Chapter 11: The Dragonhunter Lance

“This rain just won’t quit.”

Lin Xun stared at his phone. The screen kept showing the game text: ‘Torrential downpour.’

The rain had continued nonstop from yesterday afternoon through to the next morning.

All he could do was remain inside the church, locked in a loving stare with the Stubborn Donkey Paladin, unable to proceed with the game.

After who knew how long, the game text finally changed.

[The thunderstorm subsides. Thick clouds part, and the crimson sunlight once again bathes Saint Rance. You bask in the corrupt light as the mutated organ in your brain begins to stir.]

[Blood Pineal Gland skill activated. Current Shell temporary level +5!]

[You have become stronger!]

Delighted, Lin Xun opened the Shell panel. The level of his “Corrupted Blood Sun Cultist” Shell had risen to 14 (+5).

He didn’t know why the skill still treated him as a “devout believer” even after desecrating the Corrupted Blood Sun statue, but he wasn’t about to complain.

“So you’ve been camping my body this whole time, huh? Come on then, let’s settle this once and for all.”

[The fearless Apostle no longer cowers and resolutely steps out of the church.]

[The Paladin of Discipline draws its two-handed greatsword and charges toward you…]

[After a grueling battle, you narrowly defeat the Paladin of Discipline!]

[Experience has slightly increased.]

[The power within the Shell begins to boil. ‘Corrupted Blood Sun Cultist’ Shell level increased. Current Shell Level: 15 (+5)]

[You have obtained Unknown Trace of Spirit (Item).]

With his revenge complete, Lin Xun felt an overwhelming wave of satisfaction.

Taking down that monster meant he could finally resume progressing through the game.

But the rewards didn’t stop there…

[You examine the Shell of the ‘Paladin of Discipline from the Blood Sun Church.’]

[Paladin of Discipline Shell: A powerful elite knight from the Blood Sun Church. A deep slash across the throat marks the cause of death, clean and efficient. Compatibility: 91% (+25%)]

[Do you want to possess this Shell?]

Of course!

Lin Xun had long coveted this Shell, he knew firsthand how powerful the Paladin of Discipline was.

[You have possessed the Shell of the ‘Paladin of Discipline from the Blood Sun Church.’]

[Residual memories in the Shell: Slay the defilers and Praise the Sun!]

[A surging power churns within the Shell. You feel invincible and unstoppable.]

This time, when the text said “invincible and unstoppable,” probably wasn’t a euphemism for big-chested like the nun.

Eagerly, he opened the Shell panel.

[Shell – Blood Sun Paladin of Discipline]

[True Name: Unknown]

[Compatibility: 91% (+25%)]

[Shell Quality: Fine]

[Shell Level: 6]

[Shell Equipment: Heavy Metal Plate Armor (Common+), Two-Handed Knight Greatsword (Common+)]

[Shell Skill: Blood Charge (Fine): An advanced skill of Church Knights. Under the influence of corruption, scarlet energy coils around you during a charge.]

Compared to the previous “Ruined” gear, these “Common+” items were much more pleasing to the eye.

And the Shell itself, along with its skill, was of Fine grade, a pleasant surprise.

Lin Xun noted the 91% compatibility. If he could upgrade his soul talent again, maybe the Shell quality could be pushed even further.

“Trading up from a slingshot to a cannon!”

Controlling the Paladin Shell, Lin Xun marched toward the tower.

Let’s not forget, there was still a golden treasure chest waiting!

As he passed through the eastern path, he encountered another Blood Sun Cultist monster horde.

With just a few Blood Charges, he easily cleared the field.

[The power within the Shell begins to boil. ‘Paladin of Discipline’ Shell level increased. Current Shell Level: 9]

After slaughtering the horde, the Paladin Shell’s level skyrocketed to 9.

He pushed on to the third floor of the tower. The game text changed.

[In the empty hall stands a lone, heavy golden chest. Its guardian may have already met a tragic end.]

[Do you want to open the chest?]

Lin Xun licked his lips. Instead of opening it immediately, he ran to the bathroom and washed his hands meticulously.

“Gotta keep the ritual alive.”

He tapped the screen to open the chest!

[You stride forward and open the chest.]

[You have obtained Lord Fox’s Diamond Key (Key).]

[You have obtained the Broken Dragonhunter Lance (Fine+ Weapon).]

[You have obtained the Paladin Patrick’s Journal (Item).]

[You have obtained Unknown Trace of Spirit ×2 (Item).]

“A massive haul!”

The continuous string of loot notifications filled Lin Xun with pure joy.

He opened his inventory and used all previously obtained Spirit Essence items, bringing his Spirit Essence count to 305.

[Lord Fox’s Diamond Key: The cautious, miserly lord foresaw corruption coming to Saint Rance. He built a massive metal gate—the only path to his castle. Yet even the sturdiest fortresses fall from within…]

This emblem must be the key to the metal gate behind the church.

Next, Lin Xun checked the rest of his loot.

[Broken Dragonhunter Lance (Fine+): A replica of the legendary dragon-slaying weapon. Even fractured, residual thunderous power lingers. Reforged with its missing half, it may regain true draconic might.]

The item description made Lin Xun drool. This weapon looked like it could be equipped to the Paladin Shell.

He moved the Dragonhunter Lance to the Paladin’s equipment slot.

[You have equipped the ‘Broken Dragonhunter Lance’!]

[You have become even stronger!]

Still more loot to check.

[Paladin Patrick’s Journal: Chronicles the knight’s life. Using it reveals the shell’s True Name.]

Lin Xun had always wondered what effect unlocking a Shell’s True Name had. Every Shell he’d acquired so far had shown “Unknown” as the name.

This item should finally give him the answer.

[You have used the Paladin Patrick’s Journal (Item).]

[You have unlocked the Paladin’s True Name.]

[You may now manifest this Shell in the real world!]

!!!

Lin Xun had been trained to remain composed and avoid swearing.

But in this moment, only two words could truly express his emotions:

“Holy sh*t!!!”