This time I chose Paladin.

Chapter 312 Trust and Hope

Nie Weiyang's brief departure went unnoticed by anyone.

He was like a drop of water merging into a river, naturally returning to the daily rhythm of Kushui Town.

For the next two weeks, in addition to entering various pre-civilization ruins to check information, search for clues, and exchange accumulated resources for usable items, equipment, and lucky charm enhancements, Nie Weiyang, as a paladin, traveled around this newly born land, coordinating resources from all sides, clearing out small groups of wandering monsters, and mediating frictions between survivors caused by resources.

His increasingly inhuman red eyes still made people afraid to look directly at him, but the stability he brought, the healing he provided, and the figure that stood at the forefront in battle were like a rock, gradually solidifying people's trust in him.

One morning more than half a month later, as the first rays of light shone down, the system notification sounded, announcing a new life to all the survivors in the area.

The regional public health emergency, known as the "fever outbreak," has ended.

[Event contribution settlement in progress...]

[Rewards are being distributed...]

It was as if a warm current had flowed into the parched land.

Every survivor in the epidemic area, whether a civilian who had struggled on the brink of death or a soldier and logistics personnel who fought day and night on the front line, felt the changes within themselves.

The glow of experience points shone on many people, and the sense of power brought by leveling up dispelled the fatigue of the past few days.

The pleasant jingling of silver rings echoed in the backpack, and more practical white and green quality equipment, props, or materials appeared out of thin air, filling the gap in the shortage of supplies.

This wave of generous rewards was like a timely rain, greatly enhancing the overall strength of the survivor group and opening up a wider living space for settlements such as Bitterwater Town.

Seeds of hope quietly sprouted amidst the ruins.

Nie Weiyang's own settlement interface is even more gorgeous, with dazzling lights.

Without a doubt, he became the individual with the highest contribution value in this incident, whether it was fighting, cleaning up the source, healing the wounded, or stabilizing order... he far surpassed ordinary people in every aspect.

At the same time, a statistic that made him even more gratified emerged—although his red eyes brought some instinctive alienation and fear, his real actions and protection of the people here still made him the 'most trusted individual on average' within the statistical scope.

In addition to a massive amount of general experience, currency rewards, and several pieces of blue-quality equipment with decent stats, he also obtained a special item. These items emitted a soft purple glow, indicating their extraordinary nature:
[Echoing Conch] -
The skeleton of a strange creature from [unidentified source], its spiral structure seemingly capable of receiving the emotional notes flowing through the material world.
• When used in a location where a strong spiritual imprint remains, you will 'hear' key conversations that took place in that location, or perceive intense emotional fragments.

Number of uses: 3/999.
-
Listen, the wind whispers, it is the symphony of the universe.
Nie Weiyang: “…”

"You guys are so stingy you can't even pretend?" he asked the air incredulously. "What does '3/999' mean? Are you telling me to work 996 overtime? Aren't I already working 007? Are you planning to give me a vacation?"

The system remained silent, offering no response to Nie Weiyang. He silently examined the conch shell; it was entirely white, but its interior featured beautiful, flowing blue patterns, with light emanating from within.

■■■■……

...What is that?
Nie Weiyang stared at the conch shell, feeling that something was off about it, but he couldn't quite put his finger on it. A subtle sense of unease led him to finally toss it into his backpack, deciding not to take it out unless absolutely necessary.

A gentle breeze, carrying a warm scent, dispelled the lingering stench of the wilderness and brought back the long-lost aroma of earth and sprouting grass.

Nie Weiyang stuffed the last bite of food the villagers had given him into his mouth and sat alone in a dense forest, far away from the hustle and bustle of the camp.

He opened his palm and held up a tiny white crystal, about the size of a grain of rice. It was crystal clear, without any impurities. Sunlight shone through it, and a milky white halo seemed to flow slowly within it, warm and pure, and slightly warm to the touch.

—[Proof of Trust].

This is the second testament to his trust. Its true value far exceeds what its physical appearance can measure.

With it, he was finally able to unlock the device's equipment permissions.

Nie Weiyang's emotions were unusually stirred.

With a slight thought, he took out the magnificent crown—

The moment it appeared was like a flash of light.

On the left side of this golden crown are five hollowed-out golden wheat ears of varying lengths, each with plump grains and distinct tassels. These wheat ears, like the three layers of powerful wings on the right, are movable structures. When he picks it up, not only does the large diamond fixed in the back sparkle, but red ribbons on the wheat ears below the diamond flutter in the wind... The wheat ears and wings also sway slightly, creating a magnificent and beautiful scene.

[[Wonder Object: Guardian of Hope] -]
The hearts of the people.
Wearing requirements: Insert your own [proof of trust].

• By inserting and wearing the [Proof of Trust], you can obtain the special title [Guardian of Hope].
-
[Guardians of Hope]
Special title, does not occupy a title slot, detailed attributes can be viewed after activation.
-
With one heart and one mind.

……

Nie Weiyang looked down at himself.

His armor, stained with dust and dark red blood from numerous battles, was utterly unworthy of the crown's exquisite beauty and sacredness. If he were to wear it, the sight would likely be somewhat comical.

Nie Weiyang smiled helplessly, but the smile quickly faded. He refocused, clearing his mind of distractions, and gently touched the token of trust in his hand to the crown.

The moment the two came into contact, the token of trust, like a drop of water merging into molten gold, created a ripple and then vanished silently.

Immediately afterwards, a gentle yet powerful golden light burst forth from the Guardian of Hope!
The light was not dazzling, but like the rising sun, carrying a warm power that cleansed the heart and dispelled gloom. The ears of wheat and wings on the crown seemed to be infused with real life at this moment, no longer just intricate mechanisms, but living beings. They trembled slightly for a moment, colliding with each other and emitting a melodious sound like wind chimes or rolling waves of wheat, echoing in the quiet open space.

The light lasted for several breaths before gradually subsiding, receding back into the crown like a tide.

The Guardian's appearance seemed unchanged, still magnificent, but Nie Weiyang could clearly feel an invisible, solid connection established between him and the crown. It was no longer just a cold object, a strange artifact; a certain power hidden within it had opened up to him, its acknowledged master, waiting to be awakened.

Oh, if I absolutely have to say it has changed...

Nie Weiyang plucked at the golden ear of wheat with its sharp awns, and at the very tip, a point of diamond-like brilliance shimmered.

It was a token of trust, as if it had been polished to perfection in that instant, now shining brightly, its hollowed-out structure shimmering with an eye-catching light in the sunlight.

The "[Glorious Melody: Guardians of Hope]" questline is now available. Please view the information in the quest interface.

[Guardian of Hope] requires 1/10 [Proof of Trust] for this stage of upgrade.

The special title [Guardian of Hope] has been added to the title list. It requires the corresponding equipment to activate. Please view the specific attributes in the title interface.

(End of this chapter)