Chapter 118: 118
Li Yao’s return to Sephercher was met with a hero-like reception. After all, managing to retake a watchtower occupied by thousands of werewolves without losing a single undead soldier was certainly a dazzling accomplishment.
The common undead and the pharmacist had no idea of the undercurrents stirring among the undead upper echelons. In their hearts, their utmost reverence was still for the queen.
That was why, in the previous lifetime, even though the fearsome demon king and the upper layer of the pharmacist association took advantage of the queen’s absence to occupy the Undercity, their reign ultimately crumbled.
Because a vast majority of the forgotten ones placed the queen’s glory above all else, in their hearts, the queen was their leader.
As for the leader of the Great Alchemist, he was nothing more than a subordinate under the queen. Although he created many terrible plagues that even the undead could hardly resist, as well as terrifying war undead puppets, he could never escape his predetermined fate of failure.
With these complex feelings in mind, Li Yao accompanied a banshee back to the Royal District. This time, the queen received Li Yao directly, even going so far as to arrange their meeting in a side hall.
Currently, the queen was carefully reading a lamb parchment, not even lifting her gaze at Li Yao’s arrival. The banshee gently floated out of the side hall, cautiously closing the door behind her.
Li Yao silently bowed before sitting down, remaining silent. He took out a bottle of fine wine, and quietly began to drink.
The side hall became quiet, leaving behind only the small sounds of the queen flipping through the parchment and Li Yao’s drinking.
It was quite a while before the Queen finally put away the parchment, stating,
“It seems you know how to enjoy life.”
“Our race, each and every one of us, knows how to enjoy life.” Li Yao replied calmly.
“Unfortunately, it is precisely because so much time was wasted on unnecessary luxuries and indulgences, that the High Elf Kingdom finds itself in its current predicament.” The queen pointed out, her eyes fixed on Li Yao.
“Your majesty speaks the truth.” Li Yao didn’t argue and directly withdrew his wine glass, adopting a posture of attentiveness.
“Clever lad.” A subtle arc formed at the queen’s lips as she continued, “I’ve gone over the battle report three times, you’ve done a great job. Although the mission difficulty was higher than I expected, the unpredictability is the nature of tasks. One cannot know all the intel or be completely prepared for every situation. Life is full of surprises and variables. You showed me a clever mind, which is even more useful than your innate talent or skills.”
Li Yao nodded. Skills can be honed, but if one lacks quick thinking and adaptability, they would never become a supreme master.
In his previous life, Li Yao’s talent wasn’t bad either. It’s just that the threshold for being a Hunter was too high, and he wasted over two years dabbling in the Thief profession.
Those players who achieved Divine Enthronement, which one of them didn’t master their profession to perfection over a span of ten years? In his previous life, Li Yao reached near-Enthronement in just under eight years, which in itself was truly a miracle.
Firstly, a Hunter needs excellent archery skills, followed then by various other techniques. Compared to other professions, becoming a Hunter is undoubtedly more challenging. However, this isn’t to imply that the other professions are easy, only that their fundamentals are easier to grasp, saving a lot of time.
“Lad, do not be arrogant. Taking a watchtower isn’t earth-shattering news.”
The queen warned.
“I am confident.” Li Yao amended.
The queen didn’t deny it, and there wasn’t any contempt or rebuke in her eyes either.
Because she was a naturally proud individual. Even after becoming the Banshee Queen, the Dark Ranger Queen, much had changed about her, but her inherent pride did not.
The more she looked at Li Yao, the more satisfied she seemed. Having such a young man as a successor might offer an unexpected surprise one day.
“You did excellently this time. Although it’s quite a significant achievement, given that it was a trial mission, I can only award you the rank of Corporal and a merit reward of 300 points. You wouldn’t be unsatisfied with this, would you? After all, considering actual merits, you should be eligible to become a Lieutenant, ” The queen casually stated.
Li Yao respectfully accepted the commendation, which automatically integrated into his personal honor. He replied, “I only aimed to complete your majesty’s mission. Anything else is just a bonus. What I value most is your legacy power.”
Though he said this, Li Yao was extremely thrilled. This way, he would be able to unlock the Military Merit System. The rank of Corporal entitled him to command five NPC guards, whose level would not exceed his own. This included all guards of the Dark Camp, not just the Undead Clan.
The merit points could be exchanged for merit items, such as equipment supplies, which were very useful.
“Hmm, this Legacy Stone is infused with my personal legacy power and is only usable by you. Once you pass the third trial, you can come find me again.” The queen tossed Li Yao a stone shrouded in black mist. Li Yao caught it with much excitement, “Thank you, my queen.” “You may leave now.” The queen stated indifferently.
Li Yao did not dawdle. He bowed and slowly left the side hall.
In a secluded corner, Li Yao used the Legacy Stone.
“System: The player has used part of the queen’s legacy power, gaining some of the Dark Ranger’s professional traits.”
“System: Since this is a personal legacy from a world leader, the legacy effect increases by one level.”
“System: Gained passive trait: Night Ranger, Gained active skill: Death Black Arrow.”
Night Ranger: Hides in darkness and shadows, making it difficult for enemies to detect, masking all odors and breath. Power increases by 10%, agility increases by 15%.
Death Black Arrow: Marks a target for one minute, summoning an elite death minion upon killing the target during this period.
The Night Ranger’s boost to power and agility was quite beneficial, and hiding in darkness and shadows required a unique environment which seemed of little use as few players engaged in fights during the night. However, if used correctly, it could be a godsend.
Li Yao took out an Advanced Skill Rune, and used it right away.
Advanced runes can alter attributes. For example, choosing fire attribute would turn the Night Ranger into a Fire Person, with attacks carrying additional fire damage.
Lightning attribute carried the effect of partial paralysis.
If applied to Death Black Arrow, a fire attribute mark would summon a Fire Mage Skeleton after death, while a poison attribute would summon a poison attribute Skeleton.
Li Yao didn’t hesitate much and directly chose the Dark Attribute. Enhanced by the rune, the Dark Ranger Skills now carried new attributes.
Night Ranger (Switchable): The entire body is cloaked in darkness and shadow, maintaining a hidden presence even in broad daylight, masking all smells and breath. Power increases by 15%, agility increases by 20%, movement speed increases by 10%.
In other words, when Li Yao activated this ettect, although he wouldn’t be as stealthy as a thief, he wouldn’t be far off. Moreover, upon activation, a portion of the attack would turn into dark attacks. The attribute enhancement was also substantial, with an additional 10% increase in movement speed being a precious attribute.
Now, what Li Yao was really looking forward to was seeing how the Death Black Arrow would be enhanced….