The process was much simpler than I originally imagined.
After verifying the report and reviewing Rod’s achievements, the envoys immediately declared his promotion successful.
The Bishop from the Hero Church who had once deceived him with the "theory of world malevolence" popped out of thin air, slapped his shoulder, added a Spiritual Light to him, and that was that.
The only difference Rod felt was that the flame emblem at his neckline had become more vivid.
The Bishop said cheerfully, "It’s really you. I have always felt you had great potential since I first saw you; indeed, you’ve become a formal member upon returning from a single mission."
Rod was somewhat in disbelief, "Is it done? Am I a Third Level Combatant now?"
"Am I an official member of the Hall? No longer just in the reserve?"
"But I don’t seem to feel any different..."
The Bishop smiled gently and said, "Little Rod, as a Third Level Combatant, you are at the bottom of High Rank Combatants and just at the threshold of the strong. It’s merely supplemental power in our main combat sequence. In the Hall, advancing from reserve to a formal member is quite commonplace. Although you are a rare genius, the Hall is vast, and the world is even larger. You must get used to this."
Rod wanted to say something but stopped himself.
Honestly, he rarely ever felt like the world revolved around him. When he first started, his talent wasn’t great, and his growth wasn’t very fast.
This led to few encounters with those naturally radiant geniuses, except for several breakthroughs that catapulted his strength and ultimately earned him these merits, placing him in the Fire Hall.
The Bishop seemed to know what Rod was thinking and said calmly, "I can sense the pride within you. You have some strong reliance, and all geniuses are . Belief is the force that sustains us, but, my child, you have to remember that true victory is not about killing how many monsters, but about inspiring the fighting spirit within our hearts."
The Bishop offered a faint smile and a slight bow.
"May the human hero Trolian forever protect you on your future path."
Flames spread over his body, and just like a paper figure, he burned up and then dissipated into the air.
Rod glanced at his hands.
Finally stepping into the domain of High Rank Combatants, an official member of the Hall... what’s different now?
Soon, one envoy addressed his confusion.
He respectfully handed Rod a brand new robe and a badge with a sword and flame.
"Lord Rod, this is your Hall robe and badge. From now on, you are a member of the Hall’s outer chamber. As an independent combat entity, you are eligible to actively apply for combat, take on long-term missions for the Hall, or bring your comrades into the Hall, where they will enjoy the treatment of your entourage."
"Your weekly salary is ten thousand silver coins, plus three hundred combat supplies."
Another envoy presented him with a badge and a robe as well.
"This is your Third Level Combatant’s robe and badge. From now on, you are officially part of the High Rank Combatants. You are the Starlight, and the Moonlight, a glimmer in the Sun’s fiery sea, illuminating the murky path ahead for humanity, holding up the space for survival."
"Your basic weekly salary is ten thousand silver coins and four hundred combat or training supplies."
Rod was a bit stunned, "How much is my total weekly salary now?"
The envoy took out a Spiritual Energy crystal.
"Your current total weekly salary amounts to fifty-two thousand silver coins and one thousand two hundred supplies, with a total savings of twenty-three million silver coins."
Wow, I’ve become this wealthy without even realizing it?
Rod beamed with joy, deciding that he would make a big purchase at the Royal City at the right time.
Of course, before that, he would first make a substantial purchase in the Hall.
Rod had been waiting for a long time.
At the supply hall, he immediately spotted the weapon he had long coveted.
The Deep Sea Hider’s Trident.
It was deep blue, with water-like patterns on the surface, an extremely long handle, and peculiar Spiritual Light flickering on the body of the spear.
Seeing the seemingly flaming emblem on Rod’s collar and the multiple badges on his chest, the hall’s envoy did not dare to dawdle and hurried over, bowing and saying, "My lord, this is an Artifact Level Spiritual equipment that can enhance the power of all long-range Spiritual Power Missiles attacks."
"The advantage is that it uses relatively little Spiritual Energy and has a relatively high degree of Enhancement, but the drawback is that it might cause the missiles to go out of control, and it must be worn to be used."
"Spiritual Power Missiles" is a general term for a type of Spiritual Energy condensates. Although they come in different types, and their power varies, the basic principle is the same—all utilize condensed Spiritual Energy to create explosive damage to attack the enemy.
The Star Shuttle is one of them.
The Trident can enhance the power of "Spiritual Power Missiles," making it suitable for Rod.
The envoy spoke respectfully, "Please be aware, my lord, that it is not a weapon but a piece of equipment. You need to keep it on your back at all times for it to function."
Rod nodded, "I understand."
"Alright, as an Artifact Level Equipment, it falls just below the Unique Level, and it is valued at fifteen Hall Badges."
Rod handed over the fifteen badges without hesitation.
The envoy’s pupils shrank as he respectfully accepted the badges, and after a quick verification, he opened the Sealing Crystal and took out the Deep Sea Hider’s Trident.