Chapter 214: Pre-Conditions for the Warhammer Wizard
Chapter 214: Pre-Conditions for the Warhammer Wizard
"Sir, it seems that Vorlod has likely been defeated." The young man bent down and picked up several long strips of leather armor fragments from a cliff face with human-shaped indentations, saying.
The vice admiral of the Federation examined the leather fragments in the young man's hand and then looked down at the large pool of blood on the ground, nodding.
"Indeed, and he most likely didn’t escape."
"From the footprints and the traces at the battle site, it appears that three experts at the Master level, specializing in swords, hammers, and finger guards, surrounded Vorlod. Those footprints over there must belong to a Wizard Apprentice from the Dragon Empire's capture team, who was assisting from the side."
The young man thought for a moment, trying to put himself in Vorlod’s shoes, and said, "That's right. In this situation, no matter how strong Vorlod was, he was bound to lose. The Dragon Empire's Navy really went all out, sending such a powerful squad to deal with Vorlod."
"However, Sir, if that's the case, what about the location of the ancient ruins that Vorlod knew?"
The middle-aged man's face tightened, and after some thought, he said:
Vorlod, the 'Skull Crusher' who had roamed the seas for over a decade, was actually a veteran Grand Knight and a veteran Level 3 Wizard Apprentice.
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Marika's beautiful eyes darted back and forth between the corpse and Ren. Eventually, she tried to calm her excitement and asked in as calm a voice as possible, "Sir Ren, this is...?"
Thinking about this, Ren remembered that the battle had been so intense that he hadn’t checked the system prompt.
In the previous prompt for transitioning to a Wizard (Legendary), he had noticed that the Wizard's career panel was itself a Legendary career panel.
But this Skull Hammer seemed to be completely undamaged.
(Note: The above skill experience has been increased by 30% due to the Basic Extraordinary Insight talent.) [Congratulations, your Weapon Master (Legendary) career level has been upgraded!]
"Oh? Then I’ll have to trouble Miss Veronica to introduce it." Hearing Veronica’s words, Ren’s eyebrows raised, and he also became interested, smiling as he looked at the twin-tailed girl’s cute face.
Veronica held the purple giant egg in both hands, her eyebrows slightly furrowed, and she looked up at Ren and said:
The power of an Ultimate Technique is clearly above that of a Secret Skill. With the 'Hammer Specialization Level 3' buff, he had almost maximized the power of the Secret Skill 'Earth Splitting Hammer'.
"Yes, sir."
Because she saw the two special team members who had gone with Ren 'huffing and puffing' as they carried a heavy corpse out from the back of the boat.
"It just seems that what you said earlier is true. This warhammer is likely a sacrificial tool from a native tribe. I can sense a primitive aura from it." Ren smiled and changed the subject.
He had also glanced at the Skull Hammer in the girl’s hand.
The front hammerhead part was white, with oval protrusions and depressions. A closer look revealed that it was a miniaturized and hardened human skull.
As soon as he finished speaking.
But if it was a battle between Grand Knights, it would be quite weak.
[Your skill Tokkar Hammer Technique has been upgraded, experience +1042]
From this, it appears that Vorlod didn’t cast any defensive spells on himself before the battle, underestimating Ren.
"Thank you for the compliment, Miss Veronica." Hearing the twin-tailed girl’s words, Ren also smiled and took the warhammer.
At the time, when they heard that the opponent was actually a veteran Grand Knight, the Leeman brothers were a bit flustered. They exchanged glances, knowing that things had become serious.
If they couldn’t win, they probably wouldn’t be able to escape! But now, such a formidable individual had actually fallen at the feet of the Baron, leaving them both a bit dazed.
"Wow! This is the signature weapon of Vorlod—the Skull Hammer!"
The first time was during the battle with the Zalar Resistance Army’s vice admiral, Parix, when he saw the opponent using it.
But soon, Lieutenant Marika was stunned! Her beautiful eyes widened, and her cherry lips gradually opened into an O-shape, unable to finish her sentence.
Because as Ren disembarked, Marika finally saw that the bright silver Water Veil Steel High Knight Set Ren had been wearing was now visibly broken and deformed in several places.
Even animals, after their intelligence has improved, still revere the strong.
Even the Leeman brothers were staring with wide eyes at Vorlod’s corpse, marveling! Because after the Leviathan Squad left, they had learned detailed information about this Black Sail Pirate Fleet captain from Lieutenant Marika.
Ren scrolled through the system prompt, finally seeing the system message after the battle:
The two of them moved so quickly that she hesitated to use the 'Water Tomb Spell' scroll, fearing collateral damage.
The 'Water Shield) Spell' she knew was merely an entry-level spell. The defensive effect it provided... well, in a battle at the Knight level, it was quite considerable.
Ren had just obtained the Piglet Hammer, crafted from hardened fine gold, when he noticed some wear and tear on its head after a fierce battle. He nodded, understanding the analysis of the twin-tailed girl. Major Marika and the Leeman brothers stared intently at Ren.
Ren concluded that the Weapon Master (Legendary) profession was likely at the initial stage of the legendary profession. As expected, battling strong opponents yielded generous experience point rewards. It might be comparable to a formal Wizard (Legendary), but most likely, it fell short of the Hammer Wizard (Legendary).
"Although the Federation doesn't wish to confront the Empire directly, the ancient ruins under Wald's control hold great significance for us. At the very least, we cannot let the Empire claim this ancient ruin," Ren asserted.
Major Marika, especially, supported Veronique as she disembarked, chiding her, "You're doing too well!"
"Of course, Miss Veronique. I'd appreciate your help," Ren smiled.
However, as Ren grasped the Skull Hammer, he froze momentarily. The girl flipped the hammer with excitement, examining it closely and explaining to Ren, "This is the skull of an Iron Beak Eagle chick. The egg is still intact, but it's been parasitized by another bird species, a phenomenon known as egg parasitism."
Veronique couldn't help but laugh at Big White's flattering and proud demeanor. She took the Skull Hammer from Big White's mouth, examining it curiously.
A young man named Johnistan's eyes lit up at the mention of the 'Leviathan Squad.'
[You have experienced a battle. Weapon Master (Legendary) experience +377]
"The Southern Sea Fleet's Leviathan Squad informed us that you might have encountered the Black Sail Pirate Fleet's leader, Wald. Their intelligence seems unreliable, as I was worried for nothing," Ren explained.
"This is Maister County, and the Zalar Resistance Army mentioned they've established a new base here," Veronique added.
The Federation Commodore nodded, "If Wald is held nearby, let the Zalar Resistance Army extract information from him and then deal with him promptly."
Similarly, if the Wizard (Legendary) profession is considered mid-tier among legendary professions, then the Hammer Wizard, a special profession, is likely at the pinnacle of legendary professions.
"The battle between Lord Ren and Wald was incredibly swift."
Understanding this, the girl quickly raised her head and excitedly explained, "Major Marika, it's just as you thought. This is the leader of the Black Sail Pirate Fleet, the Skull Crusher, Wald."
The surroundings fell silent!
After playing with the Bone Hammer for a while, Veronique handed it to Ren, saying with a smile, "Lord Ren, you can cherish this trophy as proof of your valor."
"But now, an Iron Beak Eagle chick has hatched, and I'm a bit confused," Veronique admitted, her eyes showing a hint of bewilderment.
Ren's previous profession, Weapon Master (Legendary), based on the prerequisites for the profession change, should be a special profession change for Grand Knights.
[Your skill, Kadalar Fist, has improved. Experience +1233]
This presented a significant problem!
Therefore, the Kadalar Fist, with its swift attacks and high frequency, would be the best choice.
"As you know, skulls are usually the hardest part of an animal, and with the compression of the indigenous tribe's shamanic magic, their hardness surpasses ordinary steel," Veronique explained.
Ren could wait for the giant egg to hatch naturally, but different bird species have varying incubation temperatures and conditions.
"Egg parasitism?" Ren furrowed his brows. "Yes, Lord Ren, it's when a bird lays its eggs in another bird's nest, letting the host bird raise the chick. We call it egg parasitism," Veronique clarified.
"Dong, dong, dong!"
The girl chanted a curse, and a blue pebble glowed, enveloping the giant egg in a faint light as it recorded the event.
Soon, a white seagull soared into the sky! As Ren and his group appeared in the nearby waters of the port, Major Marika and the Leeman brothers swiftly received the news and awaited them at the dock.
It was crucial to engage such experienced Wizard Apprentices in close combat, minimizing the time and space for them to cast spells.
[Promotion to Hammer Wizard (Legendary) requires: 1. Any formal Wizard profession; 2. Any extraordinary hammer-type artifact; 3. Any hammer-type extraordinary skill at level 12 or higher; 4. Second Tier Physique Limit value of 30% or more. Current conditions are not met, promotion to Hammer Wizard (Legendary) failed!]
At the mention of the Grand Knight, the enemy still had confidence in Ren. After all, even if they couldn't win, with the help of Miss Veronica, a Wizard Apprentice, at the very least, the two of them could escape without issue.
"If I die, then investigate the interrogation records and Wald's belongings," he said.
Under that strike, Ren would definitely be heavily injured, and the battle situation might even turn around!
"Sir Ren, please excuse me. After careful examination, I don't recognize this bird egg as any type of egg I'm familiar with," Veronica shook her head, slightly embarrassed.
"Also, according to what you said earlier, when you took the egg, there was still a Talonbeak Eagle Chick in the nest. This situation is different from the usual egg parasitism."
This unique profession, the Hammer Wizard, built upon the foundation of a Wizard (Legendary), was bound to possess formidable power, perhaps even surpassing the average Legendary profession.
The beautiful gaze from Major Marika made Ren feel proud inside.
Ren had an epiphany.
Ren, on the other side, was speechless.
However, could it be because of the Spell the opponent released during the ambush, and the inability of his defensive Spells to stack? Ren couldn't help but speculate.
[Your skill Mammoth Sword Technique has improved. Experience Points +998]
Obviously, it was a Spell item, sealing a rather powerful Spell within. If not for the triple protection of the Water Shield Spell, High Knight Plate Armor, and his innate Steel Body Talent, Ren would have been in trouble.
"Sir Ren, you might not know this, but I heard that this hammer has a special origin," said Veronica.
The error-free version is available at 69 Book Bar, read 6=9+Book_
"Just a Water Shield Spell?" Major Marika glanced at Veronica and asked again.
"It can be said that it's not inferior to most rare metals," Veronica replied.
At the same time, Ren was pleasantly surprised to discover that his Weapon Master (Legendary) profession had reached level 2 (284/300), just a little more to level up to level 3.
So, Ren coughed and interrupted, "Let's return to the town's administrative hall first."
Ren pondered.
Hmm? Ren was slightly startled. Didn't the Leviathan Squad return?
"Yes, I cast a Water Shield Spell on Sir Ren," the twin-tailed girl quickly raised her hand and said sweetly.
However, the two burly Leeman brothers kept glancing at him, leaving Ren at a loss for words.
"Generally speaking, eggs from egg parasitism hatch faster than the original nest's birds. Often, the parasitic birds will push the original nest's eggs out of the nest, leaving only their own chick in the entire nest."
Suddenly, Veronica seemed to realize something, her beautiful eyes lit up as she said, "But, Sir Ren, if you don't mind, I'll record the situation with this egg and send a message to my master, Master Anius, for consultation."
'For now, my goal is to first unlock the combat power of the Legendary profession, Weapon Master.'
"I see!" Ren nodded, never expecting this Skull Hammer to be a sacrificial tool with such an origin.
The hammer consisted of two parts. The handle was a pale silver color with a metallic luster, likely a rare metal.
However, after some thought, Ren calmed his excitement.
The Federation Commodore issued orders one by one with composure.
[Congratulations! You've unlocked a level 2 Legendary skill point by raising a Legendary profession.]
Although the opponent didn't help, Ren still appreciated the Leviathan Squad's prompt arrival on the island.
"You're too kind. Wait a moment, I'll record it with an Image Stone." The twin-tailed girl quickly took out a pebble-like stone emitting a faint blue light from her waist pouch.
(Note: Golden Skill Points can be synthesized from three skill points or obtained by defeating powerful enemies.) The Legendary profession, Weapon Master, directly increased by one level, gaining one more attribute point and one skill point. Remaining attribute points returned to 5, and skill points increased from 0 to 1.
Moreover, when Wald fought with a dagger, he clearly intended to create distance, likely to cast Spells.
[Ding! Host detected an Oddity - 'Skull Hammer', triggering a special class change to Hammer Wizard (Legendary)!]
Moreover, different birds have vastly different feeding requirements.
Wasn't this the Cuckoo's behavior in his previous life?
However, this was just his speculation. He'd have to wait until he needed to use it to know for sure.
"Additionally, this Spell creation has undergone years of sacrificial rituals by the natives, making it an Oddity imbued with the power of faith."
The weapon was the 'Skull Hammer', nicknamed 'Skull Crusher'. Ren couldn't help but smile.
"Otherwise, Wald has been taken by the Imperial Navy's Special Division. Let the Leviathan Squad handle it from now on!"
Veronica, standing nearby, saw the rare loss of composure from the usually calm Major Marika and couldn't help but giggle, covering her mouth.
If the Knight (Extraordinary) profession is considered to be of intermediate level among Extraordinary professions, then the Grand Knight (Extraordinary) profession is likely the pinnacle of Extraordinary professions.
"This Skull Hammer is said to be a ceremonial tool from a native tribe on an island."
After all, as a Third Rank Wizard Apprentice specialized in Bird Transformation, it was a little embarrassing that she couldn't identify the bird egg that Ren casually produced.
Speaking of which, this Skull Hammer was indeed extraordinary.
Ren shook his head slightly, thinking that this wasn't important.
If so, he should have a defensive Spell effect on his body.
"But the problem is, Talonbeak Sea Eagles are already very ferocious birds. What other birds could be even more ferocious than them?"
Just then, a knock on the door interrupted Ren's thoughts.
Additionally, the hammer strike Wald used with one hand, which carried high-frequency vibrations, was likely an Ultimate Technique. This was the second time Ren had witnessed an Ultimate Technique.
The surface of the Knight Armor was even stained with traces of blood, a stark contrast to its shining appearance when they set out in the morning. Clearly, Ren must have just experienced a fierce battle! The Leviathan Team's judgment was correct! But if it was indeed Wald they encountered, how could Ren and Veronica have returned safely? Marika was a little confused for a moment, struggling to understand this question, but soon she had an answer.
After all, even if Baron Leeman was exceptional, he was still just a Peak Knight.
After a brief rest, Ren began to quickly review the battle.
"A very meticulous plan, sir!" The young man smiled and agreed. – After boarding the small boat, the giant white owl, Big White, proudly presented the Piglet Hammer and Gleaming Greatsword from its claws to Ren.
"Oh, it's nothing."
If it was a battle with someone of Wald's caliber, it was better than nothing! "The rest... I didn't have time to do much else." The girl's twin tails swung as she seemed a little embarrassed by the crowd, lowering her head to speak.
"This area should belong to the Maister County of the Dragon Empire, right? Contact the Zalar Resistance Army and let them investigate this matter."
At this moment, Veronica interrupted Ren's thoughts.
"You're too kind, Sir Ren." Veronica smiled and began to introduce, "I've placed the Image Stone in a small bag and attached it to the neck of a White Seagull."
However, in the battle, she was still at a slight disadvantage. If others were to use Secret Skills to counter the Ultimate Technique, they would likely suffer a more devastating defeat! It seemed that she also needed to quickly master her own Ultimate Technique!
When they saw that Ren and Veronica were safe on the small boat, everyone was overjoyed.
After all, only through constant review and improvement could one make progress! What left the deepest impression on Ren was the crystal necklace Wald used.
But Veronica soon realized that if it had been another Wizard Apprentice facing Wald, they might not have been able to even join the fight!
Although the system didn't explicitly state what Golden Skill Points could be used for, based on their origin, Ren believed they should be used for certain special skills or skill upgrades.
After carefully reading the system prompt several times, Ren had a sudden realization.
'I still have a way to go before becoming a full-fledged Wizard, and I lack a crucial Level 1 defensive Spell.'
This must be the reason why the hammer was named the Skull Hammer.
Hmm? What are these Golden Skill Points for?
Soon, after Veronica's vivid description, the scene of Ren's battle against the Skull Crusher came to life.
"If I'm not mistaken, a team with such strength is most likely from the Dragon Empire's special division, the Tidebreakers."
After returning to his room, Ren continued to ponder the Golden Skill Points.
"Jonistan, contact the higher-ups and ask them to coordinate with the Leviathan Team to track down this Imperial Navy pursuit team."
Cuckoos, also known as Eurasian Cuckoos, lay their eggs in other birds' nests, letting them raise their young.
It would be best if they could find out the origin of this egg in advance.
"Sir Ren, the Leviathan Team is back, and Captain Balon wishes to meet with you." Marika's crisp voice came from outside the door.
"I'll contact them immediately and have them work together."
'Perhaps after officially joining the Swordsman, there may be more options on the path of a Wizard.'
"Did you have help?" Marika cautiously asked.
On the other hand, Ren was also curious about the Leviathan Team.
When they disembarked, Major Marika briefly mentioned the Leviathan Team, but due to confidentiality concerns, she didn't elaborate, only vaguely stating that they belonged to a special division of the Navy.
Now, with the opportunity to interact with the Leviathan Team up close, Ren was very interested in meeting them.
"Major Marika, I'll be right there."
(End of Chapter)
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