tia obediently complied. Suddenly, Kenley rose from the bed, his gaze falling upon Tia''s fair, porcelain-like skin. That feeling within him only intensified.


    Tia''s cheeks were flushed, but her eyes gleamed with longing.


    "Tia¡­" Kenley whispered her name, but at this critical moment, hesitation flickered in his eyes.


    It wasn''t that he was a saint, nor was he restraining himself out of courtesy. He simply wanted to be sure¡ªsure that Tia was ready, sure that she had truly thought this through and wanted to be with him.


    Even though she was his servant, she was not an object, nor a plaything. In Kenley''s heart, Tia was a real, living being¡ªnot just a lowly undead vampire.


    Tia was shy and dazed, yet her gaze held unwavering certainty. It was as if she were saying, Come, Master. I''m already prepared.


    "Master, I have always been yours. Whatever you wish to do¡­ please do it¡­" Tia''s voice was soft, sultry, laced with an intoxicating allure, as if trying to awaken the primal instincts within Kenley.


    "Tia, I will love you. Always." Kenley''s movements were gentle as he leaned in, not rushing, but creating an atmosphere that would make Tia feel comfortable and cherished.


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    "Mmm¡­ Tia understands. Tia¡­ loves you so much too, Master¡­ please¡­ please take me¡­" Her eyes grew more and more hazy, increasingly seductive.


    "Tia¡­" Kenley could no longer control himself. He drew closer and closer, until finally¡ª


    ¡­


    However, just outside the room, someone had quietly cracked open the door, witnessing everything unfold before their eyes.


    It was none other than Sylph.


    At this moment, Sylph was utterly flustered, her face burning with embarrassment. She had never expected to stumble upon such an intimate scene!


    She had only been looking for Tia, who wasn''t in her room. Worried, she had searched for her, eventually hearing faint noises coming from the master bedroom on the second floor.


    Curious, she had crept toward the door, cautiously pushing it open just enough to peek inside¡ªonly to be met with this heated, passionate display.


    Her heart pounded wildly in her chest, an illicit thrill surging through her veins. It was the first time she had ever seen such an act between two people, and it left her utterly breathless.


    Though she was an elf¡ªelegant and refined¡ªshe was still an innocent maiden, completely unversed in such matters. This scene, more vivid than anything she had read in books, captivated her completely.


    Driven by both curiosity and the forbidden allure of the moment, she remained hidden outside, silently observing, her rogue-like agility allowing her to stand motionless.


    An inexplicable heat coursed through her body, making her breath quicken. She was merely watching, yet¡­ she could feel something stirring inside her.


    Sylph, what are you doing?! she scolded herself internally. Have you abandoned the pride and grace of the elves? Have you forgotten the teachings of your father and mother?!


    Yet, despite her inner rebukes, her body and eyes betrayed her. She continued to peek through the narrow gap in the door, telling herself over and over: I''m just learning! I''m simply observing! This is nothing more than research material for the future! It''s fine! It''s fine!


    Perhaps¡­ this was just another ordinary day on the continent of Aude, where comedy and joy, sorrow and passion, love and torment intertwined endlessly.


    ......


    Morning.


    Birds chirped outside, and the wind hummed softly through the trees.


    Kenley slowly opened his groggy eyes, still somewhat dazed from the events of the previous night. His left arm was numb.


    He twitched his eyelid before carefully, oh-so-gently, sliding his arm out from under Tia''s body.


    A night of combat truly was exhausting. And this was a vampire. Cold yet tight, far more enticing than a mere human woman.


    That exhilarating sense of interspecies attraction¡­ something no ordinary woman could ever compare to.


    ¡­


    Knock, knock, knock!


    "Wake up!"


    Kenley glanced at the door, his tone irritated."What now? It''s early. Can''t I get some proper rest?"


    "I''ll be leaving after noon today. I wanted to talk to Tia," Sylph called from outside, still knocking.


    Kenley rolled his eyes."How do you even know Tia is in my room?"


    Silence.


    Then¡ªthud! Followed by the sound of something crashing to the floor.


    It was as if someone, too flustered, had accidentally knocked something over in their panic.


    "¡­What the hell are you doing out there?" Annoyed, Kenley swung open the bedroom door, only to be met with a rather amusing sight¡ª


    Sylph, dressed in a white dress, sat on the floor, her face as red as a tomato. A toppled tray lay beside her, with scattered fruits rolling across the floor and an unidentified liquid spilling onto the ground.


    Unfortunately, Sylph had been splashed with the liquid, causing her dress to become translucent. Worse, from Kenley''s angle, he had a clear view of certain¡­ private areas.


    "Ahhh¡ª!!" Sylph shrieked, covering herself in a panic."D-Don''t look, you pervert!!"

 Chapter 68: The Sacred Bestowal Day 1

    "Are you alright?" Kenley showed no sign of anger despite being called a pervert. His attention was instead drawn to the shattered fruit plate on the ground, the scattered fragments, and the fresh blood trickling from the cut on Sylph''s calf.


    As he spoke, Kenley strode toward Sylph.


    "What are you trying to do? Tia is still here!" Sylph''s face tensed with wariness.


    Kenley ignored her reaction, extending a hand and effortlessly pulling her to her feet.


    "Sit inside and wait for me a moment." With that, Kenley turned and walked off to retrieve something.


    Sylph was momentarily stunned, but she merely muttered under her breath,"You scoundrel, how strange."


    Glancing at Tia, who was still lying on the bed, Sylph''s cheeks instantly flushed. Memories of last night''s intense and embarrassing scene replayed in her mind, her erratic heartbeat serving as an incessant reminder, like an alarm going off at random intervals.


    Forget it. I''ll sit and see what this scoundrel is up to.


    She didn''t have to wait long before Kenley returned, carrying a towel and a roll of gauze.


    Kenley handed her the towel."Here, wipe yourself down first."


    "Oh." Sylph responded nonchalantly, though her gaze kept darting toward Kenley, studying his expression.


    This scoundrel worked so late last night. How does he still have so much energy today?


    Kenley paid no mind to her scrutiny. Kneeling before her, he took out the gauze and a small bottle of medicine, beginning to treat her wound with practiced efficiency.


    "You haven''t learned healing magic yet, have you?" he asked, not pausing his movements.


    Watching Kenley tend to her so earnestly and quietly, Sylph found herself thinking: This bastard isn''t so hateful when he''s calm. At least he has some self-awareness.


    Hearing his question, Sylph replied,"I''ve mostly focused on offensive magic. I''ll learn healing magic later."


    Kenley glanced up at her."How many hero novels have you read?"


    "Hmm¡­ roughly six hundred or so?" Sylph thought for a moment before answering.


    Kenley''s mouth twitched at that. No wonder she didn''t know any healing magic¡ªshe''d spent all her time buried in books. He had heard rumors that this princess had a peculiar hobby of collecting novels from around the world. Now, it seemed those rumors were true.


    "Alright, that should do it. Be more careful next time. Just because you''re an elf doesn''t mean you can''t get sick or injured," Kenley remarked as he stood and turned to put away the supplies.


    "Kenley, I like you!"


    Clatter!


    The items in Kenley''s hands crashed to the floor.


    The atmosphere instantly fell into an eerie silence, as if a shadow had been cast over the moment. Even the morning sunlight was obscured by gathering clouds.


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    Tia remained motionless, her eyes still shut. Kenley, his back stiff, did not turn around. Meanwhile, the one who had just spoken remained oblivious to the impact of her own words.


    "Just kidding! Hehehe!" Sylph suddenly giggled, covering her mouth. Though her face was full of mirth, a fleeting trace of sadness flickered in her eyes.


    "Sylph, that joke isn''t funny," Kenley muttered, his head tilting slightly as he glanced at Tia. Seeing no reaction from her, he secretly exhaled in relief.


    "What? So it''s fine for Tia to like you, but not me?" Sylph''s tone carried a hint of defiance.


    Kenley crouched down to pick up the fallen items, replying in a dismissive tone,"Please, based on how you''ve been acting these past two days, it''d be a miracle if you liked me. Besides, there''s no reason for us to have much interaction. You''re a princess, and I''m just a farmer. Tia is one thing, but you? Forget it. I know my limits."


    Kenley placed the items back in the cabinet. He didn''t believe Sylph for a second. It was completely illogical¡ªwho develops feelings for someone after barely knowing them and exchanging a few quarrels?


    Besides, she''d spent this entire time arguing with him, constantly butting heads over differing views. A princess like her, with a brain full of fairytale fantasies, falling for a lowly peasant like him? Ridiculous.


    Hearing Kenley''s words, Sylph sighed helplessly."I was serious, but you just won''t believe me."


    Kenley turned back to face her, spreading his hands."And I''m telling you seriously, but you won''t believe me either."


    "You¡ª! Why are you copying me?!" Sylph''s face turned red with frustration.


    "What? You can say it, but I can''t?" Kenley rolled his eyes.


    The phrasing, the structure¡ªhe had clearly just mirrored her own words! Sylph was both flustered and angry, scrunching her nose as she huffed,"Shameless!"


    "I''m a selfish and self-serving person. Why would I need shame?" Kenley chuckled.


    "You! You, you¡­!" Sylph''s face turned red, then white in rapid succession.


    "I''m done talking to you!" With heavy, deliberate footsteps, Sylph stormed out of the room, intentionally making as much noise as possible.


    Yet, unbeknownst to her, as a ranger, her natural steps were already light. Her exaggerated stomping only made her seem oddly adorable¡ªlike a spoiled noble throwing a tantrum.


    That was Kenley''s impression.


    But when he turned around, he suddenly noticed that Tia had sat up at some point.


    Kenley froze¡­


    ------


    Time passed in a blur. Throughout the morning, Kenley spent his time accompanying the two girls as they explored the city. However, Sylph continued giving him the cold shoulder, barely acknowledging his existence.


    Kenley was more than happy with the peace and quiet, leaving Sylph and Tia to chat to their hearts'' content. After all, they hadn''t seen each other in years and would soon be parting ways again. Their reluctance to separate was palpable.


    More importantly, today was the Sacred Bestowal Day, an annual grand festival. Nearly every nation within the influence of the Holy Church of Light held celebrations for this occasion.


    Yet as Kenley walked through the streets, his attention was drawn to a procession moving along the Avenue of Light.


    It was the royal entourage¡­


    Gilded carriage shafts, jade-white carriage walls, radiant golden wheels, and crystal lanterns. The royal coachman sat proudly at the front, his black cloak immaculately arranged, his pristine white gloves gripping the reins. The six divine steeds, pure white and untainted, moved in perfect harmony, their hooves rhythmically striking the ground.


    A massive shield-shaped emblem adorned the carriage, bearing the insignia of the Four-Clawed Holy Dragon: Odekens. Surrounding it, blue irises, the royal symbol, were perpetually enshrined on the crest. Two crossed swords accompanied the dragon¡ªthe legendary royal sword, Dreamlake Ail, and the ancestral king''s blade, Judgment Christophon.


    Leading the way were the Royal Guard, clad in enchanted armor forged from mithril, gleaming under the light. Even from dozens of meters away, Kenley could feel the radiance reflecting off their suits. The knights rode not ordinary horses but Celtic Akhal-Teke steeds, noble-blooded warhorses.


    Their T-shaped helmets barely concealed their sharp gazes. The sun-cross insignia on their chests symbolized the nation''s official faith, also marking them as the exclusive royal guard. Their polished boots gleamed, a sheathed sword rested at their waists, and on their backs hung shields engraved with the royal crest, albeit with slight variations.


    The entire procession stretched over a hundred meters, with over five hundred personnel in total. The grandeur, the formality¡ªit was an awe-inspiring spectacle.


    For more than ten minutes, the royal convoy slowly passed through the streets before vanishing from Kenley''s sight.


    Yet just before the last carriage disappeared¡­


    Kenley caught a glimpse of a familiar figure.

 Chapter 69: The Sacred Bestowal Day 2

    There were a total of seven Human Sword Saints Aude continent of Aude. Among them, Wilk the Reverse Scale Sword Saint, previously mentioned in the prologue, was the strongest. Roland, on the other hand, was ranked last among the seven.


    Although Roland was only Level 75, she possessed a true Silver Body, marking her as a genuine Silver Descendant.


    A side note¡ªwhile in the game, players could eventually train themselves to achieve a Golden Body (since it was, after all, a game), the reality within the world of Aude was quite different. In this world''s lore, the vast majority of ordinary people would never surpass Level 30, the peak of the Second Rank.


    Only those who became Bronze Citizens could break through their shackles, surpass their own limitations, and advance beyond Level 31¡ªand the same rule applied to achieving Silver.


    This raises an important question:


    Could ordinary people break their limits like players?


    The answer? Yes... and no.


    Becoming a Bronze Citizen was an extremely complex and difficult process. Even though Kenley was more than familiar with it, he knew that those trials were far beyond the capabilities of most ordinary people.


    To become a Bronze Citizen, one had to pass the Three Great Trials, then endure the Holy Heart Ordeal, and finally, defeat a boss in a solo battle.


    Of course, in the game, players could clear these trials without much effort. With guides, experienced players, or just sheer determination, passing was not too difficult.


    But that was just a game.


    In reality, death was permanent. There were no second chances. Attempting the Bronze Trials was nothing short of a gamble with one''s life.


    Moreover, once someone surpassed their shackles and became a Bronze Citizen, they were forbidden from creating guides or tutorials to assist others. Doing so would invoke divine punishment!


    This was a magical world, not a joke. In the realm of the gods, their watchful eyes permeated the very fabric of existence¡ªperhaps in the trees, the birds, or even a simple rock.


    Attempting to guide Iron Citizens through the trials? That was a death sentence. Even merely thinking about it could bring divine retribution.


    Because of this, a certain group of critics¡ªthe"Aude Continent Scientists"¡ªoften ridiculed the game''s plot:


    "Ordinary people are worthless, while hero players flood the streets."


    But really, wasn''t this the case in most other MMORPGs as well? Players were essentially walking cheat codes, overpowered to the point of absurdity.


    But back to reality.


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    Despite ranking last among the Seven Sword Saints, Roland''s sword techniques were exceptional¡ªespecially when used in PvP. Her control skills were utterly ridiculous.


    Back at the club, Kenley''s game coach had once analyzed and deconstructed every sword technique used by the Seven Sword Saints, complete with a detailed PowerPoint presentation.


    Through research, it was concluded that among the Seven Sword Saints, three had the most efficient PvP skill sets, making them ideal for competitive play.


    And Roland ranked second!


    Although she was the weakest of the Seven Saints, even Kenley''s coach had nothing but praise for her techniques. Had it not been for the fact that her skills were slightly inferior to Wilk''s, she would have ranked first in PvP swordsmanship.


    Seeing Roland, Kenley''s heart burned with excitement.


    If only he could become her disciple right now!


    He had studied her unparalleled sword techniques thoroughly and could wield them with absolute precision.


    In the game, countless players had fallen before his Violet Whisper Swordplay¡ªa technique that combined control, combo chains, and movement mechanics into one seamless flow.


    But Kenley quickly dismissed the thought.


    He remembered that in the game, players had to be at least Level 45 to apprentice under Roland.


    And his current level? 10.


    He was far from qualified.


    Shaking his head, Kenley refocused his attention on the bustling streets before him. Petals of vibrant colors danced through the air¡ªit was time to attend the ceremony at the cathedral.


    Back in the game, aside from scenery enthusiasts and fashion lovers, hardcore grinders like Kenley never had the time to appreciate festivals or celebrations.


    But now?


    For the first time, he found himself savoring the serene atmosphere of the festival.


    Before, he had been obsessed with leveling, farming dungeons, and honing his PvP skills¡ªhe never had the luxury of experiencing moments like this.


    As the three of them walked through the streets, Tia and Sylph chatted excitedly, pointing out interesting festival sights and sharing joyful laughter.


    Before they knew it, they had arrived at the Grand Cathedral of Light.


    At that moment, a massive crowd of devoted followers knelt in prayer before the cathedral gates, chanting solemn blessings for a bountiful year and seeking the gods'' mercy and protection.


    The royal procession had also arrived.


    According to tradition, every year during this time, the Emperor of the Cain Empire would come to the cathedral to offer prayers and receive the High Priest''s blessings.


    However, Kenley and the others had arrived too late. The carriages were already empty¡ªaside from a few Imperial Guards, the emperor and his entourage had long since entered the cathedral.


    They had no choice but to watch from afar, unable to approach the royal convoy.


    Suddenly, Sylph pointed toward the procession, her eyes filled with curiosity.


    "Tia, is that your human royal family''s convoy?"


    Tia nodded.


    "Yes. The coats of arms, attire, ceremonial formations, and military escorts¡ªall these elements are exclusive to the royal family. The blue iris, golden wheels, mithril armor, and holy dragon crest are all symbols of the Cain Empire''s royalty."


    Sylph''s eyes sparkled with admiration.


    "As expected of a royal princess! I could tell it was something important, but I never knew all those details!"


    Tia smiled softly.


    "Though the Geffi Kingdom is far weaker than the Cain Empire, I too once rode in such grand carriages and commanded powerful armies."


    But as she spoke, a shadow fell over her expression.


    For a moment, she thought of her father, the king, and her mother, the queen.


    "Ah! I''m so sorry, Tia! I didn''t mean to bring up something painful¡­"


    Although Sylph could be scatterbrained, she was surprisingly considerate when it mattered.


    Tia shook her head, lowering her gaze.


    "It''s nothing. I just got lost in thought."


    Just then, Kenley gently wrapped an arm around her shoulders.


    "Don''t worry, Tia. You still have me. I''ll always, always be by your side."


    Tia''s eyes lit up.


    She lifted her head, looking at Kenley with a sweet smile. Then, leaning into his chest, she whispered:


    "Thank you¡­ Master."


    At this moment, a path was suddenly opened in the crowd, and a paladin came in front of the three people:"Mr. Kenley, the bishop wants to see you."

 Chapter 70: The Sacred Bestowal Day 3

    The three exchanged glances¡ªwhy would the Bishop summon them at this moment?


    The church was filled with people from the clergy, so it wasn''t surprising that the Bishop''s informants had noticed them. However, what puzzled Kenley was that, although the three of them were Golden Descendants, they had not received an official invitation from the church. Wasn''t this a little too abrupt?


    Kenley had no choice but to ask,"Did the Bishop mention what this is about?"


    The Paladin replied,"The Bishop only requested that the three of you come with me."


    Well, it seemed they would only find out once they arrived.


    Kenley nodded."Then, I''ll trouble you to lead the way, Sir Knight."


    With that, the three followed the Paladin through the crowded streets and walked straight into the grand entrance.


    "Hey, look! A vampire? A filthy undead creature!"


    "Yeah! Why would a Paladin bring something so unclean into the sacred church?"


    "Wait a minute¡ªlook at the vampire''s hand! Is that a Mark of Devotion?"


    "And that man, too! His hand bears the same mark! Am I seeing things?"


    Amidst the murmurs and scrutinizing gazes, the trio walked into the church, feeling utterly uneasy.


    The moment they stepped inside, Kenley spotted familiar faces¡ªGolden Scissors Tyler, Heavy Hammer Smith, and a large group of others, some he recognized, some he didn''t. Well, well, so Smith was invited, too.


    The moment Smith saw Kenley, he glared at him as if to say,"You brat, I''ll deal with you later!" Kenley averted his gaze on purpose, pretending not to see him, which only made the burly man puff up in anger.


    Tyler, on the other hand, was much friendlier. The moment he saw Kenley and Tia, he offered them a warm smile, to which they returned the gesture.


    As they walked further inside, a solemn scene unfolded before them¡ªan elderly man, crowned and clad in golden embroidered robes, was bowing in the center of the church. Meanwhile, the Bishop, dressed in a golden priestly robe, stood before him, eyes closed, solemnly chanting a sacred rite.


    Around them, the church''s Honor Guards stood at every entry point, their sharp eyes scanning the room for any disturbances. Below the platform, seated in neat rows, were ministers, nobles, devout believers, and high-ranking clergy¡ªthere was not a single commoner among them.


    Although the Paladin led Kenley, Tia, and Sylph into the church, not a single person turned to stare at them. This alone spoke volumes about the solemnity of the ceremony and how much the people of the Cain Empire revered the Holy Benediction.


    Once Kenley and his companions took their places, the Paladin gave a slight bow before returning to his post.


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    The grand atmosphere made Kenley feel uneasy. He hadn''t intended to enter the church, yet now he had been brought in by the Bishop. He couldn''t refuse, but he also didn''t know what was expected of him. What was he supposed to do?


    Sitting still, he let his gaze wander around the church.


    Brook? He was here too? Wait, was that the Flower Sword Saint? Of course¡ªhe was likely here to ensure the emperor''s safety. Oh, and there were the emperor''s two sons as well.


    Finally, Kenley''s gaze settled on the crowned elder at the center of the hall¡ªthe most important figure of this Holy Benediction Ceremony. His full title was:


    His Grace, Grand Duke of Heather, Hawkhou, Arbiter of Estar, Suppressor of Danels, Subjugator of Bangaro, Doomsday Crusader, Gladius, Kevin Ian VII, the Crimson Emperor.


    Excessive, wasn''t it? His name was ridiculously long. In fact, this was already a shortened version¡ªthe full title had at least thirty or forty honorifics.


    Kenley wiped the cold sweat off his brow. In this kind of fantasy world, the more powerful a human emperor was, the more titles he liked to pile onto himself¡ªit was practically a staple of this world.


    The important thing was to remember that he could simply call him Gladius, Kevin Ian VII, or just Emperor, which was much simpler.


    The Crimson Emperor was no ordinary man¡ªhe had reformed governance, quelled rebellions, built canals, and defended the northern borders against demonic tribes. His entire life had been spent working tirelessly for humanity.


    Unfortunately, Kenley knew all too well that his two incompetent sons would later bring ruin to the Cain Empire. They wasted their days indulging in debauchery, neglecting their duties, and ultimately causing the empire''s downfall. They were bound to drive their father to his grave¡­


    Of course, Kenley had no intention of meddling in royal affairs. That was a dangerous game¡ªone misstep and he''d be trapped in a web of intrigue with no escape. Even in the real world, how many political struggles didn''t end in bloodshed?


    But that was still far off. The Crimson Emperor had a long lifespan ahead of him. At least in this expansion pack, he was still alive and at his peak.


    Perhaps it was precisely because the Emperor was so powerful and controlling that he suppressed his sons to the point where they could never rise on their own, leaving them to squander their lives away. Kenley couldn''t help but think maliciously.


    The ceremony dragged on¡ªlong, monotonous, and mind-numbing. Kenley found himself struggling to stay awake. But he couldn''t fall asleep¡ªthat would be far too disrespectful to the gods. After all, the Sun God had helped him before; he couldn''t afford to embarrass himself here.


    Who knew how much time had passed before the ceremony finally concluded? The Emperor, along with his two sons, retired to the side hall to rest, granting Kenley his long-awaited freedom.


    "Uncle Brook!" Sylph immediately ran up to him.


    "Hm? Sylph, you haven''t forgotten what you promised me, have you?" Brook''s troubled expression made his concerns all too obvious.


    Sylph quickly nodded."Uncle Brook, it''s not even noon yet! I''d like to spend a bit more time with Tia¡­"


    While Sylph was occupied with Brook, Kenley patted Tia''s shoulder."You two go ahead and chat¡ªI''m going to check out the back."


    He had noticed that the Flower Sword Saint had left through the rear exit, and he wanted to follow. Perhaps he could find an opportunity to ask for an apprenticeship. The chances were slim, but he wasn''t willing to let it slip away.


    Tia was startled."Master, where are you going?"


    "Don''t worry, I''m just going to take a look behind the church¡ªI won''t go far." Kenley reassured her with a smile.


    Tia, still anxious, pleaded,"Master, please don''t go too far. I''m afraid I won''t be able to find you."


    "I promise." Kenley winked at her playfully.


    "¡­Alright. Tia will wait here for you." She nodded hesitantly, looking genuinely uneasy about their separation¡ªeven if it was only for a moment.


    After all, they had only just fallen in love¡ªit was their sweetest, most intimate phase. Even a single second apart felt unbearable for Tia.


    Reassuring her once more, Kenley quickly followed in the Flower Sword Saint''s footsteps.


    He suspected that the Bishop had something important to say to them. However, with the Emperor present, he likely had to accompany him first, which was why he hadn''t spoken to Kenley immediately after the ceremony.


    Not long after, Kenley saw Roland heading toward the training grounds behind the church.


    Huh? What was she doing there?

 Chapter 71: Duel 1

    Kenley had made a swift exit, not just out of instinct, but because he had caught sight of Smith storming toward him with an unmistakable look of fury.


    The Training Grounds?


    These were the exclusive training grounds of the Church''s Holy Knights. Unlike players, ordinary people in the real world had to go through four stages to become knights: first as a page, then a squire, followed by an apprentice knight, and only then could they attain full knighthood.


    The Church''s system wasn''t too different from that of the nobility, except it omitted the page stage entirely.


    Most of the trainees here were squires and apprentice knights. Fully-fledged knights were typically sent on missions or other assignments outside.


    A quick glance around the training grounds revealed only squires¡ªthere wasn''t a single apprentice knight present. It was likely due to the Holy Blessing Day, which had left the city understaffed, forcing even the apprentice knights to be dispatched for security duties.


    Kenley scanned the group¡ªthese squires were all around levels 10 to 15, not particularly strong. What was the Flower Sword Saint doing in a place like this? Observing the swordplay of these trainees?


    That seemed unlikely. With her level of skill, coming here would feel a bit like bullying novices.


    "Look! It''s Lord Roland!" A squire cried out in surprise.


    "Ah! Lord Roland, what brings you here?"


    "Lord Roland, may the Holy Mother bless you!"


    The crowd of squires quickly turned toward Roland, bowing in greeting.


    Kenley took this opportunity to slip quietly to the side of the training grounds, watching in silence without drawing attention to himself.


    For one, he hadn''t been invited. Moreover, he wasn''t yet familiar with the current Sword Saint, Roland. If he rashly stepped forward and spoke, it would only provoke suspicion or discontent. It was better to observe from the shadows first.


    The Flower Sword Saint was the only female among the Seven Sword Saints¡ªand also the youngest. Kenley recalled that, during the events of the fourth expansion, she had just attained the rank of Sword Saint.


    At present, she was only level 65, not yet at her peak. In the sixth expansion, however, she had once slain three demon lords single-handedly¡ªher most legendary battle.


    The squires looked up at their newly ascended Sword Saint with adoration, eagerly stepping forward to greet her.


    Kenley took the opportunity to study her as well. She had long, pink hair, gemstone-like eyes, and wore a silver light armor over a white battle dress. Around her neck hung a three-gem pendant, and her left wrist bore a black armguard. Her appearance exuded both competence and elegance.


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    Her posture was poised, her features striking¡ªeven among women, her beauty was exceptional. She maintained a faint, almost imperceptible smile, and her gentle gaze carried no sharpness. Yet, the composure in her demeanor made her overwhelming strength evident to everyone present.


    At her waist hung an ornately patterned, well-maintained sword in a pure white scabbard. Though it remained sheathed, anyone with a shred of knowledge could tell it was no ordinary weapon.


    Flower Whisper¡ªAether.


    That was the name of her sword, the very weapon that had forged her legend. A growing weapon that had accompanied Roland through countless battles, it had eventually evolved to legendary quality¡ªan unparalleled masterpiece.


    At this moment, it was likely at epic (purple) grade.


    "You''ve all worked hard in training today." Roland''s voice was soft yet distinctive¡ªKenley immediately recognized it, conjuring her image in his mind.


    "Rogue, your swordsmanship has improved significantly, but there are still a few moves that need refinement," she said.


    "Yes, Lord Roland! To receive your guidance is an honor beyond words!" The leading squire¡ªlevel 15¡ªwas visibly overwhelmed with excitement at being singled out by the Sword Saint.


    As expected, she was just as kind and patient as in the game. Kenley still remembered the time he had sought her out as a mentor¡ªback then, several players had been dueling over the opportunity to learn from her.


    Haha, how long ago was that?


    The memory made him chuckle involuntarily.


    "Who dares behave so rudely, laughing out loud here?!"


    One of the squires immediately glared at him, seeming offended by his laughter.


    Suddenly, all eyes were on Kenley.


    He sighed inwardly¡ªhe had been too absorbed in his thoughts and had let his voice slip.


    Straightening up, he offered a polite bow."Apologies. I was merely reminded of something personal, and it made me laugh. I meant no disrespect. Please forgive me."


    "Nonsense! You were clearly mocking Rogue! You carry a sword¡ªare you a warrior? If so, let''s have a duel!"


    Kenley broke into a cold sweat. These squires are really hotheaded. I laughed once, and now they want to challenge me?


    Rogue, the squire in question, narrowed his eyes."I don''t know who you are, but since you carry a sword, I assume you have some skill with it?"


    "Yeah! You laughed so boldly¡ªdoes that mean your swordsmanship is that great? Prove it in a duel!"


    "Don''t be a coward! If you dare to mock someone but lack the courage to face them, did your mother never teach you proper manners?"


    The squires quickly joined in, jeering as though Kenley were some uncultured rogue.


    Kenley''s mouth twitched. Are they using the Sword Saint''s presence as an excuse to show off? Hoping to impress her with their sword skills?


    "Lord Sword Saint, please bear witness! He was the one who mocked us first! We request a duel to settle this!" one of the squires declared.


    Roland furrowed her brows. She had originally come here at Bishop''s request, intending to mentor a few of the trainees. Having spent some time studying at the Church, she had wanted to revisit old memories.


    But she was a well-mannered woman. Rather than giving an immediate answer, she first took a closer look at the young man in question.


    A standard-issue imperial military sword at his waist. His attire resembled that of a southern merchant. No noble crest¡ªso he wasn''t an aristocrat. Wait¡­ A Devout''s Emblem?!


    After some thought, Roland finally spoke."Young man, what is your name?"


    "Kenley."


    "A fine name. While I do not know the reason for your laughter, improper behavior can indeed invite criticism. Kenley, do you accept this duel? Rest assured, you are under no obligation. With me here, no one will resort to violence if you decline."


    Her voice was gentle and soothing, though her words felt like she was subtly offering him a way out.


    Roland really hasn''t changed¡­


    "You may refuse," Rogue sneered,"but by tomorrow, the entire capital will know the name¡®Kenley the Coward.''"

 Chapter 72: Duel 2

    Kenley smirked subtly. Quite bold to provoke him like this. PvP? This guy must have a death wish.


    "Well? Do you dare accept? Or are you so scared of a duel that you''ll wet your pants?" Rogue sneered.


    "Rogue is the most talented swordsman in recent years. Running into him¡ªthis guy must be out of luck."


    "Exactly. I haven''t seen anyone with a better talent than Rogue lately. And yet, this fool dares to mock him? He''s asking for death."


    "He doesn''t look that old¡ªprobably can''t even hold a sword properly. What kind of swordsmanship foundation could he possibly have? I bet he''ll be down in two moves."


    The crowd erupted into jeers. In their eyes, Kenley was already a defeated opponent, not worth mentioning.


    "Apologies, but I refuse." Kenley crossed his arms and smiled slightly, as if he hadn''t heard the jeering or Rogue''s provocation at all.


    Everyone was momentarily stunned before bursting into laughter.


    "Hahahaha! Did I hear that right? Admitting defeat before even fighting? As expected, trash is just trash!"


    "Forget it! A coward like him isn''t even worthy of carrying my boots. I don''t even want to waste a glance on him!"


    Rogue sheathed his sword with a look of disdain."Then get lost! Kenley, was it? Rest assured, by tomorrow, everyone will know what a pathetic coward you are."


    Roland, standing nearby, let out a small sigh of relief but couldn''t help feeling a twinge of disappointment. She truly didn''t want any conflicts on the sacred Blessing Day, yet hearing Kenley''s outright refusal still left her somewhat let down.


    If Kenley had shown some backbone and accepted the duel, she could have found an opportunity to help him, ensuring he could walk away without too much trouble.


    But now, his outright rejection left her with no interest in defending him. Whatever happened after tomorrow was no longer her concern¡ªafter all, it was Kenley who had been rude first.


    Just as everyone assumed Kenley was nothing but a coward and continued laughing, he casually brushed off his shoulder and spoke, instantly silencing the crowd.


    "Do you know why I refused? Because I have no interest in sparring with an amateur who lacks proper training. If I were to win, people might question Lord Roland''s teachings. In that case, it wouldn''t just be your reputation on the line, but hers as well. And you? You''re nothing but a minor character who wouldn''t even survive the first chapter of a novel¡ªunworthy of tainting Lord Roland''s name."


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    "What did you say?!" Rogue''s eyes widened in fury.


    "That bastard! He''s too arrogant!"


    "Rogue! Teach that insolent fool a lesson!"


    The retainers'' faces turned pale, then red with anger. None of them had expected Kenley to actually retaliate, let alone mock Lord Roland''s swordsmanship in the process.


    Rogue gritted his teeth."So what you''re saying is that Lord Roland''s swordsmanship training isn''t even enough to let a nobody like you win?"


    Roland, the one who had been the most curious, studied Kenley closely. At her level, few things could stir her emotions anymore, and even Kenley''s words failed to provoke her anger.


    Instead, she was intrigued. Where did this young man find the confidence to speak such audacious words?


    "Do you dare have a proper duel with me? Like a real man!" Rogue stepped forward three paces, clearly enraged.


    Kenley took three steps forward as well.


    "Then allow me to witness just how refined your swordsmanship truly is," Rogue seethed, his eyes locked onto Kenley.


    "Wait." Just as the two were about to clash, Roland suddenly spoke.


    "This duel will be decided in a best-of-three format. You will stop at first blood¡ªno lethal strikes. Victory goes to whoever first places their blade at their opponent''s neck or disarms them."


    Rogue immediately bowed."I shall abide by Lord Roland''s decision." He then shot a glance at Kenley.


    Kenley also bowed."I have no objections."


    "Then, begin."


    Roland led the retainers to the sidelines, leaving the stage open for Kenley and Rogue. However, the crowd was overwhelmingly in Rogue''s favor, showering him with cheers while hurling jeers at Kenley.


    "Rogue! Teach that arrogant fool a lesson!"


    "Beat the crap out of him, Rogue! We''ve got your back!"


    Rogue smirked confidently and lifted his sword."After you."


    "No, after you," Kenley replied casually, standing in a relaxed stance, his sword held without any discernible form or intent.


    "A complete amateur who doesn''t even know proper sword stances? I have no idea where you got the confidence to run your mouth." Rogue sneered.


    "I don''t need a stance to deal with you."


    "You¡ª!" Rogue inhaled sharply, his chest rising and falling violently. It was easy to see just how furious he was.


    "Take this!" Without another word, Rogue launched himself forward in a charging strike, swinging his sword with force.


    Hah, opening with a full-on charge? Who gave you the confidence to try that? Kenley remained unfazed, waiting to assess his opponent''s technique.


    With a casual sweep of his sword, Kenley deflected Rogue''s strike.


    "Hmph!" As soon as Rogue entered striking range, he raised his blade to parry. A sharp clang rang through the air as metal clashed, the impact sending tremors through Rogue''s grip.


    Damn, he''s got strength. Rogue was startled, though he showed no sign of backing down. To him, Kenley''s casual stance was riddled with openings.


    Pivoting swiftly, Rogue spun in a full 360-degree motion, using the momentum to execute a returning strike.


    But Kenley was even faster¡ªhe simply took a sharp step backward, refusing to engage.


    "Huh?!" Rogue''s sword slashed through empty air, leaving him momentarily stunned.


    "Rising Blade¡ªTriple Strike!" Rogue''s gaze sharpened, immediately chaining into a follow-up attack.


    Three sharp sword cries echoed through the air, the metallic hum slicing through the tension. With each step forward, Rogue delivered an upward slash with a reach of nearly three meters.


    "It''s here! Rogue''s signature three-step combo! No one who''s seen it for the first time can avoid getting hit."


    "Go, Rogue! Teach that bastard a lesson!"


    Rogue exuded complete confidence. This technique, refined under Lord Roland''s instruction, had been his trump card after a full year of training.

 Chapter 73: Duel 3

    Every strike carried a follow-up attack¡ªonce the enemy was hit by his sword, a kick, a sweep, or a slash was sure to follow. These were meticulously designed consecutive attacks, each refined through real combat experience.


    In all his past sparring sessions, nearly no opponent had escaped this three-strike combo. So far, none of the squires present had been able to break this technique. This was why Rogue was hailed as the most gifted swordsmanship candidate in recent years.


    Kenley took a step back, then another.


    "Hah! That guy''s so scared he only knows how to dodge like a coward! He can''t even counterattack!"


    "Just a moment ago, he was running his mouth, and now he looks like a clown! How ridiculous!"


    Seeing Kenley in such a predicament, the onlookers mocked him mercilessly.


    Bang!


    A loud sound rang out as Kenley tried to block with his sword, only for it to be knocked right out of his hands, sent flying into the air!


    "First round¡ªRogue wins!" Roland frowned, worried that Rogue might not be able to restrain himself, and immediately announced the victory in a loud voice.


    For a moment, everyone was stunned, then they burst into laughter.


    "Hah! That guy lost! Did you see that? He spent the entire fight cowering like a turtle, not even daring to strike back!"


    "Look at Rogue''s victory! That''s what happens to those who don''t know their place¡ªthey get crushed like ants!"


    "I saw this coming! He''s nothing but a dung beetle with a foul mouth¡ªother than rolling in filth, he knows nothing!"


    "Hahahaha¡­"


    Rogue lifted his chin proudly, almost looking down at Kenley with his nose."My apologies, it was just a lucky win! What was it you were saying about me earlier? Oh, right! I can already imagine someone carving Kenley onto a post and letting a dog piss on it. Once a name stinks, it never smells good again! Hahaha!"


    Kenley shrugged indifferently, walking over to pick up his sword."Less talking, more fighting. Let''s start the second round."


    Rogue immediately turned to Roland."Lord Roland? Do you think there''s even a need to continue?"


    Roland frowned and asked,"Kenley, do you still wish to continue?"


    Kenley twirled his sword casually before assuming the same relaxed stance as before."Please proceed, Lord Roland."


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    Seeing the smug expression on Rogue''s face, a faint smile reappeared on Kenley''s lips.


    But to Rogue and his fellow squires, that smile looked entirely different¡ªthey thought Kenley was mocking them.


    "Rogue, look at that ignorant fool! He''s still laughing at you!"


    "Rogue, teach him a lesson!"


    "Don''t you even have the most basic manners?" Rogue sneered coldly, furrowing his brows.


    Kenley shook his head."Apologies, I wasn''t mocking anyone. I just recalled something from the past and felt a bit sentimental."


    "The past? You mean memories of being beaten and humiliated? If that''s the case, I don''t mind helping you relive them." Rogue smirked.


    "Rogue, you created this sword technique yourself, didn''t you?" Kenley suddenly asked.


    "How do you know?"


    "Your technique is exquisite, and it''s clear you''ve put immense effort into it. I must say, it''s a beautifully crafted combo." Kenley praised.


    Rogue was slightly taken aback."But I don''t appreciate being complimented by a novice who doesn''t even understand swordsmanship. If you''re trying to make me lower my guard, you''re wasting your time."


    Kenley smiled faintly."I''ve been observing closely. Your swordsmanship is indeed formidable, but it has several clear weaknesses. For instance, your sword has a tendency to sink slightly, which happens because you haven''t found a smooth follow-up move and are forced to drop your stance."


    Kenley''s analysis was so precise that even Roland''s eyes lit up upon hearing it.


    "You''re talking nonsense! Rogue''s swordsmanship is the best here, and he''s the most talented!" The squires refused to believe him.


    A flicker of surprise crossed Rogue''s face. He hadn''t expected this stranger to pinpoint his biggest flaw so effortlessly. He waved a hand, silencing his companions."I don''t know how you figured that out, but if you understand swordsmanship, why didn''t you fight back?"


    "Because I was learning."


    "Learning?" Rogue''s expression shifted.


    "That''s right. I''ve memorized your three-strike combo perfectly. If you don''t believe me, let''s fight and see."


    "Fine. Let''s find out whether you have real skill or if you''re just bluffing." Rogue raised his sword.


    Kenley had intentionally let Rogue win the first round, using the time to observe and fully memorize his opponent''s signature moves. Now, Rogue''s abilities had become Kenley''s abilities. This was Kenley''s self-created technique¡ªinstant combat analysis and retention!


    Back on the field, Roland raised his hand."Second round, begin!"


    This time, Rogue said nothing. Just like before, he launched into a charge.


    But Kenley was no longer the same opponent.


    He immediately adopted a defensive stance, and the moment Rogue''s attack made contact, he countered with a perfectly timed parry, neutralizing the charge instantly.


    Foolish! Rogue sneered internally. Most opponents instinctively defended against his charge, and he had already developed the perfect countermeasure.


    Blunt Strike!


    With a swift motion, Rogue flipped his sword, aiming a powerful pommel strike at Kenley! This attack had a built-in guard-breaking effect¡ªagainst enemies who foolishly defended, it was a guaranteed hit.


    Once struck by Blunt Strike, the target would be momentarily stunned¡ªleaving them completely vulnerable to his three-hit combo, ensuring victory!


    But at that moment, Kenley raised his hand and blocked the strike!


    "Is he insane? That''s a Blunt Strike! It has a built-in guard-break effect!" Rogue''s eyes widened in disbelief.


    And yet¡ª


    What happened next left Rogue completely dumbfounded.


    Kenley executed a flawless counter at the very last moment. Even if it was Blunt Strike, so what? Against a perfect counter, even the strongest technique was rendered useless!


    With a loud clang, Rogue''s sword was sent flying into the air. His stunned expression betrayed the turmoil in his heart.


    "This... this is impossible!"

 Chapter 74: Duel 4

    Roland, acting as the referee, widened his eyes slightly. What was this?


    Kenley deflected Rogue''s sword with a single strike and took a bold step forward, shouting sternly,"Upward Slash, First Stage!"


    "What?" The crowd was taken aback upon hearing Kenley''s words.


    With a loud clang, Kenley''s sword struck Rogue''s chest plate, sending out a burst of red sparks! The sheer force of the impact instantly threw Rogue off balance.


    "Upward Slash, Second Stage!"


    Kenley ignored the astonished gazes of the spectators and swiftly followed up with a fierce upward cut using both hands. Sparks erupted again as he struck from below, giving Rogue no time to react¡ªanother hit landed!


    Bang!


    Before anyone could react, Kenley''s sword strikes continued at lightning speed. Rogue, still struggling to regain his footing, had no chance to counterattack! He could do nothing but endure Kenley''s relentless assault, being forced further and further back with each blow.


    "Upward Slash, Third Stage!"


    The entire audience held their breath. Wasn''t this the same move Rogue had just used? How did Kenley know it? He wasn''t a knight who had trained in the practice grounds¡ªthere was no way he should have been familiar with Rogue''s techniques.


    As the third stage concluded, Kenley''s movements were identical to Rogue''s own technique. Rogue''s head was spinning, his disoriented body no longer obeying his will.


    But he knew this set of three slashes well. If he were in Kenley''s position, the next move would be¡ªyes, the kick!


    As expected! The kick came! Kenley had memorized the sequence without a single mistake! The reason for the kick was to ensure a seamless transition between attacks. It served three purposes:


    To close the gap with a retreating opponent.To keep the enemy off balance.To apply a weakening effect, making it harder for the enemy to defend.


    Kenley delivered a cold, precise kick to Rogue''s chest. With a muffled thud, Rogue staggered back a step¡ªbut Kenley''s footwork followed closely behind.


    "Sweeping Strike!"


    This was the second sequence in the chain, a continuation attack after the kick. However, Kenley did not aim for a lethal spot. Instead, he swung his sword directly at Rogue''s weapon.


    "No!"


    Rogue panicked and tightened his grip on his sword, trying to resist the violent force threatening to knock it away.


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    Kenley, however, scoffed and gave him no chance to hold on.


    "Cleave!"


    Since Rogue''s sword was already at an awkward angle, Kenley did not hesitate¡ªhe struck down with full force! The powerful impact sent a numbing pain through Rogue''s hands, making his grip falter.


    A violent trembling overtook his arms. In the next instant, Rogue''s sword was sent flying from his grasp!


    With a sharp clang, the weapon spun through the air before plunging deep into the ground of the training field.


    Kenley lifted his sword to Rogue''s throat."You lost."


    "Second round¡ªKenley wins!" Roland immediately announced in a loud voice.


    The training grounds fell silent.


    The previous doubts, mockery, and laughter vanished, replaced by looks of sheer disbelief.


    The tension in the air was so thick that the sound of breathing was audible.


    Rogue''s eyes were wide with shock. He couldn''t believe what had just happened. A moment ago, he had been defeated¡ªby his own technique! And he had lost so utterly that every strike landed with perfect precision!


    Not only had Kenley flawlessly avoided fatal points, but he had also used the continuation moves to disarm Rogue with pinpoint accuracy. This was beyond mere skill¡ªsuch mastery required exceptional insight.


    Rogue knew that only his close comrades had seen his sword techniques before. He had never revealed them to an outsider.


    Which meant¡­ Kenley had learned it all on the spot, just by watching?!


    These techniques might have seemed simple, but Rogue had painstakingly refined them over an entire year! They had been honed through countless battles, carefully adjusted under the guidance of Sword Saint Roland, until they reached perfection.


    Even if someone saw the moves, they wouldn''t be able to grasp their essence just by mimicking them.


    "You¡­ How did you do that?"


    Rogue stared at Kenley, his voice trembling slightly.


    Kenley responded coolly,"A technique like that¡ªone look is enough to learn it, isn''t it?"


    This was Kenley''s strategy: let the opponent win the first round. It lured them into complacency while allowing Kenley to analyze their combat style, habits, and skill patterns. This kind of strategy was called reverse tactical countering, and Kenley had mastered it to perfection.


    Beating Kenley was no easy task.


    "This¡­ This is impossible!"


    Rogue''s confidence was shaken to the core. Was this the difference in natural talent? He refused to believe it!


    "I won''t accept this! I demand another match!"


    One year¡ªan entire year! Rogue had trained tirelessly to perfect this technique. He had honed it to an unparalleled level of proficiency.


    Yet, Kenley had learned it in a single exchange and executed it even more smoothly than Rogue himself. How could he accept such a reality?


    "Lord Roland, I request another round!"


    Roland sighed softly. She knew¡ªRogue had already lost. Even without a third match, she could see the outcome.


    The gap in talent was simply too vast. Same age, yet different comprehension abilities.


    From Roland''s perspective, Kenley had never used the three-strike technique before today.


    As a master swordsman herself, she understood the profound intricacies behind Kenley''s execution. He had not only memorized Rogue''s technique in the first match but had even refined its weaknesses during the second. His execution was sharper and more seamless than Rogue''s own.


    Roland knew how much effort Rogue had poured into perfecting this skill over a year. His dedication and perseverance were admirable. But when someone with superior talent wielded the same technique against him, his sword heart¡ªhis confidence¡ªwas shattered.


    Once the sword heart was damaged, winning again would be difficult¡­


    However, perhaps this defeat was a lesson Rogue needed. It would show him that there were always stronger opponents in the world. This battle might change him, forcing him to grow beyond his limits.


    "But Rogue, are you alright?" Roland glanced at the three marks left on Rogue''s chest plate, her voice carrying a hint of concern.


    "I''m fine, Lord Roland! I can still fight!"


    Though Rogue''s pupils trembled slightly, his voice remained firm. Outwardly, he had yet to surrender¡ªbut Roland could already see the doubt in his heart.

 Chapter 75: Duel 5

    Round Three, Begin!


    Since that was the case, Roland no longer tried to dissuade them. In fact, she was eager to witness Kenley''s true strength once more.


    Rogue took a deep breath, raised his sword, and glared at Kenley."I have to admit, you do have some talent. But having talent doesn''t mean you can look down on everyone else. I, Rogue, will show you what true strength really is today!"


    "Go, Rogue! Take him down!"


    "Yeah, don''t be intimidated by his weak tricks! Teach him a lesson!"


    The crowd cheered enthusiastically for Rogue.


    A declaration of war¡ªsomething most NPCs only did upon entering their final state. Just like Perron, just like Dane. But Kenley had witnessed countless second and third-phase transformations from his enemies. How could he possibly be intimidated by a mere level 15 retainer?


    Kenley straightened his posture, his sword angled downward while his left hand rested behind his back. His gaze remained fixed ahead."Strength is proven through battle, not through words. Rogue, you talk too much."


    Rogue''s expression turned cold, but anyone with keen eyes could see the fury burning in his gaze.


    "You call that a sword stance?" Rogue sneered.


    Kenley couldn''t be bothered to respond.


    However, off to the side, the Flower Sword Saint, Roland, looked at Kenley''s stance in astonishment. Why did it look so similar to her own? That was the opening stance of the Violet Roland Swordsmanship, the very beginning of its first form¡ªDrifting Blossom.


    In Aude Continent, players could wield their swords freely and perform sword techniques. If a player hadn''t formally learned a skill from an NPC but managed to replicate a technique purely from memory, something extraordinary would occur.


    Just wait and see...


    Kenley suddenly closed his eyes, silently recalling Roland''s Floral Swordsmanship. Swordsmanship was a truly unique existence in the game. It had no ranking system, nor did it require players to reach a certain level before unlocking it.


    As long as you had enough skill points, you could master it whenever you wished. However, swordsmanship grew alongside the player¡ªit became stronger as the player advanced in rank. The higher one''s tier, the greater the damage, and the richer the effects of the techniques.


    Kenley had apprenticed under the Flower Sword Saint back when he was level 45, meaning he had been at the Bronze rank at the time. Roland''s Floral Swordsmanship had five distinct phases:


    Drifting Blossom¨C Inflicts imbalanceDancing Petals¨C Inflicts weaknessSevered Branch¨C Inflicts crippleFlourishing Bloom¨C Inflicts stunFull Bloom¨C Inflicts grievous wounds


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    However, this was merely the first stage¡ªViolet Floral Form. Each sequence came with a built-in effect, ensuring absolute control over opponents. To maintain balance, the developers had adjusted the effects¡ªeach one lasted only 0.5 seconds, except for Full Bloom, which inflicted grievous wounds for 3 seconds. After all, too much crowd control would be game-breaking.


    But don''t underestimate that mere 0.5 seconds. In the heat of battle, such an opening could be fatal. Not to mention the late-game potential¡ªcountless overpowered gems and runes. If paired with a top-tier sword, one embedded with stunning or weakening effects, just imagine how broken it could be.


    Now, the question was¡ªhow much power could Kenley unleash in this Era of the Ironborn?


    Seeing Kenley close his eyes, Rogue felt a surge of fury. He was taking this battle seriously, yet this bastard had the audacity to shut his eyes?!


    If a warrior could endure this, what else couldn''t they endure?


    "Take this!" Rogue no longer hesitated. His eyes gleamed with determination as he charged forward once more!


    This time, however, he didn''t use the same three-strike combo as before. Instead, he planned to execute a newly developed technique¡ªthe very reason for his confidence.


    Rogue knew it was a gamble, but he believed it was worth it. He had already lost one round. If he lost again, how could he face anyone in the royal city?


    "Crescent Moon Slash!"


    This was a technique Rogue had devised himself, inspired by Sword Saint Roland''s teachings.


    "Rogue is using his secret trump card!"


    "I''ve sparred with Rogue before¡ªthis move is incredibly powerful! There''s no way he''ll lose this time!"


    The crowd erupted with excitement, eagerly anticipating Rogue''s new technique.


    Rogue smirked confidently. Crescent Moon Slash was an expansive, sweeping strike¡ªa curved attack that appeared straightforward but held hidden depths. From the front, it seemed like a single-point assault, yet its trajectory concealed intricate layers.


    However, Kenley raised an eyebrow in slight surprise. Wasn''t this the same move Tyson had used¡ªthe Battle Anthem? So, this kid had stolen from his old opponent?


    Facing a technique once used by a defeated rival, Kenley was momentarily transported back to the grand stage of the Global Tournament. Blazing spotlights, countless cameras, a worldwide live broadcast¡ªeveryone watching that legendary duel.


    "Tyson..." Kenley chuckled. If Rogue could make him recall those memories, then fate was surely playing tricks on him.


    Kenley''s gaze sharpened."Drifting Blossom!"


    At that moment, Kenley''s figure blurred, as if he had vanished into thin air¡ªcompletely disappearing from Rogue''s sight!


    "Where is he?!" Rogue was stunned. Wasn''t he supposed to be an Ironborn? Why did it feel like he was using techniques exclusive to Silver-ranked players? Could it be Wind Magic''s Rapid Shift?!


    "Rogue, behind you!" someone shouted.


    Rogue immediately sensed danger and instinctively raised his sword to block!


    "Too late," Kenley stated coldly.


    In an instant, Kenley''s blade sliced through the air like a whispering wind¡ªsilent, swift, and deadly. His sword light slithered like a serpent, cutting diagonally upward from Rogue''s lower left side.


    Kenley moved like a stalking predator, his coiled stance exuding a raw, unrestrained power, ready to explode at any moment.


    An impeccable attack trajectory¡ª!


    It was aimed precisely at Rogue''s waist, his weakest point¡ªhis fatal flaw!


    "This is impossible!" Rogue''s mind screamed in disbelief. He desperately lowered his stance, attempting to shift into a defensive posture. But it was too late.


    Kenley had seized the initiative, and Rogue simply couldn''t keep up.


    "There''s no time!" someone in the crowd exclaimed.


    A sharp, grating sound filled the air¡ªthe clash of steel. Sparks erupted violently, the undeniable proof that Rogue had been struck!


    "My body¡­ it won''t move¡ª!" Rogue''s mind reeled in shock. This was the imbalance status effect¡ªone of a warrior''s greatest nightmares.


    But then, something unexpected happened.


    0.2 seconds?


    Rogue''s eyes widened in delight. He still had a chance!

 Chapter 76: Duel 6

    But...


    For Rogue, it was too late!


    If Kenley couldn''t seize even this 0.2-second opening, then he might as well retire from his career!


    Although Rogue quickly regained control of his body, Kenley''s strike followed without delay.


    Rogue immediately swung his sword to block while constantly adjusting his stance, trying to fully face Kenley head-on, leaving no opportunity for a flanking attack.


    But...


    The most renowned aspect of the Roland Floral Swordsmanship was that it never fixated on direct assaults¡ªevery attack came from tricky angles, such as the flanks, the back, or under the arms.


    This was precisely why the Roland Floral Swordsmanship was hailed by coaches as the pinnacle of PvP swordsmanship. Though it was slightly inferior to Wilk''s techniques, it was still undeniably a master-level sword style!


    "Floral Dance¡ª!"


    Kenley narrowed his eyes. With a sweeping pivot, his body moved like a drifting Roland flower in the wind, adjusting seamlessly to Rogue''s movements in an elegant and unique posture.


    "There''s no mistake!"


    Roland''s eyes widened in shock! She was certain¡ªKenley was using her very own Roland Floral Swordsmanship!


    How could she not recognize her own swordsmanship after all these years? From the moment Kenley adopted the initial stance, to executing Petal Drift, and now Floral Dance¡ªif she failed to recognize her own technique, then all her years of training would have been in vain.


    The First Bloom¡ªPurple Floral Verse. Where did he learn it from?


    I haven''t even completed my training yet, nor have I taught it to anyone else. Could he have stolen it?


    Roland couldn''t help but wonder.


    Yet, as she racked her brain, she could not recall a single battle in which a young man named Kenley had ever demonstrated such swordsmanship.


    Kenley had no time to care about Roland''s astonishment. His stance shifted again, and so did the tip of his sword. The blade, following Kenley''s precise adjustments, slashed forward in an almost incomprehensible manner¡ªlike fluttering petals in the wind.


    "The back¡ª!"


    Rogue was utterly shocked. If he took a hit to the back, no matter what negative effect the strike carried, he would suffer double the consequences!


    Unacceptable!


    Clenching his teeth, he seemed to unleash an explosion of untapped potential. His body twisted sharply, keeping up with Kenley''s movement at an incredible speed. Such a rapid adjustment¡ªhe actually managed it!


    Against an ordinary opponent, they would have been struck already.


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    "This guy¡­ he''s got some skill," Kenley couldn''t help but acknowledge his opponent''s quick reaction.


    The Imperial Military Sword clashed at the last moment, barely allowing Rogue to evade the fatal thrust. However, another fresh scratch appeared across his chest plate.


    "Ugh!"


    Rogue let out a muffled groan¡ªWeakness!


    Damn it! How does every one of this bastard''s strikes carry a special effect?


    Where did this genius even come from? Why had Rogue never heard of someone like Kenley before?


    Rogue''s mind could no longer function rationally. With the Weakness debuff affecting him, he had no means of defending himself.


    Damn it! If I can''t defend, then I''ll abandon defense and strike instead!


    Rogue raised both hands high, forgoing any clumsy blocks or dodges. Instead, he aimed a direct, all-out cleave at Kenley''s front!


    It''s over!


    From the sidelines, Roland watched the scene unfold and could already predict Rogue''s fate.


    If Kenley had truly mastered the Roland Floral Swordsmanship, then Rogue''s reckless abandonment of defense played right into Kenley''s hands.


    This was precisely what made the Roland Floral Swordsmanship so terrifying and fearsome to its foes. Every attack was calculated, each step meticulously leading the opponent into a prearranged trap.


    As expected.


    Just as Roland had anticipated, she saw it clearly¡ªthe talented young man''s lips curled into a barely noticeable smirk.


    Rogue''s reckless slash was proof of his desperation, utterly falling into Kenley''s rhythm. His stance was wide open, his movements sluggish¡ªKenley''s speed far outmatched the now-panicked Rogue.


    "Severed Branch¡ª!"


    Kenley''s figure flickered. Like a venomous snake striking from the underbrush, a thin, silver sword light flashed like a line between sea and sky, piercing straight through Rogue''s front!


    "Ughhh¡ª!"


    Rogue let out a miserable cry!


    Although the attack struck his breastplate, the Cripple effect still took hold!


    The Cripple debuff caused instantaneous, nerve-induced pain in the struck area.


    Even in a game, players despised the "Cripple" effect. The AR devices'' pain simulators would send signals to the brain''s cortex, compressing the sensation into a safe, controllable range¡ªyet it was still unbearably unpleasant.


    And this was reality.


    One could only imagine the agony radiating through Rogue''s chest.


    A few fractured ribs¡ªcould you even fathom the pain?


    Wracked with unbearable pain, Rogue collapsed onto the ground, drenched in cold sweat, completely losing control over his body.


    Though the Cripple effect lasted only 0.2 seconds and quickly faded, the instant wave of pain still echoed throughout his entire being.


    Just as everyone thought Kenley had delivered his final strike, he suddenly shifted his blade once more.


    That same, elegant, flower-like sword posture was drawn again.


    "Floral Bud¡ª!"


    Kenley''s sword struck rapidly at Rogue''s back armor¡ªthree swift thrusts!


    "Bang! Bang! Bang¡ª!"


    Kenley''s sword moved at an inhuman speed, his strikes like three streaks of flowing light crashing against Rogue''s backplate.


    Just as Rogue had regained control over his body, he was instantly hit by Floral Bud''s Stun effect.


    Since the attack was from behind, the melee debuff was doubled, increasing the original 0.2-second stun to 0.4 seconds.


    However, Kenley had no intention of following up with Full Bloom, as it was a killing move¡ªan execution technique. The Heavy Wound effect would inflict continuous damage on the enemy.


    Kenley could already sense a certain Sword Saint barely holding himself back from calling the fight to a halt. If he struck any further, it could become a life-threatening situation.


    Though Kenley despised Rogue''s arrogance and conceit, Roland was still present¡ªhe couldn''t let her down.


    With a cold snort, Kenley took advantage of Rogue''s stunned state.


    He lifted his sword and, with a swift smack, knocked Rogue''s blade out of his hands. Then, with a few elegant spins in the air, Kenley effortlessly caught the sword in his own grasp.


    "Round Three¡ªKenley wins!"


    Silence.


    The entire training ground fell into utter stillness.


    None of the knights-in-training could utter a single word.


    The third match had been nothing short of spectacular!


    Though Kenley was their rival, how could these sword-wielding aspirants fail to recognize the sheer brilliance of his swordsmanship?


    The most terrifying part?


    Despite the flurry of techniques, the dizzying exchanges, and the relentless back-and-forth¡ª


    The entire battle had lasted no more than five seconds.


    Can you even fathom how much had just transpired in those five seconds?


    Every second, every clash of blades¡ª


    A true masterpiece!

 Chapter 77: Sword Saint Roland 1

    As Kenley left the training grounds, preparing to return to Tia, a soft female voice suddenly called out from behind him.


    "Kenley, please wait a moment."


    Kenley halted in his steps. As expected, the renowned Flower Sword Saint had taken an interest in him. It was only natural¡ªafter all, he had displayed her signature sword technique. It would be strange if she weren''t shocked or surprised.


    Turning around, Kenley respectfully bowed."Lord Roland."


    "Kenley, I have a question for you. Who taught you that sword technique?" Roland''s gaze locked onto his, as if trying to discern something from his expression.


    Kenley smiled faintly."Lord Roland, I learned it from you."


    "From me?" Roland was momentarily taken aback. She had not expected such a direct admission.


    Her brows furrowed."But I don''t recall ever taking in a student like you."


    Kenley nodded."Do you remember half a year ago, when you accompanied His Majesty on a hunting expedition? You had a sparring match with the Captain of the Imperial Guards."


    "How do you know about that?"


    "Because at the time, I was in the mountains gathering firewood and happened to witness it. From that moment on, I became completely enamored with your swordsmanship, Lord Roland. Your techniques are intricate, elegant, and swift¡ªanyone who has seen them even once could never forget the brilliance of your sword dance. And I, Kenley, am merely one of your most devoted admirers."


    He bowed once again, his words filled with sincerity.


    Of course, Kenley would never forget that during his time in the game, this very event had taken place half a year prior, when the main storyline had progressed to Marlen Imperial City. Back when he was leveling a low-level Paladin character, he had completed the very quest of accompanying the Emperor on a hunt¡ªso naturally, he knew all about it.


    Hearing Kenley call himself her fan, coupled with his evident understanding of swordsmanship, made Roland take his words even more seriously. Her face flushed slightly¡ªthis was the first time someone had directly admitted to being her fan. She wasn''t quite sure how to respond.


    "So it was back then¡­ And you learned it just by watching once?" Roland recalled the event¡ªindeed, it had happened. But she quickly let out a small huff."If you admire me so much, then why did you leave right after the duel instead of staying? Did you not want to take the opportunity to learn more from me?"


    Kenley pondered for a moment. As expected, to entice someone, one must first feign indifference. Roland was clearly intrigued now. Since she had taken the initiative to approach him, his strategy was working. If he could successfully become her apprentice, that would be the best possible outcome.


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    But he had to be patient¡ªhe couldn''t reveal his true intentions too soon.


    "No, I do not wish to."


    His response was crisp and direct, even catching Roland off guard.


    "Why? Do you not¡­ No, do you truly not wish to learn the rest of my techniques?" For some reason, hearing her supposed fan refuse so bluntly left Roland feeling strangely empty. It was an unfamiliar sensation.


    Kenley immediately shook his head."Lord Roland, it was already a blessing beyond measure to have witnessed your magnificent sword dance that day. As the saying goes, one should not greedily covet that which they admire. Learning your techniques without your permission was already a transgression on my part. In fact, I wished to apologize for that."


    With that, he bowed once more.


    Roland was left speechless. By now, she was entirely drawn into Kenley''s words. This young man, a whole generation younger than herself, somehow stirred within her a desire to give him special attention.


    Whether it was his natural talent for swordsmanship or his unwavering respect and courtesy, Kenley had completely captured Roland''s focus.


    Before Roland could respond, Kenley continued,"Lord Roland, meeting you again today is already my greatest fortune. You are like a blooming violet, to be admired from afar but never to be sullied. There is something I have long held in my heart¡­ Would you be willing to answer a question for me?"


    "Go ahead," Roland replied, her curiosity now fully piqued. Faced with this mysterious yet talented admirer, she truly wanted to hear what he had to ask.


    Kenley''s face reddened slightly, and in a somewhat shy tone, he asked,"Lord Roland, is it true that you have remained unmarried because you have yet to find a suitable partner?"


    Roland froze.


    She had expected a question about swordsmanship, yet he had suddenly broached a topic so unrelated¡ªher personal life.


    This shift in subject caught her completely off guard, like a direct strike to the heart.


    But Kenley had not asked this question on a whim.


    He recalled a hidden storyline guide about Roland that he had once stumbled upon online while trying to learn her sword techniques in-game. Out of curiosity, he had read the entire article.


    The guide detailed Roland''s childhood: she was born into a noble family in the Cain Empire, but her parents had divorced, leaving her with a lifelong lack of maternal affection. Her father, an Imperial soldier of noble descent, had died in battle. Due to his influence, Roland had always viewed herself as half a man and had never pursued romance.


    Devoted entirely to swordsmanship, she rapidly improved through sheer dedication and talent. Before the age of thirty, she had successfully passed the Bronze Trial and Silver Trial, becoming the youngest and strongest Sword Saint in the Cain Empire.


    Her prowess had shaken the entire nation. At one point, a certain Imperial noble¡ªa marquis, if Kenley recalled correctly¡ªhad attempted to court her. But Roland had rejected him with a single condition:"Defeat me in battle."


    Naturally, that noble stood no chance.


    As a result, Roland''s reputation deterred any potential suitors¡ªwho would dare challenge her?


    After all, most ordinary NPCs peaked at Level 30, while stronger individuals rarely surpassed Level 60. Few could even dream of breaking into the Silver Rank. Roland was simply on another level.


    In the game, although players could theoretically pursue Roland, they could never truly change her ultimate fate¡ªshe would remain alone. The game''s storyline was predetermined, and no player could alter its course.


    However, there was one exception.


    According to the guide, there was a specific method¡ªRoland''s hidden romance route.


    To court Roland, a player had to meet three key conditions:


    They had to be of a lower level than her when confessing.They had to be younger than her (due to her childhood experiences, Roland preferred to have control over her relationships).They needed to engage her in conversation and pique her interest.


    And so, Kenley had asked the question¡ªnot to pry, but to take the first step in unlocking that hidden path.

 Chapter 78: Sword Saint Roland 2

    "You¡­ why are you asking this question?" Roland subconsciously shook her head, quickly regaining clarity.


    Kenley wasn''t asking out of nowhere¡ªhe wanted to disrupt Roland''s train of thought, preventing her from realizing that he was about to ask her to take him as a disciple.


    Of course, Kenley didn''t expect to marry the Sword Saint right away¡ªthat would be too absurd and unrealistic. First of all, the favorability system was an insurmountable hurdle. The 140-point favorability threshold for marriage wasn''t something that could be easily achieved.


    Kenley immediately replied,"Because I like Lord Roland!"


    His gaze was intense yet pure, devoid of any impurity, locking onto Roland''s eyes!


    This sudden declaration stunned Roland once again.


    But who was Roland? She instantly realized something was off¡ªweren''t they just talking about swordsmanship? How had the topic suddenly shifted to romance?


    She felt uncomfortable.


    What exactly was this young man trying to do?!


    "Impo¡ª" Before she could finish speaking, Kenley cut in:


    "But I will only pursue Lord Roland once I have become strong enough!"


    This sudden shift in tone hit Roland hard. She never expected this young man to be so bold and passionate.


    "You, you¡­" For a moment, Roland was at a loss for words.


    Kenley had simply followed the strategy guide. Whoever wrote that guide must have been a master of emotions. Kenley even suspected that the author was a psychology professor¡ªotherwise, how could they have crafted such an effective and impactful strategy?


    "So, Lord Roland, I am still weak and nowhere near your level. But I believe that one day, I will wield the strongest swordsmanship in this world, and my sword will earn your full recognition!"


    Kenley''s words were powerful, stirring even Roland''s emotions.


    "You¡­ are you serious?" Roland was completely shaken by the series of surprises.


    Kenley nodded."So, Lord Roland, I have a humble request."


    "What is it? Speak."


    Just as the guide predicted, Roland was clearly moved by his words. While he couldn''t tell exactly what she was thinking, at least his plan was progressing smoothly.


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    "If one day, someone stronger and more talented than me appears and wins Lord Roland''s heart before I do, I will step away and never interfere with your life. When that time comes, please do not doubt my feelings for you¡ªjust promise me this, Lord Roland."


    "You¡­" Roland had expected this reckless young man to say something even more outrageous, but instead, his words took a sudden melancholic turn.


    She couldn''t help but take notice.


    Sincerity couldn''t be faked. He wasn''t arrogant or overconfident, nor was he so humble that he could be dismissed outright.


    Who exactly was this young man?


    How could he say something so unforgettable?


    Roland''s emotions surged like waves. She had no idea what to say.


    Everything she had planned to discuss had been completely disrupted by Kenley, leaving her speechless. She stared at him¡ªa young, well-mannered man with a calmness and confidence beyond his years.


    For the first time, she felt that her life wasn''t so dull after all.


    System:"Flower Sword Saint Roland''s favorability towards you has increased by 100 points. New stage unlocked: Attention."


    It worked!


    Kenley was thrilled.


    Just as the strategy guide suggested, Roland''s favorability soared. The alternating high-low conversational technique proved just how masterful the guide''s author was in emotional psychology.


    It was a deep, precise analysis¡ªlike the most intricate surgical operation¡ªcompletely grasping the personality of Flower Sword Saint Roland.


    "Kenley, is it? I will remember your name."


    Roland took a deep breath. It was the only thing she could say at the moment.


    Her emotions were in turmoil, fluctuating wildly as she faced this young man a generation younger than her.


    Now that he had gained favorability, asking to become her disciple would be much easier.


    However, he couldn''t bring it up directly yet.


    He had to find a way to make Roland say it first.


    Kenley deliberately let out a long breath in front of Roland and patted his chest.


    "What''s wrong?" Roland asked, curious.


    "Nothing. It just feels like I''ve survived a battlefield. This feeling is pretty nice¡­ It''s good to be alive."


    Kenley smiled as if relieved.


    Roland was caught off guard¡ªthen, she laughed.


    She never expected the always-serious Kenley to have such a sense of humor.


    "Oh? Was talking to me that stressful?" Roland raised an eyebrow.


    "Not just stressful¡ªincredibly stressful!"


    "Oh? Now I''d like to hear why."


    "Because Lord Roland''s figure is truly exceptional¡ªin that regard, it''s indeed very big."


    Roland froze. Then, her face turned red.


    She quickly realized what Kenley was referring to.


    "You really are bold. I never noticed you were this shameless before."


    Yet, for some reason, being complimented on her figure put her in a good mood.


    After all, in the past, everyone either treated her with solemnity or formality.


    No one had ever spoken to her like this.


    System:"Flower Sword Saint Roland''s favorability towards you has increased by 2 points."


    Since Kenley had already piqued Roland''s interest, his remark only deepened her favorability.


    But if it had been a stranger, he would probably be facing her sword instead.


    "No, no, Lord Roland, I just don''t like lying to people I care about."


    "Hmph! Still saying you don''t lie?"


    "Half a year ago, when I was sparring with the Imperial Guard Captain during a royal hunt, I wasn''t using the first level of Purple Flower Whisper! I was using the second level¡ªWhite Blossom Phase!"


    Roland''s sharp eyes locked onto him.


    "Ah! You found out!" Kenley pretended to be shocked and covered his mouth with both hands.


    "Speak! When did you steal my sword techniques?!"


    Roland glared at him fiercely.


    "That was a month ago, when you were in¡ª"


    "Ridiculous! A month ago, I wasn''t even in Marlen Imperial City! You couldn''t have been following me the whole time, could you?"

 Chapter 79: Sword Saint Roland 3

    Roland rushed forward, grabbing Kenley by the collar. Standing so close, Roland''s breath carried a subtle floral scent, and Kenley could nearly feel her gentle exhale against his skin.


    "Actually, I just wanted to take you as my master back then!" Kenley hurriedly raised both hands, wearing an expression of surrender.


    "Oh? I don''t know where you secretly learned my swordsmanship, but I''m getting more and more curious about you. Not only do you know so much about me, but you''re also so familiar with my techniques. Be honest¡ªcan you use my second-stage sword art as well?"


    "W-Well¡­ just a tiny bit¡­" Kenley''s eyes darted around, avoiding her gaze.


    "Show me!" With a swift motion, Roland unsheathed¡¾Floral Whisper¡¤ Aether¡¿.


    "You must be kidding! Lord Roland, are you serious?" Kenley broke into a cold sweat. Damn it. He had really shot himself in the foot this time.


    He only remembered events from half a year ago and beyond, but in reality, he had no idea which stages of swordsmanship Roland had used.


    Now, things had taken a turn for the worse. Roland was already suspicious. If he failed to impress her, she would definitely get angry.


    "I''m very sure." Roland had already taken her stance."Don''t worry. I''ll only defend. Just go all out with your attack!"


    Kenley let out a sigh. Fine.


    His gaze sharpened as he immediately shed his earlier playful demeanor."Then I can''t afford to disappoint Lord Roland."


    Straightening his posture, Kenley lifted his sword with one hand, assuming an offensive stance.


    Roland''s eyes lit up. There was no mistaking it¡ªthis was¡¾Roland¡¤ Floral Whisper¡¿, second stage: White Blooming Phase, Bud Awakening stance.


    Compared to the first stage, the second stage¡ªWhite Blooming Phase¡ªwas more refined and condensed. It consisted of only three moves, but each one carried immense force.


    While the first stage focused on agility and finesse, the second prioritized sheer destructive power.


    The first move,"Bud Awakening," aimed at destabilizing the opponent while dealing high damage.


    The second move,"Slumbering Blossom," focused on stunning, with slightly lower damage but extended control duration.


    The third move,"Flourishing Bloom," was an explosive finishing strike that inflicted severe wounds.


    "Bud Awakening¡ª!"


    Kenley''s eyes gleamed with resolve. In an instant, his figure vanished, leaving behind an afterimage as his blade shot toward Roland''s face.


    "Impressive!" Roland praised sincerely. This mysterious young man continued to amaze her. She never imagined that someone could grasp the intricacies of her swordsmanship so completely.


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    And he was so young. In an era dominated by the Black Iron folk, possessing such insight was nothing short of extraordinary. His future achievements were easy to predict.


    But just then, Kenley''s blade shifted, its tip tracing a graceful"Y" in the air¡ªa movement that mirrored a sprouting bud''s rapid growth, true to its name.


    "Clang! Clang! Clang!"


    Each slash landed like a triple impact in midair, each carrying the force to unbalance its target.


    However, a Silver Sword Saint was still a Silver Sword Saint. With her overwhelming skill and reaction speed, Roland flawlessly blocked each strike.


    Golden sparks flew as their swords clashed, and Kenley swiftly altered his stance.


    Pivoting on his heel, he abruptly retracted his blade, as if a cascading waterfall had been suddenly dammed¡ªdisrupting the natural flow and throwing off his opponent''s rhythm.


    However, Roland, well-versed in the second-stage White Blooming Phase, immediately recognized this maneuver.


    A variation of"Slumbering Blossom."


    As expected, this young man never ceased to amaze her. At his age, he had already grasped such depth.


    Was he truly a once-in-a-century prodigy?


    Had he really memorized her swordsmanship after witnessing it only once?


    Roland''s admiration for Kenley deepened. At the very least, his talent was undeniable.


    "Slumbering Blossom¡ª!"


    Kenley shifted his blade once more, unleashing three simultaneous strikes.


    The silver sword light bloomed like drowsy flower buds, poised to unfurl at any moment.


    This was an advanced variation of Blossoming Petals. Stronger in impact and speed, but unlike its predecessor, these three strikes were not simple thrusts. Instead, they formed three sweeping half-moon arcs.


    The sound of the blade cutting through the air resembled a gentle breeze passing through a flower field¡ªpleasant yet harboring deadly intent.


    "Interesting!" Roland murmured.


    Something was different.


    His Slumbering Blossom wasn''t exactly the same as hers. A mistake? No. He had improved it.


    Roland was stunned.


    Someone had refined her technique.


    And that someone was a swordsman weaker than herself.


    Her smile deepened.


    The more she looked at Kenley, the more she liked him.


    A young man brimming with talent.


    A youth of limitless potential.


    A swordsman who grasped the true essence of her techniques.


    "Clang!"


    Roland was confident that she could deflect every one of Kenley''s strikes.


    But in the next moment¡ªsomething unexpected happened.


    What?!


    Impossible!


    Her pupils dilated in shock.


    She barely managed to dodge the blade poised to slice into her body, her lightning-fast reflexes saving her at the last moment.


    Had her reaction been even a fraction slower, Kenley''s sword would have hit its mark.


    What just happened?!


    Roland''s breath hitched.


    It was his modified Slumbering Blossom!


    She had wondered why he altered the move¡ªnow she understood.


    This young man¡­ was terrifying.


    Roland swallowed hard.


    She could already see it¡ª


    A rising star in the Cain Empire.


    If not for her superior base reflexes, Kenley would have undoubtedly landed that hit.


    But from Kenley''s perspective, things were different.


    Sigh. The accuracy still isn''t high enough¡­


    If he were level 50, his hit rate would have increased. Even against a level 65 Roland, that last strike would have landed for sure.


    His base stats weren''t high enough.


    No matter how brilliant his techniques and awareness were, he couldn''t escape the fundamental mechanics of Aude Continent.


    Nothing to be done.


    He''d just have to challenge her again once he leveled up.


    Kenley adjusted his stance, preparing the third move¡ª"Flourishing Bloom." He was about to unleash the final strike when he suddenly hesitated.


    Then, as if reconsidering, he lowered his blade.


    "Lord Roland, let''s stop here. I¡­ can''t seem to remember the next move."


    "Hah¡ª?!"


    Roland was caught completely off guard.


    Just when she was getting into it?!


    She stared at Kenley in frustration.


    No way. He was just about to execute the third technique! And now he says he forgot?!


    It was like a gamer about to win a raid, only for the power to go out at the last moment.


    Roland glared at him, fuming."You better not be lying to me."


    Kenley let out an awkward chuckle."I really can''t remember¡­"


    "Fine! I''ll teach you the third move myself!" Roland declared, still unsatisfied.

 Chapter 80: Sword Saint Roland 4

    System:"Flower Sword Saint Roland has initiated a swordsmanship lesson with you:[Roland''s Floral Swordsmanship]. Do you accept?"


    "Accept!" Kenley, of course, had no reason to refuse.


    Roland suddenly grabbed Kenley''s hand, pressing her body close against his.


    Hiss¡ª


    Kenley had never expected Roland to teach him this way... Feeling the soft warmth from behind, he couldn''t help but let his thoughts wander.


    Roland was only thirty this year, just one generation above Kenley. More importantly, after becoming a Silverborn, her lifespan had extended, and her appearance remained youthful.


    With how well Roland maintained herself, the situation felt as if he was being guided by a senior university student. That vague sense of infatuation was almost too much to bear.


    "Watch closely, like this..."


    Roland was demonstrating the sword technique when she unintentionally noticed Kenley staring at her with a dazed expression. Her fair cheeks instantly flushed red."Are you even paying attention? Show me what you''ve learned!"


    "Ah, sorry, sorry! It''s just that... Teacher, you were so beautiful just now that I got a little lost in the moment."


    "When did I ever agree to be your teacher? I haven''t even graduated from my own training yet!" For some reason, being stared at by a man ten years her junior left Roland feeling inexplicably flustered. She clicked her tongue at Kenley in mock reprimand, though her expression clearly showed she wasn''t displeased.


    "From the moment you taught me the first move, you''ve already become my teacher. Teacher, thank you."


    Kenley''s eyes gleamed with sincerity, like rippling water, causing Roland''s heart to skip a beat.


    System:"Flower Sword Saint Roland''s affection for you has increased by 8 points."


    Already at 110? Kenley was speechless. That strategy guide was truly lethal.


    "Ahem, enough nonsense. Show me what I just taught you." She feigned indifference, but Kenley was no novice¡ªhow could he not notice her flustered state?


    "Alright!" Kenley smiled faintly, and only then did their bodies separate.


    The moment they parted, the warmth and soft sensation on his back instantly vanished. Kenley had quite enjoyed it, after all, what man wouldn''t relish being so close to a beauty?


    But he quickly composed himself."Then, Teacher, prepare yourself!"


    "Hmph, if you want to be my student, you''d better pass my test first." Roland had already regained her composure, no longer lost in the moment.


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    "Third stance¡ªFlourishing Bloom!"


    Kenley''s gaze sharpened as he lifted his sword and spun!


    Roland was momentarily stunned. This is his first time learning? No way¡ªwhy does it feel like he''s already proficient?


    The third stance, Flourishing Bloom, like the first two, focused on explosive attacks. As his sword whirled, it resembled a violently spinning windmill, carrying tremendous force.


    Kenley''s unyielding momentum even took Roland by surprise.


    "Interesting!" Roland raised her sword, pressing her left hand against the tip of Floral Whisper¡ªAether. She seemed to have her own way of countering this move.


    A resounding clang echoed as their swords clashed, sending a fierce gust of wind between them, making their robes flutter wildly.


    "Good! That was beautiful!" Roland''s eyes sparkled with delight¡ªthis was the first time she had ever admired someone using her sword technique.


    Who would have thought her first student would be someone so talented?


    "Teacher, I''ve made a fool of myself." Kenley retracted his sword and bowed.


    "No, not at all. Your swordsmanship is excellent, though your speed isn''t quite fast enough, and your strength could be heavier. But at your age, reaching this level is remarkable¡ªyou''ll surpass me in the future." Roland praised him sincerely.


    "Teacher, if you keep flattering me like this, I might just grow wings and fly into the sky." Kenley''s face reddened.


    Roland chuckled."Haha, then you should eat less."


    "Uh, why should I eat less?"


    "Because that way, your body will be lighter, and you won''t fall as hard when you come crashing down."


    "Ah, so even Lord Roland has such a playful side." Kenley laughed along with her.


    "Hmph, enough. Give me your address¡ªwho knows, I might drop by to personally check if your swordsmanship is improving." Roland sheathed her sword, clearly satisfied with Kenley.


    "Then, Lord Roland, does this mean you agree to be my teacher?!" Kenley''s eyes lit up.


    "I never said that." Roland rolled her eyes, her demeanor fully displaying a young woman''s charm.


    "Huh?" Kenley was learning the sword, but his goal was far beyond that. Only by officially becoming her disciple could he learn even more valuable things. Mere swordsmanship was far from enough.


    Seeing his look of frustration and disappointment, Roland found it rather amusing.


    "Then, Teacher, may I have your address?" Kenley asked.


    "What are you plotting? And I told you, I haven''t agreed to be your teacher."


    "I just want to visit and learn whenever I have time. Teacher, your swordsmanship is simply too beautiful and powerful¡ªI truly, truly admire it!" Kenley''s words were honeyed, and they undeniably pleased Roland.


    To be pursued so boldly and fervently by a younger man, Roland momentarily doubted Kenley''s true motives. But considering his talent and potential, she thought it wouldn''t hurt to keep an eye on his progress. Even the most gifted individuals could become complacent, and even geniuses needed discipline.


    After a brief moment of thought, Roland finally said,"Fine, let''s exchange addresses."


    "Thank you, Teacher!" Kenley said immediately.


    "Hold on!"


    The moment she spoke, Kenley held his breath. Does she have some new condition in mind?


    "Remember, we are only sparring partners. And you are not allowed to get any funny ideas!"


    Funny ideas? What kind of funny ideas? Kenley was utterly confused.


    "Teacher, I... I don''t quite understand. Could you be a bit more direct?" Kenley furrowed his brows, looking genuinely puzzled.


    Roland''s expression shifted."Hmph, you''re surprisingly smooth-tongued for someone so young. I have every reason to doubt your intentions. Kenley, I don''t know why you''re always following me around, but let me be clear¡ªI have no interest in romance. As for your earlier claim about pursuing me, I''d like you to take it back."


    Wait¡ªso all those affection points I racked up were for nothing? Kenley was dumbfounded.


    "Teacher, I¡ª" Kenley hesitated, his mind racing through the strategy guide to see if he had made a misstep.


    But before he could continue, Roland suddenly changed her tone and said something completely unexpected:


    "Unless... you can defeat me!"

 Chapter 81: A New Arrangement 1

    When Kenley returned to Tia''s side, Bishop had already finished his business and was now chatting with Brook and the others.


    "Master! You''re back!" Tia exclaimed joyfully, immediately clinging to him.


    However, barely a second later, a sharp look flashed across her face."The scent of a woman... Master, did you just¡ª"


    Kenley looked awkward. As a vampire, Tia was extremely sensitive to scents. He hurriedly patted her shoulder."We''ll talk about it later."


    "Understood, Master..." Though Tia said nothing more, her tone was clearly tinged with concern.


    Just then, Bishop turned around.


    "Your Highnesses, this is the adventurer I wish to recommend: Kenley," Bishop introduced, gesturing to the two figures beside him¡ªone tall and one short.


    Kenley blinked in surprise. What was Bishop up to, introducing him to members of the royal family?


    "Lord Bishop, is this the descendant of the hero you mentioned?" The first to speak was someone Kenley recognized: Brody Kevin Ian, the eldest prince and heir apparent to the empire. He was tall and lanky with a rather unappealing face.


    Kenley was well aware that despite his looks, Prince Brody was the legitimate crown prince. However, Brody had a rather unusual hobby¡ªhe was obsessed with painting. Mountains, rivers, landscapes, people¡ªhe painted them all, but he was particularly fixated on people. Whenever he saw someone he liked, he would go to great lengths to paint them.


    Kenley noticed Tia unconsciously shrink back a little upon seeing the crown prince. A quick glance between them was enough for Kenley to understand¡ªPrince Brody had his eyes on Tia.


    But Tia was a vampire, a descendant of the Golden Bloodline. Marrying a vampire was out of the question, not to mention Tia was Kenley''s servant. Without breaking the contract, even the crown prince would have to restrain himself.


    As for what exactly he saw in Tia, that was yet to be determined¡ªwhether it was for a painting or something else. Kenley figured he would have to probe a bit later.


    "I don''t see what''s so special about him. Lord Bishop, if you''re planning to introduce such a fallen descendant of a hero to us, you might as well focus on training more paladins for the Church." The second speaker was the second prince, Kerler Kevin Ian.


    Compared to his elder brother, Prince Kerler was shorter but had a more pleasing face and a stockier build.


    Stolen from its rightful author, this tale is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings.


    Kenley knew that Kerler was an incorrigible womanizer, particularly fond of older women. According to the game''s plot, he had even been involved with his uncle''s wife¡ªtruly a scoundrel.


    The way he looked at Tia was filled with disdain, likely due to her being a vampire and a young girl at that.


    Kenley mentally shook his head¡ªneither of these princes was fit to rule. Knowing the empire''s eventual fate, he couldn''t muster any goodwill towards them.


    Strictly speaking, Brody was slightly better than his brother, but not by much.


    Hearing the two princes'' cold and mocking remarks, Kenley remained unfazed. He simply bowed slightly and said,"Greetings, Your Highnesses."


    "Lord Bishop, if there''s nothing else, we''ll take our leave," Kerler said without even sparing Kenley a glance. He seemed eager to get away, clearly bored out of his mind.


    "Ah, brother, don''t be so hasty. Let''s at least hear what Lord Bishop has to say," Brody replied patiently.


    Bishop nodded."Actually, it''s like this..."


    "Lord Bishop, surely I didn''t mishear? Did you just suggest that we grant him a noble title?" Brody''s eyes widened, his displeasure evident.


    Kenley''s brows furrowed slightly. So the power struggle between the Church and the Crown, the main plotline of the fourth expansion pack"Throne and Divinity,¡± was already beginning? The Church was starting to dictate terms to the Crown?


    "Lord Bishop, while we share the same faith, that doesn''t mean we must heed the Church''s every suggestion. We believe in the deity, not the deity''s emissaries," Kerler stated bluntly, cutting straight to the point without any attempt at subtlety.


    Kenley was a bit surprised. He hadn''t expected the second prince to be so bold as to say such a thing directly to Bishop''s face.


    Sensing the sudden tension, Tia grew anxious, unconsciously tugging at Kenley''s sleeve. As a member of the royal lineage, her instincts had clearly picked up on something amiss.


    To be honest, Kenley had no need for Bishop to secure him a noble title¡ªhe had plenty of ways to earn one himself. What puzzled him was Bishop''s motive for doing this.


    Bishop quickly bowed to the princes."Your Highnesses, please do not take offense. I merely made a suggestion. After all, letting a hero''s descendant wander in the wilds would disgrace our forebears. I humbly ask you to reconsider."


    Brody''s brows immediately knitted together."Offense? Lord Bishop, I fear you misunderstand. This isn''t about offense¡ªit concerns imperial law and noble privileges. This man has not yet made any sacrifices or contributions to the empire, yet you want us to hand over a noble title for free? If we set this precedent, won''t every supposed hero''s descendant come begging us for titles?"


    Kerler chimed in,"Indeed, Lord Bishop. Let''s not discuss this further. If you truly wish to grant him a title, take it up with our father. I''m sure with his wisdom, he''ll understand your intentions."


    Kenley broke into a cold sweat at the heated exchange. It was hard to tell whether Bishop was truly oblivious or just pretending.


    The worst part was that Kenley now found himself caught in the crossfire. Bishop might have had good intentions, but Kenley genuinely didn''t need them. Yet, he couldn''t directly refuse either¡ªthat would make him appear ungrateful.


    Once the princes had left, Bishop turned back with a wry smile."I apologize, children of heroes, for my presumptuousness. I merely wished to ensure a better future for you in the empire, rather than seeing you continue to wander aimlessly."


    Kenley quickly waved his hands."No, no, Lord Bishop. The Church''s support has already been more than enough. We''re living quite well now, truly. Thank you for your kindness, but please, refrain from doing such things in the future. We have our own plans for what lies ahead."

 Chapter 82: A New Arrangement 2

    Bishop nodded without saying anything more. The Day of Divine Blessing was, after all, Bishop''s busiest time. It seemed he had called Kenley over merely for matters concerning the nobles.


    However, Kenley could tell that Bishop had more to say but chose to hold back. Even so, he was unwilling to linger in the cathedral with Tia, enduring the odd stares of others¡ªespecially since Tia was a vampire.


    Tia''s presence had already caught the attention of several nobles, and she had been accosted by some of the younger ones more than once.


    By the time Kenley led Tia and Sylph out of the cathedral, it was already noon¡ªthe very peak of the Day of Divine Blessing celebrations.


    "Sigh, Tia, time is like a stream that never stops. None of us can halt its flow. But I will cherish every second spent with you," Sylph said, holding Tia''s hand.


    Tia nodded, her eyes glistening with tears."I''ll miss you, Sylph."


    "I will too."


    Kenley accompanied the two of them, walking slowly. Not far behind, Brook followed closely. As he watched the sky filled with flower petals and listened to their conversation, Kenley couldn''t help but think of his original world.


    "Well, I must be on my way, Tia," Sylph suddenly halted.


    "Mm! Safe travels, Sylph."


    At that moment, Sylph fixed her gaze on Kenley."Kenley!"


    Kenley, who had been admiring the floral rain, was startled by her sudden call. What did Sylph want now?


    "You wicked man! Once I leave, you better not bully Tia! Or I''ll never forgive you!" Sylph pouted adorably, looking every bit like a spoiled young lady.


    Kenley rolled his eyes."Rest assured, I promise¡ª" He deliberately paused, drawing out his words,"¡ªto bully Tia every day! That way, you''ll never forgive me! Hahaha!"


    "You! Y-You¡ª!" Sylph raised a fist as if to punch him, her frustration evident.


    "Alright, Sylph, I believe Master won''t do anything unreasonable," Tia said with a playful wink.


    Sylph''s expression softened as she replied to Tia,"Tia, you trust him too much."


    "Don''t worry, Sylph," Tia chuckled softly, covering her mouth.


    "Well then, I really must go now," Sylph sighed, taking a step back.


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    "Mm, go quickly," Tia urged.


    "You villain! I''m about to leave, and you don''t even have anything to say?" Sylph complained, still unwilling to let Kenley off so easily.


    Kenley shrugged deliberately."Sylph, don''t forget you still owe me for that meal."


    "It''s just a meal! How petty. I''ll have Uncle Brook pay you back, how about that? I''ll call him right now¡ª" Sylph truly believed Kenley was that stingy and made a move to call Brook over.


    But Kenley interrupted her."Do I look like someone who needs money?"


    "Then what do you want?" Sylph glared at him.


    "I want you to owe me forever. That way, I''ll always remember that a certain elven princess named Sylph owes me a debt," Kenley replied with a mischievous grin.


    "Hah! You really are a greedy scoundrel!" Sylph huffed, failing to grasp the true meaning behind his words. Her tone grew colder.


    Kenley sighed, rubbing his forehead."You''re adorably naive! Forget it. If that''s how you want to see it, I can''t help it. Fine, I won''t ask for the money anymore¡ªconsider it a gift. Oh, and by the way, Princess Sylph, travel safely." He chuckled mischievously.


    That roguish attitude made Sylph want to punch him right then and there.


    "Hmph! It''s just a few filthy, stinking coins! How disgusting!" Sylph scoffed, seemingly taking Kenley''s words at face value.


    However, Tia, standing nearby, seemed to catch on to something. At first, she was confused, but after noticing Kenley''s expression, she seemed to understand.


    She simply chuckled to herself without revealing anything, watching the two bicker with great interest. In her heart, Tia believed that with Sylph''s intelligence, she would eventually grasp the true meaning behind Kenley''s words.


    Kenley shrugged at Sylph''s indignation, unbothered. The little princess was just too easy to fool¡­ Well, she was still young, after all¡ªno wonder she missed his point.


    "Alright, alright. Look, your uncle is practically stomping his feet back there," Kenley said, nodding towards Brook, as if eager to see Sylph off.


    "Hmph! Fine, I''m leaving!" With that, Sylph turned on her heel and strode off towards Brook without looking back.


    "Owe you forever? Hah! As if! I''ll go find Uncle Brook right now to pay you back and shut that greedy mouth of yours!" Sylph grumbled angrily as she walked, her heart brimming with frustration.


    But as she walked, she suddenly recalled Kenley''s sly grin and his words:"I want you to owe me forever¡­"


    Wait¡ªdid he mean¡­?


    Sylph spun around abruptly, only to find that the bustling crowd had already swallowed up Kenley and Tia''s figures. They had vanished without a trace.


    In that instant, an overwhelming emptiness struck her chest. She understood¡ªshe finally understood what Kenley had truly meant. But when she turned back, they were gone.


    Tears slipped down her cheeks, and an indescribable sorrow welled up in her heart.


    She stood amidst the crowd and shouted with all her might:"Kenley! I will remember you! Forever¡ª! Forever¡ª!"


    Whether that scoundrel heard her or not, Sylph did not know. But as she cried out those words, her chest heaved violently with emotion.


    Sylph knew that at this moment, a shadow of someone had firmly lodged itself in her heart. It seemed unlikely she would ever forget¡­


    ¡ª---


    "Master, are we really leaving just like that? Won''t Sylph be sad¡­?" Tia looked back repeatedly with concern.


    Kenley patted Tia''s head gently."Don''t worry. She''s a very strong princess¡ªjust like you, Tia."


    Tia''s cheeks flushed."Master, if you praise me like that, Tia will feel shy."


    At that moment, Kenley seemed to hear a voice calling out from the crowd. He stopped in his tracks, glancing back in the direction where Sylph had disappeared, a complicated look in his eyes.


    Tia, who had also heard Sylph''s voice, smiled softly."Master, it seems Sylph has figured it out."


    Kenley looked into Tia''s eyes and shrugged."See? She still can''t forget I''m a scoundrel."


    Tia couldn''t help but giggle.

 Chapter 83: A New Arrangement 3

    Three Days Later


    "Tia, how are you feeling?" Kenley asked, stepping out from the inner room while toweling his hair after a bath.


    Ever since acquiring this small estate, Kenley had cleared a space specifically as a training ground. He maintained a daily exercise routine and also used this space to help Tia practice magic.


    In the game, the way NPCs leveled up was different from that of players. NPCs gained experience points through repeated training and could even advance through sudden insights or natural talent.


    With Kenley''s guidance and support, Tia had spent the past three days diligently practicing basic magic, steadily gaining experience points. Initially, Tia''s level wasn''t very high, and the only spells she knew were Magic Missile and Mana Shield, the most basic of all spells.


    However, under Kenley''s instruction, Tia''s comprehension was remarkably fast. In just three days, she had reached the 1st Tier, Level 15, surpassing Kenley''s own level.


    Kenley couldn''t help but marvel¡ªtruly worthy of her golden bloodline. Tia was now in the mid-stage of the 1st Tier, strong enough to accompany him on adventurer missions.


    At present, the spells Tia had mastered included: Magic Missile, Mana Shield, Mana Arrow, Fireball, Firewall, Fire Shield, Charm, Bloodlust, Blood Drain, and Blood Arrow.


    Tia, who was in the middle of practicing, immediately flashed a sweet smile.


    "Master, Tia feels like she''s made even more progress! Look!"


    With that, Tia promptly cast a 1st Tier Fireball right in front of Kenley. With a bang, it exploded against the trial stone.


    HP -45


    Impressive! This Fireball''s damage was significantly stronger¡ª1.2 times the usual 38 HP damage. At the 1st Tier, a typical Level 15 human enemy''s HP would be around 80 points. Tia''s Fireball, dealing 45 HP damage, was enough to wipe out nearly half of an enemy''s health in a single hit.


    Before achieving Bronze Body, the most critical aspects of defense for players were physical defense and magic resistance. All other flashy attributes were of little use compared to raw defensive stats.


    Of course, if a character specialized in a particular class, that was a different story. For instance, Sylph''s Rangers focused on agility¡ªhigh speed could indeed allow them to dodge enemy attacks.


    Thus, in the early stages, apart from using skills to counter magic, the most important factor for magical defense was equipment.


    Tia was currently casting spells bare-handed, without any suitable equipment. If she were to acquire some, her combat strength would rise dramatically.


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    For mages, casting spells was typically enhanced by three types of equipment: magic staves, magic scepters, and the rarer Arcane Rings.


    According to the lore of Aude Continent, humans could not cast spells without the use of their hands. During the Creation by the Mother Goddess, she was said to have created humans between her thumb and forefinger.


    Because of this, the Tower Mages of the Ice Plains regarded the area between the thumb and forefinger as the most mysterious and potent part of the human body, believing it to contain a hidden Arcane Vortex. Thus, they invented a special casting tool¡ªthe Arcane Ring.


    Since Tia was both a Vampire and a Martial Artist, using a magic staff would be impractical for switching between melee and ranged combat. The Arcane Ring seemed like the ideal choice.


    Considering that Tia could already wield such formidable power bare-handed, equipping her with an Arcane Ring would only make her even more overwhelming.


    Kenley couldn''t help but applaud.


    "Only three days have passed, and you''ve made such incredible progress, Tia. Congratulations!"


    "That''s only because you were willing to spend so much on Mana Potions and Memory Scrolls for me, Master. Otherwise, I wouldn''t have been able to improve so quickly," Tia replied shyly, her cheeks turning a delicate pink.


    Kenley, however, was secretly pleased. As expected of a high-growth servant. To help Tia advance, he had leveraged his Alchemist profession to continuously buy herbs from the market and brew Low-Grade Mana Potions.


    For Tia, who was only in the 1st Tier, a single Low-Grade Mana Potion was enough to fully restore her MP. Meanwhile, Kenley had taken the opportunity to level up his Alchemist profession by three levels.


    The herbs weren''t particularly expensive¡ªthe real challenge lay in the high failure rate of potion-making. With one gold coin, Kenley could buy enough materials to attempt brewing a hundred mana potions.


    However, as a player, Kenley had no such concerns. He had maxed out his Low-Grade Mana Potion skill to Master Level, ensuring a 100% success rate. In contrast, NPCs required both talent and experience to improve their potion-making success rate. Without talent, even a single potion was out of reach.


    (Note: Life profession skill points are separate from main profession skill points.)


    If Green, Kenley''s alchemy mentor, found out about his success rate, she''d probably drag him to her shop to experiment on him out of sheer curiosity.


    Kenley could easily open a potion shop in the capital and make a fortune without ever leaving his estate. But that sounded mind-numbingly dull¡ªbeing stuck brewing potions all day would drive him insane.


    He much preferred the thrill of adventuring.


    As for the Memory Scrolls Tia mentioned, those were even more interesting. For players, they were essentially experience scrolls, but for Tia, they were something else entirely.


    After using a Memory Scroll, Tia could fully re-experience and reinforce all the spells she had cast within the day. In her words, it was like replaying everything in her mind¡ªevery detail and feeling of casting spells was refreshed and ingrained anew. In other words, it significantly boosted her learning efficiency.


    However, these scrolls were incredibly expensive. Even with a 30% discount at the Magic Association, each scroll still cost 70 silver coins. Kenley had gritted his teeth and bought six of them, ensuring that Tia trained to the maximum every day for the past three days.


    Tia, aware of how costly the Memory Scrolls were, pushed herself relentlessly. Coupled with a vampire''s natural stamina and tirelessness, she had insisted that she wasn''t tired each time Kenley asked.


    But Kenley wasn''t so easily convinced.


    "Tia, that''s enough for today. Get a good night''s rest. Tomorrow, we''ll head to the Adventurers'' Guild together," Kenley said with a smile.


    "But Master, I''ve only used half of today''s Memory Scroll. If I don''t finish it, it''ll go to waste¡­" Tia replied, a bit puzzled.


    "Follow my orders, Tia. That''s enough for today¡ªrest well," Kenley said, gently patting her head.


    "Okay! I''ll listen to you, Master," Tia responded sweetly, a bright smile lighting up her face.

 Chapter 84: A New Arrangement 4

    When Kenley pulled Tia back to his room, Tia''s face was flushed with embarrassment, lost in her own thoughts.


    "What''s wrong, Tia?" Kenley keenly sensed that something was off.


    She halted in her steps, her hands fidgeting anxiously. Just like those innocent girls Kenley had seen during his school days¡ªnervous yet with a hidden affection in their eyes.


    Irene?


    For some reason, Kenley seemed to recall the time when he was still in the game. It was when he first met Irene, and the Dragon Roar Guild was still just a small guild. Later on, it gradually expanded to a scale even Kenley hadn''t anticipated.


    "Master, are you hungry today?"


    "Is there anything you especially want to eat?"


    "Tia has learned a few recipes and wants you to try them."


    Kenley was slightly taken aback. When did she learn to cook? Did she secretly practice while he was asleep?


    "I''m curious about what you''ve learned, Tia¡­ but it''s already quite late. How about tomorrow instead¡ª"


    Before Kenley could finish, Tia immediately interjected,"No, Tia''s not tired! Master, Tia just wants to do something within her ability for you!"


    Her tone was firm, as if she had made a significant decision. Kenley could tell that she seemed a bit uneasy. As for why, he could guess part of it.


    "What a thoughtful yet incredibly kind little princess," Kenley sighed inwardly.


    Indeed, all this time, Tia had been under his care, and he hadn''t really allowed her to do anything for him. She was probably worried¡ªafraid that her uselessness might one day make him resent her.


    Kenley hesitated for a moment. It wasn''t that he didn''t want Tia to do anything; rather, there was simply no need. For Kenley, the things Tia wanted to do were tasks he could easily handle himself.


    But he didn''t want to hurt Tia''s feelings, which would only deepen her belief that she was of no use. So giving her something to do occasionally would probably make her feel a lot better.


    "Alright then. As a matter of fact, I am a bit hungry. Since you want to cook, Tia, I''ll keep you company," Kenley said with a gentle smile.


    "Ah¡ª!" Tia covered her mouth in surprise."N-No, that''s not a good idea! Having Master in the kitchen with me¡­ wouldn''t that be improper?"


    Kenley took hold of Tia''s small hand, though not forcefully. Her hand was still so cold¡ªa vampire''s body temperature was different from a human''s. It wasn''t cold enough to be unbearable, but neither did it feel warm like a living person''s.


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    Tia''s cheeks flushed, and her eyes darted nervously. Though they had already crossed that line in their relationship, Tia would still exhibit a girlish shyness every time Kenley touched her.


    Honestly, every time Kenley saw that look on her face, he couldn''t help but feel a vague sense of guilt. After all, Tia''s age had been frozen at fourteen¡ªthe very age when her beauty was at its most delicate.


    Looking at Tia''s face, so lovely and fragile, Kenley let out a soft sigh."It''s alright, Tia. We''ll do it together."


    Without waiting for her response, Kenley led Tia decisively to the kitchen.


    "So, Tia, what do you want to make?" Kenley asked, glancing at the pots and pans filling the room as he began tidying up.


    Seeing Kenley''s determination, Tia had no choice but to drop her objections. Since Kenley had already stocked plenty of food in the cellar, cooking wasn''t really an issue.


    For the past few days, Kenley had been eating outside since he hadn''t hired any servants yet. He planned to do so later when he had more money; for now, his funds were being used to help Tia level up, so he hadn''t been spending recklessly.


    But now, Kenley thought it might be time to put hiring servants on the agenda¡ªcleaning such a big house was too much hassle. Ideally, he''d hire someone proficient in cleaning magic, perhaps a half-elf or a human, as long as it wasn''t some odd creature.


    Tia glanced around, picking up a few potatoes, some fruits, and milk."Master, Tia wants to make you a milk stew. It''s a famous dish in the Kingdom of Gaifei, and also a staple food."


    How interesting. Looking at Tia''s earnest expression, Kenley couldn''t resist the urge to tease her."So, Tia, once you''ve filled me up, does that mean you can seize the opportunity to drink my blood?"


    "Ah¡ª!" Tia''s face instantly turned pale, and the potato in her hand dropped to the ground."Master! Tia has never thought that! Tia promised to try her best to never make you bleed for her again¡ªnow and forever!"


    Seeing Tia''s serious expression, Kenley felt even more tempted to tease her. He wrapped an arm around her waist."What are you talking about, Tia? I''ve never minded you drinking my blood. You can drink it whenever you want¡ªgo ahead, try it if you don''t believe me."


    Tia couldn''t have anticipated Kenley''s sudden playfulness. For a moment, she was too stunned to react, thinking he might be testing her.


    She lowered her head, hiding her expression. But Kenley could just barely make out her whispering:


    "Tia loves Master very, very much¡­ even to the point of wanting to turn you into a vampire¡­"


    Hiss¡ªKenley was startled. Was that really Tia''s inner voice?


    Sensing Kenley''s shock, Tia abruptly looked up, her previous gloom replaced by a sly smile."But Tia doesn''t like that idea. Tia still wants to taste Master''s blood, because it''s so delicious. Rich, sweet, and refreshing¡ªMaster, you have no idea how wonderful your blood tastes. Tia wishes she could drink you dry every day, then leave just enough life in you for you to recover, only to drain you again¡ªevery day, over and over."


    Uh?! Was Tia secretly this dark?! Cold sweat broke out on Kenley''s forehead.


    Seeing his stunned expression, Tia giggled. She suddenly leaned in and planted a kiss on his lips."Serves you right, Master, for teasing Tia earlier. Hmph! Tia''s going to torment you every day from now on."


    This girl¡­ she''s got a hidden side.


    Who would''ve thought that this bright and lovely little princess could have such a mischievous streak?


    Kenley chuckled helplessly."It seems our little princess is quite the playful vampire after all."


    "Is that so, Master? But Tia thinks you''re the one who loves to joke around the most."


    "Oh? Why do you say that?" Kenley asked with a curious look.


    "Because, Master," Tia replied with a strangely sweet smile, her crimson eyes fixed on his."Not a single word Tia just said was a lie."

 Chapter 85: A New Arrangement 5

    "Boom¡ª!"


    A clap of thunder resounded, and a blinding flash of lightning illuminated the entire kitchen in an instant. It lit up Kenley''s frozen smile and Tia''s blood-red eyes. This scene was a mirror of how Kenley felt at that very moment after hearing Tia''s words.


    "Crash¡ª!"


    The rain poured down in torrents, with bean-sized raindrops drumming against the cobblestones with a relentless patter. Though it was already early summer, there was still a chilling coldness lingering in the air.


    In the kitchen, two dark figures clung to each other. Under the stark lightning, their embrace seemed eerily ominous.


    "You must be joking."


    "No, Tia is not."


    "No, you must be!"


    "Master, why are you so sure?"


    "Because your eyes wouldn''t lie to me."


    "But Tia has no eyes."


    "..."


    Kenley took a deep breath, momentarily confused by the layered meanings in Tia''s words. Could it be that their little princess wasn''t just pretending to be dark-hearted but was actually sinister?


    "But rather than drinking the master''s blood, Tia prefers absorbing the master''s essence." Tia suddenly shifted the topic.


    "Essence?" Kenley was stunned.


    For a moment, he couldn''t quite process it. Blood was the essence of life, wasn''t it? What else could essence refer to if not blood?


    Seeing Kenley''s bewildered expression, Tia chuckled sweetly. Kenley never anticipated her next move.


    Huh?! What is she up to?


    "Master, what do you think?" Tia giggled.


    Feeling the touch from certain parts, Kenley realized that the"essence¡± she spoke of was¡­


    This sudden shift left him at a loss¡ªhe''d thought she was being serious, only to find she was hinting at something else entirely.


    Though Kenley wasn''t inexperienced, why did this situation somehow feel¡­ thrilling?


    He quickly realized Tia might have been teasing him all along. But such an intense contrast made his heart itch with unease.


    Could it be that Tia was a master of flirting, skilled at pleasing her master?


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    It seemed that making Tia his servant was the wisest decision he had ever made.


    "Alright, I surrender! Tia, you win!" Kenley quickly raised his hands in defeat.


    "Giggle, good! Since the master has lost, would you let Tia take charge this time? You go rest, and leave the cooking to Tia." Tia covered her mouth with a laugh, her eyes curving into crescent moons.


    "So all this time, Tia was just tricking me!" Kenley wailed dramatically.


    "Master, Tia wasn''t joking with you." Tia suddenly said.


    "You''re serious?"


    "Of course!"


    Kenley was stunned."Why?"


    "Not telling! Because it''s Tia''s secret!"


    "I order you to tell me!" Kenley, unwilling to concede, decided to invoke his masterly authority.


    "Because Tia wants to wear a wedding dress for you!" Tia suddenly raised her voice.


    ¡­


    When the first light of dawn pierced through the night, Kenley awoke, holding Tia''s soft, slender body in his arms.


    Turning his head, he gazed at Tia, whose lashes trembled lightly. Kenley was still savoring the madness of the previous night. He couldn''t believe he had actually let Tia drink from his neck. To think he''d do something so reckless!


    Damn, she almost sucked him dry. His HP had dropped to a single point! But he had to admit, Tia was masterful in controlling the timing of her feeding. She stopped right when she needed to, without draining him completely.


    Fortunately, Kenley had prepared potions in advance. As soon as the blood was drawn, he downed them in large gulps. This was one of the few perks of being an alchemist, he supposed.


    Later, Kenley asked if vampires turned humans into vampires simply by feeding on them. Tia explained that merely drinking blood wouldn''t cause the transformation. For that, a vampire had to reverse-feed their own blood through their fangs during the act.


    However, such transformed vampires would be the lowest-class thralls. Only those who underwent a proper transformation ritual could become high-ranking vampire retainers¡ªjust like how Tia was forcibly transformed by a vampire count.


    Suddenly, a thought crossed Kenley''s mind.


    Since they had been so intimately entwined, in a dimly lit and somewhat secretive setting, he hadn''t had the chance to closely observe a vampire.


    Now that he did, he had to take a good look.


    He lifted Tia''s hands, examining them carefully. At first glance, her skin looked no different from that of a living person. But upon closer inspection, it was paler than usual.


    His fingers glided over her skin¡ªsoft and smooth without a hint of human roughness. Her skin felt like touching water at room temperature, an indescribable sensation. Too bad this world lacked thermometers, or he''d have made her measure her temperature for sure.


    Judging by the touch, Kenley suspected a vampire''s body temperature might be seven to ten degrees lower than a human''s¡ªnot too cold, but noticeably cooler.


    He gently lifted Tia''s eyelids, opening her eyes. Her irises were a bright crimson, crystal-clear like flawless rubies. However, deep within her pupils was a vertical slit, much like a serpent''s eye.


    Staring into them felt as if they could devour his very soul. In that instant, Kenley''s vision blurred, as if he glimpsed a shadow lurking in the depths of her eyes.


    "What¡­ is this?" A hint of unease stirred within Kenley, and he couldn''t resist leaning in, trying to discern what lay within Tia''s eyes.


    But suddenly, an inexplicable terror surged through him!


    "Huh?!" Kenley jerked back in alarm, nearly consumed by that dreadful sensation!


    What was that?!


    It was the first time Kenley had encountered something so bizarre. That feeling was like a monstrous beast slumbering within Tia''s eyes, ready to devour his soul at any moment!


    At that very moment, Tia''s eyes fluttered.


    "Master, what''s wrong?" Tia sat up, clearly aware that Kenley had been peering at her eyes, though she chose not to expose him.


    However, seeing Kenley break into a cold sweat and recoil, even her innocence couldn''t ignore that something was amiss.


    "N-Nothing." After a pause to steady himself, Kenley asked,"Tia, have you ever felt anything¡­ unusual about your eyes?"


    "My eyes?"


    "Yes, I saw¡­ someone else inside them."

 Chapter 86: A New Arrangement 6

    "Master, you must have seen it wrong." Tia displayed a strange smile.


    "No, I didn''t see it wrong." Kenley sensed something amiss. Tia seemed like a completely different person all of a sudden¡ªher smile was unusually unsettling.


    Just then, Tia, bare from the waist up, straddled Kenley in an instant. She extended her blood-red tongue, gently licking the side of Kenley''s neck. He felt his hair stand on end.


    "What are you doing?!" Kenley immediately pulled back, that chilling sensation making him extremely uneasy.


    "Master, don''t be afraid. Tia won''t hurt you." As Kenley retreated, she pressed forward, clinging tightly to him, her long tongue trailing over his body without restraint.


    "You''re not Tia!" Kenley''s face turned pale with shock.


    "Hehe, Master, are you feeling alright? Tia is Tia¡ªhow could I not be Tia?" Tia breathed softly against Kenley''s ear, her tone laced with amusement.


    Yet Kenley felt no trace of arousal¡ªonly the eerie sensation of being watched by a wolf in a dark forest. That horrifying feeling couldn''t possibly be an illusion.


    Tia chuckled as her hands roamed over Kenley''s body¡ªfrom his back to his arms. The icy touch spread across every inch of him, making him feel like a fish on a chopping block.


    Kenley couldn''t endure it any longer."Who the hell are you?"


    The moment he asked, Tia suddenly gripped his side tightly."Master, Tia is hungry."


    "Get off!" Kenley tried to spring to his feet, but a wave of dizziness overwhelmed him.


    His eyes flicked to his game interface¡ªdamn it, when did he get hit with¡®Paralysis''?!


    This seemed like a vampire''s paralyzing ability! Was it when Tia licked his neck just now? No, something was wrong!


    "Ah-woo!"


    Right then, Tia let out a soft sound and sank her deceptively adorable yet terrifying fangs into Kenley''s neck.


    Gulp¡ªgulp¡ª


    Kenley could almost hear the sound of Tia drinking deeply, his HP plummeting rapidly. It felt as if he were a coconut, being drained of every drop of essence.


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    Tia''s face was blissful, utterly lost in the pleasure of drinking blood, as if she truly saw Kenley as nothing more than a blood-extracting machine.


    Kenley couldn''t speak or move, his pupils dilated. There was no pain¡ªjust the slow, inevitable drain of his life by Tia.


    But his gaze remained fixed on the paralysis timer¡ªonly ten seconds! And his HP was down to 30% by the third second!


    Which meant, at this rate, he might be completely drained by the last second!


    Paralysis didn''t mean a player was left completely helpless¡ªKenley was simply too low-level, with insufficient gear and no tools to counter it.


    All he could do was desperately hope he could break free before Tia drained him dry. His imperial military sword was stored in his player inventory, which was in a dimensional space¡ªif he could just regain control, he could draw it instantly!


    10%!


    8%!


    3%!


    Sweat soaked Kenley''s back. He couldn''t move a muscle, but the moment the paralysis ended, he regained control of his body!


    "Charge!"


    Without hesitation, Kenley lunged forward, putting distance between himself and Tia!


    With a loud¡®bang!'', he rammed Tia off the bed, grabbing his imperial military sword from his inventory in a swift motion.


    With his other hand, he uncorked a potion and poured it down his throat without pause. As his HP began to recover, he felt a faint sense of security return.


    Where was Tia? Where did she go? As Kenley turned, he realized Tia had vanished from the bed.


    "Master, I''m right here. Why are you running?"


    A chilling breath brushed against his neck¡ªTia, like a venomous snake, had somehow crept up behind him, wrapping her arms around him!


    "When did you¡ª?!" This was the first time Kenley had ever faced such a bizarre opponent.


    "Master, your reactions are so fast. Tia is so very curious¡ªhow did you manage that?" Tia purred, still nibbling at his ear, though this time she refrained from biting his neck.


    Kenley struggled, but Tia''s arms were like iron, holding him fast.


    What should he do?


    A flash of inspiration struck Kenley, and he spoke quickly:"Tia, was this what you meant yesterday by that joke that wasn''t really a joke?"


    The moment he said this, Tia''s expression shifted, her tone softening back to that of a bashful girl."Master, do you understand now? Tia really, really loves you."


    So it really was Tia? Then what had just happened? Why did she seem like a completely different person a moment ago?


    "I don''t understand, Tia. Why did you seem like someone else just now?" Kenley asked, perplexed.


    "Why? Tia is Tia, Master¡ªwhat a strange question." Tia released him and stood gracefully, her cute face full of confusion.


    Kenley let out a sigh of relief, but he knew he had to perform a full check on Tia immediately.


    "Tia, give me your hand." Kenley demanded.


    "Okay!" Tia obeyed obediently.


    [Fallen Princess¡¤ Vampire¡¤ Kenley''s Holy Servant¡¤ Tia]Level: 15Race: UndeadClass:(Main) Mage /(Sub) Martial ArtistHP: 162MP: 488Strength: 22 / Agility: 16 / Intelligence: 30 / Endurance: 20 / Crit Rate: 0 / Crit Damage: 0 / Charm: 150+30 (Alluring)Magic Penetration: 0 / Physical Penetration: 0 / Physical Defense: 8 / Magic Resistance: 15Elemental Affinities:Light: 0 / Dark: 5 / Water: 0 / Fire: 5 / Wind: 0 / Earth: 0Skill List:[Magic Missile],[Mana Shield],[Mana Arrow],[Fireball],[Firewall],[Fire Shield],[Charm],[Bloodthirst],[Blood Drain],[Blood Arrow],[Boxing],[Sweep Kick],[Blood Claw],[Black Curtain]Affinity: 300 (Mad Love)


    Kenley''s eyes scanned Tia''s full status screen¡ªnone of her secrets were hidden from him.


    Wait, the last skill looked strange¡ªwhy had he never seen it before?


    [Black Curtain]? What kind of skill was that?


    And what the hell was Mad Love?

 Chapter 87: The Cross-Tier Quest 1

    "Tia, be honest with me. What''s really going on with you?" Kenley asked patiently.


    "Tia is just Tia, Master! Are you feeling unwell? Should Tia get you some ice?" Tia asked anxiously.


    "Uh... no need for ice." Kenley paused, reconsidered for a moment, and asked,"Tia, do you have a skill called ''Dark Veil''?"


    The reason Kenley asked was that he couldn''t see the specific attributes of ''Dark Veil''¡ªonly a series of question marks. Unknown attributes, unknown effects¡ªan utter mystery.


    "Ah! Master, how did you know?" Tia''s expression was clearly one of surprise.


    Kenley was thrilled and quickly asked,"Then can you tell me what its specific effect is?"


    "I don''t know."


    "Huh?" Kenley was stunned.


    He hadn''t expected Tia to respond so bluntly. But her tone didn''t seem like she was lying¡ªTia probably genuinely didn''t know.


    "Have you felt anything off? Or perhaps something about your own behavior?" Kenley gestured to his own head. He didn''t dare put it too bluntly, worried about hurting Tia''s feelings.


    However, Tia just tilted her little head, thought about it seriously, and said,"Nothing seems off, Master. Maybe you''re overthinking it."


    Kenley was silent for a moment before saying,"Alright, maybe I really am overthinking it."


    "Tia, get dressed. We''re heading to the Adventurers'' Guild," Kenley said, turning to the wardrobe to get some clothes.


    But at that moment¡­


    "Master, Tia will drain you dry every single day."


    It was like a cold wind whispering past his ear. The voice was faint, low, and didn''t sound at all like normal speech. If not for the silence of the room, Kenley might''ve thought he was just hearing things.


    "Tia!"


    Startled, Kenley whipped around to look at Tia, only to see her standing there gracefully, a gentle smile on her face¡ªyet there was an inexplicable eeriness about it.


    "Yes, Master! Tia is here!"


    She looked adorable, her smile sweet, completely devoid of the previous eerie feeling.


    "N-Never mind." Kenley wiped the cold sweat from his forehead, hoping it was just his imagination.


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    Kenley had been stuck at level 10 for a few days now. If this were a game, he''d have grinded his way to level 50 by now, no doubt.


    Now that everything was ready, it was time to start leveling up.


    In the Adventurers'' Guild, there were many quests meant for first-tier adventurers, but Kenley had no interest in those.


    One could choose cross-tier quests that required a higher rank. Though challenging for ordinary players, for Kenley, they weren''t a big deal.


    High risk, high reward.


    In the game, such quests naturally offered higher rewards without penalizing players for level differences. Many veteran players would help newcomers power-level by taking them to high-risk areas, provided the newcomers didn''t do anything reckless.


    Perhaps this was also the developers'' way of subtly imposing an experience penalty.


    But Kenley didn''t need to worry about that now. This was the real world¡ªif he died here, he might really die for good, with no respawn.


    Though resurrection magic existed in the game (players could use scrolls), within the world of Aude Continent, resurrection was an extremely advanced magic that couldn''t be performed without a Golden Body.


    Or perhaps with divine artifacts, like the Pope''s Staff or the Golden Saint Eyes of the Elven King.


    Each use could only revive one person, and the cooldown time was excessively long¡ªnot just anyone could ask the Pope or the Elven King to revive someone.


    So, considering the reality of the situation, Kenley decided to accept second-tier quests to rapidly gain experience.


    First-tier monsters were out of the question¡ªlow rewards, long distances, and not worth the effort. Meanwhile, second-tier quests offered much richer rewards and higher experience points.


    "I''ll take this quest," Kenley declared, slapping a quest notice onto the counter.


    "Mr. Kenley, this is a second-tier quest. Your current strength isn''t suited for this task," the receptionist said with a worried frown.


    At that moment, a low chuckle came from nearby¡ªit was from other adventurers.


    "Look at that¡ªanother young fool who doesn''t know his limits. Rushing off to become monster chow at such a young age¡ªwhat a waste."


    "What''s wrong with being monster chow? It''s just a pity about that pretty girl following him. If the master dies, the slave dies too. Better to sell her to me."


    "Hey! You there! You''re about to become monster fodder anyway¡ªwhy not sell me your slave before you go? I''ll give you ten gold coins!"


    "Wow! Ten gold coins? That peasant''s probably never seen that much money in his life!"


    Indeed, by usual standards, a farmer would have to save for ten years without spending a single coin just to amass eight gold coins. Ten gold coins were truly a fortune a farmer might never see.


    Kenley glanced at the lavishly dressed man who was only level 23, second-tier. Big words for someone so low-level.


    Kenley ignored him and continued,"Don''t hesitate, my friend¡ªI''ll take the quest."


    "Are you certain?" the receptionist still seemed doubtful.


    "I''m certain."


    Seeing Kenley''s determination, the receptionist couldn''t say more and finally stamped the quest notice.


    Kenley grabbed it and strode out of the guild without looking back.


    "Kate! That guy''s got guts. Should we follow him? If he dies, all his gear will be ours," a tall, lanky adventurer suggested to a burly man beside him.


    "Hmm, I can''t wait to see him get torn to pieces by monsters¡ªlike a human pi?ata," the man called Kate grinned.


    "Haha! A fresh lamb to the slaughter and a pretty girl to boot. Kate''s right¡ªit''d be a shame not to watch!" the others jeered.


    "Let''s go!" Kate waved a hand, leading four others to follow Kenley closely.


    For a moment, the guild hall buzzed with murmurs, adventurers gossiping about the day''s amusing scene.


    "Master, you''re the bravest person Tia has ever seen."


    "Why''s that?" Kenley asked, patting Tia''s head.


    "Because your sword is really thick, heihei."

 Chapter 88: The Cross-Tier Quest 2

    Amidst the lake''s gentle breeze, Kenley couldn''t help but drift into memories. The mountains of Maine, the melodious organ sounds from the lakeside town of Myerzu, all seemed like a distant dream.


    Farmers, weary but smiling after a day''s hard work, returned in carts laden with all sorts of fruits and vegetables, their laughter blending with the soft waves of the lake. Patrolling cavalrymen exchanged friendly banter with passersby, their camaraderie undiminished by the day''s duties.


    The golden ripples on the lake resembled layers of shimmering scales, spreading forward endlessly. The breeze was soothing, and the grass, lush and vibrant. Occasionally, fish would leap from the water, sending up a burst of white spray.


    Myerzu Town


    Kenley led Tia to the shores of Lake Myerzu. Located east of the imperial capital, this massive lake spanned a full seven square kilometers. Standing at one end, gazing towards the other, the lake seemed to merge seamlessly with the sky, evoking a sense of boundless freedom. For a fleeting moment, one might even mistake it for the sea.


    "Wow! It''s so beautiful!" Tia''s eyes sparkled with delight. It was her first time at Lake Myerzu, and she was instantly captivated by its serene beauty.


    Kenley was no less mesmerized. He vividly remembered his first time here, back when he was just a novice. The breathtaking view had left him awestruck. The AR neural imaging technology was truly astounding¡ªif not for seeing it himself, he would have found it hard to believe that all of this was within a game.


    Seeing the lake again, he couldn''t help but recall the past¡ªhow he''d been too excited to sleep that night, spending hours by the lake, grinding levels.


    But reality was not a game. Here, there were no endless spawns for grinding. Life was singular, and monsters, once slain, did not return.


    Unless, as in the game, a monster nest existed¡ªthen creatures would endlessly emerge from it, threatening the surrounding lands.


    The game never explained in detail why these monster nests appeared. Perhaps some side quest mentioned it, but Kenley had neither the time nor the energy to care. After all, his days were filled with various professional battles.


    "Master, this lake is so beautiful. Can we come back again?" Tia asked hopefully.


    Kenley shook his head."We won''t be returning."


    "Huh?" Tia was stunned."We won''t be coming back? Why, Master?!"


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    Kenley froze¡ªhe had been so lost in his memories that he''d forgotten Tia was speaking to him.


    "No, no, that''s not what I meant!" Kenley hurriedly corrected himself."I meant that there won''t be any more monsters coming back."


    "Oh!" Tia breathed a sigh of relief, but she seemed to sense something."Master, were you thinking about something just now?"


    Kenley quickly averted his gaze."N-No, nothing at all!"


    "Really?" Tia leaned in, her big, bright eyes fixed on his face.


    "Really! Of course, really!" Kenley raised both hands in a gesture of surrender.


    Spare me, he thought. Tia was currently in her infatuated state¡ªany small sign would lead her to pester him relentlessly.


    "But Tia is really curious!" she insisted.


    "Mm!" Kenley, desperate to end the interrogation, suddenly leaned in and kissed Tia, leaving her no time to react.


    However¡­


    From a distance, Kate and his crew watched the scene with expressions of disdain.


    "Hey, if that chick were mine, I''d definitely last a whole minute tonight! No way I''d go soft!"


    "A minute? Bro, I''d have her stuck in bed for three days!"


    "Three days in bed? You mean you''d let that vampire suck you dry for three days?"


    "Shut up, all of you! That vampire''s mine. I''m gonna love her like my own personal plaything," Kate sneered.


    The others went pale¡ªthey all knew what Kate meant by plaything. While they''d always known Kate was a twisted bastard, the thought of doing such things to an undead, no matter how beautiful, was a bit too much.


    "Hehe, boss, think I could get a turn too?" one of the lackeys chuckled lecherously.


    "Scram!" Kate kicked him hard. As a well-known figure in the adventurer''s guild, anyone aiming for his prey had better weigh their chances first.


    "You''ll be mine, just wait and see." Kate''s grin widened as he stared at Tia.


    "Master, is this the place?" Tia asked, standing before a certain hill. There was a dark, yawning cave entrance, its depths impossible to see.


    "Tia, you''re a vampire¡ªyou can see in the dark. Tell me, what''s inside the cave right now?" Kenley asked, standing beside her and gazing into the darkness.


    Tia shook her head apologetically."I''m sorry, Master. Please forgive my incompetence. The cave descends at an angle, so I can''t see anything useful from outside."


    "It''s fine," Kenley replied without blame. After all, mole fiends loved burrowing in grassy areas. Their tunnels were intricate, like enormous mazes.


    Kenley recalled how, once, a particularly meticulous player had mapped out the tunnels after slaying a mole fiend. The labyrinth was a chaotic web of passages, some of which led to dead ends designed to confuse intruders.


    A mole fiend spent its life digging¡ªif you spotted one on the plains, rest assured that a sprawling maze of tunnels lay beneath your feet, stretching for miles.


    Of course, that didn¡¯t mean any single passage was miles long¡ªthe total length was the sum of countless intersecting paths.


    Thus, these mole fiends were born tunnelers. Being second-tier magical beasts, they were lethal to first-tier adventurers who ventured in unprepared.


    Unless one advanced to the second tier and acquired new skills, facing a mole fiend at the first tier was nothing short of suicide.


    Kenley drew his sword and angled it into the cave''s entrance, using the noon sunlight to reflect a faint beam into the darkness. He saw nothing.


    "Looks like that thing isn''t at this exit for now." Speaking to himself, Kenley turned abruptly."Come on, Tia, let''s check the other side."


    Tia followed, eyes wide with curiosity. After all, Kenley had led them straight to this cave without consulting the locals or scouting ahead, as if he already knew it would be here.

 Chapter 89: The Cross-Tier Quest 3

    Demonic Moles, in their adult form, are second-tier monsters, generally around level 20. Elites are typically level 25, and there are no boss-level variants.


    HP: 135. No MP. They specialize in physical defense but have low magic resistance. Usually, they dwell underground in plains and hilly terrains such as grasslands, deserts, and farmlands.


    Kenley led Tia along the beautiful shores of Lake Mazur, walking a considerable distance before arriving at a new cave entrance.


    Hearing the sound of demonic moles wreaking havoc on the crops, Kenley immediately signaled for a halt."We''re here."


    Tia nodded silently. They weren''t thieves or rangers, so their footsteps were not light, making it easy for enemies to detect them. Moreover, demonic moles were second-tier monsters, with combat strength far surpassing theirs.


    Although Tia didn''t understand why her master was bold enough to take on a quest above their level, she trusted Kenley and believed in his every decision.


    Hiding behind a rock, Kenley cautiously peeked out.


    There were two demonic moles in total, about thirty meters away from the entrance to their burrow.


    Demonic moles were timid creatures that would immediately flee to their nests at the slightest disturbance. Despite being second-tier monsters, even a farmer could scare them off.


    However, their combat prowess was not to be underestimated. Kenley remembered clearly that even a first-tier warrior would be dead after taking four or five swipes from a demonic mole''s claws.


    Not to mention that Kenley was currently wearing green-quality armor looted from a slave guard captain. Facing such monsters without a proper team could easily result in a counterattack.


    After counting the enemies and confirming no hidden threats nearby, even the Ring of Life detected no suspicious signs. It seemed there were only these two.


    "Tia, remember what I''m about to say. The moment the fight starts, if those creatures try to escape, immediately cast a Wall of Fire along their escape path. Then, follow up with Fireball to attack them from a distance. I''ll keep them occupied, giving you ample time and range for your spells. Understood?"


    "Yes! Tia understands! But, Master, what does ''ranged output'' mean?" Tia asked with a puzzled look.


    "Uh¡ªwell, it just means attacking from a distance, got it?" Kenley was momentarily stunned, forgetting that this wasn''t a game world, and instinctively used the term "output." He quickly corrected himself.


    "Alright! Tia understands!" Tia replied with a sweet smile.


    "Attack only when I give the signal. I''ll count to three, then we''ll start."


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    "Okay!"


    "One!"


    "Two!"


    "Three!"


    As soon as the word left his mouth, Kenley dashed forward with a swift motion.


    "Charge!"


    The first charge barely ended when Kenley launched another.


    "Charge!"


    The distance to the demonic moles was still a bit far. To inflict significant damage instantly, Kenley had to close the gap quickly. Thus, he decisively used up both charges'' cooldowns.


    The two demonic moles were still leisurely munching on crops, completely unaware of the enemy creeping up behind them.


    "Blunt Strike!"


    Without hesitation, Kenley struck twice¡ªonce on the left mole''s abdomen and once on the right mole''s back.


    The two moles, happily gnawing on large ears of corn, were caught entirely off guard and took the full brunt of the strikes.


    A dizzying sensation overwhelmed them as stars danced before their eyes!


    "Falling Petals¡ª, Flower Dance¡ª, Broken Branch¡ª!"


    Kenley''s eyes narrowed as he unleashed a flurry of three swift strikes on the mole to the right.


    HP -21


    HP -25


    HP -23


    The right demonic mole took severe damage, its HP nearly halved!


    As the three-second stun ended, the moles regained their senses. The one on the left turned around, only to see Kenley mercilessly slashing its companion, blood splattering amidst agonized screams.


    Terrified, the left mole let out a shrill squeak, standing upright. Though it didn''t look imposing while on all fours, its towering posture now exuded an oppressive aura, making Tia, who was watching from a distance, feel tense.


    "Master, watch out!"


    Tia gasped, covering her mouth, a large fireball materializing in her right hand.


    But just then, something unexpected happened.


    The upright demonic mole, without even glancing at Kenley''s level, screeched and bolted towards the burrow entrance¡ªstill standing upright, which looked ridiculously comical.


    Kenley, however, paid no heed to the fleeing mole, nor did he seem concerned about a potential ambush. He remained focused on assaulting the mole before him.


    Tia, finally understanding Kenley''s strategy, marveled at how well he had grasped the demonic moles'' behavior.


    "Tia!"


    "Wall of Fire!"


    Kenley called out without turning back.


    The fleeing mole moved alarmingly fast, already halfway to the burrow.


    Tia reacted instantly, raising her hand as the flames morphed.


    "The blazing sun sheds its tears¡ªWall of Fire!"


    A five-meter-wide wall of fire erupted from the ground, blocking the mole''s escape.


    "Squeak¡ªsqueak!"


    The demonic mole was startled, realizing too late that the humans had brought a mage along.


    Meanwhile, Kenley''s fight was nearing its end.


    "Petal Core¡ª!"


    Having mastered the first level of Floral Swordsmanship, Kenley''s Petal Core inflicted a new round of dizziness on the right mole¡ªan entire second of stun!


    "Full Bloom¡ª!"


    Kenley''s eyes glinted coldly as he unleashed the final move of the first level.


    Squelch!


    Another 30 HP down. In total, the mole had taken 116 damage, leaving it with a mere 14 HP.


    With a swift kick, Kenley sent the mole stumbling back, denying any chance of retaliation, before immediately turning to chase the fleeing one, leaving the injured mole to bleed out.


    Enraged, the heavily wounded mole saw its opportunity. Rising to its feet, it charged at Kenley''s back in a desperate attack.


    "Master, watch out!"


    Tia''s heart was in her throat as she watched, appalled by Kenley''s apparent disregard for his back.


    But then, something wholly unexpected happened.


    The charging mole barely took two steps before its body was suddenly riddled with countless fine wounds, bursting apart like a blooming violet!


    Blood sprayed like a crimson rain, and the second-tier monster was effortlessly slain by Kenley!


    That was the reason Full Bloom was a finishing move¡ªits three-second grievous wound effect caused 100% of Kenley''s attack power as bleeding damage per second, effectively slicing the mole three more times!


    Watching her master dash toward the next target without a backward glance, Tia was left utterly speechless.


    Naturally, Kate and her party, who were following closely behind, were equally stunned!

 Chapter 90: The Cross-Tier Quest 4

    Kenley drew his sword and charged once more.


    The demon mole glared furiously in Kenley''s direction. For so many years, it had never encountered such a significant threat. Since it began dwelling by Lake Myerzu, nothing had ever jeopardized its existence.


    But today, a human wielding a sharp sword shattered its peace. Glancing at its fallen comrade, whose body lay burst and lifeless, the demon mole let out a piercing roar.


    "A shriek?" Kenley was unsurprised. It was one of the demon mole''s skills, capable of boosting its physical defense.


    Its fur gleamed with a reflective sheen, and Kenley immediately understood¡ª its physical defense had increased by at least 12 points. With his current attack power, each strike would deal around 25 HP in damage. With the additional 12 defense points, it would take nearly ten strikes to bring the creature down.


    The demon mole raised its claws, which were as sharp as steel blades, standing on its hind legs to appear more intimidating. This stance indeed enhanced its aura significantly. Many lesser monsters would hesitate at the sight of such a display before ultimately fleeing.


    But it was facing Kenley!


    The demon mole lunged at Kenley with incredible speed, its claws flashing like streaks of light.


    "Defensive Stance!" Kenley''s reaction was swift. He raised his sword just in time to block, the clash between the imperial sword and the demon mole''s claws ringing out like a hammer striking a steel plate.


    The two crossed paths in an instant.


    "Tia, Fireball!" Kenley commanded without delay.


    "Yes, Master!"


    Although the demon mole had high physical defense, it had no effective means to counter magic attacks. Moreover, having just clashed with Kenley, the creature was in a post-attack recovery state due to the recoil. This was the perfect moment for Tia to strike.


    Tia''s response was a bit slow for Kenley''s liking. In professional battle teams, such instructions were often unnecessary; a single gesture or glance was enough.


    However, Kenley did not get upset over Tia''s slight delay. After all, this was their first time fighting together, and Tia wasn''t a professional player. What they needed now was practice to build better coordination.


    "Flames, burn all to ashes in your roar! Fireball!"


    The massive body of the demon mole couldn''t withstand such a powerful attack. HP -40! Nearly a third of its health was gone in an instant.


    Its low magic resistance was laid bare, leaving it helpless against Tia''s assault. After a desperate roll to extinguish the flames, its eyes glowed even redder as it charged directly at Tia, the greatest threat.


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    "Hey! Where do you think you''re going?"


    Harming Tia? Not on Kenley''s watch. As the vanguard, protecting the backline was his duty!


    In a flash, Kenley charged forward again, executing a second charge. He intercepted the demon mole with a fierce sword block, halting its momentum completely.


    "Sweep! Double Strike!"


    Kenley''s sword gleamed with a trail of afterimages, delivering a double-hit to the demon mole!


    HP -11, HP -12.


    Already severely injured from the earlier fireball, the demon mole was now suffering even further from Kenley''s relentless assault.


    Furious, the demon mole shifted its focus to Kenley. It realized that if it didn''t take out this human warrior, its own demise was inevitable.


    Relying on its larger frame, it began to advance rapidly, swinging its claws from side to side in a powerful charge.


    This was no ordinary attack but a type of advancing skill. Any enemy caught in its path would suffer a dual-layered damage: Swipe + Crush.


    If Kenley took the hit head-on, he would lose at least half of his HP!


    And worse, this skill was unblockable¡ª he could only dodge or assume a defensive stance to mitigate half of the damage.


    But¡­


    "Bud Unfurl¡ª!"


    Though Kenley had yet to master the second stage of the White Blossom Sword Art, he could still perform it by relying on memory. Its power might only be entry-level, but that wasn''t what Kenley was aiming for.


    He sought to exploit the unique effect of the second stage: displacement.


    The sound was brief, almost like teleportation. The human who was right in front of the demon mole vanished in an instant, causing all of its attacks to miss completely, yielding no results.


    Kenley reappeared behind the demon mole, utilizing the displacement effect of ''Bud Unfurl''. With the creature''s sluggish speed, there was no way it could keep up.


    "Fireball!"


    With a deafening blast, flames erupted once again from the demon mole''s body! HP -40! In total, the accumulated damage now exceeded 100 points!


    "Tia, Blood Feast!" Kenley prompted immediately.


    Huh? How does Master know vampire skills so well? The thought flickered briefly in Tia''s mind, but she did not hesitate. She dropped her spell-casting stance, sprang forward like a human cannonball, and launched herself at the demon mole.


    "Blood Claws!"


    With a fierce cry, Tia''s once pale hands turned crimson, slashing a deep wound across the demon mole''s body.


    "Squeal¡ª!"


    The demon mole let out a pitiful wail, HP -15. Without pause, Tia clung to its massive body like a deadly mantis, her movements swift and lethal.


    "Mmph!"


    She sank her fangs into the injured spot without mercy.


    In its severely weakened state, the demon mole was utterly defenseless against the paralyzing effect of the vampire''s blood feast. Its body went rigid, standing motionless as Tia continued to drain its life force.


    Gulp, gulp.


    With each mouthful, Tia absorbed the demon mole''s vital essence. Before long, the colossal beast collapsed with a resounding thud, lifeless.


    Satisfied, Tia wiped her mouth and raised her head. This was her first time using Blood Feast in a direct battle, and even more thrilling, it was in sync with her master.


    It felt amazing!


    Tia opened her eyes with delight, sensing her newfound strength.


    However, what Kenley noticed was different. Tia had leveled up again.


    It seemed certain now¡ª vampires could enhance their power by feeding.


    Two beams of golden light were absorbed by Kenley, as two second-tier monsters were effortlessly defeated by him and Tia.


    Kenley leveled up five times, advancing from early-stage Tier One to mid-stage. All his attributes saw significant improvement.


    Still not enough experience, huh? Kenley licked his lips. After all, these were just ordinary second-tier monsters, not elite mini-bosses like Dain. Defeating an elite would have granted him five levels in one go.

 Chapter 91: The Cross-Tier Quest 5

    "May the Mother Goddess watch over us! Kate, am I not seeing things? Those two novice warriors of the first rank have actually defeated two Demonic Moles? If this gets spread around in Battle Axe Town, I can''t even imagine how many people won''t be able to sleep soundly at night." The lecherous man who had followed them all the way stared in utter astonishment at the scene before him. He took a deep breath, finding it impossible to believe what was happening right in front of his eyes.


    "They''ve merely vanquished a couple of useless, cowardly Demonic Moles. I could easily crush those pitiful creatures with just my toes," Kate sneered, clearly not taking Kenley''s combat prowess seriously at all.


    "Kate is right. Those good-for-nothing Demonic Moles are so weak that I could just pick a bumpkin from the town and even he could scare them off. Don''t frighten yourself needlessly. If Kate were to intervene, killing a few Demonic Moles would be no different from squashing a few pesky bugs," another person chimed in, adding fuel to the fire.


    The lecherous man let out a nervous chuckle and wiped the awkward cold sweat from his forehead."Kate, should we strike now? They''ve just finished their battle and surely haven''t recovered their strength yet. If we act now, we can take them down with ease."


    Kate waved his hand dismissively."Not yet... When hunting prey, the best time to strike is when they''re completely exhausted. Let''s observe them a bit longer and wait until they''re almost done with their mission before making our move."


    "As expected of Kate! When it comes to who is the most outstanding hunter in Marlen Imperial City, if you, Kate from the Adventurer''s Guild, claim the second place, no one would dare to claim the first," the lecherous man promptly flattered him.


    "Hmm!" Kate seemed quite pleased with the compliment, but he still feigned modesty with a false show of humility."Although I don''t deny my own abilities, there is indeed someone who could be considered a worthy second."


    "Oh? Are you talking about the ''Night Owl''?" the lecherous man asked with curiosity. The Night Owl was the most mysterious adventurer in the Marlen Imperial City branch of the Adventurer''s Guild. It was rumored that his strength had long ago broken through the third rank and he had become a member of the Bronze People. However, rumors were just rumors, and no one knew for sure if they were true or false.


    "Let''s not worry about that for now. They''re about to leave. Let''s follow them!" Kate seemed reluctant to mention the Night Owl and had his eyes fixed solely on Kenley and his servant.


    "Yes!"


    ...


    "Master, it seems that someone is following us," Tia said without turning her head.


    Thanks to the upgrade in her level, Tia had unlocked a new detection skill called Blood Perception. This was a unique skill exclusive to vampires, allowing her to sense the blood flow of living beings within a certain range around her.


    "Yeah, I know. Tia, don''t look back. Just keep walking," Kenley said calmly, seemingly not the least bit worried about the people trailing behind them.


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    Tia furrowed her brow."Master, there are quite a few of them, and each one of them is quite powerful. Master, should we perhaps take shelter for a while?"


    Through her Blood Perception, Tia was well aware that the people behind them had ill intentions, and each of them was at least of the second rank. Tia and Kenley, on the other hand, were only of the first rank, and they were severely outnumbered. Tia couldn''t think of any way to fight back.


    "Shelter? Why would we need to take shelter?" Kenley let out a soft chuckle.


    Tia was taken aback."But Master, they outnumber us by a large margin, and each of them is of the second rank or higher... Tia is worried that if something unexpected happens later, with my current strength, I won''t be able to protect you," Tia said in a low voice, blushing and lowering her head.


    "Are you afraid?" Kenley suddenly turned his head towards her.


    "Yes! Tia is afraid!" Tia suddenly raised her head and looked straight into Kenley''s eyes.


    "Afraid of what?"


    "Afraid that I''ll never be able to drink your blood again, Master," Tia said with a weird smile.


    "?!" Kenley stared at Tia in shock. He had never expected Tia to give such an answer.


    "Then, is this what you call love?" Kenley looked ahead, no longer meeting Tia''s gaze, and asked this question.


    "No," Tia replied simply and directly.


    Kenley was shocked once again. What had gotten into Tia? Why was her answer so straightforward and rebellious? It even made Kenley wonder if this was still the gentle and quiet Tia he knew.


    "Perhaps you don''t love me, but just my blood..." Kenley let out a sigh. Indeed, after becoming a vampire, Tia''s mental state had undergone a drastic change. Was it because of the physical transformation?


    Although their intimacy level was 300 (Mad Love), the actual situation was far more complicated than he had imagined.


    Hearing Kenley''s sigh, Tia suddenly stopped and said something that Kenley could never have expected."Tia just wants to replace all the blood in your body with mine, Master. Tia wants to merge with you completely, even every single drop of blood in my veins."


    Kenley opened his mouth but closed it again. He suddenly turned around and stared at Tia. He had never expected Tia to say such extreme words. Was this her true thoughts? Indeed, it was in line with the description of the"Mad Love" stage.


    Perhaps this was what it meant to love someone to the extreme, to the point of madness.


    Kenley felt as if something was stuck in his throat, and he couldn''t utter a word.


    "Tia, you..."


    Tia smiled sweetly, unaware that a tear had trickled down the corner of her eye."So, Master, please take good care of yourself, okay? Tia is so scared. You always disregard the danger behind you and ignore Tia''s concerns. Tia is afraid that one day I''ll lose you! Tia doesn''t want that! Tia doesn''t want to force you to become a vampire too!!!"


    "I..." Kenley moved his throat, trying to say something but failing to do so.


    He suddenly understood how Tia felt as someone who loved him deeply.


    Yes, whether it was the battle with the Demonic Moles or being followed now, Tia couldn''t understand his disregard for danger.


    However, explaining all these things to Tia during the actual process would be a cumbersome task. Not only would it cause them to miss the best opportunity and waste time, but it might also put him in an even more dangerous situation.


    "Tia..." Kenley wrapped his arms around her. Her small body was as delicate and precious as porcelain, and Kenley held her tightly without moving.


    Tia shed silent tears, but she cherished every embrace from Kenley.


    "Tia, I don''t know how to explain this, and it''s too complicated to do so right now. I''ll tell you later, okay? Trust me," Kenley lifted her face gently.


    "Okay, Tia trusts you, Master," Tia said, looking directly into Kenley''s eyes without the slightest hint of evasion.


    "Tia, come with me," Kenley''s state of mind had also changed. He took Tia''s hand and started running in a certain direction.


    Tia blushed. This was the first time Kenley had ever held her hand and run with her. Why did it make her heart race so much?

 Chapter 92: The Cross-Tier Quest 6

    Running along the shore of Lake Myerzu, the two individuals sprinted for an extended period. It was not until they surmounted a low hill that, in an instant, a broad and magnificent view unfolded before them: Butterflies, scattered like twinkling stars, fluttered and danced throughout the sky, while an indigo expanse of flower fields undulated gracefully with the gentle breeze. In the distance, the melodious and lingering sound of a flute wafted from the lakeside town, contributing to the serene and harmonious symphony of the lake and the sky.


    The town of Myerzu was renowned as a scenic wonderland, a place where numerous boys would bring their beloved girls to pour out their hearts and express their deepest affections. At this very moment, in the heart of the flower sea, only Tia and Kenley remained. Standing there in tranquil silence, they savored the enchanting fragrance of the blossoms and were fully immersed in the rare and breathtaking beauty of the scene.


    "Is this the place you intended to bring me to, Master?" Tia stepped into the flower bed, her eyes sparkling with excitement. Having never beheld the flower sea of Myerzu before, she was completely entranced and lost in the refreshing and invigorating spectacle before her.


    Kenley nodded and took a deep, contemplative breath.


    "This is precisely the place I desired to bring you to, the indigo flower sea of Myerzu. It is said that the founding monarch of the Cain Empire first met his empress right here," Kenley explained.


    A faint blush crept across Tia''s cheeks as she seemed to grasp the underlying reason why Kenley had brought her to this special place. She subtly raised her head and stole a glance at Kenley, who was also gazing intently at her at that moment. In that instant, everything else seemed to pale in significance. All she yearned for was to stand by her master''s side in quiet companionship, through all the vicissitudes of life, be it the trials of aging, the hardships of illness, or the inevitability of death.


    Kenley felt the same way. He had already come to regard Tia as his beloved woman, which was precisely why he had deliberately selected this particular mission today.


    With a gentle smile, Kenley knelt down on one knee and extended his right hand gracefully."My dear Princess, would you do me the honor of sharing a dance with me?"


    The blush on Tia''s face deepened considerably. She had never anticipated that Kenley would extend such an invitation to dance with her at this very moment.


    She did not decline. Instead, she delicately placed her slender finger into Kenley''s palm. In that very instant, the sky and the earth seemed to brighten, dispelling the previous air of tension between them. All that remained was the rhythmic thumping of their hearts and the sweet, pervasive fragrance that filled the air.


    "I wonder which dance the valiant knight is proficient in?" Tia''s voice was soft and tender, like melted sugar that seeped into Kenley''s heart, filling it with warmth.


    "The Waltz of Light," Kenley replied.


    A hint of surprise flashed across Tia''s face. She had not expected her master to mention this particular dance. This was a renowned dance of the Church of Light. Far from being ignorant of the arts of dance and music, the Church of Light had, in fact, composed many awe-inspiring pieces.


    "It''s a pity there''s no music to accompany us," Tia remarked with a touch of regret.


    Just then, whether by chance or design, the original soft and lingering sound of the flute suddenly transformed. The timbre became more resplendent and solemn, and the volume grew louder and more sacred. Influenced by the music, the butterflies in the vicinity also began to change their behavior. They started to flutter around Kenley and Tia, encircling them completely.


    "Ah..." Tia was taken aback by this unexpected turn of events. Could it be that all of this had been orchestrated by her master?


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    But something didn''t seem right. She had been with her master throughout the day, and he had not made any prior arrangements. Could it be that he had secretly planned this in advance when she was not around?


    However, Kenley was well aware that at this specific time each day, the musicians in the town by the Lake Myerzu would invariably play this very tune. It had long since become a cherished tradition in this place, though Tia was as yet unaware of it.


    "Please," Kenley said, gently pulling Tia forward a step.


    Tia nodded slightly and followed closely behind. With one hand clasped in the other and the other hand resting on each other''s waists, the two began to dance amidst the sea of flowers.


    Kenley took a step forward with his left foot, and Tia gracefully stepped back in response. Their eyes met, filled with affection and joy.


    "Master, may I inquire who taught you how to dance so proficiently?" Tia asked curiously.


    "I once watched a ceremony at the Grand Cathedral of Light, and I managed to learn it on my own," Kenley replied.


    Their dance movements changed once again. Tia lowered her posture and suddenly pulled back forcefully, only to be promptly and firmly pulled back by Kenley.


    "Master, I love you so dearly!" Tia exclaimed.


    "Call me husband," Kenley said.


    "What?!" Tia exclaimed in surprise.


    "Call me husband," Kenley repeated.


    "Husband!!!" Tia finally complied.


    "Yes! My wife!!!" Kenley responded with a smile.


    "This is such an embarrassing term..." Tia said, blushing.


    Kenley smiled but offered no explanation. As the music drew to a close, Kenley gently hooked his arm around Tia''s waist with one hand and extended the other, creating a graceful and elegant pose for her. The two remained motionless in that final posture, their hearts filled with emotions that lingered for a long time...


    ...


    "Master, is this the place you''ve been searching for all along?" Tia had become more lively and cheerful. After that long and beautiful dance, the relationship between the two had become even more harmonious.


    Although Tia still found it difficult to consistently call him husband, Kenley did not mind. His original intention had not been to constrain Tia. Simply achieving the goal of expressing his heartfelt feelings to her was sufficient for him.


    As for whether Tia could fully comprehend his emotions, Kenley was confident that with her intelligence, she would surely understand.


    The two of them had now arrived at a hilly region in the eastern part of the lakeside, which was also the location of the lair of the Demonic Moles. According to the mission document, a significant number of Demonic Moles had recently emerged, causing substantial damage to the crops. It seemed that a small leader had risen among them, providing them with a sense of organization and making them even more challenging to defend against.


    Consequently, Kenley''s mission was to eliminate this small leader.


    Kenley knew that it was a level 25 elite Demonic Mole. In addition to the skills possessed by all ordinary Demonic Moles, it was capable of using two spells of the second rank.


    The earth magic spells were: Spikes of the Earth and Earth Armor.


    The Spikes of the Earth primarily launched sudden protrusions from the ground. The magical damage it inflicted was slightly lower than that of a second-rank fireball, yet it still carried a lethality of 65 points. Given Kenley''s current strength, he had to exercise extreme caution.


    The Earth Armor spell significantly enhanced physical defense and provided a small amount of magic resistance. It increased physical defense by 20 points and magic resistance by 8 points.


    With Kenley''s current attack power, striking the elite Demonic Mole protected by the Earth Armor would be akin to merely tickling it. Therefore, Kenley''s current objective was to level up first and enhance his basic attributes, thereby naturally increasing his combat effectiveness.


    Attempting to defeat the elite Demonic Mole in one fell swoop through sheer recklessness would be futile. Of course, he could also hold the elite Demonic Mole at bay while allowing Tia to use her magic to wear it down, but that approach would be extremely risky.


    This was because the elite Demonic Mole had the ability to summon its companions, commonly referred to as minions in online games. Such enemies were the most troublesome, for once caught in a chaotic battle, there was a high likelihood of being gradually worn down from all directions and ultimately succumbing to exhaustion.


    To ensure a more secure outcome, the best strategy was to first eliminate the minions surrounding the elite Demonic Mole and then deal with the leader itself.


    Glancing around, Kenley made his choice.


    "Tia, you remember our previous coordination, don''t you? Let''s execute it just like we did before," Kenley reminded her.


    "Absolutely! I remember, Tia does!" Tia replied enthusiastically.


    "Good. Here''s my plan..." Kenley elaborated his plan in detail. After listening attentively, Tia nodded repeatedly.


    "Do you understand?" Kenley asked.


    "As expected of you, Master. I''ve learned a great deal from you," Tia said with a sweet smile.

 Chapter 93: The Cross-Tier Quest 7

    As anticipated, in the vicinity of the main lair, Kenley came across no fewer than eight ordinary Demonic Moles.


    Although he remained uncertain about the exact number of these creatures still lurking beneath the ground, he was determined to at least clear those present on the surface first.


    "Tia! Fireball!"


    Just as he had done previously, Kenley lured the monsters one by one and hunted them down individually, making every effort to avoid engaging with the larger group.


    However, the Demonic Moles in the real world proved to be far more intelligent than their counterparts in the game. It seemed that the elite Demonic Mole had sensed their presence. Upon noticing the disappearance of the fifth of its companions, the elite Demonic Mole immediately let out a piercing shriek, summoning back all the Demonic Moles that had been out foraging.


    "Rather intelligent," Kenley couldn''t help but muse. Nevertheless, all of this was now of little consequence. After successfully hunting down five Demonic Moles, Kenley had advanced to level 18, leaving him just two levels shy of reaching the second rank.


    Moreover, Kenley had unlocked two new warrior skills: the Wind Blade and the Evasive Dash.


    The Wind Blade was a ranged skill. By hurling the sword in his hand, it would unleash a swirling projectile, much like a cyclone. Once the attack was completed, the sword would automatically return to the warrior''s grasp, much like a boomerang.


    The Evasive Dash was a dodging skill exclusive to warriors. When fully upgraded to its three-segment form, it resembled the thief''s roll, with a cooldown period of two seconds.


    It is important to note here that in the game, since players were in a state of complete stealth, the official rules did not prohibit them from evading on their own. However, such evasion was merely a matter of repositioning, which was distinctly different from the skill-based"dodge."


    With simple repositioning, if a player was grazed or struck by an enemy''s attack during the movement, they would still sustain damage, particularly evident when dealing with area-of-effect skills.


    In contrast, the skill-based"dodge" offered a significantly different experience. When utilizing this skill, players could enjoy a"temporary invulnerability effect," commonly referred to as invincibility frames.


    Although the duration of this effect was brief, when employed effectively, the benefits far outweighed those of an extreme counterattack. The requirements for an extreme counterattack were extremely stringent, demanding that the player counter the enemy within a mere 0.1 seconds. The margin for error was minuscule, and a single misstep could spell disaster.


    The Evasive Dash, despite its cooldown limitation, provided a 0.3-second invulnerability period, which made it much more comfortable and practical to use compared to an extreme counterattack. It was also considerably more accessible to novice players.


    After acquiring the Evasive Dash skill, Kenley felt a newfound sense of confidence.


    "Master, they''ve all retreated. Could they have detected us?" Tia furrowed her brow in concern.


    Kenley nodded."We''ve been discovered. Tia, remember, our current objective is to lure the enemies out and then eliminate them one by one."


    "But Master, they''ve all withdrawn. How are we going to lure them out?" Tia asked, looking perplexed.


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    Kenley smiled faintly."With this." As he spoke, he produced a bottle of black potion.


    "What kind of potion is this?" Tia inquired, her eyes widening with curiosity.


    "The Black Cat Potion."


    With that, Kenley downed the entire bottle of potion in one swift gulp, right before Tia''s eyes.


    Moments later, Kenley astonishingly transformed into a black cat.


    "Wow! Master! You''re so adorable!" Tia exclaimed, immediately pulling Kenley into her embrace.


    "Meow~" The charming black cat licked its paw.


    "You''re absolutely precious!" Tia cooed, nuzzling her face against the cat affectionately.


    "Tia, this is the Black Cat Potion. Upon consuming it, one is transformed into a black cat," the black cat spoke in a human voice.


    "But what''s the purpose of turning into a cat?" Tia asked, looking utterly bewildered.


    "This isn''t an ordinary black cat. Just wait and see. You''ll understand soon enough," the black cat said. With that, it leaped out of Tia''s arms with a swift bound.


    "Master! Where are you going?!" Tia asked, her face etched with worry.


    "Don''t fret. Just hide behind this rock. I''ll be back shortly," Kenley said. With that, he vanished from sight in a flash.


    On the surface, the Black Cat Potion appeared to be a simple elixir that transformed a person into a black cat. In reality, its capabilities were truly remarkable. Firstly, cats were inherently agile creatures, moving with near-silent footsteps.


    It was a potion commonly employed for stealth operations, treasure hunting, and evading enemies. In past battles, Kenley had used the Black Cat Potion on multiple occasions to outwit his adversaries.


    Furthermore, Kenley would acquire the enhanced vision and acute sense of smell of a cat. Additionally, this black cat had the ability to perceive things that were invisible to the average person.


    Such as: ghosts, traces of magical energy, traps, and invisible foes.


    Kenley slipped into the lair of the Demonic Moles through the grass. He recalled vividly that there was a particular mechanism within the lair that could instantly provoke these timid Demonic Moles.


    Step by step, Kenley followed the scent trail left by the Demonic Moles. Before long, he traced them to a more expansive underground chamber.


    Within this space, there were over a dozen Demonic Moles, along with five or six young Demonic Moles that were still in the process of development. It seemed that this was indeed their primary lair.


    Just then, Kenley witnessed a shocking sight: An elderly-looking Demonic Mole, sporting a white beard, was feasting on a human corpse. The scene was gruesome, with blood dripping everywhere. No wonder the townspeople had insisted on eradicating this monstrous creature. It appeared that this elite Demonic Mole had already awakened its savage nature.


    If left unchecked, it would undoubtedly pose a significant threat in the future.


    The black cat was virtually indistinguishable in the darkness, and with its delicate footsteps, the Demonic Moles, some sleeping and others eating, failed to notice Kenley''s stealthy intrusion.


    "Eureka!" Kenley''s eyes lit up as he spotted a fiery red elemental stone within the lair. It was a fire-elemental magic crystal core, serving as the source of power for the elite Demonic Mole.


    Thanks to the Black Cat Potion, Kenley could perceive the turbulent magical aura emanating from the fire-elemental magic crystal core. It was like a constantly spinning tornado, continuously supplying heat to the entire lair from the center of the underground.


    It seemed that there was a valid reason for the Demonic Moles to establish their lair here. This stone served as their vital source of heat, ensuring the survival and growth of the young moles without the risk of freezing.


    The third rank...


    This crystal core was likely worth a substantial amount of money. If he were to retrieve it and sell it, it could fetch at least ten gold coins or more.


    However, Kenley was reluctant to part with it. Such crystal cores were essential materials for crafting top-tier equipment. For instance, if he were to forge a fire-elemental sword using this core, it would inflict additional fire-elemental damage with each strike, significantly enhancing its effectiveness.


    Kenley navigated through the midst of the Demonic Moles with calm assurance, and not a single one of them detected his presence. After all, who among the Demonic Moles in the lair would have expected a black cat to intrude?


    Nevertheless, the perceptive elite Demonic Mole sensed something amiss. It suddenly whipped its head around and stared in the direction from which Kenley had entered.


    There was nothing there? The elite Demonic Mole scratched its head in confusion and then resumed feasting on the corpse.


    Kenley, on the other hand, broke out in a cold sweat. Fortunately, he had reacted quickly and immediately hidden behind a young Demonic Mole, narrowly avoiding detection.


    But his relief was short-lived. Moments later, the young Demonic Mole let out a sudden scream!


    It seemed that it was hungry and crying out for its mother Demonic Mole to nurse it.


    Oh no! The mother Demonic Mole was awakening!

 Chapter 94: The Cross-Tier Quest 8

    The young Demonic Mole nestled upon the mother Demonic Mole''s teat and began to suckle with great avidity.


    The mother Demonic Mole lowered her head to take a glance. Hold on, something seemed amiss. There was a creature resembling a lump of black coal also attempting to suckle from her. She had no recollection of giving birth to a black offspring.


    Given that Demonic Moles are not particularly intelligent, and considering she was in the midst of nurturing her young, the mother Demonic Mole merely hesitated for a moment and then reclined once more.


    Nevertheless, the young Demonic Mole beside her was irate. How dare this coal-like creature presume to steal its mother''s milk! It simply could not tolerate such an audacity!


    With a furious howl, it lunged towards Kenley, intent on driving him away.


    "Fine, I''m leaving. Is that satisfactory?" Kenley clicked his tongue. Fortunately, his act had been convincing enough; he had almost been discovered. However, the milk of the Demonic Mole was truly repugnant. He had taken a single sip and promptly spat it out, not daring to consume any more.


    Before making his exit, Kenley surreptitiously sprinkled a bottle of potion onto the ground.


    Observing Kenley''s voluntary withdrawal, the young Demonic Mole crawled back contentedly and resumed its vigorous suckling.


    The mere thought that these Demonic Moles might have feasted on human flesh, and that he had just partaken of their milk, filled Kenley with a profound sense of nausea. The recollection of that rank odor only served to exacerbate his revulsion.


    Drawing his focus back, Kenley swiftly scurried over to the magic crystal core. It was indeed an exceptional magic crystal core, suitable for forging a Magic Vortex Ring, which would be perfect for Tia.


    Kenley seized the magic crystal core in his mouth with a single bite. However, scarcely had he made contact with it when the elite Demonic Mole, not far away, sprang to its feet with a sudden movement.


    There emanated some spine-chilling bubbling sounds that sent a shiver down Kenley''s spine!


    Oh no, it has detected me!


    Kenley''s eyes flashed with determination. Regardless of the elite Demonic Mole''s thoughts, he immediately leaped up and bolted in the direction from which he had come. Fortunately, having transformed into a black cat, his four-legged sprint was remarkably swift, making it no easy feat for the elite Demonic Mole to catch up with him in the immediate moment.


    The elite Demonic Mole''s massive form, reminiscent of a small hill, produced ponderous footsteps that, despite the distance, still set Kenley''s heart racing.


    "Cloak of Light!" As soon as Kenley rounded the corner, he draped the pre-prepared Cloak of Light over his form.


    In an instant, Kenley''s figure vanished without a trace. The elite Demonic Mole followed closely behind, scanning the passageway before it with a puzzled expression. The scent had dissipated right at this very spot.


    There was no shadow, no living being in sight, save for a faint lingering aroma.


    It was acutely aware that this was by no means the scent of a cat, but rather that of a human. Although its limited intellect could not fathom why a human would transform into a cat, it was certain that the human was lurking nearby.


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    It wrinkled its nose and sniffed the air incessantly, turning its head from side to side, and remained rooted to the spot, refusing to depart.


    Could it be that it had stumbled upon something?


    Kenley was merely a few meters away from it; one careless moment on its part would surely lead to his discovery. Although the Cloak of Light rendered his body completely invisible, a trace of his scent still lingered.


    While the olfactory sense of Demonic Moles did not rival that of canine-like monsters, it was still remarkably acute.


    However, Kenley had a contingency plan. The potion he had spilled on the ground earlier should soon take effect.


    Sure enough!


    Just then, a multitude of indistinct screams echoed from within the lair, as if the Demonic Moles were in excruciating pain.


    Upon hearing the commotion, the elite Demonic Mole tensed up instantly and took a few steps backward.


    Just as Kenley believed he was on the verge of safety, the elite Demonic Mole turned back and cast several glances over its shoulder. Kenley inwardly marveled at its shrewdness. This creature was astute enough to execute a surprise return.


    However, as the screams of the Demonic Moles grew increasingly harrowing, it was compelled to redirect its attention back to the lair. After all, should anything untoward befall the lair, it would indeed be a grave matter.


    The potion that Kenley had scattered on the ground earlier was a special concoction. It possessed no lethal properties, yet it was guaranteed to torment the monsters unbearably.


    Specially crafted by the Secret Potion Witch:[Aphrodisiac Potion].


    Hahaha, even without conjuring the image, Kenley could anticipate the ensuing chaos. Moreover, this aphrodisiac potion was specifically formulated for trainers to facilitate the breeding of their magical pets. Even a single drop could induce a state of heat in a dragon. Given that Kenley had poured an entire bottle of it, once the potion''s vapor began to diffuse and all the Demonic Moles inhaled it, the resulting scene was bound to be electrifying.


    Kenley fled the cave without so much as a backward glance. Before long, he encountered Tia, who had been waiting with palpable anxiety.


    "Master! You''re finally back! When I heard those screams, my heart nearly leaped out of my chest!" The moment Tia laid eyes on Kenley, she swiftly embraced him.


    "Tia, listen to me first. Put me down," Kenley spat out the magic crystal core, wearing a rueful smile. While being a black cat had its advantages, it made him far too susceptible to being hugged.


    "Alright!" Tia obediently set Kenley down.


    One of the most commendable aspects of the Black Cat Potion was that players could terminate the transformation at any given moment, without having to await the potion''s effects to wear off. However, once the transformation was reversed, they could not revert to their feline form unless they ingested the potion anew.


    In other words, players needed to exercise prudence in choosing the opportune moment to use it and refrain from squandering it recklessly.


    As Kenley reverted to his human form, Tia regarded the transformation process with a look of wonder. She could not contain her curiosity and inquired,"Master, what is it like to be a cat?"


    "What''s it like?" Kenley was momentarily taken aback.


    "It feels as though there''s a hand growing out of my posterior," Kenley assumed a thoughtful pose and then proffered an answer that induced Tia to burst into peals of laughter.


    "Hand... growing out of the buttocks... What a whimsical metaphor... Heeheehee," Tia realized that Kenley was likely referring to the tail, yet for some inexplicable reason, she found the metaphor utterly hilarious.


    "Stop laughing. You''ll be able to transform into a bat in the future," Kenley said with a resigned smile.


    "Ah! How did you know, Master?" Tia exclaimed, her eyes wide with surprise.


    "It''s a secret," Kenley wagged his index finger.


    "Master is keeping secrets from Tia again! Tia is not pleased!" Tia even feigned indignation.


    Kenley shook his head with a smile, choosing not to delve deeper into the matter. He picked up the red stone from the ground, weighed it in his hand, and then remarked,"Look, Tia, what wonderful thing have I brought back for you?"


    "A magic crystal core?" Tia, being astute, refrained from pressing further and instead directed her attention to the stone.


    "Precisely, a third-rank fire-element magic crystal core. I intend to use it to forge a Magic Vortex Ring for you," Kenley placed the stone in Tia''s palm.


    "This, this is far too precious! Tia cannot accept it!" Tia hastily pushed the stone back towards Kenley.


    "Tia?" Kenley was somewhat taken aback.


    Tia averted her gaze."Tia no longer wishes to rely on Master to care for her in this manner. It makes Tia feel utterly useless."

 Chapter 95: The Cross-Tier Quest 9

    "Tia¡­" Kenley remained silent.


    "Master, Tia has already received an abundance of your care, and it makes Tia feel deeply uneasy," Tia averted her head, lacking the courage to meet Kenley''s gaze directly. It seemed as if uttering these words required a great deal of her inner strength.


    "It''s alright, Tia. You are mine, and these are all gifts I offer to you," Kenley pushed the stone back towards her once more.


    "No! Tia refuses!" Tia appeared to be irate, her chest heaving slightly with emotion.


    "Why?" Kenley inquired.


    "Master, don''t you truly understand?" There was a tinge of melancholy in Tia''s eyes.


    Kenley held his tongue. It wasn''t that he failed to comprehend Tia''s sentiments; rather, he deemed the enhancement of their strength to be of greater significance.


    "Master, you are always like this. You fail to realize that substantial rewards can indeed bestow boundless courage, yet unwarranted gifts will only foster the growth of base desires. If such occurrences were sporadic, they might be tolerable, but when they happen repeatedly, Tia simply cannot accept it!" Tia declared with resolute conviction, clearly demonstrating her own principles and stance.


    Kenley felt a constriction in his chest. Indeed, as Tia had pointed out, if one persistently gave without making any demands, it would only render the recipient overly reliant on them for every aspect of life. While being depended upon wasn''t inherently negative, it could give rise to a multitude of issues.


    Tia was a princess of distinct character and firm principles. In this regard, Kenley held her in high esteem. However, currently, both of their levels were rather low.


    Within the imperial city, a count lurked in the shadows, eyeing them with malevolent intent, and nearby, there was a band of adventurers with ambiguous motives. In a world where light and darkness coexisted in a delicate balance, the most pressing matter for their survival was to elevate their strength as expeditiously as possible.


    Nevertheless, this gave rise to a new predicament. His excessive preoccupation with strength enhancement had caused him to overlook the feelings of those close to him. While focus could render one powerful, an overabundance of it could lead to the erosion of one''s fundamental humanity.


    "I see¡­"


    "Tia, you are truly a resilient princess with unwavering principles and a well-defined moral compass," Kenley couldn''t help but praise her.


    Upon hearing Kenley''s words, a delicate blush crept across Tia''s fair cheeks, and it seemed as though her earlier anger dissipated instantaneously. Yet, she still asserted firmly,"My master, you possess genuine wisdom, and I trust that you comprehend. Tia does not mean to oppose you. I merely hope that you will refrain from such actions in the future. What Tia desires, Tia will strive to attain through her own efforts, rather than relying on charity."


    She aimed to enhance her standing in Kenley''s heart through this approach, rather than devolving into a docile and dependent figure.


    Kenley couldn''t help but inwardly marvel at Tia''s uniqueness. Encountering Tia in this world was truly a blessing.


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    Just then, Kenley suddenly interjected,"You are mistaken, Tia. This is not charity."


    "But Master, how is this any different from charity?" Tia''s countenance darkened slightly upon hearing these words.


    "I intend to fashion this stone into two betrothal rings, as a testament to our love," Kenley said, a gentle smile gracing his lips.


    Tia was jolted by surprise. She had never anticipated that Kenley would utter such words.


    The air seemed to still in that moment, and the two of them locked eyes in a profound silence.


    Tia felt her vision blurring, and unshed tears welled up in her eyes, almost imperceptible.


    Tia''s heart, which had long been dormant, inexplicably began to quicken its pace. What was this strange sensation?


    She was rendered speechless, as if something had been deeply implanted within her heart, like a seed taking root and sprouting, awaiting the blossoming of flowers.


    "However, if you think this is not to your liking, Tia¡­ then I shall temporarily retain¡­"


    Kenley opened his mouth and slowly articulated these words. Then, he began to retract his hand that held the magic crystal core. But before he could finish his sentence, Tia, like a child whose most cherished possession had been snatched away, swiftly seized the magic crystal core from Kenley''s grasp.


    "No! Tia thinks this is wonderful!"


    Gazing at the crimson magic crystal core in her hand, Tia''s pretty face flushed a deep red, resembling a ripe apple.


    "Truly?" Kenley smiled.


    "Mm!" Tia''s voice was soft and tender, yet it carried a palpable undertone of unwavering determination.


    "Very well, then you shall safeguard this crystal core for now. Once we return, we shall seek out Master Smith and commission him to craft the rings," Kenley proposed.


    "But Master, haven''t you been avoiding Master Smith as of late?" Tia asked, a look of bewilderment crossing her face.


    It seemed that Tia had indeed noticed. Indeed, dealing with Smith was no easy feat, but Kenley was confident that he possessed numerous strategies to pacify him.


    "Have no fear. There are few challenges in this world that can confound me," Kenley gently stroked Tia''s head.


    "Mm!" Tia smiled sweetly once more.


    "Good. Let us now direct our attention to the Demonic Moles. I recently retrieved the magic crystal core, and without it, they must be in a state of utter disarray. Shortly, we shall eliminate these Demonic Moles one by one," Kenley said as he unsheathed his sword.


    For he had already spotted a Demonic Mole peeking cautiously out of the cave entrance¡­


    He wondered how the bottle of aphrodisiac potion he had spilled earlier was faring. By now, during his conversation with Tia, the effects of the potion should have fully subsided.


    After all, the lair housed Demonic Moles of all sizes, and that bottle of aphrodisiac potion was incredibly potent. He suspected that even the elite Demonic Mole would be enraged beyond measure.


    The scene was too vivid and intense to even contemplate.


    "Wait, what on earth is happening?" Kenley was taken aback, for he observed that the Demonic Mole that emerged was still connected to another. It appeared that their genitals were intertwined.


    How could such a thing occur? Kenley wore an expression of astonishment. He shook his head. Evidently, the effects of the potion had been overpowering, and these Demonic Moles must have been thrown into a state of chaos. He couldn''t help but wonder what the elite Demonic Mole''s reaction would be upon witnessing this peculiar sight.


    "Tia, let us hold off on the attack until they have moved a sufficient distance away from the lair," Kenley narrowed his eyes.


    "Understood!"


    Moments later, the two Demonic Moles that had ventured out to search, whether drawn by the missing magic crystal core or not, soon distanced themselves dozens of meters from the cave.


    No additional Demonic Moles emerged from the cave. At this distance, eliminating these two Demonic Moles would ensure that even if new ones were to emerge from the cave to offer support, it would likely be too late.


    "Attack!" Kenley dashed forward with a swift motion!


    "Charge, Blunt Strike, Drift¡ª¡ª!" Kenley executed a series of skillful maneuvers with practiced ease. Coupled with the increase in his base strength after leveling up, he swiftly dispatched one of the Demonic Moles.


    "Fireball! Blood Claw! Bloodlust!" Tia coordinated seamlessly with Kenley, and together, their combined attacks soon brought the two Demonic Moles crashing to the ground.


    Just then, the ground trembled violently.


    What was going on?


    With a resounding bang, the previously smooth ground erupted, and an elite Demonic Mole, as massive as a small hill and sporting white whiskers, emerged from the earth, its eyes ablaze with fury!


    It was the elite Demonic Mole!

 Chapter 96: The Cross-Tier Quest 10

    "Ah! Ah!" Simultaneously, a succession of peculiar human screams abruptly resounded.


    Seemed to be a group of men?


    Kenley raised his head and cast a glance, only to discover a throng of people scurrying about in a desperate and haphazard flight.


    Identify!


    Occupation: Hunter, Race: Human, Level 23.


    Occupation: Warrior, Race: Human, Level 21.


    Occupation: Priest, Race: Human, Level 20.


    Occupation: Archer, Race: Human, Level 21.


    Occupation: Thief, Race: Human, Level 20.


    Were these not precisely the band of adventurers who had been stealthily trailing him all along? They had actually plunged into this chaotic melee.


    It appeared that the elite Demonic Mole regarded him and them as a single cohort...


    With a cursory glance at the elite Demonic Mole, Kenley was jolted. How could it be Level 30?


    He had just vanquished two ordinary Level - 20 Demonic Moles and had ascended to Level 19. To defeat the Level - 30 elite Demonic Mole, he would at least have to reach Level 20 and unlock the skills of the second rank.


    Otherwise, relying solely on the skills of the first rank would likely prove woefully inadequate. This was not merely a matter of offensive output. He had never encountered a Level - 30 elite Demonic Mole before and was oblivious to the skills it had unlocked.


    "The third rank! By the Mother Goddess! We stand no chance against it! Flee at once!" shrieked the lecherous man.


    "Fool! What''s all the panic about?" Kate roared in a fit of rage, unsheathing his bow and arrow. Then, he bellowed at Kenley,"You human over there! If you wish to avoid death, join us in combating it!"


    Kenley crossed his arms."Apologies, I decline!"


    "Then you''re doomed!" Kate''s well - laid plan went awry. His original intent was to use Kenley as a sacrificial pawn, but he hadn''t anticipated Kenley''s refusal. However, his countenance darkened, and he promptly devised a new stratagem.


    "Bob!" He immediately turned his face towards the lecherous man.


    "What for?" It transpired that the lecherous man was named Bob, yet his voice quivered, as if he had a premonition of impending misfortune.


    "I''ll provide cover for you. Lure this fiend over to his side! Rest assured, the four of us shall safeguard your safety!"


    "I''ll have none of it! A third - rank monster will crush me in an instant!" Unexpectedly, Bob possessed a modicum of sense and exhibited remarkable resolve at this critical juncture.


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    Bob''s profession was that of a thief, a class not renowned for its high vitality. He flatly refused to act as the decoy.


    "Do you doubt that I''ll eviscerate you, tie your intestines in a knot, and strangle you with them?" Kate narrowed his eyes, his ire palpable.


    Bob''s complexion paled. He had never imagined that Kate would utter such venomous threats. He was acutely aware that, given Kate''s volatile nature, he would surely follow through on his words. If he defied Kate, there was a very real possibility that the dire threat would become a grim reality.


    "Very well, then..." he stammered, reluctantly acceding.


    "Miller, bestow two blessings upon him!" Upon seeing Bob''s acquiescence, Kate''s lips curled into a smirk, and he immediately addressed the priest beside him.


    What abysmal luck. Bob had once dreamed of becoming a world - famous thief, reclining atop a mountain of gold, and spending his days in the company of ravishing women. How could he meet his end here? Bob stole a glance at the enraged elite Demonic Mole and promptly formulated a scheme in his mind.


    He retrieved a vial of poisonous potion, a special concoction capable of diverting the monster''s attention towards himself.


    At the sight of Bob producing the potion, Kate''s eyes lit up with glee, and he urged incessantly,"Bob, this is your chance to etch your name in history!"


    "Heheh..." Bob merely emitted a few chuckles, but his expression darkened the moment he turned away.


    "Bang!" With a sharp explosion, the vial shattered. Under the potion''s influence, the elite Demonic Mole immediately fixed its gaze upon Bob.


    Seizing the opportunity, Bob took off at a sprint, hurtling towards Kenley!


    "It seems those on the other side are determined to make our lives miserable," Kenley mused to himself.


    "Master, what shall we do?" Tia''s nerves tightened. Like Kenley, they were both at Level 19, just one step shy of the second - rank threshold.


    "I''ll see where you two can run!" Kate sneered malevolently. Then, he nocked an arrow and aimed in Kenley''s direction.


    "Tacima, fire with me!" Tacima, the Level - 21 archer, posed a significant threat to Kenley if they launched a coordinated attack.


    "Tia, Magic Shield!" Kenley commanded instantly.


    "Aye!"


    With a gentle hum, a resplendent purple magic shield materialized before them.


    Two arrows whistled through the air. The power of the second - rank arrows far surpassed Tia''s defensive capabilities. Although the magic shield successfully intercepted the first arrow, it crumbled under the force of the second.


    "Bang!" It shattered upon contact with the first arrow. Kenley swiftly raised his hand to block. With a split - second countermove, he deflected both arrows.


    Kate''s face darkened in frustration. He hadn''t anticipated their swift reaction.


    "Mark my words. When they engage the elite Demonic Mole, we''ll seal off the area. Not a single one of them shall escape!" Kate hissed with a cold smile.


    "But boss, what if the vampire perishes?" someone inquired. Evidently, they were concerned about the slave contract taking effect, where the slave would meet the same fate as the master.


    "Fear not. I possess a Slave Transfer Contract. We''ll slay the monster when they''re on the brink of death. Let them wear down this behemoth first, and then we''ll step in. We''ll eliminate the monster and acquire the slave. A win - win situation, is it not?" Kate chortled.


    "Brilliant, boss!"


    Thereupon, the quartet promptly sealed off all the approaches around Kenley. They refrained from attacking but simply blocked their path, a vexing impediment.


    "Master, we''re surrounded," Tia''s brow furrowed deeper. She had never expected these individuals to be so heartless. Although their motives remained shrouded in mystery, Kate''s furtive glances at her had largely betrayed their objective.


    Was it because of her? Tia pondered silently.


    Gazing at Kate and then at her master''s imperturbable visage, Tia couldn''t help but sigh inwardly. Now, she and her master had been ensnared in an extremely perilous situation, and it was all her doing.


    A faint ripple stirred in Tia''s heart, but she concealed it deftly, saying nothing.


    "Have no fear," Kenley tenderly patted Tia''s shoulder, offering her a glimmer of reassurance.


    "Aye!" Tia refocused her gaze. Now, she must stand by her master and weather this storm together.


    "Here it comes!" Kenley sprang into action."Tia, await my command to activate the Blood Prison!"

 Chapter 97: The Cross-Tier Quest 11

    "Aye, Master!"


    The Blood Prison was the first dark magic control skill that Tia had unlocked, an exclusive ability of vampires. Its effects were as follows: It could immobilize the enemy for three seconds. Moreover, if Tia continuously infused it with her own blood, the Blood Prison could maintain the immobilization state indefinitely.


    This immobilization could only prevent the enemy from moving and block charge - type skills below the second rank.(Of course, the power of the immobilization would increase as the character''s rank advanced.) However, it could not stop the enemy from using other skills or launching ranged or melee attacks.


    Meanwhile, Bob, who had been running all this time, rushed up to Kenley and Tia. With a deft roll, he evaded them and then hurled a vial of potion at their feet.


    Damn that decoy potion.


    Kenley''s eyes turned cold. This level - 20 thief was truly courting death. For a class with low health and defense to recklessly use a decoy potion! He would soon teach this fellow a lesson.


    Kenley wasted no time. As he leaped high into the air, he landed squarely on the back of the elite Demonic Mole.


    "Tia! Blood Prison!"


    "Aye, Master!" Tia''s face flushed with effort. With a flick of her fingertip, she sliced open her palm, and a stream of blood gushed forth.


    The blood spread rapidly across the face of the elite Demonic Mole, forming a huge net that ensnared the entire monster in an instant!


    The elite Demonic Mole let out a furious roar. Its enraged eyes locked onto Tia, and it slapped the Blood Prison with a massive paw.


    However, the Blood Prison was constructed by magic, and mere physical attacks could not even budge it.


    Seeing this, the elite Demonic Mole immediately prostrated itself on the ground, and a faint earth - yellow glow began to emanate from its body.


    "Tia! Watch your step! Activate the Magic Shield!" Kenley shouted a warning. He knew that the elite Demonic Mole was about to use the Earth Spikes skill. At the same time, he made a grasping motion in the air with one hand, and a dagger glinting with an eerie light materialized in his palm.


    It was the dagger coated with the venom of the Medusa!


    If not now, when? Although it was a one - time use item, this was precisely the moment for it to fulfill its true value!


    Taking advantage of the fact that the elite Demonic Mole had all its attention focused on Tia, Kenley thrust the dagger into the mole''s back with a powerful strike!


    Kenley quickly retreated. Then, he witnessed a scene where the HP of the elite Demonic Mole began to plummet rapidly! Moreover, the mole''s body began to emit a foul stench due to the potent venom, and the toxin took effect at an astonishing speed!


    The elite Demonic Mole had never expected that this human would be carrying the venom of a silver - ranked monster. Even though it was an elite - class monster, once it was poisoned by the venom of a silver - ranked creature, no matter how high its health was, there was no way to save it.


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    The elite Demonic Mole was still unwilling to give up. At the last moment, it still unleashed the Earth Spikes.


    "Tia!" Kenley was worried that Tia might not be able to react in time to the elite Demonic Mole''s dying counterattack, so he couldn''t help but remind her again.


    "Mm!" Tia immediately leaped into the air and activated the Magic Shield again beneath her feet.


    However, how could a first - rank Magic Shield withstand the Earth Spikes of a level - 30 elite Demonic Mole? The moment it came into contact with the spikes, it shattered with a loud bang!


    The sharp Earth Spikes pierced through Tia''s shoulder. Tia let out a muffled groan. Clearly, this attack had caused her great discomfort.


    Kenley took a glance and let out a sigh of relief. Tia''s high growth potential was evident. Although the Magic Shield was only of the first rank, it had absorbed a considerable amount of magical damage. Coupled with Tia''s own magical resistance, she had only lost 36 HP from this attack.


    "Are you okay?" Even though Tia seemed fine, Kenley still asked with concern.


    "It''s all right, Master." Tia covered her shoulder and shook her head.


    Meanwhile, Kate and his companions in the distance stared at this scene in disbelief.


    How could it be? The entire confrontation had lasted less than ten seconds, and Kenley had already defeated a third - rank elite monster?


    "Isn''t that the Medusa - venom - coated dagger I sold to the slave trader? How did it end up in your hands!" Kate instantly recognized the origin of Kenley''s dagger.


    "So, you''re the one who sold this dagger." Kenley narrowed his eyes. This person definitely could not be allowed to live. Since he knew the origin of the dagger, he must be acquainted with the Slave Trader Alliance. If he were to spread this information, it would surely bring endless trouble.


    Kenley calmly absorbed the experience points and, in one go, leveled up three times, reaching level 22, which was now roughly on par with his opponents'' levels. He had also unlocked five second - rank warrior skills: Sword Intent (Passive: Increases hit rate, physical penetration, and attack power), Sword Crescent (Releases a half - moon sword qi), Warrior''s Roar (Increases attack power and clears some negative status effects), Sun - chasing Sword Technique (Charges in a straight line up to 10 meters long, dealing damage to all enemies along the way), and Floating Pursuit (Double jump).


    Upon hearing Kenley''s words, Kate''s eyes lit up. So, it was indeed obtained from that group of slave traders. Could it be that Kenley had killed that group of traders?


    So, he couldn''t help but say,"I was wondering why that unscrupulous merchant hadn''t returned after waiting for so many days. It turns out that you killed him. I read in his letter that he had captured a vampire princess. I suppose it''s the one in your possession?"


    "So what if it is?"


    "What else? From today on, this slave is mine. Now that you don''t have the dagger anymore, you pose little threat to me. Let me remind you, it''s five against two. Hand over that vampire slave obediently. I have a Slave Transfer Contract. If you cooperate, I can spare your life." As he spoke, he gave a subtle signal to the other four.


    The group surrounded them with sinister grins and flaunted their weapons right in front of Kenley.


    "You''re dreaming!" Kenley''s gaze sharpened. He instantly activated the Charge skill and rushed towards the priest!


    The most foolish mistake the opponent had made was using the priest, an important back - line class, as a part of the encirclement against him. Kenley would not let such a golden opportunity slip by. He would strike while the iron was hot!


    "Blunt Strike!"


    The priest, Miller, was caught off guard. How could he have known that Kenley would be so decisive? Facing a force several times their own, Kenley charged at them directly!


    A wave of dizziness washed over him. The priest, who had been hit by the Blunt Strike, was immediately disoriented. However, his reaction was not slow. As a priest, a back - line class, he naturally had some means of self - protection.


    "Holy Light Shower!" Although in a state of dizziness, the character could still use the control - disarm skill. Holy Light Shower could heal both himself and his allies, and at the same time, it could remove most negative status effects, among which dizziness was one of them.


    "Courting death!" Kate''s expression turned fierce. He had not expected Kenley to attack without hesitation.


    So, he waved his hand grandly and commanded,"Attack! Don''t let him succeed!"

 Chapter 98: The Black Sheep Society 1

    The priest, Miller, promptly utilized the skill Holy Light Bath to break free from the control. He hoisted the large sun - shaped cross in his hand, poised to employ the subsequent skill, yet was instantaneously interrupted by Kenley.


    Kenley was acutely aware of the skill Miller intended to unleash with that upward motion of his hand, and thus, he would not afford him the opportunity.


    "Blunt Strike!" Kenley delivered a blow to the back of Miller''s head with a reverse - handed motion.


    Thud! The priest, Miller, was completely unprepared for Kenley''s second Blunt Strike, and his head spun once more, his vision filled with stars.


    "This is simply impossible!" Kate, who had a clear view of the scene, was also taken aback. The Blunt Strike was no ordinary attack, and hitherto, no one had been capable of executing the Blunt Strike twice within the span of a single second.


    Kenley charged forward. The archer and Kate had already nocked their arrows and trained their sights on Kenley.


    However, Tia would not stand idly by. Her expression darkened, and with a wave of her hand, a blood - red arrow hurtled towards the archer.


    "Blood Arrow!"


    "Ah!" The archer, distracted by Kenley, failed to notice Tia''s assault and was immediately struck by the arrow.


    "HP - 36."


    The first - rank Blood Arrow came with a corrosive effect, deducting 5 HP from the enemy every second for a duration of 10 seconds. The archer had limited HP to begin with, and this strike, if the negative status was not promptly removed, would likely cause him to lose nearly half of his blood.


    The searing pain from the corrosion jolted the archer into a state of partial sobriety."I require healing!"


    This was no game. In reality, pain had the capacity to cloud one''s judgment and disrupt one''s actions.


    "Damn it!" Kate furrowed his brow."Tacima (the archer), administer a healing potion! I''ll deal with that vampire. The three of you, engage him!"


    "Bob (the thief)! The task of the sneak attack is yours!" Simultaneously, Kate bellowed.


    As it turned out, Bob had stealthily entered the stealth state while everyone''s attention was diverted. Kate''s shout was evidently intended to prompt Bob to utilize the Backstab skill.


    After all, the thief''s Backstab had the ability to stun an opponent for five seconds, a formidable control skill indeed.


    Obeying Kate''s command, the group immediately dispersed to carry out their respective tasks. Toby let out a roar and launched a Charge at Kenley, while the archer grasped a potion and began to gulp it down voraciously.


    Kate let out a disdainful snort and directed his bow at Tia.


    An arrow shot towards Tia. Although the hunter''s primary weapon was the bow, as a dual - wielding class, he was also proficient in using a short sword in addition to the bow.


    "Dodge!" Tia seemed to shift horizontally in an instant, deftly evading Kate''s arrow.


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    Kate''s eyes narrowed, and he then lunged at Tia with his sword. Of course, apart from being a mage, Tia was also a fighter. Her hands transformed instantly, and her blood - red claws engaged Kate in a fierce skirmish.


    Kenley faced significantly greater pressure. Having just stunned the priest, the enemy''s reinforcements arrived promptly, with Toby''s Charge following closely on the heels.


    In the face of such a chaotic battle, a swift resolution was imperative.


    "Whirlwind Slash!" Kenley unleashed his first move, Whirlwind Slash, striking the stunned priest. Immediately thereafter, Toby executed the Sword Crescent, and a half - moon sword qi, measuring eight meters in length, hurtled towards Kenley menacingly.


    However...


    "Dodge!"


    With a whoosh, Kenley vanished from sight. After evading the Sword Crescent, Kenley followed up with two consecutive moves:"Flower Dance" and"Branch Break." These two moves were part of a continuous combo and were executed with remarkable speed.


    The stunned priest continued to flail his weapon erratically in defense. Since Kenley was unable to strike his vital areas, he could not deliver a fatal blow.


    Here, a special explanation is in order: Why is it impossible to target the enemy''s vulnerable spots, such as the heart, neck, or eyes, to inflict a fatal wound? This brings us to the much - vaunted Fate System of"The Aude Continent." HP can be regarded not merely as a numerical value but also as an indicator of one''s fate.


    Regardless of the magnitude of one''s attack power, if one''s damage is insufficient to dispatch the enemy with a single strike, it is impossible to target the enemy''s vital areas. This is because the enemy''s fate (HP) has not been exhausted. The enemy will invariably employ various means to prevent one from attacking their vital areas, thereby precluding a one - hit kill.


    Only when the enemy''s HP is critically low, allowing for a beheading with a single sword strike, or when one''s damage is precisely sufficient to eliminate the enemy in one go, can the enemy be vanquished. Otherwise, it is impossible to achieve a kill.


    Upon witnessing this scene, Toby exclaimed nervously:"Tacima!"


    The seasoned Toby was well aware that Kenley had already used his Dodge skill and would be unable to employ it again within the two - second cooldown period. His objective had been accomplished, and now, it was up to the archer.


    The arrow arrived promptly, and Tacima''s reaction was indeed swift.


    Yet, Kenley''s reaction was even quicker!


    "Flower Blossom!" Without so much as a glance at the arrow fired by the archer, Kenley struck the priest once more.


    Just as Toby was certain that the overconfident Kenley would surely be hit by the arrow, something unexpected transpired.


    "Dodge!" Kenley evaded once again.


    "This is impossible!" Toby exclaimed in disbelief, his mouth agape, momentarily forgetting his subsequent combat maneuvers.


    This moment of shock provided Kenley with the opportunity to unleash his final move:"Full Bloom!"


    Blood gushed forth, and the priest was beheaded in an instant. The sight of the blood filling the air seemed almost surreal.


    At that moment, an even more terrifying event occurred for Toby.


    "Charge!" Kenley charged towards the archer.


    The archer let out a scornful snort. Kenley was still a Charge''s distance away and thought he could kill him? How naive! Just as he was about to nock his arrow and retaliate, he, like Toby, was rendered speechless by shock.


    "Charge!" Kenley initiated his second Charge!


    How could it be possible for someone to use the Charge skill and then immediately use it again? The archer''s eyes widened in disbelief.


    "Upper Slash, Triple Strike!" Kenley applied the swordsmanship he had learned from Rogue to the archer on the spot.


    The archer, clad in cloth armor, was no match for Kenley. Within five moves, he was slain by Kenley on the spot.


    Toby scurried about in a frenzy, unable to keep pace with Kenley. He could only watch helplessly as Kenley eliminated his companions one by one. Gazing at Kenley''s cold, blood - stained visage as he turned around, Toby''s spirit shattered completely.


    "No, I must flee! I must flee!" Toby lost all his fighting spirit and fled in the opposite direction without a backward glance.


    But just then...


    "Toby, where do you think you''re going?" With a muffled sound, the thief, Bob, who had been lurking in the shadows, struck! A Backstab rendered Toby completely stunned, and his HP plummeted by a significant amount in an instant. Subsequently, he brandished a dagger enveloped in a shroud of black qi and slit Toby''s throat.


    Toby, his eyes wide with reluctance, slowly crumpled to the ground...


    Kenley furrowed his brow slightly. Which side did this person belong to? However, his pupils then began to dilate gradually. This was because he had spotted a distinctive tattoo on Bob''s neck: the head of a black ram!


    "Black Sheep Society?"

 Chapter 99: The Black Sheep Society 2

    Toby slowly sank to the ground, his eyes wide with unquenchable resentment.


    Kate, who was locked in combat with Tia not far off, also sensed that something was awry.


    "Bob! You wretched thief, what on earth are you up to?" Kate thundered.


    "Are you addressing me?" Bob''s voice abruptly turned parched and hoarse, reminiscent of the eerie voiceovers in a horror film.


    "You''re not Bob!" Kate exclaimed, taken aback.


    Bob straightened up, his figure suddenly towering. He leisurely drew a sheep - bone mask from his bosom and placed it upon his head. Then, his body convulsed violently, and his garments burst asunder, scattering like shrapnel!


    His robust, dark - hued muscles were as striking as inverted subcutaneous tissues. From behind the yellowish - white sheep - bone mask, a chilling gaze glinted. Two inky chains encircled his hands, securing him to his breeches with an iron grip, intensifying the sinister and foreboding atmosphere.


    Strange blood - red runes adorned his physique, a symbol comprising a circle and a hexagram. Unlike the unblemished hexagram of the Mage Association, the emblem on Bob''s body was a distinctive triangular configuration with serrated edges, emblematic of the Black Sheep Society, more akin to an ancient script than a mere symbol.


    [Black Sheep Cultist?Terror Hunter?Lenznos (Elite)]


    [Level: 45]


    [Occupation: Assassin]


    [HP: 2398/2398]


    [MP:???/???]


    [Rp:???/???]


    [Profile: A bloodsucker from the Abbey of Rest, a devout and fanatical adherent of the Black Sheep Heresy. None know whence they hail, nor which deity they venerate. O lamb slumbering in the darkness, open thy bewildered eyes. The world teeters on the brink of doom; there is no benevolence, no illumination, only boundless darkness encroaching upon the dreams of every soul.]


    What cruel twist of fate was this? A cold sweat broke out on Kenley''s brow.


    An elite fiend from the Abbey of Rest¡ªhow on earth did it end up here? This was a mid - game adversary, and yet it had dared to appear in Marlen Imperial City on the second day of the Holy Bestowal Day! And right under the watchful eye of the Church of Light, no less. The audacity!


    Kate recoiled in horror."You, you''re from the Black Sheep Society¡­!"


    Before he could finish his sentence, with a swift"son!" sound, Lenznos teleported behind Kate in an instant. With a flick of his wrist, a dagger wreathed in dark vapor sliced across Kate''s throat, and in an instant, Kate''s head and body were severed.


    A clean, swift kill!


    This was the imposing might of a level - 45 elite monster!


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    With a gulf of two entire ranks in power, Kate hadn''t even had a chance to react!


    Kenley knew precisely what technique Lenznos had employed, but at that moment, he had but one thought: to flee!


    "Hiss." Lenznos extended his blood - red tongue and licked the blood from the dagger in his grasp, then turned his gaze upon Kenley.


    But he paused briefly before shifting his eyes to Tia.


    "Descendant of heroes, with the blood of darkness coursing through thy veins, submit to the embrace of the Black Sheep. The Mother Goddess has long since slumbered, and the end of days approaches. The stench of decay pervades the land, and the Eyes of Agony oversee all. When the god plucks out his heart as a sacrifice to the Black Sheep, that shall be the day the Heart of the World ceases to beat." As he spoke, Lenznos knelt on one knee.


    So, he was after Tia. Could this be part of the hidden quest of [The Princess of the Fallen Kingdom]? Had the Black Sheep Society set their sights on the power of Tia''s heroic bloodline and orchestrated this entire charade?


    Kenley was familiar with the Eyes of Agony. It was a level - 90 boss, the ultimate nemesis within the Black Sheep Society''s secret underground temple. However, this was not the most powerful boss of the Black Sheep Society; there was one even more formidable. And the Heart of the World surely referred to the Sky Tower, for it was there that the Mother Goddess lay in eternal repose, the very epicenter of the world.


    Indeed, this being an open field, it was preferable to engage here than within the imperial city.


    It also underscored the terrifying reach of the Black Sheep Society. Even in a place as significant as Marlen Imperial City, cultists of the Black Sheep Society lurked in the shadows. Their spies were truly scattered across the four corners of the earth...


    Tia regarded Kenley with a look of trepidation. Clearly, she was in a panic. She was at a loss as to what to do, fearing that if she rejected Lenznos on the spot, he would slay her master.


    Tia was well aware of Lenznos'' prowess and knew full well that with Kenley''s current strength, he stood no chance against him.


    Kenley shook his head at Tia. Without uttering a word, he began to inch closer to her.


    Lenznos seemed indifferent to Kenley''s subtle maneuvers; his attention was firmly fixed on Tia''s response.


    Although Tia was uncertain of her master''s intentions, something stirred within her, and she seemed to grasp his meaning."The Black Sheep God stands in opposition to the realm of dreams, yet the light of order still shines upon the blood of heroes. Sir, I must beg your pardon, but I cannot comply," she said.


    Lenznos was patient. Remaining on one knee, he continued,"The realm of dreams is the Black Sheep''s paradise of bliss, and the Mother Goddess has long since forgotten her children. The blood of heroes now lies under the Black Sheep''s blessing. Listen to the call from the depths of your soul and surrender to the Black Sheep, Your Highness."


    Tia furrowed her brow. This Black Sheep cultist seemed determined to spirit her away.


    She spun around and saw that Kenley had crept to within less than ten meters of her. Despite knowing that together they were no match for Lenznos, for some inexplicable reason, the sight of Kenley approaching filled her with a sense of security.


    Kenley nodded at her, signaling for her to stall for time.


    Kenley''s intention in drawing nearer to Tia was to transport her into the Sub - Servant Subspace. Apart from the automatic retrieval when in a critically wounded state, a manual retrieval required the master and servant to be within a five - meter radius.


    Kenley was too far from Tia; if the distance wasn''t closed, he couldn''t retrieve her. Kenley was not without means to deal with Lenznos, but Tia was vulnerable.


    He might have been able to manage on his own, but with Tia in tow, the difficulty would only escalate. Thus, he had to retrieve Tia first.


    So, Tia spoke up again."Sir, could you please disclose the true reason for extending this invitation to me?"


    Lenznos replied,"This is the Black Sheep''s summons, Your Highness. Please make your decision promptly. Time is of the essence, and if the fanatical followers of the Church of Light discover us, none of us will be able to..."


    Just then, Kenley suddenly lunged forward!


    "Tia!"


    A brilliant golden light flared in the air, and a rift materialized in an instant. Tia stepped directly into the rift!


    "Subspace!" Lenznos exclaimed, jolting to his feet in disbelief. He could never have anticipated that this was a Sub - Servant Contract!

 Chapter 100: The Black Sheep Society 3

    "Hey, Pike, I''d stake my reputation on it that Bob is undoubtedly a heretic of the Black Sheep Cult!" A quarter of an hour prior to Kenley''s entanglement in a harrowing predicament, three young individuals, stealthily following the trail of Kate and his entourage, arrived at the shores of Myerzu Lake.


    "Enough already, Mars. My ears are practically calloused from hearing you prattle on about that tattoo on Bob''s neck since early this morning," the young maiden beside him chided irritably.


    "I''m deadly serious, Evelyn! You have to trust me!" Mars, the young warrior, exclaimed with a hint of desperation.


    "Mars, Evelyn, hold your tongues for a moment. There''s the sound of a skirmish ahead," Pike interjected, furrowing his brow in concern.


    The Fangtooth Squad, a fledgling team within the Adventurer''s Guild. Mars, the team leader, was a mid - tiered warrior of the first rank; Pike, a team member, was a mid - tiered cleric of the first rank; and Evelyn, another team member, was a mid - tiered mage of the first rank.


    Cautiously, they parted a thicket of grass and beheld Kenley and Tia encircled by Kate and his companions, including an elite Demonic Mole.


    "A third - rank monstrosity! I''m not seeing things, am I? And that enchanting young woman, she appears to be a vampire slave," Mars exclaimed in a flustered manner.


    "Strange. Why on earth are Kate, Bob, and the others surrounding these two individuals?" Evelyn pondered aloud, a look of bewilderment crossing her face.


    Just then, Pike, the cleric, spoke up."I''m acquainted with that girl. The day before yesterday, I witnessed a divine miracle in the Great Cathedral, which was brought about by the very warrior who is now surrounded. It is rumored that the vampire is of royal lineage, having received the bishop''s esteemed hospitality and been bestowed with the Mark of Devotion." As he spoke, Pike pointed at the back of Tia''s hand."Take a closer look, there."


    "By all means, it is indeed the Mark of Devotion!" The other two exchanged a meaningful glance.


    "But why are they being besieged by Kate''s men? Is there some long - standing feud between them?" Evelyn remained perplexed.


    "Wait a moment, look! There''s something amiss with Bob!" Mars, paying no heed to the others'' opinions, had his attention riveted on Bob throughout.


    Influenced by Mars, they swiftly turned their gaze towards Bob and were witness to his transformation and the subsequent slaying of Kate.


    "The fourth rank!" Mars''s face turned ashen with shock."This situation demands immediate reporting to the Temple!"


    "Hold on, Mars. From what that Black Sheep heretic said, it seems he has set his sights on the vampire. Should we offer them assistance? If I''m not mistaken, Pike, if that vampire''s heroic bloodline were to fall into the hands of the Black Sheep cultists, it would enable the heretics to achieve their nefarious objectives," Evelyn, a meticulous observer, had been intently listening to the conversation between Tia and Lenznos.


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    "Evelyn, that''s a fourth - rank adversary! Come to your senses. Although I''m equally eager to apprehend the heretic, even if we combine our forces with theirs, we would be no match for Bob," Mars, despite his urgency, retained his rationality.


    "But by the time we return with reinforcements from the Temple, the battle will likely be long over, Mars," Evelyn insisted resolutely.


    "Cease this bickering!" Pike intervened.


    "I possess a spell to alert the Temple, Mars. We should make an attempt to aid them, at least to secure a slender chance of escape for the descendant of heroes," Pike sided with Evelyn.


    "The minority must yield to the majority, Mars. You are a warrior, after all," Evelyn''s gaze conveyed her unwavering determination.


    Mars looked into Evelyn''s eyes and let out a resigned sigh."We may very well perish."


    "But didn''t we steel ourselves for the possibility of sacrificing our lives when we formed this team in the Adventurer''s Guild?" Evelyn smiled softly.


    Upon hearing this, Mars''s eyes glimmered with a newfound resolve."You''re right. Death is but a small price to pay."


    Pike nodded in agreement and began muttering incantations under his breath. Moments later, a golden sphere of light soared towards the Temple.


    "May the Paladins arrive posthaste," Pike murmured to himself.


    No sooner had Pike dispatched the message than he looked up to see Mars collide with a formidable black magic wall.


    "Bang!" Mars clutched his head in pain for a considerable moment.


    "It''s hopeless, Pike. That Black Sheep heretic appears to have erected a barrier, effectively sealing us out. We cannot breach it," Mars exclaimed, breaking into a cold sweat.


    Pike and Evelyn were both taken aback. They immediately launched an attack against the barrier, only to be met by a black shield of light that repelled their assault, confirming Mars''s words.


    "Mars, do you think they stand a chance of survival?" Evelyn inquired, her face etched with worry as she gazed at Kenley and Tia, who were locked in a standoff with the Black Sheep cultist.


    "I cannot say, Evelyn. A second - rank warrior and a high - tiered mage of the first rank... Their prospects of survival are, at best, slim to none," Mars shook his head despondently.


    Suddenly, Pike exclaimed,"Look! The warrior and the vampire have vanished!"


    The two of them turned their attention towards the direction of the Black Sheep heretic.


    "Bang!" Just like Mars, Kenley also collided with the barrier, his head throbbing with pain.


    Damn it! No wonder Lenznos had remained invisible and evasive earlier. He had evidently orchestrated this, erecting a formidable dark magic barrier.


    With his current strength, Kenley was powerless to breach the fourth - rank magic barrier and found himself trapped within.


    Moments ago, after retrieving Tia into the Subspace, Kenley promptly employed the Cloak of Light to conceal himself. Operating alone would undoubtedly afford him greater mobility.


    Just then, the Black Sheep cultist let out a mocking laugh."Miserable mortal, do you truly believe you can elude me? Although I am unaware of the means by which you have hidden yourself, you stand no chance of escape in this place."


    With that, he brandished his dagger, shrouded in dark qi, and unleashed a terrifying black shockwave in the shape of a half - moon towards the direction where Kenley had disappeared.


    Reaping Light Slash. This technique had a 1.5 - second interval between each use and could be executed three times in succession, followed by an 8 - second cooldown period. With an attack range of 20 meters in length and 8 meters in width, and dealing 450 points of damage, even a brush with it would spell certain doom for Kenley, whose current HP stood at a mere 259.

 Chapter 101: The Black Sheep Society 4

    Kenley deftly evaded Lenznos'' assaults while attempting to collide with multiple spots of the barrier. Through a rough mental calculation, he estimated that the barrier had a radius of approximately 50 meters.


    "Do you truly believe that I am unable to detect you?" At that instant, Lenznos executed another instantaneous teleportation, hurtling directly towards the very spot where Kenley had just made contact with the barrier.


    "Dodge!" Kenley''s reaction was lightning - fast, allowing him to artfully avoid Lenznos'' strike. He was aware that the barrier had a responsive feedback mechanism, yet he felt compelled to make every conceivable attempt.


    Lenznos'' gaze swept over, fixing coldly on the periphery of the barrier. Evidently, he was not entirely certain of Kenley''s precise location.


    Just then, Lenznos made a grasping motion in the void, as if he had seized something. When he brought it forth, Kenley''s eyes widened in alarm.


    "Damn it!" This was Kenley''s inward exclamation. He knew all too well what it was: the [Tracking Mist Potion]. How on earth could this fellow be in possession of such an item?


    The significance of concealing himself began to fade. He realized that he could not afford to await assistance from others, and perhaps no one would even think to come to his aid. Moreover, once Lenznos deployed the Tracking Mist Potion, this imitation Cloak of Light might prove ineffective in masking his form.


    With a swift motion, Kenley clasped two vials of potions in his hand. One was a golden potion, the [Blessing of the Sun God], and the other was an ice - blue potion, the [Prophet''s Potion]. There was no alternative but to engage in a desperate struggle for survival.


    Initially, he had hoped to elude this battle using the Cloak of Light, but now, like a cornered beast, Kenley had no choice but to exert his utmost strength. He must vanquish his opponent!


    He decided to wait a while longer to see if the Tracking Mist Potion would reveal his presence. Kenley remained composed and refrained from making the first move.


    As Lenznos poured out the green mist potion, the small vial emitted a copious amount of green mist, gradually blanketing the entire ground within the barrier.


    Suddenly, Lenznos'' eyes lit up."I''ve found you, human!"


    "I will not sit idly and await my demise!" Kenley also lifted the Cloak of Light.


    With remarkable decisiveness, Kenley promptly consumed both the Blessing of the Sun God and the Prophet''s Potion. Instantly, he gained a three - minute period of invulnerability.


    Attacks below the seventh rank would be unable to harm him. The only remaining task was to figure out how to defeat Lenznos.


    Lenznos moved with astonishing speed, teleporting once again and appearing directly in front of Kenley.


    The dagger flashed towards Kenley''s neck! However, in an instant, with a dull thud, an imperceptible light elemental shield materialized, blocking Lenznos'' attack.


    Lenznos was momentarily taken aback. He could never have anticipated that this warrior would possess such a potent light elemental shield.


    "Are you a Light Mage?" Lenznos couldn''t help but inquire.


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    In response, Kenley merely let out a disdainful snort. He had no time to waste in idle conversation. Every passing second was precious. Lenznos boasted a staggering HP of nearly 2400, and his defense was formidable. Kenley''s current attacks were no more than a tickle to him.


    However, this did not imply that Lenznos was without vulnerabilities.


    "That warrior survived!" Mars, who was observing the battle from the sidelines, exclaimed in astonishment.


    "He seems to have a light elemental shield, yet he is merely a warrior, not a Light Mage as one would expect," Evelyn couldn''t help but interject.


    "Wait a moment, I''ve got it! It''s the Blessing of the Sun God! I recognize it!" Evelyn suddenly exclaimed, having had an epiphany.


    "The Blessing of the Sun God? The legendary potion sold by Green''s Potion Shop?!" Mars was taken aback.


    "Even with the potion, it''s insufficient. A fourth - rank opponent is no pushover. The disparity in strength is too great. He stands no chance of defeating the Black Sheep heretic. Once the potion''s effects wear off, his demise is inevitable," Pike, as a cleric, was well - aware of this and couldn''t help but shake his head.


    "Then let us offer our prayers for him, praying that he can hold out until the Church''s reinforcements arrive," Evelyn suddenly grasped the hands of the two men.


    Mars felt a flush rise to his cheeks and exchanged a glance with Pike.


    "Mm!" The two men nodded in agreement.


    Back to the battlefield:


    Although the Black Sheep cultist was indeed formidable and ranked among the mid - to - high - level humanoid enemies, it did not mean that Kenley had no means of turning the tide of the battle.


    Few were aware that due to their worship of the Black Sheep God, Black Sheep cultists had long ago extracted their hearts and sacrificed them to the deity. As a result, their bodies were impervious to pain and unyielding in the face of injury, enabling them to fight even while wounded, which was truly terrifying.


    However, all Black Sheep cultists shared a common trait: there was a hidden magic array in the area of their hearts, which was linked to the heart they had sacrificed to the Black Sheep God.


    By targeting this vulnerable spot, one could inflict massive damage. Once the connection to the sacrificed heart was severed, they could be eliminated.


    Lenznos was a flamboyant assassin who eschewed armor in favor of a cool appearance. His exposed skin was his most significant vulnerability. Unlike the later Black Sheep Knights, who were fully armored, it was far more difficult to target their weak points.


    This was not the time to be stingy with potions. Kenley''s gaze hardened, and he unleashed the Sun - chasing Sword Technique in an instant!


    Kenley''s sword pierced through Lenznos'' body like a ray of light stretching across the sea and sky.


    "Miserable insect, do you think you can..." At this point, Lenznos'' expression abruptly changed. Despite wearing a sheep - bone mask, it was evident that disbelief filled his eyes.


    Lenznos clutched his chest in shock and spat out a mouthful of blood!


    HP - 231


    The Prophet''s Potion doubled the damage, and attacks on weak points were also doubled. Weak - point attacks ignored defense values. Most crucially, Kenley also benefited from a 50% cooldown reduction granted by the Prophet''s Potion.


    "You! Damn you!" Lenznos had never anticipated that this warrior would directly target his weak point."Who on earth are you?"


    "You talk too much!" Kenley retorted with a cold snort.


    Subsequently, Mars, Pike, and Evelyn stared in disbelief, their eyes wide and mouths agape at the scene before them.


    Kenley''s every sword strike was unerringly precise, each aimed directly at Lenznos'' chest. Most importantly, due to his Honorary Paladin status and the 50% cooldown reduction, each strike left an afterimage, giving the impression that countless swords were raining down on Lenznos.


    HP - 227


    HP - 235


    HP - 226


    With a series of swift slashes, Lenznos'' HP, which had originally been over 2000, rapidly dwindled to near zero.


    "You!" Lenznos was not without means of retaliation, but Kenley had consistently targeted his weak points with every attack, including the five - stage control skill of the Flower Language Sword Technique, causing Lenznos to be constantly affected by various negative control effects. Coupled with the Blessing of the Sun God, Kenley was able to withstand the damage and pursue Lenznos relentlessly.


    Lenznos had truly sealed his own fate! The final strike!


    "This is impossible!" Lenznos let out a roar of defiance.


    In the end, Kenley''s sword tore Lenznos'' upper body in half!


    Shock! Utter shock!


    Mars'' mouth dropped open, Evelyn''s eyes were wide with disbelief, and Pike''s expression was one of complete numbness. Was he seeing things, or had the world been turned upside down? A fourth - rank being had been vanquished by a second - rank warrior!


    In addition, Inquisitor General Terence, who had just arrived on the scene, also stared in disbelief at what he beheld.

 Chapter 102: The Black Sheep Society 5

    A shaft of golden light shot into Kenley''s body, and a substantial quantity of experience from an over - level kill was assimilated by him. The experience gained from defeating the level - 45 elite monster would have enabled Kenley to ascend directly to level 31. Nevertheless, due to his failure to complete the Reincarnation Quest of the Bronze Body, his level was temporarily capped at 30.


    In addition to this, Kenley procured two treasures from his vanquished foe: a mysterious sheepskin scroll and that dagger enshrouded in an aura of dark qi.


    Appraise!


    [Invitation to the Abbey of Rest]


    [Quest Item]


    [Description: In the northern expanse of the Cain Empire lies a mysterious canyon. It is rumored that fearsome demons inhabit this place, and none who venture within ever return. The blood of the Black Sheep has been spilled upon the earth, and the contorted flesh undergoes a cycle of transformation. The gaze of the deity upon the black sacrificial tower watches over you.]


    [Dagger of Agony]


    [Quality: Epic (Purple)]


    [Class Requirements: Assassin, Thief, Ranger, Hunter, Archer¡­]


    [Level Requirement: Level 40]


    [Attributes: Attack Power +412 / Strength +32 / Critical Strike Rate +8%/ Critical Strike Damage +15%/ Additional Damage +32 / Dark Element Affinity Rate +10%]


    [Gems: None]


    [Description: The dark nursery rhyme croons thus: My body is gradually decaying, yet it remains steadfast even in the realm of dreams. This is the blessing bestowed upon my suffering by the deity.]


    System:"The progress of the [The Princess of the Fallen Country] quest has reached 6%."


    An invitation to the Abbey of Rest? He had not anticipated obtaining it at such an early juncture. It was a hostile zone accessible only to those of level 40 or higher, housing a total of two bosses, with the most formidable one being level 50.


    Moreover, it was a quest item related to Tia. Evidently, this dagger was the reward for his current quest.


    However, as a warrior, Kenley found little use for this dagger, despite its alluring attributes that stirred his envy. He decided to stow it away for the time being, hoping to find an opportunity to utilize it in the future.


    This encounter had yielded substantial rewards. By vanquishing a level - 45 elite monster, he had amassed enough experience to reach level 31 in one fell swoop, indicating that he could now commence preparations for the Reincarnation Quest of the Bronze Body.


    Although it was regrettable to have sacrificed two legendary potions, given the circumstances, self - preservation had been imperative for Kenley, leaving him with no other viable option. He could only hope to acquire new potions from Green in the future.


    Once the Reincarnation Quest of the Bronze Body was successfully completed, players of the game"Aude Continent" could be considered to have officially stepped onto the grand stage of the game world.


    Kenley rose to his feet and had just released Tia from the Subspace. As he was contemplating his subsequent plans, the voices of several individuals suddenly reached his ears from behind.


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    "Friend, within Marlen Imperial City, no warrior of your age has achieved such remarkable feats," Mars began.


    "Your swordsmanship is truly peerless! Although I am aware that you employed the Blessing of the Sun God just now, considering that was a being of the fourth rank, it was nigh impossible for a warrior of the second rank to vanquish him. How on earth did you manage it?" Evelyn''s eyes sparkled with admiration.


    "Your swordsmanship has left me utterly in awe. You are adventurers, are you not? I fear that from this day forth, your names shall resound throughout the entirety of Marlen Imperial City," Pike bowed respectfully to Kenley and Tia.


    Kenley was momentarily speechless. He had not expected that someone had witnessed his decapitation of Lenznos moments ago. With a single glance of appraisal, he instantly discerned the details of the three young adventurers.


    Kenley soothed the somewhat terrified Tia and then addressed them,"Friends, the Black Sheep cultists are running rampant here. This is not a place to tarry. We should return to the imperial city and deliberate once we are in a safer environment."


    "Have no fear, my child. The radiance of Sanphest illuminates the land. Although there are still crevices of darkness, the sacred medicine of light will surely heal the corrupted earth."


    Just then, Inquisitor General Terence made his appearance. Mounted on horseback, he was accompanied by a full dozen Bronze Paladins.


    "Your Excellency the Inquisitor General!" Everyone was startled and promptly saluted the inquisitor general.


    Upon seeing Terence''s arrival, everyone heaved a sigh of relief. Even if the Black Sheep Society were to attempt to cause trouble now, they would likely think twice. With the inquisitor general present to ensure safety, who would dare to court death?


    "Children, you have all labored arduously," Terence dismounted and approached the group, patting the shoulders of the members of the Fangtooth Squad.


    "Thank you for your concern, Your Excellency the Inquisitor General," the Fangtooth Squad, overwhelmed with gratitude, replied promptly.


    Terence then turned to Kenley and said,"My child, I express my gratitude for all that you have done for the Church. Eradicating heretics is akin to healing the festering sores of the Mother Goddess. The emergence of heretics is a manifestation of the reflection of the Mother Goddess''s dream. We are in dire need of heroes like you."


    As he spoke, Terence grasped Kenley''s hands with both of his own and held them firmly.


    Kenley shook his head,"Your Excellency the Inquisitor General, you exaggerate. I still have a long way to go before I can be deemed a hero."


    Modest and composed, very commendable. Terence was even more impressed with Kenley. He scrutinized Kenley closely and then his expression shifted to one of surprise."My child, your talent is truly extraordinary. It appears that you are on the cusp of embarking on a new journey, undergoing the Mother Goddess''s trial to become a Bronze Citizen."


    Kenley''s aura was distinctly more potent than when they had last met. It had only been a few days, yet he already exuded the aura of the third rank? This further endeared Kenley to Terence.


    Before Kenley could respond, Terence rummaged through his sleeve and produced an object."My child, this is the Certificate of the Trial, and I am also presenting you with this ring as a gift. I trust that it will serve as a guiding light on your trial journey."


    System:"The Reincarnation Quest of the Bronze Body,''The Mother Goddess''s Trial,'' has been activated. Do you wish to accept it?"


    "Thank you, Your Excellency the Inquisitor General," Kenley immediately bowed."Regardless of the outcome of the trial, I shall always uphold the names of light and love."


    Kenley then accepted the rewards presented by the inquisitor general:[Certificate of the Trial for Bronze Citizens][Terence''s Gift Ring (Epic)]


    Kenley was familiar with this ring. Typically, rings primarily enhance intelligence, critical strike rate, or additional damage. However, Terence''s Gift Ring was unique. It possessed only one attribute, yet it was exceptionally practical: a 15% reduction in skill cooldown.


    However, it occupied a single ring slot without any additional attributes. Thus, it could be worn in the early stages of the game, and in the later stages, Kenley could seek out alternative replacements. Therefore, obtaining this Gift Ring at this juncture was indeed a practical choice.


    A 15% reduction in skill cooldown was of significant importance during battles. Even a reduction of a few tenths of a second could make a difference, especially when precise timing was crucial.


    Terence nodded and then turned to address everyone,"Very well, children. It is time for you to return home. We will handle the situation from here. I will arrange for Paladins to escort you."


    Finally, this episode came to a close, and Kenley was compelled to commence preparations for the Reincarnation Quest of the Bronze Body.

 Chapter 103: Preparing for the Trial 1

    Scarcely had they returned to Myerzu Town when Kenley swiftly pulled Tia aside.


    "Master, what''s going on? You seem so mysterious," Tia inquired, a look of bewilderment on her face.


    Kenley cast a furtive glance around, ensuring that there was no one nearby. Only then did he say,"Tia, you must keep what is about to happen a closely guarded secret."


    "A secret?" Tia''s curiosity was further piqued.


    Ever since Tia had been following Kenley, she had never truly known him well. And now that Kenley was about to share a secret with her, how could Tia not be delighted?


    Moreover, having just listened to the excited recounting of the Fangtooth Squad on their way back, she came to realize just how remarkable her master was. He had actually defeated a Black Sheep cultist of the fourth rank, relying solely on the power of the second rank!


    It was beyond imagination. In Aude Continent, everyone was well aware of how immense the suppressing force was when crossing two ranks, especially before becoming a Bronze Citizen. The suppression was even more pronounced then. Only after attaining the status of a Bronze Citizen and achieving elemental enlightenment could a fourth - rank being, with great difficulty, have the strength to contend with a sixth - rank opponent.


    "Come! Let me show you," Kenley said. As he spoke, he murmured incantations with one hand directed at a wall. Moments later, a flash of golden light flickered, and a circular teleportation gate opened!


    "A teleportation gate?!"


    Tia''s astonishment was evident. It was the first time she had witnessed someone opening a teleportation gate directly without using a spatial magic array or relying on a spatial crystal.


    Teleportation magic was a high - level magic that embodied the laws of space! Generally, only those of the sixth rank or above could cast it, and they had to rely on a spatial crystal or a spatial magic array.


    "Master, you''re a warrior, right? You haven''t dual - trained as a mage yet, have you? How on earth do you know the spatial teleportation magic above the sixth rank?" Tia said with excitement on her face.


    "That''s why it''s a secret. Tia, when the time is right, I''ll tell you the answer. I promise," Kenley winked at her with his left eye.


    "Mm!" Tia nodded obediently.


    Then, under Kenley''s guidance, they stepped through and were instantly teleported back to their home in Marlen Imperial City.


    "This is great, Master! Now we don''t have to travel back and forth so much!" Tia looked at the familiar home, feeling a new sense of freshness.


    Kenley exhaled a sigh of relief."Well, today''s task has been successfully completed, Tia. The next thing to do is to prepare for the trial to become a Bronze Citizen. But before that, we need to boost your strength to the third rank."


    The Reincarnation Quest of the Bronze Body allowed for team completion. Except for the last solo boss that must be cleared alone, Kenley planned to take Tia to complete it together.


    This book''s true home is on another platform. Check it out there for the real experience.


    Tia was currently at level 19, and she was still 11 levels short of level 30. However, it didn''t matter. Since Tia was a vampire, she could quickly enhance her strength by sucking blood, so there was no need to worry too much about that.


    "Master, do you mean you want Tia to increase her strength too?"


    "That''s right."


    "Um, Master, Tia has something she wants to discuss with you."


    "What is it?"


    "Master, could you please don''t let Tia use Bloodthirsty anymore."


    Kenley was taken aback."Why?" Kenley asked hurriedly.


    If she couldn''t use Bloodthirsty, how could she enhance her strength?


    "Master, you can let Tia use Blood Extraction."


    "Blood Extraction?" Kenley thought for a moment. Blood Extraction was also a way. According to the effect description, it allowed the vampire to transform the opponent''s life force into her own and replenish the BP gauge (Blood Pool: used to cast the exclusive skills of later - stage vampires), and it couldn''t cause paralysis. However, since Tia hadn''t become a Bronze Citizen yet, the BP gauge hadn''t been opened.


    "I only want to use Blood Extraction on you, Master," Tia said in a very soft voice, so soft that Kenley could barely hear it.


    But of course Kenley heard it. Kenley fell silent. It turned out that possessiveness was at play...


    "Alright, I can agree," Kenley said after a moment of thought. After all, it was quite important to take Tia''s feelings into account. He couldn''t just focus on matters related to combat all the time.


    "Mm! Thank you, Master!" Tia said with a joyful expression.


    "However..." Kenley changed the subject."In critical moments, you should still use Bloodthirsty when necessary. Got it?"


    "Okay! No problem, Tia understands!" Tia nodded repeatedly in agreement.


    "Well, today''s tasks are all done, Tia. It''s time to rest."


    "Master, Tia is hungry..." Tia said as she moved closer to Kenley.


    "Didn''t you suck blood when you went out earlier today? And you also did during the battle, right?"


    "Just one sip, just one sip!"


    "Wait a moment. Let me have something to eat first, okay?"


    "No, Master, Tia wants it now..."


    "Wait, wait. I''m not ready yet..."


    "Roar!"


    "Ah!"


    And just like that, another happy and wonderful day in Aude Continent came to an end.


    ------


    "Aren''t they the Blood Knight Duo?"


    "I heard that for more than a month now, they''ve snatched up almost all the third - rank quests. Other third - rank adventurers have no quests to take."


    "Just two people? Are they really that good? Can they handle so many third - rank quests?"


    "When will they reach the fourth rank? Wuwuwu, I''m almost starving to death."


    "You can do second - rank quests. You won''t starve."


    "But I want to do third - rank quests... We''re a team of six, and second - rank quests can''t support us."


    ...


    Kenley led Tia back to the Adventurer''s Guild to hand in their quests. As soon as they entered the main gate, they immediately felt the gazes of the people around them. From the initial curiosity to the later awe, Kenley had now gained a certain reputation within the Adventurer''s Guild of Marlen Imperial City.


    Kenley had managed to obtain a full set of level 30 blue - quality armor, and it had been a bumpy process.


    Now Kenley''s HP and defense values had been significantly increased by one and a half levels. Kenley was now confident that even when facing a Bronze Paladin within level 45, he could fight with confidence!


    The breastplate mainly increased HP and defense. The gauntlets and greaves added a small amount of HP and defense, but the gauntlets increased the critical strike rate, while the greaves increased agility.


    The helmet increased both defense and HP, and also increased critical strike damage. Meanwhile, the gloves increased the critical strike rate and strength, and even provided additional damage.


    At the same time, the level 30 Magic Vortex Ring that Kenley had custom - made for Tia was successfully worn. It was of purple quality, increasing magic damage, critical strike rate, and fire element affinity rate. Although there had been some heated exchanges between Kenley and Smith, fortunately, the awkward situation between them had been resolved without incident.


    It could be said that the two of them had been completely transformed.

 Chapter 104: Preparing for the Trial 2

    ¡¾Player: Kenley¡¿


    ¡¾Level: 30¡¿


    ¡¾Race: Human¡¿


    ¡¾Occupation:(Main) Warrior¡¤ Honorary Paladin /(Sub) Farmer, Magic Pharmacist¡¿


    ¡¾HP: 993/993¡¿


    ¡¾MP: 744/744¡¿


    ¡¾Strength: 65 + 25 / Agility: 22 + 10 / Intelligence: 30 / Stamina: 15 + 38 / Critical Strike Chance: 12%/ Critical Strike Damage: 5%/ Charisma: 50 + 35 (Grace and Elegance)¡¿


    ¡¾Physical Attack Power: 388¡¿


    ¡¾Magic Penetration: 0 / Physical Penetration: 0 / Physical Defense: 122 / Magic Resistance: 64¡¿


    ¡¾Light Element Affinity Rate: 30%/ Dark Element Affinity Rate: 0 / Water Element Affinity Rate: 0 / Fire Element Affinity Rate: 0 / Wind Element Affinity Rate: 0 / Earth Element Affinity Rate: 0¡¿


    Skill List:


    ¡¾All Common Warrior Skills of the First Rank¡¿¡¾All Common Warrior Skills of the Second Rank¡¿¡¾Introductory Warrior Skills of the Third Rank: Immovable Fortress, Physical Acceleration, Potential Explosion, Three - Blade Swift Slash¡¿¡¾The First Layer of the Violet¡¤ Flower Language Swordsmanship¡¤ Purple Flower Language (Mastery)¡¿


    Meanwhile, Kenley had also crafted a weapon of purple quality, the [Imperial Officer''s Saber (Epic)]. With a total attack power of 388 currently, when encountering an opponent of the same rank, he could likely knock the opponent down within four strikes (of course, this is under the condition that the opponent has no defense).


    His HP was just slightly short of reaching 1000. Unless Kenley obtained purple - quality armor to increase his stamina. As a warrior, an increase in the strength attribute would also lead to an increase in HP (Formula: 1/4). Although this increase in HP was less significant compared to that from stamina (Stamina increases HP by 100% when fully enhanced. For example, knights mainly focus on stamina, and their strength is also increased influenced by stamina), thus the supplementation of equipment in such a situation was of great significance.


    In the game, due to the existence of secondary occupations, considering the balance of players'' attributes and how to adjust the attributes of different occupations when switching, the official made an extremely audacious setting.


    Guided by the main occupation, the attributes would grow automatically, which means that players do not need to manually allocate attribute points. For instance, since Kenley''s main occupation was a warrior, the growth of his strength was the highest. After leveling up, his attributes would place more emphasis on increasing his strength.


    However, what has a more profound impact on battles is still the equipment. The growth of players'' attributes only plays a supplementary role. In fact, it is the equipment that truly and substantially influences the outcome of battles.


    For example, among players of the same level, if you use your secondary occupation as a mage to challenge someone whose main occupation is a mage, under the condition that both sides have the same equipment, the opponent will be stronger, because of the inherent character attribute bonus. But if your equipment is superior to that of the opponent, then even with a secondary occupation, your strength will surpass that of the opponent.


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    Of course, this is just a simplistic comparison. The actual combat situation is far more intricate. The operation and awareness of both sides, the coordination among teammates, and the proportion of skill points allocation will all have an impact on the actual battle.


    At least, now when Kenley encounters an elite monster like Lenznos again, he doesn''t have to worry about being instantly defeated with a single move.


    "Borman, we''re here to turn in the quest," Kenley walked to the front and smiled faintly.


    "Welcome, Blood Knight Squad!" The receptionist''s face lit up with a broad smile the moment he saw Kenley return to turn in the quest.


    It should be noted that ever since Kenley arrived, the receptionist had received a continuous stream of tips. Because he had been secretly procuring valuable and high - reward quests for Kenley, Kenley was never stingy with his tips. Now, Kenley and this receptionist were on very familiar terms.


    "Here, this is the reward for today''s mission!" As he said that, he handed the employer''s envelope to Kenley, who secretly gave Borman a tip.


    After receiving the tip, Borman immediately whispered to Kenley,"We have a new quest recently. The reward is exceptionally generous. It''s a fourth - rank quest, but it''s actually quite simple. Would you like to take it?"


    Kenley shook his head."Sorry, Borman. We won''t be taking fourth - rank quests for the time being."


    "Why? The reward for this quest is really good. Although it''s a fourth - rank quest, the difficulty is only on par with that of a third - rank quest! Most importantly, it''s said that the reward is a hundred gold coins!" Borman was immediately anxious. If Kenley took this quest, he was certain to receive a substantial amount of tips. Over the past month, he had been observing Kenley patiently and found that Kenley was extremely generous and never tight - fisted with money.


    If Kenley could undertake this quest, as he envisioned, Kenley would at least give him several gold coins as a tip. He had even fantasized about Kenley giving him a dozen or twenty gold coins. This was far more than his meager salary as a receptionist. Who wouldn''t be envious?


    "A hundred gold coins?" Kenley was slightly taken aback. Which wealthy patron was so affluent?


    Just then, there was a commotion at the main entrance, and a large group of people and horses entered all at once.


    "Guinevere Christophon, Why did Her Royal Highness the Princess come to the Adventurer''s Guild?"Everyone was shocked.


    "It''s truly Princess Guinevere!" After the initial shock, everyone was then captivated by her beauty.


    Kenley and Tia turned around and beheld such a charming figure appearing before everyone:


    On the silver crown were pitch - black jewels. In her turquoise pupils, there always lingered a faint trace of sorrow. The corners of her mouth curved downward, as if she could not muster any interest in anything. Her silver - gray long hair was different from Tia''s pure silver hair. Her hair was even more supple, like an iceberg in the depths of winter, with a back that the sunlight could not reach.


    She was as resplendent as a pearl and as radiant as jade, yet there was not the slightest hint of ostentation. Her black long gown trailed along the ground, and a faint halo encircled it. The magnificent garment woven from dark, jet - black satin was as smooth as colored glaze. It suited her perfectly.


    The Mourning Princess¡¤ Guinevere Christophon


    This was not an ordinary princess''s crown but a special magical equipment, the [Crown of the Holy World], which Kenley recognized at a single glance. Although she was the only daughter of Prince Christophon, her abilities were quite remarkable.


    If Kenley remembered correctly, during the sixth expansion pack period, Guinevere had been unwaveringly dedicated to fighting against the Demon Race. When the Doomsday Volcano erupted, as a mage, she had led the soldiers to fight on the front line.


    Compared with those two ineffective princes, some people were more inclined to support Guinevere in ascending the throne as the queen. Regrettably, Guinevere harbored a kind heart and was unwilling to launch a coup against her two cousins. In the end, her country crumbled, and she passed away completely.


    Later, the world bestowed upon her the title of the Mourning Princess. Of course, at present, Guinevere had not yet earned that title.


    Why had she come to the Adventurer''s Guild? At level 30? Perhaps she was also going to participate in the Reincarnation Quest of the Bronze Trial.


    Accompanying Guinevere were her guards, both male and female. There were knights, archers, and even priests and clerics.


    Kenley remained silent. Was this a preparation for war? Or was she, like the players, going to enter some dungeon to battle a boss?


    "Borman, where is the Guild Master?" Guinevere did not speak. Instead, the young knight beside her spoke up first.

 Chapter 105: Preparing for the Trial 3

    Borman promptly emerged from the backstage and approached Guinevere and her entourage. Evidently, he had not anticipated the sudden arrival of Her Highness and her companions at the Adventurer''s Guild.


    "Your Highness Guinevere, I deeply apologize. The Guild Master accompanied Viscount Briffin to the Forgotten Forest to hunt down monsters today. If you have any matters, please feel free to state them, and I will immediately convey them to the Guild Master upon his return," Borman first bowed deferentially and then spoke with great respect.


    The knight furrowed his brows and then turned to Guinevere, saying,"Your Highness, time is pressing. It would be advisable for us to depart without delay."


    Guinevere remained silent throughout, yet her eyes were fixed in one direction. After waiting for a while, the knight sensed something amiss. Following Guinevere''s gaze, he saw that she was staring at another girl.


    It was Tia.


    "A vampire?" The knight was initially startled, and then he noticed the Mark of Devotion on the vampire''s hand.


    "I seem to recall hearing that during the Holy Blessing Day, a descendant of the royal family tainted by darkness appeared in the cathedral. Could this be that very girl?" The archer behind the knight couldn''t help but murmur softly.


    Guinevere remained silent and instead advanced step by step towards Tia. Tia offered a gentle smile and then executed a highly standard royal etiquette towards Guinevere.


    Guinevere''s eyes lit up, and she suddenly extended her hand towards Tia."Hello. I am Guinevere."


    This unexpected gesture surprised everyone. No one had expected that Her Highness, the esteemed princess, would show interest in a member of the dark race.


    "I''m Tia," Tia replied with a sweet smile.


    Kenley stood still, casting glances to the left and right but remaining silent. He was eager to observe how the situation would unfold.


    "I have heard Bishop Michael mention you, Your Highness Tia. The sacrifices made by the royal family of Gaifei on the East Coast are such that even in the distant Western Cloister, the glory of your songs and battles can still be heard," Guinevere said. Upon hearing these words, Tia''s eyes instantly welled up with tears.


    Her eyes were filled with a complex blend of emotions, including sorrow, relief, and gratitude: Father, Mother, it seems our story is still being sung by the world, and not everyone has forgotten us.


    Tia sniffled slightly and replied,"Thank you, Your Highness, for your kind words of comfort. However, I am no longer a princess of the royal family. Having been invaded by darkness, I have long since lost the blessing of the Song of Life."


    Guinevere''s eyes flickered, and she naturally noticed the slave collar around Tia''s neck. A trace of confusion flashed in her eyes. Subsequently, she shifted her gaze to Kenley, as if she had discerned something.


    Just then, Guinevere suddenly smiled!


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    "It appears that you, Your Highness Tia, have found an excellent master."


    Kenley was jolted. Had Guinevere perceived something?


    Upon seeing Guinevere''s smile, all of her companions who had accompanied her wore expressions of incredulity. This was the first time they had ever seen Guinevere smile! It was particularly memorable that Guinevere had never smiled in their presence, at least as far as their memories served.


    Well, after all, as a princess wearing the Crown of the Holy World and possessing exceptional magical talent, it was not surprising that she could perceive certain things.


    "Mm! I think so too," Tia said, following Guinevere''s gaze and casting a glance back at Kenley.


    "Your Highness, time is of the essence," the knight beside her couldn''t help but remind.


    Guinevere nodded and then turned to Borman and asked,"Has the Guild Master not found a suitable candidate?"


    Borman immediately replied,"In fact, there is already a candidate, but... but..."


    "But what?" The knight furrowed his brows.


    "It''s a fourth - rank quest, and the other party is unwilling to accept it," Borman replied with some difficulty, stealing a glance at Kenley.


    "With such a generous reward, yet they still refused. Truly an extraordinary person," the knight said, slightly taken aback.


    Upon hearing this, Kenley seemed to understand something. Could this be the quest that Borman had tried to give him just now? When he heard it was a fourth - rank quest, fearing it would consume too much of his time, he had firmly declined.


    Unexpectedly, it turned out to be a quest issued by Guinevere. This was truly astonishing...


    "Wait a moment, Borman. Please show me the quest document you were about to give me just now," Kenley said, wanting to confirm it further.


    "Certainly!" Borman''s eyes brightened, and he immediately returned to the front desk and retrieved the document.


    So it was a quest for the Bronze Trial. I was wondering what kind of fourth - rank quest it was. They just happened to be in need of a warrior...


    Kenley flipped through the document and then held it up, asking,"Your Highness Guinevere, is this the quest you issued?"


    Guinevere remained silent, but the knight beside her glanced at it."Yes, this is indeed the quest we issued. Wait a moment. Are you the warrior who refused the quest?"


    Kenley smiled helplessly."I didn''t expect it to be a quest for the Trial of the Bronze Citizens. Coincidentally, I also need to undertake this quest, so I will accept it."


    "But you just refused it?" The knight was clearly displeased.


    Guinevere spoke up at this moment."Fess, it''s alright. We are pressed for time. Since the other party has agreed to take on the quest, we shall proceed together."


    The Trial Quest of the Bronze Citizens was no ordinary task. At most, six people were permitted to form a team to pass the preceding tests together (Tia, as a Holy Servant, did not occupy a slot), but the final boss had to be defeated solo.


    Moreover, those of the Bronze Body level or above were ineligible to participate in this quest. This might explain why Guinevere had offered a substantial sum of money to the Guild Master to find a suitable candidate.


    "Your Highness, should we test this person''s abilities first?" The knight clearly harbored doubts about Kenley''s strength. Perhaps it was also due to Kenley''s earlier refusal of their quest, which had left him somewhat irritated.


    "There''s no need. If the Guild Master has approved this candidate, I have no doubts. Besides, the gate of the underground labyrinth will close in approximately ten minutes, and we must hurry," Guinevere said.


    "Yes, Your Highness." Knight Fess had no choice but to fall silent.


    Then, Guinevere said to Borman,"Borman, could you please prepare a private room for us?"


    "No problem." Borman immediately stepped forward to lead the way.


    Once everyone had arrived at a relatively spacious room, Guinevere reached out and grasped a translucent, crystalline gem in mid - air, muttering incantations under her breath.


    A pure white magic array suddenly materialized and was instantly drawn on the floor.


    "A spatial teleportation array!" Borman exclaimed, his eyes widening in amazement. This was the first time in his life that he had ever laid eyes on a spatial teleportation array.


    "Come in, everyone," Guinevere said, standing in the center of the magic array.


    Everyone stepped in. Kenley and Tia exchanged a glance, and without hesitation, they followed suit.


    "Begin the teleportation!"

 Chapter 106: The First Floor of the Trial Labyrinth 1

    With a sudden flash of white light, everyone found themselves on an expansive and boundless grassland. Instantly, they were presented with a scene where massive columns crafted from Muscovite supported the imposing gate of an underground labyrinth. At the entrance, two blue bonfires that never extinguished blazed fiercely.


    In Aude Continent, labyrinths are scattered far and wide across the world. Some of these labyrinths serve as paradises and lairs for monsters, while others are places of trial left by the Mother Goddess for adventurers to challenge themselves and advance in their ranks.


    To progress from being a Black Iron Citizen to a Bronze Citizen, one must successfully pass through the fivefold challenges of any one of the trial labyrinths. Within these labyrinths, there exists a diverse array of monsters, and the types of monsters vary depending on the specific location within the labyrinth.


    The Bronze Trial Labyrinth is divided into five floors. The first three floors are populated by monsters, the fourth floor is devoid of them, and the fifth floor harbors the final boss.


    This time, having followed Guinevere, they arrived at the Teguk Underground Labyrinth located in the southern part of Cain Empire. Kenley recalled that some players had once counted and found that there were a total of 99 Bronze Trial Labyrinths, 27 Silver Trial Labyrinths in the world, and the last and largest labyrinth was the Heart of the World, which boasted 180 floors.


    Teguk... Wasn''t this the very labyrinth he had cleared when training his secondary Paladin character? If his memory served him right, there were monsters such as goblins and rabid wolves within it.


    "We''ve arrived," Fess stepped forward to take a look and then turned around to address the group.


    "Oh dear, after preparing for a full three months, the trial is finally about to commence. Yawn¡ª I do hope the challenges within the labyrinth won''t prove too disappointing," remarked the female archer in a bold and unrestrained manner, accompanied by an unseemly yawn.


    "Anya, do take this seriously. This is a Bronze Trial Labyrinth, and there''s a real risk of losing your life here," Fess admonished irritably.


    "Your Highness, shall we enter now? Time is rapidly running out."


    The trial labyrinths in Aude Continent are not accessible at all times. They open only once every three months. If they fail to enter this time, they will have to endure another three - month wait for the next opportunity.


    However, the situation is quite different in the game. Players, as they follow the main storyline, can encounter the Bronze Trial Labyrinth, which opens every three months, at any time. Of course, this is the real world, not a game, which is precisely why they are in such a hurry.


    Kenley couldn''t help but grumble inwardly. Hadn''t they made any prior preparations? Why did they have to be in such a rush? But later Kenley learned that they had originally had a warrior teammate, who, during an adventure a few days ago, had been unexpectedly killed outright by a monster. This had compelled them to seek out another warrior who was precisely at the introductory stage of the third rank to participate in this trial.


    Regardless of whether one is of the royal family or a commoner, once they embark on this trial, there is no turning back once it begins. In this regard, the Mother Goddess treats all lives impartially and with great fairness. Of course, if one were to insist on pointing out an aspect of unfairness, it lies in the disparity of equipment. Just take a look at Guinevere. The [Crown of the Holy World] adorning her head alone is no ordinary item.


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    That is a piece of legendary - grade equipment. Not only does it have no level restrictions, but it also significantly enhances magic damage (amplified proportionally).


    [Crown of the Holy World]


    [Quality: Legendary (Red)]


    [Occupation Requirement: All elemental - based occupations, excluding insect trainers and beast tamers in the natural system]


    [Level Requirement: None]


    [Attributes: Magic damage increased by 35%, spell penetration increased by 23%, critical strike chance increased by 12%.]


    [Gem: Intelligence increased by 30%]


    [Rune: Attack magic deals an additional 15% extra damage and also launches an additional light arrow equivalent to 15% of the current total attack power.]


    [Exclusive Skills: 1. Magic Shield: Activate a temporary magic shield that endures for 10 seconds, absorbing 200% of the current total attack damage, with a cooldown period of 60 seconds. 2. Spatial Shift: Open a temporary spatial teleportation gate, transporting the caster up to a maximum distance of 30 meters, with a cooldown of 15 seconds. 3. Elemental Activation: Detonate the spatial elements, accelerating the replenishment of elements. When all skills are employed during the duration of Elemental Activation, the skill cooldown is reduced by 25%, lasting for 30 seconds, with a cooldown of 5 minutes.]


    [Description: The ethereal and sacred sound descends from the clouds, which is the resounding song of the Mother Goddess.]


    How envious he was! As expected of legendary - grade equipment, all its attributes are in percentage terms. How wonderful it would be if he possessed such equipment. It must be said that Prince Christophon is truly kind to his daughter. Kenley couldn''t help but drool with envy.


    Without even considering Guinevere''s other equipment, with just this one item alone, Kenley was certain that Guinevere could single - handedly clear this labyrinth.


    However, due to Guinevere''s cautious nature, she still assembled a six - person team to participate in this trial.


    Come to think of it, if one does not make thorough preparations for the Bronze Trial Quest, once they enter, they cannot go back on their decision or halt the process midway. Moreover, within the labyrinth, death is permanent. No wonder Guinevere was willing to spend a substantial sum of money to hire individuals from the Adventurer''s Guild.


    It''s not that there are no level 30 characters in the guild. The reason they are not eager to participate in the Bronze Trial is that they are waiting for those who wish to participate in the trial together, so as to form a team to venture into the labyrinth. As for how many of them will return alive, it''s difficult to say. After all, it''s not uncommon for a certain number of people to lose their lives each year.


    Guinevere nodded without uttering a word and took the lead in stepping forward, with the others following closely in her wake.


    No sooner had they entered than the gate of the labyrinth closed promptly.


    "It seems we''ve entered at just the right moment..." Fess glanced back.


    Kenley took a look and then said,"The trial labyrinth is fraught with perils. What plans do you have?"


    Anya, the archer, giggled."What other plans could there be? We''ll just fight our way through."


    "Anya! Be more serious!" Fess was clearly dissatisfied.


    "Alright, alright, Fess. Stop wearing such a dour expression all the time. When we start battling the monsters later, you''ll see if the arrows in my hand are ineffective," Anya shrugged nonchalantly.


    As she spoke, she walked forward.


    Kenley shook his head inwardly. Even with Guinevere present, the labyrinth was not as straightforward to navigate as he had envisioned. Moreover, the enemies here move in groups, and there''s a real risk of being surrounded in an instant.


    Not only that, the labyrinth is replete with traps and mechanisms, puzzles, and hidden doors. One false move could cost them their lives. Kenley glanced at the emblems on his teammates, and he could tell that they were all nobles. Judging from Anya''s tone, he knew that she was yet another noble young lady who feared nothing.

 Chapter 107: The First Floor of the Trial Labyrinth 2

    "Since there''s no scouting class member in our team, what effective scouting methods do you have?" Kenley inquired.


    The labyrinth was teeming with numerous monsters, and having a scouting class would undoubtedly make the battle much more manageable. Although he possessed the Ring of Life as a scouting tool, its range was, after all, limited. It would be significantly better if they had abilities like the Beast Sensing of a Beast Tamer, the Wild Perception of a Ranger, or the Stealth Reconnaissance of a Thief.


    This time, the one who responded was the Cleric named Tek."I have a fairy who can scout the path for us."


    "A fairy?" The corner of Kenley''s mouth twitched. This lineup was truly luxurious.


    Upon hearing Kenley''s astonished tone, Anya, who was walking ahead, suddenly turned around and smiled."Tek is the most gifted Cleric in Marlen Imperial City and is also Bishop Michael''s most prized student. Don''t underestimate his capabilities and background."


    No sooner had Anya finished speaking than Tek reached out into the void, and a golden glazed lantern materialized in his hand.


    "Go ahead, Banny." He opened the door of the lantern, and the dazzlingly golden, beautiful fairy with a pair of dragonfly wings let out a giggle and flew forward.


    Kenley himself had once raised a fairy, so he was intimately familiar with fairies and had even dedicated a considerable amount of time to studying the fairy system. Although in official formal competitions, it was not permitted to bring along subordinates such as fairies and servants, in informal, offline, and internal club competitions, fairies and servants were allowed. The purpose was to enhance the spectacle and intensify the excitement of the matches.


    There had even been specialized"fairy dueling" competitions in the past, where one would pit their fairies and servants against others in individual battles. Fairies were not easy to capture, and they also boasted remarkable growth potential. Most crucially, fairies did not belong to the primate species. Unlike races such as humans, dwarves, elves, and orcs, they did not need to participate in the trial labyrinths.


    Like monsters, they had the innate ability to grow and advance automatically, albeit requiring time for cultivation. Moreover, judging from the fairy that Tek had produced, it was likely a Light Fairy that primarily utilized the light element.


    Identify!


    [Light Fairy¡¤ Banny]


    [Level: 20]


    [Race: Fairy]


    [HP: 216/216]


    [MP: 350/350]


    [Description: A luminous being dwelling on the Seven - Character Holy Tree. They share an extremely profound connection with the Church of Light. The first Pope once made a vow of unity with the ancestor of the Light Fairies.]


    It seemed that this fellow named Tek was no ordinary individual. He had actually earned the recognition of a Light Fairy and was a talented young man.


    Kenley cast another glance at the taciturn Priest. Needless to say, this guy surely had some hidden aces up his sleeve. It appeared that he had joined a team of powerful and wealthy individuals. What was this called? The union of the strong?


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    Banny immediately chanted a low incantation in the unintelligible fairy language. Moments later, a flash of light emanated from her body, and she vanished in an instant.


    Presumably, it operated on the same principle as the Cloak of Light, utilizing the properties of the light element to enter an invisible state.


    "Alright, now with Banny leading the way in front, we''ll be immediately aware if any enemies appear," Anya, as always, was the most talkative.


    Guinevere nodded."Let''s set off."


    It seemed that Guinevere was indeed a woman of few words. However, there was a detail that she seemed to be subtly edging closer to Tia, as if she held a great deal of affection for her.


    Kenley didn''t expose this. Tia was also a mage, and standing beside Guinevere, they could provide mutual support.


    Walking forward along the gate of the labyrinth, a three - way fork in the path immediately presented itself.


    The tall white walls soared up to the very top, and a faint blue glow enveloped the entire labyrinth, imbuing it with a mysterious ambiance.


    "Which way should we go?" Someone asked.


    Guinevere took a look and said,"To the right."


    The labyrinth had dead ends, and it was impossible to know in advance where the exit was located. Each floor of the labyrinth had a boss guarding it. One had to navigate through the labyrinth, find the correct gate, and only then could they clear that floor.


    Guinevere''s choice was presumably random.


    As a warrior, Kenley and Fess took up positions at the forefront. While they were tasked with safeguarding the safety of the rear row, they also needed to pin down the enemies as much as possible. The rear row was the responsibility of the Cleric and the Priest. Priests and Clerics also possessed close - combat capabilities and were not entirely pure rear - row classes.


    They had only walked a dozen or so steps when Kenley immediately raised his right hand and made a gesture to halt."Hold on!"


    Fess furrowed his brows slightly."What''s the matter?" Kenley was merely a warrior. He was neither a Thief nor a Ranger. What could he mean by stopping them at this moment?


    "There''s a trap."


    "A trap?"


    Anya wore a look of disbelief."Come on, friend. You''re just a warrior. How on earth could you know there''s a trap here?"


    "There are strange patterns on the wall." Kenley pointed to a barely perceptible small pattern on a certain section of the wall, which indeed looked different from the other walls.


    "Just based on a pattern? If you were a Thief, I''d be more inclined to believe you," Anya said.


    Kenley smiled faintly and made a gesture of invitation, as if saying, if you don''t believe me, go ahead and give it a try.


    "I don''t believe it! You''re just scaring yourself. You''re such a coward." Anya rolled her eyes and was about to step forward.


    "Stop!" Fess furrowed his brows and barked at Anya.


    "Seriously, Fess? You''re believing him too? The fairy already passed through!" To be honest, as a warrior, Kenley''s words indeed carried little persuasive power.


    After saying that, Anya walked forward, and to everyone''s surprise, nothing happened to her!


    "Hey! Coward! See? I knew there was no trap here at all! Scaring yourself for nothing. How dull!" After saying that, Anya pulled down her right eyelid and stuck out her tongue at Kenley.


    Fess also let out a sigh of relief and then shot Kenley a disdainful look. Just as Anya had said, Kenley was making a fuss over nothing.


    Guinevere also cast a fleeting, indifferent glance at Kenley and then led the group forward.


    Only Kenley remained standing there in silence, unmoving, and Tia, noticing this, also stopped and stayed by her master''s side.


    "Master, you don''t have to take it to heart. One or two mistakes are quite normal," Tia said considerately, naturally sensing the disdainful looks cast by the others at Kenley and worried that his mindset might be affected.


    Kenley simply shook his head."Tia, have you ever seen me make a miscalculation?"


    Tia''s eyes widened in surprise. Her master was still persisting.


    "But Master, all five of them have already passed..." Tia glanced at the five individuals.


    Indeed, nothing had befallen them after they had passed through.


    "Why aren''t you coming yet?" Anya turned around and sneered once more.


    "It''s coming," Kenley said softly.


    "What''s coming?"


    Just then, the ground suddenly trembled violently, and a huge stone ball covered in spikes hurtled towards them at a rapid pace!

 Chapter 108: The First Floor of the Trial Labyrinth 3

    Anya''s countenance changed abruptly."A rolling stone trap?"


    "What on earth are you standing there for? Run for your lives!" Fess gave Anya a forceful shove, urging her to flee without delay.


    The group didn''t dare to waste a single moment and promptly dashed in the direction from which they had come.


    However, at that precise instant, twelve goblin warriors unexpectedly materialized at the original three - way junction, blocking their path! Among these goblins were both warriors and archers, and they posed no easy challenge.


    "What?" Fess''s face paled. He was now so far from the three - way junction that he was utterly unable to provide defense for the rear formation.


    It was truly a case of misfortune never coming singly. Barely had they triggered the rolling stone trap when a band of goblin warriors blocked their way, clearly indicating that this was a well - laid snare.


    If there had been merely one or two goblins, it might have been manageable, but there were a full dozen of them! Moreover, the passage within the labyrinth was rather narrow, measuring only six meters in width. Once blocked, it would be extremely arduous to find an alternative route. Even if they managed to vanquish these goblins, the rolling stone trap behind them would inevitably claim their lives! The time was desperately short!


    "What shall we do?"


    Just then, Kenley suddenly crouched down low, and his body began to radiate a series of resplendent glows.


    He slung the Imperial Officer''s Saber onto his back and firmly grasped the hilt with one hand."Potential Burst! Immovable Fortress! Physical Acceleration!"


    One radiant glow after another enveloped Kenley''s form, enhancing his capabilities.


    Potential Burst (Tier Three): Boosts the attack power by 25%, with a duration of 15 seconds and a cooldown of 30 seconds.


    Immovable Fortress (Tier Three): Reduces the damage equivalent to 75% of the current total attack power for three instances. The effect lasts for 10 seconds. Once the damage reduction opportunities are exhausted, it enters a cooldown state. After the duration ends, it cools down again, with a cooldown period of 10 seconds.


    Physical Acceleration (Tier Three): Increases agility by 75%, lasting for 15 seconds, with a cooldown of 30 seconds.


    "Charge!" Kenley, resembling a cheetah that had suddenly pounced, shot forward with a whooshing sound!


    These goblins were situated at a certain distance from Kenley, requiring him to charge twice to reach them. They reacted swiftly as well, and six archers drew their bows and let loose their arrows!


    Six arrows whistled through the air, and not a single one missed its mark, all striking Kenley.


    "Is that fellow courting death?" Anya was somewhat taken aback by Kenley''s audacity. Without the support of his teammates, he had dared to charge headlong into the heart of the enemy!


    There was also a look of bewilderment in Fess''s eyes. Although he harbored a measure of admiration for Kenley''s courage, being struck by six arrows in quick succession would surely leave one severely injured, if not mortally wounded.


    However...


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    The moment the six arrows struck Kenley, a faint crimson film immediately materialized on his body, deftly deflecting all the arrows!


    "I''ve never heard that the Immovable Fortress can withstand six arrows in a row!" someone exclaimed in disbelief.


    Of course, they were unaware that Kenley held the occupation of an Honorary Paladin, endowing him with six layers of protection. However, skills such as Potential Burst and Physical Acceleration could not be stacked, as Kenley had experimentally determined. Amplifying skills could not be combined, but combat skills and defensive skills with stacking effects could be applied additionally.


    These goblin archers were merely at level 25, with an attack power of slightly over 140. In contrast, Kenley boasted an attack power of 388. The Immovable Fortress would enter a cooldown state after reducing 75% of the total damage three times. Kenley''s two rounds of defense with the Immovable Fortress perfectly intercepted these six attacks.


    "Three - Blade Swift Slash!"


    Three - Blade Swift Slash (Tier Three): A area - of - effect  attack skill. The area within a radius of 12 meters in a 180 - degree frontal arc will be swept by three sword lights, with each sword light inflicting damage equivalent to 80% of the current total attack power.


    Not allowing these goblins a moment to react, after the second charge concluded, a fierce glint flashed in Kenley''s eyes, and he executed the Double Three - Blade Swift Slash without hesitation!


    Six sharp sword blades, resembling falling snowflakes, sliced cleanly across the faces of these goblins!


    These goblin warriors had just assumed a defensive stance. Although they had a damage reduction effect in this stance, Kenley''s use of Potential Burst and the Double Three - Blade Swift Slash meant that they were subjected to the equivalent of six sword strikes!


    Their gravest error was their excessive density, which provided Kenley with an opportune moment to deal devastating damage!


    In a passage only six meters wide, there was simply no place for them to evade. The 12 - meter strike range of the Three - Blade Swift Slash left them with no time to react, and the entire goblin squad was instantaneously cut to pieces by Kenley!


    The passage was immediately cleared of obstacles.


    "Formidable combat prowess!"


    This thought echoed in everyone''s mind. In just a single encounter, a full squad of twelve well - coordinated goblins had been completely annihilated!


    "Was that the Six - Light Continuous Slash? But isn''t the Six - Light Continuous Slash a technique exclusive to the Bronze Citizens?" Anya inquired of Fess as she ran.


    "I''m not sure either. Perhaps it''s a sword technique he devised on his own," Fess replied, shaking his head. He, too, was witnessing it for the first time.


    Kenley turned around and beckoned to the group."Take cover this way!"


    Thanks to Kenley clearing the passage, the group managed to return to the three - way junction with relative ease and took refuge in another fork. Gazing at the rolling stone trap that hurtled past before their eyes, they were still gripped by lingering fear.


    Once they had regained their composure, Anya suddenly let out a shriek."Ah!"


    Fess slapped his forehead in exasperation."Anya, what on earth are you doing? Ouch!"


    "Anya, my ears are killing me," Tek said, prodding his ear with his finger, clearly expressing his dissatisfaction.


    Anya blushed deeply, strode briskly up to Kenley, and then bowed deeply."I''m truly sorry!"


    Kenley looked utterly bewildered."What are you doing?"


    "I''m sorry. I shouldn''t have doubted you earlier!"


    Unexpectedly, Anya proved to be a girl who was willing to take responsibility for her actions, which earned her Kenley''s newfound respect.


    Kenley shook his head and sheathed his sword."It''s quite all right. I was merely fulfilling my duty as a teammate."


    With his demeanor of being neither arrogant nor impatient, and without an air of superiority, Kenley''s conduct immediately won the favor of everyone present.


    "And... you were incredibly dashing just now! What was that move? I''ve never seen it before!" Anya exclaimed, rushing right up to Kenley.


    "It was just the Three - Blade Swift Slash," Kenley replied.


    "You''re pulling my leg! That couldn''t possibly be the Three - Blade Swift Slash. Do you have some sort of exclusive secret?" Anya asked, her eyes brimming with curiosity.


    Kenley averted her gaze."Stop it. It was just the ordinary Three - Blade Swift Slash." Kenley had no intention of getting drawn into further discussion on this matter.


    "Anya, refrain from prying into other people''s private affairs," Fess admonished irritably.


    "All right. Then can you tell me how you knew about that trap just now? You''re not a Thief," Anya persisted, clearly consumed by curiosity and determined to get to the bottom of things.


    "I used to have a substantial collection of books at home and happened to come across that symbol by chance," Kenley offered a casual explanation and then quickly shifted the focus."Shouldn''t we continue moving forward?"

 Chapter 109: The First Floor of the Trial Labyrinth 4

    "I would like to invite Mr. Kenley to decide on the direction." At this moment, Guinevere spoke up, which was a rare occurrence.


    Everyone cast a surprised glance at Guinevere, and eventually, their eyes turned towards Kenley.


    "Since Her Highness the Princess has said so, I have no objections. How about you, Fess?" A trace of sweat oozed from Anya''s forehead, as if she held a certain fear of Guinevere.


    "I will abide by Her Highness the Princess''s opinion," Fess responded promptly.


    "We have no objections either," the other two individuals also expressed their stances.


    "Your Highness Princess Guinevere, are you certain?" Kenley was also somewhat taken aback.


    "Yes, I have faith in you, Mr. Kenley."


    "Very well..." Observing Guinevere''s determination, Kenley swept his gaze around and then pointed towards the passage where the rolling stone trap had been triggered.


    "You can''t be serious. We''re going there again?" Anya clearly had a lingering psychological aversion to that place.


    A trap that has already been triggered won''t be activated again," Kenley added.


    "Are you sure? It''s not possible to enter the trial labyrinth a second time. How do you know this?" Anya was visibly puzzled.


    "You''ve forgotten that I''ve seen that symbol, haven''t you? So, I have some understanding of this mechanism," Kenley reminded her.


    "I trust Mr. Kenley''s judgment," Guinevere expressed her view.


    Since Guinevere had given her consent, naturally, no one else raised any further doubts. With Kenley choosing the route, the group continued their journey forward.


    ...


    Along the way, indeed, no more traps were set off. Moreover, they encountered several squads of goblins. Of course, these level 25 monsters were effortlessly defeated by the group, posing no obstacle whatsoever.


    Suddenly, a massive, imposing stone door adorned with mysterious patterns loomed before them. Illuminated by the enigmatic blue glow, it exuded an even more solemn and weighty aura.


    Anya swallowed hard. "Could this be the legendary room of the stage boss? It is said that once one steps inside, they must vanquish the boss in order to emerge alive."


    "What, haven''t you ever explored other monster labyrinths before?" Kenley inquired. In this world, the Bronze Trial Labyrinth of the Mother Goddess was not the sole labyrinth; there were also other monster labyrinths and lair labyrinths.


    The Bronze Trial Labyrinth, to a certain extent, was not vastly different from the monster labyrinths. Therefore, for those who had experience in exploring monster labyrinths, it would not be difficult to detect the abnormality of this door.


    "N-no, I haven''t..." Anya shook her head, beads of sweat trickling down her face.


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    Really... Kenley was somewhat at a loss for words.


    "What about the rest of you?" Kenley furrowed his brows and asked the others.


    "We haven''t either," the others all shook their heads.


    The corner of Kenley''s mouth twitched. What a group of audacious noble youths, fearless of anything. Before entering the trial labyrinth, they didn''t even think of practicing in an ordinary labyrinth first. They just rushed here, heedless of the danger.


    "Her Highness has!"


    Just then, Anya''s eyes lit up as if she had recalled something.


    Guinevere merely nodded and remained silent. She truly was a woman of few words. Kenley now had a thorough understanding of Guinevere''s character.


    "Tia, what about you?" Kenley suddenly felt a twinge of curiosity.


    "Master, Tia hasn''t either. I used to reside in the palace and rarely had the opportunity to venture outside," Tia explained with a sweet smile.


    That''s right. After all, Tia was a princess. Safely ensconced in the castle, how could the king bear to let his daughter go on adventures? In this regard, Guinevere seemed to be quite an exception.


    "Then you all remember to follow my command later. The boss''s room is no trivial matter. The bosses of different monsters possess formidable skills, and one careless move could cost you your life." As Kenley spoke, he was about to push open the door.


    "Wait! You haven''t told us whether you''ve been in there or not!"


    "Me?" Without turning his head, Kenley simply said, "I''ve been to some places like this."


    "Some...?" Anya was momentarily stunned.


    As Kenley slowly pushed open the stone door, a faint white mist billowed out from behind it, resembling a thin layer of gossamer.


    The inner walls of the room were intricately carved with various strange and ferocious monsters. They bared their teeth and claws, their eyes filled with a savage glint. At the zenith of the room hung an unknown gemstone, emitting a faint blue glow, as if all the glows in the entire labyrinth emanated from it.


    The entire boss''s room was extremely spacious, spanning a diameter of fifty meters. And at the far end opposite the door, there was an identical stone door. It seemed that that was the entrance to the next floor after clearing this stage.


    "Let''s go in," Kenley took the lead and stepped inside.


    The group exchanged glances and immediately followed suit. As soon as they entered, the door behind them closed with a thud.


    Just then, a clear and prolonged ringing sound echoed out. The originally empty floor of the hall suddenly shimmered with a white circular glow, and a huge black shadow abruptly emerged from the light!


    The group was startled and immediately assumed a battle stance.


    Identify!


    [Boss ¡¤ Champion Goblin ¡¤ Tygus]


    [Level: 30]


    [Occupation: Berserker]


    [Race: Goblin]


    [HP: 6120/6120]


    [RP: ???/???]


    [Description: Since their birth, the world of goblins has been rife with brutal killings and fierce competitions. Only the goblin that manages to survive all the way to the end can ascend to the throne as the king, and the champion goblin is born for this very purpose.]


    Its massive body, as tall as three grown men, had green skin, pointed ears, an ugly visage, and frog - like eyes, making it look extremely terrifying.


    It opened its wide, slobbering mouth and seemed to be muttering, "Woman, heh heh, you''ll be mine." A huge steel blade was strapped to its back, and it wore armor with a strong metallic sheen on its chest.


    Its robust muscles were brimming with explosive power, and the nails on its two palms were as sharp as over a dozen centimeters. A mysterious horn was attached to its waist, and it seemed that there was even a goblin perched on its back.


    Identify!


    [Elite ¡¤ Goblin Shaman ¡¤ Erji]


    [Level: 30]


    [Occupation: Shaman]


    [Race: Goblin]


    [HP: 2060/2060]


    [MP: ???/???]


    [Description: The most intelligent beings among the goblins. They not only know how to wield magic but also how to organize the scattered goblins into a cohesive team. They are the sages and guides among the goblins.]


    It was very small in stature and was clad in a hemp robe and cloak. If one didn''t look closely, they would mistake it for a tattered piece of cloth on the champion goblin.


    "A champion goblin. Isn''t this kind of creature only found in monster lairs? How could it be in the trial labyrinth?" Anya was like a naive child who had never seen the world.


    "Don''t stand there in a daze!" Just then, Kenley drew his sword and charged forward!


    Because the champion goblin was charging straight at them!


    A deafening clash of metal resounded in everyone''s ears. If Kenley hadn''t executed his ultimate countermeasure in a timely manner, someone who was lost in thought would probably have been struck!

 Chapter 110: The First Floor of the Trial Labyrinth 5

    "Elemental Fire Rain!"


    At this very moment, Guinevere took the initiative. She lifted a silver magic cudgel and with a gentle wave of her single hand, a massive circular magic array materialized directly above the head of the Champion Goblin!


    The Goblin Shaman promptly sensed the impending peril. It brandished its magic staff, and a purple light shield instantaneously enveloped them.


    Elemental Fire Rain was an area-of-effect attack skill that incessantly rained down fire in the same spot for 10 seconds. At the third tier, each fireball was equivalent to 50% of the current total attack power of the mage.


    Even more formidable was the fact that each of these fireballs was accompanied by a light arrow! Double elemental damage! The magic cudgel in Guinevere''s grasp was no ordinary article. It was a magic cudgel of purple quality, boasting a remarkably high increase in both magic damage and critical strike rate.


    It possessed penetration and the capacity for critical strikes. Each fireball calculated the critical strike independently, as did the light arrow. Although the damage inflicted by a single fireball and light arrow might seem negligible, the Champion Goblin had a colossal physique. If it remained stationary and endured the full ten seconds of this onslaught, it would suffer grievous harm even if it managed to survive.


    "We mustn''t allow it to defend itself or flee!" Kenley was acutely aware in his heart that this was an opportune moment to vanquish the Champion Goblin in a single blow!


    Bang! Bang! Bang! Bang!


    Countless fireballs crashed onto the Shaman''s shield without delay. Simultaneously, Anya was not idle. She promptly drew her bow and nocked an arrow, firing three arrows with each shot and relentlessly assailing the shield of the Champion Goblin.


    The Cleric continuously bestowed blessings and auras upon the group, while the Priest employed various skills to augment the damage output. Fess followed closely behind, positioning himself on the opposite side of Kenley, hoisting his shield to aid Kenley in repelling the Champion Goblin''s counterattack.


    Confronted with the formidable concentrated firepower of the group, with a resounding bang, within three seconds, the light shield was shattered into fragments!


    The health of these two creatures immediately diminished by one-third.


    "Damned humans!" The Goblin Shaman flew into a rage and wasted no time. It brandished its withered wooden staff once more, and a purple radiance flared up again. A terrifying ripple swept towards everyone in an instant!


    "Corrupting Ripple!" Kenley instantly recognized this move.


    [Corrupting Ripple], a third-tier dark magic skill. Effect: Emit a corrupting curse in a 180-degree arc forward within a range of 30 meters, reducing the maximum health of all cursed targets by 50%! It should be noted that this is a reduction of the maximum health, not the current health value, and the duration is 30 seconds.


    This move was a unique enhancement of the boss. The Corrupting Ripple employed by players could only reduce the maximum health by 25%, which was significantly weaker compared to that of the boss.


    "Jump!" Kenley then sprang into the air, executing a double jump without hesitation.


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    Fess, standing beside him, did not hesitate upon hearing the command and immediately followed Kenley''s lead and jumped.


    "What did you say?!" Only Anya, this scatterbrained girl, remained in a daze.


    "I told you to jump!" Since Kenley had executed a double jump, he was able to speak while hovering in mid-air. However, this scatterbrained girl Anya reacted far too sluggishly.


    "Ah!" With this momentary delay, Anya was struck by the Corrupting Ripple.


    With a piercing scream, a multitude of purple patches immediately manifested on Anya''s body, resembling glowing eczema and appearing extremely terrifying.


    Kenley could only furrow his brows and focus on the present situation. Fortunately, the Corrupting Ripple did not directly cause death. Had it been a lethal move, Anya would likely have perished.


    The Priest and the Cleric were standing slightly farther away from Anya. Upon witnessing Anya''s condition, they managed to jump up just in time, narrowly evading the attack unscathed.


    Since Tia was a brawler and possessed the ability to perform a double jump, she immediately followed suit and jumped as well.


    Guinevere did not jump but instead utilized the equipment skill "Spatial Shift" of the Crown of the Holy World, barely managing to dodge the attack.


    Nevertheless, the Champion Goblin was not faring well either. It was still enduring the damage from the Elemental Fire Rain. Seizing the opportunity while everyone was in mid-air, it attempted to escape from the attack range of the elemental fireballs.


    But how could Kenley permit it to succeed!


    "Bloom!" Kenley immediately executed the first move of the White Flower Phase, and his figure instantaneously teleported to the side where the Champion Goblin intended to retreat.


    "Sword Moon!"


    The Sword Moon emitted a sword qi with a range of eight meters. Coupled with Kenley''s double cooldown ability, two waves of sword qi, one on the left and one on the right, effectively blocked the Champion Goblin''s escape route.


    The Champion Goblin issued a fierce roar and lifted its enormous steel blade, commencing a frenzied spin on the spot!


    "Sword Bladestorm!" This was a unique skill of the Berserker, which was unleashed by expending Rp. Each slash was equivalent to 75% of the total attack power. Moreover, this move belonged to the realm of swordsmanship rather than being a typical skill and would also grow in power as the rank increased.


    As expected of the Champion Goblin, it indeed possessed considerable prowess.


    However, this behemoth had also committed an egregiously foolish error. Despite its continuous spinning, it remained firmly within the attack range of the elemental fireballs, and its high-speed rotation rendered the Goblin Shaman unable to cast magic skills properly.


    "Tia, Blood Prison!" Kenley commanded without hesitation.


    "Yes, Master!"


    As soon as the words left his mouth, with a swish, a blood-red prison cage immediately encircled the Champion Goblin.


    Although the Champion Goblin continued to spin, and the attack range of its massive blade was indeed extensive, Kenley and Fess were completely unable to approach it.


    Nonetheless, Guinevere, Tia, and Anya were assailing it with all their might.


    Kenley took a quick glance and saw that the opponent''s HP had dropped below 1000 points, and both the Elemental Fire Rain and the Blood Prison were on the verge of expiration. Now was the optimal moment to strike!


    Very well, this behemoth was now in a complete frenzy and had entered the second stage. They could not afford to give it an opportunity to turn the tables. If Kenley remembered correctly, the second stage of the Champion Goblin was extremely formidable. Once it entered the berserk mode, it would be immune to all control skills. If that happened and it rampaged through the group, one or two individuals might even lose their lives.


    "Potential Burst, Physical Acceleration, Immovable Fortress." Layer upon layer, Kenley continuously applied buffs to himself.


    "Three-Blade Swift Slash!" A fierce glint flashed in Kenley''s eyes.


    Six terrifying sword lights swept across once more. With a swish! The colossal body, as massive as a hill, crashed to the ground.


    The Goblin Shaman, on the other hand, was unharmed. However, it had sustained numerous fireball attacks earlier, and its health had long since dropped below half.


    "Elbow Strike!" Just then, a figure flashed by. It was Tia.


    She stunned the Goblin Shaman with a direct elbow strike. Then, her blood claws swiped across, and the lacerated wound immediately bled with scarlet blood.


    With a series of proficient moves, Tia dispatched the Goblin Shaman, which was already on the brink of death.


    Her movements were as smooth and fluid as flowing water!

 Chapter 111: The Second and Third Floors of the Trial Labyrinth 1

    Under the influence of the Corrupting Ripple, Anya lost half of her health, which indeed counted as a severe injury.


    "Are you alright?" The others inquired with concern.


    "Healing!" This was the moment for the Priest and the Cleric to take action.


    The two of them cast the healing spell simultaneously, and before long, Anya was restored to full health. She gave her arms a shake and then giggled once more. "I''m fine! Thank you all for your concern!"


    "Come to think of it, Sir Kenley, how did you know that we should jump earlier?" The group directed their gazes towards Kenley.


    "Didn''t any of you notice the Goblin Shaman on the back of the Champion Goblin?" Kenley asked, wearing a look of mild confusion.


    The group exchanged glances, and each of them shook their heads.


    Upon hearing this, Kenley slapped his forehead, truly at a loss for words with these individuals.


    "Mr. Kenley, are you referring to that piece of tattered cloth on the back of the Champion Goblin?" Guinevere seemed to have grasped something.


    Finally, there was someone who understood. Kenley, with a measure of patience, explained, "That wasn''t a piece of tattered cloth on the leader''s back. It was the Goblin Shaman, the guide of the Champion Goblin. It is capable of casting a third-tier dark magic known as the Corrupting Ripple. Once struck by that magic, you would lose more than half of your vitality. To evade that move, you must either jump into the air or dodge in the manner that Her Highness Princess Guinevere did."


    "So that''s how it is. You are truly erudite!" Anya, who had previously held a dismissive attitude towards Kenley, now placed even greater trust in him.


    "No wonder you told us to jump earlier. I''ve only ever read about the Corrupting Ripple in books. This is the first time I''ve witnessed it in actual combat." Fess said, deep in contemplation.


    The group, upon hearing Kenley''s explanation, suddenly understood. It seemed that they were not lacking in knowledge but rather in practical combat experience.


    "Actually, Master has an in-depth understanding of many monsters. He is like a treasure trove that can never be fully explored." Just then, Tia suddenly interjected.


    Guinevere''s eyes flickered, and she asked, "Tia, how long have you been accompanying Mr. Kenley?"


    "For a little over a month..."


    "A month... Judging by Tia''s extensive combat experience, was it also Mr. Kenley who instructed you?" Guinevere was meticulous. She had observed Tia''s efficient and decisive finishing move earlier, which clearly indicated that it was not her first time performing such an action.


    Tia nodded. "Yes! In the past month, we have completed 45 third-tier tasks. The two of us have accomplished nearly half of all the third-tier tasks issued by the Imperial City Adventurer''s Guild."


    "What?!" Anya exclaimed in a shrill voice.


    "Are you saying that the two of you completed 45 third-tier tasks within a single month?" Anya opened her mouth wide in astonishment.


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    "Yes. What''s the problem?" Tia looked puzzled.


    "Fess, how many third-tier tasks have we completed in total over the past three months?" Anya turned around and asked.


    Fess, with beads of sweat on his forehead, scratched his head. "I think it''s two..."


    Kenley opened his mouth, unsure of how to comment. Although they possessed combat abilities, their performance was rather lackadaisical. Even the novices in the Adventurer''s Guild could complete at least five or six tasks of the same tier within a month. These pampered noble youths truly lacked any sense of urgency.


    Practical combat experience is of utmost importance. Kenley couldn''t help but cast a glance at Guinevere. How on earth had she come up with the idea of forming a team with such a group of people? Was it merely because they were all nobles and she could trust them?


    However, it was difficult to say. After all, when teaming up with Guinevere, trust was indeed a crucial factor. If they had a teammate with malicious intentions, it could potentially pose a life-threatening danger to Guinevere.


    Presumably, Christophon wouldn''t approve either, as it would be too risky. Hiring the guild master with a substantial sum of money to select suitable warriors made sense. After all, in the heat of battle, trust was equivalent to life. One simply couldn''t afford to turn their back on someone they didn''t trust...


    Presumably, it was because Guinevere had recognized that Tia was of royal lineage and that both Tia and Kenley possessed the Mark of Devotion that she felt so at ease teaming up with Kenley... This was the only speculation Kenley could make.


    Kenley then said, "Everyone, I have a proposal."


    "Please go ahead, Mr. Kenley." Guinevere was the first to respond.


    "I would like to volunteer. If you have no objections, I would like to assume the role of team leader. Everyone, please ensure that you follow my commands without fail. The trial labyrinth is no trivial matter. In the event of an accident here, you will truly lose your life, and this is not a jest." Kenley said with a solemn expression.


    Upon hearing Kenley''s words, the group fell into a momentary silence.


    However, involuntarily, all of their eyes turned towards Guinevere. It seemed that the true decision-maker was still Guinevere, for she was, after all, the leader of the group.


    "I agree."


    Her words were soft, yet they clearly conveyed Guinevere''s stance.


    Following the first expression of agreement, several more voices of consent ensued.


    "I have no objections." Fess raised his hand.


    "Mr. Kenley''s experience and strength are clearly evident to all. I also have no objections." The Priest raised his hand as well.


    "Ditto." The Cleric raised his hand.


    Only Anya was the slowest to react. She looked around, giggled, and said, "I agree! But Captain Kenley, could you teach me a couple of moves later? I''m willing to pay! Please be my teacher!"


    Kenley was somewhat taken aback. What on earth was Anya up to?


    "Anya, I am still far too young to be a teacher. If you insist on making me your teacher now, others will surely brand my name on the pillar of shame." Kenley replied irritably.


    "I don''t care! The teachers in the academy always wear a stern expression and their classes are dreadfully dull. Going on adventures with you would not only enhance my experience but also broaden my horizons. It''s a multi-faceted benefit! Isn''t it much better than sitting idly in the academy attending classes?"


    Kenley looked her up and down. At only 16 years of age, she had already reached the introductory level of the third tier, which was a clear indication of her exceptional talent. Moreover, she had come to participate in the Bronze Trial while still in school. No wonder she was so haughty.


    "That''s all I can offer. No, I don''t want to be a teacher, even if you pay me. You''ll benefit from it, but I''ll be at a disadvantage." Having said that, Kenley waved his hand and turned around, preparing to push open the door to the second floor.


    "Hey! Why are you being so obstinate? You''re turning down money? I''m really set on this." Anya was clearly unyielding and was about to walk towards Kenley.


    Just then, Tia smiled faintly and stepped in front of Anya. "Ms. Anya, Master has said that he doesn''t want to be a teacher. Please don''t put him in a difficult position."


    For some inexplicable reason, upon seeing Tia''s strange smile, Anya felt an unprovoked chill run down her spine.


    Just then, Fess patted Anya''s arm. "Don''t be in a daze. The others have already gone to the next floor." With that, he also walked forward.


    In that moment of distraction, everyone had left, leaving Anya alone to face the cold air.


    "Ah! So frustrating!" Anya roared in frustration.