Chapter 263: Two New Intermediate Techniques

Chapter 263: Two New Intermediate Techniques



In the city of Minster, within Rayen Manor's reception room...

"By the way, Alissa, how did you know about the attack on me today? The news spread so quickly," Rayen asked, taking the special healing potion from her.

"Lord Rayen, I actually came to congratulate you today, but I happened to hear about your attack," Alissa relaxed upon seeing no signs of injury on Rayen and said with a smile.

"Congratulate?" Rayen furrowed his brows in confusion.

"Huh? Yes, didn't you know?"

"Due to your recent outstanding performance, the Swordsman Branch of Minster has already submitted your application for the title of Viscount."

"Hmm? Miss Kraya, are you sure?" Rayen's eyebrows knitted slightly.

...

Perhaps it was because he was only a Swordsman in the Minster branch, or maybe it was due to insufficient permissions.

An hour passed.

Speaking of promotions, Rayen suddenly remembered something. On the last Sunday of Green Grass Month, he was supposed to attend the formal investiture ceremony of the Duke of Minster, who represented His Majesty the Emperor.

"Since you have guests today, I won't disturb you further. I'll take my leave now," Alissa glanced at Kraya and gave a lady's curtsy to both of them before turning to leave.

And so, an intense battle ensued (10,000 words omitted).

Whether it was because of his relationship with the other party or the fact that the Guardian Knight's role was no longer important, Rayen would intervene.

Although his strength was growing, the enemies he faced were becoming increasingly difficult to deal with, employing various cunning methods.

"It seems the house guards have arrived."

She understood Rayen's intention.

[Congratulations! You have comprehended the Intermediate Technique of Locke's Axe and Shield Technique: Flash Slash!]



"Just like you said, Misty, it's also your hometown."

"Miss Kraya, please continue calling me Rayen," Rayen couldn't help but smile wryly.

Kraya adjusted the hair that fell beside her ears, composed herself, and looked at Rayen with a burning gaze, smiling, "Congratulations, Viscount Rayen."

This made Rayen's heart stir.

At the same time, he gained two attribute points and two skill points, leaving him with 8 attribute points and 4 skill points remaining.

A baron might not accumulate enough merit points to be promoted to a viscount in their entire lifetime, but Rayen had done it in just five months, three months, or even less? Standing beside Kraya was the head maid, Shadiya, whose eyes widened in surprise, covering her mouth.

No wonder! Rayen seemed to have read about it in a book, a title specifically for high-level wizards specializing in prophecies, and there were only a handful of them in the entire empire.

Kraya's words plunged Rayen into deep thought.

"Having an imperial viscount as a follower is no small matter." Kraya said half-jokingly.

Instantly, a flood of memories about the practice of Locke's Axe and Shield Technique surged into Rayen's mind.

In reality, it was unbearable. Forget the saying 'thirty like a wolf, forty like a tiger', even real wolves and tigers, before entering their ferocious phase, would only be slightly stronger than kittens and puppies when facing Rayen, a Senior Great Knight.

After all, according to the Guardian Knight's contract, he had to come to their aid if the family was in danger.

Additionally, although the battle ended swiftly, the opponent, 'Ice Messenger' Grant, was still very strong, naturally falling into the category of a formidable enemy.

Rayen, delighted, carefully examined the situation.

Many things required the accumulation of resources over several generations for a noble family, but he had just been promoted to nobility, and the time was too short for him to have that foundation. Having the support of the Habus Family would be very beneficial.

If the duration was longer, the freezing effect could cause blood flow to slow down, leading to limb stiffness, which was one of the feared effects of Ice Magic.

"I heard the trading house's business has expanded from the county town to the provincial capital, so it's normal to be busy."

At this moment, Jennifer was truly overwhelmed.

Perhaps he could consider enhancing his defense first.

Undoubtedly, the conditions offered by Kraya were extremely generous, and even the Guardian Knights of some marquis families would not receive such abundant resources.

[Congratulations! You have comprehended the Intermediate Technique of Locke's Axe and Shield Technique: Iron Wall!]



He recalled the day's battle.

At this moment, Kraya turned to Shadiya and said, "I need to talk to Viscount Rayen. Shadiya, please ensure we aren't disturbed."

Meanwhile, Jennifer, the beautiful woman who had just finished her meal, blushed slightly and stood up, saying, "Baron Rayen, there are some matters regarding the trading house that I'd like to discuss with you."

Becoming a Guardian Knight for the Habus family or any other great noble family held little appeal for him now, only adding an extra layer of constraint.

"This..." Rayen knew the beautiful woman was speaking sincerely.

If the current turmoil was just the beginning, this issue would need to be reconsidered.

He suddenly remembered that he had forgotten to check the system prompts due to meeting Kraya, whom he hadn't seen in a long time.

"But you don't usually go shopping during the day, either," Agatha said, still puzzled.

When Rayen first became a Knight, the beautiful woman was a worthy opponent.

Hearing Rayen's words, Kraya first showed delight but quickly hid it.

This battle also earned Rayen 1 golden skill point, bringing his total to 8 golden skill points.

[Congratulations! Your Wizard (Legendary) profession level has increased!]



Great Astral Mage?

Hearing this, Rayen thought for a moment and replied honestly:

"As you wish, Miss." Shadiya left the reception room and closed the door.

"Flash Slash was already expected."

"I believe this isn't your limit. Your strength will grow with time. Additionally, although the conditions I offer can attract other experts, I'd rather put my faith in you."

At this point, Kraya paused before stating the conditions, "Rayen, if you agree to become the Guardian Knight of the Habus family, you will receive the utmost support in terms of extraordinary techniques, magic, potions, funds, and connections from the Habus family's collection."

"So, you don't need to hire me as the Guardian Knight of the Habus family. Some things are what I should do."

Kraya furrowed her brows slightly, shook her head, and said, "Rayen, there might be something you don't know yet.

"Agatha was surprised. Jenny, who rarely went out at night, had unexpectedly invited her to go shopping.

Hearing Ren's words, Alissa snorted and said, "Sir Ren, have you forgotten what my father does?"

Currently, the only family Ren had agreed to was the Crowley family, to which the beautiful Jennifer belonged.

"My father, Baron Habsburg, was seriously injured in a surprise attack by high-ranking members of the Black Flame Church. The family suffered significant losses among its elite forces, and most of its allies and old acquaintances are not optimistic about the current situation, so their support is limited."

In the room upstairs, Ren had lifted her loose woolen double-layered waistcoat, revealing her large, snow-white, voluptuous hips, which were faintly visible during their movements. Ren effortlessly held her slender waist, which was just enough for him to grasp.

But soon, Agatha was persuaded by Jenny's offer to help her order a set of women's clothing from the famous tailor 'Cherity' in Minster, and they left together.

In the room.

And if Viscount Rain becomes a Baron, he would be just one step away from becoming a Count!

Since becoming a Senior Great Knight, Jennifer had mentioned this matter several times.

"But it seems the second one is about a shield defense technique!"

After all, no woman would push away the man she loved.

[You have experienced a battle. Legendary Mage experience +802]



She also remembered something.

"Ren, I never imagined that in just half a year, your progress would be so remarkable. If I had known, I should have signed a contract with you back then and made you my follower."

According to customary tradition, if a knight with a formal title wanted to become the guardian knight of a noble lady, it was an implicit expression of love.

But Ren was unaware of this.

"Enough questions! Are we going to 'Cherity' or not?"

Ren immediately realized what she meant.

"Of course, Miss Kraya."

[Congratulations! You have defeated a strong enemy and gained 1 Golden Skill Point!]



"As the Habsburg family's territory is in Myester, we have a special responsibility to maintain stability there. So, Ren, I'd like to hire you as the guardian knight of the Habsburg family."

However, during dinner, when everyone learned that Ren was leaving for Myester the next day, their expressions varied.

But Ren still shook his head and said, "Miss Kraya, I'm sorry, but I can't accept your offer."

This left Kraya's beautiful face unable to hide her disappointment.

As a Senior Great Knight, Ren's needs in certain areas naturally increased.

"Don't forget that Myester is also my hometown."

Kraya didn't know if Ren was aware of this.

So when he saw the usually poised Miss Kraya blushing slightly, he found it strange and took a second look. But to his surprise, Kraya seemed to exude a unique charm and beauty.

Alissa came in a hurry and left just as quickly, but the impact she had on Kraya and her servant was profound.

Emma and Elder Rayen didn't suspect anything.

But at that moment, Kraya blushed slightly.

"According to the information I received at the Imperial Royal Academy, the unrest in Myester and most of the Empire's territories may just be the beginning."

Could this unrest that swept through most of the Empire's territories be just the beginning? Why hadn't he heard any rumors about it in the Swordsman Branch?

Emma looked at Elder Rayen with confusion and said, "It seems the work at the trading house is very busy. Look, Jennifer has been upstairs discussing with Ren for so long."

Although Kraya mentioned the Supernatural Technique and Magic, Ren could obtain them from the Imperial Swordsman Organization. However, funds and connections were his weak points.

Emma and Elder Rayen naturally looked worried, but Mint was still full of confidence in her brother. Her face showed no signs of worry, while Jennifer couldn't hide her disappointment. Ren was leaving for his mission the next day, so it was natural that she didn't feel well. But soon, as if they had received some secret signal, Jennifer became excited.

"As for the appointment ceremony and banquet, please allow me to hold them for you when I return to Myester."

What had Ren been doing for the past six months? While young barons like Ren were rare, young Imperial Viscounts were unheard of!

Kraya was startled by this, but she quickly showed delight.

Soon, he saw two new icons on the Legendary Weapon Master interface, one located right above the 'Locke's Axe Shield Technique'.

Kraya's expression became solemn as she slowly said,

After sending Kraya and her servant off in the luxurious carriage waiting at the door, Jennifer and Jenny returned shortly after.

Shadiya couldn't help but lower her eyes and glance at Kraya, who was sitting on a large deer-skin sofa chair, thinking, 'Miss, if you had noticed Ren's extraordinary talent back then, why didn't you make him sign a contract and become your follower?'

"It seems that the promotion to the top-tier Intermediate Technique 'Crushing Hammer' is just one step away."

Kraya was stunned by this. It had only been a short while, and Ren was about to be promoted from Baron to Viscount. As a noble heir, she was well aware of the immense difficulty involved.

The memory of this axe and shield training flooded Ren's mind, quickly integrating into his muscle memory. It was as if he had spent over a decade in a mysterious space, intensely practicing Locke's Axe Shield Technique.

At the same time, Ren could also handle matters involving the Habsburg family's interests, or even choose not to intervene.

Ren felt that even without a contract, he would willingly come to Kraya's aid if she were in danger.

But the current Ren was no longer the servant who sought promotion at the Habsburg Manor.

Kraya blushed even more under Ren's gaze and quickly said, "Ren, I'll head back to the inn now. By the way, we need to meet up with two detachments of my father's old troops along the way, so we'll set off for Myester early tomorrow morning. Is that okay with you?"

The talent spell 'Metal Transformation Technique' allowed Ren to wield various shields with ease.

But the next moment, Ren's tone changed, and he said, "But, Miss Kraya, please allow me to be your personal guardian knight."

"How did you know, Alissa? I didn't even know about this myself."

"After some thought, Baron Rain felt the most likely cause was the Diamond-level task he had just completed.

'It was indeed a challenge for Jennifer. I must thank her properly.'

As he crushed her Ice Blade, his left hand clearly felt the piercing chill.

Viscount?

At this moment, Baron Rain's attribute panel displayed:

Only after rigorous examination and approval, Javier would report to the Imperial Senate for record-keeping. In other words, Javier was an essential part of the promotion process.

After a while, the beautiful woman finally rested on the spacious and luxurious chair. She turned her head, lifting the slightly disheveled strands of hair by her ear, and looked at Baron Rain with fatigue, saying, "Darling, you are truly amazing."

Without hesitation, Baron Rain continued to allocate skill points! With the investment of 1 Golden Skill Point, the Locke Axe Shield Technique smoothly reached Level 13, and the system's prompt regarding Techniques finally sounded:

Downstairs.

"Hmm, it is said to originate from the prophecy of the Great Astral Mage Dalien, and even the Imperial Emperor himself attaches great importance to this prophecy."

[Congratulations! Your Legendary Mage profession has leveled up!]



At this moment, Baron Rain understood. With the allocation of 4 skill points, the Locke Axe Shield Technique directly advanced to Level 12.

The only thing Baron Rain needed to ensure was to step in and resolve the situation if she encountered any life-threatening danger.

After a moment of thought, Baron Rain's mind shifted. Instantly, the Tempered Gold covering the gauntlet of his left hand transformed into an Iris Shield.

The correct version is on Book Bar 69! 6=9+Book_Bar first release of this novel.

'Darling, I really think you should find a noble lady with extraordinary power.'

However, there was still a slight gap in the attribute requirements. The requirements for the top-tier Technique were 45 points in Strength, 38 points in Agility, and 40 points in Constitution.

Constitution: 38 Strength: 41 Agility: 35 Spirit: 52 There was a gap in both Constitution and Strength, but the overall attribute point gap was only 1 point! However, Baron Rain's eyebrows furrowed slightly.

The system prompt appeared as follows: 'Miss Kraya, before I met you today, I had already taken on the role of a Swordsman and accepted several tasks related to the Black Flame Cult in Myester County, including the task of protecting your father, the Governor of Myester County Town.'

After some calculations, to upgrade Crushing Hammer to a top-tier Technique, the requirements were to have Hammer Technique and Bear King Breath Technique both at Level 18 or higher, which required 4 Golden Skill Points, plus the promotion consumption, for a total of 8 points, which was just enough.

'Miss Kraya, without your enlightenment, I wouldn't have been able to take the first step towards the extraordinary.' Baron Rain smiled and replied.

At the same time, Baron Rain could sense that he was just one step away from the derivative Techniques of the battle technique.

'Hmm? Go! But... can we chat a little longer, Baron Rain?' Agatha was in a dilemma.

Moreover, if the noble lady chose to accept, it would imply 'I accept your love' within the context.

The Legendary Mage profession level consecutively increased by two levels, reaching Level 3 (42/500), and it was about to level up again.

Immediately after, it swiftly transformed into an even larger Tower Shield, firmly defending the area in front of Baron Rain.

Although both the Habus Family's Guardian Knight and her personal Guardian Knight were Knights, there was a significant difference between them.

'Baron Rain, now that you've joined the Swordsmen, there are some things you should be aware of.'

'Jenny, didn't you say it was unsafe to go shopping at night?'

'If it weren't for the Imperial Swordsmen, Earthshakers, and other special departments deploying squads, I believe the situation in Myester County would be even worse.'

That evening, accompanied by Baron Rain, his mother Emma, father Elder Rayen, sister Mint, and Jennifer, among others, enjoyed the first yet extremely lavish dinner after arriving in the provincial capital, Minster.

To put it simply, if she were to become his personal Guardian Knight, the Habus Family could seek Baron Rain's protection, and he could refuse without any obligation.

The pattern within the icon resembled twin siblings, with identical appearances and postures, differing only in their stances.

Baron Rain allowed the beautiful woman Jennifer to rest early, and with his own condition in good shape, he returned to his room and suddenly thought of something.

'Thank you, Miss Alissa,' Baron Rain expressed his gratitude for the girl's concern and congratulations.

The beautiful woman, Jennifer, had not seen Baron Rain in a long time and was at an age where she needed someone.

Baron Rain immediately brought up the Weapon Master (Legendary) panel and began to review.

Aside from the information Kraya had just revealed, which he hadn't heard of even within the Swordsmen, there was something else.

No wonder Alissa had come to congratulate him.

Oh my!

Although his 'Intermediate Steel Body' talent was excellent for defending against sharp weapons like knives, swords, and arrows, the defensive power of Steel Body was relatively weaker against magic such as extreme cold, heat, or other effects, as seen during the day.

'Huh? Two Techniques?'

He hadn't realized it at first, but Alissa's father, Javier, was the Imperial Envoy dispatched by the Imperial Promotion Examination Committee to Minster Province. All promotions to Baron or Viscount within Minster Province needed to be reported to Javier.

'My return from the Capital this time is due to an unprecedented crisis faced by my family.'

'Thank you, Baron Rain,' Kraya straightened her back and looked at Baron Rain with serious eyes.

'Baron Rain, I witnessed you defeating the Ice Messenger Grant in just three moves. Your talent on the path of knighthood far exceeds my expectations.'

Therefore, Baron Rain felt that he should diversify his response methods.

The left pattern depicted a robust man holding a shield in his left hand and an axe in his right, taking a forward stride, and the posture of fiercely chopping down with the axe.

The other pattern showed the robust man with his axe and shield, the axe retracted, and the shield raised high, a firm and solid defensive posture.

The textual description of the Techniques was as follows: Swift Slash (Intermediate Technique): Using a unique force combined with the axe, swing the axe to deliver a powerful slashing attack.

Iron Wall (Intermediate Technique): Using a unique force combined with the shield, rapidly swing the shield to create an iron wall-like defense.

(End of Chapter)

Chapter end