Chapter 98: The Warrior's Choice
Chapter 98: The Warrior's Choice
The first thing Lin Sai did after waking up in the morning was to ponder.
Not only was he conflicted about the future choice regarding the Purpleleaf Vine Branch, but he was also torn after completing a task and gaining new experience points.
Unlike the experience gained from training and self-improvement, the experience points from tasks could be freely allocated to attributes or skills. At this moment, as he lay in bed, Lin Sai calculated the potential uses of these points.
"The experience required for Constitution is too high, not even half can be filled; Strength and Agility have just been upgraded, not enough for a single point increase. As for skills, they require even more experience than attributes, and adding them won't make a difference."
"So, I guess it's Charisma then."
After some analysis, Lin Sai decided to allocate the experience points to Charisma, bringing this attribute up to 9 points.
It wasn't that he valued his charm or appearance more than anything else. Instead, the other attributes couldn't be effectively improved with the current allocation. For attributes like Constitution and Strength, Lin Sai could consistently gain experience through daily training, increase knowledge by reading books, and enhance Will through Will Essence cultivation.
Charisma, however, was different.
Aside from the gains from the Black Mountain adventure, Lin Sai only noticed slight changes in this attribute during his physical growth.
Charisma could be considered the only attribute without a stable source of improvement.
Given this contrast, the allocation decision became quite obvious.
After dealing with the task rewards, Lin Sai looked into a water basin and felt that something had changed, but he couldn't quite put his finger on what it was.
"Did I just become more handsome?"
He muttered to himself.
Lin Sai left the wooden house and began his day's plan.
His first destination was Lord Anrui's estate, where he wanted to test the waters with Lord Anrui.
When Lin Sai found him, Lord Anrui was alone in a clearing near the forest, sitting on the withered lawn and staring at the pine tree that Anna cared for, which was growing stronger each day.
"..."
Just by seeing Lord Anrui's back, Lin Sai understood what was on the man's mind.
The town's Awakened, each with their own ideas and the crisis facing Hidden Frontier, all weighed heavily on the shoulders of this small-town lord.
Amidst this spiral of conflict, how could Lord Anrui's mind be at ease?
Lin Sai approached and initiated a conversation:
"Lord Anrui, there have been quite a few developments in town these past few days..."
"Lin Sai, come over here and sit beside me." Before Lin Sai could finish, Lord Anrui interrupted him, patting the space beside him, "Indeed, there have been many developments in town these past few days, and someone has already tried to persuade you."
Lin Sai was initially caught off guard.
But a quick glance revealed the meaning behind Lord Anrui's words.
After the meeting a few days ago, the Awakened in town had undoubtedly split into two factions due to differing opinions.
To gain the upper hand in the final outcome, they would undoubtedly try to sway those who hadn't taken a stand.
As one of the town's younger Awakened and the only one who hadn't attended the meeting, Lin Sai would undoubtedly become a target for both sides.
The only reason he hadn't been approached these past few days was that he had been busy in his wooden house, focusing on the woodshed and cellar.
Lin Sai shook his head:
"I've been busy these past few days, so no one has disturbed me yet."
Only then did Lord Anrui turn around, his eyes showing curiosity as he looked at Lin Sai:
"So, what brings you here if you haven't been persuaded to try breaking through Black Mountain?"
"Could it be that after our adventure, you also want to convince me to attempt a Black Mountain breach?"
Lin Sai shook his head again:
"Given the town's situation, it's impossible for everyone to rush towards Black Mountain without a care.
"I came today to hear your thoughts on the current crisis and how we should handle the conflicts in the town."
Instead of answering directly, Andre asked Lin Sai a question, "Lin Sai, have you heard of the Organizer?"
Lin Sai nodded.
"I've heard of them, but I don't know much about the specific abilities of these Awakened."
The border town didn't have an Organizer among its Awakened.
However, in Lin Sai's hometown, the village chief of Anvil Village, Chief Lena, had once been referred to as a Law Knight.
Every detail of that night was etched into Lin Sai's memory.
Seeing Lin Sai's nod, Andre continued, "The Organizer possesses a very unique power."
"Their skill advancement lies in their ability to manage others and the number of people they govern. The more sophisticated their management methods and the greater the number of people under their governance, the stronger their abilities become, and the faster they advance."
"As a reward for this special system, in a city governed by a powerful Organizer, they can effortlessly issue their commands and have those they govern actively support their ideas."
Here, Andre sighed, "You know, if I weren't a warrior but an Organizer, perhaps I could have prevented these people from treating life so lightly."
Andre's explanation was a way to express his helplessness.
But Lin Sai, upon hearing this, had an epiphany—why had the Law Knight burned down Anvil Village?
The knight had even surrounded the village with flames, preventing anyone from escaping.
The reason was that Chief Lena was an Organizer! The villagers were the source of his power and the objects of his control.
Lin Sai's expression became complex and helpless.
Misinterpreting Lin Sai's thoughts, Andre continued, "I may not have any remarkable achievements, but in the hundred years I've managed this town, I've come to understand some basic principles. Even a Lord can't easily change others' minds unless there's a tangible benefit presented to them."
"Lin Sai, what kind of benefit do you think I can offer to sway them?"
"..."
Lin Sai pondered seriously.
Considering the town's people's obsessions and behaviors, he eventually shook his head, "I can't think of anything right now."
"Yes, this is indeed a challenging situation!" Andre agreed, then continued, "You know, if benefits can't uphold authority, there's another method left—fear."
"In Narck Bondek, I know a few friends and foes who walk the path of rampage. It might be hard to accept, but in times of crisis, it's an option."
Lin Sai understood the underlying meaning in Andre's words, and his tone became urgent, "Uncle Andre, are you suggesting...?"
"Things might not escalate to that point," Andre interrupted Lin Sai's question, "I am still a Lord here, and many people support my ideas."
"Go to the town and see for yourself."
"Ordinary people tend to focus on their daily lives and aren't as proactive about these issues. But..."
Here, Andre raised his remaining right arm, reaching forward as if grasping the hornbeam tree planted by Anna.
Under Lin Sai's gaze, Andre's tone turned solemn, "If it comes to that, as a warrior of the War School, I can only express my regrets to certain individuals."
(End of Chapter)
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