The Last Gentleman

Expensive.

And not just expensive—prohibitively so.

Yi Chen’s months of wages working in the cemetery, plus his special bonuses, barely added up to a little over 100 silver coins. Yet, even the cheapest kerosene lamp here cost 500 silver coins.

That being said, these kerosene lamps were exceptional.

They managed to shrink their size to the minimum while still maintaining excellent lighting properties. No matter how much you shook them, the internal combustion remained unaffected.

Both the lamp cylinder and the base were made from impact-resistant materials. The more expensive ones were even engraved with defensive runes, which significantly reduced the chance of damage during combat.

At this moment, Edmund emerged from a special section of the store, holding a particularly unique kerosene lamp.

“William, what do you think of this one? It feels like it suits you.”

The lamp Edmund picked was primarily black, with a raven specimen mounted on the top of its cylinder.

The raven's body had undergone special treatment, filled with a tough yet flexible material that ensured it would never decay.

Notably, its eyes had been replaced with two distinctive rubies, giving the lifeless bird an eerie semblance of vitality.

Additionally, the fuel refill opening was cleverly designed in the style of a "black-framed wooden door," making the lamp resemble a miniature private house. The fire burning within cast its glow outward, illuminating the world through the "windows."

The shop attendant, treating Edmond like a valued customer, enthusiastically explained:

“The lamp in your hands is called 'The Crow Night'. Its design was inspired by Edgar Allan Poe’s The Raven.

This masterpiece was crafted by our top lamp artisan, Gnom.

It features flexible glass etched with ‘resilience runes.’

The lamp base, handle, and all metallic decorations are made from cold iron sourced from cemeteries aged ten years or more.

Our store also offers free, lifetime replacements for long-lasting fuel.

The price is 4,800 silver coins.”

Edmund frowned slightly. “A bit pricey, huh? William, what do you think?”

“Too expensive. Let’s check out another shop.”

“Alright.”

Yi Chen left decisively—such an amount was entirely beyond his means. The other team members followed suit. However, Edmund lingered a little longer, and when he eventually rejoined the group, he was carrying an elegantly wrapped bag with the Sacred Flame emblem on it.

Walking up to Yi Chen, he casually hung the bag on his wrist.

Inside the bag, of course, was the raven-decorated kerosene lamp.

“Hmm?”

“William, you’ve been resting quietly in the academy since leaving the cemetery, so you probably don’t have much money. For me, this is just two months’ living expenses.

Once we complete a high-difficulty three-star mission, we’ll naturally earn a generous silver coin reward.

Since this was my decision to buy, I can’t guarantee it aligns with your preferences. If you really want to pay me back, just give me half of the mission rewards when it’s done.”

Seeing Edmund’s sincerity, and considering the challenging mission ahead, Yi Chen ultimately accepted the gift.

“Thank you.”

When Yi Chen pulled the lamp from the bag, its light weight and comfortable grip exceeded all expectations—it felt like holding the soft exterior of a bird, gentle and soothing.

Moreover, the dark, gothic design of the lamp matched Yi Chen’s overall aura perfectly.

Edmund, who had walked ahead, turned back to survey Yi Chen.

“My taste is flawless. This lamp looks like it was custom-made for you.

Speaking of which, William, what about that long black hair of yours? While it does complement your post-cemetery aesthetic, it might become a hindrance in combat.”

“Long hair, huh?”

Yi Chen touched the shoulder-length hair that had grown rapidly during his recovery period. He didn’t dislike it—in fact, he was rather fond of it.

In his past life, he had always kept his hair short. But now, he wanted to try something new, perhaps as part of embracing his changed body and mindset.

Besides, the long hair symbolized the unique six months he had lived through—it held sentimental value.

“This feels good as it is. No need to cut it.”

“How about this—let Anna tie it up for you? That way, it’ll be practical for combat and you can still keep your hair. Give it a try.”

Under Edmond’s persuasion, Yi Chen eventually agreed.

With Juliana’s deft hands at work...

She kept his bangs and sideburns, tying the rest into a centered bun at the back, making him look much more refreshed.

“Hmm~ Not bad at all! This hairstyle suits you… By the way, do you want to change your weapon?”

Edmund looked as though he was ready to give Yi Chen a complete “overhaul.”

“No need. This hand axe feels quite handy.”

“Hmm, the craftsmanship is indeed good, but it’s just basic equipment.

If we can acquire pathogenic crystals or some more precious materials during this mission, you can use them to forge a better weapon when we return to the city.

For us, weapons to hunt the infected are as vital as our limbs.”

“Got it.”

---

It had to be said, the family behind Edmund was exceptionally wealthy. They even owned a mansion in Zion.

He also treated everyone to a lavish feast for the entire day, coupled with full-body massages to relax before battle.

After a day of resting and recharging, both body and mind were in peak condition as they submitted their mission execution report at the "Gentlemen’s Hall" early the next morning.

A high-end carriage belonging to their organization awaited them at the hall’s entrance.

Compared to the carriages Yi Chen had previously ridden, this one was in an entirely different league. The horses, bred through species refinement, had stamina several times greater than ordinary ones, and they were resistant to pathogens with self-healing capabilities.

The sides of the horses even had muscle structures resembling feathery wings.

The carriage itself featured windows with curtains, a sturdy and stable build, and an internal emergency power generator. In case the horses failed, the carriage could still rely on electricity to maintain high speed and escape any pursuing danger.

After the coachman explained some basic details, they officially set off for their destination—Vinal City.

Although the map listed the distance as 51 kilometers, the mountainous terrain meant the journey would take an estimated three and a half hours.

During casual conversations about their mission, Yi Chen suddenly voiced a question that had been lingering in his mind.

“By the way, what exactly is a Secret Medicine? I don’t recall it being covered in our lessons.”

For a moment, the carriage fell silent.

Eventually, it was Edmund who answered the question:

“It seems, William, that you’ve spent the past six months focusing on yourself and haven’t looked into the organization’s background. Let me explain it briefly.

When we talk about 'Secret Medicine', we must also mention two other key concepts: 'Doctors' and 'Clinics.'

Remember when we first arrived in Zion and met a Doctor on the bridge? You probably have a basic idea.”

“Yeah…”

Yi Chen remembered Edmund explaining that Doctors were a unique and powerful group of individuals among the Gentlemen, recognized by the organization and granted a “Doctor’s Credential.”

Edmund continued:

“'Clinics' are somewhat similar to 'tailor shops', both being vital institutions approved and funded by the organization.

Clinics offer nearby or on-route Gentlemen medical services such as treatment and pathogen removal. They also serve as specialized armed units, providing support during emergencies in the surrounding areas.

But the core and most critical aspect of a clinic lies in its Secret Medicine.

For a Doctor to establish a private clinic and gain organizational support in manpower and resources, they must submit a 'Secret Medicine Manuscript' and a sample.

After rigorous evaluation and approval of the secret medicine’s value, the clinic is authorized to operate. The clinic must then regularly supply the organization with a fixed amount of Secret Medicine.

If the output is high and its value exceeds expectations, the organization may increase the clinic’s budget, expand its apprenticeship quotas, and provide additional support.

Generally, the raw materials for Secret Medicine are derived from the ‘Infected’.

Using their unique and private methods, Doctors process and refine these materials into a special medicine free of pathogens.

This medicine is the clinic’s most important and closely guarded secret.

Secret Medicine can typically be classified into three categories:

1. [Healing-Type]

These have effects far superior to ordinary medicine, allowing rapid recovery and even surpassing the body’s original limits.

Some can even enable temporary super-regeneration, granting a “near-immortal state” for a short time.

2. [Combat-Type]

These specifically activate and enhance certain traits in Gentlemen, providing significant boosts for a limited time.

However, if the Secret Medicine’s properties are incompatible with the user’s traits, it can cause severe side effects, even death.

3. [Potential-Type]

These are rare and highly valuable. They temporarily enhance an individual’s 'Psyche' (sensitivity or perception), making them ideal for exploring critical areas in the Gray Zone or breaking through personal limits.

These three categories are what I’ve learned from family records. The organization may have developed new types of Secret Medicine over the years.

In any case, Secret Medicine play an irreplaceable role in combating disease.

However, caution is necessary.

Secret Medicine have strict dosage limits for different individuals. Overdosing can cause irreparable harm, even death. In some cases, hidden side effects between Nostrums may lead to internal infections.

As we progress beyond the beginner stage of Gentlemen, we’ll gradually come into contact with more Secret Medicine. These could save our lives in critical moments.”