A Path, according to Faust’s understanding, was similar to a "class" in a game.
By performing actions that met the requirements of the class and practicing the philosophy of the Path, one could gain power and strengthen themselves.
To put it even more simply, it was about gaining experience and leveling up.
The Path Faust inherited from his foster father was the 【sovereign monarch】. This was a legacy that could only be created by the ruler of a nation and a Path that only royalty could tread.
To put it bluntly, 【sovereign monarch】 was considered a top-tier choice even among all the 【hero】 Paths, second only to the likes of the "brave one" or "savior." Almost every monarch of a kingdom would inevitably choose this Path if they had the chance.
Conquest, governance, and subjugation—the domains covered by these three were so vast that as long as one was working properly, they could advance steadily.
Whether it was a bloodthirsty battle maniac galloping across the sands or a gentle and elegant sage king with a meticulous mind, both could walk the Path of the 【sovereign monarch】 smoothly and gain immense power.
To say something those with generic paths might not like to hear: the 【sovereign monarch】 was truly elite. Not only was the leveling speed fast, but the growth potential was high, with almost no downsides other than the difficulty of obtaining the class.
【Hmm... Sovereign monarch, indeed an excellent Path, especially for your ideals.】
Faust heard Mephistopheles whispering in his ear. The fairy’s evaluation of the 【sovereign monarch】 was also quite high:
【Most of the overlords in history were sovereign monarchs. This legacy was prepared for overlords from the very beginning.】
Faust said with surprise, "Is it because the sovereign monarch is very strong?"
【No, it is because no matter how mediocre the talent, with enough resources poured in, a sovereign monarch will inevitably become powerful. Therefore, it can mass-produce qualified villains.】
"...I knew it."
Faust now understood what Mephistopheles meant by "destiny favors the overlord."
To all the "brave ones," "sages," and "saviors" out there—I surrender! We 【overlords】 shouldn't use our faces to attack the soles of your shoes.
Under the control of the wheel of destiny, there were distinctions between the status of characters.
An 【overlord】 had a silver-tier fate—stuck in the middle, neither ascending nor descending.
It was indeed much better than being an insignificant background character or an extra.
But no matter how strong one was, or what kind of achievements and battle results they produced, they were ultimately destined to be a stepping stone.
According to Mephistopheles, in its memory, the stories of 【overlords】 being overthrown and subverted always repeated. The bloody and conflict-filled history of mortals was nothing more than the repeated performance of a script.
Whether it was a warrior resisting oppression, a brave one returning from a conquest, or a sage king who saw through a conspiracy...
Once an 【overlord】 rose at light speed, they were inevitably greeted by an ending where these protagonists would overthrow them just as quickly.
【The only exception so far is the empire. The nation established by that overlord has endured for centuries. But this does not mean he overcame the fate of an overlord; it is only because he was a dragonslayer.】
【The merit and great work of slaying a dragon were enough to make destiny look down with favor, protecting his nation and descendants for a thousand years.】
Listening to Mephistopheles recount secrets that mortals could hardly know, Faust’s eyes lit up:
"In other words, the 'stepping stone' attribute of an 【overlord】 can be overwritten or neutralized? Not bad."
He did indeed want to become an overlord, but he couldn't stand being stepped on as a foil. Since there was a successful case, it didn't seem so difficult after all.
However, looking at his panel again, Faust couldn't help but say regretfully:
"A pity my progress on the Path is still too slow."
Even though the Path of the 【sovereign monarch】 was broad, he was still dissatisfied with his progress. The reason was that the three branches of the Path were not being utilized to their full potential.
Setting aside the path of subjugation, there were simply no monsters worth subjugating within the borders of the Qingxi Kingdom. As for arch-enemies... they didn't exist. He, as a prince, had always been kind to others.
If one had to say, the Qingxi Kingdom did have conflicts with the empire, but to challenge the empire... are you even worthy?
The path of governance was the most successful route so far. Faust constantly held himself to the strict requirements of a wise monarch, and the final effect was very stable—too stable, in fact.
【Whether it is subjugation or governance, neither is as good as conquest. Only conquest is the shortcut to becoming an overlord.】
"The path of conquest..."
Faust looked troubled. Due to the weak national power of the Qingxi Kingdom, there was no possibility of mobilizing troops externally, and since they were surrounded by neighboring countries, the path of pioneering the borders was also blocked.
【Why be so gloomy? Isn't your attainment on the path of conquest quite decent? You have even condensed a trait.】
"Cough, cough!"
Hearing this, Faust quickly let out a dry cough and frowned with displeasure:
"You can see it, can't you? Are you asking despite knowing the answer?"
Faust indeed had some achievements on the path of conquest and had even condensed a mystery trait. However, as for this trait...
【Inherent Trait: Monarch of Greed】
【You have proven yourself to be the male among males, a man of all women. Your existence makes them infatuated; you dominate their bodies and minds, insatiable and never satisfied. Such a state of greed deserves a blessing.】
【Blessed with inexhaustible energy, a fatal attraction to the opposite sex, and a desire that never ceases.】
Good heavens, he was a legend of the adult genre!
Yes, the fact that Faust held parties with the noblewomen of the royal capital every day wasn't just because the prince enjoyed it. A more important purpose was to farm experience for his path of conquest.
Conquering a nation was conquest, and conquering specific people was also conquest; there was no distinction between the two.
It wasn't that the prince hadn't tried to win over his subordinates with charisma or play out some drama of mutual understanding between lord and minister, but the results were minimal.
The definition of "conquest" was actually quite strict. Simple loyalty was not enough; it had to be complete dependence and submission, becoming a most faithful follower.
This couldn't be bought with high positions and wealth; it required both favor and authority, combined with a lot of control. The efficiency was simply too low.
Finally, Faust scoured the royal library and eventually consulted Yusewood. Only then did he learn of this "wicked strategy" from his royal sister.
There was nothing more to say. To improve his attainment on the Path of the 【sovereign monarch】, he would do anything! Not to mention something like this, which he didn't have a psychological burden with in the first place.
It was just that having it praised as a merit was somewhat embarrassing. If he had conquered cities and lands as a conqueror and triggered this trait by unlocking "defeat scenes," that would have been a truly glorious reward.
And this inherent trait, Monarch of Greed, was also very difficult to evaluate. Although the side effects were astronomical, logically speaking, it should be considered a top-tier mystery trait.
If nothing else, the nearly infinite energy wasn't just for the prince to challenge the stamina of a protagonist in an adult anime; it also allowed Faust to remain full of vitality and conduct high-intensity work continuously.
【Hehehe, among the Sons of Man, those who satisfy the path of conquest in this manner are truly rare. But in a sense, you could be considered uniquely gifted, couldn't you?】
Rate on N.U.
