Assessment Review

[Divine Skin Manor]

One of the most iconic and important buildings of the G&D Organization.

It is the origin of the organization, and also the key to its development and cultivation of outstanding gentlemen.

All newcomers who pass the external assessment and arrive at Zion will come here to be awarded a [Skin] corresponding to their assessment level—an essential item for becoming a 'gentleman'.

The manor's main gate is a typical Gothic design, composed of multiple layers of arches and pilasters, receding layer by layer to create a sense of depth and attraction, thus emphasizing the [Entrance].

The scale of the gate is even more exaggerated, reaching a height of a full 10 meters. This oversized design makes it seem as if it's not welcoming people, but some deity.

Humph!

The gloomy and heavy iron gate opened inward.

The ones opening the door were two resident clergy members of the manor, they wore special robes that fit the manor's style, like long robes and coats made from the stitched-together skin of some hairless animal.

These skin pieces were all pentagonal, with noticeable stitching marks at the seams, and similar "sutures" could be found on their bodies, such as their lips, eyelids, necks, and even parts hidden by their clothing…

It was as if the skin of these clergy members was also pieced together through stitching.

Stepping into the manor, a grand staircase carpeted in a flesh-colored rug came into view, the steps widened gradually, capable of carrying visiting guests to the left and right corridors on the second floor.

Six portraits hung on either side of the hall, corresponding to the former masters of the manor, they all shared a common title: [First Gentleman].

Only they were qualified to govern this manor, ...

Yi Chen and the others did not ascend the stairs but were led to a side room on the first floor.

It was more like a conference room, a long marble table occupied half the space.

The gentleman examiner supervising the Green Lake Town assessment sat on the inner side of the stone table.

The examinees were asked to line up neatly, giving the impression of a job interview.

Yi Chen, walking at the end, noticed that

a white-haired examiner sitting in the center had a white-feathered owl perched on his shoulder... it was the very same one that had saved him by the lake.

"I am the main person in charge of this assessment, [George Chamberlin].

I am very pleased that seventeen individuals passed the rather difficult Green Lake Town assessment, and some even exhibited elegant behavior exceeding our expectations during the assessment.

Next, you will be scored based on your overall performance during the assessment.

The maximum score is [100].

A score above 40 will grant you residency in Zion.

A score above 60 will grant you an ordinary [Gentleman's Skin].

A score above 80 will grant you a [Gentleman's Skin] that retains the aura of the old world.

If your score reaches 95 or above, you will have the opportunity to meet the current [First Gentleman], who will personally evaluate and bestow the Skin upon you."

Some of those present who already knew the assessment standards completely disregarded the last sentence.

The organization's scoring was extremely strict, especially since this year's chief examiner was an elder known as "White Owl"; achieving a score of 80 would be considered excellent, and one would receive favorable treatment in Zion thereafter.

Following the order of entry, the examiner began to comment on each examinee.

Yi Chen naturally fell into the last position.

Due to the higher difficulty of the Green Lake Town assessment, most people scored above the passing grade.

Those who scored 80 included:

the three members of Edmund's team, a swordsman whose body was wrapped in bandages in multiple places, and a young man with a very low presence who, without anyone knowing when, had changed into a colorful suit and wore a rainbow mask.

An ancient stone box bearing the G&D logo was presented to them.

Edmund could not hide his joy, repeatedly nudging his companions with his shoulder.

Finally, It was Yi Chen, the last one to enter, who was next.

Blond Edmund also suppressed his joy and excitement, focusing on the examiners' upcoming evaluations and scores.

This time, Chief Examiner Chamberlin himself spoke:

"Temporary assessor from Easton Graveyard—William Berens.

Your final score in this assessment is [96]."

As soon as these words were spoken, Silence fell, All assessors, including Edmund, widened their eyes. The man in the colorful suit and mask also turned his head, sizing up William with a hint of interest.

Many of them were from families, training bases, or small to medium-sized organizations directly under G&D.

Everyone knew very well how difficult, and almost impossible, it was to achieve a score of 95 and meet with the "First Gentleman."

It had been many years since anyone had even approached this score.

Teacher Chamberlin continued:

"Since your score is in the top tier, I will briefly explain the reasons.

Early in his time in town, William chose a completely different investigative route than the rest of you.

He proactively contacted a "Diseased" individual who had completed the 'early stage of affliction,'

Resided alone in a highly dangerous inn, And to find the true root of the affliction behind the town, after making correct and astute judgments, He chose to assist this patient, who possessed some consciousness, to establish a temporary beneficial relationship and obtain their assistance and intelligence.

Ultimately, he risked certain death to go to the depths of the lake and eliminate the [Root]. "

"What?!"

Chamberlin's summary of the experience shocked the assessors even more.

They all knew very well that

Individuals who had not yet accepted the "Gentleman's Skin" and officially become gentlemen could hardly eradicate regional afflictions. It was already good enough to survive in Green Lake Town and uncover some key information to hand over to the organization.

This young man had actually gone alone into the completely unknown lake and slain the root at its deepest point.

A score of 96.

Well-deserved.

"Elegant and compassionate, brave and spiritual... Zion hasn't welcomed such a young man in a long time. I believe the 'First Gentleman' is also looking forward to meeting you."

As he listened to Chamberlin's evaluation, Even Yi Chen himself was quite surprised, Because he wasn't sure if his act of assisting the patient would be considered 'wrong conduct' by the organization.

Now it seemed that the organization itself was not rigid. Contacting the patients under appropriate circumstances to achieve better results was a manifestation of 'spirituality.'

"The evaluation session is over. Candidates who have obtained the "Gentleman's Skin" should proceed to the Temple District to prepare for the 'acceptance ceremony'."

As everyone filed out, Edmund gently patted Yi Chen's shoulder, "William, you'll have to lead us more in the future... May you leave a good impression on the First Gentleman."

"Mm."

After everyone left, William Berens, or White Owl. Chamberlin, beckoned to Yi Chen.

"I will personally take you to the [Manor Depths], which is where the First Gentleman resides.

On the way, do not make any rude or subjective actions; just follow me.

If you feel any discomfort in your skin, try to endure it yourself as much as possible."

This last sentence made Yi Chen a little wary.

Furthermore, for the "First Gentleman," who was also the master of the Divine Skin Manor, to be located in the depths of the manor... there must be unspeakable secrets involved.

"Understood."

Chamberlin turned a wall sconce on the side wall, Revealing a narrow secret passage that only allowed one person to pass.

"Follow me... Do not try to memorize the internal route. The path to the [Manor Depths] is one-time and unidirectional, and requires the First Gentleman's permission."

"Okay."

They walked through the wall-seam passage of the manor, illuminated by kerosene lamps, for more than ten minutes.

The narrow wall crack passage turned into grim stairs spiraling downward.

The moment Yi Chen stepped onto the stairs, A strange whisper echoed in his ears.

Though he couldn't understand its meaning, his skin began to tingle layer by layer, slowly evolving into a sensation of peeling...

It felt as if his skin had gained self-awareness and wanted to detach itself from his body.

"Hey!"

A mental alert from Little Grape pulled him back to reality, and the whispers vanished.

"Just now..."

"The ancient entity hidden within this manor attempted to Skin you. Be cautious~ Don't leave any gaps in your mental defenses. I'll help you too."

"Okay."

Yi Chen could sense that Little Grape was in an unprecedentedly serious state right now.