After a brief repair, the caravan resumed its journey toward the Holy Capital. The minor incident had cost the merchant part of his earnings, and he was now weeping while tallying losses in another carriage.
As for Qin Yu’s group: Silver Crimson Snow continued resting inside the Bloodwood Coffin. Luna, clad in a blue-and-white maid outfit, stared at Qin Yu with a resentful gaze—truly doll-like.
"..."
"..."
Qin Yu noticed the girl with the ID “Kind-Hearted Healer” wasn’t very skilled at socializing.
“Luna, don’t scare her off,” Qin Yu said.
Luna looked utterly confused. “What’s that got to do with me?”
“You’ve been wearing a face like you’re about to devour someone. You’ve frozen our new friend into silence.”
Amused by Qin Yu teasing Luna, the girl let out a faint smile.
“Should I call you ‘Kind-Hearted Healer,’ or…?”
“Just call me Xiao Ya.”
Xiao Ya relaxed slightly and replied.
Luna kept glaring at Qin Yu. *He actually used me as a conversation starter… Ugh. Treating me like a tool.*
“Then just call me Qin Yu. ‘Kind-Hearted Healer’ plus your starter class… seems you really admire healing roles.”
“Mm…”
Xiao Ya nodded. She still struggled with conversation—only answering when asked.
Since this was a game, Qin Yu didn’t pry into her real life. He shifted topics.
“Lots of people head to the Sanctum of Radiance, right?”
“Mm.”
“Angels are tempting. Big crowds mean scarce resources—especially for solo players like you…”
“Mm.”
Qin Yu sighed inwardly. Talking to her was exhausting.
“What was your final evaluation grade after leaving the Sanctum?”
“B.”
“So aptitude 5. Better than the lowest C… but still not enough.”
Slipping into veteran-player mode, Qin Yu offered guidance.
“Aptitude 5 might get you to Gospel Preacher in the Holy Light faction—with effort. But that’s the ceiling.”
Aptitude 5 barely cleared the bar for high-tier soldier status. Still just a soldier. Not someone who controls their fate.
In his past life, Qin Yu scored A—aptitude 6. One tier short of Fatebreaker. Xiao Ya was two tiers short. Without a lucky break? A bleak future.
Still, healing-class roles avoided frontline combat. Safer.
Qin Yu weighed options for her.
“It’s fine. I just play casually…” Xiao Ya said softly. She only wanted to feel the warmth of saving others in-game. Nothing deeper. Real life held heavier duties.
“My mistake,” Qin Yu murmured.
*This isn’t just a game. When reality and game blur, no one stays untouched. What you gain now decides survival later—and control over your own fate.*
On the bumpy carriage, Xiao Ya lay on a straw mat to rest. Qin Yu left her be. She’d log out upon reaching the Holy Capital—unlike Qin Yu, she couldn’t afford a game pod.
Qin Yu settled down too. Luna watched him with ill intent.
“Stand like that much longer, I’ll see your underwear color,” Qin Yu remarked dryly.
Luna shot him a glare and sat.
“Must you be so hostile?” Qin Yu asked, helpless. *I played villain once. But after? Just held her while sleeping. Nothing more. Silver Crimson Snow would’ve intervened if I’d crossed a line.*
“Hmph. Human,” Luna hissed. “The day I regain freedom, you die first—then that Bloodkin!”
Her threats, paired with her youthful face, lacked menace. Almost cute.
“Ease up. Stay harmonious. I’ve got something fun for you.”
Qin Yu pulled out a forgotten item.
Luna eyed the card he offered, puzzled.
[Use Minor Skill Draw Card?]
A bonus from buying a game pod—granted one minor skill. A good draw could mean early advantage. But Qin Yu had forgotten it while exploring the Bloodsoul Domain. Now? Just icing on the cake.
“Use!”
The card dissolved into floating light points around them.
“Luna, pick one for me~”
She hesitated—expecting something else—then snatched a point. Qin Yu took it.
[Congratulations! You have obtained: Expert-Level Cooking Skill!]
"…"
Qin Yu froze. *Regretting this already…*
Then he shrugged. As a “butler,” expert cooking meant perfect meals for Silver Crimson Snow—and saved coin on pricey dishes. Not bad.
“What’d you get?” Luna asked, curious.
“Expert-Level Cooking Skill.”
“Told you my luck’s good! You’re cooking from now on!”
Luna patted his shoulder, smug. Qin Yu noted her affinity had reset to its baseline: -10.
No further attacks troubled the caravan. By noon the next day, they reached the Holy Capital.
Towering white walls caught Xiao Ya’s gaze. This grand city—capital of the Luminous Theocracy—teemed with over a million souls.
Winged humanoids patrolled the skies: the angelic army of the Sanctum of Radiance.
A piercing cry echoed as a griffin legion whooshed overhead toward the city.
Gleaming silver-armored knights—the Theocracy’s Knight Legion—patrolled the gates.
The caravan members breathed easier.
“Xiao Xue, conceal your aura,” Qin Yu murmured.
“No need for your reminder, servant,” Silver Crimson Snow replied coolly.
She suppressed her presence, adopting a noble lady’s poise—and smoothly passed inspection.
Luna, however, hit a snag. Her doll body couldn’t hide its nature below Tier 7. Soldiers halted her.
“Apologies. Please present documentation.”
Fuming, Luna moved to act—but Qin Yu restrained her. A fight here meant Theocracy warrants.
All automatons—combat or not—required registration under Alchemists’ Union law. Buyers received certificates. Unregistered ones needed an Alchemist’s badge.
“Officer, a word?”
Qin Yu gestured discreetly. The officer approached cautiously, then saw the badge.
“You are—"
“Low profile. Very low profile…”
The officer gave a knowing nod, bowed respectfully, and waved them through.
“My apologies for the trouble. Please proceed!”
The other soldiers stood bewildered—utterly lost as to why their commander had suddenly turned so deferential.
