Chapter 286: Spreading Influence

Chapter 286: Spreading Influence



"Colonel Stanley, is Admiral Edward in?" Colin asked as he prepared to knock on the door. "I have some important news to report."

"Wait!"

"Colin, you're over forty years old, and yet you're still so impulsive," Colonel Stanley said, glancing up at Colin's sweating forehead.

As Edward's secretary, he couldn't possibly return to rest before the Admiral himself did.

This was the downside of being the secretary to a high-ranking official; it could be exhausting at times. Of course, hard work usually paid off, and being Edward's secretary was a fast track to promotion.

"Colonel Stanley, I received an urgent and confidential report from Olena, and according to the regulations, I must inform Admiral Edward immediately."

Colin sheepishly lowered his hand.

As the deputy director of the Intelligence Hall, he was almost two ranks below Colonel Stanley, so he spoke with a more reserved tone.

"Admiral Edward has an important guest. What's the matter?" Stanley asked, with no intention of making things difficult for Colin.

Archbishop Gomez, the head of the Goddess Church in Minster Province, had arrived that evening, and it was likely that he had something important to discuss with Admiral Edward.

If the matter wasn't extremely urgent, Colin could wait until the Archbishop had left before reporting.

After a moment's thought, Colin realized that according to the regulations, Stanley, as Edward's secretary, had the authority to access confidential information.

"Colonel Stanley, you can read it yourself. I'm not sure how to describe the content." Colin handed the original document he had received from Olena to Stanley.

Stanley gave Colin a curious look, unsure of what Colin was getting at, but he opened the letter and began reading quickly.

"What?!" Stanley exclaimed in surprise.

After only a few seconds, his eyes widened, and he stared at the letter in disbelief.

"This..."

Stanley glanced at the letter and then at Colin, as if seeking confirmation.

He had been about to say that this couldn't be possible.

But the letter clearly stated that the identification of the ancient hero Monge as an epic-level warrior was not made by Olena, but by Princess Menya, the Imperial Dragon Knight known as the Red Queen.

Could Princess Menya, one of the Empire's guardians, have made a mistake in her judgment? This was almost impossible.

The only conclusion was that the information was highly likely to be true.

"When I received the intelligence, I found it hard to believe as well," Colin said, seeing the shock on Stanley's face. "But I trust Princess Menya's judgment, and I'm sure Olena wouldn't report this to Admiral Edward without certainty."

Colin couldn't help but smile inwardly, thinking, 'You're over forty too, and you're not exactly calm yourself.'

After listening, Stanley nodded thoughtfully.

Upon consideration, he decided it was best to inform Admiral Edward right away.

After all, the news involved Princess Menya, and Edward wouldn't blame him for interrupting.

Meanwhile, in Admiral Edward's office...

Archbishop Gomez and Admiral Edward sat across from each other, discussing something with grave expressions.

"My friend, based on the information you sent us, our operatives in Wales County have completely uprooted the Black Flame Cult there," Gomez said. "After some interrogation, we obtained quite a bit of useful intelligence."

"One piece of information, I believe, will interest you greatly," Gomez continued. "It concerns the Black Flame Cult's recent activities and their true purpose in Master County."

Gomez paused for a moment.

"My friend, I think you'll need to request the intervention of the Empire's guardians." Gomez's face turned serious.

"What? Is the situation that severe? Do we need the guardians to handle it?" Edward asked, his expression turning solemn.

"I believe so," Gomez replied. "The ultimate goal of the Black Flame Cult is to revive an ancient cult leader, though we're not sure who it is. But the location should be somewhere underground in Master County."

"An ancient cult leader?" Edward's face showed confusion.

"After all this time, even if they can revive the leader, wouldn't their soul's source be significantly weakened? How powerful could they be?"

"True, but even with a weakened soul, they would still possess legendary strength," Gomez explained. "Otherwise, the Black Flame Cult wouldn't go to such lengths."

"Legendary? That's indeed a major problem," Edward said, his face turning grave.

"Knock, knock, knock!"

At that moment, the sound of knocking interrupted them.

Edward frowned slightly, showing his annoyance. "Enter!"

Colonel Stanley stepped forward respectfully and said, "My apologies for the interruption, Admiral Edward, and Archbishop Gomez. I have an urgent and confidential letter from Deputy Director Olena of the Mission Hall, sent from Master County."

"Your Excellency, I believe you should take a look at this immediately."

Admiral Edward glanced at his secretary, Stanley, knowing that he was always level-headed. Despite knowing that he had an important guest, Archbishop Gomez, in his room, Stanley had still come to inform him, indicating that it was a matter of urgency.

So, Edward nodded and said, "Alright, I'll take a look."

Archbishop Gomez, who was discussing matters with Edward, was also drawn to the letter from Maister.

After all, the topic they had just been discussing was related to the Black Flame Cult of Maister.

Admiral Edward took the letter, opened it, and was stunned by its contents. His face couldn't hide his shock!

This caused Archbishop Gomez, standing beside him, to look worried. It was rare for his old friend to lose his composure like this.

"Could it be that I spoke too late?"

"Has the Black Flame Cult found and resurrected that ancient powerful being?" Archbishop Gomez thought to himself.

The next moment, Admiral Edward exclaimed, "An Epic Warrior?"

"This..."

Even though Admiral Edward had experienced many storms, this was the first time he had heard that one of his Swordsmen had killed an Epic Warrior.

He had been the head of the Minster Swordsmen Branch for eight years! During his tenure, it was rare to kill an enemy Legendary Warrior, and it might not happen even once a year.

Most of the time, it was Near-Legendary Tier warriors.

But this time, they had received intelligence about a Swordsman killing an Epic Warrior, which was why Edward was so shocked.

"Your Excellency, have you received accurate information that the Black Flame Cult is resurrecting an Epic Warrior?" Archbishop Gomez couldn't hold back and interrupted Admiral Edward, who was still in shock.

"Archbishop Gomez, you should take a look yourself." After some thought, Edward handed the letter to Gomez.

His mind was a bit chaotic, and he didn't know how to explain the situation to Gomez. The best way was to let him read it himself.

Although it was confidential intelligence from the Swordsmen Branch, they usually shared information with the Goddess Church regarding cult organizations.

Additionally, as the head of the Minster Swordsmen Branch, Edward had the authority to decide whether to share relevant intelligence with the church.

At this moment, Edward was thinking of a name—'Ren'.

He certainly remembered this newly emerged young man, especially after he had single-handedly defeated the Obsidian Giant, leaving a deep impression.

Moreover, the remains of the Golem Guard from a couple of days ago had also surprised him.

But he never expected that in just a few days, this young man would accomplish such a shocking feat—killing an Epic Warrior! Even though it had to be added that the Epic Warrior was in a heavily weakened state.

No matter what prefix was added, it was still an Epic!

"What? He's already killed one?" Archbishop Gomez's half-closed eyes widened instantly, staring at the letter in shock.

"That's right, and it was confirmed by one of the Imperial Guardians, Lady Menya. The result should be accurate," Edward said, understanding his friend's shock and nodding.

He never expected that while they were discussing how to deal with this issue, the problem had already been resolved.

"Old friend, I'd like to ask a favor of you," Edward said.

"It's about this Swordsman, Ren, who killed the cult's ancient hero, Monge. As you've read in the letter, he was marked by some kind of seal. I'd like to ask you to help remove it by all means."

"This... I'm not trying to shirk responsibility, but I've never encountered the will seal of an Epic Warrior before, so I can't guarantee success." Archbishop Gomez, having regained his composure, thought for a moment and didn't immediately agree.

"However, this young man, Ren, is one of your trusted subordinates, I presume. I will do my best to help with this matter."

"Moreover, I'm also very curious to meet this young man. The letter doesn't mention how he managed to kill an Epic Warrior of the cult. I'm genuinely intrigued by this."

"Haha, old friend, I have the same question. I think we'll find out in a couple of days," Admiral Edward laughed, responding to Archbishop Gomez's curiosity.

---

At the same time, in the training room on the first floor of the Habus Earl's residence in Master County.

Ren was currently manipulating his talent sorcery, 'Metal Transformation', to continuously transform the tempered mithril in his hands into various shapes, alternating between a greatsword and a warhammer.

The purpose was, of course, to test the difference.

Ren remembered clearly.

When he was at the Intermediate Steel Body level, it took him about 0.3 seconds to transform fifty kilograms of tempered mithril into a pseudo warhammer.

But now, after testing it nearly ten times, it averaged around 0.18 seconds, a reduction of about forty percent.

This improvement was significant!

Clearly, after advancing from Intermediate Steel Body to Advanced Steel Body, his metal elemental affinity had also increased significantly.

Otherwise, such an improvement wouldn't have been possible.

Don't underestimate the significance of this brief period of improvement.

From another perspective, within the same time frame, Ren can transmute more metal, enhancing both offense and defense.

For instance, in the time it previously took to transmute a three-sided kite shield, Ren can now create a four-sided kite shield for defense, an immediate and noticeable improvement.

Where he once transmuted a two-meter-long greatsword, he can now create a three-meter-long one. Although it's not forty meters long, it can still catch opponents off guard in battle.

"The key is that the enhancement in Metal Elemental Affinity doesn't just boost the power of his innate Metal Magic, but all Metal-based sorcery."

As Ren intoned a low incantation, he imbued the recently transmuted greatsword in his hands with a Sharpening enchantment.

The pale silver glow became denser than before.

This indicated that the Sharpening enchantment was even more effective!

"It seems the next step is to seek out more Metal-based sorcery," Ren mused to himself.

At that moment, Ren suddenly looked up, his gaze drawn to the training room's entrance.

A familiar, graceful figure caught his eye.

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It was Clara.

"As expected of the one who defeated an Epic Powerhouse, Ren. Your perception is truly sharp; you noticed me as soon as I entered." Clara teased with a smile.

However, Ren could sense a hint of fatigue beneath her beautiful features.

"Miss Clara, are you done with your tasks?"

"Yes, for now. I've just finished handling the aftermath of the injured and fallen guards, and I've also arranged for people to fill in the tunnel entrances in the garden overnight."

"I also coordinated with the Griffin Squadron in Fishport Town, hoping they'd increase their aerial patrols." Clara briefly summarized her recent tasks.

Ren nodded in agreement.

Clara had been handling numerous trivial matters, especially after the battle, which kept her even busier.

With Habus Earl, the Supreme Governor of Maistus, severely injured, Clara had to manage both family affairs and the governance of the entire Maistus County.

Fortunately, Clara had received training in administrative matters since childhood, so taking on these responsibilities wasn't overwhelming.

"Ren, you just experienced such an intense battle. Why not take a rest? No wonder you've made such remarkable progress in such a short time."

"Talent is a prerequisite, but your diligence is what sets you apart from the majority." Clara couldn't help but marvel.

Despite her lingering doubts, such as the soul-absorbing sorcery Ren had used and the ability to draw on his battle pet's vitality to heal injuries, she was impressed.

Where had Ren learned these skills? They didn't seem like something a typical swordsman would know.

Perhaps he had encountered some extraordinary opportunity.

"Well, thank you, Miss Clara. I'm not as diligent as you might think," Ren said with a smile.

"By the way, Ren, you can just call me Clara from now on."

"And how about the mark Princess Menya mentioned on your body? Does it cause you any discomfort?" Clara approached, her beautiful eyes meeting Ren's gaze, a hint of apology in her voice.

"Don't worry, Clara. When we return to Minster, I'll visit the Monsoon and Goddess Church. I don't think it will be a problem."

"Yes, Ren. Thanks to you, the Habus family was spared. If it weren't for you, not only my father, but I might have..."

"This is an Excellent Tier breathing technique, and it's the only Excellent Tier technique I have besides the Habus family's bloodline technique, the Fire Mane Lizard Breath Technique."

"I'm not suggesting you replace your current technique. The cost and risk are too high. I just want you to see it, and perhaps your exceptional talent will give you some inspiration."

"If I'd known about your incredible talent earlier, I wouldn't have taught you the Great Bear Breath Technique. It's a waste of your talent, and I don't want the breathing technique to be a bottleneck in your path to becoming a Legend."

As Clara spoke, she took out a pale yellow scroll from her bosom and handed it to Ren.

"Okay... well, thanks." Ren hesitated but ultimately accepted the scroll containing the Fire Mane Lizard Breath Technique.

Ren was no longer a novice, and he was well aware of the numerous issues involved in changing breathing techniques.

The biggest concern was that his body had already adapted to the previous technique and consumed the corresponding advancement potion to enter the Extraordinary realm of the extraordinary. Changing it now would require a period of readjustment.

For those fortunate enough to have bodies that could withstand such changes, or for those willing to waste a few years and risk a significant drop in strength, there was a chance to start anew. But for most, failure meant a substantial decline in power.

However, Ren had been interested in an Excellent Tier breathing technique, thinking he could find one in the Swordsmen Branch to use as a reference. Later, the matter of exchanging sorcery took precedence.

Unexpectedly, Clara had prepared one for him.

Additionally, Clara had taught him the Great Bear Breath Technique when he was still a young servant, for which he was already grateful.

Under the guidance of the Giant Bear Breath Technique, Ren awakened two Extraordinary Attributes, 'Gigantic Strength' and 'Iron Body', with the aid of an advanced potion and the Giant Bear King's 'Bear Palm' technique.

These attributes were the evolved forms of his Physical Talents, 'Intermediate Super Strength' and 'Advanced Steel Body'.

"Ren, the moon is so beautiful tonight," said Claire as she approached the window of the training room and gazed up at the night sky.

"Indeed," Ren replied, realizing that he had never truly appreciated the moon since arriving in this world.

The moon in this world appeared slightly larger than in his previous life, but due to the distance, it lacked the spots seen on the celestial body, making it appear even more radiant.

The two remained silent, gazing quietly at the night sky.

The next morning, as the dawn's light bathed the room, Ren noticed the garden outside, which had been damaged in yesterday's battle, was now restored, though the flowers and bushes had yet to be replanted. The trees in the corner still stood lush and vibrant.

A light rain must have fallen during the night, as the leaves were still wet, with dewdrops glistening at their tips, reflecting a faint golden glow in the morning light.

Ren thought for a moment and then returned to the training room, intending to test the effects of his 'Advanced Steel Body' talent.

His plan was interrupted by Claire's sudden appearance.

As for the Fire Mane Lizard Breath Technique, he decided to study it more thoroughly later.

So, without even having breakfast, Ren headed to the training room alone.

Using Metal Transformation, he quickly transformed the tempered mithril into a large two-handed sword, and on its broad surface, a Four-Prong Dart appeared.

"Blade Storm!" Ren exclaimed.

In an instant, he spun the two-handed sword like a top, creating a powerful whirlwind that swept around him. Simultaneously, the Four-Prong Darts rotated at high speed, accompanied by strong air currents, striking in all directions!

"Ding! Ding! Clang! Clang! Clang!"

If one listened carefully, they would notice that the metallic clashing sounds were denser than when Ren had previously used Blade Storm, with more darts involved.

The reason was that in the past, Ren could only generate seventy to eighty Four-Prong Darts in a short time. To create more, he would need more time, resulting in noticeable pauses in his technique.

This could be fatal in combat.

Now, with Ren's increased affinity for metal elements, he could generate around one hundred and twenty darts in the same amount of time, layering them on the two-handed sword.

Once the dust settled, Ren stepped forward to inspect the ironwood dummies.

Indeed, he found that on the dummies within a thirty-meter radius, there were twelve to thirteen darts on some and six to seven on others.

From this perspective, his advanced technique, 'Blade Storm Modification', had benefited from his 'Advanced Steel Body' talent.

The power of the technique had increased by about twenty to thirty percent.

"It seems like it can endure more tempered mithril now!" Ren exclaimed.

"Looking at it this way, I can probably use it three times, but a fourth time might be pushing it," he said, his expression turning slightly ugly as he realized a problem.

After some thought, Ren couldn't come up with any particularly good solutions to compensate for this drawback.

"However, it's unlikely to encounter a situation in a battle where I'd need to use Blade Storm three times in a row," he reasoned.

Additionally, the primary purpose of the 'Advanced Steel Body' talent was defense.

Ren transformed a dagger and used fifty percent of his strength to slash at his arm. Instantly, a faint silver-gray aura flashed on his skin, leaving not even a trace of a white mark.

This delighted Ren.

"The defense strength of this talent seems significantly stronger than the Intermediate Steel Body," he thought.

Ren continued to increase the strength of each slash with the dagger.

Finally, even at ten percent strength, the dagger only left a white scratch on his skin without breaking it.

This both surprised and pleased Ren.

After some thought, Ren applied a Sharpening Technique to the dagger and gradually increased the strength of his slashes.

This time, the tempered mithril dagger, enhanced by the Sharpening Technique and seventy percent strength, barely broke the skin.

"From this perspective, if I were to measure it in 'degrees', my 'Advanced Steel Body' defense is approximately 15 to 20, but I'll need to test it at the Swordsman Branch to know for sure," Ren concluded.

"However, even with a Limit Break, it seems unlikely for an ordinary Peak Knight to injure me."

"I wonder if the defense strength will change when facing sorcery attacks?"

"If I can maintain this level of defense against energy attacks, then I can basically ignore entry-level offensive spells," he mused.

With this thought, Ren's eyes lit up.

After testing the impact of his 'Advanced Steel Body' talent on his combat abilities, Ren returned to his room.

Following a brief rest, he opened the sheepskin scroll given to him by Claire, which contained the Fire Mane Lizard Breath Technique.

(End of Chapter)

Chapter end