Letter

The reward for effort, This is one of the fundamental elements required to build society – 'fairness.'

The goal Yi Chen had strived for with all his might, risking his life in Green Lake Town, was now met with a fitting reward… He couldn't express how excited he was, because for much of his life, his desperate efforts had only earned him pathetic and miserable things.

However, Although Yi Chen received the highest-grade "Gentleman's Skin," he had no idea what it was for.

"Mr. Chamberson, what is this skin used for? Is it by means of a ritual that one gains the power contained within the skin?"

"It seems Wilbert didn't tell you anything… sending you directly to us without even the most basic training, that's just like him.

The skin allows you to officially become a 'Gentleman.'

Everyone else is waiting for you, let's talk as we walk."

Returning to the main hall of Divine Skin Manor, They ascended the grand staircase, laid with a flesh-colored carpet, towards the side corridor on the second floor.

Before reaching the area where the ritual would take place, Yi Chen had one more question to confirm.

"If I gain some kind of ability from the skin, will it conflict with the 'Diseased Trait' I already possess?"

Chamberson, usually stern, appeared quite patient at this moment.

"Not at all.

The 'Gentleman's Skin' does not grant you any specific ability.

Its essence is a [medium].

Once activated through the ritual, The Gentleman's Skin will connect you to a 'growth system' that allows you to transcend human limits.

It is precisely because of this connection that the Organization exists, that we are gathered in Zion, and that humanity can glimpse a sliver of hope for survival in this world.

We are willing to pay any price for it."

"A medium... connecting me to some kind of growth system?" Yi Chen could roughly understand the meaning. Simply put, it meant he could slowly become stronger through the skin.

Chamberson continued:

"Whether it's the skin distributed to other examinees, or the skin you received from the First Gentleman, Once activated, Your 'consciousness bodies' will be guided, through the skin's medium, to the [Old Hall].

There, you will receive 1 to 3 letters. The number depends on your personal characteristics, and you can only choose one of them.

Each letter represents a profession, determining your path as a Gentleman from now on.

Among these, The color and nature of the letters are quite important. As time is short, I will only say this once, so you must remember it clearly!"

"Alright!"

"There are four colors of letters – white, blue, black, and purple.

Among them, 1. White letters are the most common, corresponding to 'Common Professions,' and are the main choice for the vast majority of Gentlemen.

Despite their commonality, there are outstanding individuals among them in Zion City.

2. Blue letters are rarer, corresponding to 'Rare Professions.' These professions often possess exceptional talents in a particular area.

With targeted training focusing on their uniqueness, these Gentlemen often become the linchpins of organizations.

Some Rare Professions may develop into [Doctor].

3. The appearance of black letters is related to the individual's state of mind, corresponding to 'Nightmare Professions.' The characteristics of these professions tend towards darkness and evil, which may not align with the ideals of some Gentlemen.

A hundred years ago, the Organization established a special department solely to accept and train Gentlemen who choose Nightmare Professions.

They often possess strong elimination capabilities and serve as the Organization's executioners.

Some powerful Gentlemen who choose black letters are well-known and are often called [Chief Surgeon].

4. The appearance of purple letters is also related to the individual, but the specific connection remains unknown to us.

They correspond to 'Unique Professions.'

Unlike the other three, the professions granted by purple letters are specifically designed for the individual and are one-of-a-kind.

These professions are filled with mystery and have highly unpredictable outcomes. In the past, some excellent Gentlemen who chose purple letters have remained within Zion City their entire lives, unable to eliminate the pathogens outside.

In summary, Regardless of the letter, The cover will be imprinted with an [Emblem] representing the profession. You must judge it carefully before making your choice."

This tangible bestowal of a [Profession] was far more real than the man-made definitions of professions in his previous world.

Yi Chen became even more excited just hearing the description.

Chambers continued, "The [Skin] you obtained originates from the First Gentleman, and its medium effect will reach its maximum, meaning there's a higher probability of a blue letter appearing. Of course, if black letters also appear, you can choose based on the specific situation."

"What if there's purple?"

"The variability is too great, I personally don't recommend it... But this is your own business, don't be influenced by my words."

"Okay."

While Yi Chen was chatting with Chambers.

Little Grape, hidden within his body, also had its own thoughts.

I'm really looking forward to it~ William, what kind of path will you choose? If it's too conservative, not an interesting path, I might just sneak away.

[Ritual Chamber]

In the spacious circular hall, The eleven clerical staff from the Manor had drawn a ritual circle using some kind of viscous, flesh-colored liquid.

Embedded within were a total of 17 smaller runes, perfectly corresponding to the number of examinees.

As Chambers led Yi Chen through the door, All eyes fell upon the black box Yi Chen held, with a hint of greedy intent in many of them.

Edmund, with his blonde hair, didn't seem to care and quickly waved, "William, hurry up~ Everyone is waiting for you."

"Mn."

Yi Chen quickly stepped onto the last rune in the circle.

Following the requirements of the clerical staff, He took out the "Gentleman's Skin" from the box and placed it on his head like a headscarf.

The ritual began, Each of the clerical staff chanted distinct, incomprehensible, fragmented ancient words.

However, The overlapping of the phonetic tones caused these fragmented ancient words to combine, forming a complete and powerful spell that drove the operation of the ritual circle.

Buzz!

Yi Chen had experienced this sensation once before at the bottom of the lake.

It was the subtle feeling of his consciousness being pulled from his body.

The difference was, This time it was voluntary, without any discomfort or unease.

It was like a completely lubricated bar of soap, accidentally squeezed from the palm of one's hand, landing precisely in the toilet, and being flushed away in one go.

When he opened his eyes again, He was already in a stone chamber filled with an ancient aura.

There were no complex structures, intricate carvings, or lavish decorations like those found within the Divine Skin Manor.

It resembled a simple, artificially excavated cave.

A single stone platform was placed in the center, and nothing else.

The other examinees and clerical staff had vanished; only Yi Chen was there.

The "Gentleman's Skin" that had been on his head had, at some point, moved to the surface of the stone platform.

The skin wriggled, seemingly trying to conceal something... Based on Chambers' previous explanation, Yi Chen could already guess what it was.

"I wonder what kind of letter it will be."

Taking a deep breath, He stepped forward.

When his finger touched the Gentleman's Skin covering the letter, he could feel the life force flowing within it.

He forcefully lifted it.

[Blue] - Made of copperplate paper, with an ivy pattern printed on the surface, and a jigsaw puzzle of human-shaped branches inside.

[Black] - Made of parchment, with a graphic of a skull on a ship printed on the surface.

[Purple] - Made of white card paper, with an open book printed on the surface, and microscopic text, invisible to the naked eye, engraved inside.

Three envelopes of different colors appeared before his eyes.

If the gentlemen of Zion City were to see this scene, not one of them would be able to speak from sheer shock.

The mere appearance of a blue envelope was already extremely rare, let alone the simultaneous appearance of three special letters.

Perhaps such a thing hadn't happened in decades.

"This..."

Even Yi Chen, who had never suffered from indecisiveness, was completely stunned at this moment.

Here's the usual weekend update. If you have time, remember to give the characters some love. If you have monthly tickets, that would be even better. My place is quite large, so anyone who casts monthly tickets can come sleep here.