Chapter 463, Can it be universal?
Wu Heng frowned, pondering the meaning behind the words.
In other words, after reaching Level 18, becoming a hero not only requires meeting the experience threshold but also fulfilling the new standard of "Hero Molding."
This includes personal reputation and influence.
Only by meeting this requirement can one become a hero.
"Can any type of influence count? Occom is a pirate; he probably doesn't have much influence outside, right?" Wu Heng felt confused by the concept.
Reputation typically refers to positive recognition and respect.
How could a pirate leader, even at Level 18, have any reputation?
It seems impossible for him to ever become a hero.
Yet, his future plans still aim toward heroism, indicating a possibility of achieving it.
This differs somewhat from what "Yimiro" had said.
Yimiro continued explaining, "Everyone chooses different paths. Occom chose pirate reputation and influence.
If the Gold-Silver Island operation succeeds—killing the guild members on the island and detaining all major merchant guild representatives from the Emerald Sea—do you think his reputation as Pirate King would be low? Moreover, his alliance with the Divine Punishment Sect takes advantage of their believers."
Wu Heng narrowed his eyes, suddenly struck by a realization.
Reputation and influence seemed akin to faith in religious contexts.
Yimiro continued, "You've seen the guild's Hero Chronicles, right? The stories of exceptional members distributed to every region?
The guild spends enormous sums distributing these books to promote its values and to highlight the deeds of the protagonists."
The guild's chronicles and adventures spread far and wide.
Stories of professionals from various regions have always inspired and motivated the youth.
Now it seems like a promotional tactic by the guild.
"Do stories like that contribute to Hero Molding?"
"Of course. While it's not as effective as real deeds, it still helps. With guild branches everywhere, the contributions accumulate," Yimiro said with a faint smile. "But it's too early for you to delve into this. When you reach Level 18, you'll understand."
"Hmm, that makes sense," Wu Heng replied.
Yimiro added, "With your abilities and talent, reaching Level 18 won't be difficult. But humans have limited lifespans, so you need to make the most of your time."
From an elf's perspective, human lifespans are terrifyingly short.
Elves mature at 100 years old, while humans are already dead by then.
Thus, for humans, talent must be maximized to improve themselves quickly.
"Thank you, Steward. I'll do my best."
Yimiro nodded and said, "The island's merchant guilds have jointly recommended you as the new Island Lord. Are you aware of this?"
"Yesterday, Lady Shanaila mentioned it to me. She said that if it succeeds, the guilds will receive a three-year tax reduction," Wu Heng replied.
"Merchants are driven by profit. Their support comes with strings attached. Ultimately, the final decision depends on the headquarters."
Wu Heng looked at Yimiro in confusion. "Steward, why aren't you taking the position of Island Lord? I think you're more suited for it."
Yimiro smiled and shook his head. "That's not the path I'm pursuing."
Uh…
Wu Heng froze, suddenly feeling that his ambitions were somewhat mundane.
"I'm not at the Steward's level yet."
Yimiro sipped his tea calmly. "Is there anything else?"
"No."
"In the next couple of days, you and Sheila Grey will each lead patrols to ensure the island's safety."
"Understood."
...…
Leaving the Steward's office, Wu Heng headed to his study.
Entering the room, he saw Andviel sitting at the desk while Philipa stood nearby, chatting animatedly about her pirate adventures.
Seeing Wu Heng enter, Andviel smiled and said, "Master, the item shop only has three organ jars left. They said new stock will arrive when the sea routes reopen."
As she spoke, three organ jars were placed on the table.
"That's plenty; I won't even need that many," Wu Heng said as he stored the jars.
Philipa leaned in. "What do you need those for?"
"Don't ask, or you won't sleep tonight," Wu Heng said, pushing her away.
"What's that supposed to mean? I've seen it all during my time as a captain."
"Occom's organs need to be preserved and sealed."
Philipa frowned. "You like collecting those? Necromancers are so creepy."
"They're ritual materials. Pirates really are ignorant," Wu Heng said as he left the study, heading toward the morgue.
Philipa followed, complaining about how dull it was staying in the room.
Arriving at the morgue, Wu Heng preserved the extracted organs and stored the body again.
Then, with Philipa in tow, he went to the harbor.
...…
The harbor was bustling.
Numerous residents maneuvered small boats, using long nets to clean debris from the sea.
Initially, the cleanup was organized by the guild, but after salvaging several valuable items...
More people joined in.
Even though Wu Heng had previously sent skeletons to dredge the area and collected most valuable items...
Good finds could still be uncovered, such as gold coins embedded in broken planks, warped mechanisms, and severed fingers with gold rings.
So many pirates had died here, leaving behind considerable treasure.
"Deputy Steward," the captain of the seventh squad quickly approached.
Wu Heng nodded. "Have people retrieve pirate flags. The Steward said we should tally contributions based on them."
"I'll immediately have the flags collected," the captain replied promptly.
Everyone, including Wu Heng, participated in this operation.
Contributions would be calculated for all involved.
"Also, inform the next squad on duty about this. We don't want disputes over contribution proof later," Wu Heng added.
"Understood. I'll send the message to all squad captains."
"Good. Carry on," Wu Heng said, continuing to stroll with Philipa.
They wandered the nearby area.
Lighthouse Street, usually bustling, was now quiet.
Despite the pirates' failure, the incident had a significant impact.
Even the number of open shops had dwindled.
After a brief walk, Wu Heng bought Philipa some essentials.
Then they returned home together.
...…
After dinner...
The women played shuttlecock in the courtyard.
Wu Heng returned to his study and released two ghosts.
One read a book, while the other played games on a tablet.
Pouring himself a cup of tea, Wu Heng sat at his desk, contemplating the day's information.
First, the talking head was controlled by a Divine Punishment Sect bishop.
If the guardians could stop Yimiro, the bishop's level must be even higher.
"If I'd known, I would've worn the cloak while killing Occom."
The consortium's cloak could block most detection methods.
If only he'd hidden himself, his face wouldn't have been seen.
But it was too late now—what's done is done.
"Wait, if he's so powerful, why didn't he act directly?"
If the bishop had come himself, Wu Heng wouldn't have been able to stop him.
"Maybe there's a reason he can't act openly."
"I'll need to be more cautious around the Divine Punishment Sect."
The second key point was about Hero Molding.
From Wu Heng's understanding, it resembled gathering faith—having others acknowledge your actions and deeds.
"Experience points can be used universally between worlds. Does Hero Molding work the same way?"
"If so, it wouldn't be hard for me to become a hero."
With his growing strength...
The zombie world was no longer as dangerous as it initially was.
Large areas were still controlled by zombies, but the number of survivors was considerable.
By providing safe havens, food, and resources, Wu Heng could earn their recognition and reputation.
"Even without the guild, I could still become a hero."
Footsteps echoed.
Wu Heng left the study to see Shanaila descending from the roof in a nightgown.
"When will that wall of yours be repaired? I'm worried someone will see."
Wu Heng put his arm around her shoulder and led her toward the bedroom. "Tomorrow, let's open a door on the side. It'll be more convenient."
"Alright," Shanaila said after some thought. "I'll make arrangements for a small door."
The two entered the bedroom.
Whispering sweet nothings, they embraced.
...…
The next morning...
After breakfast, Andviel went to the guild, and Shanaila returned to her home.
Wu Heng yawned, about to head upstairs to the zombie world.
Milisen, having finished cleaning up, approached. "My lord."
"What is it?" Wu Heng asked.
"My lord, I'd like to take Philipa back to live on the Nautilus," Milisen said softly.
"You're not comfortable living here?"
Milisen shook her head. "Not at all. The conditions here are excellent, and you and the ladies have treated us well. But I don't want to abandon the tavern we worked so hard to establish."