Chapter 263: Two New Secret Arts
Chapter 263: Two New Secret Arts
Inside the Rain Manor, Reception Room.
"By the way, Alissa, how did you know about my attack today? The news spread so fast," Rain asked, taking the Potion of Rapid Healing.
"Lord Rain, I actually came to congratulate you today, but I happened to hear about your attack," Alissa said, seeing no signs of injury on Rain and relaxing.
"Congratulations?" Rain looked puzzled.
"Huh? Yes, didn't you know?"
"Due to your recent outstanding performance, the Swordsman Division in Minster has already submitted your application for the Viscount title."
Viscount?
Kraya, standing beside him, was stunned.
How long had it been since Rain was about to be promoted from Baron to Viscount? As a noble heir, she naturally understood the immense difficulty involved.
Most Barons spend their entire lives without accumulating enough merit to be promoted to Viscount, but how long had it taken Rain? Five months? Three months? Or even less?
And Shadya, the head maid standing beside Kraya, widened her eyes and covered her mouth in surprise.
Good heavens!
What had Rain done in the past half a year?
Previously, although a young Baron like Rain was rare, she had heard of it, but a young Imperial Viscount was truly unheard of!
Moreover, if he became a Viscount, wouldn't he be just one step away from becoming a Count!
Shadya couldn't help but lower her eyes and glance at Kraya, who was sitting on a large deer skin sofa, thinking to herself, 'Miss, since you discovered Rain's extraordinary talent back then, why didn't you make him sign a contract to become your follower!'
"Alissa, it may be a very painful experience." Thinking about it, Rain felt that the most likely reason was the completion of that Diamond-ranked task.
Hearing Rain's words, Alissa asked, "How did you know, Lord Rain? I didn't even know about this myself."
"Miss Alissa, did you forget what my father does?"
He suddenly realized.
Javier, Alissa's father, was indeed the Imperial Examination and Evaluation Committee's envoy stationed in the Minster Province.
All promotions to Baron and Viscount within the Minster Province had to be reported to Javier.
Only after examination and verification, confirming there were no issues, would Javier report to the Imperial Senate for filing, meaning Javier was an essential step in the promotion process.
No wonder Alissa had come to congratulate him.
Speaking of promotions, Rain suddenly remembered something. This year, on the last Sunday of the Grass Moon, the Imperial Academy would hold a grand ceremony where the Emperor would bestow titles.
"Thank you, Miss Alissa." Rain expressed his gratitude.
"You're welcome. By the way, Lord Rain, since you have guests today, I won't disturb you further. Farewell." Alissa glanced at Kraya and bid farewell to the two with a graceful gesture, then turned and left.
Alissa came in a hurry and left in the same manner, but the impact she left on Kraya and Shadya was profound.
Kraya smoothed her hair, composed herself, and looked intently at Rain.
"Congratulations, Viscount Rain."
"Uh, Miss Kraya, you can still call me Rain." Rain couldn't help but smile wryly.
"Rain, I never expected that in just half a year, your progress would be so remarkable. If I had known, I would have signed a contract with you and made you my follower."
"Having an Imperial Viscount as a follower would be quite impressive." Kraya said half-jokingly.
"Miss Kraya, without your enlightenment back then, I wouldn't have been able to take that first extraordinary step." Rain smiled and replied.
"I need to talk to Viscount Rain. Shadya, please make sure we're not disturbed."
"Yes, Miss." Shadya left the reception room and closed the door.
Kraya's expression turned serious as she spoke:
"Rain, now that you've joined the Swordsman Division, there are some things you should understand."
"I returned from the Imperial Capital because my family is facing an unprecedented crisis."
"My father, Count Habsburg, was seriously injured in an ambush by high-ranking members of the Black Flame Church. The family's elite forces suffered significant losses, and our allies and old friends aren't optimistic about the current situation, so their support is limited."
"If it weren't for the special divisions like the Imperial Swordsmen and Earthshakers sending squads, the situation in the county would be even worse."
"As the Habsburg family has its fiefdom in Meyster, we have a special attachment and responsibility to maintain stability there. So, Rain, I'd like to hire you as the Habsburg family's Guardian Knight."
Kraya paused, then continued with the conditions:
"Rain, once you agree to become the Habsburg family's Guardian Knight, you'll have access to the Habsburg family's collection of extraordinary combat techniques, wizardry, potions, funds, and connections."
Hearing this, Rain thought for a moment and replied sincerely:
"Miss Kraya, before meeting you today, I had already taken on tasks as a Swordsman, including one to protect your father, the Governor of Meyster County."
"So, you don't need to hire me as the Habsburg family's Guardian Knight. Some things are my responsibility as well."
"Don't forget, Meyster is also my hometown."
Undoubtedly, Kraya's conditions were extremely generous, and even a Guardian Knight of a Marquis family might not receive such resources.
However, becoming a Guardian Knight of the Habsburg family didn't hold much appeal for Rain anymore; instead, it felt like an added constraint.
After all, according to the Guardian Knight contract, once the family faced danger, he would be obligated to help.
Currently, the only family Rain had agreed to was the Crowley family, where the beautiful Jennifer resided.
Given their close relationship, whether or not he was a Guardian Knight, Rain would lend his assistance.
Hearing Rain's words, Kraya first showed joy but quickly hid it.
She furrowed her brows, shook her head, and said, "Perhaps there's something you don't know yet."
"According to the information I received at the Imperial Academy, this turmoil in Meyster and most of the Empire's territories might be just the beginning."
(End of Chapter)"Hmm? Miss Kraya, are you sure?" Rain's eyebrows furrowed slightly.
This turmoil that swept across almost the entire Empire's territory was merely the beginning?
But why hadn't he heard any rumors of this within the Swordsmen Division.
"Hmm, it's said to originate from the prophecy of Grand Astrologist Dalien, and even His Majesty the Emperor himself takes this prophecy very seriously."
Grand Astrologist?
No wonder!
Rain seemed to have read a little about it in a book, a unique title for high-level Wizards specializing in prophecies, with only a handful existing in the entire Empire.
"Rain, I witnessed you defeat the Frost Messenger Grant in just three moves. Your talent on the path of knighthood far exceeds my expectations."
"I believe this isn't your limit, and your strength will grow stronger with time. Additionally, even though the conditions I offered could attract other experts, I'd rather place my trust in you."
"Just as Rain said, Minster is also your hometown."
Kraya's words instantly plunged Rain into deep thought.
If the current turmoil was merely the beginning...
Then this issue needed to be reconsidered.
Although the extraordinary combat techniques or magic Kraya mentioned, he could obtain them from the Imperial Swordsmen organization, but funds and connections were his weak points.
Many things required generations of accumulation by a noble family, and he had just been promoted to nobility, so the time was too short, and the foundation was insufficient. Having the support of the Habsburg family would naturally be very beneficial.
Not to mention, even within the Swordsmen, he hadn't heard of the news Kraya had just revealed.
Of course, this might be because she was in the Swordsmen's Minster branch, or perhaps due to insufficient permissions.
However,
Rain still shook his head and said, "Miss Kraya, I'm sorry, but I cannot agree."
This instantly showed disappointment on Kraya's beautiful face!
But the next second, Rain changed his tone and said, "But, Miss Kraya, please allow me to become your personal Guardian Knight."
Hmm?
This immediately puzzled Kraya, but she quickly showed delight.
She understood Rain's intention.
Although becoming the Guardian Knight of the Habsburg family and her personal Guardian Knight were both Guardian Knights, there was a significant difference.
Simply put, if he became her personal Guardian, then he could refuse protection to other members of the Habsburg family.
At the same time, he could also choose to intervene or not in matters concerning the Habsburg family's interests.
The only assurance Rain needed to provide was to resolve the situation when she encountered life-threatening danger.
"Rain, thank you. I'll be heading back to the inn now. By the way, since we need to meet up with two groups of Father's old subordinates on the way, we'll depart for Minster tomorrow. Is the timing okay for you?"
"Of course, Miss Kraya."
After Rain saw Kraya and her servant off to the inn, a while later, Jennifer and Agatha returned.
That night, accompanied by Rain, Mother Emma, Father Rain, Mint, and Jennifer enjoyed their first yet sumptuous dinner in the provincial capital of Minster.
However, during dinner, when they learned that Rain was about to embark on a mission the next day, everyone's expressions varied.
Mother Emma and Father Rain naturally showed concern, while Mint remained confident in her older brother, her little face showing no signs of worry. Jennifer, on the other hand, couldn't hide her disappointment.
The next day, Rain was to carry out the mission, so it was natural for her not to feel good that night.
But soon, it seemed like they had reached some sort of agreement.
Agatha was puzzled because Jennifer, who rarely went out at night, suddenly suggested they go out shopping.
"Jennifer, didn't you say it's unsafe to go out at night?"
"It's just that there are some matters at the Chamber of Commerce that I need to discuss with Rain."
"Is that so? Then I won't ask any more questions. Is 'Chereity' going?"
"Hmm? Yes, but can we leave a bit later? I want to chat with Baron Rain a bit more." Agatha was torn!
But soon, Agatha was convinced by Jennifer's offer to have a set of women's clothing tailored at the famous tailor shop 'Chereity', and they both went out.
At this time, Jennifer, who had just finished dining, blushed slightly and stood up, saying, "Baron Rain, there are many matters at the Chamber of Commerce that I need to discuss with you."
Mother Emma and Father Rain naturally didn't doubt her.
In the room.
Rain, who had advanced to the rank of Senior Knight, naturally had increased demands in certain aspects.
And Jennifer hadn't seen Rain for a long time, and she was at an age where she needed it.
Thus, an intense battle soon ensued.
(Omitted for one million words)
"
Upstairs in the room,
At this moment, her loose cashmere double-layered waistcoat had long been lifted by Rain, revealing her large and snowy buttocks were faintly visible during the movement, while Rain effortlessly held her slender waist with one hand.
After a while, the beautiful woman finally got to rest on a large and luxurious chair. She turned her head, flicked her slightly disheveled hair by her ear, and looked at Rain with exhaustion, saying, "My dear, you are truly amazing."
"My dear, I really think you should find a noble lady with extraordinary power."
"This..." Rain knew the woman was speaking from her heart.
Ever since he became a Grand Knight, Jennifer had mentioned this several times.
When he first became a Formal Knight, the woman could still be considered a formidable opponent.
But now, Jennifer was truly out of her league.
After all, no woman would push away her beloved man.
It was unbearable,
Not to mention that he was about to enter a state of ferocity, and even before that, facing Rain, the seasoned Grand Knight, was no less than any preconceived notions.
The beautiful woman, Jennifer, finally gets to rest, while the energetic Rain, returns to his bedroom and suddenly thinks of something.
He just remembered that he hadn't checked the system prompts after meeting Kraya, whom he hadn't seen in a long time.
The system prompts appeared as follows:
【You have experienced a battle, Wizard experience +802】
【Congratulations! You have defeated a powerful enemy and obtained 1 Golden Skill Point!】
【Congratulations! Your Wizard has leveled up!】
【Congratulations! Your Wizard has leveled up again!】
The Wizard level, having leveled up twice in a row, reached lv3 (422/500)", and was about to level up again.
This also granted Rain an additional 2 attribute points and 2 skill points, leaving him with 8 remaining attribute points and 4 remaining skill points.
Additionally, even though Grant, the 'Cold Messenger', was a formidable enemy, Rain still earned 1 Golden Skill Point, bringing his total to 8.
This made Rain ponder.
"It seems I'm just one step away from promoting 'Hammer of Annihilation' to a top-tier ultimate."
Rain immediately brought up the Legendary Weapon Master panel and began to review.
After a quick glance, Rain realized that to promote 'Hammer of Annihilation' to a top-tier ultimate, he needed 4 Golden Skill Points for the required levels in Hammer Technique and Breath Technique, plus the promotion cost, for a total of 8 points.
However, in terms of attributes, he was still slightly short. The top-tier ultimate required 45 points in Strength, 38 in Agility, and 40 in Constitution.
Rain's current attribute panel:
Constitution: 38
Strength: 41
Agility: 35
Spirit: 52
There was a slight gap in Constitution, Strength, and Agility, but overall, Rain only needed 1 more attribute point!
However, Rain's eyebrows furrowed.
He recalled the day's battle.
Although his strength had been increasing, the enemies he faced were becoming more and more challenging, with various tactics emerging.
When he crushed Grant's Ice Blade, his left hand could clearly feel the bone-chilling cold.
If the duration had been longer, the cold would have slowed blood flow and caused limb stiffness, one of the feared effects of Ice-type Wizard spells.
Therefore, Rain felt he needed to diversify his countermeasures.
Perhaps he could consider strengthening his defense first.
Although his 'Intermediate Steel Body' talent was excellent against sharp weapons like swords and spears, the day's battle showed that against spells like extreme cold or other effects, the defense of Steel Body was relatively weaker.
After a moment of thought, Rain's mind shifted. He immediately added 1 Golden Skill Point to Locke En Axe Shield Technique, bringing it to lv12.
Instantly, a flood of Locke En Axe Shield Technique training memories rushed into Rain's mind. It was as if he had spent over a decade in a mysterious space, tirelessly practicing the technique, the memories seamlessly integrated into his muscles and tendons.
At this moment, Rain could sense that he was just one step away from unlocking the advanced ultimate of the technique.
Without hesitation, he continued to allocate points! With the addition of 1 Golden Skill Point, Locke En Axe Shield Technique reached lv13, and the system finally prompted the ultimate:
【Congratulations! You have learned the Locke En Axe Shield Technique basic ultimate: Flash Slash!】
【Congratulations! You have learned the Locke En Axe Shield Technique basic ultimate: Iron Wall!】
"Huh? Two ultimates!"
"Flash Slash was expected."
"But the second one seems to be an ultimate related to shield defense!"
Rain, surprised and delighted, carefully examined the new ultimates.
Soon, he found two new icons on the Legendary Weapon Master panel, just above the 'Locke En Axe Shield Technique'.
The icons depicted twin figures, identical in appearance and weapons, but differing in stance.
The left icon showed a burly man with a shield in his left hand and an axe in his right, taking a powerful step forward and swinging the axe down.
The other icon depicted a man holding an axe and a shield, with the axe retracted and the shield raised high, presenting an unyielding defensive stance.
The text descriptions of the ultimates were as follows:
Flash Slash (Basic Ultimate) Effect: Employ a special power technique that combines primal force and slashing, swinging the axe with a powerful cutting ability.
Iron Wall (Basic Ultimate) Effect: Utilize a special defensive technique that combines primal force and the shield, rapidly wielding the shield to form an ironclad wall.
(To be continued...)
Chapter end
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