Chapter 221: Storm Ravens

Chapter 221: Storm Ravens



Just then, the sound of leather boots tapping on the floor echoed from outside the door, and upon hearing it, Ren's ears twitched. It was the footsteps of Major Marika.

"Knock, knock, knock!"

"Come in!"

As expected, the door opened to reveal Marika in a fitted navy uniform.

Marika was about to say something, but upon seeing the two members of the Leviathan Squad, she visibly hesitated for a moment. However, she quickly recovered and flashed a bright smile, saying, "It seems that you two from the Leviathan Squad are acting much faster than I imagined, Ren. I guess I don't need to relay the message from the fleet after all."

"That's right, Major Marika," Ren replied with a smile.

Similar to the Tidewalkers of the Navy's special department, one must complete tasks of a certain difficulty level and earn task evaluations before being able to exchange them for corresponding-tier items.

Ren quickly drew his bow and shot an arrow! Unfortunately, on his first attempt, he didn't hit the coin, but the distance between the arrow and the coin was not too far off.

Ren nodded, understanding this point from his past life where there was a saying, 'A miss by a hair's breadth can lead to a loss of a thousand miles.'

Upon hearing Ren's question, Trevor seemed to realize something and looked at Ren with a surprised expression, nodding and saying, "Of course."

Trevor appeared at the door with a smile and said, "Ren, can we now proceed with the learning of Sharpened Shot?"

The effect created by Essence was far less dazzling and eye-catching than the silver glow of the Spell, Sharpened Shot.

Trevor's originally smiling face now resembled a blooming chrysanthemum as he immediately agreed, "Of course, Ren."

"Come in!"

Suddenly, a guard pointed at the roof in front of them and said, "Hey, did you see that big, dark bird? It looks like a raven, but it seems much larger than an ordinary one."

A hundred or so Storm Ravens took to the skies and flew towards the fishing town several kilometers away.

At the same time, a new icon appeared next to the Blazing Light icon on the Arcane Apprentice panel.

"Is there such a Spell?" Ren's heart rejoiced upon hearing this.

After examining it several times, Ren discovered that the difficulty of the new Metal Magic Spell, Sharpened Shot, was not too high compared to the Fire Magic Spell, Blazing Light.

(Note: Precise Aim is an additional effect of remote combat skills that will automatically unlock upon meeting the conditions.)



(Beginning of Chapter)



"Is it a remote effect?" Ren immediately found the answer to this question on the Legendary Weapon Master profession panel, below the icon of Blood Rage Bow Technique, which read: Blood Rage Bow Technique lv5 (112/2000), with the additional effect 'Precise Aim lv1'.

Clearly, the answer to this question would not be attributes like strength or agility that represented physical qualities. Was it eyesight? Ren pondered for a moment and shook his head slightly.

This left Ren a little perplexed.

A faint energy fluctuation emanated from them, seemingly from some kind of spell formation.

Soon, the ravens scattered, as if searching for something.

At the entrance to the Administrative Hall, two guards were chatting idly.

Trevor's question caused Ren to fall into deep thought.

"Does the Imperial Navy have this spell?" he asked hurriedly.

The only difference was their size; these ravens were at least twice as large as ordinary ones.

"Indeed!"

Ren nodded.

Through these days of practice, Ren's Blood Rage Bow Technique had also improved dramatically. Just now, it had reached lv5!

Although sharp vision helped to see distant targets clearly, it was not enough if the target was a moving object.

At that moment, a 'Caw-caw' sound came from the horizon.

Although Trevor spoke politely, saying ten days was not enough and he could extend the deadline further, the problem was that Ren had already learned Sharpened Shot.

The icon's border glowed slightly, and the image on it was a radiant, handle-less blade with jagged lines around it, representing the sharpness of the technique.

"It's definitely a raven, but such a large one is indeed rare."

Trevor appraised Ren with an admiring gaze and said, "Your wisdom, Sir Ren, is truly awe-inspiring."

Two hours later, his accuracy rate had reached over 90%.

Trevor's words caused Ren to pause slightly.

After all, no master archer would refuse praise for their archery skills.

After several consecutive arrows, Ren subtly grasped the falling speed of the coin from its highest point.

After signing, Ren keenly sensed a subtle change in the energy fluctuation, which seemed to connect with his spirit power. This was probably due to the spell on the parchment being triggered.

At this moment, Trevor looked at the two two-handed weapons on Ren's back and the metal longbow in his hand, and his expression turned pensive. After a moment of hesitation, he said,

"As for the squad, Sir Ren, you may have heard that the Swordsmen also operate in squad mode for missions. The captain not only has the authority to distribute squad loot but also enjoys a series of other priorities."

"Based on the difficulty of learning Sharpened Shot, I initially planned to allocate ten days for it, with two hours of gradual learning and practice each day."

"In the previous battle, your arrows enhanced with Sharpened Shot left a deep impression on me."

"Now, let's begin the first training session: shooting coins."

(Note: Casting time 3 seconds, power is proportional to the caster's spirit power.) Ren took down a decorative steel shield hanging on the wall of the room and lightly slashed it with his sword.

"Initial Trial?"

"Recently, I think I'll be staying in the Fishing Town."

Ren had expected this, but he couldn't help narrowing his eyes slightly. He hadn't anticipated that Sharpened Shot would be so effective.

Ren nodded.

About half an hour later, after failing five or six times consecutively, Ren succeeded for the first time! A slightly dazzling silver light suddenly appeared on the surface of the glowing greatsword in Ren's hand. This light was different from the outward-radiating, needle-like light; it was more like a watery halo.

"Yes, does Sir Trevor have a good solution?" Ren sensed that Trevor seemed to have a solution to his troubling question, and his heart stirred. He immediately asked.

If the anticipation was off at the start, the arrow would deviate by a tiny angle from the beginning. The further the shot, the greater the deviation, possibly by several meters or even tens of meters.

After a while, a knock sounded at the door.

Could a Grand Knight fail? "Hmm? Could Sir Trevor elaborate? After all, as far as I know, the Swordsman assessment shouldn't be this difficult, right? Could you fail even with your status as a Grand Knight archer?"

"I suddenly remembered that last year, we worked with a squad of Swordsmen. Their captain seemed to use a rare Metal Magic spell that could deform metal. He transformed a longsword into a round shield in just a few seconds."

Not to mention power, even in terms of duration, the two were fundamentally different.

Ren tentatively replied, "Sir Trevor, is it anticipation?"

This made him stand in place, deep in thought, his eyes gleaming.

Zenina quietly chanted an incantation, and as the energy fluctuation radiated, numerous large ravens flew around. These ravens were almost indistinguishable from ordinary ones.

Since the system would prompt him every time he succeeded, he naturally mastered the spell.

Trevor smiled and took out an Imperial gold coin from his pocket. He flicked it with his thumb, and the golden coin flipped in the air, falling back into Trevor's palm after two seconds.

At this moment, he had already realized the difference between the infusion of Essence and the Spell 'Sharpened Shot' when applied to weapons.

[Precise Aim lv1 (Passive) Effect: You have a preliminary grasp of your enemy's movement trajectory and a basic understanding of the weapon in your hand. You can precisely control the landing point of each strike, slightly reducing the opponent's ability to dodge your attacks.]



Hiss! It's so sharp!

"So, I was thinking, if you were to learn that Spell, it might be much more convenient. At least, you'd only need to carry one of each of the two-handed weapons, the great sword and the war hammer."

"Ding!"

"In a moment, I'll be thirty meters away, and I'll toss this coin. Your Highness Ren, you'll need to hit the coin before it lands. If your accuracy exceeds ninety percent, then you'll have completed the first training."

"We're just work colleagues."

Trevor grimaced and shook his head, "Your Highness Ren, at that time, I was merely a senior knight. Although my archery skills were decent, I didn't even pass the initial trial."

Ren saw him grip the great sword again, first chanting and casting the Spell 'Sharpened Shot'. After the great sword glowed with a shimmering silver aura, Ren continued to infuse Essence into the sword.

Sharpened Shot lv1 (1/100)



After seeing them off, Ren carefully examined the parchment.

"Unfortunately, the Special Item Exchange Catalog on the Navy side doesn't have it, so I'm sorry to disappoint you." Trevor shook his head.

After hesitating for a moment, Trevor spoke seriously, "Your Highness Ren, it's clear that you're very interested in archery. In the coming days, perhaps I can teach you some practice methods."

"Your Highness Ren, don't you think you're carrying too many weapons? The total weight should significantly reduce your speed."

Since Ren had already mastered three Spells, 'Scorching Touch', 'High Temperature Field', and 'Blazing Light', learning this metal-based Spell wasn't too difficult for him.

Could it be that because of his affinity with metal element, the effect was better than what Trevor demonstrated? It should be, Ren nodded slightly.

"Your Highness Ren, please pay attention, I'm about to start." Trevor stood at a distance and said.

Inside the Fishing Town.

Ren smiled and nodded, "Your Highness Trevor, that would be excellent."

"Your Highnesses, then I won't disturb your conversation any further." Major Marika smiled and turned to leave.

"The Imperial Swordmaster Organization's assessment is divided into the initial and final trials. After passing the initial trial, one can obtain the official Swordmaster identity, a rare talent in the Empire. But only those who pass the final trial will receive the Empire's full support, becoming the elite among the elite."

Ren carefully recalled the scene from a few days ago when he fought Trevor. He realized that although Trevor's Sharpened Shot was fast, it didn't have such a strong effect.

The parchment listed various prohibitions, such as 'Without the consent of the Imperial Navy, no Spell or Supernatural Skill obtained from the Imperial Navy shall be disclosed to others, limited to personal study and use.'

"Hmm?" Ren glanced at the two of them, seeing their knowing looks, and shook his head in denial, "Both of you, there's nothing going on between Major Marika and me."

Soon after, Ren picked up the quill and quickly signed his name.

Sharpened Shot lv1 Effect: Consumes a certain amount of Spirit Power to activate a specific Spell Model, causing metal-based particles to gather around the caster's designated metal weapon, increasing its sharpness for about a minute.

For others, it's a waste of time.

"By the way, the pass rate for the final trial is extremely low, about one-tenth of the initial trial."

"Of course." Ren nodded and took the parchment to examine it carefully.

A sensation of piercing tough leather came from the handle of the great sword.

Ren's words hit Trevor's sweet spot.

Half an hour later, even Trevor, as dull as he was, felt that Ren seemed more interested in archery than in Spells.

By his side was a maid, a rare third-rank apprentice of the shadow element, skilled in raven control and shadow curses.

[You have understood a new skill - Sharpened Shot]



In less than ten minutes, Ren began to occasionally hit the target.

Ren's eyebrows twitched. He hadn't expected Trevor to have participated in the Swordmaster selection and even failed. But isn't the Swordmaster assessment easier than this? It shouldn't be!

"Thank you, Your Highness Trevor." Ren smiled.

However, he soon laughed and said, "Indeed, with your strength, the initial trial is of no concern. The final trial is the real challenge for you."

[You have studied Sharpened Shot, and your understanding has improved!]



Then Trevor realized that Ren's main purpose was to seek advice on improving his archery skills.

"Your Highness Ren, before I teach you 'Sharpened Shot', I need you to sign this confidentiality agreement." Trevor took out a thin parchment emitting a faint energy fluctuation and handed it to Ren.

This made Ren nod inwardly, thinking that it could indeed be a double buff.

Only a large, round, tight-fitting skirt uniform silhouette remained, causing Trevor and Nathaniel to exchange glances. They turned their heads to look at Ren and smiled, "Your Highness Ren, it seems that the 'Sixth Flower of the Sixth Division' of the Imperial Navy, Major Marika, is quite concerned about you."

Ren's pupils constricted as he examined the smooth cut, as if it had been sliced by a machine. He had barely exerted any strength, yet the effect far exceeded his expectations.

When using a bow and arrow, Essence could be used to enhance the metal arrowhead, but once the arrow was released, the Essence's effect would dissipate.

"These methods are applicable to all types of bow-related Supernatural Skills."

[Your skill Sharpened Shot has improved. Experience +1]



As Trevor tossed the gold coin into the air...

The woman named Zenina, a Wizard Apprentice, had located their target, and now it was Vexman's turn to take action.

"As you wish, sir."

If anyone had been swimming in the sea, they would have seen that both Ren and Vexman were enveloped in bubbles underwater.

Ren couldn't help but feel a bit disappointed.

Suddenly, Ren had an idea.

"If we can solve the issue with the bowstring, you'll only need to carry a metal object of the same weight as a weapon."

Many residents looked up, noticing a swarm of dark crows flying in from the horizon.

It would be ideal if the Navy had access to this Spell, as it might give him a chance to acquire it.

After some thought, Ren nodded and said, "Alright, Your Excellency Trevor."

At that moment, Ren noticed the brown longbow Trevor was carrying and had an idea.

"However, we can take a short break first."

Before participating in the Swordsman assessment, Ren needed to improve his strength as much as possible.

Seeing this, Trevor smiled and handed Ren a pale yellow parchment, saying, "Your Excellency Ren, this is an introduction to Sharpened Shot and its Spell model. Take a look, and we can discuss it later."

Two figures emerged from the water, one a slender man in leather armor with a blood-red glowing dagger on each hip—Vexman, who had been hired by Nehru.

"Yes, Your Excellency Ren, I'm quite certain about that."

Behind him stood a slender woman in a black robe.

"Zenina, investigate the defensive strength of Harbor Town and locate Ren's position. I believe that if nothing unexpected happens, he should be either in the Administrative Hall or patrolling the main streets."

When it came to archery, Trevor became serious.

"Your Excellency Ren, what do you think is the most crucial aspect for an archer to hit a moving target?" Trevor asked earnestly.

Half an hour later, his accuracy had reached nearly fifty percent.

Ren could choose to conceal this matter and continue learning Sharpened Shot from Trevor, but as the saying goes, 'Time wasted is life wasted.'

"By the way, Your Excellency Ren, you're about to go to Minster for the Swordsman organization's assessment, right?" Trevor changed the subject.

However, Sharpened Shot was different. It lasted for a full minute and was suitable for arrows and thrown weapons, making it far more versatile than Ren's current Essence enhancement.

"Excellent, Your Excellency Ren. Your training progress shows that you have a natural talent for archery. Now, we'll increase the difficulty. I'll extend the distance to fifty meters."

Obviously, shooting gold coins didn't require much strength, but it demanded exceptional eyesight and anticipation.

"To put it simply, Initial Trial Participants like you can be understood as ordinary team members, while those who pass the Final Trial are at the Captain Level. After the corresponding special training, those who pass the Final Trial can select members from the Initial Trial Participants to form a team."

The two emerged from the water completely dry, without a trace of moisture on their bodies.

These were Storm Ravens, a special type of crow that excelled in group actions. Once they gathered in sufficient numbers, they dared to attack even raptors. When they dispersed, they could perform tasks like tracking and locating.

Ren lightly waved his right hand, canceling the new Spell, and channeled his Grand Knight Essence into the faintly glowing greatsword. The sword began to emit a faint glow.

"Indeed, does Your Excellency Trevor have an interest in the Swordsman organization?" Ren asked curiously.

At that moment, a system prompt appeared: [Congratulations! You have experienced an epiphany and unlocked the Remote Combat Skill Bonus Effect: Precise Aim lv1 (Passive)]



Ren focused on the new icon, noticing a small line of text below it.

Ren smiled and said, "Thank you, Your Excellency Trevor, but I'd prefer if you could teach me Sharpened Shot in conjunction with your archery skills."

Ren's understanding of anticipation deepened, and suddenly, he felt like he had broken through a barrier.

"Unlike shooting stationary objects, hitting distant moving targets requires you to anticipate their direction and speed of movement in advance. The farther the distance, the more crucial anticipation becomes."

"Your Excellency Ren, from your demonstration, I can see that you already have some archery foundation, and your physical qualities are excellent. Therefore, we can proceed directly to the next stage of training."

"Hey, there's one here too."

"And over there."

"This..."

The two guards exchanged glances, seeing worry in each other's eyes. Something seemed off!

(End of Chapter)

Chapter end