Chapter 55

As the night faded away, Qin Ran and Gong Lanshen were busy.

Just before dawn, Qin Ran, after making another agreement with Gong Lansen, returned to his residence.

In the newly cleaned room, Qin Ran picked up the skill book that had dropped from the kill—a drop that the original residents could neither see nor touch.

[Discovered Skill Book: Lockpicking!]

[Do you want to learn it?]

"Yes!"

[Learning Skill: Lockpicking]

[Name: Lockpicking (Basic)]

[Attributes: Dexterity, Perception]

[Skill Type: Auxiliary]

[Effect: You know how to use hairpins, wires, and long-handled screwdrivers to open not too complicated locks!]

[Cost: Stamina]

[Learning Conditions: None]

[Note: Always make sure no one is around when lockpicking!]

...

The relevant knowledge was once again infused into Qin Ran's mind. Subconsciously, he fished out a hairpin, one of the lockpicking tools. The familiar sensation at his fingertips made the corners of his mouth curl up slightly.

Although he had experienced this several times, each time Qin Ran was amazed by the magic of the skill.

After carefully sensing the changes brought by the skill [Lockpicking], Qin Ran lay down on the bed fully clothed.

There was still a little time before dawn.

This was enough for him to rest a bit.

Qin Ran cherished this.

Because he knew that in the coming days, such 'peaceful' rest opportunities would be few.

...

Around seven in the morning, the sky was already bright.

Qin Ran appeared at St. Paul's School once again.

"Good morning, Reed!"

Qin Ran greeted the school guard captain.

"Hmph!"

The school guard captain once again showed his displeasure at Qin Ran's arrival.

However, he did not block him.

For Reed, the orders of Sister Monica far outweighed his personal feelings.

Qin Ran paid no attention to the school guard captain's cold stare and walked familiarly toward the Night Watchman's hut where Gong Lansen was.

"Good morning, Qin Ran!"

"I have bread, milk, and honey here!"

"Of course, I prefer roasted pig legs!"

Compared to the school guard captain, Gong Lansen was very welcoming of Qin Ran's arrival and invited him to have breakfast together.

The small table was piled high with food.

No one who saw it would believe that so much food was the breakfast of an almost eighty-year-old man, especially the roasted pig leg that could feed three or four adult men.

"I also like meat!"

Qin Ran smiled and did not refuse.

After last night's cooperation, their relationship had clearly grown closer, moving from acquaintances to friends.

During breakfast, neither of them mentioned last night's events.

Even though Sister Monica was not at the table, they both maintained their默契 (tacit understanding).

The only thing Qin Ran regretted was that these foods could only fill his stomach and did not have the option to increase health or restore stamina.

However, this did not affect Qin Ran's appreciation of the delicious food.

Almost in a whirlwind, Qin Ran finished all the food in front of him.

This left the guardian knight speechless.

"Has my cooking improved so much?"

This doubt made Gong Lansen subconsciously taste the food in front of him.

Then, his gaze toward Qin Ran became even more peculiar.

If it weren't for Qin Ran's neat attire, he would have thought he was dealing with a refugee. After all, even commoners knew some table manners and didn't have such a big appetite.

Under Gong Lansen's gaze, Qin Ran remained calm.

After all, in Qin Ran's view, this did not conflict with the identity given to him by the game; at most, it would draw some side glances.

After all, he was just a detective, not a noble.

But in Gong Lansen's view, it was a different experience.

Not caring about others' gazes and sticking to his own principles, he had a sense of indifference to honor and disgrace.

Moreover, he had considerable strength and a good reputation.

After a brief interaction, Gong Lansen could confirm that such a reputation was not undeserved.

Seems... like a pretty good young man!

Gong Lansen thought to himself while eating the food in front of him at the same speed.

However, unlike Qin Ran's ravenous eating, Gong Lansen's actions, though fast, gave a sense of elegance.

As a dining companion, Qin Ran took this as knightly etiquette.

Then, he waited quietly.

Qin Ran had not come to St. Paul's School early in the morning just to have breakfast with the other person; he had other matters to discuss.

Of course, that would have to wait until the other person finished eating.

Qin Ran understood such basic etiquette.

And with Gong Lansen's speed, he didn't have to wait long.

Five minutes.

Gong Lansen finished the last piece of bread and began to clear the dishes. Qin Ran joined in without hesitation—after enjoying a satisfying breakfast, he naturally didn't mind repaying Gong Lansen with action.

Washing the dishes didn't take much time for Qin Ran either.

When all the dishes were cleared, Qin Ran and Gong Lansen sat down in front of the small wooden hut again.

Qin Ran was about to discuss more details of last night's plan with Gong Lansen.

Last night's time was not sufficient, and only a rough plan was made; many details needed to be filled in.

However, before Qin Ran could speak, Gong Lansen spoke first.

"Qin Ran, what do you think of firearms?"

Gong Lansen asked abruptly.

The sudden question left Qin Ran stunned.

Subconsciously, Qin Ran associated it with the word 'test,' but he couldn't be sure.

Because, in Qin Ran's view, this seemed a bit sudden.

At least, in Qin Ran's view, such a 'test' shouldn't appear before the side mission was completely completed.

In Qin Ran's original plan, only after completing the side mission could his relationship with Gong Lansen become or reach a harmonious state, allowing him to request to learn the other's skills.

Then, a 'test' might appear.

Or, because of a good relationship, the 'test' might be waived, and the request to learn the skills would be directly accepted.

Qin Ran was not unfamiliar with such a game mode.

But now?

Qin Ran frowned.

However, he quickly reacted.

Now was not the time to think about these things.

He quickly pulled his thoughts back and considered Gong Lansen's question.

Then, Qin Ran found that the question was difficult to answer.

Because the era Gong Lansen had experienced ended with the appearance of firearms.

His glory had also dimmed in the cannon fire.

But for firearms, this was just the beginning! Even after several hundred years, they had only touched the edge of the peak.

Qin Ran was well aware of this.

So, he found it hard to answer.

He couldn't say that this was the wheel of history, and anything in its path would be mercilessly crushed, right?

Qin Ran believed that saying this would definitely make the still harmonious relationship between them awkward.

As for saying something to flatter the other person?

Facts speak louder than words!

Qin Ran believed the other person was not a fool and, as the last guardian knight of the Dawn Church, could clearly see the changes around him.

For a moment, Qin Ran was in a dilemma.

He had no idea how to answer.

Time ticked by.

Gong Lansen's expression became unhappy.

Then, this unhappiness turned into anger.

Clearly, Qin Ran's long contemplation made the other person dissatisfied.

"Have you thought it through yet?"

Finally, after two minutes, Gong Lansen asked again.

"No!"

"Or... I find it hard to answer!"

Qin Ran shook his head.

Both answers were unsatisfactory, and neither would pass the 'test.' It was better not to say anything.

By not choosing these unsatisfactory answers, he could use other words to salvage their relationship.

After all, this wasn't a fixed-choice game!

This was a nearly realistic virtual game, and anything was possible!

"Ha ha ha!"

After a few seconds of silence, just as Qin Ran was thinking about how to speak again, the other person suddenly burst into laughter.

"Good answer!"

The other person said.

"Huh?"

Qin Ran was taken aback.

He was a bit confused.

"The appearance of the age of gunpowder and steam engines is inevitable! Just like the age of knights in the past!"

"The fall of one era will inevitably give birth to a more brilliant one! Even if the process is not beautiful, it cannot be changed!"

"However, some traditions must be preserved—kindness!"

"Your inability to answer proves your kindness!"

Gong Lansen smiled, and his gaze toward Qin Ran showed more appreciation. He said, "Qin Ran, you have a good reputation and considerable strength. You are not merciful to your enemies, but you have kindness! I believe that while carrying out your plan, you can further enhance your strength... Although we are now in the age of gunpowder and steam engines, some ancient knowledge is still very useful!"

"Qin Ran, are you willing to learn this knowledge from me?"

Gong Lansen asked seriously.

"Of course!"

Qin Ran answered without hesitation, feeling greatly relieved.