Lord Of The Lost

The fragment you've encountered reveals knowledge stained with the mysterious essence of flesh and blood, an arcane power that challenges the boundaries of the known world.

This strange power, encapsulated in a fragment, is more than just a relic; it's a symbol of transformation, a "job transfer token." For players who reach level 10, offering them this fragment could provoke dramatic mutations in their extraordinary traits, unlocking the path of flesh and blood, a path that promises transcendence, but not without peril.

On the surface, the benefits are tantalizing. Those who tread this path can achieve immense power in a short span, unlocking unparalleled potential and abilities. Even the simplest characteristic, like [Sleeping], can grant immunity from death itself, allowing one to resurrect simply by resting. Yet, this power comes at a price. The origin of the path lies in a piece of living flesh and blood brought from the ocean's depths by Hope, its source shrouded in mystery and alien to this world. It's a gamble; one that neither William nor Metatron, despite their vast wisdom, are eager to take. After all, power without clarity of purpose is a dangerous thing, and the end of this path is murky at best.

Metatron, ever analytical, remarked, "The higher the path's level, the more initial abilities it grants." The Forum Master agreed, comparing the paths available to players: the mundane yet functional "Guard" and "Patrol" paths, and the far more powerful divine paths.

For instance, the 'Guard' path offers [Protect] and [Inspect], skills useful for safeguarding villages and distinguishing allies from foes, enabling smoother passage for residents and players. The 'Patrol' path, on the other hand, grants [Alert] and [Reinforcement], making patrols sharper and capable of summoning enhanced strength during combat, particularly in synergy with weapons like the Berserker Axe.

Then there's the 'Hunter' profession, which boasts three abilities [Hunting Stance], [Making Trap], and [Born in the Wilderness]. Despite its versatility, even it pales in comparison to the raw, feral might of werewolves, who can sustain a 1:2 combat loss ratio with just [Combat Instinct] and [Strong Constitution].

But the 'Flesh and Blood' path? It is in a league of its own. Even minor abilities like [Sleeping] defy logic, and resurrection alone makes this path almost irresistible. The Forum Master couldn't hide his intrigue. Its potential was undeniable, yet its risks were equally daunting.

"Qingfeng, as the only one who has embraced the Flesh and Blood path so far, what do you make of it?" Metatron asked.

William, after a moment of contemplation, responded with clarity. "While the divine path offers a plethora of abilities, interpreting and mastering them is the true challenge."

"Interpreting?" Metatron inquired, puzzled.

"Yes, or rather, deducing and developing their full potential," William explained. "It's like becoming a track-and-field athlete. You might know the principles of training, the mechanics of running, and the physical limits of the human body. But even with all that knowledge, not everyone becomes a champion."

The analogy struck home. The Forum Master and Metatron nodded in understanding.

"Think of it this way," William continued. "Around the world, countless athletes dedicate themselves to track and field. But only a select few rise to the top."

"Is it just about talent, then?" Metatron probed.

"You could say that, but it's more than that," William clarified. "The more abilities you possess, the more responsibilities you bear. Imagine not only competing in the 100-meter dash but also excelling in the 400-meter, weightlifting, boxing, the World Cup, and the basketball league. The expectations are overwhelming. You're not required to be a champion in every field, but you must at least achieve respectable rankings across them all."

The weight of these words hung heavily in the air. The path of flesh and blood was not just a route to power; it was a call to master an overwhelming spectrum of skills and challenges. For those bold enough to walk it, greatness awaited, but so did the risk of failure. Only time would reveal whether this gamble would lead to triumph or ruin.

Human energy is finite, even for extraordinary beings. The deeper William delved into the mysteries of the 'Demonic Wolf Path', the more he realized its vastness and unfathomable depths. It was unlike anything he had encountered, a path that seemed to stretch infinitely, full of hidden possibilities and challenges.

If the 'Path of Flesh and Blood' and the 'Path of the Demonic Wolf' were indeed divine paths of the same level, William could already foresee the inevitable.

"Is that so?" Metatron murmured, his voice barely audible. His eyes narrowed as he considered the implications. "The higher the ceiling of potential," he finally said, "the harder it becomes to develop and fully harness the path."

He fell silent, his gaze distant and contemplative. Both William and the Forum Master knew what was happening. Metatron had activated his extraordinary ability: '[God's Perspective]' a power that allowed him to see the threads of possibility with almost divine clarity.

Suddenly, Metatron broke the silence. "Qingfeng, do you know how many abilities the 'Knight Path' originally had when it was created?"

William blinked, caught off guard. "Wasn't it four?" he asked hesitantly.

Metatron shook his head. "No, there were only two at the beginning: '[Charge]' and '[Declaration].' It was no different from low-level paths like 'Guard' or 'Patrol' in its early days."

He continued, "Abilities like '[Endurance]' and '[Fearlessness]' were added later, likely by the original knight after achieving legendary status. This proves that the templates for each path are not set in stone; they can evolve. Simply put, different eras see different versions of the same path."

Today, the 'Knight Path' has become a highly stable and universal framework, with its four abilities finely tuned over generations. However, the path's evolution wasn't a straightforward journey. Changes like refining '[Endurance]' and '[Fearlessness]' were major milestones, but countless smaller tweaks have shaped the path over time. These changes, however minute, reflect the natural evolution of humanity, differences in physique, habits, and environment between knights of a thousand years ago and those of today.

"You can't train knight apprentices today using methods from a millennium ago," Metatron explained. "That's why the 'Knight Path' has adapted to the times. The initial template may define a path's core abilities, but the professional imprint, knowledge and experience passed down through generations; is what ensures its continuity and relevance."

To clarify, Metatron compared it to the 'Hunter Path'. "The hunter's job transfer token condenses their initial template, granting core abilities like '[Hunting Stance]' and '[Born in the Wilderness].' But the professional imprint represents the collective wisdom of hunters; refined skills, survival techniques, and hunting strategies distilled over generations."

"This distinction," Metatron said, "is why divine paths like the 'Demonic Wolf' possess six abilities instead of the usual four."

The Forum Master finally grasped the enormity of what Metatron was saying. William, however, had known much of this from the start, thanks to the witch who had guided him. Still, the implications ran deep. The 'Demonic Wolf Path' wasn't just a divine path, it was a mutation path, one that had evolved from something far more primal.

"The Demonic Wolf Path wasn't originally a God's Path," Metatron said. "Its origins lie in mutation, in something raw and untamed."

He paused for emphasis, then added, "It's like imagining the Monkey King when he first emerged from the stone; wild, unpolished, but brimming with untapped potential. Over time, he didn't simply acquire his legendary abilities; he earned them, shaped by countless trials and transformations."

William couldn't help but see the parallel. He was like the second Monkey King, stepping into a world of boundless potential and challenges. The origins of his path were extraordinary, akin to stepping into the 'Journey to the West' and inheriting the destiny of a clever stone monkey. Could anyone truly refuse such an opportunity?

But William knew better than to believe in fairy tales. "Do you really think anyone can wreak havoc in the Heavenly Palace after just seven years of cultivation?" he mused. "Or develop 'Fiery Eyes and Golden Pupils' simply by surviving the Eight Diagrams Furnace? No, it's far more complicated than that."

Even the witch had been surprised when William acquired six abilities, attributing it to the inheritance of the first generation of demonic wolves, a lineage unlike any other.

The Forum Master, still trying to piece it all together, asked, "If the original knight ascended to godhood, wouldn't the 'Knight Path' also gain six special abilities?"

Metatron's eyes glinted with a knowing look. "Who said that?" he asked, his tone sharp. "I've already told you; every path to godhood is hidden."

The weight of his words hung in the air. It wasn't just about potential or abilities. The true challenge lay in uncovering the hidden paths, mastering them, and becoming something greater than even the paths themselves could imagine. The journey wasn't just one of power, it was a test of vision, adaptability, and will. And not everyone was ready to take that leap.