The Gentleman at the End of the World

Chapter 28: Letters

Receiving deserved rewards for one's efforts,

This is one of the basic elements needed to construct society - 'fairness'.

The goal that Yi Chen had strived for with all his might and risked his life to achieve in Green Lake Town, was now rewarded with a commensurate return... The excitement was indescribable, because in many instances during his previous life, his desperate efforts could only exchange for some pathetic and pitiful things.

However,

Although Yi Chen obtained the highest grade "Gentleman's Skin", he did not know what this item was actually used for.

"Mr. Qian Bosen, what is this skin used for? Is it to obtain the power contained within the skin through a ritual?"

"It seems that Wilbert fellow didn't tell you anything... He didn't even give you the most basic training before sending you directly to us, which is truly in line with his style.

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

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

Returning to the main hall of the Divine Skin Mansion,

They walked along the large staircase covered with flesh-colored carpet, heading towards the side corridor on the second floor.

Before reaching the area where the ceremony would take place, Yi Chen still had one question that needed confirmation.

"If I obtain some kind of ability from the skin, will it conflict with the 'pathological characteristics' I already possess?"

The usually stern Qian Bosen showed great patience at this moment.

"Not at all.

The 'Gentleman's Skin' does not grant you a certain ability,

Its essence is a kind of [medium],

Once activated through the ritual,

The Gentleman's Skin will connect you to a 'growth system' that can transcend human limits.

It is because of this connection that the organization exists, that we gather in Zion, that humans can glimpse a glimmer of hope to survive in this world,

And for this, we are willing to pay any price."

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

Qian Bosen continued:

"Whether it's the skin given to other examinees, or this skin you obtained from the First Gentleman,

Once activated,

Your 'consciousness' will be guided to the [Old Hall] through the medium effect of the skin.

You will receive 1-3 letters there, the number relates to your own characteristics, and you can only choose one of them.

Each letter represents a profession, determining your future path as a gentleman.

Among them,

The color and nature of the letter are very important. Due to time constraints, I will only say this once, so you must remember clearly!"

"Alright!"

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

Among them,

1. White letters are the most common, corresponding to 'ordinary professions', and are the main choice for the vast majority of gentlemen.

Although common, there are still some outstanding individuals within Zion City.

2. Blue letters are relatively rare, corresponding to 'rare professions'. These professions often have outstanding talents in certain aspects.

By providing targeted cultivation for their special qualities, these gentlemen often become pivotal figures within the organization.

Some rare professions have the potential to develop into [Doctors].

3. The appearance of black letters is related to an individual's mentality, corresponding to 'nightmare professions'. The characteristics of these professions tend towards darkness and evil, conflicting with some gentlemen's ideals.

Over a hundred years ago, the organization established a special department specifically to accept and cultivate gentlemen who choose nightmare professions.

They often possess strong elimination abilities and serve as the organization's executioners.

Some powerful gentlemen who choose black letters are well-known externally and are often referred to as [Chief Surgeons].

4. The appearance of purple letters is also related to the individual, but we don't know exactly what the connection is.

Corresponding to 'unique professions',

Unlike the other three types, the professions bestowed by purple letters are specially designed for the individual, one of a kind.

These professions are full of mystery and highly variable. In the past, some excellent gentlemen who chose purple letters even spent their entire lives within Zion City, unable to eliminate pathogens outside.

In any case,

Regardless of the letter type,

The cover will be imprinted with an 'emblem' representing the profession. You must judge carefully before making your choice."

This substantive bestowal of [Profession] was far more real than those artificially defined professions in the world of the living.

Yi Chen became even more excited just listening to such a description.

Qian Bosen continued:

"The [Skin] you obtained comes from the First Gentleman. Its medium effect will reach the maximum, which means there is a higher probability of blue letters appearing.

Of course, if black letters appear, you can also choose according to the specific situation."

"What if there's a purple one?"

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

"Alright."

During Yi Chen's conversation with Qian Bosen.

The little grape hidden within his body also had its own thoughts.

『How exciting~ William, what kind of path will you choose? If it's a path that's too conservative and not very interesting, I might just run away on my own.』

[Ritual Room]

In the spacious circular hall,

Eleven clergy members from the mansion had already drawn the ritual formation using some kind of viscous flesh-colored liquid.

It contained a total of 17 small circular imprints, exactly corresponding to the number of examinees.

As Qian Bosen led Yi Chen through the door,

Everyone's gaze fell on the black box in Yi Chen's hand, with some traces of greed in their eyes.

The blonde Edmund didn't care about that, and quickly waved:

"William, hurry up~ Everyone's waiting for you."

"Mm."

Yi Chen quickly stood on the last circular imprint in the formation,

Following the clergy's instructions,

He took out the 'Gentleman's Skin' from the box,

And covered his head with it like a headscarf,

The ritual began,

Each clergy member was chanting completely different, incomprehensible fragments of ancient language.

However,

The overlapping of rhythms caused these fragmented ancient languages to combine, forming a complete and powerful incantation, driving the operation of the formation.

Hum!

Yi Chen had experienced this feeling once at the bottom of the lake,

It was the subtle sensation of consciousness being pulled out of the flesh,

The difference was,

This time it was voluntary, without any discomfort or unease,

Just like a fully wet bar of soap accidentally squeezed out of the palm, landing precisely into the toilet and being flushed away in one go.

When he opened his eyes again,

He was already in a circular stone chamber filled with an ancient atmosphere.

There were none of the complex structures, openwork carvings, or elaborate decorations found inside the Divine Skin Mansion.

It was like a simple man-made cave,

With only a stone platform placed in the center, nothing else.

The other examinees and clergy had all disappeared, only Yi Chen was here.

The 'Gentleman's Skin' that was originally covering his head had somehow moved to the surface of the stone platform,

The skin was writhing, seemingly deliberately concealing something... Based on Qian Bosen's previous explanation, Yi Chen could already guess what it was.

"I wonder what kind of letters they will be."

Taking a deep breath,

He stepped forward,

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

He lifted it forcefully.

[Blue] - Made of copper plate paper, with a pattern of ivy circling the surface, combined with a human-shaped twig puzzle inside,

[Black] - Made of parchment, with an image of a skeleton on a boat printed on the surface,

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

Three differently colored envelopes appeared before his eyes,

If this scene were seen by other gentlemen in Zion City, they would all be too shocked to speak.

Just the appearance of a blue envelope was already quite rare,

Let alone the situation where three special letters appeared simultaneously,

Perhaps it hadn't happened in several decades,

"This..."

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

　As usual, there's one update on weekends. If you have time, remember to give some love to the characters. It would be even better if you have monthly tickets to spare. My house is quite big, you can come over and sleep if you invest monthly tickets.

(End of Chapter)

Read ahead up to chapter 400 at