Chapter 76、Unleashed Potential: Instant Upgrade!

"The Sublime Power of Subjugation"

Yi Bai gasped, his heart racing with excitement.

"Whoa, another jackpot!" he muttered to himself. "Two massive rewards in a row, this luck is almost ridiculous!"

He couldn't believe his eyes. The system had once again granted him a rare and powerful gift, and this time, it was another talent.

He quickly opened the data interface of the shelter to check the details of his new reward. The more he read, the more his mind raced. His expression was one of disbelief.

[Protector of the Vassals]: A-Class Growth Talent, with limitless growth potential.

Talent Effects: You may contract any resident within the shelter, establishing a binding agreement. The contracted individual will become a vassal of the talent holder. The contract can only be made with the explicit consent of the other party, and there must be no resistance on their part. Upon completion, the talent holder will gain partial control over the vassal's shelter. The following five terms are available for activation:

Safety Pact: The vassal's shelter will be securely bound to the talent holder's shelter. In the event of a destruction crisis, neither shelter can be destroyed unless both are in an irremediable state at the same time.

Talent Pact: The shelter's talent details are fully revealed to the talent holder. The talent holder has the right to control the usage of talents, but the vassal must perform the operations. The vassal cannot resist the talent holder's control unless it endangers the vassal's safety.

Location Pact: The vassal's location is revealed to the talent holder in real-time, and the talent holder may choose whether to share their own location with the vassal.

Resources Pact: The vassal's shelter's resources are fully disclosed to the talent holder, and the talent holder can commandeer half of those resources. The talent holder may also choose to reveal their own shelter's resource information.

Non-Aggression Pact: Both parties are forbidden from causing harm to each other in any form (unless mutually agreed). This includes but is not limited to harming personnel, shelter, or residents.

Next Talent Upgrade Requirements: Successfully contract 1,000 vassals. Currently contracted: 0.

Yi Bai was speechless, his mind whirling with possibilities. The depth of this talent was far beyond anything he'd expected.

"This is insane!" He muttered to himself, his voice almost shaking with excitement. "This isn't just a resource-based talent—it's a game-changer!"

He quickly analyzed the impact of the Safety Pact. In theory, as long as he signed contracts with enough vassals, his shelter would be nearly invulnerable. If he had 1,000 vassals, the combined force of their shelters would make it almost impossible for anyone to destroy his own. Unless every single vassal and himself were incapacitated at the same time, it was practically an unbreakable defense.

The sheer scale of this ability was overwhelming. It didn't just promise safety; it promised dominance.

"Every shelter I contract with strengthens me. If I manage to sign up enough vassals, I could create an unstoppable force!" Yi Bai's eyes gleamed with renewed determination. "No one can touch me now!"

Yi Bai realized that this talent had far more potential than even a typical A-Class gift. This was a SSS-Class ability—an absolute game-changer.

"Yes! I hit the jackpot!" Yi Bai couldn't help but grin as he jumped to his feet, excited to take immediate action. "I don't have time to eat, I've got a bigger plan to execute!"

He called for Jiang Xiao-ci. "Forget about breakfast! I've got something way more important to do!"

Jiang Xiao-ci, who had been preparing breakfast, paused at his words. "Is it urgent, sir?"

"Extremely urgent," Yi Bai replied with a grin, his voice filled with anticipation. He quickly explained the basics of his new talent, and Jiang Xiao-ci's eyes lit up.

"This is incredible!" she exclaimed, grasping the significance immediately. "This talent... it's beyond anything we expected!"

She moved quickly, organizing a team to draft the official contract terms and informing the residents. The new rules were clear: every shelter within their domain would have to join Yi Bai's network as vassals, creating a unified system for protection and resource distribution.

By the time they'd gathered all the survivors in the central area, Jiang Xiao-ci stood before them and delivered Yi Bai's declaration:

"To ensure the safety and survival of all, the Commander has decided to use the full power of the shelter system. Every shelter owner must sign a contract, agreeing to serve under the Commander's protection. This will not only secure your shelter but also allow us to collectively rebuild our nation."

She paused for a moment, letting the words sink in. "Rest assured, your shelter will remain your property, but it will be managed and supported by the collective. This is for the good of all."

The crowd murmured with approval, and Yi Bai could feel the tension dissipating as Jiang Xiao-ci continued her speech. The terms of the contract were clear, but they were designed to ensure mutual benefit. No one could resist the promise of safety and progress.

"Anyone who refuses the contract may leave freely," Jiang Xiao-ci added, her tone soft but firm. "But for those who agree, we will begin the signing process immediately. Our future depends on unity."

Yi Bai watched the crowd's reaction with satisfaction as everyone, without exception, agreed to join the pact. No one hesitated to sign, and within hours, they'd all sworn allegiance to his growing power.

"Mission complete," Yi Bai thought, a sense of pride swelling in his chest as the system's notifications confirmed his success.

[Congratulations! You have successfully acquired 1,256 vassals!]

[Your talent "Protector of the Vassals" has met the upgrade conditions.]

[Upgrading talent...]

[The "A-Class Protector of the Vassals" talent has been upgraded to "S-Class Vassal's Paradise"!]