When Chamberson saw the weapon in Yi Chen's hand transform, the discomfort in his heart instantly dissipated.
One word—worth it.
The old blacksmith, Bengus, said:
"New gentlen are generally not recomnded to use such weapons. They're too powerful and can easily create a sense of dependency, leading to a distorted perception of one's own abilities.
However, since you were able to slay a severely infected pathogenic patient, using such a weapon ahead of ti isn't an issue.
Still, I must remind you:
To fully master a shape-shifting weapon like this, you need to train diligently, starting from the basics of slashing and hacking all over again."
"Understood."
Yi Chen placed one hand on the rat-shaped sculpture at the base of the weapon and pulled back the upper section of the axe handle with the other.
Clack!
After a series of tallic clicks and latches, the axe returned to its unassuming form—black handle, silver blade—simple yet portable.
"Perfect! Thank you, Mr. Bengus."
"My old bones are only good for hamring and forging within the city walls. I hope this weapon helps you eradicate more of the [pathogenic filth]."
At this mont, Chamberson interjected:
"With your level of craftsmanship, why limit yourself to running a shop here? You could easily beco a blacksmith directly affiliated with the organization, enjoying better treatnt and access to superior materials."
"I retired twenty years ago. I still value freedom more."
Bengus added, "By the way, I'm giving you the briefcase as well. Besides storing weapons, it’s equipped with shock-proof compartnts inside. You can use it to carry various vials, syringes, or temporary enchanting materials."
He pointed at the forging insignia on the surface of the briefcase. If Yi Chen’s reputation grew in the future, it would also serve as an advertisent.
"Got it."
After storing the weapon, Yi Chen picked up the side handle of the briefcase, and his deanor subtly transford.
When operating within the city or investigating potentially diseased areas, carrying a briefcase was far more inconspicuous than openly wielding a weapon.
As they left the shop, Chamberson gently patted Yi Chen’s shoulder:
"Your start is quite promising. So, what’s your next move? Are you going to continue completing missions with your team?"
"Not for now. I plan to spend a month getting proficient with the weapon. Zed will be more than happy to train with .
As for Edmund and the others, their injuries haven’t fully healed yet. We’ll wait a while longer."
"Fair enough. Let
give you a little reminder:
When you’re out on missions beyond the city, be wary of anything related to ‘the moon.’
That [Moonscar] open-source patient was the first of its kind I’ve ever seen.
He’s an unrestrained ‘Patient Zero,’ fundantally different in thought from other pathogenic entities. And he seems to be very interested in you.
If you encounter any moon-related elents while outside the city, imdiately seek shelter at the nearest organization-affiliated clinic, cetery, or clothing shop.
Simply ntion your connection to the open-source patient, and they’ll provide whatever assistance they can."
"Understood.
Oh, Professor Chamberson, I still have so remaining [Gentleman’s Skin] that I’d like to use to make a pair of spellcasting gloves."
"Follow ."
...
Another month passed.
With four weekly sparring sessions against Zed, Yi Chen had completely mastered his new weapon, adeptly using it to slay pathogenic entities in various scenarios.
After all, when sparring with Zed, he could treat him as an enemy, slashing with abandon. Cutting into Zed’s flesh only seed to excite him further.
During this ti, Yi Chen also found opportunities to read extensively.
But as Little Grape had predicted, while his reading efficiency was high, he never experienced that miraculous feeling from that night again. It seed he really needed to consu sufficient brain fluid to expand his mind and achieve greater intelligence.
Just the thought of the roots sucking on brain fluid sent shivers down Yi Chen’s body—the sensation was simply too wonderful.
Additionally...
The situation of forr teammates is not going too well.
Edmund's left hand is still not fully adapted, but his overall condition is excellent. He is attempting an entirely new technique… his entire persona seems to be undergoing an unprecedented "transformation."
Juliana still needs to rely on a wheelchair and goes to Hippocrates Hospital for rehabilitative treatnt weekly. The aftereffects are unavoidable, though perhaps breaking through the limits of the human body might eliminate her physical impairnts.
...
Although the academy granted a three-month break, after just one month of weapon training, Yi Chen could no longer stay idle. He decided to try taking on so solo missions.
While earning money, he also hoped to acquire so "Gentleman's Skin" to enhance the leather content of his attire.
On his way to the [Gentleman's Hall],
Little Grape poked half of its tiny head out from his collar. Chewing on an eyeball, it muttered softly:
"Hey~ Human organizations don’t seem to allow newcors like you to perform missions alone. Teams are the norm… won’t it be too dangerous for you to go solo?"
"Teamwork is only suggested, not mandatory.
Besides, the organization assigns tasks based on team size and skill level, so it shouldn't be a big issue.
By the way, aren’t you here, Little Grape? That makes us a team of two, right?"
"I’ve told you so many tis! I’m still in the 'juvenile' stage. Except in crises or special circumstances like last ti, I absolutely won’t provide any combat assistance.
It’s still better to find soone else to team up with. Going solo is quite troubleso..."
"I’ll check the available missions first."
Yi Chen took the elevator down to the lowest level of the street district. Following his mory from the previous visit to the Gentleman's Hall, he swiftly moved through the alleys.
Unexpectedly, as he erged from a narrow street and reached an intersection—
Boom!
A sudden explosion occurred in a nearby shop without any signage.
A severed arm, charred black and emitting a faint burnt sll, flew right in front of Yi Chen.
"Huh? Sothing like this can happen inside the city?"
The commotion attracted the attention of nearby gentlen, who approached the exploded shop.
Yi Chen deliberately slowed his pace, staying behind the crowd and remaining cautious of potential dangers.
Little Grape, peeking from his sleeve, widened its eyes in an attempt to glimpse what was happening inside the shop.
Thick smoke continuously billowed out of the damaged shop. Before the crowd could fully approach—
A flamboyantly dressed young man wearing a colorful mask erged from the smoke.
In his hand, he held a severed leg, which he waved around while greeting the gathered gentlen.
"Cough, cough~ Everyone, please don’t be alard. My friend, the shop owner, and I were testing a new batch of goods! From the looks of it, the quality is quite satisfactory.
Look at this long leg, look at the muscle content, look at the freshness~ Would you like to buy so 'Imitation at'?"
The lower street district often saw strange people and events. Upon hearing the term "Imitation at," the crowd quickly lost interest and dispersed.
At this mont, the mysterious young man waving the severed leg locked eyes on soone in the crowd.
"Hey! Man! It really is you~ Your physique seems different from before!"
Before Yi Chen could react,
The young man's hand slithered onto his shoulder like a snake, accompanied by an overwhelming sense of danger… far more intense than what he felt when facing Mr. Li.
It was as if his body might explode at any mont.
"Jin, long ti no see."
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