Fayling leaned close to the faintly glowing crystal slate, but the flowing runes and data on it were like heavenly script to her; her eyes were filled with blankness.
It wasn’t until the Vice President personally operated the machine, summarizing the complex test information and finally engraving a clear conclusion onto another blank card, that Fayling finally saw those few words clearly:
[Virtue of Sacrifice]
However, unlike Lin Jun’s panel which had parenthetical explanations, the information on this card was just that, without further explanation.
Regarding “Great Sins” and “Virtues,” it wasn’t much of a secret among the high-ranking officials and scholar circles of major factions.
Historically, there were indeed some renowned or notorious holders who left behind their legends.
But for ordinary adventurers like Vera, Fayling, and Fayin who spent years mingling in quests and adventures, this was the first time they truly encountered this concept.
“Master,” Fayling inquired, “So, Vera losing his memory… is because of this ‘Sacrifice’?”
“Just call me Saren.” The gray-robed elder stroked his beard. “Based on current phenomena and appraisal results, the probability is extremely high.”
“Why can’t it be confirmed? Didn’t you say the association has relevant records?”
Vice President Saren shook his head:
“The effects of Virtues are not immutable. Different individuals, even if bearing the Virtue of the same name, while sharing commonalities at the core, often have slight differences in specific manifestations, triggering conditions, and even the price paid.”
“The previous holder of ‘Sacrifice’ with clear records existed about two hundred and thirty years ago; he was a dwarf warrior. The ‘Sacrifice’ he demonstrated was characterized by sacrificing the flesh in exchange for brief explosive power. Moreover, this sacrifice was permanent; the sacrificed body parts could not regenerate, and no healing potion or magic could restore them.”
“Unfortunately, in that chaotic era, he couldn’t leave behind more records. In the end, during a tragic campaign, to cover the retreat of the women, children, and craftsmen of his clan, he faced the demon army directly and chose total ‘Sacrifice.’ According to scattered post-war accounts, he disappeared on the battlefield, leaving nothing behind except that suit of armor covered in cracks and his weapon.”
“So…” Fayin’s voice began to tremble, her face turning pale instantly, as if she had already seen the terrible scene of Vera also leaving behind only a set of empty armor, dissipating in the wind. “Vera will eventually… have nothing left either?”
“No, child, don’t rush to the worst conclusion.” Saren quickly raised his hand to soothe their agitated emotions. “Judging from Vera’s current performance, what he ‘sacrificed’ is very likely a part of his memories. The worst development might be that the person lives, but the memory is like a thoroughly wiped whiteboard, forgetting all the past.”
“Isn’t that just becoming an idiot?!” Fayin covered her face and cried bitterly.
Fayling was slightly calmer. She looked at Saren and asked a key question: “Mr. Saren, you said this is the price ‘Sacrifice’ must pay. Then does that mean… as long as Vera no longer actively uses this power, his memory won’t continue to be lost?”
Saren nodded, affirming this point: “Theoretically, yes. But the problem lies in the fact that the power of Virtues is often closely linked to the holder’s will, emotions, and even the situation they are in. There will always be moments when one has to use it, especially given the current situation on the continent…”
Before his voice fell, Fayling had already rushed in front of Vera with a stride, grabbing his collar fiercely and forcing him to bend down and look her in the eye. Her eyes burned with anger and fear, her voice almost a low roar:
“Did you hear that?! You are not allowed to use it! I forbid you from using that whatever sacrifice! And I absolutely forbid you from forgetting us… forgetting everything just because you used it! Did you hear me clearly?!”
Vera staggered from her pull, hurriedly raising both hands in surrender, smiling bitterly as he begged for mercy: “Calm down! Fayling, calm down! I swear I didn’t want to use it! In fact, how this thing came about, and how it was inexplicably triggered last time… I’m still confused myself right now!”
Saren and Vera carefully reviewed the previous encounter together. Finally, they determined that the time point Vera triggered the “Sacrifice” ability was during that life-and-death struggle with the cultists, mostly likely at the moment he counter-killed the staff-wielding cultist leader and turned the tide of battle.
As for when he obtained this Virtue, that was harder to determine.
It could be during the time in the mist, or possibly earlier. Even Saren had thought that perhaps when he saved them back then, this young man might have already harbored the Virtue, only neither side knew it.
Listening to Vera calmly narrate the dangers and choices along the way, with Fayling and Fayin supplementing details from the side occasionally, the appreciation in Saren’s eyes as he looked at Vera grew stronger.
He didn’t doubt the authenticity of Vera’s experiences. Being able to obtain “Sacrifice” itself was equivalent to the world giving recognition to Vera’s character.
Although it wasn’t “Honesty,” the possibility of lying was far smaller than others.
After understanding everything, Saren handed the recorded information to the middle-aged scholar who was his apprentice.
He then personally led the three of them and settled them into the residences within the Relic Association.
Vera didn’t expect that he would actually meet a new big shot the very next day!
Duke Lorenzo, who was originally busy supervising the construction of the new border defense line, actually put aside his heavy official duties and personally rushed back to Oath City after learning the news of the Sacrifice Virtue Holder’s appearance.
Coming along with him were No. 15 (who had No. 9 on his head) and the Duke’s second son.
Before the two sides spoke, No. 9 and No. 5 jumped off their respective mounts first, bumping mushroom caps on the ground to greet each other.
Immediately after, No. 9 extended mycelial tentacles, familiarly hugging No. 5, and began to gesticulate joyfully, recounting its glorious achievements during this period.
How it and No. 15 braved dangerous lands, fought cultists, exterminated mountain bandits…
Of course, in its version, it was always the protagonist slaughtering all directions. As for No. 15, he was just a mount who followed behind to “pick up scraps and help out,” barely passing the grade.
No. 5 listened with its mycelia trembling slightly; just imagining those tragic scenes made it feel uneasy.
Aside, Saren’s gaze inadvertently swept over No. 5, a trace of thoughtfulness flashing in his eyes.
Although Vera and the other two had gained a certain understanding of [Virtue of Sacrifice] yesterday, they still hadn’t expected the Kingdom’s big shots to attach such importance to it.
In the past, meeting a big shot like Vice President Saren was already rare, but now they appeared in a bunch!
Let alone Duke Lorenzo, even the Sword Saint’s disciple No. 15 following the Duke was a big shot in their eyes!
What surprised them even more was that Duke Lorenzo actually intended to confer a title of nobility upon Vera!
“Viscount? Me?” Vera’s face was full of astonishment, almost thinking he heard wrong. After a brief shock, he shook his head to refuse. “Being titled just because of a Virtue… this is unreasonable.”
“What a rare young man!” Duke Lorenzo was not displeased but showed a gratified smile instead. “Rest assured, it is not granted without cause. Leaving aside your numerous contributions in the fallen areas in the past, just the feat of successfully preventing the mist from swallowing those civilians who hadn’t evacuated from Golden Valley City is enough to make you worthy of this honor.”
The second son who followed the Duke interjected in a low voice at this moment: “Father, the matter of repelling the mist is currently only based on their oral account and hasn’t undergone formal verification…”
It wasn’t that he couldn’t stand Vera; what Lorenzo’s second son said was indeed the normal procedure.
Unexpectedly, Lorenzo slapped the back of his head with a backhand strike. The force was not light, making the young man stagger.
“Idiot! If you could also produce a Virtue for your old man, I’d believe whatever you say!”
The second son rubbed his head and shut his mouth sheepishly.
Vera spoke again, his attitude still sincere: “Lord Duke, repelling the mist… was likely mainly the credit of our missing Elf teammate. We just survived by luck.”
But Lorenzo waved his big hand: “The one who actively led the team deep into danger trying to stop the mist was you. This sense of responsibility itself deserves honor.”
His attitude was firm, assuming a posture that he wouldn’t stop until he gave the title away.
After several refusals and persuasions, Vera ultimately couldn’t out-stubborn this high-ranking Duke and finally relented to accept this sudden conferment.
…
Relic Association, deep underground in a secret chamber isolated from prying eyes.
“Phew! Good grief, trying to give away a title, and almost failed to give it out… what is this!” Duke Lorenzo unbuttoned the top button of his collar, complaining somewhat gloomily, his voice sounding exceptionally clear in the enclosed stone chamber.
“That child is a Virtue Holder after all, not one of the Seven Sins. Having principles in his heart is normal,” Vice President Saren explained calmly on Vera’s behalf.
“I know, I know, just saying.” Lorenzo waved his hand, his expression turning serious. “Speaking of business, did you notice that Puchi beside him?”
Saren nodded: “I noticed it the first time we met.”
Lorenzo pondered: “On the Elven side, the former Captain of the Guard was also accompanied by a member of the Mushroom Tribe. Now, near numerous key figures or event nodes, their figures seem to always be seen… This is likely not a coincidence.”
“They are consciously integrating into various races on a large scale,” Saren said with a solemn tone. “Just don’t know if this is a blessing or a curse.”
“Blessing or curse, right now we don’t have the luxury to choose.” Lorenzo sighed. “There is no news from the Hero’s side. If the worst situation really occurs… we can probably only pray that these Puchis will ultimately stand on the side of humanity.”
“Although the choices are few, it’s not completely hopeless.” Saren’s gaze turned to beneath their feet, where a gigantic and incomparably complicated magic circle was carved. Faint magical light flowed slowly in the grooves. “Just hope… we won’t be forced to the moment where we have to make that choice.”
His line of sight finally rested on the center of the magic circle.
Suspended there was a giant pale blue crystal, crystal clear.
Inside the crystal slept an old man with white hair and a peaceful face.
One of humanity’s seven peak combat powers, the last person who had to seal and preserve himself in this way because his age was too great and his life force had decayed to the limit.
The President of the Relic Association.
(End of Chapter)
