Chapter 577, Section 576: Titles
Fei Ling approached the slightly glowing crystal plate, but the flowing runes and data on it were like gibberish to her, leaving her completely bewildered.
It wasn't until the vice president personally processed and summarized the complex test information, finally engraving a clear conclusion on another blank card, that Fei Ling finally saw those words:
The Sacrifice of Virtue
However, unlike Lin Jun's panel which had parenthetical explanations, this card only contained that information, with no further explanation.
The distinction between "great sins" and "virtues" is not a secret among the high-ranking officials and scholars of various powerful groups.
Historically, there have indeed been some notorious or illustrious holders who have left behind their legends.
But for ordinary adventurers like Vera, Filyn, and Filyn, who spend their lives on quests and adventures, this is the first time they have ever truly encountered this concept.
“Master,” Philing inquired, “So, Vera lost her memory... because of this 'sacrifice'?”
"Just call me Seren." The gray-robed old man stroked his beard. "Based on the current phenomena and the results of the analysis, the possibility is extremely high."
"Why can't we be sure? Didn't you say there were relevant records in the association?"
Vice President Seren shook her head:
"The effects of virtue are not static. Different individuals, even those who bear the same virtue, may share commonalities in their core values, but the specific forms of manifestation, the conditions that trigger them, and even the costs they pay often differ slightly."
"The last known holder of 'Sacrifice' existed approximately 230 years ago and was a dwarf warrior. The characteristic of 'Sacrifice' he displayed was the sacrifice of his body in exchange for a brief burst of power. Moreover, this sacrifice was permanent; the sacrificed body could not regenerate, and no healing potion or magic could restore it."
"Unfortunately, in that chaotic era, he was unable to leave behind many records. In the end, during a fierce battle, in order to cover the retreat of the women, children and artisans of his clan, he faced the demon army head-on and chose to make a complete 'sacrifice'. According to scattered post-battle accounts, he disappeared on the battlefield, leaving nothing behind except his cracked armor and weapons."
“So…” Fei Yin’s voice trembled, her face turning deathly pale, as if she could already see Vera reduced to nothing but empty armor, vanishing into the wind in a terrifying way. “In the end, Vera will also… have nothing left?”
“No, children, don’t jump to the worst conclusion.” Seren quickly raised her hand to calm their agitated emotions. “Judging from Vera’s current behavior, what he ‘sacrificed’ is likely part of his memory. The worst-case scenario might be that he is alive, but his memory is like a blank slate that has been completely erased, forgetting all the past.”
"Isn't that just turning into an idiot?!" Fei Yin covered her face and cried bitterly.
Felyn calmed down slightly, looked at Seren, and asked a crucial question: "Mr. Seren, you said this is the price that must be paid for the 'sacrifice.' So... as long as Vera no longer actively uses this power, his memories will not continue to be lost?"
Seren nodded, confirming this: "Theoretically, that's true, but the problem is that the power of virtue is often closely linked to the will, emotions, and even the circumstances of the holder. There will always be moments when it must be used, especially given the current situation on the continent..."
Before the words were even finished, Philing had already rushed to Vera, grabbed his collar, and forced him to bend down and meet her gaze. Her eyes burned with anger and fear, her voice almost a growl:
"Did you hear me! You're not allowed to use it! I forbid you from using that so-called sacrifice! And I forbid you from forgetting us... everything just because you used it! Do you understand?!"
Vera stumbled as she was pulled, quickly raising her hands in surrender and pleading with a wry smile, "Calm down! Felix, calm down! I swear I didn't mean to use it! In fact, I still have no idea how this thing came about, or how it was triggered so inexplicably last time!"
Siren and Vera carefully reviewed their previous encounter and finally determined that the moment Vera triggered her "Sacrifice" ability was during the life-or-death battle with the cultists, most likely when she counterattacked and killed the cult leader wielding a stick, turning the tide of the battle.
As for when this virtue was acquired, that is rather difficult to determine.
Perhaps it was during the fog, or perhaps it was earlier. Ciren even considered that when the boy saved them, he might have already possessed virtues, but neither side knew it.
As Vera calmly recounted the hardships and choices she had faced, Filing and Fiyin occasionally added details, and Seren's admiration for Vera grew stronger.
He did not doubt the veracity of Vera's account; the fact that she was "sacrificed" was tantamount to the world acknowledging her character.
Although not "honest," the likelihood of lying is far less than that of others.
After learning everything, Seren handed the recorded information to the middle-aged scholar who was his apprentice.
He personally led Vera and the other two to their residence within the Relics Association.
Vera never expected that she would meet another important figure the very next day!
Duke Lorenzo, who was busy overseeing the construction of the new border defense line, abandoned his heavy official duties and rushed back to Oath City after learning that the holder of the Virtue of Sacrifice had appeared.
Accompanying him were Fifteen, who wore the number nine on his head, and the Duke's second son.
Before they could even exchange a word, Number Nine and Number Five jumped off their mounts and greeted each other by touching mushroom hats together on the ground.
Immediately afterwards, Number Nine extended its mycelial tentacles, familiarly embraced Number Five, and began to enthusiastically recount its glorious achievements during this period.
How did they bravely venture into dangerous places, fight against cultists, and wipe out mountain bandits...?
Of course, in its version, it is always the protagonist who dominates the battlefield, while Fifteen is just a mount that follows behind, "picking up scraps and doing odd jobs," barely passable.
Number Five heard the mycelium tremble slightly; just imagining those horrific scenes made it uneasy.
Seren glanced at Number Five casually, a thoughtful look flashing in her eyes.
Although Vera and her two companions had gained some understanding of the Sacrifice of Virtue yesterday, they still did not expect that the important figures in the kingdom would attach such importance to it.
In the past, it was already rare to see a big shot like Vice President Seren, but now they're all showing up together!
Let alone Duke Lorenzo, even the fifteenth disciple of the Sword Saint who was by the Duke's side was considered a big shot in their eyes!
To their surprise, Duke Lorenzo intended to grant Villa a knighthood!
“Viscount? Me?” Vera was stunned, almost thinking he had misheard. After a brief moment of shock, he shook his head and refused, “To be conferred a title simply for a virtue… that is unreasonable.”
"What a remarkable young man!" Duke Lorenzo showed no displeasure, but instead smiled with satisfaction. "Rest assured, this honor is not bestowed without cause. Regardless of your many contributions in the occupied territories, the fact that you successfully prevented the fog from engulfing the people of Golden Valley City who had not yet evacuated is enough to make you worthy of this honor."
The second son, who had accompanied the Duke, then whispered, "Father, the matter of repelling the mist is currently based solely on their accounts and has not yet been formally verified..."
It's not that I dislike Vera; Lorenzo's second son was simply stating the normal procedure.
Unexpectedly, Lorenzo slapped him hard on the back of the head, making the young man stagger.
"You idiot! If you could come up with a virtue for your father, I'd believe anything you said!"
The second son rubbed his head and awkwardly shut his mouth.
Vera spoke again, her tone still sincere: "Your Grace, the repelling of the mist... was most likely due to the efforts of our missing elven teammate; we were merely lucky to survive."
But Lorenzo waved his hand dismissively: "It was you who took the initiative to lead the team deep into dangerous territory to try to stop the fog. This sense of responsibility deserves the honor."
He was resolute, determined not to give up until he relinquished the title.
After several attempts to refuse and persuade him, Vera finally gave in to the powerful duke and accepted the unexpected investiture.
...
The Relics Association, deep underground, in a secret room isolated from prying eyes.
"Phew! Good heavens, I tried to slip a title out, but I almost failed... What a mess!" Duke Lorenzo unbuttoned the top button of his collar and complained somewhat irritably, his voice particularly clear in the closed stone chamber.
“That child is, after all, a virtuous person, not one of the seven sins. It’s normal for him to have principles,” Vice President Seren calmly explained for Vera.
"I know, I know, I was just saying." Lorenzo waved his hand, his expression turning serious. "Get to the point, did you notice that little poopy next to him?"
Ciarán nodded: "I noticed it when we first met."
Lorenzo pondered, "On the Elven side, the former captain of the guard was also accompanied by a mushroom creature. These days, they seem to be seen near many key figures or events... This is probably not a coincidence."
“They are consciously and extensively integrating into various races,” Seren said gravely, “but it’s unclear whether this is a blessing or a curse.”
"Whether it's a blessing or a curse, we don't have a choice right now." Lorenzo sighed. "There's been no news from the heroes. If the worst happens... we can only pray that these Puji will eventually side with humanity."
“The choices are few, but not none.” Ciron’s gaze fell on the feet of the two, where a huge and incredibly complex magic circle was inscribed, with faint magical light slowly flowing through the ravine. “I just hope… we won’t be forced to make that choice.”
His gaze finally settled on the center of the magic circle.
There floated a huge, pale blue crystal, crystal clear.
Inside the crystal, a white-haired, serene old man lies asleep.
One of the seven peak combatants of humanity, the last person who had to seal himself away to preserve himself due to his advanced age and declining vitality to the limit.
President of the Relics Association.
(End of this chapter)
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