Immediately, the soul-tracking seal picked up on the target, and Kent halted in his steps. He wasn’t stopping because the person he sensed was a Level 5 Root Saint; he stopped because he wanted to prepare for what was to come.
He pulled up his status page.
[Status]+[Harem]+[Alchemy]+[Bloodline]+[Guardian]+[Soul Cultivator]
Name: Kent
Age: 18
Bloodline: Primordial Chaos Dragon
Class: Alchemist
SubClass: Swordsman | Soul Cultivation
Cultivation: Root Master – Lvl 5/9
Physical Strength: 375
Physical Agility: 375
Physical Stamina: 455
Spiritual Strenght: 615
Mental Strength: 645
[You are much more powerful now, Master,] the tower commented, sounding proud. Kent could feel it.
“I have indeed become much stronger these past few days. However, a guardian can never be prepared enough, so I must be extra cautious. It’s just a gut feeling, but I can sense the danger moving toward me…
Or more like waiting for me,” Kent sighed.
[How can I help, Master?] the tower asked.
Since it wasn’t a true system but more like a servant, Kent could ask for anything. According to its configuration, it would either accept the request if it benefited its master,
or reject it and offer a better option. Kent would then evaluate whether he liked the alternative or not. No decision would be made until they arrived at a solution that suited him.
“You can start by telling me how many I will be facing and the hidden dangers I might not be aware of,” Kent asked. It was a long shot, but he had to try.
[I can help the master, but I will need to access the soul-tracking seal and use a part of the master’s soul strength,] the tower said.
Kent didn’t even think it over. “Go ahead.”
He felt his soul strength being sucked out of his body for a few seconds before it was returned.
[I have used the connection to learn a few things. First, these people are known as Dark Legion guards. They are the elite guards of the Ashland Noble Family and among the best in the Kingdom.
They have 3,000 members, but currently, 170 are in the Dark Prison, where the young Miss Li Hua is being held.
Among the 170, 100 are in the Root Master stage, 60 are in the Root Grandmaster stage, and 10 are in the Root Saint Stage. However, among the ten, one is at the peak of the Root Saint stage.
Ironically, this one is also a swordsman with early-stage Grandmaster mastery. He has access to sword qi and sword intent, though his mastery over sword intent is still in the adept stage.
There is also a mage capable of casting powerful debuff spells.
The master might be out of his league here. But that is what makes it fun…]
Kent raised an eyebrow and was about to retort when a new set of messages appeared. Of course, he wasn’t surprised by the sudden messages.
***
[You have received a mega quest. This is your first time receiving this quest, so the rewards will be doubled.]
[Quest Name: Guardian’s Protect]
[Quest Description: A ward under your protection’s life is threatened. As a guardian, you are required to protect your ward with your life. Show your might.]
[Rewards: 4 Skill Upgrade Passes | The Rat’s Lair Medallion | A Hidden Reward]
“Looks like I have to bring my A-game here,” Kent smiled. From the moment he appeared in this world, he had been longing for a good fight.
The last time he fought, it was one-sided because the targets were too weak. But not this time. The opponents were much more powerful.
“A level 5 Root Master against a Peak Saint, huh? I wish Master was here to witness this,” Kent muttered.
[I can record it for the Master if you want.]
“Do that, buddy. Although she will believe me if I tell her, she would be very pleased to witness it, even if it’s just a video.” Kent smiled.
If only he knew the decision to record the upcoming battle would become a key to knowing a lot about himself.
Before starting, he quickly assessed his points to see how he could improve his strength. A single him against 170 was already an overkill. The least he could do was level the playing field.
[Tower Points: 760,000]
[Attribute Points: 310]
[Skill Upgrade Points: 8100]
‘Hmm, killing the spirit beast paid off some Skill Upgrade Points.’
“Tower, add 100 points to strength and agility, then 50 to stamina and spiritual strength, and the last 10 to mental strength.”
[Points added.]
Kent felt a rush of energy pass through him, confirming the points had been distributed.
“I also have 8,100 points. How should I spend them, Tower?” Kent asked.
[Since the master already has some powerful sword techniques, the Elemental Manipulation skill can be weeded out for now. The Teleport skill is also strong enough, and even if it weren’t, there aren’t enough points to upgrade its grade or rank.
The 36 String Weaving Strike is also strong enough, but since we don’t have enough points for it, we can reserve that for later. After the battle, you can handle that.
Now, the only skill you have that doesn’t have much use just yet is the Appraiser’s Eye. For now, that skill is only a Rare-grade skill at the SS rank. It isn’t much, but it can be more.
But that would depend on whether the master wants to upgrade it or not. That said, the skill has great potential yet to be discovered.]
“The Appraiser’s Eye, huh? Why not. Tower, let’s upgrade that,” Kent said.
[The master has two options, each of which will cost 5,000 points:
The first is to upgrade the skill’s grade from Rare to Earth grade, advancing the skill to the next level.
The second is to raise the rank from SS to SSS, strengthening and improving the already existing effects.]
“Go for the grade,” Kent ordered.
[Command received. Upgrading skill… Appraiser’s Eye skill successfully upgraded from Rare Grade to Earth Grade.]
[You have upgraded your skill from Rare to Earth Grade. The Appraiser’s Eye skill has undergone great improvements. The skill has also undergone a name change.]
[Skill Name: Appraiser’s Eye (Max)]
[Grade: Earth]
[Rank: SS]
[Effects:]
— With a simple glance, you can learn hidden details about people, beasts, items, and much more.
— This skill has also enhanced your awareness. Your ability to read body language has reached a new height.
***
“This is good enough,” Kent muttered.
He then extended calling for his weapon. Somewhere inside his room inside the Alderford Mansion, the sword sheath on his bed vanished and appeared in his hand.
[How is the Master going to approach this?] the Tower asked.
“I will be walking to their doorstep like I own the place,” Kent said with a smile. Naturally, he was feeling pretty confident now.
[Good answer, Master,] the Tower responded, and then a new quest appeared.
[You have received a side quest.]
[Quest Name: Guardian’s Arrogance]
[Quest Description: Even though your ward is in trouble, walk with your shoulders high and show them what a Guardian is made of.]
[Reward: Kingdom Building Enchanted Book]
“Well then, here I come,” Kent smiled and began walking toward the prison.