Chapter 193: The Power of a Master-level Battle Skill

Chapter 193: The Power of a Master-level Battle Skill



However, after some thought, Ryan decided to give it a try.

He estimated that even if it fell short, it wouldn't be by much.

Ryan opened the second volume of Crowley's Armoring Essentials, and a design diagram for a set of ice iron armor with a pale blue metallic luster caught his eye.

Ryan began examining it to determine which parts of the ice iron set he would forge first. The ice iron set, like the chrome iron set, consisted of eight pieces.

After some consideration, Ryan chose the ice iron shoulder guards. The design diagram showed that these shoulder guards resembled two curved covers, allowing for a single-step smelting process.

Unlike the shoulder guards of other sets, which had multiple plates, these were simpler.

Soon, Ryan began smelting the ice iron ingots. Due to the ice iron's high flame resistance, the smelting temperature was exceptionally high. Fortunately, Ryan had the Sorcery 'Burning Touch' to assist him; otherwise, the forge alone wouldn't be enough!

Half an hour later, a system prompt appeared:

[You have completed the forging of the ice iron shoulder guards, and your understanding has improved!]



[You have learned a new skill - Shoulder Guard Forging]



[Your Shoulder Guard Forging skill has improved, +24 experience points]



[Your focus on ice iron shoulder guard forging has increased your Armorer profession experience by +138]



Huh! Ryan's eyes lit up. The experience points were quite generous!

It seemed that equipment crafted from rare minerals was valued much higher by the system than those made from ordinary minerals.

With this, he had a real chance to reach Armorer level 5 before running out of ice iron ingots and ore.

Without hesitation, Ryan got to work.

However, after more than an hour, Ryan encountered another problem.

Smelting ice iron required continuous use of Sorcery, and the spiritual power consumed during this process far exceeded that of smelting ordinary iron ingots. After an hour, Ryan's spiritual power was almost depleted.

After some thought, Ryan decided to allocate an attribute point to Spirituality.

Increasing Spirituality would not only boost the power of his Sorcery but also help him recover his peak condition, allowing for continuous smelting and faster progress.

Lastly, Ryan considered that he was only two Will Runes away from being able to visualize twenty-four Will Runes at once, which would allow him to advance to the level of a Level 3 Arcane Apprentice.

As he allocated the point, his remaining attribute points decreased from 6 to 5, and his Spirituality increased from 25 to 26.

Instantly, Ryan felt his mind become exceptionally clear, and the fatigue from the previous spiritual depletion vanished!

During the subsequent smelting, Ryan found that the Sorcery 'Burning Touch' indeed became slightly more potent after the attribute point allocation, making the smelting of ice iron ingots much more manageable.

Two hours later, as Ryan's Armorer level surpassed two-thirds, his spiritual power was once again depleted. Without hesitation, he allocated another point to Spirituality.

His remaining attribute points decreased from 5 to 4, and his Spirituality increased from 26 to 27.

Refreshed and in peak condition, Ryan continued his work, sweating profusely.

Half a day later, a system prompt sounded:

[Congratulations! Your Armorer profession level has increased!]



Ryan's Armorer profession level finally reached level 5, and he received one attribute point and one skill point as a reward.

As a result, his remaining attribute points increased to 5, and his remaining skill points reached 6.

Ryan excitedly looked at the 6 remaining skill points!

Finally, he had gathered 6 points!

By allocating 3 points each to Bear Claw Sword Technique and Thunderclap Hammer Technique, he would immediately have two skills at the 10th level.

After a brief rest, Ryan focused on the Knight (Extraordinary) panel, his large hands gripping the icon with the image of a large hammer - Thunderclap Hammer Technique lv7 (2724/5000).

Since his Thunderclap Hammer Technique had reached level 6, the two accompanying effects, Oscillation and Precision, had both reached level 2.

Once his Thunderclap Hammer Technique reached level 10, he would also unlock the next effect:

"Note: Thunderclap Hammer Technique unlocks Oscillation lv3 when the following conditions are met: 1. Thunderclap Hammer Technique lv9 or higher; 2. Bear King Breath lv9 or higher."

"Note: Thunderclap Hammer Technique unlocks Precision lv3 when the following conditions are met: 1. Thunderclap Hammer Technique lv9 or higher; 2. Strength 22 points, Agility 18 points, Constitution 22 points or higher."

Both of these effects at level 3 required the hammer technique to reach level 9.

Judging from the previous level 2 effects, which were capable of killing Savage Sea Beasts comparable to Great Knights, the power of the level 3 effects was even more impressive!

As Ryan silently allocated the skill point, his remaining skill points decreased from 6 to 4, and his Thunderclap Hammer Technique immediately jumped to level 9.

Instantly, a flood of memories about Thunderclap Hammer Technique flooded Ryan's mind. These scattered fragments of hammer technique training almost formed a short film in Ryan's mind, quickly integrating into his muscle memory.

However, the volume of memories was substantial, and Ryan took a moment to open his eyes.

He felt as if he had just endured years of Thunderclap Hammer Technique training, and all those years of hammer technique experience had been crammed into his mind in just a few seconds.

Ryan glanced at the hammer technique, and indeed, the two effects, Oscillation and Precision, had both advanced to level 3.

Ryan examined them closely, and the new descriptions for both effects were similar. Level 3 meant a further increase in power!

Considering that the Master Armorer (Legendary) profession panel required a level 10 extraordinary battle skill, Ryan rested briefly before allocating another skill point to Thunderclap Hammer Technique.

As the hammer technique reached level 9, Ryan suddenly stiffened! This memory infusion felt particularly intense, and when he regained his senses, he realized that the feeling of 'Unbreakable Power' in his hands was notably different from before.

【Ding! Host's Thunderclap Hammer Technique has reached lv10, unlocking Master-level Hammer Combat Skill Effect: Multi-Oscillation (Passive), overriding the original effect: Oscillation lv3.】

【Multi-Oscillation (Passive) Effect: Your control over hammer-type weapons and Prime Force has reached an extremely high level, allowing you to deal multiple oscillating damage.】

(Note: This effect is only effective when the host is holding a hammer-type weapon and attacking with the flat end.)



(Note: This effect is proportional to the host's Prime Force, Strength, Expertise, and Combat Skill level.)



【Ding! Host's Thunderclap Hammer Technique has reached lv10, unlocking Heavy Weapon Effect: Light as a Feather (Passive)】

【Light as a Feather (Passive) Effect: Your proficiency with heavy weapons has also reached an extremely high level, allowing you to wield heavy weapons with ease, increasing your attack speed by an additional 20%.】

(Note: This effect is only effective when using heavy weapons.)



Hiss!

This couldn't help but delight Rain.

First, the power of Multi-Oscillation far surpasses Oscillation lv3, as the description suggests.

Although Oscillation lv3 is a powerful effect, it only has a single oscillation damage, which can be easily blocked by armor or other defenses. Multi-Oscillation, on the other hand, can penetrate thick armor and attack the enemy's interior.

The second effect is even more impressive!

The problem with two-handed war hammers is that they are often too heavy, which is the basis of their power. However, this also means that their swinging speed is slower than that of greatswords, not to mention lighter weapons like one-handed swords.

But the Light as a Feather (Passive) effect compensates for this shortcoming.

Wait!

Rain keenly noticed the change in the description, focusing on the term "proficiency."

His hammer technique has reached lv10, unlocking not just a hammer-specific effect but extending to all heavy weapons. Suddenly, the phrase "proficiency" caught Rain's attention.

This made Rain realize something!

He seemed to understand why the pre-requisite for the Master Armorer (Legendary) profession required three different weapon categories to reach lv10.

Looking at his skill panel again, Rain saw: Thunderclap Hammer Technique lv10 (2724/20000), with the additional effects: Light as a Feather, Multi-Oscillation, and Precision lv3.

With a single hammer strike, three effects!

Rain couldn't help but marvel.

He took a quick look around and then tested his newly forged light blue Ice Iron Shoulder Guards by covering a thick piece of wood with it and delivering a heavy blow with the Boar Head Hammer, using only 50% of his strength.

"Boom!"

The light blue Ice Iron Shoulder Guards shattered, but what was more astonishing was that the wood beneath it, which should have been protected and weakened by the Ice Iron armor, was also severely damaged, almost reduced to splinters.

When Rain lifted the shattered Ice Iron Shoulder Guards, he found that the wood was even more damaged than the armor.

Hiss!

Rain couldn't help but exclaim in awe.

This was the power of Multi-Oscillation? Terrifying! He could clearly feel that his strike had unleashed at least two levels of Oscillation lv3, shattering both the armor and the wood.

If he had used his full strength, he might have been able to unleash three or even more levels of Oscillation.

Rain calmed his excitement and turned his attention to Bear Claw Sword Technique.

If Thunderclap Hammer Technique lv10 had brought such surprises, what about Bear Claw Sword Technique at lv10?

Rain's eyes lit up with anticipation as he allocated his remaining skill points.

With a surge of memories, two more system prompts appeared:

【Ding! Host's Bear Claw Sword Technique has reached lv10, unlocking Master-level Sword Combat Skill Effect: Steel-Cutter (Passive), overriding the original effect: Sharpness lv3.】

【Steel-Cutter (Passive) Effect: Your control over sword-type weapons and Prime Force has reached an extremely high level, allowing you to cut through ordinary steel weapons and armor.】

(Note: This effect is only effective when using sword-type weapons.)



(Note: This effect is proportional to the host's weapon, Prime Force, Strength, Expertise, and Combat Skill level.)



【Ding! Host's Bear Claw Sword Technique has reached lv10, unlocking Piercing Effect: Armor Piercing (Passive)】

【Armor Piercing (Passive) Effect: Your proficiency with piercing weapons has reached an extremely high level, allowing you to concentrate and unleash your strength to significantly increase the probability of piercing through enemy armor.】

(Note: This effect is only effective when using piercing weapons.)



As expected!

Rain looked at his skill panel with delight: Bear Claw Sword Technique lv10 (3023/20000), with the additional effects: Steel-Cutter, Armor Piercing, and Precision lv3.

Also, three effects!

At the same time, Rain realized that the Armor Piercing effect was not limited to sword-type weapons but applied to all piercing weapons, including the pointed end of his Boar Head Hammer.

Feeling a bit itchy to try out the new effect, Rain immediately swung the Radiant Greatsword at the light blue Ice Iron Shoulder Guards.

"Swish!"

The Ice Iron Shoulder Guards, forged from rare minerals, were cut in two!

Rain marveled at the power of Steel-Cutter and Armor Piercing combined, which could even cut through armor made from special minerals.

However, Rain had a feeling that the two-handed war hammer still had more attack power than the greatsword.

After a moment of thought, Rain understood that this might be the reason for the lv3 Hammer Expertise, as both the Multi-Oscillation and Steel-Cutter effects' power were linked to the expertise level.

Chapter: The Baron's Challenge

In the Norman Baron's mansion, an atmosphere of heightened security prevailed as guards, fully armed, patrolled the perimeter with utmost vigilance. Inside, Dennis stood anxiously outside the training room, his emotions on a rollercoaster ride.

Just moments ago, his father, Baron Norman, had made the decision to consume the advanced potion 'Beast Essence' to challenge the Great Knight level. Before this, Dennis' emotions had been on a wild ride, swinging between excitement and anxiety.

A few days ago, when his father had successfully restored his peak strength, Dennis had been thrilled, staying awake for several nights in a row. He was certain that his father would defeat Ryan in the bloody duel, a victory that seemed all but assured.

However, he hadn't anticipated the sudden twist in events. Rumors suggested that Ryan's strength had improved rapidly, and even his father at his peak might not be able to defeat Ryan. The odds were now stacked against his father, with a mere 40% chance of winning.

This news struck Dennis like a bolt of lightning. He couldn't fathom the dire consequences for his father and their family if Baron Norman were to lose the bloody duel. Dennis, being only a quasi-knight, lacked the ability to uphold the prestige of a baron family.

The doors to the training room swung open with a loud thud. Baron Norman strode out, his aura radiating confidence.

"Father, did you succeed?" Dennis blurted out upon seeing this.

The baron smiled slightly and nodded in affirmation.

"Great! Great! Father, you've finally become a Great Knight!" Dennis exclaimed, his eyes welling up with tears of joy.

It seemed that Lady Luck had finally smiled upon the Norman family.

"Ryan, you're doomed!" Dennis shouted in his mind.

He couldn't wait for the bloody duel to begin, though he had to wait until the day after tomorrow.

"You there, come!" Baron Norman beckoned to several of his trusted men.

Immediately, Dennis and the others followed the baron into the indoor training ground.

"Take your bows and shoot at me!" Baron Norman crossed his arms behind his back, assuming a stance of unarmed combat.

The trusted men, all quasi-knights in strength, were taken aback. They exchanged glances, unsure whether to obey or refuse, as the baron stood there without armor, wearing only a noble hunting outfit with no protective qualities.

Dennis immediately guessed that his father wanted to test his Great Knight-level combat skills. He quickly reassured them, "Don't worry, with the baron's speed, you won't be able to hit him even if you aim."

"Yes, Young Master!"

"Baron, please be careful!"

The trusted men, understanding the situation, immediately grabbed strong bows from the side and aimed at Baron Norman, ready to shoot.

"Whoosh! Whoosh! Whoosh!"

What happened next left them astonished.

The arrows, shot with near-maximum force, seemed to be deflected by an invisible shield in front of Baron Norman. After their inertia faded, the arrows dropped helplessly to the ground.

Dennis grew more excited as he witnessed this display of power.

"Dennis, keep my breakthrough a secret. Also, go to Baron Alonso's side and inform him of my success in becoming a Great Knight."

"Regarding the cost of the Beast Essence potion, I will settle it after the duel. Please convey my gratitude to him on my behalf." Baron Norman instructed.

"Yes, Father!" Dennis nodded in agreement.

"By the way, what's the situation with Ryan?" Baron Norman asked, his head tilting up as if a thought had just occurred to him.

"For five consecutive days, he's been at the blacksmith's shop." Dennis reported.

Although he had been perplexed at first, the facts were undeniable. Their spies had all confirmed the same information.

Moreover, Ryan's visits to the blacksmith's shop were always witnessed by the spies. They had a clear view of Ryan's comings and goings, and his daily schedule was remarkably consistent.

This unusual behavior naturally aroused curiosity among many.

However, after bribing a blacksmith apprentice from the Crowley family, Dennis learned through the apprentice's mouth that Ryan seemed to be crafting knight plate armor.

A sudden realization dawned on Dennis.

Is it possible that Ryan has obtained some rare ore and is forging a set of extremely durable plate armor to counter his own father?

The more Dennis thought about it, the more likely it seemed.

As he continued his investigation, Dennis discovered that the Crowley family was secretly collecting ice iron ore, which further confirmed his suspicions.

"Hmm? All of them at the blacksmith's shop?" Baron Norman was taken aback.

In his opinion, Ryan must also be preparing meticulously, either by diligently practicing combat skills or by finding ways to break through. Why would he be at the blacksmith's shop every day?

This...

Seeing the confusion on his father's face, Dennis immediately shared his guess with the Baron.

"Father, Ryan is probably forging a set of knight's armor using a rare ore. He probably believes this will increase his chances of winning."

"I see." Baron Norman pondered for a moment, then his expression cleared.

This made sense; improving one's strength often required years of arduous training, and it was unlikely to see significant progress in just a few days. In a short time, acquiring a good weapon or a set of quality armor could greatly increase one's chances of victory.

This was a common practice before duels.

"By the way, father, the news of your bloody duel with Ryan is spreading like wildfire outside. You may not be aware, but several merchant guilds have joined forces to open betting pools, taking bets on your duel with Ryan."

"Currently, since the news of your breakthrough to the rank of Great Knight hasn't spread yet, the odds of your victory against Ryan in the betting pools are still even."

"You mean, should we..." Dennis looked at his father, Baron Norman, with anticipation.

"Certainly, let's put all our liquid assets on the line, and also mortgage the eight shops under our family's name in the county town." Baron Norman thought for a moment and nodded, agreeing to his son's suggestion.

If he had previously only had a fifty percent confidence in an absolute victory, now he was almost a hundred percent certain of winning the duel!

---

One hour later, in Baron Alonso's study:

"That's fantastic! Dennis, your father's successful advancement to the rank of Great Knight is indeed wonderful news, and it's likely that he will emerge victorious in the duel." Baron Alonso couldn't help but burst into laughter.

"By the way, Dennis, are you interested in taking on a part-time position under my merchant guild?"

Baron Alonso's words instantly filled Dennis with excitement, and he couldn't help but smile.

He, of course, understood that this was Baron Alonso's gesture of Kaisen's gesture of goodwill.

Although it was described as a part-time job, it essentially meant getting paid without doing much work.

"Of course, thank you for your appreciation, Baron." Dennis bowed slightly in gratitude.

"Also, my father is very grateful for your help in acquiring the Beast Essence. The related fees will be delivered to you after the duel."

"Haha, there's no rush for the payment to Baron Norman. I'm in a great mood." Baron Alonso waved his hand and said.

After Dennis left, Baron Alonso turned to his butler, Michel, and said, "We can't keep the news of Baron Norman's advancement to Great Knight a secret for long. Michel, how much liquid assets do we have left?"

Michel quickly reported a figure:

"We have 18,340 imperial gold coins remaining, mainly spent on acquiring a bottle of Beast Essence from Baron Norman at the Axson Auction House, which cost quite a bit."

"Additionally, we also spent a significant amount on hiring Master Holland to create the Beast Essence, but this is highly likely to be a profitable investment. Once it's successfully created, it will be worth a fortune."

Baron Alonso was very satisfied with Michel's professionalism, as he rubbed the signet ring in his hand and nodded, "Very well, let's place an additional bet of 18,000 imperial gold coins!"

"Yes, my lord. I'll take care of it immediately." The butler, Michel, smiled and bowed before leaving.

---

At Ryan's new mansion:

Jane, wearing a floral white dress, hurriedly lifted her skirt and ran to the room where the beautiful woman was.

As soon as she entered, she spoke to the woman with a hint of urgency:

"Mother, something's wrong. You asked me to inquire about any changes in the betting odds from Agatha."

"I just received the latest news. The Norman family has increased their bet, and I guess you were right. Baron Norman has most likely advanced to the rank of Great Knight."

Due to the recent lockdown by the Norman family, the beautiful woman, Jennifer, had been unable to gather any information. So, she asked Jane to inquire from her close friend, Agatha.

Agatha's family owned a large merchant guild, one of the guilds involved in the betting pools, and they had access to more information.

"By the way, mother, isn't Lord Ryan's condition a bit odd?"

"You see, he's been at the blacksmith's shop forging armor, and the bloody duel is just two days away."

"Could Lord Ryan be underestimating Baron Norman?"

Hearing her daughter's question, the beautiful woman furrowed her brows slightly and said, "I know he's been forging knight's plate armor at the blacksmith's shop, but as you said, even the best plate armor can't defend against all attacks, especially those from a Great Knight."

"I'm going to the blacksmith's shop to find him now."

A while later, the beautiful woman arrived at the blacksmith's shop.

"Hmm? You mean Baron Norman has advanced to the rank of Great Knight?" Upon hearing this news, Ryan's eyes widened, and he turned to the beautiful woman, saying.

At first, the beautiful woman was slightly surprised by Ryan's reaction. She noticed that his gaze held no worry or fear, but instead, a sense of...

How to describe it?

Joy, happiness?

To be precise, it seemed to be a... sense of excitement at the prospect of a hunt!

But how could that be possible? The beautiful woman was a bit puzzled.

However, she quickly adjusted her thoughts and nodded, "Although I can't be a hundred percent certain, the Norman family's increased bet indicates that they've put most of their assets on the line."

"It's evident that they are exceptionally confident about winning the duel."

Ryan smiled and nodded, saying to the beautiful woman, "Very well, this might be a rare opportunity for us to make some money."

(End of Chapter)

Chapter end