Chapter 282: Clash of Hammers!

Chapter 282: Clash of Hammers!



Two hours earlier, in a room on the second floor of Count Habsburg's Manor.

After much contemplation, Rain decided to first upgrade the Advanced Secret Technique 'Crushing Hammer' to an Ultimate Technique.

There were two reasons for this decision. Firstly, according to the system description, the 'Soul-Shattering Warhammer' of the Warhammer Wizard (Legendary) required the enemy to be killed by the warhammer to trigger its buff effect.

Clearly, the more powerful the hammer technique, the stronger the enemies he could defeat with it, and the greater the buff would be.

Secondly, Roland had previously mentioned that the key for a Grand Knight to reach the Legendary realm was to master the Divine Power, and the 'Improved Blade Storm', also an Advanced Secret Technique, was a combination of an innate wizardry and a technique.

It couldn't be considered a pure sword technique.

Rain had a hunch that to comprehend the Divine Power, a pure hammer or sword technique without the influence of wizardry might be more effective.

With his mind made up, Rain checked the conditions for promoting 'Crushing Hammer' to an Ultimate Technique:

'1. Any Extraordinary Hammer Technique at level 18 or higher; 2. Bear King Breath at level 18 or higher; 3. Strength 45 points, Agility 38 points, Constitution 40 points or higher; 4. Consume 4 Golden Skill Points.'

He then reviewed his attribute panel:

Constitution: 39

Strength: 46

Agility: 44

Spirit: 55

Rain quickly decided to allocate 1 point to his Constitution attribute, as he only needed 1 more point to meet the requirement.

As his Constitution also surpassed the 40-point threshold, Rain had fully met the attribute requirements for the Ultimate Technique.

Next, he consumed 4 Golden Skill Points to upgrade both the hammer technique and the Bear King Breath to level 18, and selected 'Promote'! Instantly, a flood of training memories related to the 'Crushing Hammer' rushed into Rain's mind!

In a mysterious space, Rain seemed to be single-mindedly practicing the Advanced Hammer Technique 'Crushing Hammer' for three to four decades, and in the final moment, he achieved a breakthrough! The system prompt appeared again:

[Congratulations, you have comprehended the Ultimate Hammer Technique: Annihilation Hammer!]



"Annihilation Hammer? The name has changed too?"

However, seeing the words "Ultimate Technique," Rain finally felt a sense of satisfaction.

On the Weapon Master (Legendary) panel, the hammer technique 'Crushing Hammer' also changed to 'Annihilation Hammer'.

The icon underwent a significant transformation.

The pattern now depicted a dark and heavy hammer swinging downward, and around the hammerhead, there were ripples in a wave-like pattern spreading outward.

Unlike the previous icon that vividly portrayed the smashing of a giant rock, this new pattern resembled an abstract painting.

After all, these ripples seemed to hold some unknown meaning.

The small text below the icon also changed accordingly:

Annihilation Hammer (Ultimate Technique) Effect: Utilize an extraordinary hammer technique with a trace of divine power to deliver a strike capable of annihilating both tangible and intangible objects.

(Note: To upgrade Annihilation Hammer to the initial Annihilation Force, the following conditions must be met: 1. Strength 60 points, Agility 50 points, Constitution 55 points, and Willpower 3 points or higher; 2. Consume 8 Golden Skill Points.)



"This..."

"Force?"

"Has it already transcended the scope of a mere technique?"

Rain's attention was quickly drawn to the word 'Willpower' in the note. Although it mentioned the initial Annihilation Force, the power of this Annihilation Force seemed to be beyond that of an Ultimate Technique.

At the same time, Rain thought of the beginner wizardry 'High Temperature Field' he had learned before, which also contained the word 'force'.

However, there was a significant difference between the two.

Additionally, Rain noticed that the subsequent promotion of the Ultimate Technique 'Annihilation Hammer' no longer required hammer techniques or breathing methods. It only listed attribute points and Golden Skill Points as prerequisites.

It gave the feeling of simplifying the path to power.

"Huh? Willpower 3?"

Rain soon noticed this new attribute.

"But I don't have a Willpower attribute."

Rain frowned slightly and immediately checked his attribute panel.

His eyes widened as he noticed a new Willpower attribute on the panel:

Constitution: 40

Strength: 46

Agility: 44

Spirit: 55

Willpower (Hidden Attribute): 1

[Note: Willpower is a hidden attribute. To increase Willpower, certain conditions must be met.]



"How did I suddenly get 1 point of Willpower?"

Rain pondered, "Could this 1 point of Willpower have appeared during the process of promoting the Advanced Hammer Technique 'Crushing Hammer' to the Ultimate Technique 'Annihilation Hammer'?"

"It seems this is the only explanation."

Just as Rain was thinking about this, a knock sounded on the door.

"Knock knock knock! Rain?"

Kraya's familiar voice came from outside the door.

Rain opened the door, and Kraya stood there with an ancient-looking scroll, a smile on her face.

"Please come in, Miss Kraya."

Kraya nodded and stepped into the room.

"Rain, there's something I'd like to discuss with you."

"But before that, I have something for you, which might offer some inspiration for your understanding of Willpower."

"This is a manuscript written by one of our ancestors, based on their personal experiences, detailing how they came to understand Will Radiance." Kraya said, handing the parchment to Rain.

"Miss Kraya, isn't this too precious?"

Kraya's smile grew brighter.

"Rain, don't forget, you're now my Guardian Knight. The stronger you become, the safer I'll be, right?"

"Before, when I was still a Peak Knight, there were some things within the family that I couldn't share with you."

"But now, things are different. After my promotion to Grand Knight, according to the agreement between my father and the elders, I'm now the first-in-line heir to the Habsburg family, with significantly more authority than before."

"Even I, as the heir, might not have been able to give this manuscript to you."

"Thank you, Miss Kraya." Rain took the manuscript, offering a slight bow.

Currently, he had 1 point of Will attribute, and having a manuscript from a predecessor's understanding of Willpower would undoubtedly benefit him.

It might significantly expedite his subsequent comprehension and application of Willpower.

"Additionally, I spoke to my father about your situation, and he's both delighted and surprised by your growth. Once he recovers a bit more, he wishes to have a chat with you."

"Of course, I'm available anytime. Miss Kraya, please convey my wishes for the Count of Habsburg's swift recovery."

At this moment, Kraya's expression turned solemn. "Rain, as a Wizard, haven't you noticed anything unusual lately?"

"Unusual? What do you mean?" Rain was perplexed.

"For instance, the concentration of mysterious side energy particles. Perhaps you can try to recall the difference between a month ago and now." Kraya looked at Rain with a puzzled expression.

"This..." Rain carefully sensed his surroundings.

It seemed that the energy particles were easier to manipulate? But the issue was that his spiritual power a month ago and now were vastly different.

Rain suddenly realized!

He understood.

The rapid increase in his spiritual power had left him no time to notice the changes in these mysterious side energy particles.

Instinctively, he had assumed that the enhancement of his wizardry was solely due to his improved strength.

In reality, a small part of the reason was the change in energy particle concentration that Kraya mentioned.

"Miss Kraya, do you mean that the mysterious side energy particles have become denser due to some unknown reason?"

"Yes, even though I'm a Knight, my spiritual power isn't weak. Over the past half-year, I've been able to sense this change, let alone the Wizards."

"Also, don't you find it strange? The Epic Snake, an ancient creature, has suddenly appeared."

"I thought it was a coincidence, but it wasn't?"

"It's not a coincidence. When I was at the Imperial Royal Academy, there were at least a dozen reports of Behemoth awakenings from across the Empire's vast territories."

"Even many of the great nobles' heirs are discussing this issue." Kraya's expression turned serious.

Spirit Energy Resurgence?

The term suddenly appeared in Rain's mind, though it was merely a metaphor.

The actual reason behind it might be far more complex, but regardless, the current situation seemed to indicate that the increase in energy particle concentration had led to a similar fact—the gradual awakening of Behemoths.

Despite his rapid progress, he still lagged far behind the Epic Snake.

The issue was, apart from the Behemoths, what was behind the active cults?

Rain's brow furrowed, and a sense of urgency arose.

"Hasn't there been any discussion about a solution within the Empire?" Rain asked.

"I haven't been privy to the Empire's response plan."

"The consensus at the Imperial level is that it's an opportunity and a challenge. The increase in energy particle concentration will not only directly enhance the combat power of Wizards but also subtly reduce the difficulty of our breakthroughs."

"In other words, breakthroughs will become easier!"

"Many believe that experts within the Empire will emerge like bamboo shoots after the rain."

"I see." Rain pondered.

This wasn't a bad thing; at least, it provided a good explanation for his rapid strength increase.

After Kraya left, Rain began reading the manuscript written by Mikel Habsburg, Kraya's ancestor.

The author was one of the few in the Habsburg family's history who had comprehended Will Radiance.

There wasn't much about Will Radiance in the manuscript; it was merely a brief mention.

".Understand why you fight. Understand what your longsword points to."

After pondering these words repeatedly, Rain seemed to have gained some insight, perhaps because he already had 1 point of Willpower.

For a moment, Rain had a sudden realization! He extended his right hand, and a faint white glow emanated from his palm.

But then, an invisible force of willpower descended upon his hand.

The elemental force underwent a peculiar transformation.

It wasn't a quantitative change, but the previously chaotic elemental particles suddenly became orderly and aligned.

As if the force had found a leader, a soul to guide it!

"Did the force lack a soul before?"

Rain explained this phenomenon using an example from his previous life.

It was as if the force had been like carbon atoms in graphite, but with the addition of willpower, it transformed into the structured carbon atoms of a diamond.

The carbon remained carbon, but its essence had fundamentally changed.

Rain extended his hand, infused with the elemental force, and with a chopping motion, he lightly sliced through the corner of the wooden table.

"Pata!"

The thick wooden table corner fell to the ground, its cut surface smooth and flawless.

"This..."

Rain's face contorted in thought.

Clearly, the previous infusion of force couldn't achieve this effect.

Suddenly, a loud "Boom!" echoed from outside the window.

Rain immediately went to the window to investigate.

He saw that the previously filled-in tunnel entrance was now spewing dirt and debris, a large hole suddenly appearing.

"The Earth Serpent is back?"

Rain's first thought was that the legendary Earth Serpent had returned.

"This is good, it's a perfect opportunity to test the core skill effect of the Warhammer Wizard, 'Soul Shatter Impact,' and experience what true damage feels like."

However, to Rain's surprise, his keen eyesight spotted an unusually burly figure slowly emerging from the cloud of dust and smoke.

The figure had a wild mane of red hair like a lion's, and wore an extremely ancient-looking bronze chest plate.

The armor's design resembled the muscular armor of the Spartan warriors from Rain's previous life, formed from two bronze plates, front and back.

In his right hand, he held a massive square-shaped warhammer.

The warhammer's design was equally ancient, its head a perfect rectangular block of metal, blue on both sides, and its handle adorned with blue and white stripes.

Dozens of guards were shocked, but in the next moment, they seemed frozen in place by an invisible force, unable to move even a finger.

The figure blinked, and in an instant, he was beside one of the guards.

"Pfft!"

He plunged his hand into the guard's heart.

As strands of red blood spread over his thick, dry arm, the figure slightly tilted his head and spoke in a deep, resonating voice:

"Freeman, you're lying to me, these aren't the Empire's elite."

At that moment, Rain saw a group of Black Flame Adepts emerging from the tunnel.

Roland, Flick, and Atlas rushed over from the side.

But when they laid eyes on the ancient hero Monge, they froze in shock!

Such pressure.

Freeman quickly pointed at the group, "No, sir, those are the Empire's elite!"

Instantly, Monge's gaze shifted to Roland and the others.

They immediately broke out in cold sweat, a chill running from their tailbone to the top of their heads!

It felt like they were being stared down by their mortal enemy.

Roland, the peak Grand Knight, looked desperate and said to his two teammates, "You two, run now, split up!"

"I'll hold them off!"

"Captain, is the opponent that strong?" Flick asked, a hint of panic in his voice as he witnessed his captain's reaction, having already given up hope of victory before engaging the enemy.

"Captain, not even with Captain Rain's help?" Flick asked, his lips pressed together in disappointment.

"No, we can't win. The opponent is a true legendary power, perhaps even more." Roland shook his head, his face pale.

At that moment, Kraya also approached Roland.

Then, Rain!

"Come on! Come on! The more elite warriors of the Dragon Empire, the better. This way, Sir Monge can quickly recover his peak strength!"

The ancient hero Monge had been asleep for too long, and although he had been affected by the Amber Barrier Spell, his life force was slowly ebbing away.

His own life essence was weakening with the passing of time.

The blood crystal used in the previous Blood Source Ritual was of little use, even after refining.

It was merely enough to wake him up.

The ancient hero Monge's strength was now a mere shadow of its former self.

From his previous epic-level power, he was now barely at the threshold of a legendary power.

Monge needed to absorb the essence of as many powerful warriors as possible to restore his strength.

For example, if he were to absorb the essence of a legendary power now, he could recover half of his strength.

With ten legendary powers, he could essentially restore his epic-level strength.

As Monge was about to launch an attack, he glanced up.

Two Griffin Knights, as part of their routine patrol, flew towards the town of Myister.

At that moment, they were approaching Myister Town when they suddenly saw a cloud of dust rising from the noble district.

The two Griffin Knights exchanged glances, their eyes widening in surprise. From their aerial vantage point, it was clear that the dust cloud below was quite large.

"Fesher, go down and take a look," ordered Rain.

"Hmm! Viscount Filck, that seems to be Count Habsburg's Manor. Could it be under attack?"

Without hesitation, the two Griffin Knights rode their griffins towards the source of the dust cloud.

"It's the Darkflame Cult!" Viscount Filck exclaimed as he spotted the group of black-robed figures and the tall, hammer-wielding figure at the forefront.

At that moment, from the perspective of those underground.

Suddenly, a high-pitched and majestic cry echoed through the sky!

A lion-headed eagle with massive wings spread its wings and pounced, its sharp claws aiming directly at the red-haired freak.

"Bang!!"

A beam shot out from the tip of the hammer!

With just one strike, the lion-eagle, at least four meters long, was severely injured, like a crashing plane, it slammed into the side building, collapsing several walls.

The other griffin-rider's eyes widened in fear, and he quickly pulled up!

With one strike, a griffin was taken down, and the red-haired freak's terrifying attack left everyone hesitant to approach.

"Admiral Rain, Miss Kraya, the opponent is a true Legendary Power. You must leave quickly," Roland urged.

"Hiss~"

"Legendary Power?"

Everyone's gaze turned towards Rain.

As a fellow hammer-wielder, Rain seemed to be the only one capable of defeating the opponent.

But the problem was that the opponent was too strong!

A Legendary Power!

Not Laksoor or Cannon, but a true Legendary.

A Darkflame Adept approached Freeman and whispered in his ear. Freeman focused his gaze on Rain, his eyes gleaming with malice.

"So you're Rain?"

"Since you killed Laksoor, you'll be the first to die."

"To die at the hands of Ancient Hero Mong is an honor."

At this moment, Rain's attention was entirely focused on Ancient Hero Mong, who had just comprehended Will Radiance. He could see more than others.

Around Mong's tall figure, the field was chaotic.

Suddenly, a powerful aura became visible to the naked eye.

This aura was like a strong magnetic field, and also like colorful ribbons fluttering in the wind.

When the tall figure's eyes locked onto Rain, Rain suddenly felt a tremor, as if a huge bell rang in Thailand.

This was a pressure from a higher life level!

Far more intense than facing a Legendary Earth Serpent.

Not even Rain knew that he had no way out.

Not to mention that he was Kraya's Guardian Knight, but based on the speed displayed by the opponent, it was highly unlikely that he could escape.

Since it was like this, it seemed there was only one choice!

Life and death, if you dare, fight!

Rain tightened his grip on the Skull Warhammer.

"Boom!"

The tall figure's feet exploded the ground!

The entire person left a grey afterimage, holding a blue and white hammer, rushing towards Rain. The opponent's speed was too fast, and a white energy wave could be seen around them.

Rain's pupils contracted, his danger sense had never given such a strong warning!

Facing a life-threatening crisis.

In an instant, Rain felt his scalp tingling, as if struck by lightning.

At this moment, he couldn't perceive the opponent's attack.

In the eyes of others, Rain also charged towards the opponent, pulling out a silver line!

Logically, if the opponent dodged, it would be difficult for Rain to strike them. But perhaps in the eyes of Ancient Hero Mong, Rain was just a slightly stronger ant.

When stepping on, just a little harder.

Perhaps, the foot would also grind to the side.

"Boom!!!

In an instant, two warhammers, large and small, collided heavily!

A visible energy wave, with the point of impact as the origin, rapidly expanded in all directions, comparable to the muzzle storm of a 406mm battleship main gun.

In an instant, Rain flew backwards faster than he had come, the white skull warhammer in his hand, like weathering, from head to tail, shattered into fine sand.

But what worried everyone more was that Rain's right arm, muscles bursting, while flying back, blood splattered everywhere!

The Darkflame Adepts, including Freeman, watched this scene, and a smile appeared on their faces.

At the same time, in their hearts, four words emerged: "Don't know your place."

(End of Chapter)

Chapter end