Chapter 38: Future

As the sun rose, the morning exercisers were already drenched in sweat.

“Huh!”

After completing another round of sword drills, Li En felt his body growing hot—his condition felt off, so he stopped early.

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

But this time, he sensed his progress had nearly stalled; it might vanish completely within a week.

【Biological Rank: Inferior Stone, Status: Strength 4(13), Physique 5(11), Agility 3(6), Spirit 5(16)】

Li En checked his panel—his strength and physique had risen slightly, nearly matching the average for adults here.

I heard this thing compensates for innate deficiencies—the stronger the user, the greater the demand and growth. Given my absorption rate, they won’t wait more than a week. They can’t afford this loss.

Li En even felt his body hitting a bottleneck, and he noticed two incomprehensible annotations beneath his stats.

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

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

It seemed that as he used Dragon Eye more, Dragonization had slightly increased.

He could understand Dragonization, but Beastification? He truly didn’t get it.

Did this refer to the degree of beast-human transformation? But he was a Dragon descendant—why both Dragonization and Beastification?

Yet this supernatural ability to instantly comprehend others’ speech was extremely useful, though Beastification progress hadn’t grown.

“Since there’s no problem now, I’ll keep using it. Later, if I get a chance, I’ll ask someone—feels like another trap.”

After resting, Li En rose and resumed sword drills.

He could feel it—Hero Soul Su’er’s power was fading; the Hero Soul Card was nearing its limit.

When Brother Su’er truly left, the only thing left would be the sword techniques he’d mastered during this time.

Since Di Mon received an inheritance and gained a supernatural class, they should grant me one or two levels of supernatural class too. My Heart Soul ability should exist as well—but if it drops to Raw Stone or Inferior Stone level, its strength will be extremely subtle.

A Gold-rank Wall-Breaker and a Diamond-rank Wall-Breaker aren’t even comparable; for lower-tier Wall-Breakers, Li En could only keep them on standby.

Based on Li En’s recent understanding of supernatural combat, in the short term, the greatest help from Hero Soul Su’er was his battle experience and instinct.

This wasn’t just a raw combat boost—it meant that through training and real combat, he could etch into his flesh the combat skills that normally take years to master, forming new combat instincts.

Normally, basic sword techniques require half a year of practice; competent swordsmanship takes years.

“Sacred Sword. Slashing Evil” might take even longer—perhaps “War Sword. Corroding Armor” demands countless real combat experiences, years or even decades of trial and error.

But now, even without Hero Soul’s aid, Li En was confident he could wield “War Sword. Corroding Armor.”

Even more, he began practicing the next technique in the “Sacred Sword. Slashing Evil” system: “Shatter Sword. Breaking Boundaries.”

“There’s probably not enough time to fully master it, and my body isn’t ready—but if I can grasp even a rudimentary form, it’ll greatly boost my combat power. Learning it later under ideal conditions would be far easier.”

Close-combat classes like Holy Knights always have one major weakness: they’re terrible in group battles. One swing, one kill—great. But if dozens or hundreds charge at once?

Also, against large beasts or sub-dragons, single-target sword techniques have limited damage range and mediocre effect.

“Shatter Sword. Breaking Boundaries” was specifically developed as a wide-area sword technique, far stronger than “Great Sweep Slash.”

But Li En’s progress was extremely delicate—it seemed the physical requirements were too high.

“Brother.”

At that moment, the maid brought a visitor.

Di Mon, the intermediary and spy, had arrived.

“Ate yet?”

“Ate.”

“Train?”

“Mm.”

The men’s dialogue was blunt and direct—the next moment, sword met battle-axe.

Su’er’s Hero Soul legacy was better suited to sword and axe communication.

Yet Li En, at the peak of Hero Soul’s final phase, was at his zenith; without Di Mon’s Hill Giant gloves, the gap between them was enormous.

Even as Li En suppressed his strength and sword instincts, relying only on technique, the axe was still knocked away repeatedly—Di Mon’s palms were already bleeding.

But Li En didn’t stop—he waited for Di Mon to retrieve his axe, then resumed.

Though Di Mon still couldn’t last more than a few rounds, Li En could see he was improving rapidly.

“Can you still hold on?”

“Yes.” The deep voice carried the pig-man’s unyielding resolve.

What did Li En have to hesitate about? There were barely a few days left—might as well help Brother Su’er by training his successor.

Some things—like being slashed in real combat—are more effective than months of solitary study.

Some techniques, some responses, some insights—you haven’t experienced them, no one has taught you in real combat—you simply cannot learn them.

This training lasted until noon; Di Mon’s hands were drenched in blood, yet he gritted his teeth and kept going.

Perhaps he knew Li En had few days left—he was trying to etch everything into his flesh.

“Clang!”

Finally, after the axe slipped from Di Mon’s bloody grip once more, the fight could no longer continue.

He couldn’t even grip his weapon—what was there left to train?

“That’s enough. Go get treated, then eat. Uh—”

Seeing Di Mon raise his hand, a faint golden light gathered on his palms.

As the visible wounds healed before their eyes, Li En nearly lost his composure.

Is his talent really that good? Already mastered “Heal Minor Wound (First Ring)”?! I can’t even do that!

Normal Holy Knights aren’t healers—they usually need two or three ranks to learn this basic healing spell.

But Classical Oath Holy Knights can do whatever they want.

Why can’t Li En? He’s weak. His purity is too low. He’s a knife-wielding knight.

“Continue?”

“Mm.”

Since he could heal, they could train seriously now.

But this time, he didn’t last long.

When Di Mon tried healing again, he failed—his Holy Power was insufficient; even the basic First Ring effect was weak. Low-rank Holy Knights rarely use healing because it drains too much.

There’s a clear gap between Priest and Holy Knight healing—same amount of Holy Power, the effect might differ by threefold, tenfold, even a hundredfold.

Ordinary Holy Knights might cite piety or specialization, but veteran knights like Su’er knew the truth: Holy Knight Holy Power had already mutated, becoming far more aggressive.

From fragmented memories, Su’er seemed to dislike healing—perhaps because his fused Heart Soul power was too pure, too aggressive, rendering him incapable of healing others.

Thus, to achieve the same healing effect, Holy Knights with scarce Holy Power must expend even more, while reserving some for combat. Except for the rare few specializing in healing, ordinary Holy Knights’ healing ability is negligible.

That’s why Holy Knight squads often bring Priests along in real combat.

“Can’t heal anymore.” Di Mon’s fused Heart Soul Holy Power was clearly unsuited for healing.

This time, he’d have to rely on the household staff.

At mealtime, Di Mon was still having the maid bind his bandages, while Li En ate heartily.

Sallyman seemed busy—she arrived only halfway through the meal. This wasn’t her cooking; the lunch was lavish, too much for her to handle alone.

It seemed this household had no taboo against speaking while eating—Di Mon immediately brought up the reason for his visit.

“They’ve released the first batch of slaves.” Since he mentioned it now, it wasn’t urgent.

That exceeded expectations—was the slave market moving this fast?

“I had them sign three-year contracts for the docks—freed them, but they need some startup capital.”

So that’s why—he was here for money. No wonder he waited until Sallyman sat down.

But Li En had already settled this with Sallyman—she wouldn’t refuse a small sum.

“I thought they’d deliberately delay,” Li En said, surprised—he’d insulted them badly yesterday.

“To them, slaves are cheap, easily replaceable resources—nothing significant. They’re fulfilling the contract quickly to lock in the deal, afraid you’ll feel cheated and back out,” Sallyman said clearly—the slave market’s behind-the-scenes players are all profit-driven, every move calculated.

I deliver now, the deal is sealed—that bag of Hero’s Blood is no longer yours. That’s the message they’re sending.

But Li En sensed something different in it.

“Di Mon, rest this afternoon. No training. Combat is coming soon.”

Di Mon was puzzled but nodded.

“You think they’re confident they’ll find the Tail-Cutter soon, so they’re rushing to settle things with you—even willing to humiliate themselves by compensating,” Sallyman guessed, her expression darkening.

Normally, they could easily delay—avoiding embarrassment during peak heat.

But now, rushing like this—it felt like they were certain they’d find the Tail-Cutter imminently.

Releasing the slaves today to complete the deal—perhaps tonight they’ll make the arrest. This isn’t like a search yielding results—it’s more like a partner’s casual betrayal.

After freeing the afternoon, Li En pulled out fragments of Su’er’s past memories and chatted with Di Mon.

He verbally explained the essentials and insights of “Corroding Armor” and “Shatter Sword,” lowering the learning barrier.

When he spoke of Holy Knight cultivation, Sallyman suddenly interjected.

“Li En, what are your plans after your power fully fades?”

“Me?”

Li En rubbed his chin.

Actually, he’d re-attain Holy Knight status—but not as his primary path.

Degenerates cannot walk the same path—their essence had been utterly “shattered” during degeneration.

The shattering of the soul is a permanent loss—something nearly impossible to mend. He can still become a Holy Knight, but theoretically, awakening a soul identical to the one he had before is impossible; walking the same path any further leads to an absolute dead end—it is no longer a path you can walk.

You must carve a new path along the same road. But the original path may have already been the most suitable for you; carving a second path is extremely difficult, and its upper limit is wildly unstable.

Simultaneously, the evolutionary species tied to your class will be missing—a permanent hardware deficiency—that will cause immense hardship or even a lifelong bottleneck when attempting to climb anew.

Thus, even if a Degenerate re-cultivates, they often decisively switch to an entirely new path.

For example, a Holy Knight has a high chance of directly switching to a Pure Warrior.

“I can introduce you to a weapons master—your swordsmanship is excellent.” And, as the Prince had requested, Saliman was willing to invest in Li En’s comeback.

But Li En shook his head—he had already made up his mind.

“Uh, didn’t I mention before? I’m actually quite interested in spellcasters. Maybe I have some talent for it.”

At that moment, everyone present looked at him with peculiar expressions.

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

Are you certain you have talent for spellcasting, or merely talent for destroying spells?

Now, besides “Mad Knight,” you’ve gained another title: “Spellkiller.” Are you sure you want to walk into a magic academy bearing that reputation?

Li En smiled confidently—he was speaking nothing but the truth.

After all, as an outsider transported into a world of swords and magic, he naturally found magic fascinating.

Whether Li En has talent or not is hardly related to him personally—it all depends on when he draws a spellcaster’s Spirit Card!

“I’m confident my next card will be a Mage Card!” Perhaps every card-drawer, when facing the pool, feels this same confidence.

Li En was genuinely eager; Saliman hesitated briefly, but ultimately did not dismiss this dream.

Spellcasters demand immense talent—too many nobles spend years without even casting a single cantrip.

“I can give you a letter of introduction—try my teacher’s academy.”

“Really? That’s wonderful!” Instantly, Li En beamed with joy—he had been desperate for a way to study.

At that moment, everyone else present could no longer hold back their shock—wait, you’re serious? You, a lowly blade-wielder, actually have talent for magic?

Saliman nodded—this suited her plans perfectly.

Li En has deeply offended certain people; going to my teacher’s place to lie low is a good idea. If my teacher is willing to help, spellcasters are above even noble circles.

As for talent? Hmph—every year, dozens of young fools believe they have talent. One more won’t make a difference.

“Determination is good for a Holy Knight, but not necessarily for a spellcaster. Flexible, precise logical thinking is what matters most.” Saliman had zero faith in him—Holy Knight and Mage compatibility was the worst possible.

After lunch, Li En and Dimon resumed training, this time focusing primarily on familiarizing themselves with their weapons’ feel.

Sometimes, the more you expect the worst, the more likely it is to happen.

By dusk, the best—or worst—news arrived.

Larry delivered it herself, walking boldly into the estate of her family’s political enemy, further poisoning her father’s mind.

But her ghastly expression showed she no longer cared.

“The Tail-Cutter has been found. She… we’ve actually met her face to face.”

The reason for her exposure was simple: her “buyers” of Life Fruits, faced with greater profit, betrayed her without hesitation.

And her identity made Li En’s group instantly drop everything and head for the Docks District.

“Damn… how could it be her?”

The group arrived at the familiar location—but found a landscape utterly unrecognizable.

The once shabby yet warm Fuli Academy had become a ruin; gangsters and enforcers scoured the debris, while transcendents watched the newcomers with wary eyes.

“It’s the nun. Sister Maria of the Children’s Welfare Academy.”

Larry’s emotions were chaotic and grim—this gentle woman had even shaped her understanding of justice!

Li En was also stunned—he had met that kind woman too. He never imagined the hidden killer could be her.

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

“No… it’s real.”

Li En abandoned all hope of denial—based on the current evidence, the nun matched every aspect of the profile.

If it truly is her, no child in the Docks District would avoid her; no one would refuse her knock at midnight.

Then… what were the children raised in the welfare home? Were they her stored provisions?!

“Damn.”

Looking at the ruins of the welfare academy, Li En was genuinely panicked.

He believed that, given the Slave Market’s power and its backer’s reach, finding the nun was merely a matter of time—but by then, the children would already be dead.

Should he search himself? Where would he even begin?

“No… there’s a way.” At that moment, Larry stepped forward, beaming.

She opened her empty pockets, her face alight with excitement, as if displaying a victory medal.

“My wallet and pockets were completely emptied by those kids—uh, I mean, I gave many of my small personal items to those children!”

For a moment, everyone was stunned—then realization struck, followed by sudden joy.

“Certain special items carried by noble heirs, especially heirs, are enchanted with tracking magic!” Larry had previously dismissed losing these items, thinking them merely expensive trinkets.

But now, they had become critical anchor points for locating her.

“Let’s go.” What more was there to wait for?

Meanwhile, in a pitch-black corridor, the gentle Maria led over thirty children forward, holding an oil lamp.

One boy, Kevin, happily waved a small silver dagger like a soldier’s saber as he walked.

A child, tired from walking, asked eagerly.

“Mother Nun, how much longer? When will we reach the amusement park?”

“Mother Maria, is the amusement park really fun? Can kids like us even play there?”

The children’s eyes sparkled with longing—for them, a “spring outing” was an unimaginable luxury.

“Soon, children, soon. You’ll be happy—eternally happy…”

(End of Chapter)