Chapter 20 Occupation: College Student

The next moment, Berger’s face flushed as if engorged with blood, while the surrounding villagers stared at him with eyes full of envy and jealousy. To be bestowed a surname by a prince of a superpower—what an immense honor this was for a commoner! It was something they wouldn’t even dare to dream of.

*Slap!*

Berger struck himself hard across the face. He was the one who had dealt the blow, for reality felt so wonderful that he suspected he might be trapped in a daydream. Yet, the sharp pain radiating from his cheek confirmed that this was indeed reality. This incomparably noble prince was truly willing to accept him as a retainer and had even granted him a surname. Berger could only feel fortunate that, when he saw someone being besieged in the forest while out hunting that day, he had instinctively fired an arrow that far exceeded his usual skill, leading to this dreamlike encounter.

"By the Creator, by the gods, I, Berger Chu, hereby take this oath—" Once he had calmed himself, Berger steadied his emotions and spoke loudly once more. "From this day forth, I shall serve Prince Mingyu Xia as my liege, and I shall be his loyal retainer, his hound. No matter if the path ahead is filled with thorns or wildfires, I will follow in his footsteps, guarding his glory and dignity with my life, my bow, and my soul, until the very end of my days."

Berger’s voice grew increasingly passionate, carrying a near-fanatical devotion. "I swear that no matter what enemy I face or what predicament I encounter, I will stand by your side, using my own flesh and blood to shield you from every blade and swordsman. Your enemies are my enemies; your ideals are my ideals. Whether your demands are just or unjust, reasonable or unreasonable, I shall strive with all my might to fulfill them."

"If I break this oath, let the Sun God scorch my body, the Thunder God shatter my soul, and the Earth God rend the valley asunder to swallow my remains." Berger’s voice trembled slightly. He bowed his head low, his forehead nearly touching the ground, his tone low yet crystal clear. "Prince Mingyu, please accept my allegiance."

"I accept your allegiance and believe in your oath. I promise that from this day forward, I shall protect your safety and illuminate your path as a warrior," Mingyu Xia said softly, patting Berger heavily on the shoulder twice.

*The path as a warrior... My Prince... My liege still remembers what I said when I first pledged my loyalty!* Berger felt a warmth in his heart. He slowly stood up, his eyes burning with vigor. Just as he was about to thank his liege for his generosity again, he saw a white light suddenly emerge above the other man's head. Beside the long tag labeled "Heir to the Kingdom of 1.4 Billion Citizens," a new tag was gradually coalescing.

"My liege, your profession has successfully manifested!" Berger exclaimed in surprise.

***

Mingyu Xia didn't need him to say it; he could already feel the changes in his body. It felt lighter, while a refreshing coolness surged through his mind; his entire body felt as comfortable as if he were soaking in an open-air hot spring.

"Berger, I’m heading back first."

Mingyu Xia, who had originally intended to manipulate Berger a little more, hurried toward the wooden cabin. He could not wait to see what his profession was and what abilities it brought, as that would determine whether his journey in this Seven-Ring World would be on "Hard Mode" or "Paradise Mode." If he were lucky enough to get a heaven-defying profession like "Transmigrator" or "Fool," he could basically coast through life from here on out.

After Mingyu Xia left, the villagers, no longer able to contain their excitement, crowded around Berger.

"You lucky dog, you really have been favored by the gods! Even after making a mistake, you were taken in as a retainer by the Prince and even given a surname... It’s more incredible than any poem sung by a bard!"

"Hey, hey, don't forget our village once you make it big. Remember to come back and visit."

"You must never forget the Prince’s kindness. If you ever dare to betray him, don’t blame me for not recognizing you as a brother anymore!"

...The villagers chattered around Berger, and some even hoisted him high into the air. At that moment, Robert walked slowly toward him, and the villagers parted to make way.

"Does it still hurt?" Robert asked, looking at the battered Berger with a gentle sigh.

"It doesn't hurt, not one bit!" Berger grinned, a brilliant smile breaking across his scarred face. Though his body ached, the infinite joy in his spirit had long since drowned out the pain.

"Sigh..." The sight of him made Robert’s brow twitch. "I hit you so hard just now; do you hate me?"

"Without that beating from you, Uncle Robert, the liege might not have accepted me. I can't thank you enough!" Berger couldn't help but laugh out loud.

"You have no sense of decorum!" Robert glared at him, and only then did Berger cough a few times, returning to his usual indifferent and calm demeanor.

"Berger, you must remember: from now on, no matter what happens, and no matter the reason, never defy your liege’s orders again," Robert instructed.

"I will, I promise!" Berger replied firmly.

"Also, if the Prince ever strikes you, even if he hits you hard, you must not dodge, just as you didn't when I hit you today."

"And if anyone dares to insult the Prince, you must be the first one to jump out and kill them."

...After giving many instructions, Robert looked at Berger, who remained determined and showed not a hint of annoyance, and nodded with satisfaction.

"Today, our village has survived a crisis and witnessed such a joyous event. Tonight, take out our reserves; we shall host the grandest bonfire banquet the Fruit Basket Village has ever seen!" Robert waved his hand with spirit, seemingly regaining the vitality of his youth.

"Long live the village chief!!"

"Oh yeah! We get to drink red fruit wine!"

The villagers’ cheers were loud enough to nearly knock over the old oak tree.

...Meanwhile, inside the wooden cabin, Mingyu Xia stared blankly at his reflection in the water vat, his expression dazed. He never imagined in his wildest dreams that this would be his profession!

Behind the white text reading "Heir to the Kingdom of 1.4 Billion Citizens" in the reflection, a new line of white text had appeared: "College Student."

"Even if a profession is meant to be a summary of one's past life, this is just too abstract..." Mingyu Xia’s mouth twitched. He didn't actually care what the profession was; he cared about what kind of marvelous abilities it would grant him. Ideally, something like "Knight" or "Hunter" that would aid in combat. But "College Student"... at the thought of the average physical fitness test scores he had seen before transmigrating, Mingyu Xia felt an urge to bury his head in the water vat.

"Forget it, let’s just look at the abilities." Mingyu Xia sighed and focused his attention on the "College Student" tag.

Gradually, two more lines of text emerged beneath the tag:

*Clear-eyed Naivety: You will find it easier to gain others' favor upon first meeting.*

*Astral Projection: You can empty your mind and let your body take over your actions.*

*Huh? Can a mortal-tier profession have two abilities?*