The Righteous Player(s)

Chapter 196: Foundational Power

“…Dragon Monk?” Annan found this profession incompatible with her image, so he couldn’t help but repeat the profession’s name.

Wait a minute; there are a lot of inconsistencies. I don’t know where to start dissing it.

Annan asked Kafni tentatively, “This sounds like the advanced profession of a monk.”

“Indeed.” The person who responded to Annan was Bishop Daryl.

Although Bishop Daryl was surprised for a moment, he was the first to react to the situation.

Facing Kafni’s astonishing words, the old bishop appeared to attain a new realization.

“Dragon Monk is an ancient profession.” Bishop Daryl explained to Annan, “All ‘monks’ are ancient professions, at least from the previous era.

“Monk is a popular term among the people. Its full name is called ‘Yaselan Ascetic.’ They built monasteries throughout the empire and welcomed people of any faith to join as an ‘ascetic.’

“They aren’t the personal armament of some upright deities. But the monks still have their beliefs, which is often referred to as the ‘foundation oath.’ The foundation can be chosen from anything, such as the doctrine of upright deities or false deities. Other examples would choose the belief based on a particular philosophy and even concepts like loyalty, filial piety, love, hate. The only requirement is that the foundation must be firm and unshakable in the future.

“Once the foundation of an ascetic is shaken, the Transcended abilities brought by their monk profession will be lost immediately. A ritual baptism must be carried out to rebuild their foundation.”

“So, does that mean the monk has an additional ‘high-level curse?’” Annan asked.

Kafni replied softly, “Yes.

“My foundation is the obsession with obtaining and protecting the kingdom.” She calmly told her foundation oath to the rest of the people on the spot.

Annan was stunned.

Why can Kafni speak out her secrets frankly?

Why did Kafni choose the kingdom as the foundation?

Does this mean she has no room to retreat?

Kafni’s curse could be to succeed to the throne.

The curse might not be a one-off thing, which meant that she might be required to continue her ruling on the kingdom.

Then, this foundation is sort of her initial “responsibility” already. No matter what, she still has to maintain her curse. This foundation seems more incidental in nature.

However, the foundation is different from the curse. It’s free to choose. But, it’s more effective to determine a more stable and easy to fulfill foundation.

Annan couldn’t help but glance at Kafni.

Kafni’s unyielding spirit drew his interest in this child further.

“If you aren’t dedicated, you wouldn’t be able to advance to Dragon Monk.” Bishop Daryl exclaimed, “This profession is quite complicated.

“The name ‘Dragon Monk’ is translated from another language.

“I can’t pronounce its true name here. However, in the dragon language, it’s often interpreted as the “wrestling human with the dragon.”

“Monks are similar to priests. They have extra bonuses at the Perception attribute. Also, they often have a robust Strength attribute. But this boost in Strength attribute doesn’t come from intensive physical training like a swordsman. Instead, it is the projection of spiritual power in the material world.

“Depending on the monk’s foundation, the blessing power they receive will have a subtle difference. Only the monk whose foundation is ‘real, stable, and materialistic’ in nature will pour all their spirit on strength to acquire a robust strength capable of even bringing self-harm. Only monks with strength as robust as monsters can advance to Dragon Monk.”

“En.” Annan listened to Bishop Daryl blabbering for a long time and nodded thoughtfully.

In other words, the feature of a monk is that any addition to [Perception] will proportionally increase [Strength], [Agility], [Constitution]… and even [Will]?

According to the oath, the proportion of attributes assigned would be different. Only with an oath like Kafni could the Perception attribute be added as bonuses to the Strength attribute.

This was a real plus point.

In the typical growth of the melee profession, when their level increases, every few levels would also increase their Agility and other attributes besides the primary attribute. That was to maintain a balanced growth.

But Kafni was different.

Before she advanced, she could probably hurt herself.

After all, the growth of Perception attributes was much easier than Strength.

“Once she advances to Dragon Monk, she will acquire the trait [Golden Blood], which will completely solidify the body. Her bones and muscles will become flexible and tenacious. From then on, no matter what training regime she does, her figure will not change.

“Since this profession abandons the traditional fighting skills of monks, they can only avoid getting hurt by their immense strength in tripping and grappling the enemy. The price is that they can’t wear any armor and can’t utilize most weapons since then.”

Having said that, the complexion of the old bishop became a bit complex.

He looked at Kafni and paused before continuing, “Even to ensure the transmission of Strength, it is necessary to maintain close contact with the target. The few Dragon Monks I have seen are all topless and strong men. It’s also the first time I have seen a type of Dragon Monk like Her Highness Kafni.”

“I don’t wear any armor. This kind of cloth also doesn’t affect me exerting my strength.” Kafni stretched out her arms in display.

Under the translucent silk sleeves as thin as the veil, there were slender fair arms that weren’t covered by any clothing.

Under her heavy long skirt, her legs were also wrapped in black silk clothing.

She just stood in place, but she brought about a firm and balanced outlook. Annan did not doubt that he couldn’t push Kafni to the floor even with all his strength. But, if Kafni wanted to, she could instantly lift him and throw him to the ground. It was even possible for Kafni to grapple and subdue him on the ground.

“Moreover, I use my shadow more often.” Kafni stared at Annan closely and said softly, “I can temporarily give Strength to them and let them grapple with multiple enemies on my behalf…or protect the others.”

As she said, her right hand gently grasped Annan’s sleeve again.

With just that, Annan had a feeling that she might throw him out at any time.

Why do you stare at me?

Annan felt strongly that Kafni would look at him after saying a couple of words. Her eyes fixed on him like a nail.

If it were ordinary people, they would have fled timidly under that majestic gaze full of spiritual power.

Fortunately, the power of Reverse Inscription was immense.

Only then could Annan stare back, “So…?”

“So I will protect you,” said Kafni softly.

She put her left hand on her chest, staring at Annan intently while trying to speak in a masculine manner, “I’m strong. I can protect you.”

Seeing Kafni’s behavior, Albert’s eyes gradually changed.

He looked at Annan, then at Kafni.

His expression turned a bit complicated.