Chapter 199: Mutation

Chapter 199: Mutation



A long convoy slowly made its way along the narrow path in the hills, resembling a gray serpent from afar.

As they approached, one could see that the sides of the carriages all bore the same emblem of a double-headed wolf, clearly marking them as a noble convoy.

Inside one of the carriages, Dennis still had slightly red eyes, evidently still reeling from the death of his father, Baron Norman.

To avoid potential oppression from Rain's side, Dennis didn't waste any time and immediately decided to leave the county town, returning to live in a manor owned by his family in the countryside.

Thus, after packing most of their valuable belongings, Dennis quickly organized this slightly bloated convoy.

At this moment, a cavalryman rode up to the carriage in the middle of the convoy, where Dennis was seated.

"Hey! Young Master, the forward scouts just reported that this area has recently seen the presence of bandits. Should we take a detour?"

"Detour?" Dennis looked out the carriage window and saw over twenty carriages stretching more than a hundred meters. It was impossible to turn around in such a short time.

If they did turn around, according to the scouts, wouldn't they be giving the bandits an opportunity to attack?

Moreover, these were no ordinary bandits.

Did bandits need to be so bold? In which county of the Empire couldn't you find a couple of bandits?

Dennis, feeling he had figured it all out, huffed, "Are you all made of paper? Can bandits have formal knights? Even if they do, one at most! And you have four!"

"Well, okay then." The reporting cavalryman thought for a moment, feeling that the young master's words made sense.

The messenger immediately rode ahead to relay the message to the convoy.

Watching this, Dennis couldn't help but sigh.

After his father's loss in the duel, the nobles who had once been close to them immediately turned to fawn over the newly-elevated Baron Rain, the 'commoner'.

What bothered Dennis the most was the memory of Baron Crowley, who had tried to woo him when he was on good terms with his father, but now he couldn't even get an audience with him.

Thinking of this, Dennis clenched his fists unconsciously.

I will have my revenge!

I will make everyone tremble beneath my feet!

As Dennis's thoughts wandered, he suddenly heard cries for help and sharp piercing sounds coming from the front and back of the convoy!

"Whoosh, whoosh!"

How dare these bandits attack such a large convoy? Dennis quickly pulled open the curtain and saw dozens of bandits charging out from all sides, armed with bows and crossbows, slaughtering the convoy's guards mercilessly.

Just as he was about to curse at the incompetence of his guards, he suddenly realized something was amiss.

The bandits leading the charge, several burly men, were all of Knight Apprentice level!

Hiss!

Two, no, three Knight Apprentices?

Wait, this...

This is...

"This is a fucking Great Knight!" Dennis's pupils constricted, his eyes widening in shock.

The faint glow on their bodies, even more pronounced than his father, Baron Norman, was deeply etched in his memory.

A burly man in half-plate armor strode forward, unfazed by the guards' arrows and bolts, moving with casual grace and deadly speed.

"Damn it! How can this be possible? Goddess above!" Dennis exclaimed in terror, muttering under his breath.

He couldn't believe it. How could there be a Great Knight among the bandits?

Had Great Knights become so cheap?

With the Great Knight's appearance, the battle quickly turned one-sided, and the Norman family's guards suffered heavy casualties.

Minutes later, Dennis, like a dead dog, was picked up by a burly man and thrown in front of the burly man in half-armor.

"Hmm? Just a Knight Apprentice?" Brigadier Parix had initially been curious, but upon closer inspection, he shook his head in disappointment.

Dennis dared not lift his head, but followed the line of sight along the ground and saw a pair of gleaming plate mail boots occupying his vision. These boots had killed four family knights without a speck of dirt on them.

As Dennis's gaze lifted further, he saw, just a few meters ahead, the family knights lying in a pool of blood, their deaths at the hands of the burly man's hammer technique causing his heart to sink.

He didn't want to die!

He wanted to live!

"Should we kill this brat?" The squad leader hesitated for a moment, unsure of his superior's intentions.

Hearing this, Dennis's soul trembled with fear.

But when Brigadier Parix heard this, he couldn't help but smile.

"Then tell me."

Brigadier Parix's words were like a lifeline to Dennis, and suddenly, an idea flashed in his mind, and he blurted out, "There's a newly-appointed Baron named Rain who just made a fortune, and the Crowley family also recently came into a significant amount of money, at least tens of thousands of gold, which many in the county town knew about. You can go and verify this."

"Hahaha, interesting. Is this Rain the winner of a bloody duel? And his opponent was you?"

In the aftermath of Denes's response, Parikus Brigadier burst into a mocking laughter.

Denes's heart skipped a beat at this unexpected reaction.

"You're not just bandits, are you? How do you know about the bloody duel and that Rain defeated my father?" Denes was momentarily stunned.

"Young man, seeing how you're fleeing like a refugee, I assume you're also running from Rain?" Parikus looked down at Denes, who was crouching at his feet.

Denes, feeling a bit dazed, nodded instinctively.

"Do you want revenge?" Parikus continued.

"Revenge?" Denes felt like he had just been transported from hell to heaven. He couldn't believe that this powerful Great Knight, a 'bandit' stronger than his own father, was willing to help him seek vengeance.

"Of course I do! Sir, if I can't defeat Rain after taking this potion, I hope you'll help me get rid of him."

"No, no, you misunderstand. Revenge is something you must do yourself, but I will provide you with assistance," Parikus clarified.

Hearing that the burly man wouldn't directly intervene, Denes's emotions took a rollercoaster ride, plummeting once more.

What's the point of assistance?

Rain had defeated even his father, and with their help, Denes doubted he could defeat him.

"But I'm no match for Rain, Sir. You know, my father, even after advancing to Great Knight, couldn't defeat Rain," Denes said diplomatically.

"I have a way to make you stronger, but it will be painful," Parikus said after some thought, emphasizing the word 'painful.'

"Painful?" Denes was puzzled.

Parikus waved his hand, and a burly man brought over a beautifully carved wooden box and promptly opened it.

Inside, a delicate glass test tube filled with a pink liquid, gently bubbling, caught Denes's attention.

The test tube was stoppered, but a faintly sweet aroma still wafted from it.

"This is a 'Mutation Potion' that only a Knight Apprentice can take. It requires a strong will to live. With this, you'll gain immense power," Parikus explained with a 'kind' expression.

"As for side effects, it's a bit painful."

Denes contemplated this information.

He was well aware that the burly man wasn't telling the whole truth, or perhaps only a fraction of it.

But did he have a choice now?

Denes glanced down at the fallen family knights lying in pools of blood, their eyes still open in death.

He knew that if he dared to refuse, there might soon be another corpse on the ground.

So, he had no choice!

"Agreed! Sir, if I still can't defeat Rain after taking this potion, I hope you'll help me get rid of him."

"Of course, it's a minor matter for me."

"There are too many people here. Clean up the scene and escort Young Master Denes to our base."

"Yes, Sir," the burly man replied.

"Are you ready?" Parikus asked with a smile.

"Yes, Sir," Denes said, having made up his mind. He figured that he might as well take the potion now, hoping to earn a bit of the man's favor.

"Excellent," Parikus said, waving his hand. The burly man promptly handed Denes the pink test tube.

Denes's expression turned fierce, and without hesitation, he gulped down the pink liquid.

"Burp!"

Denes belched, surprised by the exceptional taste of the 'Mutation Potion.'

Parikus watched with satisfaction, nodding approvingly. "You'll feel some pain soon. To prevent any accidents, we'll need to put you in shackles."

"What?" Denes looked skeptical, but as the burly man approached with heavy shackles, he reluctantly extended his hands.

"Clank!"

The shackles locked into place.

Denes felt the weight of the specially crafted metal shackles on his wrists.

The air in the room seemed to freeze, and Denes could almost hear his own rapidly beating heart.

After about half a minute, a burning pain erupted in his stomach.

"Ahh!"

Denes screamed in agony.

His entire body tensed, veins bulging, and fine scales began to appear on his skin.

Denes felt the pain deep in his bones.

"A little pain?"

"Liar!" Denes cursed.

"Sir, he's a noble's son. Can he endure this?" The burly squad leader, witnessing Denes writhing in pain on the ground, asked with concern.

They had tried this on several others before, but none had survived.

Those individuals all seemed stronger than Denes.

"This 'Mutation Potion' is an experimental potion from the Eagle Federation. Only a Knight Apprentice can take it, and they must have a strong will to live. Otherwise, the mutation process might fail," Parikus explained to his confidant.

However, glancing at his confidant, Parikus noticed a hint of disbelief that Denes could endure.

"Don't you trust my judgment?"

"Actually, nobles are more afraid of death. Denes's will to live is stronger than ordinary people."

And his physical attributes are also among the top among the Knight Apprentices."

"Your wisdom is unparalleled, sir!" The squad leader, a burly man, exclaimed with a sudden realization, his face filled with admiration.

At this moment, Parix carefully examined Dennis, who was still undergoing the mutation process, and said, "It seems to have succeeded. Once he completes the mutation, send him directly to the Meyster County City to create panic."

"Also, assign a few skilled men to keep a detailed record of Dennis's survival. This experimental record is crucial, and it can be exchanged for many valuable items from the Eagle Federation."

"Yes, sir!" The burly man responded promptly.

"Furthermore, instruct the bandit gangs we're working with to intensify their raids throughout the county. Soon, the entire Meyster County will be in turmoil."

---

Meyster County.

In the study of Rain's new manor.

At this moment, Rain, while looking at his attribute page, suddenly remembered that after the battle with the Nightmare Draconid, he had been busy asking Naya about wizard-related matters and had forgotten to check the system notifications:

[Your Tokadalar Fist Technique has improved. Experience +32]



[You have engaged in a battle. Knight (Extraordinary) Experience +16]



[Your Tokadalar Fist Technique has improved. Experience +37]



[You have engaged in a battle. Knight (Extraordinary) Experience +18]



[Your Tokkar Hammer Technique has improved. Experience +1889]



[You have engaged in a battle. Knight (Extraordinary) Experience +455]



[You have engaged in a battle. Wizard Apprentice (Extraordinary) Experience +25]



The previous Knight (Extraordinary) experience points, ranging from a dozen to twenty, were all earned by defeating the black tumor monsters in the dream world.

The final hundreds of experience points were the reward for defeating the Nightmare Draconid.

After this battle, the Knight (Extraordinary) level reached lv5 (1789/2000), just a step away from lv6, and the Tokkar Hammer Technique reached lv10 (6205/20000).

Additionally, Rain's current focus, the Kadral's Fist Manual, had reached lv4 (77/1000).

Indeed, this trip to the Ussman Manor was a fruitful one.

Not only did Rain find out the answer to the long-standing mystery of the light silver element, but he also learned about the prerequisites for wizard advancement. Moreover, he gained a substantial amount of experience.

Rain didn't stay at his manor for long and headed to the blacksmith shop to utilize the box of Frost Iron ingots he had acquired at the auction.

As each piece of Frost Iron shoulder armor was crafted, hours passed, and Rain's Armorer level 6 experience reached 1221/3000.

Just then, a knock on the door interrupted the silence.

"Knock, knock, knock!"

"Come in!"

A male servant bowed respectfully and said, "Baron, the Military Supply Office has informed me that an item has arrived, but they require your personal signature for collection."

Rain was taken aback but quickly understood the situation.

Hmm?

Could it be that the custom Knight Armor made of Water Film Steel is ready?

The timing seems about right.

"Alright, you may go now."

After some thought, Rain decided it would be best to retrieve the armor himself.

After all, he had spent a thousand merit points to exchange for this high-quality Knight Armor, which was quite valuable.

Although Rain was now an Armorer himself, capable of crafting such advanced Knight Plate Armor, it was still a time-consuming and laborious task to create a complete set.

Half an hour later, Rain arrived at the County Military Supply Office in the northern part of the city, riding in the carriage arranged by the beautiful woman.

Upon seeing the noble crest on the carriage, the guards immediately allowed Rain to pass without the need for identification, a privilege exclusive to the nobility.

As Rain entered the supply office hall, he noticed the same clerk who had measured his height and weight previously, now working behind the counter.

The clerk, a girl with a ponytail, seemed to sense something upon seeing Rain in his stylish black noble hunting attire. She immediately looked up and recognized him.

It was clear that the ponytailed girl had a strong impression of Rain, and upon realizing his identity, she promptly stepped out from behind the counter, offering a sweet smile.

"Baron Rain, welcome! Your custom Knight Armor has arrived."

"I received the notification, and I'm here to collect it," Rain nodded at the ponytailed clerk.

"Please follow me to the fitting room, Baron. You can try it on, and if everything is in order, you can sign for it."

"Thank you for your assistance."

Rain followed the ponytailed clerk into the adjacent fitting room, where a staff member pushed a heavy box on a small cart and placed it before them. After setting it down, the staff member withdrew.

"Baron, your Water Film Steel Armor is inside," the ponytailed clerk said as she opened the box and gestured for Rain to take it out.

Rain nodded and retrieved the Knight Armor made of Water Film Steel, which had a unique silver color with a thin, watery film-like layer on its surface, making it exceptionally eye-catching.

Additionally, Rain noticed that the central part of the silver leg armor had a separate groin guard, an extra feature he had requested previously.

In the help of the ponytail office girl, Rain tried on the silver knight suit and found that it fit quite well.

Although he was a few centimeters shorter than he is now, he had left some allowance, so currently, he was in a state of being just right.

Facing Rain in the silver knight suit, the ponytail office girl blushed, glancing at Rain frequently, but soon lowered her head.

"Not bad, I'm very satisfied."

"That's good, Lord Rain, if there's no need for further alterations, then please sign the receipt, just sign here." The girl handed Rain a thin wooden board with an item receipt.

Rain picked up the quill and quickly signed his name.

Not long after Rain returned to the blacksmith shop from the military supply office, the knocking sound rang out again!

"Knock knock knock!"

This caused Rain to frown slightly.

"Come in!"

"Darling, the messenger of Earl Habus just delivered a letter for you." The beautiful woman walked in with a smile, holding a letter in her hand.

Upon seeing the beautiful woman, Rain's frown relaxed, but hearing what the woman said, Rain's heart stirred.

Could it be that he was being asked to go to Fishing Harbor Town? "Oh?"

Taking the letter from the beautiful woman, Rain opened and read it.

It said:

"Baron Rain: The situation in Fishing Harbor Town has further deteriorated. A cult called the God of Sea Church has recruited multiple pirates, not only blocking the sea route but also launching raids on Fishing Harbor Town from time to time."

".I'm currently in Rosby City, coordinating with the Imperial South Sea Fleet Sixth Division. Soon, they will launch an attack on the God of Sea Church and the pirates from the sea, but they need your cooperation on land."

".In the next two days, a detachment from the Sixth Division should come to find you."

The letter was quite long, and after reading it carefully, Rain basically understood the situation in Fishing Harbor Town.

First, the fishermen were unable to go out to sea to fish, and the whole Fishing Harbor Town was in a state of panic. Additionally, the pirates' intermittent landings and raids had already killed two town marshals.

This brought the entire town to the brink of collapse.

Currently, a powerful person was urgently needed to stabilize the situation.

Also, the Imperial South Sea Fleet had been dispatched before, but after two consecutive times, the effect was not good.

When the God of Sea Church and the pirates saw the imperial navy's large army approaching, they played a game of hide-and-seek. Once the South Sea Fleet withdrew, they would solidify and start developing believers and launching raids along the coast.

Earl Habus gave Rain two tasks in the letter.

First, maintain the public order in Fishing Harbor Town and prevent it from deteriorating further.

Second, find out which island near the coast the God of Sea Church and the pirates were hiding in, so that the Imperial South Sea Fleet could dispatch elite forces to carry out a decapitation operation.

Seeing Rain's frown, the beautiful woman asked with concern, "Darling, did Earl Habus ask you to go to Fishing Harbor Town? I've also heard about it these days; it seems the situation there is very bad."

Rain nodded and said, "The situation is indeed very bad, but not now. After the navy arrives, I'll set off, but it should be tomorrow or the day after."

It seemed that he needed to speed up the forging progress.

At least, before leaving, he had to raise the Armorer to lv7!

---

Ouch!

Where am I?

Dennis opened his eyes and looked around; it was an empty room, but he was somewhat familiar with it. Wasn't this the mansion in the county town where his family was before he left?

How did he end up back here?

Did those people send him back?

Dennis shook his head, and suddenly, he felt something was wrong.

It was night, and there was no moonlight today, and the starlight was also dim, but how could he see things so clearly, as if it were broad daylight!

When Dennis stood up and saw himself in the silver mirror on the wall, he was stunned for several seconds, and then he let out a strange cry!

"Hiss~ Hiss~"

The person in front of him was clearly a standing giant lizard with sharp claws, pale green scales, and sharp spines. No matter where you looked, it was no longer a person.

What the fuck is this mutated potion?

It's clearly a lizard potion!

Not far away, in the grass next to him, two skilled members of the resistance army were lying, using a copper monocular to observe Dennis after his mutation.

"Hey, do you think Dennis will go crazy?"

"It shouldn't be, and he'll definitely realize the change in his strength. Watch, soon, he'll launch an attack."

Several minutes later.

Looking at himself in the silver mirror, Dennis realized that he had been tricked by that burly man!

But the next second, he felt a volcanic force within his body.

Extending his claw-like hands, Dennis waved them lightly, and a faint shrill sound of tearing through the air was emitted.

At the same time, he keenly felt that he could control some function of his skin.

After using it.

Huh!

The person in the silver mirror almost 'disappeared,' this was a color change?

It seemed that he had blended into the surrounding environment.

This made Dennis' mood seem to improve a lot.

Rain, wait for it! Haha! Even if I can't kill you, I can secretly kill all your family members!

And those nobles who look down on me! They will all die!"

"Whoosh!"

A nearly transparent figure flashed by, rushing towards the mansion outside.

(End of Chapter)

Chapter end