Chapter 265: Sorcerer

Chapter 265: Sorcerer



In a manor within Wales County, a black-robed woman with a slender and pale hand received a message from a Black Flame Cultivator. "Your Holiness, we just received an urgent message from Lord Bloodstained."

"Oh? Is this a letter from Lord Laksur? Let me have a look."

"Yes, Your Holiness." The Black Flame Cultivator handed over a slightly curled letter.

A hand, unnaturally pale and bloodless, reached out, taking the letter and lifting the hood to examine it.

Under the hood, a young woman with a seductive face was revealed. Her deep brown eyes and dark eye makeup gave her an alluring charm, as if beckoning others to succumb to her allure.

This seductive woman was Galina Barkin, the High Priestess of the Darkflame Cult in Wales County.

As she softly spoke, her thin lips parted, and she whispered, ".Count Habsburg's daughter, Kraya, and her party are passing through Wales County on their way to Myister, accompanied by a powerful escort."

".Capture them alive."

"There's an insider in their group. Their team is expected to camp in the woods between Colma Town and Ez Town tonight."

After reading the letter, Galina's face showed deep thought, and she handed the open letter to her subordinate, seemingly asking them to read it as well.

Several minutes later, Galina spoke, "Since it's Lord Laksur's request, we should naturally cooperate."

"Contact the insider and find out where they are and confirm their camping location for tonight."

"By the way, what's the strength of this Countess's daughter? Are there any exceptional experts by her side? We need to investigate this thoroughly."

"If we're going to do it, let's make it a success!"

"Yes, Your Holiness," the black-robed subordinate replied, slowly retreating.

At this moment, a faint smile appeared on Galina's lips as she whispered, "With the 'Shadow Illusion' technique and the new 'Bursting Dark Flame' granted by the great God of the Hunt, I can finally test out my newly acquired killer move in a real battle."

"I hope this time's opponents will be a bit more interesting."

Galina was originally a Level 3 Wizard Apprentice specializing in Illusion magic, but due to limited talent, even after acquiring the Mist Potion with great effort, she failed to advance to a formal Wizard, and her strength suffered a significant loss.

This gradually twisted her mindset, and with Lord Laksur's persuasion, she became a believer of the God of the Hunt, Luen, a few years ago.

After joining the Darkflame Cult, Galina excelled in several missions, gaining the favor of the God of the Hunt through prayers and sacrifices. This not only helped her advance to a Wizard but also made her a Sorcerer.

Sorcerers derive some of their power from their own magic, but most of it comes from the dark and mysterious arts granted by the deities they serve. These effects, similar to magic but more evil and bizarre, are classified as sorcery by the orthodox.

Anyone who uses the dark arts granted by their deity can be called a Sorcerer.

"Wait, the new believer training for the province of Minster is happening right here. We can call them all and let them witness it."

"It can serve as a practical training exercise and further solidify their belief that the Empire is in decline, encouraging them to embrace our Lord more proactively." Galina called out to her subordinate who was about to leave.

"Yes, Your Holiness," the Black Flame Cultivator bowed again and retreated.

---

Wales County.

A temporary campsite by the roadside.

Rain carefully reviewed the conditions for his advancement to the Thousand Blade King, and almost none of them were currently met.

The only condition he had fulfilled was the Bear King Breath Technique.

This indirectly indicated that his Breath Technique level was already quite high, but since he had only recently embarked on the path of the Extraordinary, the effects of the technique had not yet fully manifested.

This was normal.

Breath Techniques enhance the body gradually and slowly. Typically, it takes several years of Breath Technique cultivation for an ordinary person to advance to a Formal Knight and improve their physical qualities.

However, Rain immediately thought of another point.

Since he could attribute points to his body, the effects were even less noticeable. It was possible that any improvements from the Breath Technique would be overshadowed by the attributed points.

For example, if Rain was about to gain strength or endurance from the Breath Technique, but he attributed points to strength or endurance at that moment, the improvements from the Breath Technique would naturally be overshadowed by the attributed points.

From another perspective, if a person already possessed the physical qualities of a Senior Knight and practiced a beginner-level Breath Technique, it would likely have little to no effect.

Additionally, there were nine types of Breath Techniques, but thankfully, they didn't have to be from nine different weapons.

This might be difficult for others, but for Rain, it was manageable, as he had already mastered five of them.

Kraya, seeing Rain standing motionless, teased him, thinking he was overwhelmed by the legend of the ancient giant demon race, the Thousand Blade King, and his expertise in various weapons and Extraordinary Combat Techniques.

Looking at Kraya's playful face, Rain was momentarily stunned but quickly regained his composure.

"That... shouldn't be the case."

At this moment, Rayne thought to himself that the ancient giant ogre fangs absorbed by the Beast Shaman during his class change probably wouldn't contain any giant ogre blood after all these years.

At this moment, he was still a complete human being.

As 'Arcadia Sword Technique' had already reached the entry level of lv1 (12/100), Rayne was about to speak up and continue with Kraya.

At this moment, the head maid, Shadiya, walked over and looked at Kraya and Rayne, who were chatting and laughing. She smiled and bowed slightly, saying, "Miss Kraya, Lord Rayne, lunch is ready."

Kraya and Rayne had their lunch in the carriage.

Even though they were in the wilderness, the head maid still thoughtfully prepared butter, white bread, grilled steak, and more.

"Rayne, after lunch, we'll continue on our journey. About ten kilometers ahead, near the county seat of Wales County, there's a manor under the name of Viscount Selir. According to the agreement, that's where we'll meet up."

"Alright, Miss Kraya."

"Viscount Selir was once a close associate of Father's, and the Habsburg family has always been on good terms with him. This time, he sent two Peak Knights leading a cavalry team, including nearly ten Senior Knights and three elite cavalry teams. It's a pretty good support force."

Although Rayne had some doubts, he still nodded without asking any questions.

No Grand Knights among them? For Myester County, although Peak Knights are considered skilled, they are still far from being experts.

In other words, even if they have some effect, it's only a slight improvement to the situation, and they can't play a significant role, let alone a decisive one.

This made Rayne understand the predicament the Habsburg family was currently facing.

It made sense; if it weren't for this, Kraya wouldn't have sought him out.

At this moment, Rayne saw that the war dog 'Cookie' and the swift warhorse 'Little Black' were also well taken care of by the head maid, Shadiya, and were resting by the side.

As for the blood-feathered eagle beast 'Blood Feather', it could forage for itself, so Rayne didn't have to worry about it.

After lunch, the group continued on their journey, and about two hours later, they arrived near Selir Manor.

When they were still a few kilometers away from the manor, Rayne could already see a large group of cavalry and knights gathering at the manor's entrance.

Hmm?

There were more of them than Kraya had mentioned.

Moreover, their strength seemed much stronger.

Especially the noble standing at the front of the team, who had two Grand Knights as his escorts.

This surprised Rayne.

However, Kraya was even more surprised. She murmured, "Huh? Lord Rodlin?"

"Rayne, Shadiya, wait for me in the carriage." Kraya didn't ask Rayne to get off the carriage, perhaps out of consideration.

As the team approached, Kraya, out of politeness, quickly got off the carriage and bowed slightly to Lord Rodlin. She also greeted the middle-aged man with thick eyebrows beside him, and Selir quickly returned the greeting.

"Kraya, you're more beautiful than ever!" Lord Rodlin laughed.

"Thank you for the compliment."

"Kraya," When Kraya got off the carriage, a young man who bore a resemblance to Lord Rodlin's son, who seemed eager to approach Kraya, perhaps to hold her hand and kiss it! However, for an unmarried woman, kissing her hand wasn't a very polite gesture.

Kraya's expression changed, and she immediately dodged his outstretched hand, leaving the young man embarrassed and forced to lower his hand. "Kraya, it's been a while."

"Raychel, it's good to see you." Kraya's expression was cold.

At this moment, Lord Rodlin tried to smooth things over for his younger son, saying, "Ahem."

"Kraya, Raychel has always cared for you. He's been telling me that he wants to send support to you, but as you know, the situation in Wales County is also quite volatile."

As he spoke, Raychel puffed out his chest and stared at Kraya with a loving gaze.

"I think, Kraya, you know that Raychel has always liked you. If you can accept Raychel's proposal, and our two families were to marry, even if the situation in Myester becomes dangerous, the Rodlin family would still stand by your side."

When Lord Rodlin spoke the last four words, his voice suddenly rose in pitch.

At this moment, Rayne heard the head maid, Shadiya, mutter indignantly, "How shameless!

"The Rodlin family should remember that ten years ago, it was someone who helped them suppress the rebellion of their family knights!"

"Now, they're taking advantage of the situation and trying to force Miss Kraya to marry this womanizer, Raychel!"

Hearing Shadiya's words, Rayne, even without knowing the full story, felt indignant.

This guy wanted Miss Kraya to agree to his proposal before he would dispatch the support troops behind him.

Now, whether it was the Grand Knights by his side or the knights and cavalry behind him, Kraya, as the daughter of Count Habsburg, understood the tricks of some nobles very well. She immediately saw through his intentions.

Action: Kraya's expression changed slightly, and she politely declined, "Baron Rodlin, I'm sorry, but I truly have no feelings for Rachel. With the situation in Wales County being so unstable, I think it's best to call off the request for reinforcements."

"I bid you farewell."

"Wait!" Rodlin was surprised by Kraya's resolute refusal, without even a moment's hesitation.

He first glared at his disappointing son, then turned to Kraya, his eyes lingering on her tight and graceful figure. With a hint of desire, he said, "Kraya, my dear niece, the situation in Meyster is too volatile. As your elder, for your protection, I think it's best if you stay in Wales County and return once the situation stabilizes."

Without waiting for Kraya's response, Rodlin waved his hand.

Suddenly, two Senior Knights behind Rodlin quickly approached Kraya from both sides, apparently intending to confine her.

Kraya's face turned pale, her delicate features hardening. She said, "Baron Rodlin, you've gone too far. Do you intend to detain me?"

"No, no, dear Kraya, I only want to ensure your safety. Even if Count Habsburg were to find out, I'm sure he wouldn't blame me." Rodlin shook his head with satisfaction.

On the side, Rachel, witnessing this, couldn't help but blush with excitement.

Viscount Seril, standing nearby, had a troubled expression. He said, "Baron Rodlin, isn't this a bit excessive? After all, Count Habsburg..."

"Seril, you should understand that you're just a viscount. Do you presume to instruct a count like me?" Baron Rodlin glanced at Seril with displeasure.

At this moment, Rain, observing from the carriage, couldn't bear to watch any longer.

Damn it! He had now witnessed the ugly side of some nobles. He never imagined they would stoop so low, even worse than kicking someone when they're down.

Disgusting!

As a tall, black-haired young man in silver Senior Knight armor, standing at two meters, descended from Kraya's carriage, the two Senior Knights, who had been relaxed moments ago, suddenly tensed up, their faces turning serious.

The two knights froze in their tracks.

Rain's expression remained calm. He spun and stomped the ground, creating a deep pit.

Using this momentum, Rain moved like lightning, punching the knight on his left.

"Boom!"

Rain's fist struck the Senior Knight's abdomen, but he quickly withdrew his force, seemingly considering something.

Nevertheless, the power was still overwhelming. The knight's chest armor shattered into pieces, and his entire body folded in half. His eyes bulged, and his hands and feet stretched forward, resembling a folded piece of paper.

"Boom!"

Rain spun again, punching the knight on his right.

The knight flew backward, faster than the previous one, and crashed into a horse nearby. The crowd panicked.

Two horses were directly struck, their bones breaking, and they died on the spot.

Witnessing Rain's might," even a fool would understand his strength.

He defeated two Senior Knights with just two punches.

"Who are you? Do you know the consequences of attacking an imperial noble?" Baron Rodlin, fearing Rain's retaliation, stood frozen in place. But the injuries to his son and subordinate compelled him to demand an explanation.

"He is my Guardian Knight, Lord Rain." Kraya slowly stepped forward and explained.

"Does being a Guardian Knight give you the right to attack a noble?" Baron Rodlin pointed at his son, who had lost half his teeth, assuming the role of a victim and spoke with anger.

"Looking for trouble? You're welcome anytime!" Rain then took out the Imperial Swordbearer's Golden Emblem and waved it in front of Baron Rodlin.

"A Swordbearer!"

"And a Golden Rank at that!" Baron Rodlin's expression changed drastically.

"How can you, so young, possibly be a Golden Rank Swordbearer?"

"You're welcome to file a complaint about me at the Swordsman Division in Minster." Rain casually waved his hand and, without looking back, led Kraya away.

"What about those two Senior Knights?" Kraya asked softly.

"Don't worry, they'll be fine. Since they didn't draw their weapons, I held back," Rain explained to Kraya.

Rain had just demonstrated the Intermediate Secret Art of Kadarr Fist Technique, 'Heavy Punch Combo', but he stopped abruptly, leaving some strength in his punch.

Seeing that he couldn't do anything to Rain, Baron Rodlin angrily said, "Let's go!"

His followers were supporting the two severely injured Senior Knights and the dazed Rachel, whose head was ringing, as they hurriedly left.

At that moment, Viscount Seril, who was still at the scene, called out to Kraya, "Miss Kraya, please wait. We'll accompany you to Meyster as well. You know what happened just now, and I'm in Wales County, so..."

Kraya smiled slightly, turned, and said, "Viscount Seril, I understand. We welcome your company."

She knew that Viscount Seril was also compelled by the situation, as they were both in Wales County. If he offended Baron Rodlin, life would become difficult. Among the nobility, it was rare for someone to remain neutral and not make things difficult for her just now.

Thus, the entire team became even larger.

In terms of strength, there was no longer a significant gap.

In addition to Rain, the apparent 'Senior Knight', there were two Peak Knights, numerous Senior Knights, and dozens of cavalrymen.

Meanwhile, in a certain manor in Wales County.

"How is it? Where is the enemy team now, and how is the scouting going?" Galina tapped her long fingernails as she casually asked when her subordinate entered.

"High Priestess, the enemy is moving in the direction of Colma Town, as we predicted. However..."

"However, what?"

"The daughter of Count Habsburg is likely to be protected by a Senior Knight master." The Darkflame Cultivator immediately shared the detailed information from the insider about what happened at the entrance of Seril's manor.

"Two formal Senior Knights were knocked down with two punches. The opponent's strength is probably not that of an ordinary Senior Knight." Galina's expression turned serious as she thought after hearing her subordinate's report.

However, her face didn't show any worry; instead, she looked eager to try.

"It's likely a true master of the Secret Art. Otherwise, with just physical qualities, a Senior Knight couldn't nearly instant-kill two formal Senior Knights."

"Hehe, this is a good test subject!" Galina smiled seductively and stood up.

After all, if the opponent was too weak, she wouldn't even have the desire to use her killer move.

However, Galina suddenly noticed that the subordinate who had finished reporting hadn't left, so she asked in confusion, "What is it? Is there something else to report?"

"The insider said that before leaving, the opponent showed a golden emblem. From Baron Rodlin's attitude at the time, he seemed to be wary, and he also mentioned something about a Golden Rank Swordbearer?"

"But this information isn't 100% accurate because the insider was standing a bit far away and didn't hear it very clearly."

"What?" This made Galina's expression change.

"A Golden Rank Swordbearer."

Galina naturally understood what a Golden Rank Swordbearer implied.

The Imperial Swordbearers had always been a concern for non-orthodox Church members like them.

This was because the Swordbearers were not only powerful but often operated in squads, making them highly coordinated and challenging to deal with.

If the opponent was Golden Rank...

The task given by Lord Laksur this time seemed not to be easy at all!

"Is the opponent alone?" Galina asked.

"Yes, my lady. This point is clear. The opponent is alone," the subordinate replied.

Galina's heart relaxed at once.

One person versus a squad; naturally, they weren't of the same difficulty.

Even if it was a Golden Rank Swordbearer, if it was just one person, she still had great confidence in winning. After all, the opponent was a Golden Rank Swordbearer who followed the path of a Knight.

There were still many ways to deal with them.

But to be safe...

"How's the assembly of that thing going?" Galina turned to ask her subordinate.

"High Priestess, you're referring to the big guy the Church left for us to experiment with. It's almost assembled, and with a little more effort, we can perform the prayer ritual and activate it," the black-robed subordinate reported.

"Tell the craftsmen to speed up. I need it tonight," Galina ordered.

"Hehe, if we kill a craftsman, it'll be done in time, right?" Galina smiled sinisterly.

The black-robed subordinate's heart trembled at this, and he bowed respectfully, "High Priestess, I'll take care of it."

Watching the subordinate leave in a hurry, Galina nodded in satisfaction! With that thing, there probably wouldn't be any unexpected incidents tonight.

(End of Chapter)

Chapter end