The Last Gentleman

Chapter 28

Chapter 28

Effort rewarded with due return—this is one of the essential elements of building society: fairness.

After risking his life and doing his utmost in Green Lake Town, Yi Chen finally receives the reward he deserves. His excitement is beyond words, as in his previous life, his hard work often yielded only pathetic, pitiable results.

However,

Although Yi Chen has acquired the highest level of "Gentleman's Skin," he still has no idea what it's for.

"Mr. Chamberlain, what is this skin used for? Is it meant to draw out the power hidden within it through a ritual?"

"It seems Wilbert didn’t tell you anything... didn’t even give you basic training before sending you here. That’s just like him.

This skin will formally make you a ‘gentleman.’

The others are waiting for you; let’s talk while we walk."

Returning to the main hall of the Divine Skin Mansion, they climb the large staircase covered in flesh-toned carpet, heading to the second-floor side corridor.

Before reaching the ritual area, Yi Chen has one more question to clarify.

"If I gain some ability from the skin, will it conflict with the 'pathogenic characteristics' I already possess?"

Normally stern, Chamberlain appears patient at this moment.

"Not at all.

The ‘Gentleman’s Skin’ doesn’t grant you an ability in itself; its essence is a medium.

Once activated through a ritual, the Gentleman’s Skin will link you to a ‘growth system’ that transcends human limitations.

It’s precisely because of this connection that the organization exists, we gather in Zion, and humanity glimpses a faint hope of survival in this world—a hope for which we are willing to pay any price."

"A medium... linking me to some growth system?" Yi Chen roughly grasps the meaning; simply put, the skin would allow him to gradually grow stronger.

Chamberlain continues:

"Whether it's the skins given to other assessors or the one you obtained from the First Gentleman,

Once activated,

your 'consciousness' will be guided to the [Hall of the Old Days] through the medium of the skin.

There, you’ll receive between one and three letters, with the number depending on your own characteristics, but you may only choose one.

Each letter represents a profession, determining your future path as a gentleman.

And,

The color and nature of each letter are particularly important. Since time is short, I’ll only explain this once, so listen carefully!"

"Understood!"

"The letters come in four colors—white, blue, black, and purple.

1. White letters are the most common and correspond to ‘ordinary professions,’ which are the main choice for the large gentleman community.

Although common, there are some outstanding figures within Zion City who chose this path.

2. Blue letters are rarer and correspond to ‘rare professions,’ which typically possess exceptional talent in specific areas.

They undergo specialized training and often become key members in the organization.

Some rare professions might develop into 'Doctors'.

3. Black letters appear in relation to an individual’s mindset, corresponding to ‘nightmare professions.’ These professions tend to be dark and malevolent, contrary to some gentlemanly principles.

A century ago, the organization created a special department to specifically accept and train gentlemen who chose nightmare professions.

These gentlemen often possess strong elimination abilities and serve as the organization’s executioners.

Some powerful gentlemen who choose the black letter have gained renown and are often known as 'Surgeons.'

4. Purple letters also relate to individual characteristics, though the exact connection is unknown.

They correspond to ‘unique professions,’ which differ from the other three in that a purple letter profession is uniquely tailored to the individual.

These professions are filled with mystery and unpredictability; some distinguished gentlemen who chose the purple letter even spent their entire lives in Zion City, unable to eliminate pathogens outside.

In summary,

"No matter what type of letter it is, there will always be an emblem on the cover representing its 'profession.' Be sure to assess carefully before making a choice."

This substantial designation of [profession] is far more genuine than any career definitions given in the previous world.

Hearing this description, Yi Chen grew even more excited.

Chamberlain continued speaking:

"The [skin] you obtained originates from the First Gentleman, and its medium effect will be maximized, which means there’s a higher probability of receiving a blue letter.

Of course, if a black letter appears, you can also make a choice based on the specific situation."

"What if there’s a purple one?"

"The uncertainty is too great; personally, I don’t recommend it… but this is your decision, so don’t let my words sway you."

"Understood."

During Yi Chen’s conversation with Chamberlain, the hidden "Little Grape" inside him also had its own thoughts.

"How exciting~ William, what path will you choose? If it’s too conservative and boring, I might just sneak away!"

[Ritual Chamber]

In a spacious, circular hall, eleven clergy members from the mansion had drawn a ritual array with a certain viscous flesh-colored liquid.

Embedded within it were 17 small rings, perfectly corresponding to the number of participants.

As Chamberlain led Yi Chen through the door, everyone’s gaze fell on the black box in Yi Chen’s hand, with more than a few glints of hidden greed.

Blonde-haired Edmund didn’t care much and eagerly waved:

"William, come on~ everyone’s waiting for you."

"Mhm."

Yi Chen quickly took his place on the last ring of the ritual array. Following the clergy’s instructions, he took out the "Gentleman’s Skin" from the box and draped it over his head like a hood.

The ritual began, and each clergyman chanted incomprehensible fragments of an ancient language.

However, the overlapping of tones caused these fragmented words to combine, forming a powerful, complete incantation that propelled the ritual forward.

Buzz!

Yi Chen felt a familiar sensation he’d once experienced at the bottom of a lake—the subtle feeling of his consciousness being pulled from his body.

This time, however, he welcomed it willingly, with no discomfort. It was like a perfectly slick bar of soap, slipping out of his hand and falling directly into the toilet bowl, carried away in one smooth motion.

When he opened his eyes again, he found himself in an ancient stone chamber, filled with an aura of antiquity.

Gone were the intricate structures, openwork carvings, and lavish decorations of the Divine Skin Mansion.

It was like a simple, man-made cave, with only a stone platform in the center and nothing else.

The other examiners and clergy were nowhere to be seen; Yi Chen was alone here.

The "Gentleman’s Skin," which had previously been covering his head, had somehow moved to lie atop the stone platform.

The skin pulsed, as if deliberately concealing something… based on Chamberlain’s earlier explanations, Yi Chen had a good guess at what it was.

"I wonder what type of letter it will be."

He took a deep breath and stepped forward.

As his fingers touched the Gentleman’s Skin covering the letter, he felt the life force flowing through it.

He lifted it with a firm motion.

[Blue] – made of copperplate paper, its surface printed with a circle of ivy patterns, containing a human-shaped branch mosaic within,

[Black] – made of parchment, with a skeletal figure on a boat depicted on its surface,

[Purple] – made of white cardstock, showing an open book on the cover, with intricate tiny text invisible to the naked eye engraved inside.

Three different colored envelopes appeared before him. If any gentleman in Zion City were to witness this scene, they’d be struck speechless with shock.

Just seeing a blue envelope alone is exceedingly rare, not to mention the appearance of three special letters at once—a phenomenon that may not have occurred in decades.

"This…"

Even the usually decisive Yi Chen found himself completely stunned.