Chapter 204: The Exchange Method for Wizardry

Chapter 204: The Exchange Method for Wizardry



After listening to Veronica's narration, Marika nodded and turned to Rain, "Baron Rain, I'm afraid we'll have to set off soon."

"No problem, Major Marika," Rain smiled, "but it's already half past ten. How about we have lunch first and then depart?"

Marika and Veronica exchanged a glance and smiled, "Of course, we'll have to trouble Baron Rain then."

"You're too kind, ladies," Rain slightly bowed, "I'm just being a gracious host."

Without Rain's further instructions, the beautiful woman beside him gracefully stood up and said with a smile, "Baron, I'll inform the kitchen to prepare a special meal for Major Marika and Miss Veronica, showcasing the culinary delights of Meyster County."

"Thank you, Jennifer," Rain nodded with a smile.

After Jennifer left, Major Marika's beautiful eyes lingered on the woman's retreating figure for a moment before turning to Rain, "Baron Rain, your housekeeper is truly a beauty."

"Even in Fishing Harbor Town, such a lady is a rare sight. She doesn't seem like a housekeeper but more like an elegant noblewoman."

Marika was indeed surprised when she first laid eyes on Jennifer.

After some pleasantries, she understood why General Silva had suggested she invite Rain, and why Rain had declined without hesitation, as if he lacked charm.

Aside from the Imperial Swordsmen invitation, she suspected that the beautiful woman was another reason for Rain's refusal.

"Veronica, that white seagull you just mentioned, was it a result of some special modification? I'm curious if it's a product of wizardry or a potion's effect?" Rain asked, taking the opportunity to clarify his doubts about Veronica's abilities.

"Of course, Baron Rain," Veronica replied, "it's a wizardry spell improved by my mentor, Wizard Enius, and is known in the navy as the 'Enius Avian Transformation Spell.'"

"I see," Rain's expression turned pensive.

The fact that the Imperial Navy used wizardry for communication spoke volumes.

Previously, Rain had thought that the Empire's attitude towards wizards wasn't one of hostility but rather one of support, yet now it seemed that this view might have been too conservative.

The military's use of wizardry for internal communication indicated a deeper bond between the Empire and wizards than he had imagined.

This realization confirmed Rain's decision to align himself with the Empire and continue climbing the ranks for access to a more comprehensive wizardry knowledge.

"Veronica, I apologize for my boldness, but I'm quite interested in your mentor's 'Enius Avian Transformation Spell'. Is it possible for me to purchase it?"

Rain had a premonition, but he still wanted to give it a try.

After all, if it was possible, he could potentially advance his Beast Tamer profession level once again in a short period.

Moreover, since the 'Enius Avian Transformation Spell' was a form of wizardry, learning it might also boost his Wizard Apprentice profession level.

A two-fold benefit.

"Hmm? Baron Rain, this is wizardry, and only..." Veronica's beautiful eyes widened in surprise as she pointed at Rain, her words trailing off.

"Baron Rain, you... you're actually a Wizard Apprentice!" she exclaimed, "And your Mental Power seems no weaker than mine. Are you also a Level 3 Wizard Apprentice?"

Hearing Veronica's words, Marika beside her was also surprised, covering her mouth as she stared at Rain.

She hadn't expected that Rain, who had always showcased exceptional knight talent, was also a Wizard Apprentice.

Rain was also taken aback.

When asking this question, he had considered the possibility of his Wizard Apprentice identity being revealed.

But unlike before, he was now a Baron and, with a bit of struggle, pushes Rain inside. "Get in, Rain. We'll discuss this further on the way," he said, closing the door and walking around to the driver's side.

Marika and Veronica exchanged glances, both understanding that Rain's identity as a Wizard Apprentice was no longer a secret.

But what surprised them even more was Rain's Mental Power, which seemed no less than Veronica's, a Level 3 Wizard Apprentice.

This meant that Rain, in addition to his extraordinary knight talent, also possessed wizardry talent comparable to Veronica's.

Marika was at a loss for words.

She could only attribute it to the Goddess's extreme favoritism towards Rain.

After a while, Veronica finally calmed down and seriously answered Rain's question, "Baron Rain, I'm truly sorry, but my mentor has already handed over the 'Enius Avian Transformation Spell' to the Imperial Navy, and it's been included in the Special Item Exchange Catalog.

"So, due to the constraints of the Empire's Confidentiality Regulations, I can't directly teach you this sorcery." Veronica said apologetically.

This made Rain feel slightly disappointed.

However, the Special Item Exchange Catalog?

Is it something like an exchange list?

"Even as a baron, I can't exchange items through this Special Item Exchange Catalog?" Rain asked.

"I'm very sorry, Baron Rain, it's like this. Only by joining the Imperial Navy can you have the opportunity to exchange items from it."

"Are there many types of sorcery in this Special Item Exchange Catalog?" Rain inquired, deep in thought.

He just thought of a question.

It seems that what Usman Family's Nana said was true.

The metal-based sorcery that is hard to find in the outside world is very likely to be available in the Imperial Navy's Special Item Exchange Catalog.

"That's right, this is an exchange list within the Imperial Navy, and you can exchange some items that are almost impossible to obtain outside, such as sorcery, secret techniques, and special potions, etc., covering a wide range." Veronica explained.

Hearing Veronica's confirmation, Rain's interest grew.

"Do you also use experience points for the exchange?" Rain continued to ask.

"Yes and no." Veronica shook her head, but she didn't keep Rain in suspense and quickly continued to explain.

"The items in the Special Item Exchange Catalog require both the Mission Evaluation Medal and experience points for the exchange."

Rain was aware of experience points.

But what is this Mission Evaluation Medal? Rain asked again, hearing something he had never heard of before.

Veronica saw that Rain still looked puzzled and immediately said:

"The Mission Evaluation Medal is a certificate awarded after completing various special combat missions for the Imperial Navy."

"I understand, Rain. It seems that you're very interested in training animals." Veronica's big eyes curiously stared at Rain.

"Yes, I'm quite interested in this." Rain nodded.

"But I don't think this will be a big problem for you. I heard from Colonel Marika that you are very interested in this."

"As a special talent, if this mission is completed smoothly, let Colonel Marika help you apply for the exchange, it shouldn't be a big problem." Veronica turned to Marika and smiled.

Hmm? Can I exchange without joining?

Hearing Veronica's suggestion, Rain couldn't help but turn to Marika.

Marika smiled at Rain and said, "Baron Rain, as the rising star of Minster Province, the South Sea Fleet is very willing to do this favor for you."

If I had declined the South Sea Fleet earlier, I would have likely chosen to join the South Sea Fleet. Rain, in a great mood, smiled immediately.

If the previous trip to Fishing Harbor Town was Rain's duty as the governor and town marshal of Fishing Harbor Town.

Then, Rain also wanted to go to Fishing Harbor Town as soon as possible to complete the joint mission of Meyster County and the South Sea Fleet.

After lunch.

"Both of you, wait for a moment."

"As you wish, Baron Rain."

Rain went to the bookshelf and thought for a moment. He took out two wooden boxes of different materials but both exquisitely crafted, containing 'Beast Essence'.

He decided to bring both bottles of 'Beast Essence'.

At this moment, the footsteps of a beautiful woman sounded outside the door.

"Please come in~"

The beautiful woman walked in with a smile.

Huh? Rain was puzzled. Clearly, before lunch, the beautiful woman had intentionally changed into a gorgeous one-shoulder light blue dress, but why is she now wearing a black robe? Before Rain could ask, the beautiful woman smiled and spoke, "Dear, it seems that Colonel Marika has a good impression of you."

This made Rain pause, "It shouldn't be. I and Colonel Marika have only met during the assessment ceremony."

"Is that so? Dear, don't you think that Colonel Marika in her navy uniform has a unique charm?" The beautiful woman approached, a whiff of fragrance came with her, and she spoke with a seductive smile.

Rain hesitated for a moment, unsure whether to answer truthfully or tell a 'white lie' to spare the beautiful woman's feelings, especially since he was about to embark on a mission with Marika.

Seeing Rain's hesitation, the woman covered her mouth and giggled.

With a slight tug, she untied the rope of her black robe, revealing a figure that was almost identical to Marika's naval uniform. Rain's eyes widened, and his mouth hung slightly open.

The woman was a stunning 'female officer,' and the tight-fitting uniform accentuated her curvaceous figure.

Rain felt a surge of heat in his lower abdomen.

"Miss Jennifer, we're about to depart, so time is of the essence."

"Sir, Colonel Jennifer will be at your service this time," the woman batted her eyelashes flirtatiously and smiled at Rain as she slowly crouched down to untie Rain.

(Omitted one thousand words)



Downstairs in the manor.

"Major Marika, Sir Rain is taking a while. It's been half an hour, and he still hasn't come down," the girl with twin ponytails said, turning with a hint of impatience.

"Maybe something came up?" Marika considered sending the woman upstairs to inquire but turned to look around, only to find no trace of her.

Upstairs in the study, Rain, invigorated by the woman's exceptional skills and the uniform's bonus, occasionally heard the voices of the two women from outside.

After a while, Rain, feeling refreshed, descended the stairs with two boxes in hand.

"Sir Rain, you're taking your time. It's been half an hour," Veronica said with a hint of annoyance.

"Miss Veronica, my apologies. I couldn't find the 'Beast Essence' right away, so it took some time to locate it," Rain replied, slightly embarrassed.

"Beast Essence?" The two women exclaimed in unison.

"Are you about to advance to the rank of Great Knight?"

Racing 2, Rain nodded, "The 'Attention Diversion' technique is indeed useful."

"I'll bring it along, just in case," Rain added.

At that moment, the carriage driver led Black Pearl to the front yard of the manor, and Veronica, noticing Black Pearl's size, exclaimed in confusion, "Sir Rain, your 'Jenny Horse' is almost as big as a 'Locke Horse'!"

"It's incredible!"

An hour later.

On the trail of Wolf Hill Ridge.

A luxurious carriage was positioned in the center of the convoy, escorted by six cavalrymen at the front and rear. Rain's Black Pearl was led by one of the cavalrymen, following the carriage.

Rain, being a baron and the governor of their destination, Fishing Harbor Town, was entitled to travel by carriage.

"Sir Rain, the road from Meyster County to Fishing Harbor Town seems very safe. The security is impressive," one of the women remarked.

"Indeed, we've been traveling from Rosby City, and the security has been excellent throughout our journey," Veronica agreed, her twin ponytails bobbing as she nodded.

"I believe the security in this area will remain high for a while," Rain smiled.

After a short journey, the convoy reached the outskirts of Fishing Harbor Town. Once they passed through the forest ahead, they would arrive at Fishing Harbor Town in about forty minutes.

In a valley west of Fishing Harbor Town, a group of men were gathered.

“Why didn’t the boss just take over Fishing Harbor Town? Why are we still waiting here?” one of the men, with a metal hook for a left hand, asked a bearded man.

“You don’t understand. If we directly occupied Fishing Harbor Town, would these merchant caravans still come to Fishing Harbor Town? Even the merchant ships might stop coming, and our sea area would be affected. It’s like fishing nets. The small fish and shrimp slip through the net, but the big fish are caught. Understand?” The bearded man with the metal hook, feeling proud, explained the analogy he had heard from the vice-commander earlier.

When he heard this analogy, he was impressed by the wisdom of the pirate gang's leadership.

Indeed, the other men listening nearby showed expressions of realization, looking at the metal-hooked man with admiration.

This scene made the metal-hooked man feel quite satisfied.

At that moment, a slender man ran over and said to the metal-hooked man, “I just saw a big fish. Their defense is not weak, with a total of twelve cavalrymen.”

The other men nearby smiled, knowing that a big fish had arrived.

“Should we report to the boss and let him lead the team personally?”

“How many people in total?” The bearded man with the metal hook glanced at the slender man with disdain and asked.

“Twelve cavalrymen, plus a carriage.”

“Did you see clearly? Twelve cavalrymen, not twelve knights?”

“I think they were cavalrymen. They weren’t wearing full armor, just leather armor.” The slender man thought for a moment and nodded confidently.

“Iron Hook, why wait for the boss? Can’t we just go ahead?”

“Yeah, let’s go, Iron Hook!”

“If they’re just twelve cavalrymen, we can lock down the victory with a volley of crossbow bolts.”

“We can take them down and get a bigger share of the spoils!”

“...”

Such words kept reaching Iron Hook's ears.

The pirates were eager for plunder, and waiting had made them anxious for a successful raid.

They had been waiting for half a day, thinking it would be another fruitless day.

Hearing about the big fish, they were thrilled.

The bearded man with the metal hook, his eyes gleaming, considered for a moment and decided to take on this mission with his men.

“Let’s go!”

Saying so, he waved his metal hook, and over twenty men excitedly rushed towards the forest where Rain's convoy was heading.

Soon, they set up an ambush in the forest ahead of Rain's convoy.

“Iron Hook, look, that’s the convoy,” the slender man pointed to Rain's convoy moving slowly along the road.

(End of Chapter)

Chapter end