Chapter 215: Communication

Chapter 215: Communication



When Rain first laid eyes on Captain Baran, he knew that the other party was undoubtedly a Great Knight.

The other's muscles were knotted, and there was a strong sense of rhythm in his stride. His breathing was deep and powerful, giving Rain the feeling that he was facing an erupting volcano, filled with danger and a sense of power that was about to burst forth.

Basically, Rain was quite certain that Captain Baran's strength was even above Volod's.

The other party was at least a Senior Great Knight, no, very likely a Peak Great Knight.

However, Rain was still somewhat surprised at this moment.

Because he had originally thought that this captain of the Fish Dragon Squad, who was affiliated with the Empire Navy's Special Department, was very likely to be a formal wizard, but he didn't expect that the other party was still a Great Knight.

Could it be that there are so few formal wizards? At least, up until now, he hadn't met a single one.

Or is there some other reason.

"Captain Baran, this is Baron Rain, the governor of the Fishing Harbor Town," Major Marika introduced. "Baron Rain, this is Captain Baran of the Empire Navy's 'Sword Bearers'."

"Captain Baran, it's an honor to meet you," Rain said with a slight bow.

At this moment, Captain Baran's voice sounded like the friction of rocks: "Baron Rain, it's a pleasure to meet you."

Captain Baran's tiger-like eyes gleamed with a sharp light as he looked Rain up and down, nodding:

"Baron Rain, it seems the previous intelligence was incorrect. Your strength is not that of a Peak Knight, but you have already entered the realm of a Great Knight."

As soon as Captain Baran finished speaking, the gazes around Rain became noticeably more intense.

Especially the remaining five members of the Fish Dragon Squad, who all turned their attention to Rain.

"So, you're a Great Knight!"

"No wonder Volod died at his hands."

"I thought Baron Rain was just a Peak Knight."

"Now it seems that he possesses sword skills at the master level, along with the strength of a Great Knight, and has a third-rank wizard apprentice by his side. It's more reasonable that he was able to defeat the injured Volod."

These squad members exchanged a few words in low voices, all with expressions of sudden realization.

As for the Raiman brothers, they were quite surprised by Captain Baran's words.

Because they were quite certain that just a few days ago, when Rain was sparring with them, although the two of them couldn't hold out for long even when they joined forces, according to their perception at the time, Rain shouldn't have reached the level of a Great Knight.

Could it be that Rain has made such rapid progress in just a few days? The Raiman brothers were perplexed.

The same question lingered in Major Marika's mind, but she soon realized the answer.

Because she remembered that when they were about to depart from Meyster County City, Rain had left the manor carrying a wooden box containing 'Giant Beast Essence'.

At that time, she had wondered why Rain needed to bring that with him to his post in the Fishing Harbor Town. Could it be that he was about to enter the realm of a Great Knight? But that seemed unlikely.

But now it seems that she had underestimated Rain.

In just a few days, Rain had quietly broken through to the level of a Great Knight. Indeed, he was worthy of being the top scorer in this year's Imperial Knighting Ceremony.

Facing Captain Baran, Rain said, "I happened to have a sudden realization."

Upon hearing Rain's words, Captain Baran couldn't help but laugh.

To enter the realm of a Great Knight, how could it be so easy? It's all about hard work and perseverance!

"Baron Rain, at your age, you are an exceptional talent. It's a pity that I just heard from Major Marika that you declined the invitation to join the Empire's Southern Sea Fleet."

"However, if I were in your shoes, I would also strive to join the Empire's 'Sword Bearers'. After all, the 'Sword Bearers' are stronger than us 'Wave Riders'."

Rain's expression turned thoughtful as he heard this name for the first time.

"Yes, the 'Sword Bearers', the Empire Navy's Special Department," Major Marika explained with a smile.

"I see," Rain nodded.

This institution should focus on the security of the Empire's maritime territories.

Captain Baran continued, "Baron Rain, we are grateful for your help in completing our mission ahead of schedule."

Rain nodded, then asked, "Captain Baran, do you need to take Volod's body back with you?"

Rain appreciated the Fish Dragon Squad's prompt support, so he didn't hesitate to return the favor.

Captain Baran laughed, waving his hand, "Since Volod is already dead, his body holds no significant value for us."

"However, Baron Rain, you can use this opportunity to claim a reward from the Empire Navy."

"By the way, if you find anything of interest on his body, please contact us immediately, or you can reach out to Major Marika."

"Of course, Captain Baran. As an Imperial Baron, it is my duty to cooperate," Rain nodded, naturally willing to comply.

Volod's spoils of war, including his waist pouch and some potions, had just been delivered to the room by the Raiman brothers, but Rain hadn't had a chance to examine them yet.

"Then, Baron Rain, we will take our leave now."

Captain Baran nodded and stood up, ready to depart. His sturdy physique resembled a moving reef.

The remaining five members of the Fish Dragon Squad also turned to look at Rain, their expressions filled with curiosity.

"Baron, I'm extremely curious about how you defeated Volod. Please forgive my boldness, but I wonder if you're available now for a brief exchange."

Rain noticed that when the young man named Trevor proposed a sparring match, Captain Baran's expression didn't show any displeasure. Instead, there was a hint of anticipation.

It seemed that Captain Baran also wanted to test his strength.

As for Rain, he was more than happy to take on this 'experience NPC' who had come knocking on his door.

More importantly, he wanted to gauge the strength of the Fish Dragon Squad, a team under the Empire Navy's Special Department, the Tide Walkers.

If he were to face off against Captain Baran, Rain wasn't confident in his chances of victory.

Therefore, taking on this eager young man who had challenged him would be a good opportunity to gauge the strength of the Empire Navy's Special Department.

Rain smiled and turned to Major Marika, "Major Marika, it's a rare opportunity to encounter the Fish Dragon Squad here."

"I'd also like to exchange blows with the elite members of the Fish Dragon Squad."

Major Marika was momentarily speechless, her beautiful eyes fixed on Rain, seemingly asking, 'Rain, are you sure about this?'

Rain nodded at Marika.

The young man named Trevor, upon hearing Rain's agreement, was overjoyed, "Great, Rain, is there an indoor training room nearby?"

"Of course, follow me."

The group immediately arrived at the indoor training room located behind the town's administrative hall.

Due to the involvement of the Empire's Special Department personnel, everyone except the Fish Dragon Squad, the Ramon brothers, Veronica, and Major Marika had to temporarily leave the training room for security reasons.

As Rain and Trevor took their positions in the center of the training room, everyone's eyes were fixed on the two, each with their own expression.

Veronica's twin tails bounced as she watched Rain enter the arena, a slight blush on her cheeks, and an excited look on her face.

Major Marika, standing beside her, furrowed her brows slightly.

Although she knew that Rain had killed Volod, it had been a short time since the battle ended, and she was concerned that Rain might not have fully recovered his stamina and energy.

Moreover, as a naval civilian staff member, she had some understanding of the Empire Navy's Special Department, the Tide Walkers.

With their high selection standards, only the best of the best were chosen, and this young man, Trevor, was clearly seven or eight years older than Rain.

With seven or eight years of training and combat experience, even though Rain had placed first in the Minster Province's imperial knight examination, he might not have a significant advantage.

So, at this moment, Major Marika's heart was filled with tension and worry.

Trevor raised his silver battle bow and explained, "Rain, as I'm an archer, please forgive me for creating some distance before the match. It's necessary for my technique."

Rain nodded, "Of course."

His primary goal was to assess the combat strength of the Fish Dragon Squad members. If he went all out, he was confident he could defeat his opponent quickly, but that wasn't his intention.

By giving his opponent time and allowing them to fight freely, he could gain a more comprehensive understanding of the Fish Dragon Squad's strength.

Trevor, seeing Rain's friendly attitude, smiled and warned, "Rain, my arrows might be powerful, so please be careful."

As soon as he finished speaking, Trevor began chanting and casting a spell.

Veronica whispered to Major Marika, "This is the spell 'Swift Wind', which increases movement speed."

Rain's ears twitched, understanding her words, and he smiled faintly at Veronica's actions.

Trevor seemed very familiar with the spell 'Swift Wind', so he chanted at a rapid pace, completing the incantation in just over a second.

Trevor enveloped himself in a faint cyan airflow, and his movement speed suddenly increased, matching that of Rain, a Great Knight.

The distance between them, which Rain had quickly closed, gradually stabilized.

"Whoosh! Whoosh! Whoosh!"

Arrow after arrow flew towards Rain, but he didn't draw his great sword; instead, he used his Blade Finger Tiger to deflect Trevor's arrows.

However, the arrows disrupted their proximity, and the distance between them widened again.

Trevor, surprisingly, stood his ground and began chanting another spell. In the next moment, an arrow imbued with a faint white glow shot towards Rain.

Rain initially intended to draw his great sword and cut down the arrow.

But he changed his mind and slightly sidestepped to dodge the arrow, which grazed his side and struck a metal shield hanging on the training room's wall.

"Clang!" The metal shield was pierced with a large hole.

Rain's eyebrows rose at the sight of this power.

He knew that this was a combination of magic and Trevor's archery skills.

In terms of power, the strength of these arrows was comparable to the secret techniques of a Peak Knight.

As the battle continued, Rain soon learned the name of the spell, 'Blade Sharpness', from Veronica and Major Marika's whispered conversation.

Trevor's arrows, enhanced with the spell 'Blade Sharpness', flew towards Rain.

Although Trevor's arrows occasionally incorporated the spell, Rain deflected them with his Blade Finger Tiger, and even the arrows enhanced with 'Blade Sharpness' were directly cut down by Rain's great sword.

Three minutes passed.

The match remained undecided.

The other members of the Fish Dragon Squad watched this scene with flickering eyes, each with their own thoughts.

However, Captain Baran's expression changed.

He could tell that Rain wasn't using his full strength because Rain maintained a nearly constant distance from Trevor, as if intentionally giving Trevor the freedom to attack.

At this moment, Captain Baran spoke up, "Trevor, stop!"

Trevor, hearing his captain's command, immediately halted, but he was already drenched in sweat and looked at Captain Baran with a puzzled expression.

After all, the match wasn't over yet.

"Trevor, can't you see it?" Captain Baran asked. "Rain doesn't have a single drop of sweat on his forehead, but Trevor was already sweating profusely.

This made Trevor grateful, and he glanced at Rain, "Thank you, Rain, for your guidance!"

In his eyes, Rain was intentionally preserving his dignity, but Rain had his own plans.

Through his battle with Trevor, Rain gradually gained some insight.

His opponent was an archer, and the magic he used, whether it was the 'Swift Wind' to increase movement speed or the 'Sharpening Spell' to enhance arrow power, perfectly suited the role of an archer.

In simple terms, the magic he used was closely integrated with his Extraordinary Combat Technique and himself.

However, in contrast, Rain's magic, aside from the 'High-Temperature Stance,' which could still somewhat synergize with his Extraordinary Combat Technique, wasn't as well-suited.

Other spells, like the 'Scorching Touch,' were difficult to combine with his Extraordinary Combat Technique.

From this perspective, compared to fire-based magic, metal-elemental magic might be easier to integrate with his Extraordinary Combat Technique, thereby enhancing his combat power and better suiting his current Weapon Master (Extraordinary) profession.

For instance, once he learned the 'Sharpening Spell,' he could apply it to his Dim Light Greatsword or Blade Finger Tiger, improving his overall combat prowess.

Rain looked at the system prompts:

[Your skill, Giant Bear Sword Technique, has improved. Experience gained: 233]



[Your skill, Kadarr Fist Technique, has improved. Experience gained: 348]



[You have experienced a battle. Weapon Master (Legendary) experience gained: 63]



(Note: The above skill experience has benefited from the exclusive talent 'Basic Extraordinary Insight,' increasing it by 30%.)



[Congratulations! Your Weapon Master (Legendary) profession level has increased!]



Since Weapon Master (Legendary) was about to level up, it immediately jumped to level 3 (45/500) with the experience gained.

This gave Rain an additional attribute point and skill point, leaving him with 6 attribute points and 2 skill points.

At this moment, a young man from the Leviathan Squad, holding a short staff, approached. He smiled at Rain and said, "Baron Rain, I'm Nathaniel. After witnessing your exciting spar with Trevor, I'd love to exchange a few moves with you."

"Of course!" Rain readily agreed.

After all, once the Leviathan Squad left, such an excellent opportunity for 'exchange' would be hard to come by.

"But... Baron Rain, do you need to rest first?" Nathaniel thought Rain might still have some energy left, but considering the intense battle that lasted several minutes, he couldn't believe Rain had much energy left.

Moreover, even if he won, it would be a discounted victory.

"No need. I'm always in good shape. Let's begin." Rain spoke up.

As soon as he finished speaking, Major Marika's face turned slightly red, and she muttered to herself.

Although she had been busy with the navy's clerical work and wasn't married yet, she was well-versed in certain matters and double entendres.

The twin-tailed girl was keenly observing whether Rain could win as effortlessly this time, as Nathaniel was a relatively pure Third Rank Wizard Apprentice, and his combat style leaned more towards powerful magic attacks.

She was a bit concerned that Rain might not have much experience dealing with this type of opponent.

Nathaniel seemed to feel a bit awkward about their squad's consecutive challenges to Rain and said, "Baron Rain, I'm a Third Rank Wizard Apprentice. My magic attacks are quite powerful, so I hope you're prepared, Baron Rain."

After a moment's thought, Nathaniel enthusiastically turned and began casting a spell towards a distant iron-clad dummy.

Two seconds later, a pale green substance rushed towards the dummy.

"Sizzle!"

The pale green substance corroded the dummy's heavy iron armor, creating a large hole within a second or two. It was evident that even Rain's Water Film Steel Armor Set would suffer significant damage if hit directly.

In response to Nathaniel's gesture, Rain smiled and said, "Thank you for the warning. I'll be careful."

Soon, the two began their battle. Nathaniel quickly cast a Water Film Spell on himself and then raised his hand, aiming at Rain. He began to chant another incantation.

At this moment, Rain had already reached ten meters in front of Nathaniel but felt something was amiss.

Suddenly, Rain felt a surge of negative energy invade his body, giving him a sense of being cursed.

Rain immediately felt a sense of weakness in his limbs.

Soon, he heard Veronica whisper to Major Marika, "It's the Weakness Curse."

Nathaniel's face lit up with joy as he quickly retreated, pulling something from his pocket.

Although Rain wanted to engage with different types of opponents, he didn't want to lose.

So, Rain decided to test if he could negate this negative energy by allocating attribute points.

Just as Rain was about to allocate points, a serious-looking member of the Leviathan Squad quickly approached Captain Baran and whispered something in his ear.

Captain Baran's expression changed immediately.

It seemed like something important had come up.

Captain Baran suddenly spoke up, "Baron Rain, Nathaniel, we have to end the spar here. We have an urgent mission and need to depart immediately!"

Upon hearing this, Rain stopped his plan to allocate points, and Nathaniel also halted the spell he was casting.

Since they had to leave immediately, there was no need to allocate points in advance.

Captain Baran nodded to Rain and the others, leading the team away quickly.

Veronica ran over and said, "Baron Rain, are you alright? It's the Weakness Curse. With your Constitution, it will gradually dissipate in a few minutes."

"I'm fine," Rain assured her.

He had already felt the negative energy within him slowly dissipating, and its impact on his body was diminishing.

Although the second battle had abruptly ended, Rain had identified his shortcomings.

His methods of dealing with opponents were still insufficient, especially against those who could cast curses, slowing spells, or weakening magic. His inability to attack from a distance put him at a significant disadvantage.

After a moment's thought, Rain decided to focus on improving his Extraordinary Combat Technique, 'Blood Rage Archery,' in the coming days.

With his talent, 'Basic Extraordinary Insight,' which increased learning speed by 30%, he believed he would grasp the technique faster.

(End of Chapter)

Chapter end