Chapter 240: Merit Points Are Not Enough

Chapter 240: Merit Points Are Not Enough



As Ren was called aside by Instructor Kurman, the others nearby perked up their ears to listen in.

Now, hearing that Instructor Kurman wanted to spar with Ren, they immediately became excited!

Just as Ren was about to follow Kurman, he heard someone nearby speaking, seemingly an evaluation of Evelyn by another instructor. Holding a document, they quietly recited:

"Evelyn Norman, displays moderate strength, average speed, above-average fire magic, and moderate knight combat skills. Her reaction time and combat decision-making are both moderate."

"The examiner's evaluation and suggestion for you is that you possess a certain degree of independent combat capability. It is recommended that you serve as the attacker in a Swordsman squad, with a moderate potential assessment."

"Of course, this is just an assessment based on your performance during the preliminary test. The organization fully respects everyone's wishes."

"The relevant training content and instructor (mentor) recommendations are as follows."

Ren now understood!

So, this was the normal evaluation report.

His own evaluation report was an exception.

As Ren followed Kurman to a nearby small training room, the hall filled with newcomers showed disappointment.

The two were going into a small room? They wouldn't get to witness the action! Some were eagerly anticipating Ren getting a good beating from Instructor Kurman, and they even stood on their toes to peek into the small training room, but unfortunately, the door was closed.

Ren and Kurman stood face-to-face in the center of the room.

At this moment, Ren had the chance to carefully observe Instructor Kurman, the warhammer instructor. Kurman had a slightly tanned complexion, whether from the sun or his natural skin tone, and his body was incredibly muscular, with lumps of muscles resembling iron knots.

He was about half a head taller than Ren, standing at around two meters and a few centimeters.

Additionally, the double-handed warhammer slung across his back was about one and a half meters long, silver-gray, and didn't appear to be made of a single metal, but rather a mix of several, giving it a substantial weight.

"I heard a few days ago that someone knocked down an Obsidian Titan with a single hammer strike during the preliminary test. It's great to finally meet the person in person." Kurman smiled and said.

"During our spar, I'll gradually increase my strength and speed. As for you, Ren, go all out without holding back. You defeated the Obsidian Titan, so in my eyes, you're already a master at my level. I won't take you lightly."

Kurman's expression turned serious as he spoke.

"Alright, then I'll trouble Instructor Kurman for guidance." Ren slightly bowed and said.

The next second, "Whoosh!"

Both figures flashed and quickly clashed.

"Clang!!!"

As the two heavy hammers collided for the first time, a piercing metallic sound rang out, causing Ren's arms to go numb.

From this initial clash, Ren estimated Instructor Kurman's strength to be that of a peak Great Knight.

Although this was just a test, Ren didn't plan to hold back or cheat. Instead, he focused intently, aiming to accurately assess his own weaknesses for future improvement.

"Clang! Clang!"

Soon, Ren discovered that Kurman's second hammer strike was more powerful than the first, and before the second strike was even over, the third hammer swiftly followed, making Kurman's hammer attacks extremely dense.

Moreover, Kurman's strength and speed with each hammer strike were indeed increasing, just as he had said at the beginning.

This put immense pressure on Ren.

Soon, he reached the limit of his current physical abilities.

"Beyond Limits!"

As Ren activated Beyond Limits, his speed and strength surged, but Kurman reacted swiftly, matching Ren's increased power and speed after their next clash.

This caused Ren to focus intently.

Kurman was indeed very strong!

Before the fight, Kurman had told Ren not to hold back, so it didn't take long for Ren to activate his innate talent, 'Intermediate Gigantic Strength'.

"Gigantic Strength!"

As Ren's muscles bulged and expanded, he suddenly became half a head taller than Kurman, and for the first time, Kurman's usually emotionless face showed surprise.

"Clang!"

Ren pushed Kurman back several steps for the first time.

In an instant, Kurman's body also swelled, firmly blocking Ren's second attack that followed closely behind.

This was the first time Ren had encountered someone who could withstand his full-power attacks head-on.

"Clang! Clang!"

The clashing of weapons was deafening!

Even those in the hall could clearly hear the resounding sound of the weapons clashing.

Many turned their heads towards the sound, their faces filled with regret, as if saying, 'It's a shame we can't see Ren and Instructor Kurman's spar.'

Suddenly!

A buzzing sound, like a swarm of bees, filled the small training room, followed by a thunderous boom!

This caused several instructors to show surprise.

Were they using advanced techniques already? Was this newcomer truly this powerful? Kurman might have met his match this time!

Could Kurman have lost to a newcomer? That would be embarrassing.

At this moment, the door to the small training room suddenly opened. Although both Kurman and Ren were drenched in sweat, they walked out together with smiles on their faces.

In addition, several instructors had keenly noticed that Kurman, who had his hands behind his back, still seemed to have slightly trembling hands.

This couldn't help but bring a smile to their faces.

Hehe! This brute had met an even more reckless one!

During the previous battle, Rain didn't use skill points to restore his stamina. Otherwise, even if Kurman was a peak Great Knight, he would have been worn down by Rain until he was exhausted.

Rain was well aware of the purpose of this battle. It was to allow Kurman, from an instructor's perspective, to give him feedback and suggestions, rather than winning through cheating.

However, although Rain didn't win, he felt more fully immersed and exhilarated in this battle compared to when he defeated the Obsidian Titan with a single hammer strike.

At the same time, the system's experience rewards were not insignificant:

[Your skill, Tokkar Hammer Technique, has improved. Experience +671]



(Note: The above skill experience has benefited from the exclusive talent 'Basic Extraordinary Insight', with a 30% increase.)



[You have experienced a battle. Legendary Weapon Master experience +198]



After the two returned to the hall, they heard Kurman say, "Rain, I've learned about your situation. Now, let me give you my advice."

"If we're talking about combat techniques in hammer techniques, I'd say you and I are not far apart. I don't have much to teach you in that regard."

"If you want to further improve your hammer technique, on the one hand, you need to practice more and gain insights on your own. On the other hand, you'll need to find a master who specializes in hammer techniques. It's hard to imagine that at your age, you've managed to master the hammer technique to this level."

At this point, Kurman hesitated for a moment, then continued, "However, it seems that the development of your overall physical qualities is still somewhat weak."

"According to your talent in strength, you can be stronger. This is probably because your breath technique is not very advanced, and the duration of your breath training is too short."

Rain looked at Kurman in surprise, thinking to himself, "The Swordsman's instructor is indeed skilled. He has a keen eye."

This also confirmed what Angus had said during lunch—the Swordsman's instructors, in terms of strength, were not the strongest in the branch, but most of them had extensive teaching experience.

Rain thought to himself, "I've only practiced the Bear King Breath Technique for a year. If it weren't for skill points, my attributes would be stronger. But for others, this seems to be a big problem."

However, for Rain, this wasn't an issue.

This should be something he could make up for, after all, he still had as many as 12 remaining attribute points!

"Regarding this, my advice to you is to take specific drugs during daily training to enhance your physical qualities. Secondly, you need to undergo training to strengthen your physical qualities." Kurman quickly offered his opinion.

"

Kurman shook his head, but soon he seemed to have an idea. He looked at Rain with bright eyes and said, "Hmm? You practice the Grizzly Bear Breath Technique? No wonder I felt a vague similarity earlier."

However, after observing Rain closely again, Kurman said, "No, it should be an improved one!"

"It's a pity! Your Grizzly Bear Breath Technique, in terms of quality, is only an ordinary-level breath technique. Although it has undergone some improvements, it's barely at the fine level."

"For the development of your physical potential, it's definitely not as good as some excellent-level breath techniques. It's a pity for your excellent talent." Kurman shook his head slightly.

Rain listened to Kurman's words without refuting them. Instead, he thought to himself, "I can use skill points. No pity."

He thought of a question. Yes, why can't I change my breath technique?

After some thought, Rain asked, "Instructor Kurman, can't I change my breath technique?"

Kurman looked at Rain with a strange expression, as if saying, "Why would you ask such a question?"

However, Kurman soon explained, "Your Grizzly Bear Breath Technique, from beginner to expert, should have taken many years of practice. Changing to a higher-level breath technique to start from scratch, adapting your body to this change."

"During the long breath technique adjustment period, your development will almost stagnate, and your strength will likely remain unchanged."

Rain understood Kurman's meaning.

In general, it takes a lot of time and energy for a Swordsman to practice a breath technique from scratch.

Therefore, in most cases, if the quality of the breath technique differs by only one level, few Swordsmen would choose to do so.

However, this doesn't seem to apply to Rain.

He has only practiced the Bear King Breath Technique for a year, right?

But for Rain, this wasn't an issue.

This should be something he could make up for, after all, he still had as many as 12 remaining attribute points!

More importantly, due to the system's fusion function, similar combat techniques will be merged and improved, which is like the previous Basic Archery and Bloodrage Archery.

In other words, without a long breathing technique adjustment period, you can quickly master the improved advanced breathing technique.

In that case, it seems that you can go to the Exchange Hall to see the exchange conditions for the advanced breathing technique.

Of course, this is his secret.

So, after listening to Kurman's explanation, Rain merely nodded and didn't ask any further questions.

However, Kurman saw Rain not speaking up and assumed Rain was feeling a bit down.

He patted Rain's shoulder and encouraged him, "Your improved Grizzly Bear Breath Technique isn't bad, it's good enough, but to increase your combat power, it's not just about having an advanced breathing technique."

"Rain, if you change your angle, a hammer slam, who can resist it?" Kurman made a hammer-swinging gesture with his right hand and spoke boldly.

Rain nodded and smiled.

Indeed.

The Large Berserk Construct's combat power is strong enough, not just because the opponent is strong or fast! The Large Berserk Construct doesn't practice breathing techniques.

"So, as I just said, I suggest you take the next step in training and use medication."

"For example, the Potent Strength Potion, a type of Great Knight's training aid potion, will gradually increase the drinker's strength over half a month, and the final growth will vary from person to person, probably around half to one-tenth."

"Additionally, there's the Potent Agility Potion, the Potent Constitution Potion, and so on."

"Besides, the effect of the potions will also decrease as your body's tolerance increases." Kurman reminded him.

The Potent Strength Potion?

Rain looked at the list of potions that Kurman had just mentioned, and there was a 'Strength Potion' among them, with similar effects but only effective for Great Knight-level users.

This Potent Strength Potion is effective for Great Knights and is quite precious.

"Thank you for the guidance, Instructor Kurman." Rain bowed slightly and spoke.

At this moment, Kurman looked around and whispered to Rain, "By the way, the Swordsman Branch Office is next to the Royal Pharmacists Association's Minster Province Branch."

"If you know someone, you can directly use gold coins to purchase from them, so you won't need to spend honor points in the Exchange Hall."

Hmm?

Rain furrowed his brows, looking at Kurman in surprise.

Goodness!

Instructor, is this something you should be saying?

Kurman seemed to understand Rain's thoughts and coughed, his face turning serious. "Cough, this is a well-known secret. Reasonably exploiting loopholes is also a secret."

"Thank you, Instructor Kurman, for your sincere guidance." Rain spoke with genuine gratitude.

Unexpectedly, Instructor Kurman was not only strong but also had a delicate mind.

Who said 'strong body, simple mind'?

Obviously, it's a strong body with a developed mind.

Is there a possibility that Rain's [Deadly Poison Master] successor profession will be discovered there?

Just as Rain's thoughts were diverging, Kurman pointed to the large sword on Rain's back and said, "Hmm! By the way, Rain, if you choose the two-handed greatsword as your secondary weapon, I personally think it's not suitable."

"It's too heavy and will obviously reduce your mobility."

"Rain, what other weapons are you good at?"

This

Rain looked at Kurman, for a moment, didn't know how to respond.

After all, he was proficient in many weapons, but he quickly thought of a topic to divert attention.

Kurman had just talked about potions but hadn't mentioned the second point about physical quality enhancement training.

"By the way, Instructor Kurman, what do you mean by physical quality enhancement training?"

"Indeed, I forgot to tell you, but regarding this, the general education courses starting tomorrow will also cover this."

"For example, the 'Impulse Chamber', the 'Sandstorm Pavilion', the 'Swamp Room', and so on. These places can all be used for physical quality enhancement training. I suggest you start with the Impulse Chamber and gradually progress."

'Impulse Chamber', 'Sandstorm Pavilion', 'Swamp Room'?

Each word is recognizable, but when put together, it's a bit hard to understand.

"Haha, these three places all adopt the witchcraft method for enhancement training. The Impulse Chamber enhances physical quality by resisting the impact of the water flow."

"Specifically, Rain, you can go and experience it yourself. However, these places all require spending merit points to train." Kurman said with a smile.

Again, it's about merit points?

This suddenly made Rain feel like his 2736 merit points were a bit of a burden.

Although, Marcus means that for this special training, Rain can decide whether or not to participate.

But Rain thought about it and felt that it was still necessary to listen.

For example, today, he benefited greatly.

Rain, who returned to his room in the evening, began to ponder in seclusion.

"Tomorrow I have to go to the Exchange Hall to find out about, such as the exchange price of potions like the Potent Strength Potion."

"Secondly, I also need to inquire about the fees for the Torrent Chamber."

Suddenly, Rain thought of something more important.

Before, he had always wanted to join the Empire's Swordsmen and find Metal-type Witchcraft.

But the problem is, he hasn't been promoted to a formal wizard yet.

"I almost forgot, tomorrow I have to go and find out the exchange conditions for the Fog Combining Elixir."

"As well as the Defense-oriented First-level Witchcraft model. It must be Fire-type."

"After all, as soon as you hear 'Metal Transformation Technique', you know it's not a defensive witchcraft."

Rain still remembered that Naya, who had the bloodline of a sorcerer, had once tested his elemental affinity for him. His affinity for Fire was 71, and for Metal it was 72.

Obviously, these two types of witchcraft were his first choice.

But as soon as he thought of so many things to exchange, Rain frowned.

There are too many good things to want, and not enough 'money'!

"No way, I have to go to the Task Hall tomorrow."

"Open up the source, and open up first!"

The next morning, the special training was a general knowledge class.

However, what Rain didn't expect was that the instructor for their first general knowledge class was the robust Marcus.

This once again proved that a strong body often comes with a strong mind.

"Today, I'll first explain why most of the Empire's special departments use the squad model for tasks." Marcus' deep voice echoed in the hall.

"This is partly due to historical origins, and partly due to practical combat considerations. In ancient times, humans formed hunting parties centered around extraordinary individuals to hunt beasts."

"For example, the most common extraordinary individuals in the Empire—Knights, often have multiple Knight Attendants surrounding a formal Knight to form a combat squad, which constitutes the cornerstone of the Empire's security."

Previously, Rain had wondered why Swordsmen adopted the squad model.

After listening to Marcus' explanation, Rain's guess was confirmed.

The Swordsmen squad basically has each member assisting the captain, who serves as the core of combat and defense.

This model is similar to the Empire's oldest Knight squad, with the Knight as the core, from which it has slowly evolved.

"Next, I'll talk about some common knowledge regarding task acquisition. Each person can only acquire tasks within one level of their own rank. For you, at the Black Iron Rank, the highest task you can acquire is at the Bronze Rank."

"Once you reach the Silver Rank, you can acquire tasks at the Gold, Silver, and Bronze levels. But note that when acquiring tasks one level below your own rank, the rewards will be discounted."

"Conversely, when acquiring tasks one level above your own rank, if completed, the rewards will also increase. However, if you fail, a certain number of Valor Points will be deducted." Marcus continued.

Hmm?

Rain raised his eyebrows and listened attentively.

He was just about to go to the Task Hall today, and Marcus started talking about related content.

"The Swordsmen's task levels start at the Bronze Rank."

"Tasks can be divided into designated and non-designated tasks. Designated tasks have generous rewards."

"The promotion rule is a three-for-three system. If you are at the Bronze level, obtaining three Bronze Medals will promote you to the Silver level, and so on."

"Squad tasks can only be accepted by the captain. You already know this."

"Task Evaluation Medals can be split when exchanging, but cannot be exchanged upwards. In other words, a Gold Medal can be exchanged for three Silver Medals, but not the other way around."

Rain listened and nodded frequently.

As the only one among the newcomers who could already accept tasks, he listened extra carefully.

Cannot exchange upwards?

That's right!

Otherwise, experts would just complete low-level tasks and exchange them for higher-level medals, leading to a lack of people doing high-level tasks, and newcomers having no tasks to accept.

"Finally, I'll talk about loans." Marcus took a sip of water and continued.

Loans?

Everyone below was startled, and Rain was no exception.

"If you've just entered the Swordsmen and didn't previously work in an imperial functional department, you may not have any Valor Points. But many training, facilities, and potions in the division require Valor Points."

"The organization has considered this situation and has arranged for loans."

"Based on your different potentials and efforts, you can consume first and then, within a certain time limit, complete tasks to repay the borrowed Valor Points."

It can be like this?

Rain's eyes widened in surprise!

According to his potential, he could 'loan' to purchase the Defense-oriented First-level Witchcraft, Metal Transformation Technique, Fog Combining Elixir, and more.

That shouldn't be excessive, right?

(End of Chapter)

Chapter end