Fate marched forward regardless of desire.
Just as history dictated, the Kazdel Military Committee successfully occupied Londinium, and there was no way Babel hadn't heard the news.
So… was this the beginning of the final offensive?
The last battle that would bring the fall of Babel.
Players who participated in that war never fully understood how the defeat happened. It unfolded abruptly, confusingly, without clarity. Felix certainly couldn't explain it.
Right now, his priority was simple:
seclusion.
He needed to become stronger. Much stronger.
---
Spring passed, and summer's warmth pressed against the windows of Lungmen.
By late May, after two months of closed-door training, Felix finally emerged. Not only had he advanced his secondary professions, but he had also upgraded his equipment and weapons.
His [Gunsmith Assistant] class had evolved into a [Gunsmith], reaching level 30 and granting: +5 Strength, +5 Dexterity, +3 Intelligence, +2 Endurance
and 30 free attribute points.
His [Mechanic Assistant] class had evolved into a [Mechanic], also reaching level 30, granting: +3 Strength, +7 Dexterity, +4 Intelligence, +1 Endurance
and another 30 free attribute points.
Scanning his secondary professions, he nodded in satisfaction.
This was the advantage of having many players working under him—he could easily gather enough experience to max out key roles. However, maxing out those rare professions would be far more difficult.
[Secondary Professions]
Gunsmith (Lv.30)
Agent (Lv.10)
Mechanic (Lv.30)
Blacksmith Apprentice (Lv.15)
Courier (Lv.1 / 50)
Artificer Apprentice (Lv.15)
Engineer Apprentice (Lv.15)
Forgemaster (Lv.10)
Mechanical Engineer (Lv.1 / 300k)
Mechanical Dynamicist (Lv.1 / 300k)
Ecologist (Lv.1 / 300k)
High-Energy Physicist (Lv.1 / 300k)
Originium Scholar (Lv.1 / 300k)
Magic Swordsman (Lv.10)
Physician (Lv.10)
At that moment, his level had reached 151.
If level 5.0 required breaking past 100, then he was well beyond it.
[Level 100 detected. Racial Evolution path unlocked——]
[Current Race: "Standard Sankta"]
[Three evolution routes have been generated. Warning: Evolution is irreversible. Please choose carefully.]
Felix narrowed his eyes.
He knew this.
In his previous life, near the end of version 3.0, level caps were raised to 100, allowing players to perform what was essentially racial awakening—or perhaps ancestral resonance was a better term.
For example, a Sarkaz player could obtain ancient blood to transform from a common Sarkaz into a Vampire lineage.
A Lupo could complete a quest to inherit Arctic Wolf blood, gaining a touch of icy Originium art.
After choosing a direction, players would have to complete a series of quests—just like previous system-assigned tasks.
His options appeared:
[Sankta — Seraph (Cherubim) — 88% Compatibility]
[Sankta — Virtue (Throne) — 74% Compatibility]
[Sankta — Dominance (Principality) — 61% Compatibility]
[Sankta — Fallen — 97% Compatibility]
Felix scratched his head.
Seriously?
Fallen had a 97% compatibility?
Was the system messing with him?
If he evolved into a Fallen, how was he supposed to walk into Laterano ever again?!
He recalled that at level cap in 3.0, the hardcore strategy teams recommended optimal racial evolutions for each species.
For Sankta…
• Seraph: melee-focused, boosting strength
• Virtue: agile assassin style with a lifesteal passive
• Dominance: long-range sniping specialization
As for Fallen…
…Well, some people really did pick it.
It massively boosted Originium arts and spell damage, and granted a Sarkaz-like tail. Quite a few players actually chose it willingly.
Wait…
Could this be related to the "Origin Seekers" quest?
He frowned, remembering his encounter with Andoain.
Had that task been part of his racial evolution?
Regardless, he wasn't going to choose Fallen—especially not willingly.
He tapped Seraph without hesitation.
[Race has evolved to "Sankta — Seraph"]
[Attribute enhancements gained:]
+20 Strength
+18 Dexterity
+21 Endurance
+25 Intelligence
+10 Spirit
+20 Charisma
A wave of energy rippled through him.
His height increased slightly. In the mirror, he noticed his halo had expanded, glowing more intensely. His wings had also changed, shimmering with a sharper metallic sheen, hanging like radiant swords. His golden eyes flickered with small tongues of flame.
So this was racial evolution…
A partial reversion to ancestral form?
He tightened his fist, feeling power coil around him like living flame.
His status panel now looked downright extravagant.
[Attributes]
Strength: 77
Dexterity: 106
Endurance: 82
Intelligence: 152
Spirit: 77
Charisma: 80
Luck: 1
Setting everything else aside, just his Charisma alone was enough to make him a head-turning heartthrob wherever he went… though the fact that his Luck stubbornly refused to budge was a little frustrating.
His gear had also been fully upgraded into purple-grade mechanical equipment, the set known as "Stray Wild."
The twin-blade greatswords strapped across his back were called "Gemini's Oath," and the handgun holstered at his waist had been reinforced into a purple-grade model named "Lumen: Nightfall."
Wearing a full set of purple equipment felt incredibly satisfying.
Felix exhaled in relief—at long last, he could confidently say he possessed real power.
The moment he stepped out from seclusion, he bumped into Spuria, who had also been training within the workshop. The instant she laid eyes on him, she froze—staring blankly until Felix had already greeted her and walked past. Only then did she snap out of her daze.
When did Felix get… this handsome?
It was as though simply standing in a crowd would make him the automatic center of attention.
Fortunately, her heart belonged solely to Lemuen. Still, Lemuen had recently grown noticeably more mature, leaving Spuria both curious and slightly bewildered by her close friend's sudden change.
Next, he met Loughshinny, whose eyes misted the second she saw him. She hesitated, fidgeting slightly, then finally composed herself after several deep breaths before formally reporting everything that had happened during his absence.
Anthony had performed excellently, assisting Loughshinny so well that much of her workload was eased.
Meanwhile, Simon Company had successfully established itself in Lungmen, planning several more years of consolidation before expanding outward.
The Scientific Institute had recently developed a new propulsion device that could be installed on aircraft, granting them far greater speed.
In mid-April, Tomorrow's Development established a new Frontier District in Iberia. Players banded together to occupy an abandoned village, then submitted a formal application to headquarters. After Loughshinny and Anthony negotiated with the Inquisition, jurisdiction over the region was granted. Loughshinny dispatched personnel to manage the area, and players immediately began constructing a new frontier settlement there.
"Any developments out of Kazdel?"
"None… but several adventurers claim our partner, Babel, is planning something. If necessary, I can have a courier make contact."
"No need. I'll go myself."
Felix spoke softly. He reached out and gently ruffled Loughshinny's hair.
"You've worked hard these past months, Loughshinny. Leave the rest to me. The situation in Kazdel may undergo a tremendous upheaval, and I want everyone in Tomorrow's Development prepared."
"Who are you planning to bring along this time?"
"…Hmm."
Felix tapped his cheek, thinking for a moment.
"How about Jesselton?"
"Jesselton Williams? That vulgar, foul-mouthed mercenary?"
Loughshinny blinked, genuinely shocked.
"Why him?"
"Is his reputation really that bad?"
Felix couldn't help but chuckle.
"It is. He once boasted he'd steal Miss Saria's position and teach her what a 'real man's fists' look like. After he was thoroughly 'educated' by Instructor Degenbrecher and Lady Carnelian, he's been jumpy ever since. Normally, he's slick-tongued and unreliable."
"Excellent observation."
Felix nodded approvingly.
"This is how you use talent. Jesselton Williams may be morally questionable and boorish, but he is competent."
"Isn't this similar to what you once told my sister—'even ministers of questionable integrity can be used'?"
"This isn't exploitation. Jesselton swears loyalty to me. I accept that loyalty. As for his flaws—everyone has them. As long as he completes the mission and proves his worth, that's enough."
"He has ambition, and he has weaknesses. I'm confident I can keep him under control."
Felix continued guiding her gently:
"I'm no king, but I understand the basics of ruling over subordinates. As long as I grant him both power and purpose, he has no reason to betray me."
"…Understood."
Loughshinny watched him wave casually before departing.
She softly raised a hand, pressing it against the spot on her hair he had touched.
"If only… Felix could become a king."
---
Goodbyes among loved ones always carried a certain sweetness.
The Mostima + Lemuen and Senomi + Mandragora pairings inevitably suggested some less-than-pure stories behind closed doors.
Who could have predicted it would eventually become a tidy "2 + 2" arrangement? And moreover they were very thirsty and excited after seeing the changed Felix.
In the end, it was Little Susie's blessing—the departing kiss she placed on his cheek—that filled Felix with warmth, such a cute and lovely little sister, please don't be like your bad older sisters.
Exhaustion quickly overcame sentiment, and he rested for the night, Those days were truly dry days for him.
The next morning, he boarded an aircraft with Jesselton and departed.
"Sir, thank you for giving me this chance to prove my loyalty."
Jesselton's voice trembled slightly — clearly, he was deeply moved.
After all, it was his boss who had rescued him from that hellish training camp. If not for him, Jesselton would still be suffering through the endless torture sessions from Instructor Degenbrecher and Miss Carnelian. Those grueling drills had worn him down so much that even his usual sleazy jokes had died in his throat.
"I recognize your loyalty," Felix said calmly. "This mission will test your strength. Can you prove yourself to me?"
Jesselton straightened up proudly in the co-pilot's seat, his expression unusually serious.
"Sir, I'll show you. I'll prove both my power and my devotion to you — Jesselton Williams never breaks his word."
"Good."
After half a day of flight, their transport plane crossed a barren wasteland and descended toward the Frontier District — there, a newly established district built to give the growing number of Sarkaz residents a place to call home has been erected.
Ulšulah, the Sarkaz mercenaries, local settlers, and a group of adventurers had all joined forces to construct this new community from the ground up.
Inside the meeting hall, Felix and Jesselton found Hoederer and Ines.
At the sight of him, both were visibly taken aback. Hoederer's eyes swept over Felix from head to toe — the young man who stood before him now seemed completely transformed.
In just a few months, the Pioneer had gained an unmistakable aura — a quiet, commanding pressure that exuded both authority and dignity. Standing before him almost made one forget to breathe.
"Lord Pioneer, you've returned at the perfect time," Hoederer said, gesturing toward a cluster of idle players studying the bulletin board nearby.
"Babel's recent commissions have shown a massive increase in military-grade weapon orders… I suspect they're preparing for something big."
"That's exactly why I'm here," Felix replied directly.
"I'll need a few elite operatives to accompany me to Babel. This next campaign… could change the balance of power in Kazdel entirely."
Hoederer glanced briefly at Ines. She met his eyes and nodded silently. After a moment of thought, he said,
"W is currently stationed at Babel. We're not sure of her situation, but speaking of elites—there's someone I'd like to introduce to you."
And that was when Felix saw the armored soldier.
Or, as the players jokingly called him, "Brother Space Marine" — because the protective suit he wore was so perfectly designed it looked like something straight out of a high-budget sci-fi film.
Felix couldn't help but feel a spark of admiration. That armor was sleek, efficient… and, honestly, incredibly cool.
"Codename: Mudrock. Are you Lord Pioneer?"
The voice that came through the helmet's speaker was calm and androgynous, mechanically filtered yet steady.
Felix smiled in satisfaction. Having someone like this in the squad… that's going to be fun.
"Mudrock, I look forward to working with you," he said, extending his hand.
They exchanged a firm handshake. Then Felix turned toward Hoederer.
"Get everything ready. We depart immediately."
"Understood."
Once Felix and the towering figure beside him had left, Mudrock bowed respectfully and went to prepare.
Hoederer let out a quiet sigh.
"Lord Pioneer… truly is sharp."
"I always thought you called him 'Lord' as some kind of teasing jab at his age," Ines said with a faint smirk.
"Maybe at first," Hoederer shrugged, "but I've long since acknowledged him. Whatever he's planning—this battle involving Babel, under the current chaos left by the general's departure—its true objective must be Kazdel's mobile city."
"It's been a long time since I've returned there. What's wrong, feeling sentimental?" Ines asked lightly.
"No… just a bit reflective," Hoederer replied with a wry smile. "The fragile balance among Kazdel's three powers might be about to collapse."
He gave a small, self-deprecating laugh.
"But that's not for people like us to worry about. Lord Pioneer will handle it. We mercenaries here in the Frontier District just need to trust that if the sky falls, he'll be there to hold it up."
"And what we'll do," Ines added softly, "is clear the path ahead for him."