Chapter 234: Departure

Chapter 234: Departure



A large white seagull landed on the windowsill, catching Ren's attention. He immediately recognized it as Veronica's seagull, which was noticeably larger than an ordinary seagull.

Seeing the seagull, Ren was slightly surprised. This was the first time Veronica had contacted him since her return.

Ren opened the window, allowing the seagull to perch on his arm.

As a Basic Wizard Apprentice, Ren already had sufficient mental strength. Additionally, he had learned a specialized technique from Veronica during their previous mission, which allowed him to communicate with the seagull. In an instant, he received several mental fragments from the bird.

A few seconds later, Ren's expression turned to one of surprise.

He never expected to receive such a message.

As a Wizard Apprentice specializing in bird modification, Veronica could easily identify the original form of the Lynx Battlehound, which didn't surprise Ren.

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"Knock knock knock!"

If Jennifer, the beautiful middle-aged woman, were to hear Ren's thoughts, she would likely have some sarcastic remarks.

In his current situation, just staying alive was already a remarkable feat.

Lockeon Axe Shield Technique lv1 (1/100) appeared on the Weapon Master (Legendary) profession panel. The icon depicted a tall, muscular man holding a shield in his left hand and a single-handed axe in his right, standing in a cautious defensive stance with his shield forward and axe behind, as steady as a rock.

This made Ren's upcoming trip to Minster feel more like a leisurely outing than a test, and the presence of Veronica added to the excitement.

With Veronica's arrival, Ren's mansion became even livelier.

[Congratulations, you have unlocked the exclusive secret technique of Blood Rage Archery: Blood Rage Strike lv3!]



It wasn't an advanced technique, as those involved the use of Primal Energy and were for Grand Knights, not Knights.

Jennifer had arranged for a merchant caravan to accompany them, taking advantage of Ren's presence as the strongest fighter in the Iron Hammer and Rose Commerce. At this moment, the front of Ren's mansion was bustling with activity.

"Bang bang!" Has vigorously slapped his sword and shield, continuing, "I've been practicing our family's sword and shield technique for almost ten years now."

Although Has knew he wasn't a match for Ren, two old friends meeting naturally led to a friendly sparring session.

However, their height difference was now quite noticeable, and Has even seemed a bit taller.

Those talent points!

Ren was at a loss for words when his mother, Emma, said that.

".

"Isn't Veronica a member of the Naval Tide Riders?"

"Wow, what a big dog!" Has exclaimed, his eyes wide as he looked at Cookie.

Ren smiled and nodded in response to Has' request for a spar, always welcoming a challenge.

Another day passed.

Now that the Tokkar Hammer Technique 'Shockwave' had been raised to an Intermediate Technique, his close-combat attack power had significantly improved.

Ren immediately returned to his study and found the sheepskin scroll that Matteo had obtained from the rebel army's Brigadier General Parrix—'Lockeon's Single-Handed Axe Combat Manual'.

Moreover, it was best if the captain had the right to use items like the Imperial Staff. The short-staffed young man didn't seem to have that privilege.

In that case, the exclusive talent 'Basic Extraordinary Insight' and the Weapon Master profession were a perfect match!

It was no wonder Has was confused, as he would never have imagined that Ren had already reached the level of a Grand Knight.

The system prompt followed:

After all, many nobles in the county city were already aware of Ren's participation in the Swordmaster Examination.

In other words, even without spending skill points on hints, leveling up from lv6 to lv7 or from lv7 to lv8 wouldn't take much time.

Ren shook his head slightly, thinking about how difficult it was to obtain that trace of divinity, which had greatly benefited the Black Flame High Priest.

"Ren, when did you switch to a shield?" Has asked, surprised to see Ren without the greatsword or two-handed sword he remembered, and instead holding a shield.

With that, the skill points gained from the Deadly Poisoner's five-level promotion were all used up.

"Wait, I seem to have forgotten something." A flash of lightning crossed Ren's mind, and he immediately thought of a question.

[You have understood a new skill - Lockeon Axe Shield Technique]



[Congratulations, your Blood Rage Archery skill has been raised to lv10]



Even now, with Ren's all-around improvement in strength, he didn't think he could defeat the Black Flame High Priest after their promotion, as their aura had already surpassed that of a Peak Grand Knight and reached a higher level.

He liked Has' straightforward personality. Although his words were sometimes blunt, as a friend, Ren didn't have to worry about being backstabbed.

Ren decided to be open with Has, who was a straightforward person.

If Veronica could participate in the Empire's Swordmaster Examination, it implied that the Empire's Ennoblement Examination wasn't the only way to obtain an invitation to the Swordmaster selection.

Additionally, Ren knew from his previous experience of breaking through the Tokkar Hammer Technique 'Shockwave' that with just one or at most two skill points invested in Blood Rage Archery, he would likely master the advanced techniques of Blood Rage Archery.

However, to upgrade the Basic Talent to an Intermediate Talent or even a higher-level Advanced Talent, using talent points was the only method Ren currently knew.

"I received an invitation to the Imperial Swordmaster Examination because I received excellent evaluations during the Imperial Ennoblement Examination."

Advanced Steel Body was a matter of life and death in combat, so it naturally took priority.

[Congratulations, you have unlocked the exclusive secret technique of Blood Rage Archery: Rapid Shot lv3!]



He flipped to the Weapon Master (Legendary) page on the system.

"If I also mastered the Intermediate Rikudo in long-range attacks, then from the perspective of a Grand Knight, even by the standards of a Hexagonal Warrior, which evaluates strength, speed, technique, offense, defense, and combat experience, I would have at least completed five sides!"

The first-floor training room.

"Of course, in addition to you, there will also be two Temple Knights from the Goddess Church stationed here. Normally, the pressure won't be too great."

"Also, bring two cups of Golden Thorn Tea and some snacks."

Ren's face lit up, and he said, "Quickly invite him to the reception hall, I'll be right there!"

"Huh? Ren, have you grown taller?" Has just now showed a look of surprise, reaching out to compare Ren's height to his own, and clicked his tongue in amazement.

Ren glanced at the Basic Extraordinary Insight and couldn't help but feel a bit envious. It's not that he regretted allocating points to the Advanced Steel Body talent.

"Baron, a knight named Has Klein from Rosby County has come to visit. He says he's a friend of yours."

Before they even set off, the three girls had become familiar with each other at the manor's entrance, and in no time, they were chattering away, occasionally glancing at each other and giggling uncontrollably.

Secondly, he also needed a special item similar to the Imperial Staff to counteract the uncertainty brought by that trace of Divinity.

This time, in addition to Ren and Veronica going to Minster to participate in the Imperial Swordmaster Examination, there was also Jenny and her best friend Agatha Vigen, the young lady of the Vigen family.

"This time, in addition to inviting you to experience the scenery of Maister County, in a few days, I will be going to Minster to participate in the Imperial Swordmaster Examination. So, I'd like to entrust the security matters of my manor to you."

"No problem, I've already taken a two-month leave from my superior." Has patted his chest and laughed heartily.

Fortunately, at this moment, Ren had 13 remaining attribute points, otherwise, he would have been heartbroken.

Has was skilled in sword and shield combat, and Ren thought to himself that this time, he hadn't chosen to use his most proficient two-handed war hammer or greatsword, nor had he used a war bow, but instead opted for an axe and shield.

As long as she wasn't a female knight, normally, an ordinary woman encountering a man like Ren, who was two meters tall, had extraordinary strength, and occasionally liked to take the road less traveled, would surely be overwhelmed! "By the way, Ren, you mentioned you needed my help with something that would take one or two months?"

Name: Ren Calan

Although the name was Single-Handed Axe Combat Manual, it was actually an Extraordinary combat technique that combined axe and shield, with a large portion dedicated to the use of a single-handed axe, and a smaller portion to shield defense.

It seemed that because his Tokkar Hammer Technique and Great Bear Sword Technique had reached such high levels, he had an almost endless stream of insights after just trying out the axe and shield.

In the reception hall.

In no time, the system notification sounded: [You have trained in Lockeon Axe Shield Technique, and your understanding has increased!]



With the investment of 2 skill points, Ren's Blood Rage Archery, which was at level 9, immediately rose to level 11.

That night, the beautiful lady let Ren experience what it meant to be passionate like fire.

Indeed!

When Ren came out with his Lynx Battlehound 'Cookie', everyone was stunned by the dog's large size, resembling a small pony, and its beast armor.

Profession: Weapon Master (Legendary) lv6 (13/3000) / Wizard Apprentice (Extraordinary) lv6 (792/3000) / Beastmaster (Extraordinary) lv5 (376/2000) / Dead Poisoner (Extraordinary) lv6 (69/3000) / Armorer lv6 (211/3000)



According to Ren's current Grand Knight level of strength, combined with his mastery of Tokkar Hammer Technique, Great Bear Sword Technique, and Blood Rage Archery, the three Extraordinary combat techniques, the experience reward from the system for fighting Has was very likely to be minimal.

After all, Ren was still unclear about the specific power of Divinity. For instance, whether defeating the Black Flame High Priest after his promotion would grant him that trace of Divinity was uncertain.

Has was visibly excited to see Ren and gave him a big hug, "Ren! It's been a while!"

In other words, Ren needed to have the opportunity to obtain that trace of Divinity, such as in this mission to eradicate the cult.

But satisfying these two conditions was no easy task. Ren pondered for a moment and realized that it seemed he could only wait until he joined the Swordbearers to simultaneously fulfill these two conditions.

A formal Grand Knight mastering Intermediate Rikudo, along with the support of two Intermediate talents, should surpass the ordinary members of the Leviathan Team, right? Even facing a Peak Grand Knight, the team leader of the Leviathan Team, Ren felt no fear.

Ren suddenly realized.

So, Ren returned to the indoor training ground and practiced the techniques depicted in the Lockeon Axe Shield Technique scroll, one move at a time.

The Vigen family's business also invested in the Iron Hammer and Rose Commerce, which was reorganized by the beautiful lady Jennifer. Upon hearing that Jenny would be going to the provincial capital of Minster to expand their market, they immediately agreed and sent Agatha along.

"You better not lose to me by accident." After all, for people their age, it was extremely rare to cultivate an Extraordinary combat technique to the level of successfully performing its secret techniques.

If he were to use the lv1 Lockeon Axe Shield technique, not only would he gain a higher experience point reward, but he would also save some face for Has, ensuring the latter doesn't lose too quickly.

To enhance his defense, he could rely on his Intermediate Steel Body talent, as well as the knight's plate armor and shield!

Previously, he had used his talent points to upgrade his Basic Steel Body to Intermediate Steel Body, significantly boosting his defense to a whole new level.

The morning weather was pleasant, despite the lingering chill of the season. The early spring sunshine felt warm and soothing on his skin.

[Congratulations, your Blood Rage Archery skill has reached lv11]



After some thought, Ren decided to further enhance his ranged attack power, specifically his Blood Rage Archery.

With his Bear King Breath Technique already at lv14, Ren sensed a sign of further transformation in his archery control as his Blood Rage Archery reached lv11.

This realization thrilled Ren!

"Wait, that's not right."

Ren's heart raced at the thought, and he felt even more excited about the upcoming trip to Minster.

"But with Veronica's connection to her mentor, shouldn't it be easier for her to serve the Imperial Navy? If she wants to join a special department, shouldn't it be the Tide Riders?" Ren muttered to himself.

Fortunately, Ren was now a Grand Knight, and if he were still a Formal Knight, he would likely have sore waist and knees from the upcoming journey. Due to time constraints, the group was set to depart the day after Veronica's arrival.

Ren's mother, Emma, frequently scrutinized Veronica during the welcome banquet, whispering to Ren when others weren't paying attention, "After Anna and that barbarian girl left, now we have this beauty! Ren, you must seize this opportunity and not let her slip away."

Although not every cult eradication mission would encounter a trace of divinity, there was still a chance.

Now that he thought about it, it wasn't necessarily the case.

Initially, he had assumed that after becoming a Weapon Master (Legendary), he would be able to master multiple extraordinary combat techniques faster than ordinary people, but the skill point gap would be significant.

Ren patted Has on the shoulder and smiled, saying, "Welcome to Maister, Has."

"I happened to obtain an extraordinary axe and shield technique, so I started practicing it," Ren shrugged, offering a 'friendly' explanation.

If not for the Imperial Swordbearer and the shield-bearing strongman with the Imperial Staff, who severely injured the Black Flame High Priest during the promotion, it would have been questionable whether Ren could have defeated him.

"The real challenge is the second trial; that's when I need to be prepared."

Has' contribution was raising Ren's Lockeon Axe Shield Technique to lv2 (116/300).

For instance, when facing a veteran third-tier Wizard Apprentice like Adams, if Ren could engage in long-range archery attacks, it would put Adams at a significant disadvantage, making it extremely difficult for him to cast spells.

Instantly, a flood of training memories related to Blood Rage Archery rushed into Ren's mind, quickly integrating into the muscle and kinesthetic memory throughout his body.

Attributes:

Strength: 28

Agility: 29

Spirit: 36

Remaining Attributes: 13

Remaining Skill Points: 0

Ren's Strength had originally reached 30 points but dropped to 28 after the Deadly Poisoner job change, which deducted 2 points.

The saying 'three women make a play' came to mind, but Ren knew that Veronica and these two ladies were different.

Indeed, when Ren and Has participated in the noble ennoblement examination in Rosby City, Ren was only around 1.9 meters tall, while Has was half a head taller.

Ren smiled at the memory.

Even with his Weapon Master's exclusive talent, Basic Extraordinary Insight, which increased his experience point acquisition by 30%, Ren was still surprised by the speed of his progress.

Ren's heart stirred, realizing he hadn't checked his height and weight in a while.

As he mastered more extraordinary combat techniques, his learning speed for subsequent techniques would increase.

Ren momentarily calmed his mind and went downstairs to the training room to further refine his attribute allocation strategy.

No wonder Trevor mentioned that he failed the Swordbearer selection but later received an invitation from the Imperial Navy, leading him to join the Tide Riders.

Ren then thought of another issue.

It seemed that close combat techniques shared certain similarities, and mastering several close combat techniques could accelerate the learning speed for subsequent close combat techniques.

Even after the trial ended, Ren continued to gain insights from the experience.

"Her mentor, Master Einious, is an advisor to the Southern Sea Fleet, but the dual-pigtail maiden herself isn't affiliated with the Tide Riders."

Yes, it was a secret technique!

Additionally, when facing the Great Hunter God, a Sorcerer from the Eagle Federation, if not for Captain Balon distracting most of the Sorcerer's attention, Ren, with only his close combat abilities at the time, would have been an easy target.

Ren smiled and replied, "Alright, I'll do my best."

"Haha! A Grand Knight skilled with dual-wielding and greatswords, yet his highest attribute is Spirit. No one would believe it!" Ren shook his head in self-deprecation.

His Spirit attribute reached a new high, having gained 1 point from the Alchemist job change and 2 points from the Deadly Poisoner job change, totaling 36 points and surpassing all other attributes.

Even more surprisingly, he had mastered the Intermediate Rikudo. If Ren were to switch to a two-handed warhammer, he might only be able to exert two-tenths of his strength, and any more could directly kill Has Klein.

Just as Ren had expected.

However, the intense competition? Perhaps for others.

The exact reason was still unclear to Ren.

He flipped the system panel to the main page—the Attributes page.

"Also, there's that move 'Lockeon Axe Technique - Flash Slash!' Overall, this set of axe and shield extraordinary combat techniques is quite good, both offensively and defensively."

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To find out who's stronger, they'll have to spar! With the strongest combat power further enhanced, the next step is to make up for his shortcomings.

The beautiful woman, Jennifer, maintained a smile, remaining calm, but her beautiful eyes occasionally shifted between Ren and the dual-pigtail maiden.

Just as Ren was about to practice more and raise it to lv2, a knock sounded from outside the training room.

It wasn't as he had initially expected, requiring at least two to three years and consuming a large number of skill points.

"Mother, rest assured, Anna and the others will all come back!"

[Your skill Lockeon Axe Shield Technique has improved, experience +1]



"Yes, sir! Baron!" The male servant respectfully retreated.

Now it seemed that his previous thoughts had been too simple.

Not only were there carriages from the Crowley and Vigen families, as well as other noble families he intended to befriend, but there was also a caravan consisting of ten large wagons waiting.

"They'll all come back? You should focus on this... Miss Veronica. This trip to the provincial capital is a good opportunity." Mother Emma looked at Ren with an expression that seemed to say, 'What are you dreaming about?' She clearly didn't believe him.

The reason for this was simple.

Because just now, he had carefully recalled the few times he faced wizard apprentices or wizards in combat.

This couldn't help but make him a little excited.

In terms of overall combat power, it could be said that he had clearly taken another step forward.

"Veronica's identity"

However, his understanding was quickly overturned.

Seeking guidance from a master was also a way to quickly enhance one's own strength, especially since Has still held a bit of a grudge against Ren for not wanting to spar with him during the noble evaluation examination.

"The missing side is at most experience."

"You must have grown taller."

However, Ren now wished he could upgrade this talent, 'Basic Extraordinary Insight', from basic to advanced! In that case, perhaps without relying too much on skill points, within half a year, he could master the Rikudo of four or five extraordinary combat skills.

A few minutes later.

Has was startled and said, "Ren, you don't think that with your newly learned axe and shield combat skills, you can win against me in a spar, do you?"

Ren pondered for a moment and discovered an interesting point.

But when Ren thought of the lively dual-pigtail maiden, he couldn't help but smile slightly.

His height was probably around two meters. No wonder Jennifer said she was a bit overwhelmed. Ren suddenly realized!

"From this, it's very likely that the Southern Sea Fleet or a wizard academy with a good relationship with the Empire should also have the qualifications to recommend personnel."

The two secret blood rage archery techniques, 'Blood Rage Strike' and 'Rapid Shot', had now both been raised to lv3.

"Now, my offensive capabilities, both close combat and long-range attacks, have been enhanced, and my defense..."

Huh? Speak of the devil, and he shall appear!

Veronica told him that she should be able to arrive in Maister County in two days. She would accompany Ren to participate in the Imperial Swordsmen Examination, and her words were filled with the joy of a young girl.

The dual-pigtail maiden, Veronica, knew about Ren's Bloodfeather Eagle Beast, but she had never seen a Lynx Battlehound, and suddenly, her beautiful eyes widened in surprise. "Oh my! Sir Ren, could this be a mutated Lynx?"

"If I were truly in a situation where I was being beaten passively, learning this set of axe and shield extraordinary combat skills would also indirectly improve my defense."

"Huh! In that case, wouldn't it mean that the competition will be very intense?" Ren couldn't help but speculate.

After three consecutive spars, Has's face was flushed red, and sweat poured down his face. Looking at Ren, his eyes held a hint of resentment. Judging from Ren's slightly unskilled movements, Has believed that Ren wasn't lying, and he had indeed just learned this set of axe and shield combat skills recently. But why did he always lose... However, on the other side, Ren was quite pleased as he looked at the panel regarding 'Lockeon Axe Shield Technique'

It was the shield.

Originally, he thought that only the personnel from the recent two batches of the Imperial Ennoblement Examination who had received excellent evaluations would be eligible, which would limit the number of people and naturally reduce the intensity of the competition.

But from his current level of understanding, it seemed that once he reached a certain high level of mastery with a two-handed warhammer or a greatsword, learning other extraordinary combat skills related to close combat gave him a sense of interconnectedness.

"Miss Veronica, your insight is truly remarkable." Ren smiled.

This time, when going to Minster, Ren prepared to bring all three of his pets, and one of Matteo's responsibilities was to help him take care of these three pets.

Speaking of this, Ren had specially comforted Mint these past few days, as she had deep feelings for the Lynx Battlehound, Cookie.

At this moment, Matteo ran over and said, "Baron, Deacon Rudolf of the Goddess Church has come to see you off."

Thanks for the 1000 starting points reward!

(End of Chapter)

Chapter end