Chapter 208: The High Stakes of a Skill Book Request

“Lord Yenir, do you mean you’re applying to the Military for a high-tier Skill Book?”

“And it has to be an S-rank sword technique?”

In the stretched-out black motorcade, Zhao Long cautiously inquired with the passenger seated behind Yenir. His gaze slid uneasily over the lean man by Yenir’s side, though the man was merely sitting with his eyes closed, exuding no aura.

Yet his mere presence was overwhelmingly oppressive, like a ferocious tiger lurking in the shadows, ever ready to pounce on its prey.

“Exactly. Is there a problem?”

Wearing a faint smile, Yenir calmly glanced at the escort team outside the car, inwardly grumbling.

He was now traveling along the main thoroughfare leading to a key Military District area. This road was one of the busiest routes frequented daily by the survivors of the Capital.

But because of his journey, the Transportation Department had cordoned off the road and deployed a multitude of soldiers, standing like human walls every ten meters to escort him through.

Frankly, the whole setup was way too ostentatious.

Yenir was well aware that he was currently the hottest figure in the Capital Military District. Many departments, eager to curry favor, had jumped at the chance to work with him.

Orders from above cascaded down, and subordinate officials dared not slack off, resulting in the current scene.

He was merely on a trip to the Military Research Institute to fetch a sword technique. To his surprise, word of his outing had triggered the Armaments Division to rally four or five departments, turning his casual trip into an ‘inspection by the higher-ups.’

Of course, things would ease once this period passed.

“No problem, no problem. Absolutely no problem!”

“Your clearance level isn’t limited to one book – as long as you need, we can arrange more!”

“It’s just that…”

A hint of unease flashed in Zhao Long’s eyes as he quietly added:

“Perhaps there’s an S-rank one…”

“But you know, the higher the rank of the skill book that remains, the more unique its qualities…”

After saying this, Zhao Long carefully studied Yenir’s expression, worried about inciting his displeasure.

Not very familiar with Yenir, many saw him as a sharp-tongued, formidable youth who was extremely hard to approach.

Offend him? Who knew if that would be a death sentence?

Besides, his respectful demeanor was due to Yenir’s current exalted status – a status that compelled extreme caution!

Who would have thought that just a week ago, Chen Kailai had entrusted him with the care of someone, and now, that person had become the superior of his own direct superior, with an even more boundless future ahead!

“Uncle Zhao, no need to be so formal. I heard from Commander Chen that you’re an old friend of his.”

“While I’m away from the Capital these days, I hope you’ll also keep an eye on my family. I appreciate your efforts.”

Yenir nodded and smiled.

Although Zhao Long’s rank wasn’t high, as the captain of the Capital Military District’s Safety Management Bureau, in short, he was essentially a provincial security official before the end times.

For Chen Kailai to entrust him with caring for Yenir was no small favor. Normally, with Yenir based in the Capital, Zhao Long could help resolve many issues.

But his rapid rise in status was far beyond anyone’s expectations.

Regardless, as the nascent leader of his own faction, Yenir didn’t mind bringing Zhao Long on board – after all, he could help run errands and handle minor matters.

As for the sword technique Zhao Long mentioned being somewhat special…

Yenir wasn’t particularly concerned.

Most S-rank sword techniques that were left over were usually oddities – either too peculiar or with overly strict learning conditions.

But with the Sword God System at his disposal, even D-rank scraps were usable. What was a minor issue in comparison?

……….

After passing through a series of heavily guarded checkpoints, the extended black motorcade smoothly came to a stop at the Research Institute’s gate.

【First Military District Combat Testing Lab】

..

Beneath a gleaming silver metal sign, as soon as Yenir arrived, several senior figures from the institute, who had long been waiting, warmly approached him.

Their actions immediately drew the curious glances of nearby new recruits still undergoing checks.

With skill drop rates so dismal, many Awakeners joined the Military solely to earn a main combat skill through contributions.

For the Capital Military District’s Awakeners, once they selected their skills, the institute would gather data to analyze their combat performance.

Among the sea of people, hundreds of eyes fixed on Yenir’s side profile inside the car.

Looking at his youthful face, those who couldn’t place him couldn’t help but speculate about his identity.

They had assumed these high-ranking officials were there to welcome an eminent dignitary, but to their surprise, the visitor was a youth seemingly younger than they were.

After a cadre-level official with a servile smile opened the car door for Yenir, someone in the crowd couldn’t help but exclaim:

“Damn, he carries himself like a superstar!”

“Whose son is this high-status kid?”

It was obvious to everyone that these institute executives were treating this youth with deference typically reserved for a superior. It was almost excessive.

Ignoring the murmurs of the crowd, Deputy Director Wang Xiaotian of the Research Institute nonchalantly observed Yenir.

He had also attended the award ceremony, though he had only caught a glimpse of Yenir from afar.

Curiosity piqued by the prodigious youth who had stirred the entire Capital in just a few days, Wang Xiaotian couldn’t hide his intrigue.

He had a dignified bearing… undeniably striking in appearance.

In his eyes, Yenir, clad in a black combat uniform, resembled a sharp, upright sword.

Steady and calm… nothing like the domineering image from the rumors. Nor did he look like the impoverished underdog one might expect from his background.

That aura – as if he were a long-time high-ranking magnate – was unbelievable!

Rumors, after all, were never reliable.

Seeing the gentle, approachable smile on Yenir’s face, Wang Xiaotian hesitated to press further, but before he could speak, Yenir softly requested:

“Director Wang, please show me the way.”

“Are all the skills set up?”

“Of course! Absolutely!”

“We were ready as soon as we received the notice!”

Seeing that Yenir wasn’t one for formalities, Wang Xiaotian quickly responded while signaling a subordinate to hand over a metal badge to Yenir.

“Just take this ID card with you!”

“All skills are stored in the underground area. With your clearance, you can view any skill you fancy. Simply take what you want when the time comes!”

Pointing at the ID card, Wang Xiaotian elaborated:

“This card comes with the highest clearance! If you prefer not to return it after use, you may keep it. Next time you need something, just come in!”

“But please, be sure to safeguard the card. If it’s lost, our old man in Western Zhejiang is in for a world of trouble.”

Wang Xiaotian chuckled self-deprecatingly, subtly hinting that he could make things easier for Yenir.

Holding the highest clearance ID, Yenir could essentially have his family or friends come in for a skill application without much hassle, as long as it wasn’t over the top. Theoretically, Wang Xiaotian would turn a blind eye.

Raising an eyebrow slightly, Yenir accepted the ID card without a fuss and nodded.

He wasn’t at all surprised by the courtesy shown to him.

Given his current status, facing various lower-level departments posed no risk. Higher-ranking officials could easily overpower any minor dissent. Besides, among the mid-level ranks, Yenir was known as a ruthless individual who once took down a commander without breaking a sweat!

Surrounded by envious gazes, Yenir proceeded into the institute accompanied by the officials.

Meanwhile, several newly promoted low-ranking recruits in the crowd couldn’t help but stare at his retreating figure in shock.

“Highest clearance!? Are you serious?”

“These high-ups acting like this is no different from cutting corners and breaking the rules!”

“On what grounds can he do this!”

They grumbled in discontent.

One Second-Stage Awakened, his eyes tinged with envy, casually glanced at the ID card he had been issued.

It read: C-rank, Restricted Clearance.

Understanding what the highest clearance meant, an intense bitterness welled up inside him! That kid didn’t even look older than him!

He had struggled for three long years just to earn that ID card!

How could there be such a massive disparity?! These bureaucratic leeches must be secretly colluding in defiance of the rules! He was determined to report them!

A senior Second-Stage Awakened, as if sensing his rising indignation, quickly grabbed him with a strange look on his face.

“Damn, buddy! Don’t drag us down with you if you’re courting death!”

“You still ask, ‘on what grounds?’ Do you even know who that guy was just now?”

The young man, about to retort sharply, suddenly froze and looked dazedly at the sergeant holding him back.

“Who?”

He had only returned from a mission replica that morning and had just arrived back at the Capital Safe Zone.

Seeing the youth utterly clueless, the Sergeant Major sighed in exasperation and had no choice but to explain:

“Yenir.”

“That man just now was Yenir… He’s already reached Third-Stage. He’s the best in the world!”

“You ask what grounds? It’s all because he’s just that impressive…”

The moment the words fell, the young man’s eyes widened into perfect ovals.

The Sergeant Major let out a sigh and patted his shoulder:

“Alright, just take it easy.”

“Even if he cleared out the entire place, believe it or not, the Military wouldn’t utter a single word against it!”