Chapter 17: Chapter 17: Being Treated Differently Comes with a Price
A pure white light filled his vision.
Alex stood in the center of the platform, feeling no discomfort. However, this didn't reassure him, because he knew from the memories he inherited that this world's power level was very high.
He had read online novels where "rule-based" powers were ultimate weapons mastered only by top experts. But in this world, people had even learned to use certain "rule-based" powers as weapons and tools!
This platform's magic array, for example, utilized the rule-based powers of "Order" and "Purification," which were most hated by cultists.
Such powers were irresistible to cultists because they were fundamental laws of this world. To oppose them was to oppose the entire world.
Alex's concern was what effect this power might have on him.
He wasn't a cultist and had no interest in the chaotic beliefs stored in this body's mind.
However, Alex wasn't sure if his transmigration would cause any disturbance in this world's order.
It's like antivirus software—if it's just "virus removal," it's simple: find the "virus" that harmed the system and eliminate it.
But sometimes the firewall alerts you that "unknown software is trying to modify system settings."
"Ding."
Good news never comes easy. Just as Alex had this thought, a clear system notification sounded in his ear, and a line of text appeared before him.
[Order Parallel Port Detected]
[Activating Port "Order"]
'What the heck, wait a minute, tell me what this is first!'
Alex was stunned by the vague message. Before he could figure it out, the line of text vanished with a "whoosh," and he suddenly felt the pure white light around him begin to tremble.
"What is this…?!"
The elderly priest looked up in surprise at the platform. Before him, the pure white beam of light grew even brighter.
Furthermore, the order magic array carved below the platform began to glow with golden light. These lines of light silently appeared around the white beam, transforming into sacred runes.
"This is… Rule Resonance!!"
"Whoosh—"
The white beam of light vanished instantly, leaving Alex standing alone on the platform. Everything seemed like an illusion.
If not for the sudden system prompt, Alex wouldn't have thought anything was amiss. But now… Seeing the old priest's shocked expression, Alex didn't feel any better.
Aren't cheat abilities supposed to be for the protagonist's advantage? Why does this system keep causing me trouble?
"Is there a problem?"
Cursing the system internally for causing him trouble, Alex feigned curiosity and looked at the old priest. The priest shivered at his question, then stared at him in astonishment.
"By grace of Order, I never expected you to trigger Rule Resonance!"
"Rule Resonance?"
Hearing this term, Alex was baffled, having no idea what it meant. But judging by the priest's expression, it didn't seem to be a bad thing.
"Yes, sir, please follow me…"
The priest's attitude had become much more respectful, now addressing Alex as "sir" instead of "child." Leading Alex inside, he explained Rule Resonance. Through the explanation, Alex understood what it meant.
In simple terms, Rule Resonance wasn't about being a savior or a legendary hero. Instead, it was a sign that the person who triggered it wasn't rejected by Order but welcomed by it. It indicated that Order welcomed his presence and believed Alex would benefit its principles.
It's like drawing a "Good" fortune slip—not as great as "Excellent," but certainly better than "Bad."
"I remember the last person who triggered Rule Resonance was a brave warrior who helped us eliminate the necromancer at the Black Tower… It was a tough battle…"
The old priest excitedly recounted his past as they walked. Hearing this, Alex relaxed a bit. Although he didn't fully understand Rule Resonance, it seemed to be beneficial… probably.
"… I understand your intention. Normally, it would be difficult to find a mentor for you. But thank goodness, Grand Knight Stone is here, and I'm sure he'll be interested in a candidate who triggered Rule Resonance!"
What the heck!!
Alex's face turned pale at the priest's words. A Grand Knight was a rank above a knight, representing high-level combat prowess in this world.
Alex had just planned to join the temple as an ordinary apprentice knight and take on some basic tasks. But now, it seemed they intended to assign him a mentor?
And a Grand Knight, no less?
Alex couldn't guarantee that the higher-ups knew about his existence. What if they recognized the identity of his current body and drew their swords on him the moment they met?
He originally planned to take the low-key route! But now, it seemed that his plan had to change again.
At this moment, the old priest led Alex to a training ground on the side of the temple. The area was empty, except for a tall figure wielding a long sword in training.
It was a middle-aged man with golden hair and a strong, Western physique, standing at two meters tall.
He was shirtless, vigorously swinging a two-handed greatsword. The sword was as wide as two palms and taller than a person, yet it moved with the man's swings as lightly as a willow branch.
Alex could barely follow the sword's trajectory. After a while, the blond man suddenly stopped and stepped back.
At that moment, a powerful burst of sword energy exploded, shattering the surrounding wooden stakes into pieces.
'Is this the power of a Grand Knight?!'
Seeing this, Alex was deeply moved. Such immense strength was truly overwhelming!
"Hey, Huck, what are you doing here?"
The man turned and looked at the old priest beside Alex, grinning proudly.
"What, are you here to spar with me?"
"Not me, I'm too old to handle your intensity, Stone."
The priest rolled his eyes at Stone's words and then gestured to Alex.
"I'm here to introduce him to you."
"A noble pretty boy?"
Stone glanced at Alex dismissively.
"Why bring him to me? He's not some noble lady."
"He wants to join the temple as an apprentice guardian knight."
"Can't you handle that? You're the expert at dealing with useless noble brats."
Stone clearly had no interest in Alex, which wasn't surprising. Alex's body was not particularly strong, even bordering on frail.
To Stone, he seemed like another pampered noble, someone he typically despised.
However, the old priest was unfazed by Stone's remarks. He simply smiled and offered a hint.
"He just triggered Rule Resonance."
"Oh?"
Hearing this, Stone finally stopped, squinting as he took a closer look at Alex.
"Kid, you want to become an apprentice guardian knight?"
"Yes."
Facing Stone's question, Alex nodded. Having come this far, there was no turning back. Stone's face twisted into a mocking smile.
"If you want to become an apprentice guardian knight, you should know that everyone must pass an assessment, right?"
"Of course."
"Good."
Stone stood on the training ground, swinging his greatsword again, and looked at Alex with a half-smile.
"Then come on. You're lucky—I'll personally oversee your assessment. How does that feel? Honored?"
"Uh…"
Staring at the muscular man in front of him, Alex was momentarily speechless. The old priest frowned.
"Stone, don't go too far."
"It's no big deal, old man."
Stone waved off the priest's complaint.
"You said he triggered Rule Resonance, right? I want to see what this weakling can do to cause such a phenomenon!"
Indeed, being treated differently comes with a price.
Sighing inwardly at Stone's words, Alex thought for a moment, then walked down the steps onto the training ground. Seeing this, both the priest and Stone were taken aback. The priest looked worried, while Stone whistled.
"Well, kid, you've got some guts. Are you ready? Show me your full strength, let's see your limits."
"Of course, Sir Stone."
Alex slowly drew his sword, Decapitator, from his waist. Given the situation, his plans had to change. If he couldn't take the low-key route, he would showcase his strength and take the high road. With "Rule Resonance" as his advantage, it would be acceptable for him to exhibit some extraordinary abilities as the chosen one.
Moreover, Alex wanted to experience the power of a true warrior in this world.
"Please guide me."
He whispered as he looked at Stone, then suddenly vanished. His sword flashed like lightning, thrusting forward!
(End of Chapter)
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