Chapter 292: Defense Power Testing

Chapter 292: Defense Power Testing



But what terrified Brina even more was something else.

Logically, her previous scream should have quickly drawn the attention of her family and servants.

However, up until now, she hadn't heard a single sound or movement from anyone.

This made her increasingly uneasy.

Brina planned to escape through the window; as long as she opened it, she could...

But the next second, she froze.

Just now, she had looked up at the window.

The boy who should have been in the hallway outside was now sitting on the windowsill, still holding the female wooden puppet, staring blankly at her.

"Ahhhh!!!"

---

Meanwhile, at the Swordbearer Division.

Rain walked along the road, quickly calculating in his mind.

"If I allocate skill points to the new spell 'Metal Barrier' and directly upgrade it to level 2, based on the previous casting time, it should be possible to reduce the casting time by around 20%, from 3 seconds to 2.4 seconds."

"But 2.4 seconds is still too slow."

"With 2 skill points, reaching level 3 would further reduce the casting time to 1.9 seconds."

"And with 3 skill points, it would be level 4, with a casting time of approximately 1.5 seconds."

"..."

"If I allocate all 5 skill points, it would be level 5, with a casting time of 1 second."

"There's room for optimization."

"If I first practice and upgrade 'Metal Barrier' to level 2, then allocate 5 skill points, it would be level 7, meaning a casting time of only 0.8 seconds!"

Rain's eyebrows arched in realization.

With this casting time, the spell would be quite practical in actual combat, especially since it had broken the 1-second barrier.

For an ordinary wizard or apprentice wizard to achieve such proficiency, they would likely need years of arduous training, practicing syllable compression and more.

Rain glanced at the combat profession on his system panel. Both the Warhammer Wizard (Legendary) and the Weapon Master (Legendary) had limited potential for rapid leveling.

"It seems that when the time comes, I'll have to seek a profession change to quickly gain skill points."

"Runes?" The word flashed through Rain's mind.

Learning runes was something he had been considering; it might be crucial for a future profession change.

As Rain pondered, he soon arrived at the Training Hall.

He clearly remembered the enthusiastic receptionist from last time; she had mentioned that the third floor had a Spell Power Testing Room, while the second floor, where he had gone for the Attack Power Testing Room, was primarily for testing Extraordinary Combat Skills.

Rain quickly reached the third floor and found the door marked 'Spell Power Testing Room'.

The door was open, revealing an indoor training room-like space of around 400-500 square meters, but with far fewer people than the second floor's Attack Power Testing Room.

Indeed, from Rain's observation during the Swordbearer assessment, pure apprentice wizards made up less than one-tenth of the total.

Even including those who also trained as knights, the total number likely wouldn't exceed one-fifth.

Within the Dragon Empire, those with wizard aptitude were far fewer than those with decent knight talent.

As for the presence of numerous apprentice wizards and wizards in the Swordbearer Division or other special departments, it was due to the Empire's rigorous selection process, concentrating those with such aptitude.

It was similar to how, in Rain's analogy, there were only high-level individuals in his previous world.

Rain noticed seven or eight Swordbearers in various colored wizard robes conducting tests. Upon seeing the youthful Rain at the entrance, they turned to glance at him.

Rain merely scanned the room and then left.

He didn't want to reveal his Superb level of Metal Elemental Affinity.

During his previous test, he had noticed the standard division on the wall; anything over 90 was considered Superb.

A level of affinity that was extremely rare in the largest elements like Fire and Water, let alone the smallest element, Metal.

Spell power testing had a high chance of exposing the tester's aptitude. With similar mental energy, if the spell power varied greatly, it could only be due to aptitude differences.

Rain approached the service counter and asked, "Excuse me, does this Spell Power Testing Room have private rooms?"

"Yes, sir, but it requires an additional energy consumption fee. Is that acceptable?"

"Yes," Rain nodded, although he didn't know what 'energy consumption' meant, he trusted that he could afford it.

At the same time, Rain handed over his crystal emblem.

The female clerk's mouth slightly agape, her face showing surprise, she respectfully took it and said, "Great sir, please follow me."

Soon, Rain followed the female clerk to a room on the left side of the third-floor corridor, near the innermost part. "Sir, this is it," she said.

As the clerk opened the door, Rain saw a room of about a hundred square meters, containing several uniquely shaped devices.

From left to right, there were two multi-barreled devices resembling Gatling guns, and in the center, there was a device similar to a tennis ball launcher from his previous life.

On the far right was an Attack Testing Device, similar to the one on the second floor, except its surface was painted a bright silver.

"Sir, it seems you’re a first-timer. Would you like me to introduce these to you?"

"Sure."

"Sir, these two are Defense Testing Devices, the Flame Emitter and the Jet Emitter, which can spray flames and jets of water respectively. The single nozzle power is about ten degrees, with a maximum testing limit of eighty degrees."

The girl pointed at the 'Gatling' device on the far left.

Rayn took a look and asked, "No other elemental damage, like frost, for instance?"

"Um, I apologize, Sir, we only have these two in the branch."

Rayn nodded; two was good enough.

"Hmm, what about this one?" Rayn pointed at the device in the middle.

"This is a Spear Launcher, with options for fast, medium, and slow speeds," the girl explained.

Spear Launcher? So it’s for testing physical attack power.

"Right, Sir, when testing your Spell Defense, please proceed gradually and pay attention to safety. Do not expose vital body parts to the emitters. This is all noted on the device’s plaques," the girl added.

Rayn nodded and said, "The last one is for testing Spell Attack power, correct?"

"Yes, Sir. If you’ve been to the Attack Testing Room on the second floor, you’ll notice this looks similar, except it’s coated with Enchanted Serilium, which significantly reduces energy damage."

"Enchanted Serilium?"

"Yes, Sir. It’s a special metal said to greatly weaken energy attacks, though I don’t know the specifics," the girl explained.

Rayn nodded, making a mental note.

He planned to check the relevant information in the library later.

"Alright, go about your business. Thanks."

"You’re welcome, Sir. Please be careful. Call me if you need anything." The girl bowed respectfully and left.

After a moment’s thought, Rayn started testing the first device.

Rayn first adjusted the Flame Emitter, intending to start with a two-nozzle test, which would be about twenty degrees of flame attack.

As the countdown red light on the Flame Emitter began:

"3"

"2"

"1"

"Bang!"

Two jets of flame shot out, striking Rayn’s Tempered Gold transformed Crane Shield directly.

At twenty degrees of Spell Attack, Rayn received it steadily.

Next, he tried three nozzles,

four nozzles,

until five nozzles.

At five nozzles, even with three Crane Shields in front, the shields began to melt within seconds, clearly reaching the limit of flame defense.

"About 40 degrees of flame defense."

Next, Rayn began testing the Jet Emitter.

Previously, it was flame; now, it was simulating a water-based spell, 'Jet Impact.'

This time, Rayn started with three nozzles.

Next, he tried four nozzles,

five nozzles.

"Hmm, it can still withstand it?"

After multiple attempts, Rayn was pleasantly surprised.

"Turns out the Spell 'Metal Barrier'’s defense is related to the resistance of the metal plates themselves."

"Tempered Gold has average resistance to flames but better resistance to water impacts, hence the nearly 10-degree difference in defense."

"In that case..."

Rayn’s eyes lit up as he seemed to have an idea.

---

In the Task Hall of the Swordbearer Division,

In the queue waiting to submit tasks, the red-haired Evelyn was still beautiful, but the fatigue on her face was evident.

She had just returned from Rosby County to submit a new recruit’s task.

The situation in Rosby County was worse than she had anticipated.

Her family, the Norman Family, as a long-standing Viscount family in Rosby, had suffered significant losses in the recent turmoil.

In fact, the situation in Rosby County was almost as bad as in Myister, with the attacks by sea giants and the secret machinations of the Black Flame Cult severely degrading the living conditions in Rosby County.

This time, she had brought her mother and some of the young elites of the Norman Family to the provincial capital, Minster.

This was the last preparation the Norman Family had made to avoid further deterioration of the situation, to prepare for the worst possible outcome.

However, she was still very worried about her father.

As a fief noble, the Viscount Norman could not leave Rosby County.

At this moment, it was Evelyn’s turn in the queue.

"Hello, how may I assist you?" The young female clerk smiled and stood up.

"Hello, I’d like to submit the Bronze Level Task ‘Transport Line in Rosby City,’” Evelyn said as she handed over the dark black Iron Emblem.

"Sure, Madam."

Although it was just the lowest-level Iron Emblem, the young clerk did not show any lack of respect.

After all, even though the Iron Emblem was low-level, it still represented an Extraordinary, a Swordsman!

"Alright, Madam, the Bronze Level Task ‘Transport Line in Rosby City’ has been completed, and 150 Merit Points have been recorded in your emblem."

Evelyn nodded slightly, her face showing a trace of relief.

Finally, the novice task was completed!

These 150 merit points were hard-earned!

Many Swordsmen recruits were injured during this novice task.

She was still lucky, as a Peak Knight and Second Rank Apprentice Wizard, she often provided support with spells, making it relatively less dangerous.

The Poseidon Church was more difficult to deal with than she had anticipated.

If it weren't for this being a novice task with instructors leading the way, the losses would have been greater.

Through this novice task, Evelyn realized that while Swordsmen had excellent treatment, the danger level was also high.

Although most tasks were evaluated, many situations could change, and the requirements for continued success were almost harsh!

For example, Neor behind her had performed well, killing a Poseidon Church steward during this novice task.

According to the instructor, he should receive three additional Bronze Task Evaluation Medals as a reward.

This meant that he could directly advance to the Gold Rank, with significant improvements in treatment and exchangeable item types.

"Ma'am, please wait a moment, I'll help you change your emblem."

"Okay, thank you."

With the novice task completed, Evelyn not only earned 150 merit points but also advanced from a reserve Swordsman to a full-fledged Swordsman, eligible to exchange for a Bronze Emblem.

She had finally shed the 'rookie' status.

However, it was merely a change in status, as the Assistance Department still had a 1000-point loan.

"Ma'am, here's your Golden Emblem." The female staff member respectfully handed over the large, golden emblem to Evelyn.

"Huh?"

Evelyn's beautiful eyes widened, and she waved her hands repeatedly, firmly refusing, "No, no! You must be mistaken, I should be getting a Bronze Emblem!"

The Golden Rank was an elite group within the entire Swordsman Division.

Most Swordsmen who had been around for a year or two were Silver Rank, while the Golden Rank made up less than a third.

Seeing Evelyn's adamant denial, the female staff member looked puzzled and checked the emblem's name again, confirming, "Please confirm, are you Evelyn Norman from Rosby County, right?"

"Yes," Evelyn nodded.

"Then there's no mistake!"

"How could it be a Golden Emblem?" Evelyn's mind was still in a state of shock, unable to process this.

"According to the records, you are a full member of the 'Masters Siege Hammer' squad, and Lord Rayn allocated three Silver Medals and 2000 merit points upon completing the squad task."

"So, it's correct! You can be promoted to the Golden Rank."

"What?" Evelyn was now completely stunned.

What task had Rayn completed? And why had he allocated so much to her? Evelyn felt her mind couldn't keep up.

In reality, when Rayn turned in his task yesterday, he was asked by a female staff member how to allocate task evaluation medals and merit points. He thought for a moment and, remembering that Evelyn had loaned 1000 merit points, decided to help her out.

Since it was a simple matter for him, he casually allocated some Silver Evaluation Medals that he didn't need at the moment.

As for the twin-tailed girl, Vionica, Rayn gave her even more—after all, they were close. He casually gave her a Golden Evaluation Medal and 5000 merit points.

Meanwhile, Neor and another Swordsman recruit standing behind Evelyn were wide-eyed with shock, their faces frozen in disbelief, just a few meters away from Evelyn.

When they heard Rayn allocating evaluation medals to Evelyn, allowing her to be promoted to the Golden Rank, they were utterly shocked!

Rayn must be at least a Golden Rank Swordsman leader!

Goodness!

Soon, this news spread among the Swordsmen recruits.

Training Building, Second Floor.

In the Attack Power Testing Room, many Knights-level individuals were discussing.

"Captain Angus, did you hear? Lord Rayn has been promoted to a Golden Rank Swordsman leader?" Vieri, who had just recovered from his injuries, was undergoing rehabilitation training, asked Angus.

"What? Golden Rank?" The rugged-faced, burly man exclaimed.

"Vieri, how did you find out?"

"I heard it from a Rock Squad member from Bobini County. His name is Remir, and he just advanced to a full Wizard rank yesterday. He heard it during the celebration dinner."

"So, Captain, do you think Lord Rayn could help us a little?" Vieri's anger surged as he thought of his fallen comrade.

Since they were all once affiliated with the military, they had rich combat experience.

So, when they were reassigned by the military, their primary responsibility was to ensure the safety of the supply line to Munster.

During a mission to escort a convoy, they were ambushed by the Darkflame Church of Wales County. Although they managed to ensure the convoy's safe evacuation, the team nearly didn't make it back!

Chris and his two companions were killed by the enemy's experts. One was named 'Wild Bull' Biddles, whose Knight Armor was distinctive, with two sharp metal ram horns on each shoulder.

The other's name was unknown, but he was skilled in Dark Magic Arrays. He launched five Black Flame Balls at the start, instantly reducing their numbers by one!

"The enemy is very powerful. Even if Lord Rain can defeat them, it's still a significant risk."

"Moreover, if you want Lord Rain to take on these two's tasks, Captain Angus, I'm willing to become Lord Rain's follower!" Vieri said solemnly.

He and Chris were like brothers, and Chris's death was largely due to saving him!

So, if there was a chance for revenge, he wouldn't hesitate for a second.

Upon hearing Vieri's words, Angus fell silent.

He hadn't considered that Vieri, with his exceptional knightly talents, would be willing to become a follower. Even a Marquis of the Empire might not refuse such an offer.

---

In Minster, within Lord Rain's residence.

"Hmm? Lord Rain is back?" Jenny had just returned and heard Mint excitedly mentioning this, and her face lit up with delight.

She turned to her mother, Jennifer, and said, "Mother, the issue you encountered can be resolved with Lord Rain's help."

"Hmm." The beautiful woman, who had been slightly worried, was also pleasantly surprised to hear of Lord Rain's return.

Due to the turbulent situation in Meyster, the Eagle Federation's sea trade route to Port Town was almost entirely cut off. This forced Jennifer, the merchant guild leader, to explore new business channels.

The problem she faced now was not a commercial one.

Although Jennifer had taken the first step through Lord Rain's introduction, with the expansion of her business, she had recently approached several larger merchant guilds.

However, communicating with the leaders of these guilds was not going smoothly. They subtly implied, either openly or discreetly, that if she wanted to cooperate,

it was possible.

But only after the beautiful woman engaged in deeper conversations with them could normal cooperation commence.

Of course, they had also heard, to varying degrees, that this beautiful woman, though a small baroness from Meyster, seemed to have an Imperial Swordsman backing her.

However, unlike other county towns, Minster was a provincial capital and the location of the Swordsman Division.

Swordsmen were not uncommon, and they all had powerful backers. Therefore, the merchant leaders did not fear them.

Naturally, they wouldn't resort to coercion.

Persuasion and enticement would suffice.

So, despite the beautiful woman's efforts, she had made only minor progress. Taking a more significant step would be akin to walking on thin ice. She had made some minor progress, but taking a more significant step would be an arduous task.

After all, commercial competition in Minster was fierce.

Profitable industries already had established individuals and factions.

Trying to join and take a share without sufficient strength was akin to snatching food from a tiger's mouth, an almost impossible feat.

At this moment, Jenny seemed to remember something and teased, "Mother, it seems like tonight, Agatha and I should go out and have some fun. What time do you think we should return?"

Jenny winked after saying this.

The beautiful woman immediately understood her daughter's joke.

Her fair face flushed with embarrassment, and Jennifer gently patted Jenny, chiding her playfully, "Even making fun of your mother, you're going too far!"

Soon after, Jenny located Agatha and said, "Agatha, I'll accompany you for a stroll tonight."

"Huh? Jenny, isn't Lord Rain coming back today? How do you have time?"

"Lord Rain just returned and probably has a mountain of tasks. By the way, a few days ago, didn't you mention that a viscount's eldest son was pursuing you?"

"Do you want me to vet him for you?" Jenny deftly changed the subject.

When Agatha heard this, she blushed a little and became engrossed in the topic of the viscount's eldest son pursuing her. "It's not a formal pursuit. He invited me to an art exhibition these days, er... I think it's Painter Franco Vancliff's art exhibition, but I haven't agreed yet."

"Hmm? Painter Franco Vancliff's art exhibition?" Jenny became interested.

As a noble offspring, Jenny had studied painting from a young age and loved it. If she could accompany her best friend to the exhibition of a master, it would be perfect.

"Yes, but you've been busy these past few days, and I felt it wasn't proper to go alone. Jenny, if you're interested in the exhibition too, I'll ask him to take us there tonight."

"I heard the exhibition lasts a week, with a banquet every night."

"Hmm, Painter Franco Vancliff's paintings are quite renowned in the Empire. It's a great opportunity to appreciate his work." Jenny nodded.

"That's wonderful! I'll send someone to contact him immediately. Jenny, I love you so much." Agatha exclaimed excitedly.

(End of Chapter)

Chapter end