The Last Gentleman

Even Yi Chen himself hadn’t expected it—

A month of life in the Grand Library actually led to a significant increase in his [Intelligence].

Previously, devouring Mr. Lee’s brain at the Twilight Clinic had raised the value by [0.5], and now, through reading and studying, another [0.5] had been added.

"If reading alone can improve intelligence, reaching the so-called ‘limit membrane’ would be incredibly easy... With half a year left, I’ll find a way to finish reading all the advanced books in the Grand Library.

Or perhaps I could visit Zion’s library or bookstores. Maybe I can max out my intelligence directly?”

At this moment, Little Grape jumped back onto Yi Chen’s shoulder, sensing his thoughts.

“Not necessarily.

The reason reading improves your intelligence might be related to your consumption of brain matter… The intake of brain fluid has caused your brain to grow and expand.

The expanded ‘space’ is then filled through reading, ultimately leading to an increase in intelligence.”

Yi Chen didn’t become overly excited about the attribute increase.

Instead, he accepted it calmly, lying down on the pillow for a peaceful sleep. His entire brain settled into a state of tranquility.

At this moment,

If someone were to sneak into the bedroom with a cranial saw and remove Yi Chen’s skullcap, they would find his brain within the cranial cavity remarkably clean and smooth,

its purity comparable to that of a newborn infant.

It was as if it had undergone long-term high-temperature sterilization. The surface of his brain even exuded a faint white glow.

This was the result of continuous high-temperature brain activity—a disinfecting effect. Tonight, Yi Chen would enjoy an unprecedented deep sleep.

The so-called [Intelligence] increase was, in essence, the enhancement of individual thought processes and brain capacity through extensive training and external absorption.

The gentleman’s attire merely represented this enhancement in a more intuitive numerical form, making it easier for individuals to understand.

Yi Chen’s brain was on the verge of reaching the human limit.

...

[Vulcan's Forge]

A month had passed, and it was finally time for the weapon to be delivered.

Yi Chen had visited the shop four times over the month to discuss detailed modifications and test samples.

Today, he wasn’t alone. Professor Chamberson had also been notified and arrived together.

The professor, despite his busy schedule, made time to attend for two reasons:

1. He had a vested interest in Yi Chen’s endeavors—he was the one who personally commissioned this weapon and naturally wanted to see the result.

2. The substantial cost—his account had been directly debited a staggering 48,000 silver coins today. Such a large sum was enough to concern even Chamberson, who needed to ensure the weapon justified the price.

In a private room on the second floor of the shop, Chamberson got straight to the point:

“The weapon for this new gentleman… Even after providing the [core crystal] and various materials, the price is still so high?”

The old blacksmith, Bengus, simply smiled, his eyes glinting with satisfaction.

“It is indeed expensive, nearly three times higher than my initial estimate.

But every expense was necessary.

The forging process was incredibly intricate, requiring mid-to-high-end materials in many parts to ensure stability.

I haven’t taken a single day off this month, pouring my heart into this weapon. My apprentices’ workload increased by nearly 30% due to this project.

I’ll provide you with a detailed cost breakdown later.”

“Money isn’t the issue. I just want to see if the finished product is worth the price and the time spent waiting.”

“Very well.”

Bengus placed a meticulously crafted black briefcase, marked with the forge’s insignia, onto the table.

“I’m grateful for the perfect pathogenic crystal you provided. It’s been a long time since I’ve been so engrossed in forging a weapon. This is, perhaps, my most satisfying work in the past five or even ten years.”

Chamberson nodded slightly, signaling Yi Chen to open the briefcase.

Click!

The pressure lock of the briefcase was released.

As it opened, even Chamberson activated his owl-like perception to meticulously examine every detail of the weapon, searching for any flaws—no matter how minor or common in regular forging.

Yet, after a thorough inspection, not a single flaw could be found.

Yi Chen, however, didn’t dwell on such thoughts.

After visiting the forge four times this month, he was well aware of how seriously the old blacksmith had treated this matter.

At this moment, all his attention was focused on the unique battle axe inside the case.

The [Axe Handle] was made of a highly malleable black metal straight shaft, wrapped in a bandage crafted from "gentleman’s leather." This design not only prevented slipping but also matched the gentleman’s attire.

At the top of the bandage, there was a small protrusion resembling a mechanism to trigger transformations. Strangely sharp, it could easily pierce skin at the slightest touch.

The end of the axe handle was embedded with a "rat-shaped sculpture."

This is no ordinary ornament; within the sculpture lies the fusion of pathogenic crystals and rat embryos. The sculpture appears to change along with the weapon’s form, serving as a critical medium.

Upon close inspection, one can even see fine capillaries extending from the base of the sculpture into the axe handle. These capillaries stretch from the bottom of the handle to its tip, influencing the entire weapon.

[Axe Head] – Crafted from a silver alloy and crescent-shaped pathogenic crystals through a specialized smelting process. After over ten days of repeated tempering, it forms a flawless, silver-white axe head.

Perfect and impeccable.

...

To the average person, it might seem like a plain straight-handled hand axe, with nothing remarkable aside from its craftsmanship.

“Give it a try!”

At the old blacksmith’s prompting, Yi Chen came back to his senses.

As he reached out to grasp the axe handle, fine fibrous threads from the cuff of his shirt intertwined with the gentlemanly surface of the axe handle, swiftly reading relevant information.

Ancient worm-like text wriggled across his retina, revealing detailed information about the weapon.

「Moon of Carnage」

Quality: Rare

Type: Axe (Slashing/Cutting)

Attribute Associations:

- Physique: C (variable)

- Coordination: E

- Intelligence: – (variable)

- Perception: –

- Luck: –

(The higher the associated attribute value, the more damage the weapon deals.)

---

Special Effects: n/ô/vel/b//in dot c//om

- The weapon can switch forms via a manually triggered mechanism.

"Carnage Form"

- Associated Attribute: Physique C → B

- Ripping attack mode, especially effective against flesh-based targets. When hitting such targets, it stacks a bleeding effect, which, upon reaching a certain threshold, triggers a "Hemorrhage."

- Hemorrhage: Causes a large amount of instant health loss. If the target is an Open-Source Patient, it also reduces the source fluid within their tubular structures.

"Full Moon Form"

- Associated Attribute: Intelligence → C

- Enhances agility. Struck enemies are marked by moonlight, which manifests as swarms of mice that corrode their surface.

- Effective against special pathogenic entities with metallic or rocky characteristics.

- Also capable of inflicting real damage to spiritual entities.

[Evaluation]: “Under the full moon, the carnage begins.”

...

Designed according to Yi Chen’s concept, the axe doesn’t reveal either form under normal circumstances.

At present, Yi Chen moved his thumb upward along the handle and deliberately pressed the sharp protrusion.

A prick drew blood.

As the blood seeped into the handle, the weapon instantly activated!

"Carnage Form"

The rat-shaped sculpture at the base of the handle, upon absorbing fresh blood, opened its mouth wide, exposing blood-stained fangs.

The axe head, similarly stimulated, grew serrated, tooth-like spikes along its razor-sharp edges, densely packed together.

The weapon as a whole exuded a faint blood-red glow, like a crescent moon adorned with fangs hanging in the sky.

At this moment, Yi Chen adjusted his grip to hold the axe with both hands.

His left hand at the bottom steadied the mouse-shaped sculpture, while his right hand pulled the handle upward.

Amid the screech of grinding metal, the handle extended to twice its original length.

Not only that, but as the handle lengthened, the silver axe head underwent splitting, transforming into a symmetrical 'double-bladed axe'. The serrated teeth on the blades receded, the crimson glow disappeared, and a soft white light emerged, resembling a full moon.

"Full Moon Form"

The rat-shaped sculpture at the base of the handle closed its mouth and retracted its fangs. Its tiny mouse paws pressed together in a meditative pose, with a miniature moon mark appearing on its forehead.