Chapter 148: Curse, Illusion, and Sorcery

Chapter 148: Curse, Illusion, and Sorcery



After the moving banquet, Rain accompanied his family, strolling through the front and backyard.

"Big brother, I love this big yard the most. Now, Anna and I can plant lots of vegetables and flowers," Mint, his sister, said happily.

Seeing his sister's beaming smile, Rain couldn't help but feel touched by her joy. He replied, "Alright, then this yard is yours to manage. I hope you'll keep it neat and tidy."

His parents stood by, looking content and proud.

Taking in the scene, Rain nodded slightly.

Perhaps this very moment was a definition of happiness.

Rain had a few more matters to attend to, so he didn't stay long. Soon, he returned to the storage room.

He took out the 100 pounds of Raging Bear Meat he had exchanged at the County Armory earlier.

During the banquet, he hadn't eaten his fill, but he had drunk quite a bit.

Rain had been craving Raging Bear Meat for some time.

Previously, he often reminisced about the delightful taste of Raging Bear Meat he had first savored in Claire's study.

Now, Rain's craving for it had grown stronger, and his standards for quality had risen.

Ordinary food no longer contributed to his strength.

Savage Beast Meat was different, rich in various nutrients and still beneficial to Rain's Mammoth Breath Technique.

That was why Rain had exchanged Raging Bear Meat and planned to continue doing so, gradually adding high-quality food to his daily meals.

At this moment, Rain directly cut a large chunk, about three to four pounds, of Raging Bear Meat and placed it on a ready iron plate.

As the meat had already been bled and cleaned, no further preparation was needed.

Rain didn't use a typical cooking method for the meat.

After all, high-end ingredients often required the simplest cooking methods.

This time, Rain chose to 'high-temperature roast' the meat, eating it directly.

He suspended his palms half a meter above the meat and silently chanted an incantation, casting the sorcery 'Scorching Touch'.

Seconds later, a tantalizing aroma filled the storage room.

Why use sorcery for cooking?

Rain had considered the principle of ovens from his past life—rapid and enclosed high temperatures locked moisture and flavor within the food.

So, Rain decided to use the high temperature of 'Scorching Touch' to roast the meat quickly, achieving a similar effect to an oven, retaining moisture and flavor.

Gazing at the mouth-watering three-quarters cooked Raging Bear Meat, Rain sprinkled some salt before taking a big bite.

Hiss!

It was just as delicious as he remembered!

In no time, Rain devoured most of the three to four pounds of meat.

Soon, he felt a warm current spreading rapidly from his stomach throughout his body.

Perhaps it was because he had entered the Extraordinary realm, greatly enhancing his physical functions.

Although he had eaten much more Raging Bear Meat than before, he didn't feel as full as before. Instead, he felt warm and comfortable all over.

Suddenly, the sound of scratching at the door reached Rain's ears.

Rain knew it was the Lintie Dog, Cookie!

After all, everyone else in the family knocked on the door; only Cookie scratched, and who else could have such a keen sense of smell?

Rain opened the door a crack, and Cookie squeezed in.

The dog circled Rain excitedly, wagging its tail vigorously. Its eyes fixed on the remaining roasted Raging Bear Meat in Rain's hand, expressing its desire.

Rain shook his head helplessly and said, "I give up. You didn't eat enough either, huh?"

Despite his words, Rain took the remaining meat and ate it himself.

It wasn't that he was stingy.

Cookie was just an ordinary Lintie Dog, not some extraordinary beast. Eating too much high-quality food could be hard to digest.

Indeed, sensing the power of the meat, Cookie soon curled up in a corner of the storage room, closing its eyes for a nap.

Rain, however, noticed the system's updated prompt:

[You fed the Lintie Dog with Raging Bear Meat mixed with a secret potion, slightly enhancing your understanding!]



[Your Beast Taming skill has improved. Experience +15]



[Beastmaster (Extraordinary) profession experience +11]



Huh!

Rain noticed that in his green Beastmaster panel, the original 'Dog Training' skill had automatically changed to 'Beast Taming', and 'Dog Food Crafting' had also become 'Beast Food Crafting'.

It seemed the system's 'cover' function didn't entirely erase or fully replace skills.

Additionally, using secret potions or high-quality food for feeding resulted in faster experience gain.

This was confirmed during the recent feeding session.

With his questions about the Beastmaster (Extraordinary) panel resolved, Rain began to practice the Mammoth Breath Technique, making the most of the special nutrients in the Raging Bear Meat.

After his breathing technique training, Rain proceeded to practice the Basic Meditation Technique.

When Rain transformed into a Beastmaster, he gained an additional point in his Mental Attribute, so he decided to test how many Will Runes he could now visualize at once.

A minute later, Rain opened his eyes, delighted.

This time, he successfully visualized sixteen Will Runes in one go, effectively reaching the level of a Second-Level Apprentice Wizard in the common sense of the world.

Additionally, Rain confirmed that the 'Lv' level displayed on the Beastmaster's profession panel was completely unrelated to the common sense 'First or Second-Level Apprentice Wizard.' Moreover, his current level as a Beastmaster was Lv4, and there was no such thing as a Fourth-Level Apprentice Wizard in this world.

The highest level for an Apprentice Wizard was Level 3.

Therefore, it could be understood that these were two entirely separate systems.

After some contemplation, Rain realized that the most significant difference after becoming a Second-Level Apprentice Wizard was the improvement in combat power.

Previously, when he had only visualized eight Will Runes and reached the level of a First-Level Apprentice Wizard, his combat power was still far inferior to that of a formal Knight.

The only advantage at that time was his significantly enhanced Mental Power and heightened senses.

To unleash stronger combat power, he would need external aids, like the 'Acid Missile Scroll' used by Endry in the Elim Mine.

However, upon reaching the Second-Level Apprentice Wizard, his combat power noticeably increased.

Although Rain didn't have any scrolls or other magical items at the moment, he could now harness the power of his Sorcery, 'Scorching Touch,' without any external aid. As he chanted softly, the iron basin in front of his palm quickly heated up, turning red, smoking, and softening within seconds—a sign that it was about to melt.

Iron's melting point is nearly 1500 degrees!

This meant that the same Sorcery, when performed after reaching the Second-Level Apprentice Wizard, was significantly more potent than before.

Previously, Rain's Sorcery, 'Scorching Touch,' reached around 1000 degrees after a few seconds. Now, it could reach 1400-150 °F) with 70% relative humidity, the iron basin would be around 1400-1500 degrees.

Additionally, Rain could now cast 'Scorching Touch' five or six times, compared to only two or three times before.

The improvement in combat power was evident.

If given the opportunity to cast 'Scorching Touch' in a battle, even a Peak Knight would suffer severe injuries or even perish. After all, any living being couldn't withstand the continuous roasting at 1500 degrees, hot enough to melt steel.

However, enemies weren't immobile like wooden dummies, standing still for seconds.

This was the drawback of Rain's current Sorcery.

Firstly, it was a contact-based Sorcery with decent power.

Secondly, it required continuous channeling to maximize damage.

Meanwhile, in a luxurious mansion within the city of Maistre County.

In a dimly lit underground hall.

A tall knight with a scythe-like weapon reported in a low voice, "High Priest, the mission to kill the new Knight, Rain, has failed again!"

"Additionally, according to Lamar, the Iron Maiden Dummy was also destroyed by Rain," the tall knight added, struggling to explain further.

After all, Lamar's report to him was the reason for his own disbelief.

Sure enough, the High Priest was surprised but accepted the failure to kill Rain.

But when he heard that Rain had destroyed the Iron Maiden Dummy, a voice of astonishment emerged from the shadows.

The voice clearly conveyed shock and confusion.

"This... Rain is not only skilled in swordsmanship but also in hammer techniques, no, he should be a master of hammer techniques!" The tall knight thought for a moment and explained, feeling a bit awkward.

After all, Lamar was there, and he could only relay Lamar's explanation.

Before coming to report, he had been pondering how to make his explanation more convincing, but he couldn't find a reasonable argument.

"A master of hammer techniques? A new Knight can use a hammer to destroy the Iron Maiden Dummy?" The voice from the shadows was filled with disbelief.

At that moment, a tall and stout figure emerged from the shadows, his height comparable to seven or eight tall knights.

Rain would immediately associate this figure with a sumo wrestler from his previous life; the resemblance was uncanny, except for the hood and long robe.

"High Priest, I'm just relaying Lamar's report," the tall knight said, taking a step back and looking slightly nervous as the High Priest stood up.

After hearing the tall knight's explanation, the High Priest's voice turned stern, filled with anger. "Giovanni! You've been the leader of the Wild Brotherhood for too long, and your mind has gone soft!"

"Do you think that reason holds any ground? Even a Peak Knight would struggle to destroy the Iron Maiden Dummy with a hammer."

"You've greatly disappointed me!"

Giovanni, the leader of the Wild Brotherhood, was at a loss for words, unsure how to respond to the High Priest's questioning.

But soon, he recovered and said, "High Priest, I also brought Lamar here. He's outside the door. Shall we hear his report directly?"

Obviously, Giovanni didn't want to take the blame.

The stout High Priest nodded slightly.

After the Black Flame Adept Lamar finished his report, the High Priest fell silent.

After a while, the deep voice of the High Priest echoed again, "Giovanni, let this matter be handled by you, the Beast Knight."

"The authority of the Black Flame Church shall not be challenged! Go forth!"

"As you command, High Priest!" Giovanni and Lamar both bowed deeply, their hands placed on their chests in reverence.

---

The night deepened, and the moon shone brightly amidst the sparse stars, enveloping the entire Shangjin Town in a thin veil of mist.

Rain had already retired to his new bedroom and was fast asleep.

At this moment, an elderly man in a black robe and hood emerged from the outskirts of Shangjin Town, slowly making his way towards the town center. With each turn, he skillfully avoided the patrolling Night Watch squads.

When he was about forty to fifty meters away from Rain's new home, he stopped and glanced around. Then, he entered a dimly lit, lantern-less alleyway.

Shortly after he entered, three Night Watch guards from Shangjin Town patrolled past the alley entrance.

Once the guards were out of sight, the elderly man began to use his walking stick to scratch something onto the ground, creating a faint rustling sound.

Soon, a pattern resembling an inverted pentagram with a diameter of about one meter appeared on the ground. From a distance, it looked like a child's doodle.

The elderly man then took out the clothes he had obtained from the Mint Gang and placed them in the center of the inverted pentagram.

He began to chant softly, holding his wooden walking stick and pointing it at the inverted pentagram on the ground.

". (Arcadian) Curse: Mental Exhaustion!"

As the old man's words fell, Rain, who was sleeping deeply in a room forty to fifty meters away, suddenly furrowed his brows, his previously calm expression now filled with worry.

In his sleep, Rain felt an overwhelming sense of fatigue, struggling to open his eyes and wake up.

The old man seemed to sense that the curse had taken effect, and a faint smile appeared beneath his hood. But he wasn't finished yet; he took out a finger bone from his pocket.

The finger bone was slender, seemingly from the remains of an adult human female.

Holding the finger bone, the old man began to chant softly once more.

After a few seconds, a transparent human-shaped spirit appeared before him. From its slender figure, it seemed to have been a beautiful human female in life.

"Go, Sandra, and deal with the owner of those clothes!" the old man instructed.

Sandra, the spirit, approached the inverted pentagram and sensed the aura of the clothes, then nodded to the old man.

She then floated towards Rain's location like a wisp of mist.

Soon, Sandra entered Rain's bedroom, passing through the walls. She saw Rain lying on the bed, his brows furrowed in concern.

Sandra, expressionless, slowly approached him and extended her claws, which emanated a chilling, icy light. She was about to deliver a fatal strike when she suddenly froze, her gaze fixed on a somewhat inconspicuous brass ring on Rain's left ring finger.

She could sense a kindred spirit within the ring, and she understood the meaning behind it: "He is my friend, please do not harm him."

If Rain had been awake, he would have undoubtedly noticed the ring that had caught Sandra's attention—the extraordinary item known as Agatha's Ring.

(Agatha's Ring: This ordinary brass ring carries the sincere gratitude and blessings of a young girl. When worn, it can evoke goodwill from some undead creatures towards the wearer.)



Sandra's face showed hesitation, and she hesitated to attack.

The ring seemed to have touched a deep-seated emotion within her.

Unbeknownst to Sandra, the person she intended to kill was lying on the bed, eyes half-closed, watching her.

Just as Sandra was about to deliver the fatal blow, Rain's Level 3 'Danger Perception' had already alerted him.

However, the alarm in Rain's mind soon mysteriously disappeared.

Rain woke up, puzzled by the scene before him. He wondered why the female spirit, who seemed intent on attacking him, had hesitated and remained rooted in place.

After waiting a while longer, Sandra turned and left the room, passing through the walls.

Rain was momentarily bewildered by this turn of events.

After a few seconds, Rain, seeing no sign of Sandra's return, quickly got up and went to the window. Through the window, he saw the nearly transparent female spirit floating towards a dark alley across the street.

Rain hesitated briefly, deciding against pursuing her immediately.

He sensed that this enemy was not ordinary, capable of controlling spirits to attack him.

Although, for some unknown reason, Sandra had not attacked him.

Clearly, there was a mysterious enemy lurking nearby, watching him intently.

It would be best to investigate first.

"Beast Eye!"

Rain immediately recalled this newly mastered Beastmaster core skill and activated it.

As he did so, Rain's soul seemed to possess Cookie, the Lynx Dog sleeping in the nearby storage room.

Cookie suddenly stood up, rushing downstairs and out the door, heading towards the dark alley.

Soon, Cookie reached the alley entrance and poked her head in, taking a quick look inside.

With her canine night vision, Rain could clearly see through Cookie's eyes a slightly hunched, hooded figure in the alley.

Sandra, the spirit who had just entered Rain's room, seemed to be conversing with the hooded figure.

However, after Cookie stared at the figure for a few seconds, the figure suddenly turned and looked directly at her.

Rain's heart skipped a beat, and he immediately controlled Cookie to whimper and run away.

The old man glanced at Cookie but paid her no mind.

From his observations, Rain realized that the figure's perception was incredibly sharp, possibly even surpassing his own spiritual power.

"Is he a Third-Level Sorcerer Apprentice?"

Rain's mind raced with speculation. "What kind of profession could be even stronger than that?" he wondered.

Facing such an obviously formidable enemy, Rain's thoughts raced. "I have to eliminate him; otherwise, I'll never have peace of mind!"

"This battle is inevitable."

"For now, he probably hasn't realized that I've found him."

"If I strike now..."

Rain quickly deactivated 'Beast Eye' and donned his chrome iron armor, wielding his warhammer and greatsword as he rushed out.

As he approached the alley, Rain slowed his pace.

For safety's sake, it was best to further enhance his strength.

The next moment, Rain accessed the Extraordinary Knight panel and allocated more skill points to Breaking Limit, instantly increasing it from 51% to 61%.

This propelled Rain from the level of a veteran knight to the pinnacle of knighthood.

Consequently, both of his extraordinary traits, Gigastrength and Iron Skin, reached Level 3!

[Extraordinary Trait: Gigastrength Lv.3 (Active)]



Gigastrength Lv.3 Effect: Strength is multiplied.

(Note: The level of strength increase is directly proportional to the Breaking Limit value. The higher the Breaking Limit, the greater the strength enhancement.)



[Extraordinary Trait: Iron Skin Lv.3 (Passive)]



Iron Skin Lv.3 Effect: The body automatically absorbs stray metal elements, forming a thin metal film on the skin's surface.

(Note: The defensive power of the metal film is directly proportional to mental power and Breaking Limit. The higher the mental power and Breaking Limit, the stronger the metal absorption and the greater the defense.)



'Strength Multiplied' and 'Metal Film'!

Rain's confidence soared.

As Rain appeared at the alley's entrance, the black-robed elder turned around. Deep within the shadows of his hood, his eyes widened in surprise as he gazed at Rain, asking, "Eh? How did you find me?"

At this moment, Adams was perplexed by Rain's ability to locate him in this particular alley.

However, his tone revealed no hint of panic or worry.

It seemed he had absolute faith in his own abilities!

Rain smiled but didn't respond to Adams's question.

Instead, he pulled out a signal flare from his pocket and, with a swift motion, launched it into the air, where it exploded with a 'whoosh'.

Indeed!

This was the distress signal used by the Night Watch.

As the deputy of Shangjin Town's security force, Rain always carried such flares.

Facing an opponent with such mysterious abilities, Rain felt that fighting alone might not be the best idea. Additionally, they were very close to the administrative office, and Hamilton should arrive within a minute!

"Haha, you foolish lad!" Adams couldn't help but feel enraged by Rain's silent signal for help. He felt mocked!

"Lady Luck spared you once, but you're foolish enough to seek death!" Adams said, pulling out and quickly unfurling a scroll.

Rain's eyes widened in shock.

"Breaking Limit!"

Just as Rain, warhammer in hand, was about to dodge the scroll's attack, he felt a sudden dizziness. The surrounding scene distorted, the walls seeming to soften and stretch, while the black-robed elder in front of him was elongated and flattened.

This feeling was awful, like someone prone to seasickness, alone in a small boat on a raging sea!

Rain endured the discomfort and shook his head vigorously.

At that moment, Rain saw his sister, Mint, waving and smiling, "Brother, come play with me?"

Mint's sweet voice filled Rain with a sense of indulgence.

It seemed like the biggest mistake in the world not to agree to play with her for a while.

But the next second, Rain's heart rang with alarm bells!

Almost simultaneously, he felt a sharp pain in his chest, and his entire body was blown away!

When Rain stood up again, the scene returned to the alley, and the mysterious black-robed elder was still standing there.

His whole body ached, and when he looked down, he saw that his chrome iron plate armor had a gaping hole in the chest, but fortunately, the silver-gray metal film on the surface had blocked further damage.

But the energy of the metal film seemed to be almost depleted, its luster quickly fading.

Damn!

So powerful!

Rain cursed silently.

If he hadn't just reached the pinnacle of knighthood and upgraded his Iron Skin to Level 3, that bizarre attack would have been devastating, perhaps even fatal.

"Eh? You're not dead?"

Seeing Rain's thick knight armor with a gaping hole, Adams, who had assumed Rain was dead, widened his eyes and opened his mouth in surprise.

At this moment, he was even more astonished than Rain!

The combination of the illusion scroll and the 'Minor Shadow Arrow' spell should have been enough to take down even a peak knight without a second thought!

How could this young man still be alive?

No, not just alive, but standing up!

This was uncanny!

Could the knight's plate armor have strong negative energy defense? But it didn't seem that way!

The knight's chest armor clearly had a large hole corroded by the 'Minor Shadow Arrow'.

Adams, perplexed, furrowed his brows in deep thought.

Suddenly, the sound of hurried footsteps filled the alley, and Hamilton, alerted by the commotion, rushed in with over a dozen Night Watch members.

"You... you're Adams!!!" Hamilton's pupils contracted, and his face paled as he recognized the elder.

(End of Chapter)

Chapter end