[You have obtained: The Divine Emblem of Air]

[You have obtained +5 Levels]

[You have obtained +30 Reputation Points]

[You have obtained: Trait Generator (Mythical, 2-Star)]

[Ding!]

[You have leveled up!]

[You have leveled up!]

[You have leveled up!]

[You have leveled up!]

[You have leveled up!]

[Level: 17 (0/3,600)]

[Combat Score: 112.34 -> 127.34]

[Reputation: 190]

Caelus immediately used the new Trait Generator.

[Ding! You have obtained the Rare Trait: Silver Tongue.]

[Silver Tongue (Rare, 2-Star) - When using this trait, your words become incredibly persuasive, capable of convincing even a stubborn donkey.]

[Cost: 15 CA]

"..." Caelus was absolutely baffled seeing this.

Silver Tongue that can convince even a stubborn donkey? What sorta traits was he getting? This was not even related to his powers.

"So you are Player 555," Allister came forward, his expression rigid and cold.

"What you just did... it is considered cheating, you know," Allister said, his voice laced with agitation and deep frustration. He had been so close to winning, yet he had still lost to a complete unknown.

"As you yourself just said, this is a game-like world. The rules here are absolute. The fact that I could do what I did means it was entirely permissible by the trial’s mechanics," Caelus replied with a bright, mocking smile.

"You are surprisingly experienced in this specific trial. I didn’t expect that. It is almost as if the so-called Holy Church meticulously trained you for this exact scenario," Caelus added, his eyes narrowing with intent.

"You do not need to concern yourself with the internal matters of the Holy Church, Player 555." Allister glared. "This is not the only trial ground in this world."

I knew it. Caelus blinked.

The way Allister moved was far too precise. He knew the layout and rules beforehand. The Holy Church was not as simple as they seemed after all.

"Player 555, if you are willing to take me into the Quest of Divinity, the Holy Church and the Supernova family will pay you a hefty sum. I know that you got the Divine Emblems of Fire, Water, and now Wind."

"We can also get you more Origin Domain updates from the highest middle expanses," Allister wagered, a look of desperate hope flashing in his eyes. "You can take up to three people with you into the Quest of Divinity normally."

Caelus burst out laughing upon hearing this. Then, his face went completely straight. "No. Tough luck, buddy. Must be rough, huh? Losing the challenge. Get better, or maybe go run to those other trials you just mentioned."

"Y-You!" Allister’s face turned a violent shade of green. "Do you truly want to make a permanent enemy out of the Holy Church and my family?"

"Why not?" Caelus shrugged casually. "I already have way too many enemies. Two more wouldn’t hurt."

Then, without letting the burly man say another word, Caelus left the zone with Sylvia.

Their next and final destination: the Divine Region of Earth.

The region was filled with jagged, rocky mountains, and in the dead center was the Divine Kingdom of Gaia.

[Ding! Complete the trial to obtain the Origin Domain Update: Faction Creation.]

The challenge here was surprisingly straightforward. One just needed to destroy the massive Earth Golems born out of the rugged terrain. With their overwhelming combat scores, Caelus and Sylvia effortlessly smashed through the final hurdles.

[You have successfully unlocked the Origin Domain Update: Faction Creation.]

[You have obtained: The Divine Emblem of Earth]

[You have obtained +5 Levels]

[You have obtained +30 Reputation Points.]

[You have obtained: Trait Generator (Mythical, 2-Star)]

[Ding!]

[You have leveled up!]

[You have leveled up!]

[You have leveled up!]

[You have leveled up!]

[You have leveled up!]

With this, they were able to secure another 5 levels.

[Level Capped!]

[Storing one level.]

[Level: 21 (Capped)]

[Combat Score: 127.34 -> 139.34]

[Reputation: 220]

"It is a pity that these golems do not drop essence or grant direct experience," Caelus shook his head.

But that was fine. He didn’t really need them anyway. His raw power might officially still be at Bronze I, but he didn’t care. What truly mattered was reaching Bronze II.

He casually handed Sylvia his newly acquired Trait Generator.

"I already got two from the previous trials. You should get two as well," Caelus said with a small smile.

"Alright." Sylvia smiled warmly and took it. Since this was given to her by Caelus, she would accept it gladly.

[You have obtained the Trait: Earth Bending (Epic, 2-Star)]

[Earth Bending (Epic, 2-Star): It is in your very instincts to bend the earth to your will. Use it to trap enemies, manipulate terrain, or catch them off guard.]

[Cost: 5 Mana]

"Earth Bending? That is amazing," Caelus said.

"Did you want it, Caelus?" Sylvia asked curiously, holding it out. "If you need it, we can buy a Transfer Card."

"What are you saying?" Caelus was speechless. "Keep it. You severely lack versatile utility skills."

"I just want the best for you~" Sylvia said softly, her crimson eyes shimmering.

"..." Caelus fell silent upon hearing this.

This girl... it is genuinely hard not to start liking her now, Caelus sighed internally.

She always wanted the best for him, ready to sacrifice her own gains and safety for his sake without a second thought. Compared to her, he felt like he wasn’t even trying.

"Sylvia. About that steak date... do you still remember? We can go right after this Divinity quest is complete," Caelus said with a hint of hesitation. He had originally blurted it out in the heat of the moment and heavily doubted she would have dwelled on it.

"Hm? Were we not originally going to go either way?" Sylvia tilted her head, looking genuinely confused that he would even ask. "I was really looking forward to it."

"Really?" Caelus was stunned.

"Of course. I also want to go on dates with you," Sylvia said, a soft, beautiful smile blooming on her face. "Is that too much to ask?"

"We can go out daily," Caelus suddenly blurted out. "If that is what you want."

"???" Sylvia looked at Caelus in delightful confusion.

What had suddenly gotten into him? But at the same time, her heart swelled with pure joy.

"Does that mean... you—"

Just as Sylvia began speaking, an ear-piercing system notification interrupted them.

[The Quest of Divinity has been initiated.]

[It has been detected that there is one eligible person in your party. Would you like to add them to the Quest of Divinity?]

Caelus immediately pressed ’Yes’. He wanted Sylvia by his side for this.

[Divinity Quest initiated. Good luck.]

[You will need it.]

"???" Caelus’s expression drastically changed as his and Sylvia’s figures violently flickered out of existence.

---

A/N: If you are enjoying the book so far, support it with a power stone or two. Thank you.