The *Traveler’s Journal* only recorded the method for entering the Black Iron Blood Faction. To reach the Bronze rank, one would have to find the journal’s missing or hidden pages.

’Right now, the only path to Bronze is for a Dragon Knight. Perhaps I can ask the Amel Knights about it later... No, that’s not a good idea. Casually asking them about the Promotion ritual for another class would definitely arouse suspicion.’

"The principle is quite simple."

Just as Baron was lost in his thoughts, Lewis’s voice pulled him back to reality.

’The principle is just recording and playback...’

A cryptic smile spread across the City Lord’s face. "Inside the phonograph, the Mechanical School has used an Alchemy Array to suppress a Phonograph Monster. When electrocuted at a specific frequency, the creature sings out whatever sounds it heard the last time it received a shock of that same frequency."

"These instruments are extremely intricate Electric Shock Devices that store electrical currents."

Baron couldn’t help but let out a couple of coughs. When Maguire looked at him with concern, he simply excused himself, saying he had a cold.

’This Mechanical School phonograph... all I can say is, it’s certainly imaginative.’

The feast that followed was straightforward. As the guest of honor for the evening, Baron was specially invited by Lewis to sit at his table.

At the table, just as Maguire and Zod had predicted, Stephen made him an offer on account of his "Lone Wolf" status.

He also subtly implied that if Baron joined the First Hunter Association, matters like the Iron Thorn, Silver Thorn, or even Golden Thorn would be of no concern.

But Baron politely declined.

It wasn’t for lack of a 401(k) or overtime pay; he genuinely had no interest at the moment.

Stephen was stunned. He clearly hadn’t expected anyone to actually refuse a recruitment offer from the First Hunter Association. Nevertheless, he said he hoped Baron would reconsider.

"After all, the First Hunter Association is the largest Demon Hunter guild in Prole, and Chairman Liuxia is very likely to become the next Elector of Gillian."

After finishing the meal, which felt like sitting on pins and needles, Baron was eager to get his firearm repaired. Guided by one of Lewis’s attendants, he set off with Zod and Maguire for the Alchemy Workshop of Master Michael, the city’s best Gunner and a master of the Mechanical School.

On the way, Baron remembered the Little Nun who had gone to the Blood Church alone. He asked Zod and Maguire to go on ahead to check on her, promising he would follow shortly after.

Upon arriving at the Alchemy Workshop, the guiding Attendant straightened his clothes and knocked politely on the large door.

A sound from Master Michael came from within. Baron wasn’t sure if it was his imagination, but he sensed a strange rhythmic quality to it.

"Which bastard is interrupting my afternoon tea!"

The Attendant politely explained their purpose and emphasized that Baron was a guest of City Lord Lewis, after which the sound of reluctant footsteps finally came from within the Alchemy Workshop.

The door opened, and darkness poured out. Not a single trace of light came from within.

The corner of Baron’s mouth twitched. ’Is there a single normal human being among all the Alchemy Masters?’ he wondered.

The man who opened the door, Master Michael, wore an exceedingly trendy, long, layered black robe. He was covered in all sorts of alchemical jewelry and runic tattoos.

He was about fifty, with dark, bright eyes and a completely bald head. His teeth were so white they gleamed in the light of the setting sun, and one of them was gold.

But none of this was what shocked Baron, the Dragon Knight.

What shocked Baron the most was Master Michael’s skin color—jet-black and gleaming. He was, unmistakably, a black man!!!

——————

[PS: I’ve been swamped with meetings and overtime ever since I landed from my trip. I haven’t been able to find any time to slack off and write, so I had to quickly type this out on my phone. My apologies. To show my sincerity, I might drop a burst of Chapters at random times in July and August.]

[PS2: I’m also working on refining the writing style so it’s not so offbeat and disjointed for some readers. The plot’s tone will also shift as the story progresses, with Baron moving from a passive role to an active one. The "Return of the Dragon Knight" volume is expected to conclude in July. Hurry and throw your banknotes, monthly passes, and recommendation votes to Westminster Cathedral!]

[PS3: Another Chapter coming around midnight.]