Chapter 38: Future

As the sun rose, the man practicing in the morning was already drenched in sweat.

"Hah!"

Having completed another round of sword swings, Li En felt his whole body heating up; something felt off, so he stopped early.

Looking down, the red gem on his chest had shrunk another size.

But this time, he felt his progress had nearly slowed to a halt; it might become completely ineffective within a week.

【Creature Grade: Inferior Stone, Status: Strength 4 (13), Constitution 5 (11), Agility 3 (6), Spirit 5 (16)】

Li En glanced at the panel; Strength and Constitution had risen slightly, nearly reaching the average line for adults here.

"I heard this thing can compensate for innate deficiencies; the stronger one is, the greater the demand and the more growth it yields. Judging by my absorption speed, they won't wait more than a week; they can't afford such a loss."

Li En even felt his physical body had hit a bottleneck; he also noticed two incomprehensible annotations beneath the attributes.

【Dragonization: 3.1%, Awakened Racial Talent: Dragon Eye (Gaze Upon Truth).】

【Beastification: 2.5%, Awakened Bloodline Ability: Tongue of Understanding (Comprehend Human Speech).】

It seemed that with the continuous use of the Dragon Eye, Dragonization had increased slightly.

But while Li En could still understand Dragonization, Beastification was truly incomprehensible.

Does this refer to the degree of being a Beastman? I am clearly a Dragonkin; why is there Dragonization and now Beastification?

However, this extraordinary trait that allows one to easily understand others' speech is quite useful, yet it seems the Beastification progress has not increased.

"Since there are no problems for now, let's just use it. Later, when there's a chance, I'll ask someone; I have a feeling this is another trap."

After resting enough, Li En stood up again to continue practicing sword swings.

He had already felt that the power of the Heroic Soul Surl was beginning to wane; the Heroic Soul Card was gradually reaching its limit.

And when Brother Surl truly departs, what can likely be preserved is probably just the sword techniques mastered during this period.

"Judging from Dimon receiving a legacy and gaining an Extraordinary Class, he should be able to leave me one or two levels of an Extraordinary Class; the Soul Heart abilities should exist too, but Soul Heart abilities that have dropped to Raw Stone or even Inferior Stone grades will inevitably have very subtle strength."

A Gold-tier Wall-Breaker and a Diamond-tier Wall-Breaker are simply not of the same strength; for lower-tier Wall-Breakers, Li En can only nurture them for now.

Based on Li En's understanding of Extraordinary combat during this period, looking only at the short term, the greatest help the Heroic Soul provides him should be this battle-hardened combat experience and instinct.

This is not merely a full-scale boost in combat; more importantly, it allows these combat techniques, which normally require long years to master, to be etched onto one's own body through training and actual combat, forming new combat instincts.

Under normal circumstances, basic sword techniques require half a year of practice, while a qualified level of sword technique requires several years.

As for "Holy Sword: Evil-Cleaving," no one knows how long it takes; perhaps even "War Sword: Armor-Eroding" requires countless accumulations of actual combat, years or even over a decade of practical exploration.

But now, even without the Heroic Soul's assistance, Li En is confident he can wield "War Sword: Armor-Eroding."

Moreover, he has begun practicing the next move of the "Holy Sword: Evil-Cleaving" system, "Shattered Sword: Realm-Breaking."

"There probably isn't enough time to fully master it, and my physical conditions aren't sufficient to use it, but I can grasp at least a little; even if it's just a crude form, it can greatly boost combat power. Learning it later when conditions are fully met would be much easier."

For melee classes like Paladins, the greatest weakness has always been poor performance in group battles; slicing one by one is satisfying, but if dozens or hundreds of enemies attack together.

Furthermore, against large beasts or sub-dragons, the damage (wound) range of single-target sword techniques is limited, and the effect is merely average.

And "Shattered Sword: Realm-Breaking" is a wide-area sword technique specifically developed; its effect is far stronger than "Great顺势 Slash."

However, Li En's progress is quite subtle; it seems the hardware requirements are a bit too high.

"Senior Brother."

At this moment, the maid brought a visitor.

Dimon, acting as both intermediary and scout, had arrived.

"Have you eaten?"

"Yes."

"Practice?"

"Mm."

The men's conversation was simple and direct; the next moment, the longsword and battleaxe clashed together.

The legacy of the Heroic Soul Surl is better suited for communication via sword and axe.

However, Li En, at the peak of the Heroic Soul possession's final stage, was in his prime, while Dimon, without using the Hill Giant's Gauntlets, created a gap between them that was simply too vast.

Even though Li En tried hard to suppress his strength and sword instincts, using sword techniques more frequently, the axe was still knocked flying with every strike, and Dimon's Hukou had already sustained injuries.

But Li En did not stop; waiting for Dimon to retrieve the axe, he continued again.

Although he still couldn't last more than a few rounds, Li En could see that Dimon was also progressing rapidly.

"Can you still hold on?"

"Yes." In that low voice lay the resolve this Pigman never lacked.

What was there for Li En to hesitate about? Indeed, there were only a few days left; let this be a hand for Brother Surl, cultivating an heir.

Some things, receiving a cut during actual combat training, are more effective than pondering them alone for several months.

Some techniques, some responses, some realizations; if you haven't experienced them and no one has taught them through actual combat, you simply cannot learn them.

This cultivation session continued until noon; Dimon's hands were already covered in blood, yet he still gritted his teeth and persisted.

Perhaps he also knew Li En had only a few days left, striving to engrave all of this into his body.

"Clang!"

Finally, after the axe slipped from bloodied hands once more, the fight could no longer continue.

He couldn't even grip his weapon tightly; what was there left to practice?

"That's enough. Go get treated, then eat before we talk. Uh."

Seeing Dimon extend his hand, faint Jin Guang gathered upon it.

When the visible wounds healed, Li En was also nearly at his breaking point.

Is the talent that good? Has he mastered "Heal Minor Wounds (1st Circle)" already? I can't even do that!

A normal Paladin, not a healer Priest, often requires reaching the second or third tier before possibly mastering this low-end healing divine spell.

But a Classical Oath Paladin can do whatever they want.

Why can't Li En? He's weak, his purity isn't enough, he's a kitchen-knife knight.

"Continue?"

"Mm."

Since it can heal wounds, then we can take it seriously.

And this time, it didn't last long either.

When Di Meng tried to heal again, he failed. His holy power was simply insufficient; even the most basic healing effect was mediocre. Low-rank Paladins also dislike using healing abilities because the consumption is too high.

There is still a clear gap between the healing abilities of Priests and Paladins. With the same amount of holy power, the effect can range from three times worse to an unreasonable ten times or even a hundred times worse.

For ordinary Paladins, they might consider issues like piety and professionalism, but old knights like Su Er all know this is because a Paladin's holy power has actually become corrupted, becoming more aggressive.

From fragments of memory, it appears Su Er really disliked using healing abilities. It might be because the purity of his holy power, which had fused with Soul abilities, was too high and its aggression too strong, making it impossible to heal people.

Therefore, to achieve an equivalent healing effect, Paladins with little holy power to begin with must consume even more holy power, while also reserving some for combat. Except for a very few Paladins specializing in healing, one cannot expect much from an ordinary Paladin's healing abilities.

This is also the reason why, in many situations, a large number of Priests accompany a Paladin Order during actual combat.

"Can't heal anymore." It seems Di Meng, whose holy power had fused with Soul characteristics, was also the type unskilled in healing.

This time, it would truly trouble the people of the manor.

While eating, Di Meng was still having the maid wrap bandages around him, while Li En was already happily eating and drinking heartily.

Miss Shaliman seemed to be busy with something; she only arrived midway through the meal. This time, she hadn't cooked the food herself. The midday meal was quite abundant, and she couldn't manage it alone.

It seemed this household didn't have the habit of "no talking while eating," so Di Meng directly brought up the official matter he had hurried over for.

"They have already released the first batch of slaves." Since he was only mentioning it now, this matter wasn't urgent.

This was a bit beyond expectations. Was the slave market moving that fast?

"I had them sign three-year contracts in the Dock District, then set them free, but they seem to need some startup capital."

Alright, so they were specifically asking for money. No wonder he waited until Miss Shaliman was seated before speaking.

But Li En had already settled things with Miss Shaliman, and she wouldn't refuse such a small amount of money.

"I thought they would deliberately drag it out for a while." Li En was somewhat surprised; hadn't he offended them terribly yesterday?

"To them, slaves are cheap and easily acquired resources; they don't count for much. They fulfilling the contract so quickly must be because they want to finalize this transaction as soon as possible, worrying you might feel shortchanged and regret it." Miss Shaliman saw it very clearly; behind the slave market were all profit-driven creatures, and every action stemmed from calculation.

"I've started delivering the goods, so this deal is settled; that bag of Hero's Blood no longer belongs to you." That was probably the attitude they wanted to convey.

But Li En read a different flavor from it.

"Di Meng, rest and adjust your state this afternoon; no more training. The battle is probably not far off."

Di Meng was somewhat puzzled, but still nodded and agreed.

"Are you saying they are confident they will find that Tail-Cutter very soon, so they want to settle things with you as quickly as possible, even willing to lose face by proactively compensating?" Miss Shaliman had some guesses, and her expression turned somewhat ugly.

Under normal circumstances, they could have dragged it out for a while, at least not making a fool of themselves when the heat was highest.

But being so urgent now felt like they were very confident about finding that Tail-Cutter immediately.

Releasing the slaves and completing the transaction today, and perhaps conducting the arrest tonight... This didn't look like the result of a search, but rather a partner's casual betrayal.

After the afternoon was cleared, Li En also brought out some of Su Er's past from his memories to chat with Di Meng.

He tried to orally describe the essentials and insights of the Erosion Armor and Collapse Realm sword techniques to lower the difficulty of learning them.

And when speaking of the cultivation of Paladins, Miss Shaliman suddenly interjected with a question.

"Li En, what are your plans afterwards? After your power completely declines?"

"Me?"

Li En rubbed his chin.

Actually, he would re-cultivate as a Paladin, but not as his main focus on the surface.

Degenerates cannot walk the same path because, during degeneration, certain things have completely "shattered."

The shattering of the Soul is a permanent loss, which is very hard to compensate for. He can still become a Paladin, but theoretically, awakening a Soul identical to the one before is impossible. Walking the same path to a certain point leads to a complete dead end; that is no longer a path you can walk.

You must carve out a new path on the same road. But the previous path might have already been the most suitable for you; opening a second path is very difficult, and the upper limit is extremely unstable.

At the same time, the evolved species for professional synergy will be missing. The piece permanently lost in hardware will also lead to difficulties in re-climbing the path, or even a bottleneck that lasts a lifetime.

Therefore, even if a Degenerate re-cultivates, they often very decisively switch to a different path.

For example, a Paladin has a high probability of directly switching to a pure Warrior.

"I can introduce you to a Weapon Master; your swordsmanship is quite good." And Miss Shaliman, following the Highness's request, was also willing to invest in Li En's comeback.

But Li En shook his head; he already had a plan.

"Uh, I mentioned it before, right? Actually, I'm very interested in spellcasters. Maybe I have some talent."

At this moment, everyone present looked at him with subtle expressions.

The rumor that you roared so loudly you shattered a fireball has become a new urban legend.

Are you sure you have talent for spellcasting, rather than for destroying spells?

Now, besides "Mad Knight," you have gained another title: "Mage Killer." Are you sure you want to go be a mage apprentice with that reputation?

Li En smiled confidently; what he said was also largely the truth.

After all, an otherworlder transported to a world of swords and magic would naturally be very interested in magic.

Whether Li En has talent actually has little to do with himself. It just depends on when he can pull a Heroic Soul card of the Magic school!

"I am confident the next card will absolutely be a Mage card!" Perhaps some gacha players are this confident when facing the gacha pool.

Li En was very much looking forward to it, and Miss Shaliman hesitated for a moment before finally not denying this dream.

Spellcasters rely too much on talent; too many nobles spent years without being able to cast even a single cantrip.

"I can write you a letter of introduction to try my teacher's place."

"Really? That's wonderful." Immediately, Li En was overjoyed; he had been worrying about having no way to seek education.

At this moment, everyone else present could no longer hold back their composure. You're actually playing for real? You, a mere kitchen-knife knight, really have the talent for spellcasting?

Miss Shaliman nodded; this matter was also beneficial for her plans.

Li En had seriously offended certain people with this move; seeking refuge at his master's place was a good idea. As long as his master was willing to help, the Law Lords were people above others who did not need to show respect to the noble circles.

As for whether he had talent? Heh, there are many young people every year who think they have talent; one more doesn't matter.

"Firm will is a good thing for a Paladin, but not necessarily for a spellcaster. Flexible and detailed logical thinking is the most important." Miss Shaliman had no hope for him at all; the compatibility between Paladins and Mages was the worst.

After lunch, Li En and Dimon continued their training, and this time it was mainly to familiarize themselves with the feel.

And some things, the more you think they will go badly, the more likely they are to happen.

By dusk, the best or worst news arrived.

It was delivered personally by Laina; she walked into the residence of her family's political enemies without any hesitation, applying more eye-drops to her old father.

But she no longer cared about her extremely ugly expression.

"The Tail-Breaker has been found. She... we actually met face-to-face."

And the reason she was discovered was quite simple: her "buyers" of those Life Fruits, in the face of greater interests, sold her out without hesitation.

And this person's identity made Li En and his companions immediately abandon everything and head for the Dock District.

"Damn... how could it be her."

The group arrived at a familiar place, only to see scenery that was completely unfamiliar.

The dilapidated yet warm Fuli Academy had turned into a ruin; gangsters and thugs were searching within it, while the Supernaturals watched this batch of newcomers warily.

"How could it be a nun? Sister Maria of the Children's Fuli Academy."

Laina's mood was very chaotic and terrible; that gentle lady had even guided her views on justice!

Li En was also a bit stunned; he had also met that gentle lady. He never expected the mastermind behind the murder to be her?

Could it be a mistake? Could it be a frame-up?

"... No, it is true."

Li En suppressed all his hopes; judging from the current situation, the nun matched all the previous side-profiles.

If it really was her, no children in the Dock District would hide from her; no one would refuse her knocking at midnight...

Then, what were those children raised by the Fuli Academy? Were they reserves of food kept by her side?!

"Damn it."

Looking at the Fuli Academy site, which was like a ruin, Li En was truly a bit anxious.

He believed that with the Slave Market and its backers' ability to hold up the sky with one hand, finding that nun was only a matter of time, but by then, those children would already be dead.

Go find them myself? Where to start?

"No, there is a way..." At this moment, Laina stepped forward with a face full of joy.

She flipped open her empty pockets, her face full of excitement, as if showing off a medal of victory.

"My wallet and pockets were emptied by those children—uh, I mean, many of my small personal items were given to those children!"

At this moment, everyone was first stunned, then suddenly realized, and finally delighted.

"Some Special items on noble children, especially heirs, have positioning magic!" Previously, when she lost these things, Laina hadn't cared, thinking they were just some expensive small gifts.

But now, they had become key nodes guiding the coordinates.

"Let's go." Then, what are we waiting for?

At the same time, in a pitch-black passage, the gentle and harmonious Lady Maria, holding an oil lamp, led more than thirty children forward.

Among them, a little boy named Kevin walked happily, waving a small silver dagger as if it were a saber.

A child, tired from walking, asked proactively.

"Nun Mom, how much longer? How much longer until the amusement park?"

"Mom Maria, is the amusement park really fun? Can children like us play too?"

The children were full of longing; for them, a "spring outing" was truly too precious.

"Soon, children, soon. You will be very happy, happy forever..."

(End of this chapter)