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Chapter 138: The True Value of Hammer Mastery!
Chapter 138: The True Value of Hammer Mastery!
The two quickly engaged in combat, but soon, Rain found himself at a disadvantage as Lloyd Knight seized the momentary pause in his technique transitions and struck him with a shield bash, pushing him back several steps.
This was a stark contrast to Rain's previous encounter with Peres.
However, a system notification brought Rain some joy:
[Your Tokkar Hammer Technique has improved. Experience gained: +27]
[You have engaged in combat. Knight (Extraordinary) occupational experience gained: +9]
If not for the swift defeat, Rain would have gained at least forty to fifty points of Hammer Technique experience from this spar!
Lloyd, puzzled, looked at Rain and asked, "Rain, you must have just learned this hammer technique, right?"
Rain's face turned slightly red.
It was apparent that using a hammer technique he had only learned the day before against a Full Knight in a spar carried a hint of disrespect.
Especially after the previous match, where Rain had fought fiercely against Peres using the Saber Bear Sword Technique.
However, the only saving grace was that Rain seemed to have the support of 'Hammer Mastery lv1', and at least on the surface, his Tokkar Hammer Technique looked somewhat proficient, not like that of a complete novice.
Otherwise, even with Lloyd Knight's generosity, he might have turned and left.
After a moment's thought, Rain decided to allocate some skill points to the core skill 'Hammer Mastery lv1'.
After all, with Lloyd and Peres as excellent 'NPC' training partners, it would be a waste of a great opportunity if he couldn't pique their interest and gain some substantial experience!
Additionally, 'Hammer Mastery' was a core skill that could only be improved by allocating skill points and couldn't be trained through regular practice.
From this perspective, Hammer Mastery was more like an innate talent.
As Rain allocated points, the remaining skill points on the panel decreased from 4 to 3, and Hammer Mastery immediately advanced from lv1 to lv2.
Instantly, Rain felt a distinct change in the way he held the Ironwood Hammer.
It was an indescribable sensation, as if Rain had an innate familiarity with hammers, or as if the hammer was an extension of his arm.
Simultaneously, the description of Hammer Mastery on the panel also changed.
[Core Skill: Hammer Mastery lv2 (Passive)]
[Hammer Mastery lv2 (Passive): When the host uses any type of hammer, their damage output increases slightly.]
The change from 'slightly' to 'small' was identical to the previous alteration after Blacksmith's Power improved.
"Knight Lloyd, I have been practicing my hammer technique for some time, but I might not be fully familiar with the Ironwood Hammer yet." Rain offered a polite lie after allocating points.
Lloyd nodded, accepting Rain's explanation, as it was common for unfamiliarity with a weapon to affect performance.
The two quickly took their positions and began the second round!
Indeed, with the support of Hammer Mastery at lv2, Rain's performance was significantly better than in the previous match.
Although he still couldn't defeat Lloyd Knight, who wielded a hammer and shield, he managed to put up a decent fight.
After the spar, the system notifications appeared:
[Your Tokkar Hammer Technique has improved. Experience gained: +54]
[You have engaged in combat. Knight (Extraordinary) occupational experience gained: +16]
[Congratulations! Your Tokkar Hammer Technique has advanced to lv2]
What! An upgrade!
Rain gazed at the Tokkar Hammer Technique lv2 (1/300).
Suddenly, fragments of memories about the Tokkar Hammer Technique training flooded Rain's mind.
These memories were fragmented training snippets, like slides flashing through Rain's mind and quickly embedding themselves into his muscle memory.
Rain felt as if he had been practicing the Tokkar Hammer Technique daily for several months.
"Rain, shall we call it a night here?" Lloyd Knight suggested.
To be honest, Lloyd was slightly disappointed in Rain's hammer technique.
He felt that Rain's hammer technique lacked refinement, and compared to his skill with the Saber Bear Sword Technique, there was still a noticeable gap. The intense exchange they had was more due to Rain's instinct rather than technique.
Hmm?
I just leveled up, and the 'NPC' is leaving already?
"Knight Lloyd, during our spar, I think I had a breakthrough in my hammer technique. Shall we go another round?" Rain smiled and asked.
As soon as Rain finished speaking, Lloyd and Peres exchanged a knowing smile.
They secretly thought that Rain still had a youthful spirit and a bit of that 'inexperienced but eager' vibe.
After two rounds of sparring, they had a thorough understanding of Rain's hammer technique.
However, Lloyd Knight paused for a moment, then nodded and agreed to Rain's suggestion: "Alright."
After all, one must give face to the youth.
I'll go easy on him later. Lloyd thought to himself.
The two quickly took their positions and began the third round.
But this time, they were in for a shock!
With the support of 'Hammer Mastery' at lv2 and Tokkar Hammer Technique, Rain's strength experienced another small but noticeable boost.
While Lloyd Knight could still win the second round easily, this time, the fight was intensely close.
Lloyd Knight, who had initially intended to hold back, found himself increasingly challenged!
"Bang!!!"
After an intense battle, Lloyd Knight, drenched in sweat, emerged victorious.
Lloyd Knight glanced at Rain with skepticism, then suddenly realized something and burst out laughing. "I get it now, Rain!"
"Were you worried about losing face if you were defeated? That's why you slowly revealed your true strength?"
Rain stared at Lloyd, bewildered.
How could he make such an assumption?
Well, if it makes you happy, fine! After all, you're an experienced NPC.
Rain smiled slightly and said nothing.
Rain's smile further convinced the two bystanders of their previous assessment.
"Rain, don't hold back. Please give it your all!"
Lloyd Knight's expression turned serious, and he took up the challenge again, but he didn't mention what he had just said about ending the match for the night.
As expected, the experienced NPC's competitive spirit was ignited.
Rain feigned difficulty and reluctantly nodded, saying, "Alright then!"
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In his heart, he was overjoyed.
But since Lloyd Knight asked him to give it his all, he had no choice but to...
System, add skill points!
As Rain added points, his remaining skill points decreased from 3 to 2, and his core skill, Hammer Mastery, immediately increased from level 2 to level 3.
Instantly, Rain felt a different sensation as he gripped the Ironwood Hammer.
At level 2, Rain had an enhanced familiarity with the hammer, but now, he felt as if the hammer was connected to his bloodline!
Simultaneously, the description of Hammer Mastery on the panel also changed.
【Core Skill: Hammer Mastery lv3 (Passive)】
【Hammer Mastery lv3 (Passive): When the host uses any hammer-type weapon, damage is significantly increased.】
The change from 'slightly' to 'significantly' needs no further explanation.
With Hammer Mastery at level 3 and Tokkar Hammer Technique at level 2, Rain finally suppressed Lloyd Knight, who was wielding a hammer and shield.
With a loud 'Bang!', Rain forcefully struck Lloyd Knight with the Ironwood Hammer, sending him flying.
However, Lloyd showed no displeasure and seemed to say, 'I told you, you were holding back, and I've exposed it!'
Perres, who was standing nearby, was eager to try as well. "Lloyd, you've had three matches with Rain. It's my turn now, right?"
"Perres, don't rush. Let me have two more matches!" Lloyd Knight was in the zone and naturally didn't want to stop.
Watching this, a smile appeared on Rain's face. He thought to himself, "Take it easy, guys!"
Rest assured, I understand the importance of sharing the experience!
After the fifth match...
"Rain, find Perres. Your stamina is amazing! Youth is wonderful!" Lloyd, in his forties, was already out of breath.
After the eighth match...
"Rain, you take on Lloyd. I need a break too!" Perres, in his thirties, also felt exhausted and marveled at Rain's stamina.
Rain looked at the two experienced NPCs, who were completely worn out, with a helpless expression.
He thought to himself, "Where's the eagerness you two had earlier?"
Suddenly, the system notification sounded again:
【Your skill, Tokkar Hammer Technique, has improved. Experience +59】
【You have experienced a battle. Knight (Extraordinary) Occupational Experience +18】
【Congratulations! Your skill, Tokkar Hammer Technique, has improved to lv3】
Instantly, Rain's mind was flooded with fragmented memories of training in Tokkar Hammer Technique.
After absorbing and processing this information, Rain felt as if he had been practicing the technique for half a year!
But just as Rain regained his senses, he realized the system notification wasn't over yet.
Another system notification quietly followed:
【Congratulations! You've unlocked the exclusive secret technique of Tokkar Hammer Technique: Rising Dragon Hammer!】
A secret technique for the hammer?
Huh? How could it be so fast?
Rain clearly remembered that Rising Dragon Hammer required a high level of mastery in Tokkar Hammer Technique.
Immediately, Rain, delighted and surprised, saw a new icon on the Knight (Extraordinary) panel, located above the Tokkar Hammer Technique.
The icon depicted a muscular man twisting his body and swinging a two-handed hammer from bottom to top, appearing incredibly lifelike and powerful.
Below the icon, in small print:
Rising Dragon Hammer lv1 (Secret Technique) Effect: Use a special way of exerting force to swing a heavy hammer from bottom to top, delivering a strike with rotational power.
(Note: Rising Dragon Hammer is a secret technique and cannot be improved directly through skill points.)
(Rising Dragon Hammer lv2 requirements: 1. Tokkar Hammer Technique lv6 or above (Hammer Mastery can offset part of the level requirement); 2. Strength 18 or above, Constitution 16 or above, Agility 16 or above.)
Reading the part about 'Hammer Mastery can offset part of the hammer technique level requirement', Rain became thoughtful.
So that's how it is!
No wonder he could master the secret technique at Tokkar Hammer Technique level 3.
This is the true value of Hammer Mastery!
Then, Rain thought of something else.
(End of Chapter)
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