Chapter 25: The End of the Cruise

Chapter 25

Qin Chuan raised an eyebrow. "Oh, so you knew."

He had always assumed that she had been deluded by those neuro-psychedelic agents. In such cases, one should return to their senses once the game concludes. Yet, looking at her now, she acted no differently toward this NPC than she had before. It seemed she had known all along and was helping the NPC intentionally.

Zhao Jinchu said nothing. She was no fool. At first, she had thought Qi Yan had stumbled in by mistake or had snuck on board, especially since he wasn't among the nine participants, and she had focused entirely on concealing his identity. It wasn't until later, when the system began to shriek every time she drew near him—and even louder whenever he appeared amidst a crowd—that she realized the truth.

But she had no intention of discussing it here. Her relationship with the others was merely a fourteen-day professional arrangement. Once the job was done, it was time to leave. Ignoring the reactions of the others, she collected her pay, took Qi Yan by the hand, and was the first to exit the dark room and disembark the cruise ship.

Ding.

[Congratulations, intern worker Zhao Jinchu, for completing your first mission. Mission difficulty: Level 3 (Hard).]

[Worker wage settlement: Base salary—300 experience coins. Hard mode mission completion—commission bonus +600 experience coins. Additional acquisition of Imperial Crystal, bonus reward—300 experience coins. Total: 1,200 experience coins.]

[Rewards acquired: Talent Crystal x1 (Each worker may obtain this only once in a lifetime); Imperial Crystal x1 (Rare item).]

[Bonus item: Blade of the Ocean (Limited to this plane; now expired).]

Ding.

[Congratulations, assessment passed.]

[Every worker who clears a mission for the first time is granted a chance for talent awakening.]

[The Talent Crystal will awaken a talent based on the worker's individual aptitude and desires.]

After a brief silence, the system's voice turned ancient and ethereal.

[God and Satan, talent and desire—young one, which is more important: love or the future?]

Zhao Jinchu listened quietly, offering no reply. The system did not seem to require an answer. Soon, the ancient voice continued to monologue: [Young one, when you desire too much, the path ahead will always be treacherous. Are you prepared?]

After a long silence:

[Ding. Congratulations, worker Zhao Jinchu, for awakening the talent identity: Saintess.]

[Talent Rank: S]

[Current Status: Level 1 (Beginner)]

[Talent Skill 1: Light Condensation]

[System Evaluation: You were born into this world carrying compassion and love. Heaven has bestowed upon you the power of light, decreeing that you shall stand side by side with the gods.]

Static and distortion crackled.

[Ding. Worker Zhao Jinchu, awakening failed. Talent modified. Talent identity: Fallen Saintess.]

[Talent Rank: S]

[Talent Skill 1: Energy Sphere]

[Usage: The Energy Sphere has two forms: Light Sphere and Dark Sphere. The Light Sphere deals 200% explosive energy damage when slaying monsters; lasts five minutes, 15-second cooldown. The Dark Sphere... awaiting unlock. Rumor has it the Dark Sphere is more efficient at slaying humans.]

[Reminder: The Energy Sphere charges via sunlight and moonlight; two hours of charging provides five minutes of usage.]

[System Evaluation: Even a corrupted Saintess is still a Saintess. Slaying monsters to protect humanity is your eternal mission. Listen to the system: stay away from contaminated monsters, and one day you shall restore the glory of the Saintess.]

Zhao Jinchu remained silent. The whole thing sounded rather strange. As the voice faded, a dusty, gray sphere dropped into her hand. It let out a soft, squelching sound. When Zhao Jinchu squeezed it, the little ball began to squeak.

System: [Ding. Detected that you possess one Imperial Crystal (Rare). Only interns may trigger one additional talent skill awakening. Do you wish to use it?]

"Yes."

[Ding. Awakening companion skill...]