Chapter 260: Fury (Part 2)

Chapter 260: Fury (Part 2)



Mingster Swordsmen Branch.

Training Building, Second Floor, Combat Power Testing Chamber.

Rain stared at the deep sword marks on the metal block before him, then glanced at the displayed value of 32 beside it, deep in thought.

32 degrees?

Indeed, his Mammoth Bear Sword Technique, an advanced technique derived from the High Technique, was a rare sound-based technique.

If he didn't use the Intermediate High Technique 'Roaring War Shout' but instead directly employed the 13th level of the Mammoth Bear Sword Technique, the current attack power of 32 degrees was not insignificant.

However, there was still a way to enhance it.

Rain began to chant the incantation for another Metal Wizardry, 'Sharpening'.

Soon, the surface of his hands, transformed by Hardened Mythril, glowed with a mercury-like aura.

Rain's muscles swelled, and he swung the greatsword again, delivering a powerful downward slash at the testing metal block!

"Ssssss!"

The power of this strike was evidently stronger than the previous one, as the tip of the greatsword completely penetrated the originally smooth metal surface.

On the nearby Wisdom Slate, two large characters instantly refreshed: 35!

This time, Rain smiled.

Apparently, when it came to sharp weapons, using the Sharpening technique could enhance attack power.

Although the increase in power was not significant, just about ten percent, at the Peak Knight level, every degree of increased attack power represented sweat and time invested in Extraordinary Combat Techniques.

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The onlookers exclaimed in awe of Rain's power.

"Is this comparable to Skor's hammer strike just now?"

"Have you seen this young man before? I've been in the Mingster Swordsmen Branch for three years, and I've never seen him. Could he be from another province's branch?"

"Not likely. With attacks occurring in multiple locations across the Empire, it's improbable that such a skilled individual would be dispatched from another province."

"Exactly. Even without attacks, they would undoubtedly be preparing. It's unlikely they would send someone like this here."

"Could he be from the Imperial Capital's headquarters?"

The crowd was both amazed by Rain's strike and began speculating about his origins.

"Damn! That's intense!" exclaimed a young man, unable to hold back his surprise.

"Captain, his attack power is on par with yours!"

"But, just now, he used the Metal Wizardry 'Sharpening' to enhance his strike, right?"

Skor nodded, his face revealing his thoughts.

He now understood why the Task Hall's Affairs Officer had shown such importance to Rain.

Indeed, Rain appeared young, but his strength was already formidable, and most crucially, he possessed the rare Metal Wizard Aptitude, complemented by his advanced Extraordinary Combat Techniques, making him a versatile individual with a wide range of offensive capabilities.

The only regret was that Rain seemed to have not yet mastered advanced techniques with a greatsword.

Otherwise, he wouldn't have used the Sharpening technique to enhance his combat power.

At the Peak Knight level, close-quarters combat situations were ever-changing, making it unlikely for an opponent to calmly cast spells.

"I think he should test his abilities upstairs."

"Using magical means to enhance power deviates from the pure knight's path we strive for."

Rain appeared younger than him, yet his attack power had surpassed his by far.

However, Rain paid no heed to the crowd's words, his focus unwavering.

The crowd seemed to associate the youth before them with a hammer, an axe, or a greatsword, but not with the 'Meistersiege Hammer'.

But now, damn it, this is even more powerful than the siege hammer!

"Fuck! Is there such a monster among the newcomers?"

"Damn, 47 degrees?"

"The testing device must be broken!"

"Yes, this has exceeded the upper limit of a Grand Knight's attack power!"

"Is it really stronger than Knight Commander Battista's warhammer?"

"Indeed! It seems even stronger! I remember clearly that the last time Battista struck with all his might, it was only around 45 degrees." The swordsman who was speaking recalled and solemnly said.

The youth originally thought the rumors were exaggerated, but he didn't expect it to be an understatement.

Damn, even two obsidian giants couldn't withstand this strike!

At this moment, the swordsman Skorda was a little dazed, realizing that his previous guesses were all correct.

It's not the awakening of an Ultimate Art!

This is the awakening of an Advanced Art!

If it's not an Advanced Art, I wouldn't believe it! The attack power has reached such a level!

No wonder Task Office Administrator Olenna and Task Officer Yumaz paid such attention to this youth.

There's no other way but to pay attention!

Indeed, the proof is in the strength!

After Rain's testing was complete, many swordsmen came forward to greet him, each with a friendly smile.

To Rain, this is clearly a stock with potential, no, it's already a blue-chip stock!

As long as they are normal people, they would want to establish a good relationship with him.

The swordsmen's enthusiasm surprised Rain a little.

But thinking about it, it's also normal.

Through this, Rain learned a lot of common sense.

"Rain, the degree is a unit of measurement. Simply put, the attack power of a trained, robust human soldier striking with all their might is one degree."

"Usually, the attack power of a formal knight is around 5 to 15 degrees, and a Grand Knight is around 15 to 45 degrees." The swordsman who was previously disdainful of Rain now smiled and enthusiastically introduced.

Rain nodded and asked, "What about wizards? Is there a unit of measurement for their attack power?"

"Of course, but the attack power of formal wizards varies greatly. Generally, the attack power of a level 1 wizardry spell is around 30 degrees."

However, the youth thought for a moment and added, "But many times, wizards have more bizarre and diverse attack methods, such as curses, guidance spells, and so on. If you calculate their instantaneous attack power, it's not actually very strong, but they are extremely difficult to deal with."

After listening, Rain nodded again, agreeing.

He deeply felt this.

"Rain, you're from Meisters, right? Recently, our squad just returned from a task in Meisters County, and the losses there were severe." A swordsman seemed to associate Rain with the nickname and said in a friendly tone.

"Indeed. I went to Flasgold Town, and it was really tragic. Almost no one was left alive in the entire town!"

"What!" Rain stiffened and exclaimed.

Almost no one left alive?

He had always thought that the extent of the attack on Flasgold Town was similar to the previous assault by the Black Flame Cult, with a death toll of just over a hundred.

Now, listening to this swordsman's tone, it seemed much more severe!

Originally, he had planned to visit Flasgold Town in a couple of days to see for himself, and also to visit the injured Count Habsburg in the county town.

Instantly, familiar faces from Flasgold Town flashed through Rain's mind like slides, including his good friend George, Constable Hamilton, Night Watch Captain Villion, and Aunt Sima.

"Rain, do you have acquaintances in Flasgold Town?" The swordsman beside him asked.

Although they knew Rain was from Meisters County, they didn't know that Rain was specifically from Flasgold Town.

Rain came back to his senses, his expression turning grim, and said to the crowd, "Sorry, everyone, we'll talk next time."

"Okay, Rain."

"It seems Rain should have family in Flasgold Town." Many people watched as Rain quickly left.

In a while, Rain returned to his room, picked up the skull warhammer, and quickly headed towards the Swordsmen Division's gate. He planned to go to the villa purchased by Jenny nearby.

He had just thought of his family.

Although there were elite cavalry guards sent by Javel, Rain still felt it wasn't safe enough after hearing about the tragic situation in Flasgold Town. He planned to personally pick up his family.

Coincidentally, just as Rain stepped out of the Swordsman Division's main entrance, a familiar figure hurried towards him—the short Mateo.

Rain's heart skipped a beat at the sight.

Could it be...

"Rain, your family, along with Lady Jennifer Crowley, have just arrived in Minster," Mateo said with a bright expression, having noticed Rain's timely exit.

Hearing this, Rain's worries dissipated.

"Good, we'll head over immediately. By the way, Mateo, has Miss Jenny found a new residence?" Rain asked as they walked.

The last time he left Minster, he had entrusted this matter to Jenny.

"Not yet, Miss Jenny and Miss Agatha have been searching these past few days, but haven't found a suitable place. It seems that many wealthy merchants and nobles have been flocking to Minster from other counties, and they're all looking for properties," Mateo explained.

"In the past few days, even the prices in the commoner districts of Minster have risen by at least 30%, and they're still climbing. The villas in the noble and administrative areas have almost been snatched up, and their prices have increased by at least 50%."

Mateo briefed Rain on the recent fluctuations in Minster's property prices.

Rain nodded.

It seemed that the local situation had become less stable after the recent attack.

Those with means were flocking to Minster to invest in properties.

When Rain and Mateo arrived at the villa, even before entering, they saw servants bustling about, moving items in and out.

Upon seeing Rain, his mother Emma and father Old Rain couldn't hide their excitement.

"Brother!" His sister, who had grown taller, ran into Rain's embrace, leaving behind her playful antics with 'Cookies'.

Lady Jennifer, a beautiful woman, couldn't help but stare at Rain with her big, watery eyes, unable to express her emotions at this moment.

"By the way, Rain, did you hear that Flashgold Town has been attacked by a cult, and even the sheriff was killed!" Emma said, her face still showing signs of fear.

"It's good that we moved to the county town when you suggested it," she added.

Hearing this, the short Mateo stiffened, and blurted out, "Aunt Emma, you said Sheriff Hamilton..."

"Yes, this news is confirmed. Unfortunately, Lord Hamilton has met with misfortune," Lady Jennifer affirmed.

Mateo was well aware that Lady Jennifer, the wife of Baron Crowley, controlled the Hammer and Rose Trading Company. Her connections in Minster were extensive, and she was always well-informed.

Mateo felt a sense of relief, knowing that his family had moved to the county town earlier.

At this moment, Lady Jennifer hesitated and turned to Rain, "Baron Rain, I have a letter that was passed to me, seemingly from a friend of yours."

"Oh?" Rain took the letter from Lady Jennifer, looking puzzled.

To be precise, the letter was rather dirty and slightly damaged.

The handwriting on the pale yellow paper was messy, as if written in haste.

There were also several drops of dark red blood on the paper.

It read:

"Rain, it's George. I'm terrified. My eyes, nose, and ears are bleeding, and so are my father's. I know we're both in danger."

"You're the strongest person I know. And you were my best friend."

The letter ended abruptly after the word 'friend'.

It was George!

Rain's heart sank at the mention of George.

Due to the circumstances of his previous life, George was his first friend in this world!

"George, we weren't just best friends, we've always been best friends," Rain thought to himself.

The Darkflame Church!

You filthy cultists, just wait!

Rain's heart was filled with anger more than sorrow, as if a fire burned within his chest. However, as a member of the Imperial Swordsman Division, he couldn't act rashly.

Calming himself, Rain decided to return to the Swordsman Division and visit the mission hall to check for any tasks related to the Darkflame Cult in Meyster County.

If there was, he would take it!

Before leaving, Rain exchanged a few words with Lady Jennifer.

At the same time.

High in the sky, an airship flew over the Imperial Capital.

A young lady, dressed in a noble hunter's outfit with a double-handed great hammer artifact was known, stood on the airship, gazing at the distant scenery.

Her tight-fitting outfit accentuated her beautiful figure, especially her firm and round buttocks, which were particularly eye-catching.

From the front, the girl had a beautiful oval face, but it wasn't the kind of delicate beauty. Her slightly thick eyebrows and the way she carried a large sword gave her an overall appearance of a spirited and handsome young woman!

Within just a short ten minutes or so, four or five nobles who were also traveling on the airship came to strike up a conversation with her, and one of them was even an old count in his fifties.

This caused the girl to furrow her brows slightly, feeling rather annoyed!

Soon, she returned to her own cabin.

Inside the cabin, a middle-aged woman dressed as a maid was already there. Upon seeing the girl enter, she stood up respectfully and said, "Miss Kraya, the Count has asked you not to return to Meyster."

"But you..."

Kraya waved her hand dismissively and said, "Shadiya, the Imperial Royal Academy is about to start its spring break, and besides, with Father severely injured, I can't not come back."

"Moreover, I heard in the Imperial Capital that the current situation in Mingster Province is somewhat turbulent, and the situation in Meyster, which has been the family's fiefdom for hundreds of years, is even worse.

"By the way, what about Father's plan to gather his old subordinates? How is that going?"

"Well..." In response to Kraya's inquiry, Shadiya's expression turned grim as she replied, "Aside from Viscount Briso, who sent two Peak Knights, the other adults only symbolically sent one or two newly promoted Formal Knights or a squad of cavalry."

Shadiya had been transferred from the Habsburg Estate to the Meyster County City's Count's Mansion about a month ago.

A few days ago, when the attack occurred, Count Habsburg was severely injured, and she was instructed to immediately board the military department's airship to contact Kraya in the Imperial Capital and ask her to temporarily refrain from returning to Meyster.

Regarding the current situation in Meyster County, most of Count Habsburg's old subordinates or friendly noble families believed that the situation was already beyond the control of a single count's family.

With the cult attack and the sea tribe invasion, Meyster's current state was no longer something a count's family could turn around.

Continuing to invest manpower, resources, and finances would be unwise.

The best option was to first withdraw some of the Habsburg family's assets and personnel.

Count Habsburg had considered hiring mercenaries, but because there were so many mercenary groups in Mingster, both good and bad, it was difficult to guarantee that none of them had cultists hiding within.

As for the well-known mercenary groups with established reputations, they had already found employers in the midst of the turbulent situation.

Shadiya paused for a moment, then cautiously asked, "Miss, have you considered seeking help from that Lord Rain?" She appropriately added the title 'Lord' to her question.

"Rain?" Kraya couldn't help but think of that frail figure to whom she had once taught sword techniques back at the Habsburg Estate.

She hadn't seen him for over half a year, and by all accounts, he should have been one of her followers.

The last she had heard, he had become a Formal Knight, which had surprised her greatly!

Later, she heard that Rain had passed the imperial ennoblement examination and become a baron!

The most recent news she received was from her father, Count Habsburg, who wrote to inform her that Rain had become a Peak Knight and successfully joined the Imperial Swordsmen. This news left her utterly astonished!

In just half a year, an ordinary peasant boy had become a Peak Knight, just like her? By the Goddess!

However, Kraya herself was well aware that she and Rain had never conducted any form of loyalty ceremony, not even a symbolic one.

At the time, she never would have imagined that the boy she had taken a liking to would possess such astonishing talent!

This left her feeling completely uncertain about whether Rain would help her, even though she was, in a sense, his mentor on the path of knighthood.

Moreover, a Peak Knight's assistance in the current predicament facing her family would be but a drop in the bucket.

"I heard that he joined the Imperial Swordsmen last time," Kraya said, asking for confirmation.

"Yes, Miss," Shadiya replied.

"Then after we arrive in Mingster, I'll go and meet him. Even if it's just one more Peak Knight's help, it's better than nothing," Kraya sighed lightly and said.

(End of Chapter)

Chapter end