Chapter 43: Advancing to Paradigm
Despite some reservations about the Saintly’s boastful claims, none could deny that the Chanter’s blood stemmed from the Primal King, a noble lineage not secret among the higher races.
The Chanters of the Saintly, the Bloodline of the Scarlet, the Wolf Emperor of the Wilderness… these inheritances were particularly favored by the Primal King, drawing closer to him than other races. They were, in essence, hidden classes.
Zhenxian would sooner believe that Ate herself was excessively arrogant than that there was an issue with the quality of the Chanter bloodline.
“Regardless of the reason, this is a good thing. His Excellency has agreed to recommend you as the leader of the Fortress City, do you know what that signifies?”
The gray-haired older sister excitedly shook Yonglan’s arm. “Fortress cities are different from commercial cities like Chang. Their primary Authority isn’t for education or profit, but for preparation for war. Therefore, the leader, as the military commander, is an absolute dictator. No one can interfere except for the Inspectors who visit every few years.”
“It’s not just the promise from that Chanter, Yonglan. You’ve become quite famous in Chang’s noble circles. Many noble ladies with inheritance qualifications would undoubtedly support you. If you can rise to the position of Priest within the Holy Church system, they will all become your loyal staff.”
“So, please continue to strive. I will carefully screen and specifically select those noble ladies who are easily swayed by you. Once they are head over heels for you, we can immediately leverage the wealth and power of the Holy Nobles.”
The more Zhenxian spoke, the more she marveled. How could someone expand their influence through such a method? Even in a H-game, such a bold setting wouldn’t be easily employed! But it was possible, entirely possible, easily possible! From Zhenxian’s understanding and interactions with the noble ladies of Chang, they would readily squander their family fortunes for a single night with Yonglan, or for a single compliment or confession from him. They wouldn’t hesitate to do things outside the rules, even violate doctrines, if it meant gaining his favor.
With this thought, the gray-haired older sister couldn’t help but lift the hem of her skirt and bow to Yonglan, “Wishing you great success!”
Yonglan sighed in exasperation, “Great success indeed. Alas, what have I done to earn such disrespect from you!”
Zhenxian smiled, “How could I disrespect you? We have placed the lives and fortunes of our race on your shoulders. Though it sounds strange coming from a Fiend, please believe in our loyalty.”
The gray-haired Hram nodded. She maintained a dignified smile, but Yonglan could see a hint of ruthlessness and determination in her deep green eyes. She was truly prepared for the “succeed or die” outcome and was wholeheartedly committed to this endeavor.
Yonglan fell silent for a moment, then waved his hand. “Do as you see fit. I don’t particularly care about these matters, nor will I spend much energy on them. I want to focus my attention on military… on improving my Tier.”
Zhenxian: “Naturally. The foundation of everything is your strength, Yonglan. Though it’s hard to tell, your Spirit Matter has been increasing quite rapidly recently. Have you advanced?”
Yonglan: “I don’t think so. I haven’t felt anything special.”
If there was any increase in strength, Yonglan did indeed grow daily, but he was unaware of his own level. He rarely displayed his strength in reality… and there was little to display. The people he interacted with were either Hram of the Black Crown or armed Monks of the Saintly, all undeniably stronger than him. There was no point in seeking humiliation.
“Hoh…”
The gray-haired older sister narrowed her deep green eyes, drawing out her words with a meaningful tone, but she just smiled and said nothing more.
“In any case, please continue your efforts. I won’t disturb you further.”
Zhenxian released Yonglan’s arm. She had always believed Yonglan was the type to meditate and practice in the evenings. In fact… it was somewhat similar. Although Yonglan himself thought he was playing a game, in the context of this world… wasn’t this what was called an Echo Trial? I’m really working hard!
Before lying down, Yonglan couldn’t help but praise his own diligence.
…
In Sams, in the hunting grounds of the jungle.
For a while now, upon logging in, Yonglan was faced with formulaic hunting. Even though most of the work of dealing with annoying monsters was handed over to Enesyin, the process was still tedious. Yonglan hadn’t had a truly exhilarating battle in a long time. His greatest pleasure each night was chatting with the Platinum-haired Dragon Maiden!
If you don’t understand, ask, is Sams a social game? What? It actually has the [Social] element on its tag? Then never mind.
However, tonight was a bit different. As soon as Yonglan summoned Enesyin, the Platinum-haired Dragon Maiden’s first words upon meeting were: “I’ve advanced.”
“Huh?”
Yonglan didn’t react immediately, pausing for a moment. Then, the Dragonborn girl’s face flushed, and she tried to suppress the excitement in her chest, repeating, “I’ve advanced to the Paradigm Tier!”
Yonglan finally understood. He quickly checked the [Companion] interface, and what greeted his eyes was a refreshed panel.
[Enesyin Yangyan]
[Tier: Paradigm Tier (Second Tier)]
[Race: Dragonborn]
[Talent: Blazing Steel Flames (Sealed)]
[Specialties: Knight’s Combat Skills, Elementary General Artifice, Dragon’s Aura]
[An unprecedented dragon without fire, from her birth, she was considered a stain and disgrace to her family. No one held expectations for her, nor did anyone see her as a true warrior. She no longer evades the past, she is no longer lost about the future… she has found the answer before her.]
[By overcoming weakness, honing her will, and holding hope, she possesses the fearlessness to dispel her weakness and confusion, becoming invincible.]
Compared to the initial panel, there were many subtle changes, but the most significant was the prominent word “Paradigm” in the [Tier] section. The Artificers of the Boundless Land divided realms into distinct tiers. This classification seemed to have been passed down since the era of the Primal King, making it quite clear.
[Foundation] signifies the basis of everything, the starting point of all extraordinary abilities. And after that comes [Paradigm], beings that Mortals can look up to as role models.
Yonglan’s eyes widened: “You’ve advanced?”
“I broke through during training today. My sister also checked, confirming that my Spirit Matter has definitely sublimated. There’s no doubt I’ve advanced to Paradigm.” Enesyin was very excited, sharing her experience with Yonglan. Her happiness was natural because this breakthrough meant she had finally shed the label of “useless.”
The [Foundation] Tier was nothing. In a world where everyone had extraordinary Talents, as long as one was willing and had the means to learn, they could reach the [Foundation] Tier. Many races would naturally achieve [Foundation] without doing anything. Enesyin was scorned by others precisely because she received the best resources and education yet remained stuck at the [Foundation] Tier, showing a lack of Talent! But every step beyond [Foundation] represented a chasm that separated countless people.
