The Last Gentleman

Chapter 26

[Divine Skin Mansion]

One of the most iconic and important buildings of the G&D organization, it represents the organization’s origins and has been pivotal in its development and in nurturing distinguished gentlemen.

All newcomers who arrive in Zion after passing the external assessment come here to be awarded their corresponding level of "skin"—a necessary item to become a “gentleman.”

The mansion's entrance is a typical Gothic door with multiple layers of arches and pillars, recessed in stages to create a sense of depth and allure, emphasizing the 'entrance'.

The door itself is grandly oversized, towering at a height of 10 meters, as if designed not for human entry, but to welcome a deity.

Buzz!

The heavy iron doors open inward, their solemnity evident.

Two clerics, who permanently reside in the mansion, open the doors. They wear distinctive attire that aligns with the mansion’s style—long robes seemingly crafted from patches of animal skins, sewn together after the fur has been removed. Each piece is pentagonal, with conspicuous stitching along the edges.

Stitching can also be seen on their bodies, along the lips, eyelids, necks, and even parts concealed by clothing, as if their skin too has been pieced together with seams.

Upon entering the mansion, a massive staircase with flesh-colored carpet comes into view, widening step by step, leading visitors to the left and right galleries of the second floor.

On each side of the hall hang six portraits, corresponding to the previous masters of the mansion, all bearing the title of

“The First-Gentleman.”

Only these esteemed figures have the authority to rule over the residence.

Yi Chen and his companions do not ascend the staircase but are guided to a side room on the first floor.

The room resembles a conference room, dominated by a long marble table, where the gentleman examiner overseeing the Green Lake Town assessment sits on the inner side of the table.

The examinees are instructed to line up neatly, giving the setting an interview-like atmosphere.

Yi Chen, positioned last, notices a white-haired examiner seated at the center, with a white-feathered owl perched on his shoulder—the same owl that had saved him at the lake.

“I am the primary supervisor of this assessment, George Chamberson. I am pleased that seventeen of you passed the challenging Green Lake Town assessment, with some even demonstrating unexpectedly graceful behavior during the assessment.”

Next, he explains that their overall performance during the assessment will be scored.

The total score is 100 points. Scoring above 40 grants residency in Zion; a score of 60 or more earns a standard 'Gentleman’s Skin', while a score of 80 or higher grants a skin infused with the essence of the old world. Those scoring above 95 will have the opportunity to meet the current “First Gentleman” himself, who will personally assess and gift them a skin.

Some of the gentlemen already familiar with the criteria disregard the last statement. The organization’s grading is notoriously stringent, especially with the chief examiner this year being the elder known as the "White Owl." Scoring 80 alone would be considered exceptional, securing a promising future in Zion.

The examiners begin evaluating each candidate in the order they entered, with Yi Chen last in line.

Due to the assessment’s high difficulty, most scored above the passing mark.

Among those scoring 80 are:

- The three members of Edmund’s team,

- A swordsman wrapped in bandages over much of his body,

- And a young man with a low presence, somehow now clad in a floral suit, wearing a vibrant, multi-colored mask.

A rustic stone box with the G&D emblem was handed to them.

Edmund couldn't hide his excitement and kept nudging his companions with his shoulder.

Finally, it was the turn of the last person to enter, Yi Chen.

The blonde-haired Edmund restrained his joy, suppressing his excitement, and focused on the evaluators' upcoming remarks and scores.

This time, Chief Examiner Chamberlain spoke directly:

"William Behrens, temporary examiner from Easton Cemetery. Your final score for this assessment is [96]."

The words fell, and silence filled the room.

All the examiners, including Edmund, widened their eyes. A masked figure in a colorful suit even turned his head, showing a hint of interest.

Among them were many from families, training bases, or small to medium-sized organizations directly affiliated with G&D.

Everyone knew how difficult it was to score 95 or higher in the evaluation and to have a chance to meet the "First Gentleman." Such a score was almost impossible to achieve.

For many years, no one had been able to reach this score.

Mr. Chamberlain continued:

"Since the score surpasses the first tier, I'll briefly explain the reasoning.

At the start of his investigation in the town, William chose a route entirely different from yours. He proactively engaged with an individual in the early stages of 'pathological transformation,' stayed alone in a highly dangerous inn, and, in his quest to uncover the true root of the town’s sickness, made the right, astute decision to cooperate with this partially conscious patient. He established a temporary alliance to gain their assistance and information.

In the end, he risked certain death by venturing to the depths of the lake to eliminate the [Root Cause].”

“What?!”

Chamberlain's summary left the other examinees even more shocked.

They knew very well that, without having accepted the "Gentleman's Skin" and formally becoming a gentleman, it was nearly impossible for an individual to eradicate regional disease. Simply surviving Green Lake Town and uncovering some key information to pass to the organization was already a significant accomplishment.

Yet this young man ventured alone into the completely unknown lake depths, slaying the Root Cause at its core.

A score of 96 was well-deserved.

"Elegant and compassionate, courageous and perceptive... Zion hasn't seen a young person like this in a long time. I believe the 'First Gentleman' is also looking forward to meeting you."

Listening to Chamberlain's assessment, Yi Chen himself was surprised. He hadn’t been sure whether his cooperation with the afflicted would be seen as a "misstep" by the organization.

Now it seemed the organization wasn’t rigid; that engaging with the afflicted in certain situations for better outcomes was a display of "insight."

"The evaluation phase is over. Those who obtained the 'Gentleman’s Skin' should proceed to the Temple District to prepare for the 'Acceptance Ceremony.'"

As everyone filed out, Edmund patted Yi Chen's shoulder gently. "William, you’ll have to lead us more in the future… may you leave a good impression on the First Gentleman."

"Yes."

Once everyone had left, Chamberlain motioned for Yi Chen to follow him.

"I will personally take you to the ‘Depths of the official residence’, where the First Gentleman resides.

On the way, refrain from any impulsive actions and simply follow me.

If you feel discomfort on your skin, endure it as best you can."

This last instruction made Yi Chen wary. As the First Gentleman and the master of the Divine Skin Mansion, being in the depths of the residence surely hinted at hidden secrets.

“Understood.”

Chamberlain rotated a wall lamp affixed to the side of the wall, revealing a narrow passageway just wide enough for a single person to pass.

"Follow me… do not attempt to memorize the route; the path to the [Depths of the official residence] is one-time, one-way, and requires the First Gentleman’s permission."

“Alright.”

Walking through the narrow wall passage of the residence, they proceeded under the dim glow of oil lamps for over ten minutes.

The tight passage soon opened into a spiral staircase descending ominously.

The moment Yi Chen set foot on the stairs, he heard a strange whispering in his ears.

Though he couldn’t understand the words, his skin began to tingle, evolving into a peeling sensation…

It was as if his skin had developed its own awareness, wanting to separate from his body and exist on its own.

"Hey!"

Little Grape’s sudden mental alert brought him back to reality, and the whispering faded.

"Just now…"

“The ancient existence hidden within this residence tried to [skin you]. Be cautious~ don't let your mind slip for even a second. I'll help too.”

“Alright.”

Yi Chen could sense Little Grape’s unprecedented seriousness.