Chapter 159 - 158

"General, do you mean I also have a chance to obtain a title?" Grote asked in surprise.In the conversation just now, he heard Ryan explain in detail about the merit points."The Empire's new peerage system is divided into ten ranks. You have a chance in the last five ranks, but it will be more difficult to move up." Ryan shook his head slightly. "But the benefits enjoyed by meritors will not change much, and will generally satisfy most people."He and Swain had discussed in detail the future policy of the empire, and it was clear that relying solely on aggression to distribute benefits could not continue to be effective.The land they conquer in the future will only become less and less, while the number of Noxus people will only increase.The pace of external plunder will slow down, while the speed of internal development will accelerate.To ensure a smooth transition for the empire, it is most suitable to have veterans be among the first participants.Active-duty soldiers will gradually retire, and seeing the benefits for veterans, they will be happy to spontaneously join this system."I'm already very satisfied with having a title." Grote suddenly remembered something and asked excitedly, "Can the title be passed down to Seth?""He will be better than you in the future," Ryan said calmly.Grote's expression froze for a moment, then he burst into laughter: "Hahaha, yes, he'll be better than me. His father's and my achievements should be enough to get him into the Commander's elite talent program.""Does he have his own ideas?" Ryan asked with a faint smile."That kid wants to join the army. But Xin Zhao and his group come here often, and I can tell from what they say that the requirements for recruiting are much higher than before." Grote shook his head.He didn't think Seth was unqualified; he just didn't want to see his old friend's son follow in their footsteps."His administrative skills are also good; he's good at dealing with people, and the commander will make arrangements for him," Ryan said.He and Swain always felt guilty for their comrades who died in Placidium.It took them a full five years to return to the center of power in the empire, dethrone Darkwill, execute him, and avenge their fallen comrades.The empire needs consolidation and a redefinition of its future direction.Only after that can they free up their resources to go to Ionia again."It's good that he's in charge of administration. I can watch him grow up safely and peacefully. I haven't let Hayden down." Grote's expression was complicated.His relationship with Hayden was extremely complicated, from mutual dislike to becoming life-and-death friends."Thump! Thump!"Suddenly, there was a knock on the door, and the door was pushed open.Seth walked in carrying a large tray, his face showing a hint of apology."I apologize for keeping you all waiting. Due to a lack of prior preparation, I can only serve some simple dishes."In fact, Seraphine had already given prior notice, but Seth still couldn't help feeling nervous in front of the most powerful person in the empire.In particular, his father had served under the other party and would recount the other party's great achievements every time he returned."As Hayden's son, he wouldn't want to see you looking so cowardly," Ryan said with a smile.Seth's hand, which was arranging the dishes, paused slightly, but she quickly resumed her work, this time with a firm tone:"General, my name is Seth Hayden!""Not bad, it's starting to look promising. Just stick to your ideas."Ryan chuckled softly, as if recalling the past:"Back then, I thought everyone in Piltover was like your father. But when I went to Piltover, I was greatly disappointed by the people there."Can you tell me about it?Seth arranged the dishes neatly, his tone tinged with curiosity.His parents were both from Piltover. His memory of his mother was vague, and his father seemed to be a pure Noxus.Many Piltover people have come to the store, and they all seem to be gentlemen, not at all as bad as Ryan described."Take this 'Snow Carp Dream' dish as an example. Piltover's approach is completely different from yours."Ryan slightly raised his chin, gesturing to the pure white carp on the table, its surface shimmering with shimmer.A whole snow carp is placed in a large fish platter, and the snow carp is lifted into the air by a stand.Like a fish leaping over the Dragon Gate, it is vast and magnificent."We will arrange the whole fish on a plate to highlight its overall grandeur.""But the Piltover people are different. They cut all the fish meat off and make it into small fish, one for each small plate, garnished with all sorts of beautiful and delicious seasonings, which is a delight to look at," Ryan added."Is that so?" Seth nodded in realization.If Ryan hadn't pointed it out, he wouldn't have realized the difference between the two.The personalities and attitudes toward life of people from different regions can be seen in their diet, clothing, and many other aspects.Noxus people admire grandeur, elegance, and magnificence, while Piltover values ​​refinement."Snow Carp Dream" is a famous dish in Piltover, made primarily with a unique pure white snow carp from the Boundary River.Eating this fish can cause hallucinations, making people think of beautiful things.But the effect is not strong, and it is not addictive."Teacher, please try it and see how it differs from Piltover's," Seraphine urged.Her mouth was practically watering, but since neither of the teachers had touched it, she couldn't just start eating right away.Ryan glanced at his apprentice with amusement, then picked up a delicate little spoon, scooped a small spoonful from the belly of the fish, and put it in his mouth.A scene flashed through his mind: in the library at the top of the mage tower, magic books surrounded him and Syndra, the two of them flipping through their respective books, occasionally expressing their own insights and thoughts.The image flashed by in an instant, but it brought a faint smile to Ryan's lips.Not a single mistake, not a single song, not a single post, not a single piece of content, not a single 6-9 book, not a single bar, take a look!"It melts in your mouth and special effects can be released instantly, making it a high-quality product."He nodded slightly, indicating his approval of Seth.Under Seraphine's covetous gaze, Syndra also made a move.With a slight flick of her slender index finger, a small piece of fish meat was automatically peeled off and flew lightly towards where she was sitting.Ryan noticed something, and with a slight lift of his index finger on the table, a thin layer of frost formed on the fish meat flying in the air, like a lightly fluttering ice butterfly.Syndra's delicate red lips parted slightly. The moment before the "Ice Butterfly" slid into her mouth was an exquisite sight: the fish meat was crystal clear, and her red lips were luscious and tempting.In that instant, it was a collision of ice and fire, even melting away some of the chill.Finally, the "Ice Butterfly," carrying a slight coolness and fragrance, slid smoothly into her mouth.The sound of dripping spring water echoed in her mind. She didn't know how long she had slept, but she could feel someone approaching her.Before she was sealed away, she made a vow to destroy Ionia and create a pure land where talents could be freely expressed.She felt the call of magic, and he awakened her from her slumber.Just when she thought he was another weak fool, she unexpectedly discovered that he was one of her own kind.A mage who is pursuing the ultimate in magic.She accepted his invitation, wanting to see if that magical golden age would truly come.The image quickly faded, but the memory remained in my mind, unforgettable.Seeing that Syndra also looked satisfied, Seraphine couldn't resist any longer and put the spoon in her mouth.However, she knew her limits and only took a little bit each time, just enough to satisfy her craving.The fish melted in her mouth before she could even chew it. In that instant, a series of images spontaneously flashed through her mind.She sang joyfully amidst cheers from the crowd, and she rescued people from suffering."That's really good!" Seraphine exclaimed, savoring the moment."Haha, every time I eat this, I think of the time I fought alongside the general and the commander. Ah, those days are truly unforgettable," Grote said.A look of reminiscence crossed his face, and a genuine smile played on his lips, revealing that this Trifarix veteran still held deep affection for his military career."Perhaps there will be an opportunity," Ryan said noncommittally."Then Seth and I will not disturb the general's meal any longer. Please do not hesitate to ask if there is anything we can do to help you," Grote said."Go ahead." Ryan simply nodded slightly, watching Grote close the door and leave the room.While enjoying the food, Seraphine asked curiously:"Teacher, could you tell me about what happened to you during the war?"She had heard before that her teacher was the number one honor in the empire, not only because he was very strong, but also because he had won countless wars."There's not much to say about war; it's bloody and brutal, everyone fighting for their beliefs." Ryan clearly didn't want to talk about it too much.War symbolizes glory, but the process is extremely cruel."And what about magic?" Seraphine blinked, seizing the opportunity to ask, "Is there a shortcut to condensing runes?"