C1 She Was Forced to Break off the Engagement and Became a Wanderer

In the Stellar Hall, Jiang Hao faced Lu Zhiyao with a heavy heart. "I'm truly sorry, Jiang Hao. I had no choice. For my family's sake, and to ensure our participation in the resource struggle, I must break off our engagement," she said, not waiting for his response before turning to join her new love.

The world had advanced three thousand years, entering an era of occupational transitions. Jiang Hao had been in this world for twenty years, and at long last, his system had finished loading. Here, one's path was determined at birth, based on their innate talents. With a second job transition, one could master even more sophisticated skills.

Jiang Hao looked at Lu Zhiyao, his betrothed since childhood, and asked one final time, "Are you certain you want to call off our engagement? I can protect you and help you reach the very top."

The crowd around them began to mock. "Jiang Hao, without any talent, you can't undergo a second job transition. You'll always be a Wanderer. What future can you offer Miss Lu?"

"Jiang Hao, you're a disgrace to men everywhere. You can't even protect your own woman."

Lu Zhiyao gave Jiang Hao a confirming nod and tossed her engagement token at his feet. Suddenly, Jiang Hao's mind was filled with a mechanical voice: [Congratulations, host, on becoming a gold medal Wanderer. Proficiency in all skills has been maximized, and all skill effects have increased a hundredfold. Enjoy your victories.]

Amidst the skepticism of the bystanders, Jiang Hao declared firmly, "Let it be known that as of today, Lu Zhiyao and I have dissolved our engagement. We shall have no further ties."

Zhou Yi, with his arm around Lu Zhiyao, looked down at Jiang Hao with disdain. "Do you think being from a prestigious family makes you deserving of Zhiyao? You're nothing but an ant. You've lost everything, including your family's honor!"

"How could you possibly compete for the resources of Iphario on your own?"

Lu Zhiyao, nestled in Zhou Yi's embrace, spoke with feigned indifference.

"Jiang Hao, I called off our engagement because I didn't want you venturing into Iphario. You have nothing, and going there would be a death sentence."

Just then, Jiang Lulu burst out of the Five Fate's residence and ran to Jiang Hao's side, yelling at the onlookers.

"Everyone, be quiet! My brother is strong. You're the ones who are insignificant!"

Jiang Hao was touched. Even when outsiders and his own family doubted him, he still had a sister to stand by him.

He gently patted Jiang Lulu on the shoulder and said,

"Lulu, thank you."

At that moment, the guard of the Stellar Hall announced loudly,

"The time has come. The mystical gate is open. The quintennial resource battle begins. All representatives, prepare to embark..."

Jiang Lulu clung to Jiang Hao's arm and declared, "Brother, if she won't team up with you, I will. Don't worry, in Iphario, I'll protect you."

Every five years, the resource struggle saw each nation dispatch their elite professionals.

Iphario was rife with peril, and goblins were merely the beginning.

One by one, the participants made their way to Iphario. Jiang Hao and Jiang Lulu joined hands as they ascended the teleportation platform.

A cascade of multicolored beams shot forth.

An hour later, they all reached Iphario.

The Iphario, a pyramid-shaped Magic Building, loomed large.

The higher the level, the more valuable the loot.

And the more formidable the monsters they faced.

A moment's lapse could mean no return to Blue Star.

Beneath the building lay a forest shrouded in mist. Despite its picturesque appearance, it was a haven for toxic gases.

The Blue Star delegates donned red and yellow spacesuits, a classic combo reminiscent of tomato and scrambled eggs.

These suits offered complete protection from the poison and provided fifty percent damage resistance.

The earth trembled and roared as hordes of goblins erupted from below.

The battle commenced with a barrage of gunfire!

Jiang Lulu, whose talent was leaping, had chosen the role of a heavy artillery gunner despite her youth.

She whipped out her father's custom-made heavy machine gun and leaped in front of Jiang Hao.

"Brother, get behind me. I've got your back."

With a single shot, the head of the lead goblin exploded.

Watching his earnest sister, Jiang Hao chuckled and shook his head.

"Sweetheart, your heavy artillery is too slow. Let your big brother take care of you."

Jiang Hao unleashed the special weapon bestowed by the system—the Black Mage's Scepter.

Swinging it through the air, the fog cleared, and everyone's sight sharpened.

Enshrouded in black mist, the scepter summoned a torrential downpour.

The rain-soaked goblins moved sluggishly, their eyes turning crimson before they turned on their allies in a frenzy.

With each bite, a goblin's head was severed, and they collapsed dead.

The sinister rain was relentless, covering a vast area. Within minutes, not a single goblin remained standing.

The crowd gasped in awe. What was this weapon in the sky?

How could it wield such immense power?

Iphario's broadcast reached across the globe.

The public screen lit up with comments.

[Gluaphane - My goodness, Blue Star possesses such a formidable secret weapon!]

[Wrapes - That's the weapon of our long-lost Grand Magician!]

[Blue Star - Hold on, don't spread rumors. Take a good look, the one wielding the scepter is clearly from Blue Star.]

[Wrapes - This can't be. Inform the president, we must file for a patent.]

Below, a barrage of comments emerged, each nation taking sides—all shamelessly claiming credit.

Meanwhile, Lu Zhiyao clutched her wounded hand, her custom space suit torn by the goblins, the toxic gas seeping in.

She gazed in Jiang Hao's direction, filled with regret.

She hadn't anticipated that a Wanderer would possess such formidable weaponry.

Zhou Yi lifted his right hand and immediately inquired through the satellite communicator.

How could Jiang Hao unleash a post-class-change skill?

The response came swiftly.

Wanderers with weapon enhancements could release higher-level skills.

The Black Magic Scepter was a homemade weapon, crafted from the finest materials.

Among those who had changed classes, a saying was well-known—self-made weapons may not always be the strongest, but the strongest weapons are certainly self-made.

Jiang Hao waved his hand, and the black mist in the air cleared, the scepter returning to his grasp.

The crowd gathered around.

"Jiang Hao, truly a scion of a great family, to possess a fully-leveled nine-star custom weapon!"

"This time, Blue Star is sure to reach the top floor and secure the most resources!"

It's often the way of the world: when you're down, people keep their distance, fearing they'll be dragged down with you. But once you rise, they flock to you, eager to curry favor.

At that moment, Lu Zhiyao approached Jiang Hao.

"Brother Jiang Hao, you had a Black Magic Scepter all along. Even without changing your class, you can cast spells above your level. Why didn't you tell us?"

Hehe, would you have called off the engagement if I had?

Jiang Hao offered a slight smile. "I've told you before, I can protect you."

Jiang Lulu hoisted the heavy cannon onto her shoulder, fixing Lu Zhiyao with a stern look.

"Some people are blessed with keen eyes yet fail to see clearly. I've always said my brother is formidable!"

Suddenly, the ground trembled again, and a rustling noise filled the air.