The Last Gentleman

A week after the meeting with Ludwig Reagan.

At the Omphalo-Centric Academy, Yi Chen woke up in his dorm room, preparing to head to Zed’s Paradise for today’s physical training,

Ding Ding!

The dormitory phone rang, a rare occurrence.

This call was from outside the academy, and as soon as he picked it up, a greeting filled with killing intent sounded from the receiver.

“Hello! Good morning, Mr. William. Do you remember me?”

“Jin, aren’t you involved with the academy tests recently? Moreover, there’s a pile of things to be done, and Teacher Zed has been dragging me to training every day; I’ve had no time to leave the school.”

“The teacher wants to talk to both of us, you have ten minutes.”

“Alright, wait…”

Yi Chen was not flustered at all. He first hurried to the bathroom for a quick cold shower, then touched the gentleman’s clothes hanging on the rack with his wet fingers.

The sensation between skin and fabric caused the clothes to wriggle on their own, fitting themselves to his skin, fastening every button, and smoothing out each wrinkle.

He picked up his briefcase and took the school train to depart.

Just as he stepped into Cesimani’s orchard, a wave of danger attacked him from beside.

Yi Chen immediately supported himself on the ground with one hand, executing a streamlined and superfast roll to the side… Unfortunately, his shoulder was still grasped as he rose.

A colorful mask was thrust directly onto his face.

The familiar aura of danger stimulated the trembling of the plants inside Yi Chen and the wriggling of his clothes.

“Jin! It’s been a while.”

“Yo~ Your reaction has gotten faster. It seems that you indeed have been very busy every day. I guess I can forgive you.”

Yi Chen also noticed Jin’s change; her speed seemed faster than before, and the little pet on her shoulder appeared more stable.

When he saw Yi Chen, the little pet opened its chicken wings like a gentleman and bent its chicken neck at a 45° angle to bow.

However, what Yi Chen was most concerned about was the sword Jin carried on her back.

This sword was forged from materials that had once glimpsed scenes of the Old World, only a step away from Open Source “Aberrant Holy Embryo – Marcos,” paired with suitable materials chosen from the organization’s treasure vault,

and finally crafted by a blacksmith in Cesimani, who specialized in executioner weapons.

The sword handle looked ordinary, wrapped with real leather straps to increase friction,

the scabbard was dark red with flesh-colored patterns resembling floating clouds,@@novelbin@@

the real appearance and effect of the sword blade were unknown,

through the scabbard, Yi Chen could smell the familiar scent of new life from the depths of the Church.

“This sword might inherit the super regeneration powers like Marcos, in Jin’s hands it would surely unleash its maximum potential… With this, even diving into the Grey Zone would ensure sufficient confidence.” 𝙍𝒶ℕǒ𝖇ĘṦ

“Jin, how does the new weapon feel to use?”

“What, do you want to try it? Should I apply for a duel arena where we can spar?”

“Let’s first see what Teacher Beili wants from us…”

Yi Chen was still quite afraid of sparring with Jin; it didn’t matter if he won or lost, the main issue was that Jin never held back and it could even lead to life-threatening dangers.

Speaking of the teacher’s matter, Jin also showed a face full of excitement, “If all goes as expected, it should be ‘that matter.’ I’m really looking forward to it, curious how the teacher will arrange it.”

“Let’s go.”

In the office stacked with collected fingers.

Teacher Beili changed into a white shirt and leather waistcoat, still only wearing black long stockings below,

This time she wasn’t admiring the fingers she cherished; instead, she was seriously reviewing a new file from the organization, which recorded events information well-suited for Yi Chen and Jin.

“You two should already know why I’ve called you, right?

Jin had reached ‘Human Limits’ a long time ago, and as for you, William, you’re almost there, aren’t you? Ever since you came back from Jose Valley, I’ve been looking for a ‘Relic Event’ that could match both of you.

Finally, last night I received an expedited document and judging by its contents, it suits your first distant journey well.

A while ago,

A squad conducting an investigation mission in a Thin Natural Grey Zone unexpectedly discovered that this zone was showing a trend of transformation and intensification, with a small area already reaching the Middle Level.

They also discovered a previously unrecorded and unexplored “Newborn Tunnel.”

The organization had promptly dispatched a “Tunnel Watcher” to the site of the tunnel, and had already confirmed the tunnel’s connectivity, specifications, and rating.

The organization will arrange for three qualified squads to proceed together, using the Newborn Tunnel to search for Relics of the Old World.

However, this relic event has several mandatory conditions.

1. The squad size must be “three people,” which relates to the rules of this Grey Zone.

2. All squad members’ Perception must not be lower than “3,” and at least one person must pass the basic exam of the Ancient Living Text.

Moreover,

The so-called “Newborn Tunnel” means never explored before, highly unknown, you might find a Rare Relic, or you might end up finding nothing and instead become infected with a disease.

Of course, the Newborn Tunnel is very much in demand, and perhaps many squads will apply by then.

Are you interested?”

“Certainly, I am eager to try out my weapons in the Grey Zone,” Jin was never one to refuse. She was always motivated by missions, and she fully trusted her instructor’s judgment.

Yi Chen’s attitude was different. This event involving touching the real Grey Zone and connecting to the channels of the Old World was a first for both him and Jin, and some things had to be asked clearly:

“I have several questions.”

“Ask.”

“Why does the organization still deliberately arrange three squads to create a competitive situation in an unknown Grey Zone full of disease risks?”

“Competition is an innate human trait; the stimulation from ‘competition’ can significantly increase your survival chances. If one gentleman can break Limit, the sacrifice is worth it.

Moreover, enough people increase the likelihood of finding a Relic.

After all, every time a tunnel is entered, the chance of it being discovered increases. The probability of discovering a Newborn Tunnel is the smallest, and the organization will not waste such an opportunity.

Any other questions?”

“If Jin and I decide to apply, according to the requirements, we need three people… is there an arrangement for Beili the instructor on this side?”

“Gentlemen from the same batch as you in Cesimani are basically unwilling to team up with Jin, so this ‘third person’ must be found by yourselves.

You have 18 hours to confirm your choice, and then I will submit your squad’s list in the name of Cesimani.

If not many teams apply, we will arrange your departure soon and provide more detailed event information.”

“Alright, we will confirm the third person as soon as possible.”

Although Yi Chen’s face was expressionless, he was actually excited. He had been waiting so long and could also interpret the Ancient Living Text.

He had always wanted to personally explore a channel that leads to the Old World and discover the essence of the so-called Old World.

A few minutes later, Yi Chen and Jin had returned to the street area.

Regarding the third person, Jin first proposed her idea.

“William, the guy called Dash something who defeated me in strength last time, he should be good, right? To have that kind of power, he must also have a strong physique.”

“Darkberg? His Physique is already at “6,” progressing toward “7.” However, he might not follow us, as he is in a team with Edmund.

I have already left them, and if I also take Darkberg away, I really would be a villain.”

“Why bother thinking about all that? Just ask him directly. If he’s willing to come, then let him come~”

“I’ll go and ask Professor Qian Bosen; with his connections, perhaps he can find us a suitable candidate, and at the same time, I’ll report this Relic event to him.”

“What a hassle…”

“If there’s really no other choice, then I’ll ask Darkberg, alright?”

As the two were heading to the train platform, just past a certain street,

a familiar voice came from behind,

“William Behrens?”

Turning around towards the voice, a plump young man wearing glasses stood behind them, seemingly unfamiliar yet with a hint of familiarity…

“Mr. Ludwig? Is that you?”