The Last Gentleman

“Although my bookshelf is relatively small, it holds twenty to thirty books. It’s only been two hours and ten minutes since you entered my office. Are you saying you've read them all?”

Yi Chen nodded. “Some of the books on campus architecture and student management were a bit tedious, but the overall reading experience was decent.”

Chamberlain, skeptical, stood up and walked to the bookshelf.

"Honesty is also an important trait of a gentleman," he muttered as he randomly picked a few books to quiz Yi Chen on their contents.

Surprisingly, Yi Chen could recall the approximate page numbers, give the chapter titles, describe the main content, and even share his own insights.

In all his years of teaching, Chamberlain had never encountered a student like this.

“Wait... could this be related to your profession? You must have already observed certain characteristics through your attire. Let’s hear it.”

“Yes.” Yi Chen confirmed.

Upon hearing about the unique profession called Student, along with its associated traits, Professor Chamberlain was taken aback.

“You’ve acquired the skill Old Living Script, which boosts reading speed and enhances comprehension of ancient books and mystical texts? And you can increase your Intelligence by consuming diseased brains?”

“Is that unusual?” Yi Chen asked.

“Typically, initial professions provide only minor enhancements, mostly auxiliary in nature. Only a few rare professions offer traits that directly boost core attributes, such as brain consumption in your case.

Also, it’s my first time hearing of the skill Old Living Script. This ability will undoubtedly make you a valuable asset to the organization. When you’re ready to explore the Grey Zone, this reading ability will prove invaluable.”

At this point, Yi Chen had a question.

“Professor Chamberlain, does the so-called [Human Limit] mean maximizing an attribute?”

“That’s correct. Humanity’s frailty stems from a certain ‘limit’ imposed by certain rules.

Through generations of reproduction and evolution, humans have risen as the dominant species and, by nature, have accepted their limitations, living within these boundaries.

However, this ‘peace and tranquility’ is merely an illusion. Once a real threat emerges, humanity will face extinction in no time.

One of the primary reasons the organization was founded was to challenge this perception. By using the Gentleman’s Skin, we’re able to connect with a growth system that allows us to break through those limits.

Through study, training, and field assignments, you can unlock your hidden potential and push toward the limits of human capability in specific areas.

When any attribute value reaches [6], you’ll begin to sense the presence of a limit. It’s like a membrane, blocking you from advancing further.”

Yi Chen inquired further, “How does one break through this limiting membrane? Is it with the help of the Gentleman’s Skin?”

“That’s not a question you need to worry about yet… but I don’t mind giving you a hint.

The 'Skin' merely serves as a 'medium' to connect you with the growth system.

To break through the membrane of limitation, you need something called a ‘Relic’, an item that resonates with you—an ancient object, kind of thing that originated from ancient times.

Such items are typically found in the depths of the Grey Zone or by defeating certain types of pathogens. You’ll understand more when you reach the limit.”

“Relic… something ancient?” Yi Chen wondered aloud.

Chamberlain gently patted Yi Chen’s shoulder, interrupting his thoughts.

“Alright! For now, just focus on reaching the ‘limit membrane’. Since your profession leans towards intelligence, I’ll arrange more mental and cognitive training… that’s actually my area of expertise.”

However, Yi Chen had his own ideas about his special training.

“Professor Chamberlain, I’d like specialized training for my physical body. Since my profession characteristic allows me to consume diseased brains to boost my intelligence attribute… I’ll handle maximizing that myself.”

“You’re not thinking of trying to push multiple attributes to their limits, are you?”

“Not necessarily… I just happen to enjoy the thrill of slaying pathogens myself. Is it even possible to push multiple attributes to the limit?”

“It is, but it’s very rare—primarily due to time constraints. The Academy’s training duration is limited to two years because we don’t have much time to spare… the Grey Zone is continuously expanding, and our explorations and pathogen cleansing are barely keeping pace with its encroachment.”

“I see… two years should be enough! Professor Chamberlain, please arrange for physical training.”

“Haha! You do remind me of Wilbert to some extent. By the way, you still have the business card I gave you, right?”

“Yes, I do.”

Yi Chen took out the owl card, intending to return it.

“No... Keep this.

I am, like you, a gentleman of the [Intellect] type. The physical training I can offer is limited and can only provide you with some basic techniques.

Tomorrow, I will give you a letter. After the Pathology class, hand this letter along with my card to the 'teacher' in charge of the class. He will oversee your physical training."

“Understood.”

“Oh, one more thing.

That teacher is a bit unusual, possessing certain ‘eccentricities’. However, his expertise in physical skills ranks in the top three among all the teachers. If you can endure and learn some 'real skills' from him, you might genuinely reach a 'multi-attribute limit.'

Also, because of his personality and quirks, the academy has revoked his mentor qualifications, and he hasn't had students for a long time. If you feel you can’t keep up, come back and tell me right away. If you injure your 'foundation' by forcing yourself, your future will be completely shattered.”

“Got it.”

Although Professor Chamberlain's description was rather strange, as long as the opportunity was there, Yi Chen was willing to give it a try.

"Let’s not waste the remaining time today. I’ll run you through an entry-level test now to see your 'base level.' If you can’t handle the basics, there’s no need to proceed with the physical training.

Twenty push-ups per set, five sets in total.

Ten single-leg squats per set, also five sets.

Rest for thirty seconds between each set.

If you’re ready, start now."

“Ah? Alright.”

Yi Chen supported himself on the ground, arms aligned perfectly with his shoulders.

He performed each push-up in a precise, almost flawless form, finishing all five sets with only slight breathlessness.

The single-leg squats were equally well executed, each movement nearly perfect.

"Have you trained before? The 'First Gentleman' detected that your body was unrefined."

“I practiced a bit when I was younger, so these basic moves are no problem.” Yi Chen seemed to recall some unpleasant memories as he said this.

"Next, I’ll test your reflexes."

As soon as he spoke, Professor Chamberlain suddenly emanated a sense of killing intent, striking out with a diagonal knife-hand.

At the same time, the enhanced vision from the little grape allowed Yi Chen to dodge instantly. He rolled backward smoothly, with his right hand ready on his ax handle, prepared to counter if needed.

The seamless movements left Professor Chamberlain puzzled again.

"Your reaction… is also well-trained. That 'rolling' move, especially, is very refined, and it’s vital for actual combat."

Yi Chen scratched his head, "That’s also from my younger days. To avoid getting hit as much, I practiced rolling in my free time… after all, once you get caught, it’s not pleasant."

"Hmm. I think I understand why you want to train physically. Your body indeed has the potential to approach its limits. Let’s leave it here for today. Head back and get accustomed to your new uniform, and be prepared for class... The roster for your group of new students has been entered into the campus records, and your assigned dormitories are ready for early check-in."

"I hope everything goes smoothly with your meeting tomorrow."

"Thank you, Professor."

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