This way, Transcendents could invest more time and energy into their work, studies, and personal cultivation.
After completing the "Basic Skull-Splitting Fist" for the ninth time.
Zorn was lightly sweating.
He stood silently in the thin mist of the backyard.
He could clearly feel a subtle "qi" being slowly drawn into his body.
'This SS-Level aptitude Sequence is truly extraordinary. Normally, only a Level Three Fighter can sense Qi, but I'm only Tier One and I can already feel and begin to master it.'
'As expected of a top-tier aptitude.'
'This SS-Level Gangyi Iron Bone enhances my willpower against the influence of various negative forces, strengthens my physical defense and bone density, and even reduces pain.'
'This gives me extremely strong combat and fighting abilities in the early stages.'
'The potential of an SS-Level Sequence is incredibly high; there's no doubt about that.'
'But I still need to train diligently to unearth and develop this Sequence's immense power.'
For the Fighting Master Sequence,
daily training, cultivation, sparring, and boxing could all slowly increase one's Fighting Qi, Fighting Physique, and Sequence Level.
But to grow quickly,
one had to experience true "combat."
A cruel and bloody "Life and Death Combat" was key to a Fighting Master's advancement, and it was the very essence of the Fighting Sequence's Soul of Fighting.
"Young Master Zorn, it's time for breakfast!"
The old butler Glangk's voice sounded from the steps under the eaves.
"Coming, Uncle Glangk!"
Zorn replied with a warm smile.
Breakfast was lavish.
Two blood sausages, a small plate of bacon, a fried egg, a fresh vegetable salad with sweet bean sauce, plus a sliced, sweet, and soft croissant, and a large glass of fresh, hot milk.
In Zorn's memory, breakfast had always been lavish, but the variety and portion size were a bit lacking compared to today's spread.
As he ate, he was surprised to find his appetite was exceptionally good today.
The Fighting Sequence was already changing him.
As the large amount of food entered his stomach and slowly digested,
he once again felt a faint "qi" being slowly absorbed by his body.
Gaining "qi" from digesting food was also part of his growth.
Of course, to gain more and grow further in his Sequence, he needed to participate in [Events], use his own methods and abilities, and push the [Events] forward.
That was the best way to improve within the World of the Holy Relic: Eternal Poem.
The maid, Vanessa, finished clearing the table and left the small dining room adjacent to the main hall.
"Uncle Glangk!"
Zorn was the first to speak, looking at the butler, Glangk, who had been waiting patiently by the side.
"How are the family's finances?"
Yesterday, when Young Master Zorn had insisted on postponing that mysterious inheritance, he'd felt that the young master was growing up.
And today, Young Master Zorn was asking about the family's financial situation, which made this feeling even stronger for the old butler.
And he felt no dissatisfaction. Instead, he felt a sense of anticipation and relief.
Young Master Zorn was truly growing up.
But when his thoughts turned to the family's finances, his brow furrowed.
After a moment's hesitation, he finally spoke frankly.
"Young Master Zorn, the Einon Plantation to the north hasn't produced anything for a long time due to interference from those... those Confused in the mist."
"The two properties in Old Ogrande City were also mortgaged to the bank because the family's expenses have exceeded its income for the past two years. If..."
The old butler paused, then sighed.
"If the auction proceeds don't cover the debt, we'll have to make up the difference. We might even lose this very manor we're in now to the bank."
The old butler's explanation made Zorn pause.
'Even though I know the plot, this is all happening too fast.'
"Also..."
The old butler continued to explain.
"The dock transport company in the Bay Area that Baron Leon invested in used to bring in a handsome sum of money every month last year."
"But... ever since Baron Leon went to sea, the monthly dividends have been getting smaller and smaller."
"Then, six months ago, the dividend payments stopped completely."
"Right now, the manor's reserves are down to less than two hundred gold pounds."
As soon as Zorn heard this, he instantly understood the schemes at play.
He was all too familiar with the public, gray, and underground dealings of the current age of roaring steam and the revival of the Extraordinary.
The Bay Area was a hub for steam trains and river shipping.
It was a nexus of interests, and a place where gangs ran rampant.
After some gang leaders grasped mysterious Extraordinary Powers, they even dared to use bold schemes to embezzle the profits of merchants and noble families who lacked a deep foundation.
Of course, they had dared to do so before, just not with such massive, greedy appetites as they had now.
In an era of great change and turmoil, it was difficult for nobles without any special status to hold onto their family fortunes, let alone advance their standing.
As a veteran noble, Leon Corick had clearly realized this, which was what drove him to explore the depths of the ocean in search of mystery and Extraordinary Power.
In any case, the family's financial problem was the most pressing issue to be resolved.
'How am I supposed to be an Evil God boss without any money?'
After a moment of thought, Zorn looked at Glangk and said,
"Uncle Glangk, I need a map of our Ogrande City."