The Gentleman at the End

Chapter 263: Chapter 262: Syndrome

The large piece of Skin given by the First Gentleman was still tucked in Yi Chen’s backpack. Once used, the Skin content of the clothing would reach an important milestone—[50%].

In Zion City, well-known gentlemen usually have a Skin content above this value. Only by reaching 50% can one truly utilize the pathologic function of Skin and potentially elevate an individual’s standard to the next level.

If Yi Chen wished to increase his Skin content above 50%, he, as a candidate for the First Gentleman, could always go to the Divine Skin Mansion to request more Skin.

However, before heading to Mr. Ivan’s place, Yi Chen still needed to report this good news to his two tutors.

Goo goo goo~ A white owl squatted on a tree branch in the corner of the office, staring at the young man entering the room with its round bulging eyes.

Unlike Principal Desline, who witnessed Yi Chen’s breakthrough in person, Qian Bosen, as the first tutor, only did what he needed to do in his office.

He knew very well that Yi Chen’s breakthrough would not have any issues and that the breakthrough induced by a Three Attribute Relic would surely create quite a stir; he simply needed to wait for Yi Chen’s return to personally ask for details.

However,

when he heard about Yi Chen’s Open Source illness, the sharp gleam in his eyes could hardly conceal his surprise.

“Epilepsy Syndrome? Despite using only a Madman Relic, you gained a comprehensive illness that’s a higher grade than the Madman’s—it’s simply unbelievable!”

Yi Chen, driven by curiosity, asked, “Is this situation very rare?”

“Extremely rare. After all, [Relics] are products left behind by Open Source patients during their breakthrough phases; to speak bluntly, they are the things they no longer need.

Since these Relics often retain their Open Source information, they are generally disposed of, making them quite scarce.

It’s natural that using their leftover, unneeded items for breakthroughs could not surpass them… The best-case scenario would be to reach an illness status equivalent to theirs.

For example, that’s how it is for me.

My illness is a ‘cold,’ and even if I got a perfect ‘Cold Gland,’ I can only just barely reach the same level of illness as those Open Source patients.”

Qian Bosen stood up, somewhat excitedly, his talon-like fingers gripping onto Yi Chen’s shoulder fiercely.

“If that’s the case, William, perhaps you really could accomplish what you said before… But don’t relax yet,. Increase the epidemic value concentration as much as possible.

The current candidates for the First Gentleman are also geniuses and monsters among organizations, and they have been gentlemen far longer than you. In terms of accumulation and experience, they surpass you.

Moreover, most of them have a Skin content of over 80%, able to perfectly unleash the potential of Skin. You need to supplement yourself more in that regard, or you’ll be at a disadvantage later.

Given the current state of the First Gentleman, it shouldn’t be long before a selection competition among the candidates is held. Since you’ve decided to take this path, you need to make thorough preparations.”

“Alright, I’ll head over to Mr. Ivan shortly for the garment transformation and to increase the Skin content.”

Qian Bosen’s claw on Yi Chen’s shoulder turned into a patting gesture, gently patting twice.

“Right! You haven’t reported your breakthrough up the chain. Remember to make time to visit the Gentleman Hall to register.

Subsequent arrangements for tasks related to Elite Gentlemen, title assessments, and such will only notify those listed in the roster.

One last thing, my Identity Card can be used to run up a tab, but don’t overdo it. I am currently only nominally associated with the academy, occasionally helping out with tasks assigned by the Organization and I don’t have much of a salary.”

“Ah… alright~”

Yi Chen scratched his head and then turned to leave.

On his way out of the office, he pulled out Qian Bosen’s Identity Card, thought it over, and eventually put it back in his pocket.

Leaving Fetal Heart Church, Yi Chen went straight to the Vilsterman Teaching Building. He reported the happy news to Zede and took the chance to invite Zede out for a stroll.

There was another reason; Yi Chen wanted to try colliding physically with Zede given his current state. Perhaps he stood a chance to win.

Just as Yi Chen was halfway there, running at a brisk pace—

Whoosh! A sense of danger assaulted him from behind.

Just like when Principal Deslin shot a Star Arrow at him before, Yi Chen immediately pivoted on his heel, turning instantly to face behind him, and with his left hand, he opened up a ‘Dead Pus Shield’.

With his right hand, he also took out the axe from his bag and entered a battle-ready stance.

Whoosh!

An attack of unbelievable speed struck in an instant. Even as Yi Chen decisively swung his axe, he still missed, only able to block in front of him with his shield.

Duang!

A withered, pale hand struck the center of the shield, sending ripples to the edge of the shield. Then, snap! The shield, congealed from pus and representing death, exploded directly.

Yi Chen, too, was sent flying by the impact of the palm strike,

Clang! Chains burst from his left and right hands, anchoring into the ground and barely stabilizing his retreating body.

However,

Yi Chen did not trigger an epileptic reaction to launch a counterattack, but instead, he revealed a smile.

A familiar voice came from the direction of the previous attack:

“William, not bad! My sudden assault wasn’t held back much, yet you managed to block it?

I heard from Qian Bosen that you went to the Hospital to seek Doctor Visari for a breakthrough in the form of ‘death’… Is this your newly awakened ability? It seems somewhat different from Visari’s death system, more interesting, and better suited to your physical condition.

This is my newly stitched arm, and now it’s wasted like this.”

The attacker was none other than Hogni Zede, who lifted the right arm that he had just used for the palm strike, revealing that the fingers were slowly aging, darkening, and there was the possibility of this decay spreading up his arm.

With a slight wave, he cut off the forearm tainted with death.

Zede then took out a new, slime-covered arm from his mouth and attached it to himself.

At the same time, Zede also showed a look of longing,

“In that case, I won’t have to hold back much in our future physical confrontations. I can really let loose… I can’t wait. Come back to paradise with me! It’s time to apply for a larger underground setting.”

“Pass~ not today! I still haven’t checked in at Gentleman Hall, and I also need to visit Mister Ivan to upgrade my clothes. Do you want to come along, Teacher Zede? You should still have some outing time left this week, right?”

“That could work, and my time outside has increased to five hours, so I can afford to have a bit more fun.”

After gathering his chains, Yi Chen quickly approached Zede, whispering near his ear, “I’ve been getting closer to the Principal recently. I’ll find a chance to talk to him about this matter, and perhaps that could give you, Teacher, a chance to take on missions again. Then you could take me out for some fun.”

To Yi Chen’s quiet suggestion, Zede, however, waved his hand in refusal.

“Let’s not… It’s better to make progress step by step. I’ve only just stabilized a bit. If I were to jump outside suddenly, I’m afraid I wouldn’t be able to control myself.

Besides, the academy has other intentions for keeping me in the deep underground. If I’m not here, Principal Daislin and the other professors will feel a lot of pressure.”

“What do you mean… Is someone in the organization harboring other intentions for the academy?”

“No, it’s just a precaution in case Zion suffers a devastating blow.

Just like the death incident you experienced in Levinhome, William. If some highly fatal infectious disease were to spread within the city, someone must stand up to stop it.

With me here, we can minimize the losses.”

“Understood.”

The two boarded the train heading out of the school.

After learning about the concept of ‘illness and epidemic value,’ Yi Chen could not help but ask, “Teacher Zede, what’s your illness?”

“Fibromyalgia Syndrome.”

“It’s a syndrome, too?”

As if finding a common topic of interest, they immediately began chatting about syndromes.