For example, a level 10 inferior character has the same attributes as a level 1 mythic novice. And this inferior character can never hope to reach level 20; his talent is just that limited.

Moreover, if you want to advance to a legendary warrior, your physical quality must reach the legendary level.

Thinking about how the original owner of this body was a teenager who had suffered from chronic malnutrition, Rowland didn’t find these miserable stats surprising. What he cared about was whether there was a way to change them.

“It can be changed.” The AI gave a definite answer, which reassured Rowland.

The data in his mind hadn’t stopped yet; another message popped up.

“Mission system activated. The AI will constantly monitor the environment and issue missions to the host. Upon completing missions, the host will receive a variable amount of experience. By accumulating experience, players can level up and gain attribute points to strengthen their bodies. Additionally, defeating various opponents will also grant experience points.”

Rowland felt a bit awkward: “Does it have to simulate things this closely? Why don’t you just give me attribute points to strengthen myself? Why make it so complicated?”

“The psychological analysts of the New Continent Project believe that continuous unearned rewards will not help you grow into a true powerhouse, but will only lead you down a path of madness and destruction. Only by working hard and improving step by step can you possibly become a true war god capable of influencing the continent.” The AI’s explanation was logical and well-founded.

“I’ve played as a warrior for ten years, I know what to do.” Rowland argued. If his talent was for mage or priest, he really wouldn’t be confident, but this was a warrior talent system that was almost instinctive to him—could he really not handle it?

“Please note, host, the game’s simulation of the real world is very high, but it does not represent the real world. You must gradually understand this world, because even the smallest mistake could cost you your life. Here, there are no respawn points!”

“But…” He still felt that gaining experience and leveling up step by step was a bit of a rip-off.

“Rowland, please pay attention to one fact.” The AI suddenly added, “I am just a program. I faithfully execute the commands of the program developers. This cannot be changed, and there is absolutely no room for negotiation!”

This statement extinguished all of Rowland’s thoughts of taking shortcuts: “Fine, you win. Then where do the attribute points you give me to strengthen my body come from? This is the real world—there’s no way to create something from nothing, right?”

“This War God system was developed over five years by a team of one hundred led by Dr. Brian Thompson. The energy convergence system involved is extremely complex, touching on the most cutting-edge chaos ring theory. Your logical intelligence is insufficient to understand the principles, so no explanation will be given.”

“…Fine, you win.” Rowland gave up on asking about the principles. Although the other party’s words were a bit condescending, he knew it was the truth.

“All right, I understand how you operate now.” Rowland more or less understood. “So, what’s my first mission?”

“No missions have been found for now. To save energy, it is recommended that the host not check frequently. When there is a mission, the AI will notify you separately.”

“Got it.” Rowland indicated his understanding. This AI existed in his mind, and after all, the energy must be coming from his own body. With his current weak body, it was best not to overexert himself.

During the time he was communicating with the AI, to outsiders it just looked like he was spacing out. This little guy seemed to have been hit hard by the death of his adoptive father.

The Old Man beside him advised, “Rowland, you can’t keep Amos in this shelter forever. With this weather, in a few days the body will start to rot.”

Rowland snapped back to reality and nodded, “I’ll take care of it.”

He might as well see the good deed through to the end—he had to give Amos a funeral. After the funeral, he’d have to figure out how to pay back the usurious loan from the scoundrel Marlow, or else he’d have to face the fists and clubs of that guy’s thugs with this frail body.

He cursed that greedy priest again!

Chapter 3 Remember the Green Dress

Now, Rowland didn’t have a single coin on him, so there was no way he could buy a burial plot for his cheap adoptive father, but he couldn’t just leave the body exposed in the wild either.

Since burial wasn’t an option, then a sea burial it would be—feed him to the fish. For the hard-working people living by the sea, being buried at sea was a common way to go.

Rowland with an empty stomach… he was especially, extremely hungry now. The AI told him it was because it was collecting energy for leveling up… found a nearly worm-eaten, rotten plank, picked some wildflowers outside the city, and finally, in a secluded spot not far from the dock, pushed the plank carrying his adoptive father’s body into the sea.

“Goodbye, old drunkard. May you have a kind child to take care of you every day in the next world too.” Rowland waved at the plank drifting farther and farther away.

Suddenly, a sea breeze blew by, making Rowland shiver.

It was spring now, and the sea breeze was damp and cold. After standing by the sea for a while, Rowland couldn’t help but start to tremble. He shrank his neck, wrapped his tattered clothes tighter around himself, and walked toward the dock.

He had spent the whole day dealing with his adoptive father’s affairs, and had only eaten a few wild fruits while picking flowers. If he didn’t want to starve to death, he had to quickly find a job at the dock to earn some money for food.

He had only taken a few steps when a message flashed through his mind.

“Mission confirmed: Redeem your freedom.