Chapter 120: On the Importance of Schemes

The notice board in Dawn City’s square. Once again, Remon was tasked with explaining the announcement. However, this time was different. The decree personally issued by Lord Kachar had even left him feeling excited. “Dear residents, I am Remon from the security squad. Lord Kachar has just personally issued the latest decree, and I will now read it aloud.” Although Dawn City’s population had grown to 6,500 people, very few were literate. Most eagerly awaited Remon’s words. “My subjects, I am your city lord, Kachar. Three days ago, a young man named Owen bravely rescued a Saintlight Vampire lady from the claws of a Horned Thunder Panther, risking his life without fear. I am deeply moved by this act of bravery.” Remon imitated Li De’s tone, his voice gradually rising. “This heroic deed would earn admiration even from the Goddess of Life. Dawn City will not let any hero who contributes go unrewarded. We must bestow upon those with merit the finest reward. Therefore, I have decided to grant Owen 100 points as a reward for his courageous actions.” Whisper~ A murmur rippled through the crowd below. One hundred points—something many couldn’t even dream of! That was enough to exchange for noble status. Noble! Noble!! It was enough to make anyone envious. But some who heard this news didn’t show envy; instead, they felt a faint sense of disappointment. What they truly expected was for Owen, the young man, to receive the reward of becoming a Saintlight Vampire. After days of rumors building anticipation, they had hoped for this outcome but found the result wasn’t what they imagined. Perhaps the identity of a Saintlight Vampire was indeed too precious. But the next part of the announcement reignited their spirits. “However, just as I was about to make my decision, an unexpected situation arose. Lady Lilith, the Saintlight Vampire rescued by Owen from the Horned Thunder Panther, pleaded with me to grant Owen the noble identity of a Saintlight Vampire.” At this point, Remon paused involuntarily, his mood lifting slightly. He looked at the crowd below, who had inexplicably stopped murmuring and were now staring at him expectantly, before continuing. “To this, I hesitated.” “The Saintlight Vampires are mighty beings born with spellcasting abilities, natural nobility, eternal life, and are a superior race of high standing. The value of such a reward made me hesitate.” After Remon finished speaking, disappointment flickered in the eyes of the crowd below. Only then did many truly realize how difficult it was to become a Saintlight Vampire. The reward of noble status seemed insignificant compared to the honor of becoming a Saintlight Vampire. Moreover, the benefits of becoming a Saintlight Vampire made the crowd envious. Spellcasting ability, noble status, eternal life—it was all so tempting. In this world, there were few commoners who could resist such allure. If not for the vampires’ terrible reputation among humans—so deeply ingrained that even Dawn City’s long-term efforts hadn’t fully erased it—perhaps everyone would already be yearning to become a vampire. Though some harbored doubts, a large portion of the residents were filled with great anticipation. Especially the residents of Eric Town, who were brimming with hope. They had long interacted with vampires and knew that becoming a Saintlight Vampire wouldn’t turn them into bloodthirsty demons. Thus, unlike the newcomers to Dawn City, they weren’t burdened with as much doubt. “What relieved me was that the young man Owen believed he couldn’t accept such a precious reward and willingly gave up everything.” Ah?? This statement left the crowd lamenting. Some were even ready to curse him. How could someone give up such a golden opportunity? What a fool!! Many stared at Remon, eager to hear what came next. “For this young man of noble character, I am satisfied and have accepted his decision.” Ah? The crowd below erupted in astonishment. “I will revoke all rewards for Owen.” “But to honor his brave actions, I will hold a selection process within Dawn City. This selection is open only to the 3,000 residents who hold temporary residency permits in Dawn City. The Saintlight Vampires will personally train these participants, and from the 3,000, we will select the top 200 to bestow upon them the noble bloodline of the Saintlight Vampires. Additionally, those who rank in the top 500 will each receive three points, and those in the top 300 will receive five points.” “Cheer for Lord Owen! It is this young man who sacrificed his reward, granting all residents of Dawn City the chance to become vampires!” “I am your city lord, Kachar. My subjects, if you wish to become noble Saintlight Vampires, participate in the Saintlight Vampire Selection Tournament. You will receive the most precious reward.” When Remon finished reading the last word, the crowd erupted in frenzied discussion. Everyone was swept up in excitement. Not only Owen, the lucky one, but now everyone had the chance to become a Saintlight Vampire! “Praise the goddess, praise the Saintlight Vampires! I, Poli, will definitely participate and become a noble Saintlight Vampire to gain spellcasting abilities!!” “Owen, I know Owen!! He’s my neighbor, hahaha! Praise Owen—it is his noble character that earned Lord Kachar’s approval, and it is because of him that we have this chance to become Saintlight Vampires!!” “How do we sign up for the selection? Even if I can’t become a Saintlight Vampire, I’ll still aim for the top 300! Five points! Oh goddess, I won’t have to queue ever again!!” “Top 500 gets points? Lord Kachar’s generosity is truly astonishing—I must get them!” No one expected Li De’s final reward to be this—a reward not for one person but for all the residents of Dawn City. The top 200 would become vampires, and simply entering the top 500 would earn points. Oh goddess, even if they couldn’t become Saintlight Vampires, earning points alone was more than enough. During this time, countless envied the members of the security squad and logistics team who enjoyed privileges thanks to their points. Even without considering the reward of becoming a Saintlight Vampire, the mere chance to earn points drove them wild. Currently, the only way to earn points was through the publicly announced method—farming and paying taxes—but that yielded only one point per year. The speed of earning points was despairingly slow. Now, with a new way to earn points, almost no one remained unexcited. And those with points, like members of the security squad, were especially excited. They had already tasted the privileges brought by points and knew their value. Falling behind others would be unbearable for them. Thus, a legend was born—a tale of a human saving a vampire, then selflessly giving up a rich reward. His noble character earned Lord Kachar’s admiration, leading to this reward being extended to all residents of Dawn City. Everyone praised this story. It perfectly suited human tastes. First, the protagonist was human, and he risked his life to save the current rulers—the Saintlight Vampires—from a magical beast. Finally, he faced a tempting reward but chose to give it up. This seemingly foolish act earned the admiration of important figures, who spread the benefits to everyone. Fairy tales often went like this—kindness and goodness ultimately received the best rewards. Almost no one questioned the story’s details. Any gaps were automatically filled in by the imaginative residents as the tale spread. Owen, the lucky one, became a hero celebrated by all. Through this event, Li De gained a reputation for kindness and nobility. Most importantly, the Vampire Selection Tournament became a competition everyone eagerly joined. One stone, multiple birds. When Li De heard the news, a pure and innocent smile appeared on his face.