"Thank you, son of the nameless hero. From Tia's description, if those two evil nobles had succeeded, both Sylph and Tia would have likely met a tragic end. It is your purity that saved these two innocent children." Brook also gave Kenley a respectful bow.

  Kenley was taken aback and quickly said,"I'm undeserving of such praise. Those nobles were clearly after me. I only acted in desperation to save myself. At the time, I didn't think things through. And I even caused the Bishop and Chief Judge to be involved. I feel deeply ashamed."

  Brook shook his head."The Judgment Light is no ordinary power. If you could emerge unscathed under the Sun God's judgment, it means you are pure and untarnished—truly the son of a hero. Furthermore, those two nobles have clearly been overtaken by dark thoughts. If they had succeeded in taking Sylph and Princess Tia, the consequences would have been unthinkable. Therefore, as the child of a hero, you deserve this bow."

  System:"Congratulations to player Kenley for unlocking the title [Pure and Untarnished]."

  Kenley froze for a moment."What? A title? I wonder what effect this title has..."

  He quickly responded,"Thank you for your praise, Captain Brook. From now on, I will continue to uphold light, justice, honor, and righteousness."

  After some formalities, Brook finally turned to Sylph and said,"Sylph, let's head back. The King is still waiting for you."

  Sylph looked reluctantly at Tia, then glanced at Kenley. Her expression became a bit more complicated when she turned her eyes to him. She suddenly spoke,"Uncle, could you let me be a little reckless for just one more day? Just one day! I want to stay with Tia for one more day."

  "This…" Brook clearly looked troubled.

  At this moment, Tia stood up."Uncle Brook, it's been so hard for Sylph and me to meet again. And we've been apart for a whole era. We've been through so much. I have so much to say to Sylph, so much longing to express. My father, mother, brother, and sister—whether they are alive or dead, I do not know. Sylph is one of the few remaining friends I have. Please, Uncle Brook, let me stay with Sylph for just one more day."

  Kenley sighed and stepped forward, explaining,"Captain Brook, we are in Marlen Imperial City, under the watch of the Bright Church, and the Bishop has promised to protect them. I ask for your understanding…"

  Brook furrowed his brows."It's not that I don't want to agree, but the situation in the Elderwood Forest…"

  "Uncle… just one day! Just one day!" Sylph looked at Brook with pleading eyes.

  Brook sighed, helplessness filling his heart. After a moment of hesitation, he finally relented,"Alright, but after noon tomorrow, we must leave. Can you manage that?"

  Stolen story; please report.

  "Yay! Thank you, Uncle Brook!" Sylph's face immediately broke into a joyful smile.

  Tia's eyes were misted with tears, but she smiled warmly."Thank you, Uncle Brook."

  Kenley also gave Brook a deep bow.

  "You really know how to make it difficult for me, but Sylph, you must wear this." Brook said, taking out a ring."I'll have someone secretly protect you. If anything happens, we'll be able to protect you."

  With that, Brook handed her the ring.

  She, of course, knew what kind of ring it was—it was a Tracking Ring. Once worn, no matter where she was, she could always be found.

  The group exited through the main gate of the Bright Cathedral, but Kenley's expression immediately tightened when he saw someone familiar.

  "Smith? What's this old dwarf doing here?"

  "Stubborn brat! I've been looking for you everywhere! You're not getting away today. Brook? What are you doing here in the Imperial City?" Smith's angry face turned toward Kenley first, then immediately froze when he saw someone unexpected.

  "Ha! Smith! Long time no see, my friend!" Brook greeted with a beaming smile, clearly excited to see Smith. It was evident that Brook and Smith had been old friends for years.

  "I know, right? Brook, my friend! It's been years! How've you been? Want to come to my place for a drink or two? I'm really glad to see you. What brings you to Marlen Imperial City? Surely you're not here on a secret mission, are you? Heh heh heh." Smith leaned toward Brook with a grin.

  The tall and short figures collided their shoulders playfully, creating a rather comical scene. But Kenley knew that for dwarves, this was the highest greeting for close friends. It was obvious that Brook and Smith had been friends for a long time.

  "It's a long story…" Brook glanced at Sylph and then said,"Well, if we're drinking, I'm definitely going to your place to help you finish your treasured wine collection. Don't you dare hold back!"

  The Elf and Dwarf races were always friendly with each other—this was a well-known fact on the continent of Aude. Plus, Smith had once forged the legendary sword Tai Yi: Elf's Dance, so his name was well-known among the Elves.

  "Haha, I'm just afraid you won't be able to handle two sips before passing out!" Smith laughed, then his eyes shifted behind him,"Where's that brat?"

  "Who?" Brook asked in confusion.

  Tia, holding her mouth, chuckled softly,"Master? He went to take care of something else."

  Sylph, equally puzzled, asked,"What did he go to do?"

  Tia whispered something in Sylph's ear, and Sylph's expression darkened."That scoundrel—he's that scared of me? As soon as he sees Uncle Brook, he runs away like a scared little child? Is he worried I'll go and tell Uncle bad things about him? Hmph! I'm not as childish as he thinks! I'm a hero who's going to brave the dragon's lair! I wouldn't hold a grudge over something so trivial! Hmph!"

  Tia laughed even harder, but she didn't say anything more.

  So, what was Kenley doing? That's right—Kenley had seen Smith quickly take off. After informing Tia, he asked her to stay with Sylph while he went to find Green, a local potion master, to learn about the profession of alchemy.

  System, activate.

  With the title system opened, Kenley saw a new title:

  Title: Pure and Untarnished

  Effect: Increases Light Element Affinity by 30%

  Note: Light resides in everyone's heart; even in the darkest places, there is still hidden hope.

  Wait… just a title could increase his Light Element Affinity by such a high amount? Even in the later stages of the game, Kenley's single legendary light element affinity accessory only increased it by 35%. A title alone, almost as powerful as a legendary accessory? This seemed a bit overpowered!