Chapter 247: Assigned Mission (Part 2)

Chapter 247: Assigned Mission (Part 2)



"Last night, both Meister and Rosby counties were attacked, and the casualties were reportedly heavy!"

"What!" Rain's face turned pale with shock. After all, his family was in Meister.

"What's the specific situation? Was it the county city that was attacked, or were the towns under its jurisdiction?" Rain asked anxiously.

"The details are still unclear." Evelyn shook her head.

She was also worried because the information was too vague.

"However, the general education class scheduled for this morning has been changed to a briefing on the latest situation." Evelyn continued.

"Then let's go, Evelyn. Let's go and hear the latest news." Rain's face tightened, and he spoke.

After all, guessing blindly only led to more confusion.

When the two arrived at the Novice Training Hall, almost everyone was present, including Veronica.

From the serious expressions and hushed whispers among the crowd, it was clear that they had also received this news.

The crowd didn't have to wait long before a middle-aged man in a Staff Officer uniform, accompanied by Staff Officer Melanie from the Boost Enhancement Department, entered the hall.

Instantly, the entire hall fell silent.

The middle-aged man had a clean-shaven face, a refined demeanor, and his shoulder epaulets displayed a pair of golden branches and three crescent moons, indicating his rank as an Imperial Colonel.

But from his slightly pompous gait, he didn't seem like a combat personnel.

After a brief self-introduction, the colonel confirmed Rain's guess. His name was Colonel Belmont, and he served as a senior staff officer in the Imperial Army.

The first sentence he spoke about the latest intelligence immediately caused a stir among the crowd, including the exceptionally capable Swordholders.

"Last night, multiple provinces, including the neighboring provinces of Meister, Vaz, and Nom, suffered varying degrees of attacks, resulting in heavy casualties." Colonel Belmont said gravely.

"What!" exclaimed a Swordholder novice.

"So many places were attacked?"

"Could it be the Eagle Federation?"

"Who else would have the capability to do this?"

".

The hall instantly became noisy, like a boiling pot.

Rain's face also turned solemn. The situation was more severe than what Evelyn had described earlier.

Moreover, the fact that these attacks occurred in so many Imperial provinces indicated that the force behind them was not ordinary. Who was the attacker, or the mastermind behind these attacks?

"Colonel Belmont, who are the attackers?" Vere raised his hand, slightly anxious, and asked.

This question was on everyone's mind, and the hall fell silent again.

Everyone's gaze instantly focused on Colonel Belmont.

"According to the information we have, the attackers include but are not limited to the Black Flame Cult, the Amputation Cult, the Sea God Cult, the Serpent Cult, and multiple other cults. Additionally, some rare races were also involved."

"However, based on our assessment in the Staff Office, the involvement of these rare races is likely orchestrated by these cults." Colonel Belmont held up a stack of documents and spoke earnestly.

As soon as Colonel Belmont finished speaking, the hall erupted in noise again.

"Are multiple cults secretly collaborating behind the scenes?"

"The cults are too bold!"

".

Rain, on the other hand, furrowed his brows in surprise.

He hadn't expected that behind such a large-scale attack, there were cults stirring up trouble.

However, it wasn't surprising that multiple cults were involved.

"There's no evidence of the Eagle Federation's involvement, at least not on the surface." Colonel Belmont shook his head.

"Colonel Belmont, what are the specific locations attacked in Meister and Rosby counties?" Evelyn raised her hand and asked, "What are these rare races you mentioned?"

This question was also on everyone's mind, and the hall fell silent again.

"The towns of Fishport, Albero, Monem, and Shingold in Meister County, as well as the towns of Lachmond Fish Harbor and others in Rosby County, were all attacked. The casualties are still being tallied, but it's clear that they are heavy."

Rain breathed a sigh of relief upon hearing that the attacks were on towns.

But soon, Rain realized something.

Fishport? Shingold? Rain's eyebrows furrowed. He knew many familiar people in these two towns.

In Fishport, there were the Lehman brothers. In Shingold, there were even more, including his good friend George, Sheriff Hamilton, and Night Watch Captain Weren.

Suddenly, vivid images of these people flashed through Rain's mind.

At this moment, Colonel Belmont continued, "As for the rare races, according to the intelligence we have, it can be confirmed that based on the scales found on the surface in Fishport and Lachmond Fish Harbor, it is likely an ancient species, the Blood Curse Naga!"

"Logically, this Naga clan should have long disappeared into the vast river of history."

"But it's unclear how the Sea God Cult managed to command them to attack the Empire's coastal areas."

"We speculate that the Sea God Cult might have found the remnants of their clan in the deep sea, or they might have borrowed the power of a certain evil god."

"This Blood Curse Naga clan is different from other Nagas. They are more cruel, bloodthirsty, and fond of attacking humans and performing blood sacrifices."

"Blood Curse Naga, the male adults of this race can reach the strength of a Great Knight, and as a matriarchal clan, the female Naga's combat power is even more astonishing, with the adults being the strength of formal Wizards."

Adult is a Great Knight?

As fierce as the ancient trolls! Rain flipped through "The Ancient Giants", which recorded the strength of ancient giant adults.

Female Blood Curse Naga are even more powerful, with adults being the strength of formal Wizards?

Truly a race blessed by the gods. Rain couldn't help but exclaim inwardly.

If it weren't for the system, he wouldn't know when he'd become a Great Knight, let alone a formal Wizard!

"Additionally, in the ruins of some houses in Lachmond Fish Harbor Town, Imperial Scouts discovered giant humanoid footprints over 1.5 meters long and 80 centimeters wide. According to our judgment, this should be a Sea Giant." Viscount Belmont continued.

Sea Giant? Rain's eyebrows rose.

Recently, various ancient or rare races seem to have emerged one after another.

A time of great turmoil!

"But we're currently unclear about which clan this Sea Giant belongs to. The closest Sea Giant clan to the Empire's borders is the Raging Giant Clan. This is also why we judge that there must be the Sea God Cult behind this."

"Sea Giants and Naga are natural enemies, the probability of them attacking the Empire simultaneously is extremely low."

"Additionally, ancient Naga possess the ability to summon marine life to assist in combat. At this moment, along the coast of Minster Province, there are already Gray Fin Fishmen, Black Gill Fishmen, Blue Gill Abyss Fishmen, Giant Claw Lobstermen, and other subordinate clans everywhere."

"Currently, the Imperial Army stationed in Minster Province has begun to make contact with them and engage in fierce combat."

"Viscount Belmont, what about the movements of the Imperial Navy?" Veronica anxiously asked, having heard about the attacks from Sea Gods and Blood Curse Naga.

Rain knew that the twin-tailed girl was probably worried about her familiar mentor, Master Anius, Major Marika, and others.

"The Imperial Navy is currently engaged in combat with multiple giant marine creatures, and the specific battle situation is classified due to its relation to Imperial Navy movements. I'm also not very clear." Viscount Belmont shook his head.

Not long after, Viscount Belmont finished his report and left the Novice Hall.

Although Rain still had many questions in his mind.

For example, what is the Empire's high-end combat power like?

Is there a higher level of battle?

Additionally, with so many significant events happening, shouldn't the intelligence department be aware of them? Or is it that these events are directly communicated and promoted by the evil gods?

At this moment, the Deputy Director of the Boost Enhancement Department, Melanie, stepped forward and announced the latest notification from the Swordsman Branch Office:

"Ladies and gentlemen, according to the orders from above, special training is suspended. All Swordsman Novices will be uniformly arranged to participate in the security and defense of various counties in Minster Province."

As soon as Melanie finished speaking, many people below immediately questioned:

"Deputy Director Melanie, why won't you let us go to the frontlines?"

"Yes, my parents are still in Rosby County."

"Ladies and gentlemen, please quiet down!" Melanie's pretty face turned stern as she said, "This is an order from above. If everyone disregards the command and only cares about rescuing their own families, what's the point of our organization existing?"

"You all have your concerns, but the Imperial Army is already in motion and has been deployed."

"Additionally, most of you don't possess the capability to execute special tasks on the frontlines."

"Currently, the lowest-level tasks on the frontlines are Silver Rank tasks."

"Using you for ordinary combat would be a waste of talent, so that's why the higher-ups would consider letting you strengthen the security in various counties, acting as Security Advisors."

After hearing the latest intelligence, Rain's heart naturally wanted to immediately return to Myester County City and relocate his family and Jennifer to a safer place in Myester.

But the problem right now is that as a Swordsman, he needs to obey the unified arrangements of his superiors.

However, the problem he is currently thinking about is another matter.

Just now, Melanie mentioned that the lowest-level tasks on the frontlines are Silver Rank tasks.

If he could settle the three Bronze Medal tasks in advance, he could also upgrade his emblem authority to Silver Rank, thereby being able to accept Silver Rank tasks.

He could use the opportunity to go to Myester County City, and on the way, relocate his family to a safer place in Myester.

The envoy, Javier Stewart, had come to visit, bearing a Swordsman Division pass and waiting in the small reception room of the Administrative Building. This was surprising, as barons and viscounts usually didn't have access to the Swordsman Division. Only someone of Count Habus' status would be allowed entry.

The envoy was a middle-aged man with a goatee, dressed in a black hunting outfit with golden trim. He sat solemnly, a cup of steaming Yorton tea untouched by his side, his expression grave.

"Envoy!" Rain exclaimed in surprise.

Javier managed a faint smile upon seeing Rain. "Baron Rain, we meet again."

"Greetings, it's been a while," Rain bowed slightly. He remembered this envoy from their previous encounter in the man's carriage before his noble examination. Javier's warm demeanor had left a deep impression.

Rain later learned that Javier was a prominent figure in the Minster Province Noble Examination Committee, sent from the Imperial City to the Minster Province. No wonder he could enter the Swordsman Division in Minster so easily.

"Please sit, Baron Rain," Javier invited.

"Baron Rain, due to the urgency, I'll get straight to the point. I'd like to request your assistance in a rescue mission."

"A mission?" Rain was taken aback and looked at Javier in surprise. He wondered why the envoy would seek him out.

Sensing Rain's confusion, Javier explained, "You must be wondering why, as a high-ranking noble, I didn't seek out a family knight."

"It's simple. I'm not from the Minster Province. My younger daughter, Alyosha, has gone missing near Fishport Town in Minster. It's too late to contact my family in the Imperial City."

"And why not a Swordsman?"

"With the emergency mobilization order, all Swordsmen have been assigned tasks, except for you newcomers." Javier paused.

Rain now understood why Javier had sought him out. It was simple; he was likely the best candidate Javier could find among the new Swordsmen, given his strength and reliability.

Javier had probably reviewed Rain's resume before approaching him. Rain's familiarity with Fishport Town, having served as its magistrate and sheriff, would be invaluable in the search.

Rain was already assigned to other tasks, but Javier waved his hand, saying, "Baron Rain, let me finish explaining the conditions. Then you can decide."

Rain was curious about Javier's next words. As a new Swordsman, he was responsible for security and vigilance in various districts. Could Javier coordinate this for him?

"Baron Rain, I know your parents and sister are still in Myester County City, not yet relocated to Minster. If you're willing to take on the rescue of my daughter, I'll arrange for a squad of family cavalry to assist you immediately."

"Currently, in Minster, the cost of hiring mercenaries has skyrocketed, but reliability is a major issue. It's difficult to discern if there are cultists among them."

Rain's eyes lit up at this. Javier was indeed impressive, attempting to convince him from this angle.

"Additionally, if Baron Rain agrees, this rescue will be assigned as a designated task by the Swordsman Division, with you, Baron Rain, as the designated completer."

"The reward for this task is two Silver Medals and 1500 Valor Points as a fixed reward. This is the highest reward the Division could agree to, after my communication with them."

Hearing this, Rain knew he was convinced by Javier.

With the safety of his family in Myester County City assured, the other party had considered this matter.

The Swordsman Division would take the initiative to communicate and coordinate.

Although this assigned task had its dangers, the rewards were also exceptionally high.

If it wasn't for the other Swordsmen being preoccupied with the war, such a substantial reward for this task would likely be snatched up as soon as it appeared.

"Envoy, my current liaison task..."

"Rest assured, I will communicate with the Swordsman Division and the Minster Administration to end your liaison task early. I heard about your performance during the emergency in the Trade District."

Rain's eyebrows furrowed.

Hmm?

This is great!

"Envoy, I think I can set off at any time. However, regarding the situation..."

Seeing Rain's agreement, Javier felt a great relief, and his complexion finally improved.

"Baron Rain, the person you will rescue this time is my youngest daughter, Alyosha."

"She has loved alchemy since she was young and is now an official researcher in the Royal Alchemist Association. This time, for personal reasons, she came to the seas near Minster to search for a relatively rare alchemical ingredient - the oil of the Giant Stone-Scaled Fish."

"This fish occasionally appears in the seas of Myester and Rosby counties."

Upon hearing this, Rain understood the general situation.

"Originally, when I received the news of the attack on Myester last night, I was very worried. But at that time, Alyosha's communication stone, which she left with me, showed no changes."

"But just two hours ago, her teleportation stone shattered. I know she must have encountered an unsolvable danger. I guess Alyosha might have encountered the Blood Curse Naga!"

"If it's a regular danger, the two family knights by her side, both with peak knight strength, should be fine."

"But if it's the Blood Curse Naga, my two family knights might not be able to resist them!"

"Envoy, if your little daughter really encountered the Blood Curse Naga, even if I rush there without stopping, I'm afraid it might be too late, right?" Rain asked with doubt.

"There's one thing, Baron Rain, that you might not be clear about. The Blood Curse Naga, when facing a decently strong enemy, will try to leave them alive for blood sacrifice."

"Additionally, Alyosha has several wizard scrolls, including two 'Invisibility' scrolls."

"So, this is also why I believe that even if Alyosha encountered the Blood Curse Naga, even if she's at a disadvantage, for a short time, she should still be alive."

"But if this time is prolonged..."

Hearing this, Rain had no further questions and nodded immediately, saying, "Envoy, then I'll set off now!"

"Good! Baron Rain, your mount should be faster than my Lochmare."

His black horse should be better than the Lochmare.

After all, his black horse was already close to becoming a Feral Beast, and in all aspects, including endurance, it surpassed a regular Lochmare.

"It shouldn't be necessary, Envoy. My mount should be faster than your Lochmare."

"That's great! Additionally, if..." Javier seemed to think of something, and his expression darkened.

"Envoy, rest assured, the Goddess of Luck will bless Alyosha. She will be fine," Rain interrupted Javier with a wave of his hand.

After leaving the reception room, Rain returned to his room and quickly put on his knight's plate armor.

Additionally, in terms of weapons, besides the regular warhammer and the dimly glowing greatsword, Rain also carried the battle bow, daggers, and more.

Furthermore, after changing his job to Deathbringer Alchemist, he had two special poisons made according to Maxwell's Rare Poison Crafting Manual!

Unlike ordinary people, facing the possibility of encountering the powerful ancient race of the Blood Curse Naga, Rain didn't feel any fear or hesitation.

Instead, he was eager to try!

On the one hand, it was because he had just successfully changed jobs to Beast Priest (Legendary) and needed some combat to verify the new legendary job.

On the other hand, it was because he could only gain the system's experience rewards and level up his job by fighting!

Moreover, after this period of training in the Swordsman Division, Rain's strength had been steadily improving!

Currently, his Tier 2 Beyond Limits value had reached 2, and he wasn't far from becoming a Great Knight.

After preparing his weapons, Rain left the Swordsman Division.

First, he went to Jenny and Agatha's new villa in the Administrative District, not far away, to pick up Cookie, Bloodfeather, and his black horse, these three pets.

Jenny and Agatha's newly purchased villa was in the nearby Administrative District.

On the tree-lined avenue, outside the Swordsman Division's gate.

Not far away, a mobile vendor selling pies saw Rain coming out of the Swordsman Division and immediately sent a pigeon with a note.

In Minster, at the Aksen Auction House, Hamis received the pigeon.

Reading the note, a sinister smile appeared on his face as he muttered to himself:

"Rain, you despicable guy! If it wasn't for Lord Horton's prophecy, I'd still be in the dark!"

"As an Imperial Swordsman, where is your integrity?"

"Damn it! My previous feeling was right!"

"The Ancient Troll Fangs, the place where they finally disappeared, is in your room!"

Thinking back to the last time, Rain's clear eyes and unwavering response made Hamis's temples throb!

(End of Chapter)

Chapter end