Chapter 256: Exceeding Authority

Chapter 256: Exceeding Authority



However, Ren suddenly remembered that he hadn't checked the system prompts yet.

He summoned the system and saw:

【You have experienced a battle, Weaponmaster (Legendary) experience +3711】

(Note: The above skill experience has received a 30% boost from the exclusive talent 'Basic Extraordinary Insight'.)



【Congratulations, you have defeated a powerful enemy and obtained 7 Golden Skill Points!】

【Congratulations, your Weaponmaster (Legendary) profession level has increased!】

Ren discovered that the Weaponmaster (Legendary) profession level had increased by one level, reaching lv8 (612/7000), which also earned him an additional attribute point and skill point.

However, Ren also noticed that the experience required for lv8 was relatively high, and it would be difficult to level up the Weaponmaster (Legendary) profession again in a short time.

He flipped through to the attribute page.

Name: Ren Karan

Profession: Weaponmaster (Legendary) lv8 (612/7000) / Beast Priest (Legendary) lv3 (12/500) / Apprentice Wizard (Extraordinary) lv6 (792/3000) / Deathbringer (Extraordinary) lv6 (69/3000) / Armorsmith lv6 (211/3000)



Constitution: 35

Strength: 38

Agility: 32

Intelligence: 39

Remaining Attribute Points: 6

Remaining Skill Points: 2

Golden Skill Points: 7

"Basically, apart from the Beast Priest (Legendary), which can be raised in a relatively short time, it will be challenging to level up the other professions."

"It seems that the matter of subsequent job changes must be planned immediately."

"The transition to a Wizard is basically no problem, as for the Deathbringer and Armorsmith..."

Ren's face showed contemplation, but soon he seemed to realize something crucial, and his expression relaxed.

The airship's speed wasn't fast, but it had the advantage of flying directly to its destination without having to detour or be affected by terrain.

Therefore, after just a few hours of flight, the enormous white city of Minster, built against the mountains, came into view for the passengers on the airship, and the azure Stillwater Lake was right below them.

The airship's docking point was next to the Griffin Platform at the top of the mountain.

As soon as Ren and Alisa disembarked, they saw the familiar middle-aged man with a goatee waiting for them.

Javier was all smiles at this moment, and his previous heavy-heartedness was gone.

"Father!" Alisa exclaimed with delight and ran towards Javier.

Ren smiled as he watched this scene, not wanting to interrupt.

After a while, Javier approached after a brief exchange with his daughter and said apologetically:

"Baron Ren, I apologize for the inconvenience."

"I've asked the butler to prepare a banquet, Baron Ren. Please do us the honor."

"Baron Ren, please do us the honor." Alisa also sincerely invited him.

"Um..." Ren hesitated.

Ren had intended to go to the Swordsman Branch task hall immediately, but looking at the sky, he realized it was already evening. He also thought about the Deathbringer's subsequent profession, which might require Alisa's assistance as a formal researcher from the Royal Alchemist Association.

So, Ren nodded and said, "In that case, we'll be troubling you, Envoy, and Miss Alisa."

"However, I might need to go back first to settle my beast companion." Ren pointed to the tall black horse and Lindy warhound beside him.

"Of course, Baron Ren, we'll see you tonight." Javier smiled.

"Baron Ren, see you tonight." Alisa also smiled.

".

Since the Griffin Platform was not far from Jenny's newly purchased villa, Ren soon arrived at the new villa near the Swordsman Branch.

"Lord Ren, you're back so soon?" Jenny saw Ren and was delighted, holding up her white dress and running over.

Ren's return was much faster than she had expected.

For the past two days, various rumors from Misty had been flying around, making her worry.

"Jenny, I think we might need to move to another house again?" Ren said with a smile after dismounting.

Although they had just purchased this villa, it was intended for the two women to live in, with Ren occasionally staying for short periods. Obviously, it wouldn't be enough if his family and Jennifer came along.

Moreover, there were also some accompanying servants who needed to be settled.

"Huh? Do you mean Mother and the others are almost here?" Jenny was quick to understand Ren's meaning.

"That's right, they're already on their way and are expected to arrive in Minster the day after tomorrow. So, you and Agatha will need to work hard these two days to find a large enough mansion."

"Wonderful! Lord Ren, I'll get started right away." Jenny was delighted.

She hadn't expected that Ren had already resolved the issue she had been worrying about.

"By the way, I'll prepare your dinner right away."

"Jenny, there's no need for that, I have to attend a banquet tonight.

Ren waved his hand dismissively.

In the noble district of Minster, Javier's mansion stood grandly.

The banquet hall was lavishly decorated, with dozens of mountain-shaped candles illuminating the entire room, making it bright and dazzling. The gilded ornaments on the surrounding walls glistened even more under the candlelight, enhancing the luxurious atmosphere.

This mansion once belonged to a count, but now it serves as the residence of Javier, the Imperial Commission's special envoy, in Minster.

On the long dining table in the banquet hall, a variety of rare delicacies, large bowls of fruits, and fresh flowers were meticulously arranged.

Although only Javier, Alisa, and Ren were dining, the dishes were exceptionally abundant.

Whether it was the grass-spiked wild boar liver pie, the wetland crocodile thick soup, or the juicy large-horned sheep rack, they were all rare and delicious Ferocious Beast meat dishes, and the cooking techniques were exquisite, instantly making Ren's appetite soar.

"Baron Ren, I am deeply grateful for your bravery in rescuing Alisa. Please allow me to express my respect to you," Javier said with a smile, raising his glass to Ren and downing the wine in one go.

It was only on the carriage ride back with Alisa that Javier learned of the great danger Ren had faced to rescue her.

The situation had been perilous, and if not for Ren, even an entire elite squad from the Imperial Special Department might not have been able to complete the rescue mission.

This made Javier not only appreciate his choice of Ren but also marvel at Ren's rapidly growing strength.

"Your Excellency, you are too kind," Ren said, raising his glass in response and taking a sip.

"Baron Ren, thank you for saving me. Your outstanding abilities have left a deep impression on me," Alisa said with a smile, raising her glass.

"Thank you, Miss Alisa. That is an overstatement from my father. Compared to your talent in the path of knighthood, mine is insignificant," Ren replied with a smile, not holding back his praise.

"By the way, Lord Ren, if you have any needs regarding potion-making, perhaps I can be of some assistance," Alisa offered, as if something had just occurred to her.

"That's wonderful! The cultivation of a Great Knight indeed requires many potions," Ren said.

"Also, Miss Alisa, I am quite interested in potion-making myself. Unfortunately, I haven't had many friends who are alchemists," Ren added.

"Hmm? Lord Ren, you also study potion-making?" Alisa's eyes widened in surprise, looking at Ren with disbelief.

To be honest, she found it hard to believe.

In her understanding, for someone like Ren, who was already a skilled knight, to achieve his current level of strength, he must have dedicated himself to rigorous training and the study of various extraordinary combat techniques, leaving little time and energy for the study of alchemy.

"Lord Ren, have you made any potions recently?" Alisa asked, her eyes fixed on Ren as she tried to indirectly probe him.

This question left Ren momentarily unsure of how to respond.

In truth, he hadn't personally made many potions.

The mutagen was a secret he couldn't reveal.

That left only the poison.

But the few types of poison he knew from the 'Maxwell's Rare Poison Making Secret Scroll' were not suitable for discussion, especially the lavender hallucinogen, which was better kept as a secret technique.

So, after some thought, Ren cautiously replied, "The last time, I mixed the venom sac of a nightcrawler with the venom of a whipscorpion in specific proportions to create a potent paralyzing poison, which was about two to three times stronger than a regular paralyzing poison. The key point is..."

Hmm?

The banquet hall suddenly fell silent, and one could hear a pin drop.

Alisa's eyes widened in shock, looking at Ren as if she had seen a ghost.

She wondered if she was hallucinating.

But Alisa knew that with such clear knowledge of the formula and the intricacies of the potion-making process, Lord Ren must have, at the very least, the skills of a beginner, if not an intermediate alchemist.

At this moment, even the well-traveled Javier was stunned.

Ren was not only a Great Knight but also a rare poison alchemist?

The servants around them froze, their expressions turning blank.

"Baron Ren, I never expected... you... you are not only a Great Knight but also a rare poison alchemist?" Alisa was so surprised that she stumbled over her words.

"Haha, I wouldn't call myself a poison alchemist. I only learned a bit about poisons on my own because they are occasionally needed in combat," Ren explained with a laugh.

"Well, I was hoping to seek advice from a true alchemist like yourself, Miss Alisa. If I want to improve my skills in poison-making," Ren said, taking the opportunity to ask.

After the banquet, on the way back, Ren had a smile on his face.

He had obtained a letter of introduction from Alisa to the Royal Alchemist Association's Minster branch, where she recommended him as a part-time researcher based on his impressive knowledge of potion-making.

As Ren was already an Imperial Baron and a swordsman, this matter was not too difficult to arrange, especially since the Royal Alchemist Association was also an Imperial organization.

In the most challenging part of the process, there was a need for an introduction segment, and Alisa was the perfect fit for the role.

Upon returning to the Swordsman Branch, the sky had already darkened.

After a tiring day, Ren naturally fell into a deep slumber.

The next morning, awakened by the dawn, Ren quickly freshened up and headed towards the mission hall.

He first needed to complete the confirmation and reward collection for the two tasks: the security advisor assignment in the trading district and the rescue of Alisa.

Javier had already coordinated the necessary communication and task completion proof.

However, for the final reward collection, Ren still needed to go to the mission hall himself.

Additionally, the rescue mission for the Boulder Squad would be a bit more complicated. Even with the proof letter, the Swordsman Branch would likely require some time for verification and confirmation.

Soon, Ren made his way through the lush garden filled with blooming flowers and reached the front of the circular statue fountain.

Right behind the fountain was the mission hall of the Swordsman Branch.

As he entered the hall, Ren noticed that there were significantly more people coming and going compared to his previous visit. This increase was likely due to the recent attacks by the Sea Tribe and the cult, leading to a surge in the number of tasks issued by the branch.

Naturally, the number of people completing tasks had also risen.

Despite the crowd, the atmosphere was not chaotic.

Most familiar faces merely nodded or exchanged brief greetings, maintaining a serious demeanor or appearing hurried.

It seemed that the recent incidents had put considerable pressure on the Swordsman Branch in Minster.

As a newcomer, Ren didn't know anyone to greet.

The few people he was acquainted with, like Leemir, were currently at the front lines accompanying their captain, Bartista, for emergency treatment.

However, the members of the Boulder Squad, including Captain Bartista, would return to Minster soon after the captain's condition stabilized. Bartista himself would come to Minster for further treatment.

Ren chose a counter with fewer people in line and waited.

There were three people ahead of him, two submitting tasks and one accepting a mission, each with only one task, so it took about seven or eight minutes before it was Ren's turn.

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"Hello, sir, how can I help you?" A beautiful female staff member noticed Ren approaching and stood up with a smile, bowing politely.

"Hello, please help me confirm the completion of my assignment first." Ren said as he handed over his bronze emblem.

Hearing that Ren was there to confirm task completion, the female staff member smiled even sweeter and respectfully took the emblem with both hands.

"Okay, sir, please wait a moment."

"I found it, sir. You were previously assigned as a security advisor in the Minster Trading District, and the Minster Administration sent the completion letter to the branch yesterday morning."

As she spoke, the attentive female staff member paused, realizing that the young Ren had completed his assignment in just a few days, which was very rare.

Most Swordsman adults usually took a month.

However, there were exceptions.

Some Swordsman adults with special backgrounds had similar experiences.

"The branch's evaluation of your task is... Hmm? Three bronze medals and 500 merit points?" The female staff member's eyes widened in surprise.

Usually, it was just one bronze medal with some fluctuations. It was rare to hear of two, especially for a newly promoted adult.

The female staff member double-checked and reviewed the task completion report.

She then discovered that the young adult before her had killed a native with suspected Great Knight-level strength.

Now it made sense!

"Is there a problem?" Ren frowned slightly and glanced at the female staff member.

Could it be that Javier hadn't coordinated the matter with the Minster Administration?

If there was an issue with the first task, then...

"No problem, sir. Your task evaluation is exceptionally high, which is rare."

"Your assignment reward is three bronze medals and 500 merit points. Please confirm, sir." The female staff member stood up respectfully and handed Ren a document to sign.

Ren nodded.

He was already aware of the task evaluation.

"Sir, with these three bronze medals, you meet the requirements for upgrading your bronze emblem to a silver one. May I help you with the upgrade? It won't consume any medals."

"Upgrade to a silver emblem?"

"Yes, sir. The upgrade won't consume any medals, but I need to go to the Deputy Commissioner's office to activate your silver-level permissions, allowing you to accept subsequent silver-level tasks. So, I need you to wait here for a few minutes."

"Okay, sure." Ren nodded.

The female staff member quickly took the documents and headed towards the office behind the counter.

Two minutes later, the female clerk hurried back, slightly out of breath, and handed Ren a slightly larger emblem than the Bronze Emblem, which was shining with a silvery glow. She said:

"Sir, it's all set. Here is your Silver Emblem. Please keep it safe."

"Your task rewards have also been recorded. With this emblem, you can check and use your Merit Points and Evaluation Medals at any department of the Swordsman Branch."

"Thank you."

Ren took a look at the Silver Emblem. It seemed to be made of a metal alloy rather than pure silver, with a beautiful silver sheen. The image of a knight holding a longsword remained on the front, while the back still bore his name.

At this moment, Ren handed the Silver Emblem back to the female clerk and said: "There's another rescue mission that I believe I have completed as well."

"Um? Another one?" The surprised clerk took the emblem back and began to check.

Under normal circumstances, completed tasks would be displayed.

The female clerk couldn't help but look puzzled.

"Huh? It's actually there."

"This... This is a completed Gold Rank rescue mission?"

"But, sir, your previous emblem permissions were only Bronze. How could you have taken on a Silver Rank mission?"

The female clerk was a bit confused.

However, as a junior clerk, she naturally wouldn’t question anything and quickly processed it according to regulations.

Soon, she said to Ren:

"Sir, the rescue of the Royal Alchemist Association's trapped personnel has been confirmed. The reward of two Silver Medals and 1500 Merit Points has been recorded in your emblem."

"Alright." Ren nodded.

He had known about the rewards beforehand.

Before setting out on the mission, Javier had already told him straightforwardly that this was the highest reward he could coordinate from the Minster Swordsman Branch.

"Alright, sir, you now have a total of two Silver Medals, three Bronze Medals, and 14,341 Merit Points, with 2,000 Merit Points coming from these two tasks."

The young female clerk had developed a certain immunity to Ren. Seeing over ten thousand Merit Points didn’t tie her tongue this time.

Ren nodded.

The amount was correct.

He had used some Merit Points to purchase potions and for training in the Advanced Rapid Room.

Just as the female clerk was about to hand the Silver Emblem back to Ren, he waved his hand and said:

"Wait, there's another task. This task was originally taken by the Boulder Squad, but it has now been completed by both me and the Boulder Squad. We have agreed to split the rewards sixty-forth."

"Here is a letter of proof from the Boulder Squad."

Originally, Ren had intended to split it fifty-fifty, as he had merely done it as a favor.

But Bartista insisted on a seventy-thirty split. In the end, after Leimer's persuasion, Bartista finally agreed to a sixty-forty split.

Of course, Ren would get sixty, and the Boulder Squad would get forty.

As long as there was a letter of proof from the original task squad, the Swordsman Branch would recognize this behavior, as it encouraged internal teams to help each other and reduce casualties.

"Huh?"

Upon hearing Ren’s words, the female clerk was slightly stunned.

Did she hear correctly just now?

The Boulder Squad?

She had been working in the task hall for two and a half years and knew about the famous Swordsman Squad that had completed many challenging tasks.

When she took the letter of proof from Ren and checked the task details, she was immediately stunned:

"Investigate the Disappearance of Multiple Elite Squads in the Empire (Gold Rank). On a coastal island near the Meyister County, a sea tribe altar was discovered. Recently, two squads sent to investigate have gone missing.

"Task Details: Investigate the situation within three days. Task Reward: Three Gold Medals, 4500 Merit Points."

"(Note: If survivors are found and rescued, the reward will increase.)"

"This is a Gold Rank investigation task with a base reward of three Gold Medals!"

"I’m sorry, sir, my permissions are insufficient. This matter will need to be handled personally by the Deputy Commissioner Olenna. Please wait a moment while I report this."

"Alright." Ren nodded.

The female clerk hurriedly ran back to the Deputy Commissioner’s office.

A robust Swordsman standing behind Ren looked at him, slightly speechless.

He had chosen this queue because it had the fewest people, but now he was the slowest in all the queues.

Damn, he had been waiting for fifteen minutes.

What was the guy in front of him doing?

Why did it take so long?

But he had vaguely heard something earlier.

It seemed the female clerk mentioned insufficient permissions?

The robust Swordsman looked at the departing female clerk and then at the young and unfamiliar Ren, his expression was full of suspicion.

He had been a Swordsman captain for two and a half years and had never heard a female clerk mention insufficient permissions.

(End of Chapter)

Chapter end