Desperate Struggle!

"Tip: If you insist on reading ' The Barber Apprentice's Handbook ' tonight, you will consume more than twice the energy, which may affect your work tomorrow..."

"Screw your job!"

"I don't even have a job in real life, but now that I'm in Historical World, they're making me work..."

"This is outrageous!"

Roger scratched his head.

It's impossible to get him to give up reading right now.

As for going to work...

Let's talk about it tomorrow! I've already endured so much humiliation for so long. With Anomaly Value, it shouldn't be a big deal to make a small mistake now and then, right?

With this mindset.

He began his reading time for the evening.

Energy is gradually being depleted.

A little bit of transcendent information leaps out from the paper.

Roger's character quickly became engrossed in reading.

"Reading: You Gained Knowledge (Spirit World Cliff)"

"You have gained knowledge (Ascension Path)"

"You have gained knowledge (related to entering a dream)"

Without realizing it.

Daylight broke.

Roger gained a general understanding of the extraordinary systems of this world after reading through the book overnight.

As he had previously learned.

In Far Gaze Town and the surrounding area.

Various types of psychics wield unique supernatural powers.

Their power comes from the spirit world, which transcends the mortal realm.

The spirit world is empty and distorted.

It is a divine place that mortals can never touch, even in their eternal lives.

Spirit mediums can enter the spirit world through rituals such as "spirit ascension" or "dream entry" to gain benefits or encounter danger.

Based on the knowledge gained by Barber Apprentice.

The spirit world is shaped like a high and precipitous cliff. Legend has it that the higher one climbs on the "Spirit World Cliff," the more powerful the authority one can wield.

More importantly.

The authority gained in the spirit world is sufficient to influence the Real World.

Therefore, spiritualists are vying to climb the "Spirit World Cliff".

This act is called "ascension."

But how perilous is the path to spiritual ascension? It is said that every year, countless spiritualists fall to their deaths on the Spirit World Cliff.

Those with bad luck will die instantly.

Those who are lucky will lose their qualifications as psychics and become a muddle-headed mortal.

in this case.

The five most powerful psychics then carved out five relatively easy-to-walk walkways on the Spirit World Cliff.

These five plank roads are known as the "Spirit Ascension Plank Roads".

These five people are respectfully referred to as "stack owners".

Later arrivals, in order to facilitate their ascent, would often choose one of the five masters to serve.

With the help of the stack master, they can undergo a relatively safe ascension.

According to legend.

Those five innkeepers had already successfully ascended to spiritual status.

Their will governs the will of the universe.

The five plank roads also represent the Psychic Law of five different realms:

That is, knife, spring, frost, furnace, and rest.

In reality...

The five laws correspond to the five major Spiritism Sect.

Within each sect, there are countless secret cults whose purpose remains unclear.

For example, within the Blade Sect there are groups such as "Ghosts of the Day," "Blade Tooth," and "Secret Society in the Woods."

Although the psychics in these cults all serve the Sword Master.

However, there are also conflicts such as differences in their ideologies.

also.

For an ordinary person to become a psychic, it requires a great deal of luck and a tremendous price.

Putting aside everything else.

The introductory methods of "Spirit Ascension Ritual" and "Dream Entry Ritual" alone are enough to shut most people out.

Take Roger's past life as an example.

That Barber Apprentice used to move between three secret societies, doing dirty and hard work for them.

But by the time he died, he had only managed to collect one introductory text of the "Breath Sect" sect.

He hasn't had time to undergo the ascension process yet.

He was stabbed to death by his enemy or by members of the Blade Sect hired by his enemy.

This shows that ascending to spiritual status is not easy.

"It's all because of Anomaly Value!"

Early in the morning.

Roger put down the book in his hand, his eyes red.

He carefully hid what he had obtained the night before, and rushed off to work without even having time to buy breakfast.

This day.

Roger lacked energy and was ineffective in his work.

Two work mistakes occurred in the afternoon.

Fortunately, supervisor Gorman was not there.

This saved him from certain death.

It was evening.

Roger continued to stay up late studying.

It was dawn.

He finally managed to read through this thin notebook.

The Barber Apprentice was quite skilled.

He is not a psychic.

But his understanding of psychics far surpasses that of most of his colleagues.

Especially the section on the five fundamental laws.

He left his own annotations.

Roger was immediately impressed.

You have gained knowledge (the five laws) —

A knife is a weapon.

Everything in the world that involves killing and the use of metal can be used as a weapon.

Spring means life.

Spring is the Unceasingly Flourishing.

Frost is water.

The law of constant change.

At the end of silence, life and death change.

Frost is everywhere.

A furnace is a source of fire.

The blazing sun is like a furnace.

Even when engulfed in flames, one can still become a furnace.

The one who breathes is the earth.

A place of rest for all living beings.

The place where the dead call out.

Then the way of rest will be preserved.

"This translation is so thorough!"

After reading it.

Roger suddenly felt a sense of clarity, his mind becoming clearer than ever before. "What five Psychic Law! Aren't they just 'metal, wood, water, fire, and earth'?"

Thinking about it that way...

The Five Plank Road Masters of the spirit world are like the de facto leaders of the five elements.

The "Frost Lord" is the leader of Far Gaze Town —the one who calls himself a god, Meng.

With this understanding...

Roger then had a general plan for what to do next.

The "Notes" contain a list of materials needed for the first spiritual ascension.

These materials, except for one or two that are relatively rare.

The rest had been collected by the Barber Apprentice and hidden in another secret hideout.

Therefore, Roger's only challenge now is how to obtain the introductory texts of the corresponding sect.

This might be difficult for ordinary people.

But he has the opportunity to become a psychic, so he's not in a hurry.

A moment later.

He put down his book and gazed absently at the hazy dawn outside the window.

It was at this moment.

On the data panel.

Hint: Your Historical Knowledge (Far Gaze Town) +10

"Legacy of Time: You have completed the deciphering of the transcendental system, and you have gained additional information—"

The path to spiritual ascension in Far Gaze Town corresponds to the Ascension Road in the mortal world.

The five laws correspond to the five types of collection strategies for each position.

You can learn how various beings are gathered in the mortal world by deciphering the Psychic Law.

One can also obtain a rank corresponding to the one in the mortal world by climbing the path of ascension.

After each Spirit Ascension Ritual.

The rank you gain in Legacy of Time will be reflected in your Present World Panel.

"I see."

See here.

Roger was immediately energized.

His suspicions were confirmed.

Although the world of Legacy of Time does not belong to the present world.

However, their extraordinary power can be transferred into the mortal world.

In other words.

The stronger Roger becomes in this world, the greater the boost he will receive when he returns to the mortal realm!

The only question is how much the conversion loss is.

After confirming this information.

Roger became incredibly eager for the path to ascension.

He also became more interested in the "Lord of Time".

But by this time, it was already bright outside the window.

Roger didn't have time to think too much.

With panda eyes, I hurried out to work.

"Asshole!"

"Are you deliberately trying to cause trouble? Take the patient to the morgue and return the body to the bedside..."

"I'm starting to doubt whether you're qualified for this job."

evening.

In a secluded corridor of the church hospital.

Roger kept his head down silently.

Before my eyes and in my ears were my boss Gorman's flying spittle and his furious reprimands.

Due to lack of energy.

Even if Roger himself controlled the body.

Sometimes, mistakes are inevitable.

Moreover, he is now in his daily life.

The usual choice is "Skip".

That's all for today.

Who knew what would happen after this time?

He was facing the predicament of being fired!

"I'm sorry, Mr. Gorman."

"I will work hard."

Roger tried to make his tone sound more sincere.

You'd better do that!

The red-haired, thick-necked Gorman said seriously:

"If I find you neglecting your work again, I will ask the dean to fire you!"

After saying that.

He walked away arrogantly.

Watching his departing figure.

Roger felt a surge of irritation.

For him now.

The cost-effectiveness of the caregiver job is gradually decreasing.

Although the income is stable.

However, it is difficult to accumulate any wealth.

Most importantly, there isn't enough energy to improve oneself—whether it's health, inspiration, or wealth! These things all require time and effort to accomplish.

He hasn't done anything much these past two days.

This happened just from staying up late to read a book for a while.

If you want to prepare for spiritual ascension.

You will have to bear the consequences of not going to work for at least 3 days.

It's obvious.

A caregiver without holidays is no longer suitable for him.

That being said.

Given his status and abilities, it would be quite difficult for him to find a well-paying, easy job close to home in Far Gaze Town.

If you quit your job without another one lined up.

He had to find a way to sell those gems.

This could potentially lead to an increase in Anomaly Value.

That was something Roger didn't want to see.

"It's time to figure out how to solve the problems at work..."

Thinking this way.

The long-unseen decision-making screen quietly reappeared.

"You've encountered difficulties with your boss, Gorman, and you can't escape it anymore. It's time to seriously consider your predicament. What will you do?..."

Option 1: Give in. You can choose to persuade or bribe Gorman.

There are also rumors that he has a fondness for handsome young men.

You looked at yourself in the mirror.

Perhaps it's worth a try after applying makeup.

Option two: Assassination. You can try to kill Gorman, or hire someone to do it.

Some underground bars in the dock area.

Someone will take on this business.

The premise is that you have to take the risk to find them.

After killing Gorman.

Perhaps his position will be yours, after all, there aren't many familiar faces like you in church hospitals anymore.

Option 3: Remain indifferent.

Doing nothing might not be the worst option.

But that means you can't afford to make any more mistakes.

Option 4: Other

Not long after it fully arrived.

Roger then noticed that there was an additional "Other" option in the selection menu.

If Roger wants to Unconventional Approach, then he can choose this option.

After carefully reviewing all the options.

My first thought was "assassination"! Given his qualifications.

Kill Gorman.

He might be the head of the nursing care team!

But he quickly rejected that option.

Because Roger remembers it very clearly.

Dean Jenny is not only an important figure within the church, but her husband is also a detective in the police department! What if someone in the hospital suddenly dies a violent death?

This will definitely attract the attention of the detective.

This doesn't align with Roger's strategy of developing a low-key approach.

"Standing indifferently is definitely not an option..."

"Gorman has always disliked me."

"Is bribery the only option?"

Roger became increasingly depressed.

But the next second...

A sudden inspiration flashed through his mind.

"The morgue manager, Virgil, is also one of Gorman's men. Could he also be involved in the trafficking of corpses?"

The more he thought about it, the more likely it seemed! After a moment's thought...

Roger decisively chose "Option Four"! In the following days...

He didn't read the book, nor did he do anything out of line.

Get a good night's sleep.

Work diligently during the day.

Time passed day by day.

One morning a week later.

An anonymous letter of complaint suddenly appeared in the dean's office.

The letter mentioned that Virgil and his superior, Gorman, were involved in the trafficking of corpses, and described it in an exaggerated manner. Several pieces of evidence were also attached at the end of the letter.

This matter did not cause much of a stir.

However, Virgil and Gorman were quickly 'transferred' from their original positions.

There are rumors that...

These two people were transferred to a church organization in the countryside.

Some people also said that they saw the two being tortured in the inquisition of the Rain God Church.

But all of this did not have a significant impact on the church hospital.

The day after Gorman left.

Dean Jenny then found Roger.

After replacing Gorman, he recruited two caregivers from the dock area to work under him.

After this incident.

Roger finally got a promotion and a raise.

He has reached a small peak in his life.

The job of the caregiver supervisor is not that hard.

In terms of duration, just keep a close eye on things during the day.

In this way.

His energy expenditure has been greatly reduced.

Finally, I have freed up time and energy for nighttime activities.

One month later, on the night of the full moon.

Roger Mi Mi went to the abandoned winery in the dock area mentioned in "The Spiritualist's Chance".

There.

He found a gathering of psychics called "Butterfly".

The gathering is held every three months.

Psychics can share information and resources at gatherings.

Everyone was wearing masks and other protective measures.

Therefore, they cannot easily identify each other.

At that party.

Roger purchased two "Grimoire" using jewels as payment.

One of them is the Grimoire of the Furnace Sect, "The Legend of the Red Demon".

The other book is "The Vanished Knight," an introductory text for the Blade Sect.

For him.

I bought two copies purely to cover my tracks.

He had no interest in the Furnace Sect.

From beginning to end.

Roger's targets were all the methods of the Blade Sect!

After the transaction is completed.

Roger left the dock area immediately.

The following month.

He has always stayed in the neighborhood and behaved himself.

While reading the Grimoire of the Blade Sect, he went to another hidden stronghold of the Barber Apprentice and obtained some of the materials needed for the "Spirit Ascension Ritual".

A month later, on a moonless night.

In the two-story cabin where Roger was.

All the occult materials were arranged according to the instructions in the Grimoire texts.

The white, translucent smoke of mouse-thread grass filled the air.

Roger began to chant the inexplicable prayer in a low voice.

The choking smoke unexpectedly rushed into his nostrils.

That moment.

His eyes kept rolling upwards.

All that was left were large patches of white in his eyes!

"Spirit Ascension Ritual: You have arrived at the Spirit World Cliff"

"Ahead lies the ' Blade Master Plank Road,' shall you begin your ascent?"

That instant.

Roger's consciousness seemed to have traveled across mountains and rivers.

Finally, like a suffocating person surfacing, they arrived in the spirit world!

What appeared before him was a cliff with no end in sight.

now.

He was at the bottom of the cliff.

There is an extremely narrow plank road on the cliff, winding and ascending, leading into the darkness above.

"This is the Ascension Plank Road."

"The first ascension is especially important; the further one goes, the more beneficial it will be for future growth."

Roger is now focusing his attention.

He walked step by step up the plank road.

Walking in the spirit world is really too strenuous.

The plank road was also too steep.

Every step taken.

He always needs to stop and rest for a while.

But Roger's will was unwavering.

He kept walking uphill without getting tired.

During this time, he encountered obstacles such as strong winds, earthquakes, slippery surfaces, and strange noises.

But he still persevered all the way.

Roger noticed.

After walking a certain distance.

Then, tiny specks of light would appear on the cliff and merge into his body.

The source of that glory is the doors on the cliff.

It was mentioned in the diary.

These doors are the Spirit World Treasure Land that can be entered during the "Dream Entry Ritual".

If the Spirit Ascension Ritual determines the starting platform for a spiritualist...

Therefore, the Dream Entry Ritual is the process by which a psychic explores their own potential and seeks treasures on the platform they are on.

These doors are the objects that allow one to enter a dream.

"No matter what, the higher you climb the first time, the better."

On the endless plank road.

Roger composed himself.

They continued walking.

final.

When he was forcibly deported due to exhaustion.

He had arrived at the third platform of the Blade Master Plank Road.

The next moment.

The scene suddenly changed.

He opened his eyes in front of him.

The mouse-thread grass on the floor had long since burned to ashes.

On the data panel.

"Spirit Ascension Ritual: On your first ascension, you climbed a total of 36 steps. This is an amazing performance for a beginner, and you may gain the attention of the 'Sword Master' as a result."

"You have gained Psychic Points: 36 Knives;

Your Psychic Art: Blade upgraded to Tier I; Your Combat upgraded to 3 stars.

"Combat: ★★★☆☆" (You are now extremely powerful, skilled in the art of killing, and could even consider working as an Assassin; it is virtually impossible for anything other than spirits or your colleagues to kill you.)

"In the Present World Panel settlement, should I convert the Psychic Art: Sword into a Rank? Convertible Ranks include, but are not limited to, the following options:"

1. Hunting Authority Rank 2. Forging Authority Rank

3. Metal Rank 4. Slaughter Authority Rank

..."

"Transformation successful. Your Slaughter Authority Rank has increased by 0.04. Your Slaughter Authority Rank now exceeds 0.2. You have gained a new feat - Desperate Struggle."

"Desperate Struggle: After activation, your near-death time is extended to 150 seconds. In the Near-Death State, you lose all defensive attributes and gain a 200% attack attribute bonus; under the condition of Desperate Struggle."

Every person killed.

Both can restore a small amount of your health.

After looking at the data column, I read through the rows of information.

Roger felt a deep sense of satisfaction.

Right now.

Deep in his heart, only one thought remained, "My Ascension Ritual..."

"We can start preparing now!"