Chapter 530 - 492: The Authorities of the Title [Heir of the Gods]
Titles were unique to the First Civilization Cosmic Country, a distinctive feature of the nation and a symbol of its civilization.
It was said that long, long ago, before this country fell, every living being belonging to the First Civilization Cosmic Country would have their own title appear above their head. There were different categories, such as professional, honorary, and positional. For example: "Talent of the Holy Country," "Newborn of the Eastern Dawn," "Great Artisan," "Total Grunt," "Star Lord," and so on.
The titles were many and varied.
A person could possess many at once, but they could only display one at a time. However, they were also required to display at least one.
It was a bit like the "community titles" on the web novel sites from Shi Ming’s past life.
Many beings took pleasure in collecting titles. The higher the rank of the title, the more it distinguished one’s status. But there were also those who were exceptionally low-key. They might secretly be a Pillar Stone Nirvana Powerhouse, yet the title they displayed would be an old one like "Cosmic Newbie"—a classic case of a wolf in sheep’s clothing.
Shi Ming reached out and touched the title above his head.
It was suspended in the air above him.
It had no mass or sensation. Its color was not white, nor gold, nor silver, but something closer to the iridescent shimmer of a crystal. It was incredibly dazzling, constantly radiating a dreamlike luster, as if he were wearing a lightbulb on his head.
If a creature with average eyesight were to stare at such a thing for too long, they would be dizzied by the glare.
But then, a being who could possess such a dazzling title would be no ordinary existence.
’It’s definitely badass.’
’And it’s a limited-edition, out-of-print title, no less. A pity there are no other living creatures in this Star Domain. And it’s not like the eyes of those pseudo-gods are constantly watching this place either.’
’Showing off in the dark with no one to see... what a waste!’
Even without having witnessed the former glory of the First Civilization Cosmic Country, Shi Ming knew with certainty that the "Heir of the Gods" title was undoubtedly among the rarest, most scarce, and highest-ranking of them all. The Eye of Destiny had once revealed that there were only twelve Divine Runes in the entire Star Sea, and the one he possessed was the last one in existence.
Every title came with different permissions.
"Heir of the Gods" was no exception.
Shi Ming didn’t know the specific permissions of other titles, but the one currently above his head came with four distinct types:
1. While wearing this title, you possess immunity, and your abilities will not be suppressed by any environment within the First Civilization Cosmic Country. [Basic Permission]
2. While wearing this title, you may use all infrastructure of the First Civilization Cosmic Country free of charge. [Basic Permission]
3. While wearing this title, you may collect 1,000 Civilization Stones every cycle-day as a positional stipend. [Positional Permission]
4. While wearing this title, you possess law enforcement authority. You can see a target creature’s "Sin Index." When the Sin Index reaches a certain threshold, you can represent the gods and pass judgment, sentencing them to "Imprisonment," "Expulsion," "Banishment," "Execution," or other outcomes, with the punishment to be carried out by the will of the Cosmic Country. [Unique Permission]
Four permissions in total.
Two basic permissions, one positional permission, and one unique permission.
Shi Ming never thought he’d one day become a user with special privileges himself.
But this Tomb Star Realm was deathly still. All life had been extinguished, its former citizens having perished along with the gods of old. There was no one here to judge. Even with the fourth permission, Shi Ming had no targets on which to pass sentence.
Not unless the restrictions on this dead realm were lifted, allowing outside life to enter freely.
Still, the first three buffs were quite good.
The immunity from suppression meant Shi Ming could do as he pleased here. The free use of infrastructure meant he wouldn’t be blocked by any mechanisms or permission locks, saving him time and effort and giving him green lights all the way. As for the daily salary-like stipend from the positional permission... ’Hmm, these so-called Civilization Stones must be this country’s unique currency. I just don’t know if they’ll still be distributed at this stage, or who would be distributing them.’
Regardless, by entering this place, he had finally escaped that pseudo-god who possessed 004 "Void" and the divine authority, the "Light of Enlightenment."
Even if his pursuer managed to trace him to the Tomb Star Realm, it would be impossible for him to enter and give chase without a Divine Rune. To put it bluntly, this place had become a safe house that only he could enter, much like the Cave of the Stars. The value of being the sole living Heir was self-evident.
His eyes reflected countless planets.
Endless and boundless.
’The Eye of Destiny can be used actively one more time today, but I shouldn’t waste it. When the altar opened earlier, I vaguely sensed some kind of disturbance from the depths of this Star Domain. I wonder if it’s a treasure or some special anomaly?’
He summoned his canoe, "Sunshooter."
The title above his head shone brilliantly, making him look like a visiting star as he shot into the dead country.
* * *
’It’s like a phantom bubble that has popped. I can’t find any trace of wisdom or folly, only a few mottled remnants that lead nowhere.’
Everyone has their strengths and weaknesses.
The old man excelled at enlightenment, ignorance, and space, but he was no master of deduction.
He put away the counting rods made of Stone.
These counting rods were a supreme treasure formed from the derivatives of civilization itself. They could use the power of historical development to deduce the likely future movements of a target sentient being. But as powerful as the treasure was, it was not omniscient.