Ethan's heart skipped a beat. He knew the real deal was about to begin, and he focused his full attention on the general's words.
"Option One." The general held up one finger. "The state will provide you with full support for your cultivation.
From now until you successfully complete your Seventh-Tier Transcendence, all resources required for your advancement—including but not limited to experience potions, attribute fruits, high-tier skill scrolls, assistance with transcendence quests, top-tier equipment crafting materials, skill upgrade materials, etc.—anything available in the national resource library that aligns with your class development path will be unconditionally allocated to you with top priority."
"This is not a one-time transaction. After you reach Seventh-Tier, based on your subsequent contributions and performance, this resource support will continue, helping you advance to even higher levels."
"The conditions?"
Ethan asked calmly.
The reward was far too generous—way beyond his wildest expectations.
A flicker of satisfaction crossed General Zhao 's eyes.
He liked people who were direct and level-headed.
"The condition is that you must enlist in the Eastern Theater Command's elite special operations unit immediately, with the rank of Second Lieutenant. You will be subject to military discipline and mission assignments, and your growth path will be deeply integrated with national strategic goals."
Ethan fell silent, not answering right away.
This option was incredibly tempting!
Full resource coverage until Seventh-Tier was a promise that countless Transcendents dreamed of but never achieved.
It meant he could save a staggering amount of time, money, and effort, bypass countless risks, and blaze a clear path to becoming a top-tier powerhouse.
But the price was his freedom.
He would become a cog in the state's war machine, bound by orders and responsibilities, and forced to shoulder the corresponding risks.
General Zhao didn't rush him, moving on to the second option instead.
"Option Two." He held up a second finger.
"We will provide you with a one-time, extremely generous resource reward. This includes: 100 million credit points, a full set of Level 30 Gold-tier Cleric armor, three skill scrolls of your choice, and one Legendary-tier accessory suitable for your current level."
"In addition, as a special reward for your meritorious service, every time you successfully complete a transcendence in the future, you will receive a national resource library redemption voucher. With this voucher, you can redeem one piece of equipment, one skill scroll, or any rare material of your choice from the national treasury—with a maximum quality of Legendary."
"This option comes with no strings attached. You will retain your status as a free agent."
Ethan fell into deep thought.
The second option was also extremely attractive—especially the redemption voucher that granted a free Legendary item every transcendence.
Item quality tiers were generally divided into nine ranks: Trash, Common, Fine, Superior, Silver, Gold, Epic, Legendary, Mythic.
Anything outside these nine ranks was considered an extremely rare, special item—like the Coin of the Lord of Flesh's Favor he had obtained earlier.
Nine Legendary items was an astronomical reward, its value beyond measure!
100 million credit points and the initial resource package would be more than enough to support him until he reached a high level, while also allowing him to retain complete freedom.
But compared to the first option—with its all-encompassing, long-term, worry-free flood of resources—the second option was still inferior in sheer quantity.
The first option covered everything, down to the smallest detail.
The second option provided critical support at key milestones, plus a substantial startup fund.
The conference room was silent. Major Kris and General Zhao both waited patiently for his decision.
It was truly a difficult choice.
On one hand, a clear path to becoming a top-tier powerhouse—but with strings attached.
On the other hand, a solid foundation of resources and complete freedom.
Ethan carefully weighed his options, considering his unique situation.
With his Grace talent, acquiring attributes and skills might not be as difficult for him as it was for others.
His need for fixed resources was probably not as urgent.
Instead, the freedom to explore, to trigger various events—especially Demon God-related events—was far more important to him.
Military discipline could provide protection and support, but it might also restrict his opportunities to a certain extent.
On the other hand, the military's background and power would offer enormous conveniences in certain situations—like investigating the Cultists of the Fallen Gods or accessing forbidden zones…
After thinking it over for a moment, Ethan looked up, his gaze firm as he met General Zhao Qiming's eyes.
"General Zhao, I've made my decision."
"I choose Option Two."
"Very well—we respect your choice."
Major General Zhao Qiming nodded, showing no sign of displeasure. Instead, he looked understanding.
"A true hidden dragon often needs a broader sky to soar. While the military system can provide powerful support, it can also become an invisible shackle at times. Retaining your freedom may be more beneficial for your future development."
He stood up, took a silver metal case and a document from the adjutant beside him, and placed them on the table in front of Ethan.
"This is part of your reward."
"The 100 million credit points have already been transferred to your personal account—you can check it at any time."
"This set of Holy Radiance Reverence Cleric armor, and this Legendary-tier Necklace of Life's Whisper, are now yours."
"As for the three skill scrolls, you'll have to select them yourself from the military's skill library."
Ethan opened the case.
Inside, neatly arranged, was a full set of armor—helmet, breastplate, robe, gauntlets, boots—shimmering with a soft golden light. Next to the armor sat an exquisite jewelry box.
Just by sensing the energy fluctuations emanating from them, he could tell they were far from ordinary.
"This is the catalog of the military's skill library. Once you've made your selections, Major Frostburn will help you redeem the physical scrolls."
General Zhao picked up a tablet from the side and handed it to Ethan.
Ethan took it and flipped through it quickly.
He noticed that the skills were classified into five tiers—S, A, B, C, D—based on their effects, mana costs, learning difficulty, and rarity.