Chapter 230

"Alright…"

Seeing the Taurus Director's resolute expression, the Red-haired Woman sighed and completely abandoned the impractical idea, settling for a compromise:

"Then can we adjust our performance ranking this year? If we count this incident, aren't we nearly first, if not the top?"

"Hmm… how about we count it toward next year?"

Never expecting her to care about this, the Taurus Director hesitated before saying:

"The Performance Stele has already been finalized. The only Director with authority to adjust rankings is absent. Changing it now would be no small hassle…"

"Then what if I don't change the ranking—just add a note?"

"Huh? How do you add a note?"

"Just temporarily change the name of our Virgo Division."

Unable to bear the shame of having worked tirelessly all year only to finish dead last, the Red-haired Woman proposed with hopeful eyes:

"If we change the name from 'Virgo Division' to 'Virgo Division,' then our ranking on the Performance Stele will display as '87th, Virgo Division'—and we won't be last anymore… Would that work?"

"…."

Only you could come up with such a bizarre scheme…

After opening his mouth in disbelief, feeling he'd owe her something if he refused, the Taurus Director sighed and nodded, granting the Virgo Division's bizarre temporary name change.

As the Red-haired Woman took her chisel and cheerfully went to chip away at the Performance Stele, the Taurus Director turned to the Leo Director and asked:

"And you, Beverly?"

"My request is the same as before."

Beverly, who had already decided what she wanted, grinned and made her request:

"I'd like you to find someone to replace me as Director for a month, then send me to the Divine Realm of the Sweet God, so it can make me sweets for a whole month."

"Fine. You can depart tomorrow."

After hearing the identical demands of the "Gluttonous Duo," the Taurus Director chuckled slightly and nodded immediately, then turned to Li Ang with a kindly gaze and asked:

"And you, Li Ang? What's your request?"

Li Ang hesitated, then ventured cautiously:

"For me… could I make multiple requests?"

"Of course."

Unlike the two Directors, whose Contamination Levels reached seventy and who, beyond appetite, desired nothing, Li Ang—as a third-tier novice—wanted only to boost his strength as quickly as possible.

He already had too many powerful Anomalous Objects, even too many to use effectively; raising his Contamination Level wasn't something that could be achieved overnight. The only remaining path to rapid advancement lay in his Badge and the newly acquired Secret Art—so…

"My first request is… could I borrow the God of Wine's bead?"

Seeing the Taurus Director's slightly furrowed brow, Li Ang quickly explained:

"I'm not asking for the bead on behalf of the Director—I just want to taste it myself, and I won't drink much. Just one sip of each brew."

One sip each?

The Taurus Director asked, puzzled:

"Why just one sip?"

Because one sip is enough to complete the collection and upgrade the 【Wine Country Martyr】 Badge.

Looking at the golden-glowing 【Wine Country Martyr】 on his Badge panel, Li Ang's heart swelled with anticipation.

To upgrade the Gold-rank 【Wine Country Martyr】, one must taste one thousand brews of "Crafted" grade or higher, one hundred of "Fine" grade or higher, ten of "Aged" grade or higher, and one of "Intoxicated" grade or higher.

The requirement was impossibly difficult. He'd accompanied the Director several times but hadn't even completed a tenth of it. Yet if the God of Wine's bead truly held such power, perhaps he could instantly complete the 【Wine Country Martyr】 and upgrade directly to the Chromatic Badge 【Wine Immortal】!

That was Chromatic!

The power of a Chromatic Badge was clear from the 【Materialist】, another Chromatic one—its effect rivaled the top-tier Anomalous Objects. Facing the chance to obtain a second Chromatic Badge, every other reward paled in comparison!

…

"Actually, I do like drinking, but I don't like getting drunk—just tasting the flavor. One sip is enough!"

Desperate to obtain his second Chromatic Badge, Li Ang feared being dragged down by his alcoholic Director and swore emphatically:

"Taurus Sir! Don't worry—I swear I'll drink only for myself, and I won't give her even a single drop!"

"…."

Watching Li Ang, who unhesitatingly sold out Olivia just to get a drink, the Taurus Director sighed.

Ah… he was such a good kid before, but now that he's under Olivia's influence, he's been corrupted.

His physical condition is average, his alcohol tolerance low—once his body improves, he'll likely become another drunkard equal to Olivia…

"Fine…"

Rubbing his temples in exasperation, the Taurus Director reluctantly said:

"You must keep your word—don't give her even a drop. She really needs to quit. If she keeps drinking like this, she'll cause trouble sooner or later."

"Yes yes! I promise not to give her even one sip!"

"Then I'll have someone deliver the bead in a few days… What else?"

"My second request… I want to touch the Aquarius Constellation."

"???"

Seeing the Taurus Director's expression suddenly turn serious, Li Ang quickly explained:

"You know my ability works through touch, and I've just gained knowledge of the Anomalous Creation Secret Art—so…"

"So you want to try touching it, to see if you can figure out how to gain the Constellation's approval and learn the Aquarius Secret Art?"

Understanding Li Ang's intent, the Taurus Director frowned:

"That's problematic… The Twelve Secret Constellations, which carry the Secret Arts, are enormous. They're all Zodiac Constellations, constantly orbiting the Sun—you can't reach them.

Although Directors can temporarily summon a small portion of their corresponding Constellation, their rank is extremely high—though not as high as the Watcher Palace, they surpass most True Gods. Are you certain you can even perceive anything?"

"I'm not sure—but I still want to try…"

Knowing the Taurus Director was a genuine "good man," a saint who silently burned himself for all humanity, Li Ang revealed a little:

"Taurus Sir, I suspect my Anomalous Objects' rank may be exceptionally high—perhaps I truly can perceive something.

Also, I suspect our Division doesn't fully understand the Constellations' secrets. If I uncover even a fragment of information, it might allow more people to learn the Secret Arts. Isn't that a good thing?"

"…."

If you put it that way… it makes sense…

"Fine! I agree!"

After pondering for a moment, the Taurus Director slowly nodded, convinced by Li Ang's reasoning, then said seriously:

"Only the corresponding Director can summon their Constellation. Since Aquarius has defected, its Constellation has been sealed by the Director. So I can only summon a portion of the Taurus Constellation for you to touch.

Li Ang, if you truly find a way to learn the Secret Art without the Constellation's approval, I can't promise the others—but I swear I will personally teach you the Taurus Line's 'Anomalous Forging' Secret Art. Learn as much as you can—I'll teach you all I know."