Chapter 126: Why Are These Muscles So Big?

Chapter 126: Why Are These Muscles So Big?



With Rain's enhanced perception after his transition to an Apprentice Mage, he could vaguely sense the formidable physical strength hidden beneath the armor of the four silver knights holding swords and shields.

Clearly, these four were not ordinary knights, but extraordinary ones who had transcended the ordinary and entered the realm of the extraordinary.

Rain had heard Hamilton mention that not only the Wind and Sea Goddess Church but also other churches referred to their extraordinary knights as Templar Knights, while those below the extraordinary were known as Templar Guards.

Were they sending four Templar Knights to eliminate the Malefic Knight in one go? What a powerful Goddess Church! Rain couldn't help but wonder if they had other intentions, like investigating the reason for the Malefic Knight's appearance.

Additionally, there were two Ranked Knights, dressed in relatively simple knight plate armor. Judging by the emblem on their chests, they seemed to be the escorts of a certain noble. One of them even carried a rare circular arm shield.

As Rain approached, he encountered many familiar Night Watch faces along the way, and he smiled and greeted them one by one. The Night Watch colleagues also waved back with smiles.

At that moment, Hamilton emerged, accompanied by two 'important figures.' Judging by Hamilton's slightly lagging step behind them, these two individuals held a higher status than Hamilton.

One was an elderly man wearing a gold-trimmed long robe and carrying a thick book. Based on his attire, he was likely the leader of this mission from the Goddess Church.

The other was a middle-aged man wearing knight armor and sporting a goatee. Judging by the style of his armor, he was probably a noble. The two knights they had just seen were likely his escorts.

Hamilton also noticed Rain and Ragle approaching.

Perhaps Rain wasn't as eye-catching, but Ragle, as a rare 'female' and with the 'large shield' on her back, was quite eye-catching.

If it were before, as a Night Watchman, Rain wouldn't have had the opportunity to be introduced.

But today was different. Because of his young age and extraordinary status, he was now qualified to be introduced by Hamilton.

"Viscount, Archdeacon, this is Rain, the Deputy Sheriff of Shangjin Town whom you just appointed," Hamilton said with a smile.

"Rain, this is Duke Hamadi, the Sheriff of the County City, and this is Archdeacon Rudolf from the Goddess Church."

"Good day, Viscount."

"Good day, Archdeacon," Rain said with a slight bow.

At the same time, he was still quite surprised in his heart. The Sheriff of the County City? This is my superior's superior. I didn't expect him to come personally because of the Malefic Knight.

Moreover, Hamilton just said that his deputy sheriff position had already been appointed?

This was good news, as the higher the position, the more information and resources he could obtain. Rain thought to himself.

When they heard Rain's new position, the Night Watchmen and officers nearby were stunned for a moment, but the next second, they returned to their normal expressions, as if it were only natural.

Some of the Night Watchmen even felt proud, as if Rain's promotion was their own.

Others whispered among themselves, perhaps explaining the situation to those who were not yet aware.

On the one hand, Rain was indeed very strong, but the most critical factor was that, despite his young age, Rain was excellent in his interactions with others. He was not arrogant and could handle tough battles. After several missions, many Night Watch colleagues admired this young man.

For example, during the extermination of the evil fish people, Rain had the heaviest task of blocking the retreat route for all the fleeing fish people. Although the number of fish people exceeded expectations, Rain still managed to accomplish the task.

In the mission to rescue abducted children, Rain's performance was even more impressive. He single-handedly killed several strong bandits and rescued over twenty children.

This earned him the respect of his fellow Night Watchmen.

If not for Rain, they didn't know how many of them would have died. Ragle, standing nearby, witnessed this scene, and a glint of admiration flashed in her eyes.

Although she had already seen Rain's abilities on the training ground, she hadn't expected his popularity among the Night Watchmen to be so high.

As Rain chatted with the 'important figures,' a pair of beautiful eyes were quietly observing him through the carriage window from a distance.

A few minutes earlier, Jenny Crowley, from the Crowley family, had passed by the town hall in a carriage, heading south towards Rain's home.

Her mother, Baroness Crowley, had been urging her to maintain a good relationship with Rain.

Jenny herself had taken a liking to this slightly handsome young man, but unfortunately, Rain had rejected her mother's proposal the last time.

Since learning of Rain's interest in Spirit Script, Jenny had been frequently visiting her family's library.

This time, she had found an ancient book written in Spirit Script (Arcadian), which she thought Rain might find interesting.

Of course, Jenny's primary purpose was to use the book as an excuse to have more opportunities to interact with Rain.

Additionally, Jenny had prepared a pair of Helm Doves for easier communication between Rain and the Crowley family. These doves were extremely fast, with a small tuft of blue feathers on their heads, resembling a knight's helmet, hence the name Helm Dove.

At this moment, the pair of Helm Doves sat quietly in their cage by Jenny's feet.

Hearing the commotion nearby, Jenny peered through the carriage window and curiously observed the four rare Templar Knights from the Goddess Church.

"Hey, isn't that Rain?" Jenny noticed Rain greeting the Viscount.

Out of politeness, Rain had removed his knight's helm, making it easy for Jenny to recognize him.

"Cas, pull the carriage over to the side." Jenny instructed the carriage driver, Cas.

"Yes, Miss Jenny," Cas replied obediently.

The carriage came to a steady stop by the roadside, and Jenny listened intently.

Since Rain and the others were knights, they didn't bother to lower their voices. Even from twenty to thirty meters away, Jenny could hear them clearly.

'The Deputy Sheriff of Shangjin Town?' Jenny's eyes lit up at this information.

As a noble lady, she was well aware of the imperial administrative system's appointments.

Despite the 'Deputy' title, considering Rain's young age, this was quite an achievement.

Competition within the imperial administrative system was inevitable, but one sure way to rise through the ranks was through outstanding military merits. With sufficient merits, promotions would be a smooth path.

The fact that Rain, with no apparent background, had become a Deputy Sheriff indicated that he had accomplished substantial feats. Otherwise, he wouldn't have received such an appointment.

"Mother's insight is as remarkable as ever!" Jenny thought to herself.

"But is Rain going out?" Jenny furrowed her brows.

She had come to Shangjin Town specifically to find Rain, but the current situation suggested that Rain might be assigned a significant mission with the Goddess Church.

This thought made Jenny feel inexplicably agitated.

"So, you're Rain, a young man of great promise!"

"I've reviewed your resume, and I'm impressed. Despite joining Sir Hamilton's service recently, you've completed numerous challenging tasks. With your abilities, Shangjin Town is too small a place. Have you considered moving to the County City?" Viscount Hamadi said with a mischievous smile.

For some reason, Rain felt that his superior's superior had a smile that didn't quite reach his eyes.

His smile seemed insincere!

"Thank you for your kind words, Viscount. However, the County City's living expenses are too high. I'm afraid I couldn't afford housing there," Rain politely declined with a smile.

Rain's response elicited laughter from the group.

"Viscount, although Rain has completed many tasks, he's still young and needs more training. Let him stay with me for a while longer," Sir Hamilton interjected, coming to Rain's aid.

Archbishop Rudolf, who had initially paid little attention to Rain, now took a closer look at him and was impressed when Sir Hamilton mentioned that Rain was not yet fifteen years old.

Rain noticed Archbishop Rudolf's gaze, which was gentle but seemed to have a penetrating quality.

"Rain, are you interested in joining the Church and embracing the Goddess? With your talents, I believe you have a good chance of competing for the next Church Son position in the County City," Archbishop Rudolf said, surprising both Viscount Hamadi and Sir Hamilton with his exceptional, Rain. I believe you have the potential to become the next Bishop of the Goddess Church in Myester County," Archbishop Rudolf continued, leaving the others in awe.

They knew that Archbishop Rudolf, responsible for hunting demons and exorcism in the County City's Gale and Sea Goddess Church, was usually stern and taciturn.

But he seemed to favor Rain.

The four Templar Knights couldn't help but turn their heads slightly to look at Rain.

While others might not understand the significance of the 'Church Son' title within the Church, these knights knew its value all too well.

Each Church Son was a potential candidate for the position of Bishop.

In other words, if Rain became a Church Son, he would likely succeed as the Bishop of the Myester County Goddess Church.

Archbishop Rudolf's words left Rain feeling both honored and surprised.

However, Rain had never considered devoting himself entirely to a deity. He suspected that if he joined the Church, he might eventually become a blasphemer.

After some thought, Rain politely declined, "Thank you for your kind offer, Archbishop, but Sir Hamilton has been very supportive of me. Please forgive me for not joining your Church."

At that moment, Viscount Hamadi spoke up, "It's getting late. Sir Hamilton, since Archbishop Rudolf has come personally, why don't you accompany us to Night Song Forest?"

"But what about Shangjin Town?" Sir Hamilton hesitated.

"Haha, it's a simple matter. Just leave Rain in charge of Shangjin Town!"

"Very well, I'll follow Viscount's arrangement," Sir Hamilton agreed after a moment's thought.

"Rain, you'll stay in Shangjin Town. If all goes well, we'll be back by evening, or at the latest, tomorrow. While I'm away, the town's security is in your hands," Sir Hamilton instructed.

Rain was taken aback by this sudden responsibility.

No! I was planning to gain some experience, but how...

Rain wanted to refuse, but it was inappropriate in this situation.

After all, the order came from his superior's superior, and his direct superior, Sir Hamilton, had agreed.

"Yes, Sir Hamilton," Rain reluctantly accepted.

"If you're worried, Sir Hamilton, I can leave Andrews here as well. That should ease your mind," Viscount Hamadi suggested with a mischievous smile.

"Rain, this is Sir Andrews," Viscount Hamadi introduced the tall, well-built knight with an arm shield.

"Greetings, Sir Andrews," Rain said.

"Hello, Sir Rain," a deep voice echoed from within the knight's helmet.

Rain was surprised by Sir Andrews' strength.

His senses told him that Sir Andrews was likely a veteran knight.

Rain was puzzled as to why Viscount Hamadi would leave a veteran knight behind.

But he didn't dwell on it, perhaps Viscount Hamadi wanted to ensure Hamilton's peace of mind.

Of course, there was no way to know for certain.

Before the team's departure, Rain and Ragle reminded them to retrieve the belongings of her brother and companions if possible, but the priority was to ensure their safe return.

Soon, the County City team joined forces with the Shangjin Town team, a formidable group of forty to fifty people, and headed west towards the Night Song Forest.

Hamilton had taken nearly twenty Night Watchmen, effectively mobilizing most of Shangjin Town's defensive forces.

After seeing off the team, Andrews spoke up, "Lord Rain, as the new deputy sheriff of Shangjin Town, could you take me on a tour of the town? Although I've been here several times before, it's been a long time."

Rain readily agreed to Andrews' request, as it was customary for the town's sheriff to patrol the town on horseback daily.

While this was more of a formality, it had been an effective deterrent against petty criminals and had been practiced to this day.

Rain often saw Hamilton taking the time to patrol with two guards, the three of them riding together.

So, Rain readily agreed.

"Of course, Lord Andrews, please follow me."

Through their conversation, Rain learned that the County City had taken the news of the 'Malefic Knight' very seriously.

However, the entire Myester County had been in turmoil recently, and the Gale and Sea Goddess Church had already dispatched several groups to other places. Just yesterday, a group had returned.

This was why the team investigating the Malefic Knight in Shangjin Town was delayed by a few days.

Jenny, who was relieved that Rain didn't have to go on a mission this time, was startled when she saw Rain and an unfamiliar knight mounting their horses and heading towards the edge of the town.

Her heart tightened.

But judging by their slow pace, Jenny soon realized that Rain was likely on his routine patrol.

As a noble heir, she was well aware that this was a customary duty for sheriffs.

Jenny thought for a moment and instructed her coachman, "Casor, follow Lord Rain from a distance, and have two family knights wait here."

"Yes, Miss," Casor quickly acknowledged and greeted the two family knights behind Jenny.

Jenny wanted to approach them directly, but with an additional person by Rain's side, this wasn't the right time to deepen their interaction. So, she could only have the coachman follow from a distance.

Jenny's gaze remained fixed on Rain, and the more she looked, the more she found the knight in his armor irresistibly handsome, causing her heart to race.

Rain and Andrews soon reached the edge of the town.

Suddenly, a woman's scream pierced the air within Shangjin Town.

Rain's eyes narrowed, and he turned towards the source of the sound.

But suddenly, his heart raced with alarm. His Level 3 Danger Perception alerted him to a danger right beside him!

Was it Andrews?

"Damn!"

'Iron Skin!'

Rain instinctively activated his second Extraordinary Trait, 'Iron Skin', without even turning around. Suddenly, he felt a powerful attack infused with both strength and heat strike his lower back!

"Boom!"

"Smack!"

The next moment, Rain was blasted off his horse and onto the ground like a cannonball.

The impact created a deep pit in the ground, and dust rose into the air.

Jenny, who was following from a distance, stared in disbelief, her hands covering her mouth. She couldn't believe what she was witnessing.

The stranger beside Rain, wasn't he Viscount Hamadi's escort knight? Why did he suddenly attack Rain?

Jenny had seen the attack, and the stranger's palm suddenly erupted with raging black flames, which struck Rain's waist with tremendous force, tearing through his knight plate armor!

Oh, Goddess! Rain, who had just been appointed as the deputy sheriff, had been assassinated by this stranger? How could such a terrifying thing happen to the knight her family had just assigned to protect her?

But what happened next terrified Jenny even more.

The tall, slender knight who had attacked Rain turned his gaze towards her carriage.

"What a pity, a young knight genius will never have the chance to grow up."

"Huh! There are still some witnesses here, what a pity! Since you've seen what you shouldn't have, I'll have to send you to join Rain!" Andrews' voice carried a hint of satisfaction.

The next moment, Andrews shook the reins and turned his horse, intending to eliminate the witnesses in the carriage.

As he prepared to charge, he suddenly froze, as if sensing something unimaginable.

Before he could turn around, a voice he thought he'd never hear again sounded behind him.

"Lord Andrews, I never expected you to be a member of the Black Flame Cult!"

Rain slowly climbed out of the pit, looking disheveled. The knight chest armor given by Hamilton had been shattered by Andrews' black flame attack.

Surprisingly, Rain didn't seem to have any visible injuries.

Upon closer inspection, one could see a faint silver glow on his exposed skin.

Rain silently added the skill point he had intended to use for improving his Basic Meditation Technique to his Limit Break.

(End of Chapter)"This is unbelievable!"

"The limit break value has increased from 15% to 25%!"

Andrew's expression was one of shock as he stared at Rain. The scene before him was truly astonishing.

"How is it possible for you to block my full-force attack using the Black Flame? And you're still unharmed?!" Andrew blurted out in disbelief.

His mind echoed the same sentiment, this was impossible!

Even a veteran knight, if caught off guard by such an attack, would surely be severely injured.

Yet Rain, a young man who had only recently entered the extraordinary realm, seemed to be unharmed.

This was truly infuriating!

Rain, of course, did not respond to his question. At this moment, his heart was filled with anger, and he also felt a bit of fear.

If he hadn't awakened his second extraordinary trait, 'Iron Skin', he might have been permanently bedridden.

Rain had never suffered such a loss before.

So, taking advantage of Andrew's momentary daze, Rain instantly broke his limit and drew the dual-bladed greatsword from his back, delivering a powerful 'Leap Slash' towards Andrew.

The purpose of breaking the limit was to keep up with Andrew's speed.

With a 25% limit break, Rain's agility instantly increased from 15 points to just under 19 points.

When Andrew snapped out of his daze, Rain's dual-bladed greatsword was already above his head.

But Andrew, being a veteran knight with a limit break of over 30%, quickly reacted by using his left arm shield to block Rain's attack.

"Clang!!!"

Although he blocked the attack, the impact of Rain's strike caused Andrew's horse to kneel on all fours, unable to get up again.

"It's rare to see a knight genius like you, who has only recently entered the extraordinary realm, already approaching the level of a veteran knight in terms of physical limit breaking." Andrew said with a grim expression as he held off Rain's sword.

"If you were given more time to grow, you would indeed become a big problem for us."

"However, the farce ends here!" Andrew forcefully pushed back Rain's sword with his left hand, showing his disdain.

But immediately, Rain unleashed another 'Fury Slash' from above, a vertical downward strike towards Andrew.

"Do you think this is useful?" Rain asked, his words trailing off.

Andrew's expression changed dramatically, as if he had seen a ghost.

At this moment, Rain's muscles had swollen to the point of bursting through his knight chest armor, leaving him unable to get up again.

"Pfft!"

Andrew's face remained frozen in that expression.

"This is definitely not the physique of a newly extraordinary knight. Even a peak knight's muscle growth wouldn't be this exaggerated!" Andrew thought to himself.

Rain, who had just split Andrew in half with his sword, began to shrink back to his normal size.

He sheathed his radiant greatsword into the ground and leaned on it, gasping for breath.

At this moment, his entire body ached with muscle and tendon pain, as if every muscle fiber was being torn apart.

This was Rain's first time using the knight's common extraordinary ability 'Limit Break', the extraordinary trait 'Gigantic Strength', and a 10% 'Power Surge', all in a triple overlap state.

Although it only lasted for less than two seconds, and he had instantly killed a veteran knight with black flame manipulation abilities, the after-effects were severe.

The reason for the triple overlap was that after Rain's first strike was blocked, he calculated that Andrew was a veteran knight with a limit break of 60% and an extraordinary trait of 60%, resulting in a maximum boost of 120%.

In a situation where their base strength was similar, Rain needed a 155% boost to overpower Andrew.

Although Andrew's extraordinary trait might not be related to strength and might not provide a 120% boost, Rain didn't want to make any more mistakes.

Meanwhile, in the carriage some distance away, Jenny's mouth hung open wide enough to fit an apple, her eyes wide with surprise, unable to recover for a while.

The brilliance of Rain's swordplay was imprinted in her eyes and her heart.

Oh my!

Was Rain a god among men?

How could his muscles swell so much?

This was terrifying! No, it was comforting!

Additionally, the sudden turn of events, from near death to sudden survival, was too quick. It was like a drowning person suddenly resurfacing, taking a deep breath, causing Jenny's face to turn red and her eyes to roll back in excitement.

Mafka, on the other hand, was equally shocked, but as a middle-aged man in his forties, he quickly recovered and said, "Miss, should we go and help? Seeing Lord Rain's condition, he must be exhausted."

"Yes! Yes! Mafka, let's go."

Rain, on the other hand, endured the pain of his swollen muscles and checked his occupation panel.

[Your skill 'Grizzly Sword Technique' has improved, experience +289]



[You have experienced a battle, Knight (Extraordinary) experience +57]



The Knight (Extraordinary) panel has successfully leveled up to Knight (Extraordinary) lv2 (43/300), rewarding one attribute point and one skill point.

Rain immediately added the attribute point to his constitution, increasing it from 16 to 17.

Instantly, a warm current surged from his heart and quickly spread throughout his body.

End of Chapter

Chapter end