My Skills Can Evolve Infinitely in a Game-Like World

It didn’t take long.

Although the dispute involved a precious Relic, neither the merchant nor the Player was an Awakener.

Just as the Player had been subdued the moment the guards arrived, so too was the merchant.

Two guards were more than enough to pin him down within seconds.

While this was happening, their leader was conversing with Aurelius.

"Thank you, my Lord, for your help."

"If it hadn’t been for your assistance, we would have committed a grave mistake today," the man bowed respectfully.

By now, everything had become clear to him.

It was obvious that the Relic belonged to neither of these people.

The beggar had most likely been telling the truth. He had indeed found it lying on the ground.

Under normal circumstances, finding a Relic wasn’t a major matter, especially a Common Relic like the Dawn Shield. At least, it was none of the guards’ business.

But considering the Relic’s identity, the guard leader hesitated.

"My Lord, this is crucial evidence for this case. If you may..."

He didn’t finish his words.

However, since his gaze locked onto the golden shield, his purpose became clear.

Aurelius knew the reason.

A Relic of the Knights of the Sun indeed needed careful handling.

Although he was slightly disappointed to have to give up the Relic he had just obtained, Aurelius knew better than to push his luck.

After a brief pause, he intended to hand over the Dawn Shield.

But just then, he suddenly recalled something. Reaching into his left pocket, he retrieved a small, round token.

Golden threads wove on top of its black surface, fusing into a beautiful pattern.

"Do you recognize this token?" he questioned the guard.

Aurelius was merely trying his luck, with no expectations.

But the moment the guard saw the token, his pupils suddenly contracted.

Cold sweat ran down his back, and his expression became more respectful than ever.

Likewise, the way he addressed Aurelius subtly changed.

"Please forgive me, Your Mightiness."

"I didn’t know you were carrying the Priest’s Authority. Since that’s the case, there is no point in taking the Dawn Shield."

"It’s in the safest hands possible."

The guard leader hurriedly spoke, pushing both the token and the shield back to him, as though afraid he would misunderstand.

His sudden change of behavior stunned Aurelius.

But his words resolved most of his doubts.

Priest. Authority.

The former was a term he recognized from one of the books he had read in the Academy’s library.

In the Dawn Kingdom, Priest did not refer to the position, nor to the Class itself.

Instead, it was a title reserved for the high-level members of the Sun Church.

As for their so-called Authority...

Aurelius glanced at the token. He had a hunch it referred to this.

This was an object Professor Anna had given him a few days ago, when he handed over the first batch of Potions.

He had already tried to view its description, but his investigation yielded no result. It was not a Relic or extraordinary material.

Since then, he had believed Anna was fooling him.

It was only now that the truth came to light.

’Does that mean that Professor Anna is related to the Sun Church? Perhaps she is the so-called Priest.’

’No—the Priestess.’

’But since that’s the case, what is she doing in the Ernst Academy? Exploding the library, nonetheless.’

A single answer gave birth to several new questions.

Unfortunately, Aurelius had no time to think things over.

Although the crowd had already dispersed under the guards’ instructions, there was still some aftermath to deal with.

At that thought, Aurelius glanced toward the central party of this commotion.

Unknowingly, the beggar had been freed by the guards and risen to his feet. He surveyed his surroundings with obvious curiosity.

When his eyes met Aurelius’, he forced himself to show what he considered a polite smile.

But for Aurelius, this smile... looked downright shady.

Now that he took a closer look, he had to admit it.

The guards were justified in believing the merchant so easily.

This Player carried himself with the aura of a delinquent. It was as though he wanted everyone to know he was a bad person. No wonder no one had believed him.

FamousIdol failed to notice Aurelius’ thoughts. Seeing him focus on himself, he smiled wildly and approached him.

"My Lord, thank you for saving me! I’ll never forget today’s kindness! I’ll make sure to repay it in the future!" he placed his right hand on his chest and bowed.

Although his posture was non-standard, he actually looked sincere.

At least for a split second.

Then, his tune changed.

"Since the misunderstanding has been resolved, I believe my Lord must have understood that this Relic rightfully belongs to me. If you may please return it..."

FamousIdol rubbed his hands together. He hadn’t expected that he would be able to not only survive but also regain his Relic.

As for Aurelius? FamousIdol did not recognize him.

Unlike other Beta Players, he had done no research prior to entering the game.

From the beginning, his goal had never been to Level Up. Rather than grinding Levels, he preferred to enjoy himself.

"Hehehehe..." FamousIdol chuckled eerily.

Seeing him grin to himself, his eyes lost in his dreams, Aurelius had to wonder whether there was something wrong with this Player’s head.

Could it be that getting beaten up had caused brain injury? Would it affect him in "reality" too?

For a moment, Aurelius couldn’t help but cast a look of pity at him.

Then...

Aurelius silently pocketed the Dawn Shield and left.

He had no intention of parting with the Dawn Shield any longer.

He had obtained it with his own strength. How could he possibly give up on it?

Thankfully for him, FamousIdol was long immersed in his dreams.

It was only half a minute later that his laughter finally stopped and he snapped back to reality.

He was originally expecting to see Aurelius hand over the Relic obediently.

Yet the blond young man was nowhere to be seen.

Not only him.

Even the guards and the surrounding pedestrians had long since left.

He was all alone.

Well... him and the burly middle-aged man beside him.

The man was holding his shoulder, as though afraid he would run away.

No matter how much FamousIdol struggled, he failed to break free.

"Boy, stop struggling," the man said.

"You destroyed my stall during the previous ruckus," he pointed at the ruins behind him.

"Don’t think you can get out of this without paying a price. Five gold coins. If you don’t have them..."

Watching as the burly man didn’t finish his sentence but had his gaze sweep over him, FamousIdol flinched.

He suddenly had a bad premonition.