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On the shore, 20 people stood in a solemn line, bowing their heads and greeting in unison.
"Master."
Noah Drake calmly asked in his mind, "System, what image are these people seeing right now?"
The system responded, "The master's image is always dignified. Right now, what they see is a fully clothed master standing by the stream, exuding an air of dominance. No matter what the host does, the image will adjust accordingly. Please rest easy and enjoy yourself."
Taking a deep breath, Noah filled his lungs with the cool night air. He smiled lightly and spoke, "Why are you all here instead of resting in your rooms? What's this about bringing the whole group?"
Elliot Royce stepped forward and bowed his head.
"Master, we have some concerns. We're struggling to get recognized by the medallion, and right now, everyone is searching for Chief Steward Zhao Yu to help clarify things."
Noah Drake responded, "All you need to do is calm yourselves and clear your minds. Zhao Yu didn't tell you that?"
Elliot looked a bit unsettled. "Am I really not calm?" he thought, but he answered, "Yes, Chief Steward Zhao Yu mentioned that, but we juniors are too dull to understand fully, so we have ventured out to seek guidance."
Noah Drake gazed at them thoughtfully. These people were all chosen by the heavens, and according to the agreement, they weren't under his control. But helping them gain the medallion's recognition was the right thing to do.
"Alright, since I've run into you all here, come one by one, and I'll help you."
Elliot Royce was overjoyed to hear that the master himself would assist them. "Thank you, Master," he said.
Noah waved his hand.
"It's nothing. As the master of this manor, it's my duty to assist. You first, old man."
Elliot Royce, surprised at being called "old man" by the master, paused for a moment. But seeing the warm smile on Noah's face, he felt a sense of peace. "It's fine, he can call me whatever he wants," he thought, and then stepped forward, holding the medallion with both hands as he recited the incantation.
Nothing happened.
Noah Drake felt the scene was slightly odd, but it wasn't the time to correct it—there were still many others watching. The system then chimed in, "Elliot Royce is currently..."
"Old man, you're not being honest with yourself. It's like you're wearing a mask, hiding your true self. If you can be genuine with yourself, it will work."
Elliot Royce was astonished, "I'm hiding behind a false persona? Impossible!"
Seeing the elder lost in thought, Noah gestured. "Go back to your room and reflect on this. Next!"
Wu Ding xi stepped forward, bowing deeply.
"Master, please guide me."
Once again, the ritual of offering the medallion and chanting occurred.
"This really feels like the actions of some strange cult..." Noah thought, but refrained from saying so.
"Your mind is too fragile, unable to face reality. You just need to muster the courage to confront it," Noah said.
With a look of disbelief, Wu Dingxi thought, "Am I cowardly?" Then, he nodded, deep in contemplation.
To prevent these bizarre cult-like actions from becoming daily rituals, Noah Drake spoke seriously,
"The actions you just performed should only be done on formal occasions. Usually, you just need to hold the medallion and meditate silently. Next!"
He continued with a series of evaluations.
"This elder's mind is clouded. You need to clear your mind and let go of your attachments."
"You two are too scatterbrained, stop daydreaming."
"And you, young lady, you rely too much on others. You need to develop your own thoughts."
"And you..."
Then he turned to another woman, "You don't need to hide yourself. Feel free to express who you really are."
Luna Fiona listened to Noah, her thoughts racing. "As expected, this mysterious, powerful man can see through my secrets. It's no use hiding them anymore. This might be my chance." She spoke respectfully, "Thank you, Master, for your guidance."
Luna Fiona, though not as striking as Lalatina Celeste, had an aura of tranquility, untouched by the world's chaos. Yet, beneath her calm exterior, there was ambition and steely resolve—qualities of a remarkable woman.
Suddenly, Fiona's body began to glow, and her form seemed to rise, bathed in moonlight. The space around her shimmered with starlight, flowing in graceful patterns. When the light faded, she was left holding a silver bracelet adorned with luminous crescent moons.
The crowd fell silent. Even Noah stood there in quiet amazement. "So entering the system's realm is this dramatic?" he thought.
Indeed, entering this state rendered one invulnerable.
The others watched Fiona, or rather, the silver bracelet she now held. Fiona's eyes, wide with childlike wonder, fixed on Noah.
"No need to get too emotional. It's just a welcoming gift for joining the manor. Take it. You're now an official member of the family. If you have any questions, you can use the medallion to find answers."
Standing tall, Noah Drake addressed the group.
"Anyone can achieve what she has. Keep working hard. If there are no more questions, return to your rooms. Staying up late isn't good for your health."
"Oh, by the way, what's your name, little sister?"
Being addressed by such a mysterious, powerful figure made Luna Fiona feel both nervous and elated. But she quickly steadied herself. "Only strength matters," she reminded herself.
"My name is Luna Fiona."
Her natural, unflustered demeanor, unlike the others, hinted at the aura of a main character. Noah nodded, "Alright, if you face any difficulties, don't hesitate to come directly to me."
With that, Noah Drake turned and strode away, exuding confidence. Inside, though, he was thrilled. "I'm really cool, aren't I? Such swagger. But those people aren't mine. Time to develop my own forces and recruit members."