Master Changsheng

Chapter 127, Section 125: [The Contract] [8k-word long chapter, please subscribe]

At the entrance, there were more than a hundred people setting up stalls.

Their stalls were empty, containing only a simple sentence... or two...

Exclusive information on the [Spirit Realm], only 10 gold coins!

"Exclusive information on the [Spirit Realm], only 11 gold coins! Hint: He's fake, I'm real!"

"Exclusive information on the [Spirit Realm], only 12 gold coins! Hint: They're fake, I'm real!"

...

The shouts rang out continuously; these vendors had only one goal.

That's where the fifth-tier professionals stood, looking bewildered at the city gate...

"Speaking of which... the [Spirit Empowerment Realm] has become common knowledge?"

"First tier, second tier... the highest is only third tier, do they even know about the [Spirit Empowerment Secret Realm]?"

"Why are these bastards raising prices? Shouldn't competition drive prices down?"

...

Even these seasoned professionals, accustomed to weathering many storms, were at a loss for how to proceed at this moment…

Prices were rising higher and higher; in just a few breaths, the price of the [Enchantment Realm] item at the stalls had already soared to 100 gold coins…

They treated these fifth-tier professionals like pigs to be slaughtered.

This sudden change was vastly different from the information they had received before entering the country.

Before entering the desert, they received information from an "insider" that the desert orcs and Chaos City were the strongest forces in the desert.

Furthermore, the [Spirit Empowerment Secret Realm] is very likely connected to Chaos City. If you want to find the [Spirit Empowerment Secret Realm], it is recommended to head straight to Chaos City.

As for the Good House, according to the information they received, it was merely a place suitable for lodging and a makeshift rest.

Don't expect to get any useful information from the House of Goodness; it is the weakest force in the desert.

It can't even be called a force, because the House of Goodness is so weak that, according to the "insider," it's questionable whether the House of Goodness still exists when they enter the desert.

Therefore, after many Tier 5 professionals entered the desert, apart from a few Tier 5 professionals instructing the other professionals in their factions to go to the House of Goodness to occupy a suitable place to live, they did not devote too much energy to it.

After all, the identity of the "insider" is very likely that he is a member of a top association such as the "Mage Association", "Warrior Association", or "Noble Management Association".

The words of these top-tier figures, who are spread throughout the Eastern Continent, carry a higher degree of truth in this remote desert than those of the King of the Shak Kingdom.

That's why many fifth-tier beings lowered their guard and entered the desert, heading straight for Chaos City and the location of the desert orcs.

The purpose is to enter the [Spirit Empowerment Secret Realm] mentioned in the message, a realm of nine lives and one death, or ten lives and no death...

However, the outcome in the desert was contrary to the information they had received.

Chaos City vanished without a trace; not only was the [Spirit Empowerment Realm] gone, but not even a single brick remained.

The orcs were the same; aside from leaving traces of their existence, the orc army abruptly disappeared into the desert.

In this vast desert, aimlessly searching without a destination to find the orcs deliberately hiding is nothing short of a pipe dream.

I arrived at the "House of Goodness" feeling disappointed, having no expectations to begin with.

Ironically, here, the "Spirit Empowerment Realm" seemed like commonplace news, rekindling their shattered hopes...

From the lowest rank to the highest rank of the fourth-rank guards at the city gates, everyone would mysteriously say to those entering the city, "Hey friend, want some news about the [Spirit Empowerment Secret Realm]? It's cheap! Trust me, I'm a fourth-rank, I don't lie, it's the real deal!"

Before long, some fourth-tier professionals who had arrived earlier saw their family's patriarch at the city gate.

He quickened his pace, a conflicted look on his face, and approached the fifth-tier professional.

"Ancestor..."

"Tell me what you've discovered."

"This…"

"There's no need to hide anything. We're all like-minded people, so feel free to speak."

Looking around, the fourth-tier professional saw that all the fifth-tier professionals around him were listening intently, their ears perked up and their heads slightly turned in his direction.

After a pause, he slowly began, "I purchased three pieces of information about the [Spirit Empowerment Secret Realm], and I also interrogated two people about the [Spirit Empowerment Secret Realm]."

"There are some discrepancies in the details, but these messages have one thing in common: the [Spirit Empowerment Secret Realm] does exist, but not everyone can enter. In one year, the [Spirit Empowerment Secret Realm] will be opened here for selection."

"In the end... only one person can pass the selection... and enter the [Spirit Empowerment Realm]..."

In an instant, the atmosphere in the arena became tense. Only one person enters the ranks every year, and any fifth-tier professional could be a competitor.

The elder of the faction who had reassured the fourth-tier professional was also filled with regret. Had he known this would happen, he would never have let the fourth-tier professional speak.

Perhaps oblivious to the tense atmosphere, the fourth-tier professional continued recounting the information he had obtained about the [Spirit Empowerment Realm]...

"I have received accurate information that the [Spirit Empowerment Realm] is not very dangerous. Even two orcs have successfully empowered themselves within the realm."

"Furthermore, there's a hidden piece of information: the City Lord of the Good House may be connected to the mysterious entity that controls the [Spirit Empowerment Realm]!"

"What?! The [Spirit Empowerment Realm] has been taken over by someone else?!"

Is this news true??

How strong is the Lord of the House of Goodness?

The shock caused by the fourth-tier professional's words was no less than the shock he caused by the competition for the [Spirit Empowerment Realm] a year later.

Those who can control the [Spirit Empowerment Realm] are essentially in control of the biggest vulnerability they face in the desert, especially for some professionals whose lifespans are nearing their end. Controlling the [Spirit Empowerment Realm] is tantamount to controlling their life and death.

Unfortunately, Ankai's control was not what they had imagined.

They believed that Ankai could control who entered and the opening of the secret realm.

In fact, the secret realm has always been open, and anyone who meets the requirements can enter. Unfortunately, the method of entry has been hidden by An Kai.

This is what is known as "control"...

Numerous interrogations, coupled with the fifth-tier professional's inability to control his emotions, caused a sudden and overwhelming pressure to befall the fourth-tier professional.

At this moment, he felt like a lone boat adrift on a turbulent ocean.

"Alright, whether it's true or false, we'll know once we meet the city lord!"

"Okay! Agreed!"

"How strong is the city lord? What level of the fifth rank?"

"Has he been imbued with a spirit?"

Upon hearing these questions, the fourth-tier professional recalled the arrogant and benevolent city lords and deputy city lords he had encountered before…

"First tier..."

As soon as the fourth-tier professional spoke, many fifth-tier professionals seemed unable to believe it.

Someone blurted out instinctively, "The guards at the city gates are all fourth-tier, while the city lord is only first-tier?!"

"Did you see that clearly?!"

"A first-rank official becoming a city lord?!"

Ahem...

The fourth-tier professional coughed lightly: "Um... gentlemen, allow me to correct you, not only is the city lord at the first tier, but the five deputy city lords are also at the first tier..."

Silence fell over the room once again.

These fifth-tier professionals, who had seen countless storms, stood outside the City of Goodness, gazing at the city before them, their hearts filled with indescribable emotions.

Every discovery made by the Good Family left them speechless.

After saying this, the fourth-tier professional looked at the shocked fifth-tier professionals.

I felt an indescribable sense of comfort.

He had the same expression when he first learned of this news.

Seeing that the fifth-tier professional also had the same expression, his mood improved...

At least the fourth-tier professional was certain of one thing: it wasn't that he was ignorant, but rather that the House of Goodness was too... novel.

"Lead the way, to the City Lord's Mansion!"

Upon hearing their ancestor's soft command, the fourth-tier professional quickly led the way towards the House of Goodness...

Passing through the noisy, bustling street vendors, the fifth-tier professionals arrived at the city gate. They disguised themselves as ordinary second- or third-tier professionals, registered, and then entered the House of Goodness.

Just as I crossed the entrance to the city, I heard a soft sound beside my ear:

"Fifth tier!"

Welcome to the House of Goodness!

The leading fifth-tier professional was taken aback…

"Ancestor... this is unique to the Good Family, it's called a detector, it can detect the strength of every single person..."

The fourth-tier professional leading the way stepped forward and arrived beside the ancestor, accompanied by a soft sound:

"Fourth tier!"

Please abide by the rules of the House of Goodness!

His strength was different from that of the fifth-tier ancestor, and even the prompts following his strength were different.

The fifth rank is a flattering welcome, while the fourth rank becomes a warning with a hint of caution.

This fourth-tier professional had even encountered a first-tier person's entry into the city...

"Be careful, don't die!"

This shows that when they entered the city, the kind families had already treated them differently.

These welcoming messages were also created by the detector merchant Andoron based on Ankai's wishes...

The fifth-tier individuals entered the city one after another, their eyes gleaming, their expressions revealing interest in the "detector." Unsurprisingly, they would be potential customers of the detector merchant, Andorn…

The fourth-tier guards at the city gate exchanged glances, both understanding the meaning in each other's eyes...

These fifth-tier enemies are the "fat sheep" that the city's officials have been talking about!

A fool willing to pay money for the [Spirit Empowerment Secret Realm].

Bright.

Their eyes lit up.

The newly arrived Tier 5 professionals were unaware that they had become easy prey in the eyes of others…

At this moment, they are praising the well-organized, clean and tidy streets.

Regardless of the strength of the Good Household or the residents, the clean and tidy streets alone are a rare sight even in the Seven Kingdoms.

The fourth-tier professional who was leading the way added, "In the death penalty cases of the Good Family, littering is one of them."

This bizarre death penalty regulation left them utterly dumbfounded.

However, this rule, which disregards human life, corresponds to their impression of desert people.

We traveled and observed along the way.

The fifth-tier professionals discovered that the residents here were different from those of the seven other kingdoms.

At the very least, among the seven kingdoms, no resident would dare to openly use a tool to probe their strength!

If someone hadn't stopped them, these damn desert people would have loved to shove a detector right in their faces!

The residents of the House of Goodness became even more excited after they detected that they were fifth-order beings.

Someone shouted, "Hey! Are you here to find the [Spirit Empowerment Realm]?"

"I can help you, and my fee is very low, only 20 gold coins!"

"Don't listen to him, he knows nothing about the [Spirit Empowerment Realm]. My neighbor's second uncle's father's grandson, his boss's boss, has personally witnessed the [Spirit Empowerment Realm]. Trust me, I can definitely help you. I only need 30 gold coins!"

In an instant, the fifth-tier professionals realized they weren't really fifth-tier powerhouses.

Rather, they were "fat sheep" in the eyes of these ants...

The so-called "Spirit Empowerment Secret Realm" somehow seems to have become as worthless as roadside sand after this experience.

People of all skill levels can say a few words...

The mystery surrounding the [Spirit Empowerment Realm] has vanished.

If these fifth-tier professionals hadn't been wary of the mysterious powerhouse who controlled the [Spirit Empowerment Secret Realm], they would have already slapped those ants who wanted to treat them like "fat sheep" to death...

These fifth-tier professionals were unaware that since entering the desert, their "ferocity," "malice," and "evil" were gradually being unleashed.

Their resentment grows daily, changing their behavior and way of dealing with people.

Especially for some fifth-tier professionals whose lifespans are nearing their end, their resentment is growing stronger, especially when they think about how these fifth-tier professionals around them will be their competitors a year from now.

I desperately want to strike now and severely cripple or kill these "competitors"...

In the past, this level of hostility wouldn't have been this high.

The journey was filled with oppression.

The fifth-tier professionals, each with their own agendas, arrived at the city lord's mansion, which is the castle located behind the inner city!

The group had just arrived and hadn't even had a chance to rest.

Then they saw a slender, arrogant-looking first-tier professional emerge, surrounded by six fourth-tier professionals.

Reed glanced at the fifth-tier professionals who had arrived, his expression unchanged, as if he were unaware that the person in front of him was a fifth-tier professional. He spoke coldly, "Fill out the form."

As soon as he finished speaking, Polpi walked in from behind, carrying a bundle of forms.

He skillfully took out a table from his storage ring and placed it in front of the group of fifth-tier individuals: "Line up, one by one, and fill in your strength, influence, where you come from, your name, and how much resources you have."

Polpi put down the table and, seeing the unmoved fifth-tier professional, roared impatiently, "Can't you even stand in line? All those years of training have gone into becoming orcs?!"

In an instant, the arena fell silent.

The fifth-tier professional stared in disbelief at Polpi...

Their brows furrowed, and one of the more hot-tempered men stepped forward, grabbed Polpi by the neck, and lifted him up…

"Say it again!"

Despite being grabbed by the neck, Polpi remained unfazed, even escalating his intimidation with, "You don't want to enter the [Spirit Empowerment Realm], do you?! Fine! You just wait!"

"You dare humiliate me like this today! If I let you into the [Spirit Empowerment Realm], I, Polpi, will be your dog from now on!"

The fifth-tier professional who was holding Polpi was stunned. Polpi's seemingly confident demeanor made him unable to tell whether it was real or fake for a moment.

"If you want to participate in the [Spirit Empowerment Realm] selection, you must follow our rules. If you rely on your own strength and act recklessly..."

"Hmph! Fifth rank... It's not like we, the Good Family, haven't killed anyone before!"

At the moment of Polpi’s life-or-death crisis, Reed remained calm, looked at the more than 20 fifth-tier professionals, and arrogantly uttered these two threatening words!

Reed's arrogant demeanor, combined with Polpi's, left these fifth-order players momentarily bewildered.

What kind of confidence allows them, with only first-tier strength, to threaten fifth-tier professionals without any scruples...?

Could it be that the person behind them is truly the controller of the [Spirit Empowerment Secret Realm]?

Did you really kill a Tier 5 professional?

Just then, three of Reed's four warriors suddenly appeared.

The three of them together carried a wooden plank more than ten meters long, at the very top of which lay the long-dead corpse of an orc…

"Orc, Tier 5, disobeying the selection rules of the [Spirit Empowerment Realm], executed!"

The three warriors, as if no one else was around, placed the wooden board in front of the table where the forms were placed, blatantly displaying it in front of the more than twenty fifth-tier professionals.

The threat was implied but not explicitly stated.

The fifth-tier professionals from the seven kingdoms each used their senses to assess the strength of the orc at the top of the wooden plank…

Although he was completely dead, his aura, unique to the fifth rank, could still be sensed to some extent.

At this moment, the fifth-tier professionals from the seven countries were stunned.

The fifth-tier professional who was gripping Polpi's neck put Polpi down...

He frowned and retreated back into the group.

Polpi knew when to stop and didn't take advantage of the opportunity to continue shouting things like, "I'm going to disqualify you from the [Spirit Empowerment Realm] selection."

To escape death is already an incredible stroke of luck.

Polpi understood that he was now just using someone else's name to make a big show of things, and every step he took was a tightrope walk.

One wrong move and you're shattered to pieces.

Seeing that many fifth-tier professionals were stunned by his and Reed's actions, Polpi took out a form and softened his tone:

"Sigh... We're just doing our job for the adults. We're having all the fifth-tier powerhouses fill out forms so that everyone can enter the [Spirit Empowerment Secret Realm] sooner."

"The Spirit-Enchanting Realm is a once-a-year event; countless people desperately want to enter, but none have the chance."

"If it weren't for your intervention, sir, taking it from the orcs, you gentlemen would still be racking your brains to find an opportunity to empower yourselves."

"Just as the lord said, his actions are for the prosperity of humanity. How can we allow other races to continue their rampage when they occupy our homeland!"

"My lord hopes that after you successfully imbue yourselves with spirits, you will be able to help our human race, drive away the alien races, and reclaim our land!"

"In order for all of you to successfully advance to the Spirit Empowerment realm, you entered seclusion after obtaining the [Spirit Empowerment Secret Realm], vowing not to leave until you have fully mastered it!"

"My lord, you do all this not for fame or fortune, but only in the hope that all of you can successfully imbue yourselves with spirits, and that our human race... will no longer suffer oppression from other races!"

Polpi's words were sincere and heartfelt, and his long experience surviving in the desert had honed his ability to lie without batting an eye.

The group of over 20 fifth-tier professionals looked at each other.

Some sentimental fifth-tier professionals even felt ashamed because of this, as if they were impressed by the noble character of the "great man" described by Polpi...

With Polpi's encouraging gaze, they took the forms from his hand and began filling them out...

With one person taking the lead, others followed suit, and one after another, fifth-level professionals chose to fill out the form according to Polpi's requirements.

Reed, who had been watching this scene, breathed a sigh of relief.

Only he and Polpi knew the truth.

To avoid being exposed, even the three soldiers beside him did not tell the truth.

The three warriors believed that this was Ankai's intention.

And Ankai did not disappear; he continued to watch over them.

Otherwise, why would they so arrogantly carry out the wooden plank bound with a fifth-tier orc?

Looking at the fifth-tier professionals filling out forms, Reed knew that the hardest step had been taken.

An Kai left only the message that the [Spirit Empowerment Secret Realm] would appear a year later, and then disappeared.

The rest is up to Reid and Polpi to do...

After discussing it, the two finally devised this plan.

The phrase "borrowing the tiger's power" was used to its fullest extent.

They both understood very well that, being only at the first tier, they would definitely struggle to perform well against a fifth-tier professional.

So we decided to go all the way down this path.

The Good House was decorated to resemble a place under the protection of the mastermind behind the [Spiritual Realm].

And the two of them acted as if they were the powerful figures behind the scenes of the [Spirit Empowerment Secret Realm].

The effect is quite good.

From the moment their subordinates entered the city, they were conveying an attitude to the fifth-tier professionals:

"Don't take your fifth rank seriously; it's worthless in the House of Goodness."

From the attitude of the city's residents towards the fifth tier, to the indifferent attitude of those guys at the city gate stalls towards the [Spirit Empowerment Secret Realm].

I kept emphasizing one thing to these fifth-tier professionals entering the city: "Fifth tier is worthless; kind-hearted people don't care about fifth tier."

It was this nonchalant attitude of the residents of the Good House, coupled with Reed and Polpi's emboldened demeanor, that served as the first lesson for these fifth-tier professionals...

This led these fifth-tier professionals to believe that Reed and Polpi were truly the controllers of the [Spirit Empowerment Realm].

With the addition of Polpi's impromptu remarks, a powerful human being who silently dedicated himself to the human race emerged.

Without Polpija's words, the person behind the [Spirit Realm] would only be a domineering figure.

With Polpi's words, the person behind the [Spirit Realm] has gained an additional image of "fearlessness" in addition to being domineering...

One by one, the fifth-tier professionals filled out the forms, which surprised even the fourth-tier professional who was leading the way.

He never expected that more than 20 fifth-tier professionals would actually submit to two first-tier professionals!

Thinking about it this way, it didn't seem so bad when he was forced to sign forms by two Tier 1 professionals...

...

After the forms were filled out, many Tier 5 professionals left.

They chose to settle in the Good House.

Some were moved by Polpi's words, while others had other thoughts.

But at this moment, they acknowledged the identities of Reid and Polpi.

This is the first day since entering the House of Goodness, and also the first day since finding the news of the [Spirit Empowerment Secret Realm].

Although there are some discrepancies compared to the information they received when they arrived.

But for them, being able to enter the [Spirit Empowerment Realm] is the most important thing.

First-order or second-order.

They don't care; all they need to do now is wait a year.

At that time, whether it's true or false, the truth will be revealed.

Of course, they won't be idle during the year.

The probing of Reid and Polpi will not be a one-off event.

The search for the [Spirit Empowerment Realm] will not cease.

Once they discover that Reed and Polpi are imposters, or find the real [Spirit Realm], their rage will be unleashed in double measure.

The fifth rank cannot be insulted!

night.

At Ankai's secluded training location, the fifth-tier [Assassin] Malken recounted to Ankai everything he had seen and heard at the castle entrance that day, without missing a single detail.

After speaking, Ankai seemed thoughtful, while Malken appeared to have something to say...

"Spit it out if you have something to say."

Ankai glanced up at Malken and whispered a reprimand.

Malken chuckled, seemingly ignoring Ankai's words. After a few seconds of contemplation, he slowly began to speak:

"I know most of the people who came here."

"Given their nature, they wouldn't be... that stupid..."

"them…"

Malken wanted to continue with his analysis of what the fifth-order disbelievers Reed had said.

An Kai waved his hand impatiently.

The way he looked at Malken felt like the way he looked at Nurnexus…

Or perhaps it's like the way Prince Wayne sometimes looks at him...

Is he being called stupid?

Seeing that Malken was puzzled, Ankai was just in the mood when Polpi praised him, which struck a chord with him.

In his moment of joy, he explained to Malken:

"Malken, you must remember, it doesn't matter whether they believe it or not."

"The important thing is whether the [Spirit Empowerment Realm] will actually appear a year later."

"If it appears, they'll believe it; if it doesn't... heh heh."

Seeing that Malken was still somewhat puzzled, and was about to ask why Reed and Polpi, both first-tier, could fool a fifth-tier opponent, Ankai continued:

"What Reed and Polpi said is not important. They filled out the forms according to Reed and Polpi's instructions, not because of the two of them."

"It's because of me, because of this fearless powerhouse who, without showing his face, secluded himself to research the [Spirit Empowerment Secret Realm] for the future of humanity, leading them to choose to abide by the rules!"

"Don't think of them as too smart, but don't think of them as too stupid either. Just wait and see if my [Spirit Empowerment Secret Realm] will appear a year from now."

After explaining for a few moments, Ankai waved his hand, signaling for Malken to leave…

Sometimes he felt that Malken was quite smart, and sometimes he felt that Malken was incredibly stupid.

It's still at the fifth rank!

Little did he know that the reason why Malken could not accept it was because those fifth-tier powerhouses were all powerhouses of equal status to him before.

Seeing so many equally powerful individuals being completely fooled by Reed and Polpi, two mere first-tier ants, at this moment, I couldn't quite describe the feeling in my heart.

It was as if I, too, had been completely fooled by Reed and Polpi…

Thinking of this, Malken paused for a moment.

He suddenly remembered one thing.

Ankai had instructed that the fifth-tier orc corpse be sold to Reed and Polpi, but when he went to sell it himself, Ankai voluntarily paid for it to help Reed and Polpi buy it…

"You bastard! You tricked me?!"

...

The next day.

The Good Family appears to have remained largely unchanged.

Since the last caravan arrived, the problem of not having enough to eat has disappeared.

In addition, most of the refugees from the seven kingdoms and the residents of the inner city of Chaos City are at least Tier 2, so they can easily meet their daily needs by hunting.

You can even sell the surplus.

Not everyone is like Ankai, with an enormous appetite, who even needs an enhanced [Beast Meat Refining Platform] to be full.

Today, nearly a hundred new shops suddenly opened in Goodwill Home City.

It has everything you need for eating, drinking, relieving yourself, clothing, food, housing, and transportation.

These shops were opened by fifth-tier professionals from the seven kingdoms.

After all, most of them came as a family or an entire force; relying on past achievements is not a sustainable way to go.

Reid and Polpi also played some roles in this.

The locations chosen for these new shops are all quite good.

Furthermore, regarding taxation, it was stated that taxes only need to be paid once every one or two years.

Compared to other shops in the city that pay taxes monthly, they are already getting a great deal.

They enjoyed the privileges that a fifth-tier professional should have.

The reason they chose to collect the fees once every one or two years wasn't because Reed and Polpi didn't want to collect them monthly, but because their strength didn't allow for monthly collection...

All of this can only be addressed once Ankai reappears a year later.

For the time being, the good family has settled down.

Even the sudden influx of a large number of fifth-tier professionals did not cause any significant impact.

Furthermore, their participation will also stimulate consumption among city residents.

This is also a beneficial development for taxation of good families.

Of course, all of this is based on the premise that the [Spirit Empowerment Realm] will appear on time a year later.

And for fifth-tier professionals whose lifespan is nearing its end, provided they can achieve a satisfactory result within a year.

Otherwise, what appears to be romance and beauty may actually be the beginning of turmoil.

Time passed by, bit by bit.

Ankai was also making the most of his time to meditate. Apart from his daily rest time, he spent most of his time resting with the Meditation Staff in hand.

And the mid-grade magic stone that Hanks had promised is finally showing signs of coming.

They said that in another month, they would be able to obtain a mid-grade magic stone.

Out of respect for Widow Wang, An Kai promised Hanks that if he couldn't retrieve the mid-grade magic stone within a month, he would leave Hanks with a complete corpse.

Besides Hanks, there was another thing that made Ankai very happy.

Prince Wayne of the Kingdom of Shak has finally achieved results in his research on the [Swiftness] spell.

"Teacher, please inspect it."

Holding a scroll with a confident expression, Wayne, in the basement of the House of Goodness, inside Ankai's castle, used the dim light of the flames to present his work.

【Swiftness Lv0 Scroll 'Analysis'】

[Requirements: Intelligence 23, Stamina 60, Physical Strength 60, Strength 31; Level not limited.]

"good!"

Ankai was about to return to his secluded room to upgrade his [Swiftness] skill.

But then a flash of light appeared on Wayne's body, as if the sound of turning pages of a book could be heard...

Then Wayne grinned and chuckled, "Teacher, I've become a [Scholar]..."

An Kai smiled, recalling the shortcomings he had discovered over the past month:

"Wayne, are you capable of researching the second-tier spell [Contract]?"

Wayne pondered for a few seconds.

"Teacher, give me 10 months!"

...

Seven months later.

...

Did someone kindly report my chapter 118? Please, my good brother, let me off the hook. I've already revised it and won't write it again. I was wrong.

(End of this chapter)