Can't I raise myself?

Ryan shook his head.

"Save it for later as a trump card."

Regaining his strength, Ryan kicked aside the skeleton at his feet, searched under the bed for a moment, and finally pulled out a wooden box.

Opening it, he found a dark-colored ring inside.

Ryan took out the ring and tossed it into his backpack. After appraising it with the system, the ring's information appeared before his eyes.

[Ring of Death]

[Quality: Tier 1 · Legendary]

[Effect 1: Constitution +3, Spirit +3, Magic Power +3]

[Effect 2: Immunity. Immune to all damage for twenty seconds.]

[Trait: Upgradeable]

[Equipment Requirement: None]

[Description: You have the ring, what are you waiting for? Take it and propose! Wait, the target is... the God of Death? Σ(⊙▽⊙"a!!]

Chapter 41: Letting Ryan hook up with Lin Qi, isn't that great?

Although he had a general idea of the ring's stats, he was still slightly surprised to see them.

A three-point stat boost would require Level 3 or 4 for 'Lin Qi's' stat growth, let alone the heaven-defying damage immunity effect.

Twenty seconds was enough for him to do many things.

"I completely forgot this was a legendary item. Good thing I came here."

This item could significantly boost anyone's combat power when equipped.

Of course, immunity wasn't invincibility. Even with the description of a Tier 1 item, there was a limit to the damage it could withstand.

For example, a full-power attack from a Tier 3 or even Tier 4 Transcendent could definitely break the Ring of Death's invincibility effect.

Ryan knew that the power of a Transcendent item was directly related to its tier.

But speaking of which, what was with that description? Was it the system's twisted sense of humor?

"Who should I give it to?"

Since there were no equipment requirements, even 'Shyarly' could wear it. But Shyarly was too low level; if she died and the equipment dropped, it would be a huge loss.

Ryan calculated that if Shyarly wore the Ring of Death, her stats would theoretically be comparable to a character reaching Level 10, which should be enough to deal with the Harrier Guards in the prison.

He put it away for now. Ryan rummaged through the basement but found nothing valuable. He then grabbed his lamp and walked out.

When he returned the way he came, he saw a crowd gathered outside the old campus. A group of police officers were escorting members of the Blood God Cult out.

Most of these people had their heads down. Young college students naturally didn't dare to resist the imposing police officers. Only a few individuals who appeared mentally unstable were still shouting "Blood Sacrifice to the Blood God," and they were eventually forcibly put into police cars.

"Captain Ryan!"

A police officer hurried over and said, "We've arrested a total of eighteen people for illegally spreading heretical beliefs. One refused to cooperate and was knocked unconscious while trying to escape. He's been sent to the hospital."

Ryan nodded slightly. "Good work. Take them all back for thorough interrogation. Pay special attention to their mental state and notify me immediately if there are any issues."

It wasn't that Ryan was being overly cautious or difficult with these students. It was just that the mental pollution from Outer Gods was pervasive, and one could easily become infected.

If not stopped promptly, it wouldn't just be them who suffered, but the entire Berman University.

"Yes... but there are leaders from Berman University over there. Do you want to meet them?" the police officer asked.

Many students at Berman University came from noble families, and the school administration had influence and power. He was worried that arresting people like this might cause unpleasantness.

"Don't mind them. If they ask, just tell them the truth."

Ryan said dismissively.

The police officer acknowledged the order and left.

"Captain Ryan, where were you just now?" Jack ran over.

"Just took a look inside."

"Anything happen?"

"No."

"Huh? Then why did you come to find me?"

"Director Jonathan said you know about the Transcendent trading market?"

"Ah, that." Jack nodded. "I went there once before the New Year, but the people there are very mysterious. How should I put it, even though Mr. Jonathan said there wouldn't be any trouble, I still felt uncomfortable. Everyone was secretive and enigmatic."

"Where is it located?"

"That place is in the Inner World, and it's not easy to get into. It opens at specific times. If you want to go, I can take you?"

Ryan thought about it and temporarily gave up the idea of going to the trading market.

Jonathan had said that even if he went, he might not be able to buy what he wanted. Before, he had no choice, but now that he had the ring, it was enough for 'Shyarly' to deal with those Harrier Guards.

There was another reason too... things that could be traded would either be too cheap, meaning they were trash, or too expensive, meaning he couldn't afford them. It was a no-win situation, and it could easily draw unwanted attention.

The conclusion is, don't go if you don't have to. It doesn't matter if 'Lin Qi' suffers a bit; we can have her grind monsters later, and she'll eventually drop something good.

As Ryan returned home with the ring.

Meanwhile, in Aideburg's banquet hall, the event was also drawing to a close.

The banquet for Berman City's nobles and wealthy merchants was ostensibly to welcome Princess Cassidy, but in reality, very few people could actually speak with her. They didn't dare approach the princess rashly, but they had the audacity—and a lot of it—to use the excuse of welcoming her to forge connections and form cliques.

After all, a noble banquet like this was a platform. People outside were desperately trying to get in, not just to seize the opportunity to connect with higher-level individuals?

And with the recent string of incidents in Berman City, first the housing department, then the Bureau of Investigation, it gave people the distinct impression that Her Highness the Princess was planning to clean house.

Thus, these individuals were keeping their eyes and ears open, trying to ascertain the purpose of the Princess's visit to Berman City.

'Lin Qi' sat alone in a corner of the banquet hall. Her current role was as an intermediary between the Gate of Janus and the Empire, with Cassidy naturally being the Empire's representative.

The nun's presence drew attention, but her unapproachable demeanor made people wary.

Everyone knew she was a guest of the Princess, so the kind of scenes found in novels where someone carelessly tried to flirt with a virtuous woman simply didn't happen.

A moment later, Jonathan walked over.

His reason for being here was the same as 'Lin Qi's'—he had also been invited by Cassidy. His mission was singular: to find the mastermind behind the attack.

"That guy Adler, I confronted him."

Jonathan was wearing a suit, his appearance meticulously groomed. His demeanor transformed instantly from a decadent middle-aged uncle to a successful high-level executive.

"What did he say?" 'Lin Qi' asked softly.

"Heh~ Of course, he denied it, but I could tell that years of the League of Fire's operations in Berman City weren't for nothing. I don't care. I told him I'd be keeping an eye on him from now on. You wouldn't believe how funny his expression was, haha~"

Jonathan, holding a wine glass, sat down, raised his glass to 'Lin Qi' in a toast, and then took a sip.

"Wasn't that a bit too impulsive? If you had investigated secretly, you might have found some clues," 'Lin Qi' said.

"No, no, no, you don't understand that guy. An old fox like him wouldn't leave any loose ends. It's better to be direct and throw him off balance; that's when we'll have an opportunity," Jonathan shook his head. "Besides, the Princess isn't looking for him, but for the person behind him."

Identifying Adler wasn't difficult; the challenge lay in catching him red-handed and uncovering the true mastermind.

There were ways to play even with an open hand.

"I'll keep an eye on him from now on. The Princess wants you to know that she will find a way to investigate the Blood Cult's affairs and won't forget the favor owed to the Gate of Janus."

Jonathan didn't seem to mind this part. The debt to Janus was unpayable. Perhaps this was exactly what Princess Cassidy wanted. With a debt, there was a connection. As long as the relationship remained, she had gained something.

At that time, those who wanted to oppose her would have to consider the Gate of Janus.

"Do you ever smile?" Jonathan pouted, looking at the stoic 'Lin Qi'. "You really should learn social graces from Ryan. That kid is much more smooth than you."

'Lin Qi' remained silent, merely sipping her tea.

"Or, should I introduce you to Ryan?" Jonathan said with a sly grin.

He suddenly thought that 'Lin Qi', having become a priest at such a young age and showing such competence at the train station, would likely become a core executive of the Gate of Janus in the future. He had heard that the candidates for Saintess for this term hadn't been decided yet, so perhaps there was a real chance.

Look at it: if a genius from the League of Fire got together with the Saintess of the Gate of Janus, the two major transcendent forces would join forces. Who would dare act presumptuously before the Augus Empire?

Wouldn't that be fantastic?

'Lin Qi' still didn't speak, continuing to drink her tea.

"Hey~ I was just kidding," Jonathan said, backing away with a chuckle, though his mind was already calculating the probability of this matter.

The banquet concluded in a harmonious atmosphere.

Cassidy declined Bill's invitation to stay at the castle, opting instead for a noble hotel in Berman City.

On the way back, she invited 'Lin Qi' into her carriage.

"Jonathan plans to find evidence against Adler. With his abilities, he might succeed, but I can't wait that long," Cassidy said directly. "'Lin Qi', I plan to use more forceful methods to compel Adler to comply."

'Lin Qi' asked, "How?"

"An assassination plan. The heretical forces in Berman City are rampant. It's not impossible for the Hand of Darkness to retaliate by kidnapping or even killing Secretary Adler," Cassidy said with a faint smile. "What do you think?"

"The plan needs to be well-made. If it fails, it will be very troublesome."

Assassinating Adler? Ryan would light incense and exclaim, 'Praise Janus.'

"Of course, once I've finalized the plan, I'll have Echo notify you."

'Lin Qi' got off the carriage halfway.

"Your Highness, is it alright to tell her like this?" Echo, who had been silent, hesitated. "What if the information leaks..."

"I'm not telling Lin Qi; I'm telling High Priest Lia. As for leaking information, there's no need to worry. The Gate of Janus detests the Blood Cult, but they also want to eliminate heretical forces like the Hand of Darkness."

Cassidy's tone shifted. "Perhaps I don't need to rush back to Baron. If I can control Berman City, I'll have more options. My father the Emperor won't be stingy with granting me a fiefdom, but I need to cultivate people I can trust... Echo, what do you think of Ryan?"

Just as 'Lin Qi' could be brought closer to the Gate of Janus, Ryan also represented the League of Fire.

Moreover, they were both young and had potential. It was precisely because she considered this that she had spoken a good word for Ryan when he was promoted.

If she could help Ryan climb to a higher position, Jonathan would also be grateful to her.

Cassidy's eyes flickered slightly.

She was an ambitious person. If someone else could be emperor, why couldn't she?

Ryan, who had already returned home, was unaware of the events at the banquet. He only found out that Cassidy was planning to assassinate Adler when he logged into the game to check Lin Qi's AFK records.

He was so happy that he immediately opened a bottle of wine to celebrate.

The day of redemption was just around the corner!

Who cares about Grand Duke Marganna? This Lord Ryan isn't serving you anymore!

"Don't rush, let them make their move first."

Ryan had no intention of getting involved in the assassination. The key was 'Lin Qi'; he absolutely had to let 'Lin Qi' deliver the final blow, ensuring that not a single piece of information about him would be revealed from Adler's mouth.

As for now...

Ryan switched to 'Shyarly's' character interface. With the ring's stat boost, he decided to open the big treasure chest first.

9k words for the third update, please support!~~

Chapter 42: Combo Skills

Cassola Prison.

"You're planning to act again? What's down there?"

Edward had been keeping an eye on 'Shyarly'. Seeing her walk towards the cave entrance, he asked curiously.

She had gone down before and then scrambled back up in a panic, as if something incredibly terrifying was down there.