When Arthur and his father departed, Arthur walked beside him calmly—but inside, his mind was celebrating like a madman.
A system prompt had popped up earlier. The silver ball's material couldn't even be identified by the system, but its functions were revealed—and even modified.
"Damn, so many uses... This thing's a cheat! And I copied so many items!"
The silver ball could change into countless forms. It could even separate into small spheres to act like surveillance cameras. The best part? Arthur could see 200 meters away, even through walls, as long as he deployed the orb properly.
It was ridiculously convenient.
He opened his status window. A small frown crossed his face—it didn't increase his level since he only copied the crafting process for the items, not actually earned EXP. Still, the changes were huge. His mental power and physical power both grew, and most importantly, he could now begin practicing the Yin and Yang Body Strengthening Cultivation Manual. Once he found a quiet place, he'd dive into it.
---
Name: Arthur Kasadin (Ji sen)
Level: 4 (395 XP / 1000 XP)
Age: 5 (20)
Credit Points: 1100
Mental Power: 410
Physical Power: 30
Cultivation: None
Technique: None
Inventory:
Blood of the Ruined Kings
Black Book of Necromancy of the Northern Hell
Weapons & Items:
Swords: 403
Spears: 126
Halberds: 18
Bows: 101
Armguards: 189
Body Armors: 11
Utensils: 1003
Vegetables/Fruits: 321
Special Item: Underworld Yin Metal
Custom Forge
System Functions:
Shop
Lucky Spin
Innate Powers: Fire, Water, Earth, Metal, Crystal, Space, Time, Chaos
Passives:
Copying by Swallowing
The Gatherer
---
"Note: It's hard to describe things." —System log
After walking for a while, Arthur looked around and realized they were now in the southern part of the fortress. There stood a six-story Western-style building with an inviting aura, as if calling him home. Two signboards hung from its front:
[Adventurers Guild]
[Vala Fortress Branch]
The top sign was bold and proud. The bottom was smaller and more formal.
They stepped inside.
Many gazes landed on them—especially because of their unusual appearance. Without hesitation, they headed straight to the reception counter.
A young woman in a white and green dress stood behind it, a small badge pinned to her chest. When she noticed Arthur approaching, she smiled warmly at his father.
"Hi! Anything I can help with today? Are you here to register with the guild?"
"Register," Arthur's father replied with a faint smile.
The receptionist nodded, reached below the counter, and brought out a wooden tablet. As Arthur looked at it, he realized—it was God Wood. Whoever placed their hand on it would have their name automatically engraved.
"Here, please place your hand to register."
"No, I'm not the one registering," Arthur's father said, still smiling.
The receptionist raised an eyebrow in surprise but quickly composed herself. She turned to Arthur, still smiling, and said,
"A special one, huh? Here you go—place your hand."
Arthur paused. His status—if revealed—would surely shock everyone in this hall. But then, a familiar voice echoed in his mind.
"Don't worry. The system will alter your public data. It's just God Wood, not an omniscient relic. I'm a sentient god, remember?"
It was Blu.
Arthur nodded and placed his hand on the wood.
The tablet glowed, releasing three colors: green, brown, and gray—signifying Metal, Wood, and Earth elements.
The receptionist's eyes sparkled. "Wow! Impressive talent, young one. You have a bright future ahead!"
As she continued praising Arthur, his father's face turned… complicated.
Wait… Arthur's talent shouldn't be this high.
How is he hiding it?
What method is he using?
Suspicion brewed in his eyes.
Meanwhile, Arthur was sweating bullets.
'Shit! I forgot! I should've talked to Father before doing this!'
Before he could panic further, the receptionist returned and handed him a small card.
"Mister Arthur, this is your guild ID. Please wait for a moment—we'll call for an instructor to bring you to the testing ground."
She bowed and stepped into an elevator.
Arthur's father leaned down with a strange look and said:
"Are you… are you…"
Arthur froze. Sweat dripped down his back.
'STOP THE SUSPENSE!'
"Are you… How did I end up with such a genius son? Must be my genes! Hahaha!"
Arthur blinked.
'Huh?'
Then his father leaned in closer, whispering:
"Do your best. But not your best-best… Just pretend you're doing your best, son."
Arthur blinked again.
'What? I… I didn't get that.'
Still confused, Arthur relaxed a little. But then—
"Let's talk after your test. Outside."
His father's voice turned serious.
Arthur gulped.
'WHY THE SUDDEN SWITCH?!'
He glanced at his father with a nervous, complex expression.
Before he could ask anything, the elevator dinged and opened.
A middle-aged man stepped out with the receptionist.
He wore a green and white robe and had the presence of a scholar. His posture was sharp, his eyes sparkled with wisdom, and his face was undeniably handsome—pleasing to the eye.
He stared at Arthur intently, not saying a word.
Arthur felt awkward.
The receptionist coughed softly, breaking the tension. The man blinked, snapped back to reality, and then boomed in a grand voice:
"Oh, adventurous youth! Talented adventurer! Welcome to my Adventurer's Guild branch!"
His voice was clear and theatrical, like a bard from a movie.
Everyone in the lobby froze, then turned toward the voice.
They stood up in unison, bowed, and shouted:
"Branch Guild Manager!"
"Branch Guild Manager!"
"Branch Guild Manager!"
The cry echoed throughout the entire hall.
Clearly, this man had a reputation.
---