Chapter 9 – Administrative Talent (Seeking Favorites)

“Warrior,” Cheng Yang murmured.

Li Wanshan nodded, saying, “Then I’ll become a warrior. It aligns with what I had in mind.”

With that, Li Wanshan approached the warrior statue and began his class transition following Cheng Yang’s instructions. Moments later, he reappeared before Cheng Yang, now equipped with a sword and shield.

Cheng Yang was pleasantly surprised to discover that Li Wanshan possessed an S-grade talent, particularly one related to territory management. This administrative-type talent functioned similarly to leadership abilities but offered greater flexibility, as it didn’t require the user to be a lord.

*This man is truly talented,* Cheng Yang thought. *Though his potential might have been awakened by my early intervention, he’s definitely worth recruiting.*

As Cheng Yang continued assigning classes, he prioritized those with mage or archer inclinations, leaving warriors and summoners to wait their turn. The results confirmed his earlier suspicions – even the laborers and drivers activated talents ranging from B to A grade, with ninety percent being A-grade. Though no more S-grade talents appeared, this was still an unprecedented windfall.

After half an hour, the class transitions were complete. Cheng Yang now commanded eight warriors, five mages, six archers, and four summoners in addition to Yu Kai’s initial group.

“Now that we’ve completed our transitions,” Cheng Yang announced, “we’ll open all four gates to practice coordination against the demonic beasts. I’ll assign tasks accordingly.”

He turned to Li Wanshan, “Boss Li, as a warrior, you’ll join me at the south gate with another warrior and a mage. Yu Kai, take seven men to defend the east gate. Old Niu, you’re in charge of the west gate with seven others. Mouse, you’ll lead the remaining eight to guard the north gate. Remember, this isn’t a game – death here is permanent.”

Li Wanshan’s expression flickered with understanding. As an experienced businessman, he recognized Cheng Yang’s strategy of dispersing his influence. However, he harbored no resentment, focused solely on survival and rescuing his family in Xiang City.

Cheng Yang’s decision to keep Li Wanshan close served a dual purpose – to demonstrate his own formidable power while gradually establishing authority over the group. He knew that in this new world, trust had to be earned through strength and wisdom.

After imparting crucial combat techniques to the group, Cheng Yang opened the gates. The sturdy log walls, with their 5-point defense rating, provided ample protection against the demonic beasts.

Suddenly, a flash of white light appeared fifty meters ahead, materializing into a grotesque, green-skinned creature resembling a bipedal ape wielding a crude weapon.

“That’s a Green-Skinned Monkey,” Cheng Yang explained calmly. “A Tier 1 monster with about 30 vitality. Watch closely as I handle this one.”

The creature charged with startling speed, covering thirty meters in seconds. Cheng Yang raised his wooden staff, conjuring a fist-sized white energy sphere that shot forward like a bullet.

The first magic missile struck the creature’s chest, sending it staggering back with a sickening thud. Two more missiles followed, knocking the beast to the ground. A final shot ended its life, releasing a faint glow that flowed into Cheng Yang.

“Yes!” Li Wanshan and the others cheered, their initial fear replaced by relief at Cheng Yang’s display of power.

However, Li Wanshan’s sharp mind caught an important detail – Cheng Yang had dispatched the creature with just four magic missiles. Given that the Green-Skinned Monkey’s attributes matched a Novice Warrior Apprentice, this suggested Cheng Yang’s magic attack exceeded 9 points, indicating he had already advanced beyond the novice rank.

Rather than feeling jealous, Li Wanshan felt reassured. In this dangerous new world, having a powerful ally meant greater chances of survival.

PS: Seeking recommendations and favorites…