The Last Gentleman

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 gentlemen are generally not recommended 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 time 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.

After a series of metallic 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 hammering and forging within the city walls. I hope this weapon helps you eradicate more of the [pathogenic filth]."

At this moment, Chamberson interjected:

"With your level of craftsmanship, why limit yourself to running a shop here? You could easily become a blacksmith directly affiliated with the organization, enjoying better treatment 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 compartments 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 advertisement.

"Got it."

After storing the weapon, Yi Chen picked up the side handle of the briefcase, and his demeanor subtly transformed.

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 me.

As for Edmund and the others, their injuries haven’t fully healed yet. We’ll wait a while longer."

"Fair enough. Let me 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,’ fundamentally different in thought from other pathogenic entities. And he seems to be very interested in you.

If you encounter any moon-related elements while outside the city, immediately seek shelter at the nearest organization-affiliated clinic, cemetery, or clothing shop.

Simply mention your connection to the open-source patient, and they’ll provide whatever assistance they can."

"Understood.

Oh, Professor Chamberson, I still have some remaining [Gentleman’s Skin] that I’d like to use to make a pair of spellcasting gloves."

"Follow me."

...

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 seemed to excite him further.

During this time, 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 seemed he really needed to consume 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 former 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 treatment weekly. The aftereffects are unavoidable, though perhaps breaking through the limits of the human body might eliminate her physical impairments.

...

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 some solo missions.

While earning money, he also hoped to acquire some "Gentleman's Skin" to enhance the leather content of his attire. Nôv(el)B\\jnn

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 newcomers 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 times! I’m still in the 'juvenile' stage. Except in crises or special circumstances like last time, I absolutely won’t provide any combat assistance.

It’s still better to find someone else to team up with. Going solo is quite troublesome..."

"I’ll check the available missions first."

Yi Chen took the elevator down to the lowest level of the street district. Following his memory from the previous visit to the Gentleman's Hall, he swiftly moved through the alleys.

Unexpectedly, as he emerged 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 smell, flew right in front of Yi Chen.

"Huh? Something like this can happen inside the city?"

The commotion attracted the attention of nearby gentlemen, 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 emerged from the smoke.

In his hand, he held a severed leg, which he waved around while greeting the gathered gentlemen.

"Cough, cough~ Everyone, please don’t be alarmed. 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 some 'Imitation Meat'?"

The lower street district often saw strange people and events. Upon hearing the term "Imitation Meat," the crowd quickly lost interest and dispersed.

At this moment, the mysterious young man waving the severed leg locked eyes on someone 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 moment.

"Jin, long time no see."