Sorcerer’s Handbook

Chapter 192: Is It Only Ashe? Only Ashe? Only Ashe?

Calamity Walker!

Though the name carries an aura of sinister madness, its effect was almost like Ashe challenging Freyaexhilarating, followed by certain death. A mere +5 to luck isnt much, but at critical moments, its as if luck plummets to -50.

Winning is like gaining a tiny piece of candy, losing is like losing an entire factory, akin to the losses one can suffer in the stock market.

In addition to that, more likely to trigger mysterious events, more likely to encounter complications, more likely to be observed by Destiny, more likely to trigger major failures. In short, it means being more prone to misfortune, and once misfortune strikes, a -50 to luck, a perfect combo as if Bewitcher had launched an attack with both hand and mouth.

If Ashe had a stable life, even just a normal family, he could somewhat counterbalance the disadvantages brought by his Occupational Traits.

After all, a -50 to luck seems daunting, but it actually requires triggering a critical moment as a prerequisite. Therefore, the method to avoid it is simplejust as moral blackmail requires a target with morals, if Ashe lived a calm and uneventful life, even the lowest luck would merely affect his Probability of Eating Wallaces Spray.

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However, Ashe doesnt have a stable life, not even a home.

He even doubts if sleeping under a bridge would, due to his Occupational Traits, lead to non-stop encounters with robberies/gang wars/serial killers/Bewitcher hunts/Sorcerer invasions from Exotic Lands and other such events throughout the night.

Hence, for Ashe, the option of blending in from the bottom of this Kingdom carries an exceedingly high risk. Finding a place to live, looking for a job, even searching for Sorcerer resourcesall these tasks are extremely troublesome to begin with. Add to that a -50 to luck, and Ashe feels like everyone he meets is bound to be a shady middleman.

Annans hundred-day Contract, while restricting Ashes freedom, also ensures his safetythe very first clause stipulates that the master must protect the Slave.

With Annan acting as a mediator, Ashe could at least safely navigate the perilous newbie phase. He didnt believe that bad luck was like lightning specifically targeting him; rather, it must be akin to a fifty-meter radius event-level Map blast centered on him. This would inevitably drag others, such as Igor and Annan, into the fray, at least allowing him to share the misfortune. Should anything happen, he wouldnt be the only one facing the consequences.

It seemed likely that the negative status of Calamity Walker was planted when Selina bumped into him, followed by two severe incidents: Annan taking advantage of a crisis and the young girl Lises cute but deceitful scam. The +5 to luck hadnt shown its face yet, but the -50 to luck was indeed exceptionally potent.

As these thoughts crossed his mind, they arrived in the living room.

Annans place appeared to be a large flat design, with the entire 51st level below ground constituting her home. The living room alone was easily over a hundred square meters. As Ashe and the others arrived, they spotted several mechanical spiders returning to their web nests to recharge.

As soon as he entered, Ashe noticed these mechanical spiders cleaning. There was no need for further description; the advantages of such spider machines were evident to the naked eye: extremely flexible, not missing any cleaning dead spots, and offering three-dimensional thoroughness.

There were no signs of other servants, suggesting that the daily cleaning was managed entirely by these mechanical spiders.

Considering the unmanned drone delivery systems and the advanced network of automatic vehicles outside, it seemed that manual labor had lost its exploitative value in this place.

Although it was a Sorcerer-led nation, the level of development here, both macro and micro, seemed to comprehensively outshine the Blood Moon Kingdom. Ashe couldnt help but consider the possibilitywas the Blood Moon truly the most barbaric and underdeveloped Sorcerer civilization?

Could his transmigration have started him off in hell?

Please, take a seat, Annan, already waiting for them at the end of a long table, invited. She had changed into a set of purple silk pajamasAshe felt he could already guess the color of this womans underwear. The white-haired young girl Lise sat next to her, holding a cup of milk and wearing cute bunny pajamas, her eyes bright and lively.

That was to be expected; during the one-hour car journey from the outskirts, where the Four Pillars Cult was located, to the downtown area, only Lise had enjoyed a sound sleep. Ashe and the other two had merely taken turns resting their eyes.

Butler Banjeet stood by, serving with a demeanor that belied his youthful appearance; he exuded the steadiness of a seasoned butler well over sixty.

On the table lay four aluminum rings with a metallic luster, each engraved with numbers from 1 to 12, exuding a high-tech vibethree large and one small.

You can wear it on any finger, the method is to put it on and then give it a twist, Annan said while filing her nails. These are the latest Gospel Rings from Salome, available in starry gray, matte black, and sparkling blue. If you have a preferred color, you can mention it now and switch within seven days. The numbers on the rings are just to indicate time, theyre decorative.

Gospel Ring? Igor examined the ring closely with interest.

Thats right, just as you are thinking, Annan confirmed. Once you put it on, youll be able to open the Gospel. Most of your questions can be answered through the Gospel.

An eager Lise had already put on her ring and decisively gave it a twist upon hearing this. Ashe and the others exchanged glances and followed suit.

The next moment, four distinct books appeared before them: Lises was a crystal cover emitting a rainbow luster; Harveys seemed to be bound in white bone, emitting a misty gray vapor; Igors was dazzling with golden light

Ashes book was the most peculiarwhile the others had covers of solid colors or various runes, his showed an inverted hooded figure holding a book to cover their face, shrouded in mystery.

Annan couldnt help but take a second glance at Ashes book, but quickly lost interest. Look at your Gospel and mentally say mine.

Ashe did as instructed, and the Gospel immediately unfolded, listing rows of information:

Ashe Heath

Current Points: 0

Points available this month: 0

Current Ranking: None

Eh?

Ashe turned to look and saw Igor and Harvey with expressions of shock. Ashe felt a bit odd; the design wasnt much different from a Chip Holographic Screenwas it really that surprising?

Annan, Im number 10 on the Azura Beauty Ranking! Lise exclaimed excitedly.

Ashe blinked in surprise.

Two Wings Necromancy Ranking   Azura Sub-Ranking first place. Harvey spoke somberly: It seems that the Necromancy Faction isnt that developed here, for me to be in first place

Wait, Harvey, when did you become Two Wings? Ashe suddenly noticed a detail: You were still a One Wing sorcerer during the Blood Moon Tribunal!

My accumulation was actually enough a while ago. During the days of escaping from prison in the Virtual Realm, I absorbed enough arcane energy and successfully made a Breakthrough to the Gold Tier in the Necromancy Faction Realm. Then, by promoting my Lifeline Spirit to Two Wings, I smoothly entered the Time Continent. Harvey shrugged: Even a Necromancer who has just been promoted to Two Wings like me is ranked first here Sigh, I feel like Ive arrived in a cultural desert.

Isnt being first a good thing? Igor raised his eyebrows: Two Wings Mind Ranking   Azura Sub-Ranking second place, Azura Beauty Ranking fifth place The beauty ranking aside, but to think that theres a Mind Sorcerer at the Two Wings level with a higher Faction Realm than me here. If this were at the Blood Moon, I might already be thinking about hiring you to assassinate that colleague.

How strange you are. If someone is stronger than you, shouldnt you be thinking about how to surpass him with real strength?

Isnt spending money to assassinate him also real strength? Resources, connections, power, intelligence, these are the real strengths of a Mind Sorcerer; arcane energy is just a trivial part of it.

After some thought, Harvey actually agreed with Igors twisted logic: Thats also true, after all, corpses count as my strength too, arcane energy alone is not enough to summarize everything about me

As they were talking, they suddenly realized they were missing a noisy voice.

Both turned to look at Ashe: Ashe, what is your ranking?

Me, oh me, Ashe said dismissively: This is very important confidential information, how can I just reveal it carelessly like you two

Turn your my pages here and let me see. Annan said.

In an instant, Ashe, along with the others, did so. Lise also obediently turned her book around, and Annan, after a glance, confirmed that the name on it was indeed Lise and that the account had zero Points, thus dispelling the last shred of doubt he had about this mysterious little girl.

At that moment, Ashes page was also fully exposed to Igor and Harveys view.

Igor feigned surprise and bellowed loudly:

Ah, my dear Ashe, do you not have a ranking at all?

Can it be that only Ashe has no ranking? Only Ashe? Only Ashe!?

Its just like Ashe to have something so embarrassing to hide, definitely cant let everyone find out how shameful this is

Ashes mouth twitched with irritation. That damn Bewitcher Igor is one thing, but even Harvey, who usually has the expression of a dead fish, was laughing as if high on Moon Sugar, his shoulders shaking so hard he was nearly flinging his pajamas off.

Harvey, during our escape from prison, its clear who was dragging their feet, who was slacking off. The conclusion is pretty obvious now.

Indeed, indeed, hahaha. Sorry, Ashe, I really cant help you, its just too hilarious hahaha

Hmph, laugh it up, Ashe resigned himself: As long as I work hard, I can definitely make it to the top!

As long as I work hard, I can definitely get into college! Igors mouth was almost grinning to the heavens, Ah, the nostalgia. That classmate who said those words seems to have become the ace Silver Fire Dragon at the Mud Caf.

Ashe, dont be like that. Harvey chuckled: I assure you, if there was a Corpse Ranking, Id do everything in my power to get you to the top!

Daddy, dont be sad! Lise clenched her little fists and said: I wont despise you!

Do you really have to keep calling me daddy? Ashe couldnt help but say.

Eh? But who else will promise to always protect Lise, to always listen to Lise? Lise earnestly said: I believe that even a daddy whos powerless can still protect Lise well!

When did the duration of the Contract extend to forever

Harvey reminded: When she made her vow, there was no mention of a time Restriction; theoretically, even after you die and are turned into a undead by me, youd still have to continue protecting her.

Stop, stop. Annan gently tapped the table, Now that you roughly understand the significance of the Gospel, we should move on to the main topic.

Points? Igor guessed: The higher the ranking, the more Points you get. Do you want us to give all our Points to you?

Since I was sixteen, I have been on three or more Ranking Lists, the same number as Banjeet, Annan said languidly. Those Points of yours dont catch my eye.

But your job is indeed related to the Ranking List, related to the Gospel.

Annan blew on his nails: I need you to become the future number one.

Footnote:

1. Probability of Eating Wallaces Spray():

   Wallace is a famous fast-food brand in China. It is rumored online that eating at Wallace can cause diarrhea, turning one into a spray warrior. (Personal experience seems to confirm this.)