Chapter 309: Benefactor

Bart picked the restaurant and reserved a private room. Since Karon stepped away to call Alfred from the front desk, he was the last to enter the room. However, the seat facing the private room’s door had been deliberately left for him by the other three.

Their small group had only just formed, so things were still very simple, and the hierarchy was based purely on strength. All three of the others understood that they had only made it up the mountain because they had been allowed to do so by Karon.

The relatively lively and confident Ashley spoke first. “We’re all from the same district, and when the next round of final selection comes, no one can be certain that this same format will be used again. This selection also allowed the use of teamwork, and even if it wasn’t a deciding factor in the end, it definitely provided a certain amount of help during the test itself.

“I think that’s also why we all took the initiative to sit down here together for this meal. My thought is that during the next round of selection, as long as we don’t harm our own interests, we should try to look out for one another whenever possible. And if we realize we probably can’t make it ourselves, we can still do certain things that hurt others even if they don’t benefit us.”

What Ashley was talking about was actually something very simple: forming a clique.

Bart said, “I agree.”

Vintral placed a stone on the table. “Me too.”

Then, all three of them turned to look at Karon. His decision was what they cared about the most, and it would also be the key to whether this proposed collaboration would even have a chance to succeed. First, while none of them had actually fought Karon, they all tacitly acknowledged that he was the strongest of them all. Second, Karon had dragged a burden all the way, only stopping when his burden had failed to endure. That proved that he was reliable.

A person who was willing to help his friends would naturally attract more people willing to become friends with him.

Karon nodded and replied, “Of course.”

Everyone smiled.

Ashley asked, “Karon, that person you were dragging along, who is he to you? A good friend?”

“Mhmm, he’s a good friend, but he chose to withdraw in the end. He wasn’t very willing to obtain a slot that way, and he also didn’t want to steal someone else’s slot.”

That outcome needed to be explained.

“That woman in fifth place, Philomena, do any of you know her?” Ashley asked.

Bart shook his head. “She’s not from the Knight Regiment.”

Vintral said, “I don’t know many people.”

Karon also shook his head.

Ashley said, “I’ll have someone investigate her background after I go back, but I don’t think we need to place too much expectation on her. She doesn’t seem very easy to get along with.”

In truth, there had been another important reason Richard had chosen to withdraw. When Philomena had revealed her renewed state, Richard had not wanted Karon to fight such a mysterious and powerful opponent for his sake. He had wanted to withdraw, yet had also not wanted to betray Karon’s help and efforts. It could only be said that Philomena’s appearance had given Richard the best condition to withdraw.

“She’s very strong,” Karon commented. On the mountain, she had been the only person who could speak fluently with him.

“So, she can’t be bothered forming a group with us.” Ashley smiled. “At the end of the day, we’re still lacking a bit of confidence.”

Bart shook his head. “I simply wanted to invite Karon out for tea.”

Ventura smiled. “Same here.”

“Oh, I know all of you have your pride, but I only like focusing on what’s practical. Right, it seems we haven’t properly introduced ourselves yet. I’ll go first.

“Ashley Patton. Intern cultivator of the Church’s Beastmaster system, A-rank department. My parents are both scholars in that department. Apologies, but within our department circles, we generally don’t refer to priests’ titles, because we have more of an academic atmosphere.”

Bart asked, “So the hawks used by our Knight Regiment are reared by your department?”

“Those are reared by the C-rank department. What we deal with are generally rare demonic beasts that are on the verge of extinction. The departments above ours research resurrecting monstrous beasts that have already gone extinct.

“Let me put it this way; I’m rather cheerful and like making friends. If any of you or your families raise demonic beasts, you can ask me to help look after them. I might be able to improve their bloodline.

“Of course, ordinary pets are fine too. I can help improve their physical constitution and even their intelligence a little.”

Karon could not help thinking of the two pets at his own home.

The department Ashley belonged to was special. By the Church of Order’s usual standards, any department above A-rank, regardless of the system, was highly insular. They had their own circles and internal ecosystem and rarely interacted with the outside world. Outsiders found it extremely difficult to make contact with such departments, much less build personal connections within them.

“For demonic beasts, do they need to eat anything special?”

“There are special supplements for demonic beasts. Do you need them, Karon?”

“I do.” When it involved benefits, Karon would often abandon propriety for the sake of practicality.

“Give me your address. I’ll have someone send them over.”

“Alright. I’ll pay with credits.”

“No need for credits. Accepting credits would make it too transactional, and it’s not like I’m lacking such a little amount anyway.”

“Thank you.” Karon remembered what Lemar had said before about being paid a great many credits by Nio, which had essentially erased any possible favor.

“No need to thank me. Actually, the best method would be for you to send your demonic beast over and let me personally examine it. Mm, or let my father or mother help me examine it, so they can see what potential can be developed.”

“There’s no need to make it that troublesome.”

“Alright, no problem. What about you two?”

Bart replied, “The Knight Regiment has specialized feeding departments and veterinarians.”

“Those are subordinate units under us,” Ashley said.

“I know.” Bart shrugged.

Vintral played with his stone and said, “My family doesn’t have any pets.”

“Then my introduction is done.” Ashley sat down. “Next.”

Bart stood up. “Bart Cosen, reserve Hawk Knight of the Third Knight Regiment. Both of my parents are mid-level officers.”

Ashley asked, “What about your grandfather?”

Bart frowned.

Ashley pressed on in a casual manner, “Generally speaking, when someone’s parents have equal status, it means they have a good family background that can arrange for equal marriage resources. Your grandfather’s position must be even higher.”

“My grandfather once served as deputy Regiment Commander of the Third Regiment, but that was a long time ago. When I was very young, my grandfather was transferred into the First Regiment.”

Hearing this, Karon stood up. Ashley did the same, and even Vintral, who had been playing with his stones, stood up. Everyone understood what the First Regiment represented. Being transferred to the First Regiment meant that after one’s death, they would become part of the First Regiment’s power.

Bart looked at Ashley. “That’s why I didn’t want to make things so serious. Everyone, sit down.”

“This is our respect to your grandfather,” Ashley said.

Bart continued, “The Knight Regiment and the church’s other departments are completely different systems. We only listen to the High Priest or the Temple of Order’s commands. However, what I can do is this: if any of you, or your relatives or close friends, want to join the Knight Regiments, I can help arrange it. However, entry to the Knight Regiments has very strict requirements. You need to pass the assessment yourself.”

After saying this, Bart sat down.

Vintral spoke up, “Vintral Lanmanny. I live with my grandfather and grandmother, who are both Divine Servants. They used to work as clerks in the Church Affairs Building, but are now retired.”

Ashley asked, “What about your parents?”

Karon felt a bit helpless. This girl really was the textbook example of someone with no filter. The fact that Vintral had started his introduction by speaking about his grandparents already explained things, yet she still insisted on asking.

“My parents passed away ten years ago, because...” Vintral hesitated for a moment, but still touched the stone and continued, “Because of corruption.”

“You were corrupted too?” Ashley asked.

“Mhmm.”

“Impressive.” Ashley nodded. “I admire you.”

Vintral smiled. “Actually, you get used to it.”

Because Dora and Dorin lived in Karon’s home, and because he had witnessed their lives, he understood just how heavy Vintral’s words truly were.

Finally, it was Karon’s turn. He stood and said, “Karon, orphan. I operate a funeral home, so if any of your relatives or friends need one, you can contact me.”

The three people at the table fell silent for a moment, and Karon sat down, picked up the teapot, and refilled his cup.

Ashley asked, “So you clawed your way up all by yourself?”

Karon replied, “I’ve had many opportunities and also met many people who have helped me, but my background is that simple.”

Bart clapped his hands and said, “Then, shall we order?”

The dishes were brought out very quickly. All four were hungry, and they ate a lot.

After the meal, they said their goodbyes. Bart and Ashley still needed to catch up with their own groups of friends. They had gone to the exam together, so they would naturally leave together as well.

Alfred had already parked the car in front of the restaurant. When he saw Karon come out, Alfred took the initiative to open the car door.

Karon looked at Vintral and asked, “How are you getting home?”

“A taxi.”

“Get in. I’ll take you home.”

“Alright, thank you.” The youth did not act awkwardly. He got into the car and gave Alfred his address.

Sitting in the front passenger seat, Karon asked, “Right, you haven’t been assigned any post yet, have you?”

“No. I’m still studying at the church school. The principal recommended me for this selection.”

Karon remembered that Little John was also studying at the church school, boarding there while attending primary school.

“What do you want to do after graduation?” Karon asked. “I mean, for your work assignment.”

Vintral replied, “The Whip of Order.”

This was similar to how many young people wanted to become police officers when they grew up. Setting aside the independent Knight Regiments, the Whip of Order did indeed satisfy most young people’s fantasies about work. Richard had also used his family connections to join a Whip squad because of having that same fantasy.

“Then strive to be one of the final twelve. When the time comes, you can simply become a captain when you graduate.”

“I’m too young. I can’t become a captain,” Vintral stated very clearly. “What about you? Are you preparing to become a captain?”

“What do you think?”

“I think you are very guaranteed to be one of the twelve finalists, because you are much stronger than all of us.”

“That’s hard to say.”

“If you become a captain, can I become a member of your squad?” Vintral asked.

“As long as you don’t feel wronged by it, I’ll naturally welcome you.”

“Alright. I want to follow you.”

Karon smiled toward the window. This youth was very simple. How should he put it? He was at the age that was the easiest to deceive. He had probably been won over by Karon during the exam, so in this brief moment of irrationality, he had felt the impulse to acknowledge Karon as a big brother figure. However, matters for the future could be left for the future.

If Karon truly needed to establish a squad in the future, and Vintral was willing to join, Karon would absolutely accept him. This young man could no longer be considered merely talented. He had already cashed in on his talent and possessed true combat power.

In addition, his strength was probably not related to his soul. Judging by the petrified state of his soul, unless there was something unexpected, Vintral’s focus should be close-quarters combat. In reality, this sort of person was often very useful. In other words, this test that targeted the soul had actually targeted his weak point.

Vintral lived in an apartment. Alfred stopped the car in front of the building. There were two elderly people sitting on a bench beside the road, and they immediately stood up. The old woman supported the old man as they walked over.

“Grandpa, Grandma!” After Vintral got out of the car, he ran toward them.

“Young Master, it seems his relationship with them isn’t bad. In fact, your servant feels that such relationships are more reliable instead.”

“I asked someone for some supplements. After the items are delivered, give them to Pu’er and Kevin to study. If they can eat them, let them have some.”

“They probably won’t have much effect on Pu’er, but there should be quite an effect on Kevin,” Alfred reminded him.

At this moment, Vintral’s grandparents walked over. The old man looked very old. He was stooped at the waist. He spoke to Karon, “My lord, we have prepared some pastries and tea in our home. Would you come up and have some?”

The old man had been a Divine Servant throughout his entire life, and had always worked in the Church Affairs Building. In truth, he had been one of the lowest church employees, so he had developed the habit of calling most people in the Church of Order “my lord” whenever speaking with them. Even though his grandson was outstanding enough, Vintral had not yet graduated and held no position.

Karon wanted to refuse, but at this moment, Vintral walked over. “Please honor us.”

The old grandmother added from behind, “You are also the first friend our Vintral has ever brought home.”

Karon hesitated a moment longer before finally nodding. “Forgive my intrusion.”

There was no other way. One had to look three steps ahead with every step taken. Since he wanted to take someone’s grandson under him in the future, he had to build a good relationship with the elders now.

Karon and Alfred got out of the car and followed them upstairs.

After entering the apartment, he found it was kept extremely clean and tidy. The dining table already had some pastries set on it that had been personally made by the old grandmother.

While walking, the old man had kept talking about his grandson. Karon learned that, because of the corruption, Vintral’s personality was somewhat withdrawn, and he was considered extremely shy, which was why he did not usually have many friends. Fortunately, he was outstanding enough to have gained the principal’s appreciation. A principal of a church school actually possessed a great deal of authority, because they were the ones who controlled a primary channel of fresh blood entering the church.

The two elderly people had great hopes that their grandson would be able to live a normal life in the future, like those “lords” of the church they yearned for, dignified and respected.

Karon accepted a piece of sponge cake and took a bite. It was soft and delicious, with excellent flavor. As he ate, he looked around the room.

After a moment, he noticed a painting hanging on the wall of the living room, but the painting was covered with a black cloth. A memorial portrait of Vintral’s parents?

Seeing where Karon was looking, the old man immediately said, “That is the portrait of our benefactor.”

“Benefactor?”

“Yes. Without him, there would be no Vintral. Back then, Vintral’s father and mother were both corrupted. Originally, there was no hope of saving them, and even the church hospital had no way to treat them. Our benefactor came to our door and told us that he had a method that could be attempted. We agreed. There was nothing to disagree with, because we already knew that even if that treatment did not succeed, their situation could not become any worse.”

“In the end, it succeeded?”

“Mhmm, it succeeded. Our benefactor controlled the corruption in Vintral’s parents and gave three more years of life without torment.”

But three years later, they were still gone.

However, Karon understood that this was indeed the best possible outcome. Not only had their lives been extended by three years, they had also been allowed to live their lives with dignity and quality.

“At that time, Vintral’s mother was already pregnant with him. Back then, she might not have been able to last until the child was even born. Because of our benefactor, not only did she give birth to Vintral, they also personally watched when Vintral learned to walk and heard their son speak. When they finally left, they were at peace.

“It was only hard on our Vintral. He was also corrupted. Before his mother died, this was what she felt most guilty about toward her son. She felt she had wronged him, making him suffer from birth.”

“Grandpa, you’re saying that again. I love my mother, and I love my father. I also love you and Grandma, and I love the life I have now,” Vintral interjected.

“Yes, yes. Because of our benefactor’s arrangements, although Vintral was corrupted from birth, he was able to try to control the corruption within him. Although he has also endured great pain because of this, he did not die young from the spread of corruption. He is still very healthy now, isn’t he?”

“Yes. He will have a very promising future.”

“I hope you will look after him more in the future.”

“I will. Right, who was your benefactor?”

“We don’t know his name. We only know that he was someone from our church. Our benefactor had family members who should also have been corrupted. In fact, he was searching for and experimenting with methods to save his own family. Our benefactor explained this very clearly to us, but we are still extremely grateful to him. I find it hard to imagine what this family would have become without his appearance.

“Unfortunately, we were unable to obtain a photograph of our benefactor back then, so we could only invite an artist to paint this portrait according to our description.

“Vintral, go tell our benefactor that you passed the district selection. He would definitely be very happy.”

“Alright, Grandpa.” Vintral walked to the wall and gently removed the black cloth, revealing the portrait within.

The portrait showed an old man with silver-white hair and a towering figure. In his left hand, he held a potion bottle. In his right hand, he held an empty sword hilt. On his face... he wore a silver mask.

Karon froze. It’s Tiz!