Raziel suddenly recalled the game he had played before he transmigrated.
The game's content was precisely about him playing the role of a Contractor, who, in a time of chaos, continuously captured powerful Contract Beasts to save the world.
Contractors were different from the usual pet-controller classes, as they could not only control their pets in battle but also gain power from the feedback of their Contracted beasts. In fact, their combat abilities were much stronger than those of the pets themselves!
What he wasn't sure about was whether the Talent he had just awakened was the same as the one in the game.
"No matter what, this god-level Talent should be stronger than the legendary S-level Talent, right?"
"And it's the only one of its kind…"
Raziel's voice was filled with excitement.
Before his eyes, a stream of messages appeared.
[God-level Talent: Contractor]
[Description: This Talent was born from the fusion of an unknown force and an otherworldly soul, possessing an incredible uniqueness! This Talent cannot be detected, copied, or nullified!]
[Effect: 1. The Host can acquire power through Contracting with all things. Each time a unit is Contracted, the Host will receive an additional Talent as feedback. The quality of the additional Talent is determined by the Contracted unit. Moreover, as the power of the Contracted unit increases, the Host will receive a feedback boost in strength, and as the Talent improves, the quality of the Talent gained through the Contract will also rise.
2. The units that are Contracted will have the highest loyalty to the Host and will never betray them. The Host can command the Contracted units to perform any action, having absolute control over life and death.
3. The Contractor can sense the future development and potential of the Contracted unit. The Host can obtain specific training strategies for the Contracted unit, helping to improve their combat abilities and enhance the quality of their Talent.]
[Current Contract Slots: 0/1]
"This... this is such a powerful Talent!"
Raziel was stunned just reading the first effect of his Talent.
He could actually gain additional Talents through the units he Contracted! And every time the Contracted units grew stronger, he would get a boost in power!
It was incredible!
In this world, everyone could only possess one Talent, yet Raziel could acquire as many Talents as the number of units he contracted!
Just this one fact alone made his potential surpass that of any player.
Additionally, other players' chances of awakening a Talent depended on luck, but Raziel didn't rely on luck—he could choose his Contracted units.
In other words, theoretically, he could possess countless S-level Talents!
And even more terrifying was the third ability tied to his Talent.
Raziel didn't have to go after the powerful beings with S-level Talents right from the start. He could choose Contracted units with slightly lower B-level or A-level Talents, then slowly cultivate them until they reached S-level Talent!
"I haven't heard of anyone being able to improve after their Talent has awakened." he muttered to himself.
"If the units I contract weren't so loyal to me, I'd probably have a bunch of strong beings fighting to be my Contract Beast."
Raziel's tone was a bit awkward.
He felt like he was in a dream. Just a few seconds ago, Raziel had been a useless person, and now he had awakened a Talent that placed him at the top of the world.
After a moment, he went over the three effects of his Talent again.
"Just like in the game."
"My true power lies in being the Contractor, not the beasts I contract."
Raziel couldn't help but marvel at the situation.
At that moment, another notification appeared.
[ContractorSystem is at your service. It has detected that the Host currently lacks high-potential Contract Beasts. Would you like to activate the beginner support package?]
"Huh?"
"Yes! Yes!"
Raziel was stunned for a moment, then remembered that he hadn't just awakened a god-level Talent—his Talent was also linked to a System.
As for the beginner support package?
Anyone would be a fool not to open it.
He thought to himself.
[Ding! Support has been activated!]
[You have received the Holy Spirit Contract Talisman.]
Immediately, Raziel saw a strange, golden light flash before his eyes, revealing a seal etched with cryptic and mysterious symbols.
The seal looked extraordinarily powerful.
[Holy Spirit Contract Talisman]
[Description: The highest-level rune produced by an unknown force. It can forcibly contract Contract Beasts with Emperor-level potential. Extremely rare, and it is believed to no longer be in production.]
[Effect: Bypasses conditions and allows you to contract Contract Beasts with Emperor-level or lower potential.]
"This is insane!"
Raziel's eyes gleamed with excitement.
Originally, he had thought that since Contractors could increase the Talent of their Contract Beasts, he shouldn't aim too high at the beginning. He was willing to settle for a B-level Talent, or even a C-level or D-level Talent Contract Beast.
But based on the System's message, receiving the Holy Spirit Contract Talisman likely meant he could contract an Emperor-level Contract Beast right from the start.
That was practically invincible!
At the same time, Raziel warily glanced around, making sure that none of the students or the instructor could see the glowing seal in front of him. Once he was sure no one could, he let out a sigh of relief.
[The System has detected that the Host's current strength is too low. Do you wish to accept the gift of an Emperor-level Contract Beast from the System?]
"Yes!"
Raziel's eyes flashed with surprise.
Wait, is this golden finger too powerful?
It's all fully automated—first, it gives me a Contract Talisman, and now it's directly gifting me an Emperor-level Contract Beast.
I'm basically set for life!
Raziel felt...
Even in the novels he'd read before transmigrating, the protagonist's System wasn't this considerate!
As expected!
I am the chosen one!
As Raziel silently made his choice, the System quickly provided the next prompt.
[Leave the training grounds and head to Table 6 on the left side of Area B in the library. Place the talisman on the table. You must complete this task within 15 minutes.]
[Countdown: 14:59]
"Huh?"
"So urgent?"
"And even though it's a gift, I still have to do something myself?"
Raziel was stunned for a moment but didn't hesitate. He immediately prepared to follow the System's instructions.
He quickly stood up and headed towards the exit of the training grounds.
At that moment, the middle-aged instructor, who was still overseeing the training, stepped in front of him.
"Uh, Instructor..."
Raziel was about to explain, but the instructor's face was extremely serious.
"It's probably for the best that you give up."
The instructor, dressed in military uniform, sighed. "Raziel, even if you can't awaken a Talent, your life has just begun."
A few students nearby also looked guilty, especially the one who had said bad things about Raziel during the training.
"Hey, we were just saying it casually. Don't take it to heart."
"Actually, you're the one I admire most in this class. You've been the one to endure the longest during all the training."
"Raziel, I'm really sorry, but I believe in the principle that hard work pays off. Maybe you'll awaken a Talent after all."
...
The students in the class were clearly flustered.
They had always respected Raziel, a person so diligent and serious about his training. Now it seemed that their earlier words had completely discouraged him, making the person who had never missed a training session consider quitting midway.
These boys and girls felt as though they would be awake all night, slapping themselves in regret—
Why did I say so much?
They looked at Raziel's calm face and couldn't help but imagine—
The young man must be hiding immense pain and sorrow deep within.
Raziel: "..."
He was a little puzzled. Since he wasn't even participating in the training, why were they making such a big deal about him leaving?
"Go on, just go."
Before Raziel could respond, the instructor waved him off with a decisive gesture.
Raziel: "..."
He was a bit speechless and quickly headed toward the library.
On the training grounds, the instructor pulled out his phone and rapidly typed a message.
"Old Joseph, do you remember that student I told you about? You better keep that Adventurers' Association spot reserved for him."
"Of course, do you think I wouldn't care about my own student?"
Below, several students were whispering to each other.
"Lancaster, are you sure you can help Raziel apply for a position as a teaching assistant at the Higher Player Academy?"
"Don't worry. I told you before, I have connections."
"Besides, a teaching assistant spot isn't something most people would want. It's just for sitting in on cultural classes, with no real benefits in terms of key dungeons or rewards. You're worried I can't help Raziel get it?"
…
Everyone was discussing in hushed tones.
Raziel, perhaps, didn't even realize it.
His usual diligence and seriousness weren't without meaning.
Both his teachers and classmates recognized his efforts and, in their own ways, wanted to do something for this unlucky young man.
…
At that moment, in the library, Raziel sat down casually in an empty spot, still a bit confused.
He observed the table ahead, where the Holy Spirit Contract Talisman had already been placed, but nothing seemed to happen.
Just then, a stir of excitement erupted nearby.
"It's Avril, she's come to the library!"
Several female students whispered excitedly.