Leveling Up by Executing Monsters

Lloyd had already set up the study aid, Intense Concentration, in his office. Once he was free of Jenkins’s constant muttering, he quickly entered a state of learning, his eyes fixed on the black-and-white Spiral Tower as he began to absorb knowledge from the Veto Saint.

He sat cross-legged on the grass and soon entered that state of Self-forgetfulness, clearing his mind of all distractions. He studied with such focus and dedication that he automatically filtered out the panel notifications that occasionally sounded in his ear.

Before he knew it, his gaze was no longer focused solely on the white part of the Spiral Tower. It now also encompassed the dizzying gray sections.

He also failed to notice a pair of invisible, slender hands gently embracing him from behind. One arm wrapped around his chest and the other hand caressed the back of his own. They even stroked his cheek from time to time in a very intimate gesture.

Lloyd only began to emerge from his state of Self-forgetfulness when the duration of Intense Concentration in the outside world expired.

"Huh???"

He tilted his head, scratched his chest, and rubbed his face.

’This feels a little weird. Did someone just take liberties with me?’

’It must be my imagination. This is my own personal realm, after all. Who would dare to enter and act so brazenly?’

Lloyd didn’t dwell on it. He quickly reviewed his panel notifications to see if he had snagged any skill fragments.

Then, he froze.

[Ding! Madness Value +500]

’Whoa, wait a second. You can actually suffer Spiritual Contamination from an Audience with the Saint?’

Theoretically, this was an absurd phenomenon. As a standard procedure within an official system, the greatest selling point of an Audience with the Saint was its safety. With the Saint’s Shelter, it should be theoretically impossible to suffer Spiritual Contamination.

’Could it be that Saints slack off too?’

However, what was reassuring—or perhaps, disappointing—was that the amount of Spiritual Contamination wasn’t very high. Notifications just popped up from time to time with values ranging from 100 to 500.

In total, it only added up to about 3,000 points, just enough to level up once with a little to spare. It seemed a bit on the low side.

For now, Lloyd ignored the source of the Spiritual Contamination and decided to spend the points first.

’Five points into Spiritual Power! Add them!’

[Ding! Points allocated.]

[User: Lloyd]

[Status: Normal]

[Madness Value: 1750/5500, Max: 12500]

[Rationality: 125]

[Spiritual Power: 125]

[Inspiration: 75]

[Cognition: 120]

[System: Twist LV3, Veto LV2]

His skills listed below hadn’t leveled up or increased in number, but Lloyd did see several notifications for skill fragments and Knowledge Fragments. ’I probably just haven’t accumulated enough of them yet,’ he thought.

This was to be expected. According to the Chief Judge’s notes, the Veto system had always progressed slowly, with progress typically measured in years. That was why, in his notes, besides reminders to "save money," the Chief Judge had mostly emphasized "patience."

’The Veto system is just so amazing...’

Lloyd recited this sarcastically in his mind, then searched his thoughts to see what new things had sprouted.

First, he found some fragmented knowledge about the Veto system. It was incomplete, but he could vaguely tell it was related to restricting a target’s mobility.

’Maybe once I gather enough knowledge, my Veto Declaration—or Blessing Distortion—will level up and gain the ability to restrict an enemy’s movement?’

In addition to this normal knowledge, Lloyd was surprised to find he had also acquired some knowledge related to the Twist system.

He thought he had figured out where the Madness Value came from. It was most likely the Forbidden Knowledge related to the Twist system. Without the Saint’s Shelter to protect him, it had resulted in Spiritual Contamination...

’But don’t I have the *Book of Truth*? Shouldn’t I be resistant to this kind of knowledge, just like Goldrinn?’

Lloyd couldn’t quite figure it out...

But in any case, earning Madness Value and progressing his Twist system were both good things, so he didn’t look into it any further.

However, this Twist-related knowledge was more obscure and fragmented. Much of it consisted of flickering symbols or meaningless words popping out of the darkness. It was completely unstructured, making it impossible to interpret or determine its use.

He’d probably have to collect more and piece it together before it would be useful.

"That’s enough for today."

Lloyd stretched and prepared to end this round of study.

Before leaving the Thought Realm, he turned and asked the Tentacle Grass:

"Any progress?"

The Tentacle Grass shrugged and shook its head.

’Looks like Old Zhan’s progress is even slower than mine...’

Lloyd seemed to find a strange sort of psychological balance, and his mood inexplicably improved.

But the moment he returned to reality, he felt something odd in his hand. Was he holding something soft and smooth?

He looked down. The Saint Statue, which had been in the middle of his desk, had somehow found its way into his hand.

’Did my hand move on its own?’

’And as I squeeze it... why does it feel more and more like a girl’s hand?’

Just then, Weiya’s voice came from outside the door.

"Lloyd, is your Audience over? I brought you some food from the cafeteria."

Lloyd jumped up. Like a thief with a guilty conscience, he quickly hid the Saint Statue in his desk, composed himself, and went to open the door.

Weiya was standing charmingly outside the door, holding a thermal lunchbox that was wafting the aroma of a hot meal.

"Thank you, Weiya."

Lloyd instantly felt a warmth spread through his heart.

’Weiya is so kind...’

Weiya studied Lloyd for a moment, then asked a strange question:

"Why is your face a little red?"

"Er... I’m just feeling invigorated!"

"Is that so? Well, you should eat first. There’s also a transfer order that came from the higher-ups."

As she spoke, Weiya pulled a wax-sealed letter from her pocket. It bore the iconic insignia of the Holy Judgment Court: a Matchlock Gun and Command Saber crossed amidst flames.

Puzzled, Lloyd took it. He began to read the contents of the order while eating the meal Weiya had brought him.

He was being temporarily reassigned to a place codenamed Outpost 22 for one week to carry out a corresponding execution mission.

He had to depart by airship at 2 p.m. tomorrow.

’And the person who signed this transfer order was, of all people, my so-called Big Brother?’

At the end of the letter, he had even added a personal note reminding Lloyd to be prepared, seize the opportunity, and be sure to bring his Saint Statue.

Lloyd quickly looked up at Weiya, who was sitting across from him, playing with a small kitten.

"What kind of place is this Outpost 22?"

"It’s a temporary fortress built to advance the Great Expansion. I don’t know the specifics, only that it’s supposed to be very far..."

Weiya spoke in an official tone, but unconcealable worry and reluctance showed on her beautiful face.