Chapter Twenty-Seven: Just a Little Too Short

Qi Chen’s performance truly left everyone present for the tests utterly stunned. Yet the professors in charge were seasoned, unflappable experts, and quickly resumed their work, ready to guide him through the next rounds of testing.

Nevertheless, compared to moments before, each professor and specialist now had a fervent gleam in their eyes.

“Ahem! Alright, the strength test is finished. With that level of power, your other stats are surely impressive as well. Please proceed directly to the mental fortitude assessment,” Professor Li’s voice sounded through the room via the microphone, issuing further instructions.

Qi Chen instinctively glanced toward the Gentle Man, only to find himself fixed upon by an expression of conflicted complexity, which left him feeling a bit embarrassed.

“Shall we... continue?” Qi Chen suggested, somewhat awkwardly.

The Gentle Man looked long and deep at the newcomer, who seemed harmless enough, but the world suddenly felt unreal to him. He’d thought Qi Chen’s ability to close the Confessional Guillotine earlier must have been the peak of his strength, but the test results revealed that Qi Chen hadn’t even exerted himself fully.

“Follow me,” he said, his tone layered and inscrutable, leading Qi Chen toward the next testing area, where they would measure the projection range of the three basic attributes of a Wraithwalker.

In many ways, projection range was even more critical to a Wraithwalker’s combat effectiveness than raw strength. Only through unleashing one’s abilities could one truly threaten an adversary. The projection range thus served as a limiter built into every user of Wraith abilities.

“Generally speaking, aside from a rare few Wraiths with unlimited activation, our projection range radiates outward from ourselves as the center, forming a spherical field.

“Therefore, testing the projection range is simple. Do you see that black runway ahead?” The Gentle Man pointed forward; a straight path constructed of some special material stretched across most of the testing chamber.

“Soon, you’ll stand at the starting point and direct your Wraith straight down the testing lane. Specialized instruments will detect the Wraith’s mental fluctuations, allowing us to determine the approximate projection range.”

This time, the Gentle Man merely explained rather than demonstrating himself—there was no need, nor any desire.

“Begin,” he said.

With that command, Qi Chen, who had been communicating with the Overlord Wraith, finally managed to get this highly distinctive entity to act according to his will.

The moment the Overlord stepped onto the testing lane, the feedback instruments outside the chamber began beeping urgently. The professors crowded around, eager to see how far this tremendously powerful Wraith could project its abilities.

“If it matches the Gentle Man’s ten meters, that would be nearly invincible,” the bald professor exclaimed, excitedly pushing up his sliding glasses. The others nodded in agreement.

Pairing tremendous strength with a sufficient projection range meant Qi Chen could, in most situations, threaten his enemies’ lives while remaining untouchable.

Beep!

Suddenly, the instrument’s lights changed, signaling that the Overlord had reached its maximum range.

A collective sigh arose among the professors. “What a pity, just five meters. That only qualifies as E+.”

Objectively, this result didn’t fulfill their expectations, but it wasn’t terrible either. At least it surpassed that one individual from City Three, whose Wraith could only project one meter.

Combined with Qi Chen’s innate abilities, it was enough to create a five-meter radius melee exclusion zone around him.

“Not bad. Go ahead and test your mental fortitude,” the Gentle Man explained kindly to Qi Chen, ready to offer comfort, but he was surprised to find Qi Chen wasn’t disappointed.

Most people would be interested in their test results—yet Qi Chen, strong as he was, showed neither excitement nor discouragement at his not-so-excellent range.

This made the Gentle Man reassess him. He remembered his own disappointment upon learning his strength rating was only C when he first took this test.

With a smile, he led Qi Chen to the final testing area: the assessment of mental fortitude.

Among the three basic attributes of a Wraithwalker, both strength and projection range were ultimately manifestations of mental fortitude—the latter was the true core.

Even if the other two stats were weak initially, high mental fortitude meant there was hope for enhancement. This was why the professors considered it the key indicator of a Wraithwalker’s potential.

“A Wraithwalker’s Wraith ultimately originates from our minds, reflecting our most intense inner aspect.

“It could be a facet of character, or some deep-seated belief. But whatever it is, it’s the single most concentrated point of our psyche,” the Gentle Man explained dutifully, imparting essential knowledge. “Yet the aspect reflected by the Wraith may differ dramatically from our everyday selves.

“For example, a kind person’s Wraith might represent their hidden malice—or perhaps an even firmer kindness.

“There’s no discernible pattern. Some, especially those who dwell in the mist beyond the city, believe the Wraith is their true self. They strive to draw closer to it, and over time, their personalities change drastically.

“But here in City Three, our belief is: whatever the Wraith reflects, it’s only a part of us. Never let it dominate. Always remember your real self. Power is only a tool.”

Since the arrival of the mist, knowledge about Wraiths had become essential for survival. Taking the opportunity of the mental fortitude test, the Gentle Man reiterated the most vital principle to Qi Chen, and the professors outside listened with satisfaction.

“Qi, the Gentle Man is absolutely right. While using Wraith powers, it’s inevitable to be influenced by them, but we hope every Wraithwalker can face this transformation and always remember their true heart,” Professor Li concluded.

The Gentle Man then demonstrated the mental fortitude test. He approached a special upright pillar with a translucent sphere at the top, glowing softly.

Its shape resembled the high tower of City Three.

“Watch carefully,” the Gentle Man said, suddenly serious. His Wraith—Heartfire—floated out and approached the sphere.

Instantly, colors bloomed within the once-transparent orb, turning it entirely orange in the blink of an eye. The other side displayed the mental fortitude result.

“Excellent. The Gentle Man’s mental fortitude is a steady D level,” Professor Li commented with a smile. D-level meant the strength of a hundred minds; not outstanding among natural Wraiths, but for humans, it was formidable and rare.

Next, it was Qi Chen’s turn.