Chapter 292: Defense Testing

Chapter 292: Defense Testing



However, what terrified Brinno even more was the fact that her recent scream should have quickly drawn the attention of her family and servants.

But so far, she hadn't heard a single sound or movement from anyone.

This made her increasingly uneasy.

Brinno planned to escape through the window, but the moment she opened it, she froze in the next second.

When she looked up at the window just now, she saw the boy who was supposed to be in the hallway outside the door sitting on the windowsill, still holding the female puppet doll and staring blankly at her.

Although most tasks had been evaluated, changes often occurred, and the requirements for continued smooth completion were almost harsh!

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

"Hmm?"

Ren glanced at the system panel and saw that both the Hammer Wizard (Legendary) and the Weapon Master (Legendary) had reached a point where leveling up was becoming difficult.

"It seems that we'll have to consider a job change to quickly gain skill points."

Many Swordsmen newcomers had been injured during this rookie task.

Upon hearing Veri's words, Angus fell silent for a moment. He never expected Veri to be willing to pay such a price. Veri had exceptional knightly talents, and if he were to become a follower, even an Imperial Marquis might not refuse.

Finally, the rookie task was completed! 150 Valor Points earned with difficulty!

"Yes," Evelyn nodded.

As for the twin-tailed girl, Veronica, Ren gave her even more, as their relationship was much closer. He casually transferred a Golden Evaluation Medal and 5,000 Valor Points to her.

From this rookie task, Evelyn realized that while Swordsmen enjoyed excellent treatment, the level of danger was also relatively high.

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

In fact, the situation in Rosby County was almost on par with Maester, with the Sea Giant's attacks and the covert instigation of the Black Flame Cult causing a significant decline in Rosby County's living conditions.

"Sir, these are the defense testing devices—a Flame Launcher and a Torrent Emitter. They can spray flames and torrents, with a single-nozzle power of around ten degrees and a maximum test limit of one hundred degrees."

"1," he added.

He planned to visit the library later to look up related information.

Immediately, Ren began experimenting with the Torrent Emitter.

He then proceeded to test with three, four, and eventually five nozzles. Even with the three-faced crane shield blocking the front, within a few seconds, the shield started to melt, indicating that the flame defense limit had been reached.

Ren and Kris had a close relationship, and Kris's death was largely due to his attempt to save Ren. Therefore, if there was a chance for revenge, Ren wouldn't hesitate for a moment.

It was similar to Ren's previous scientific research institute, where most members held master's degrees or higher.

Earlier, when he was in the testing room, he had noticed the standard divisions posted on the wall; anything above 90 was considered extraordinary.

"Alright, you go ahead with your business. Thank you."

"Yes, sir, but there will be additional energy consumption. Is that acceptable?"

"One of them is unknown, but they are skilled in dark magic arrays. Five Black Flame Fireballs took down one of our members right at the start! Their strength is formidable, and even if Sir Ren can defeat them, it might still pose a significant risk."

"Hello, how may I assist you?" the female staff member smiled and stood up.

"According to the records, you are an official member of the 'Maester Siege Hammer' squad. Sir Ren has allocated three Silver Emblems and 2,000 Valor Points to you upon the squad's task completion."

"Okay."

All five of them had previously served in the military and had extensive combat experience.

Ren first adjusted the Flame Launcher for a two-nozzle" test, which would produce a flame attack of around twenty degrees.

"Runes?" Ren thought of two words.

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

"Adding 5 skill points would bring it to Level 6, with a 1-second casting time."

Even including those who had studied the knightly path, the estimate would likely not exceed one-fifth.

It was just a matter of identity, and there was still a 1,000-point loan from the assistance department. "Here you go, sir. Your Silver Emblem." The female staff member respectfully handed a large, gleaming Silver Emblem to Evelyn.

"And adding 3 skill points would make it Level 5, with a casting time of approximately 1.5 seconds."

Arcane Power Testing could reveal a tester's aptitude, as similar arcane power with varying psychic energy could indicate a difference in aptitude.

He remembered that Evelyn had borrowed 1,000 Valor Points, so he decided to help.

Her family, the Norman Family, was a long-standing Viscount family in Rosby, and they had suffered significant losses during the recent events.

As Ren contemplated, he soon arrived at the training hall.

And the problem she is facing now is not one of a commercial nature.

"Adding 2 skill points to reach level 3 will further reduce the time from 2.4 seconds to 1.9 seconds."

Meanwhile, as Evelyn's face showed shock, the two of them listened curiously on the side.

As Ren walked along the road, he quickly started mental calculations.

The beautiful woman instantly understood her daughter's playful remark.

As the girl opened the door, Ren saw that the room was about a hundred square meters in size, with several uniquely designed devices inside.

The beautiful woman, although originally from Maestus and now living in Minster, seemed to have an Imperial Swordsman backing her.

"Gold Rank?" The stern-faced, muscular man exclaimed in surprise.

As a noble offspring, Jenny had studied painting from a young age and enjoyed it. If she could attend a master's art exhibition while accompanying her best friend, it would be perfect.

The girl staff member, seeing Ren's expression, opened her mouth slightly, looking surprised, and immediately took the crystal politely, saying, "Your Excellency, please follow me."

In the Offensive Power Testing Room, several high-level Knights were testing their skills in pairs.

"Sorry, Your Excellency, but this branch only has these two."

"Then it's settled!"

Oh my! The news spread quickly among the new Swordsmen. Training Building, Second Floor.

Inside, seven or eight Swordsmen in various colored wizard robes were testing, and when they saw Ren's face at the door, they couldn't help but turn to look.

Within the Dragon Empire, those with wizard qualifications were far fewer than those with decent knight talents.

Evelyn's eyes widened in surprise, and she waved her hands repeatedly, firmly refusing, "No, no! You must be mistaken. I should be a Bronze Rank!"

"Your Excellency, is this your first time here? Do you need me to introduce you to the facilities?"

Unlike Evelyn and the other newcomers, they were again seconded by the military, primarily responsible for the supply line from Wales County to Maestus.

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

At this moment, it was Evelyn's turn in line.

"Your Excellency, please wait a moment while I change your emblem."

"So, Captain, you said Kris and the others' revenge, should we ask His Excellency Ren for help?" Veri couldn't contain his anger at the thought of his fallen comrades.

What task had Ren completed, and why was he allocated so many resources? Evelyn felt her mind couldn't keep up.

Communicating with the presidents of these chambers of commerce was not going smoothly. They all hinted at a possible collaboration, either openly or subtly.

"Tempered Mithril has average resistance to flames, but its resistance to water flow impact is relatively better, so the difference in defense is close to 10 degrees."

Ren's eyebrows rose. With this casting time, the technique would essentially have decent combat applicability, as the casting time had already broken the 1-second barrier.

"If you add points to the new 'Metal Barrier' and directly upgrade it to level 2, the casting time, referring to the previous level, should be reduced by about 20%, from 3 seconds to 2.4 seconds."

Of course, they wouldn't force it.

Ren looked around and asked, "Are there no other types of elemental damage, like frost?"

This time, Ren went straight to the three-hole test.

For an ordinary wizard or apprentice, achieving this level of proficiency would likely require six or seven years of intense practice, including syllable compression exercises.

Ren nodded, remembering the term.

"Yes," Ren nodded, although he didn't know what 'Energy Consumption' meant, he believed he could afford it.

Although it was only the lowest rank, the Bronze Emblem, the girl staff member didn't show any negligence.

Soon, Ren arrived at the third floor, in front of a door labeled 'Arcane Power Testing Room'.

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

This was the Norman Family's final preparation in case the situation worsened, to deal with the worst-case scenario. However, she was still very worried about her father.

"Hmm, let's try this one." Ren pointed to the middle device.

"Hello, please submit the Bronze Task 'Transport Line of Rosby City'." Evelyn said as she handed over the dark Bronze Emblem.

Immediately after, the four-hole and five-hole tests. "Huh, can it withstand this too?"

Although Jennifer had heard about it from Ren previously, with the expansion of business, she had recently been in contact with larger companies.

According to the instructor, she should receive three Bronze Task Evaluation Medals as a bonus.

This meant she would directly advance to the Silver Rank Swordsman, with significant improvements in treatment and the types of redeemable items.

After all, the commercial competition within Minster was fierce.

"Huh, Jenny, how do you have time today? I thought His Excellency Ren was returning?"

Ren approached the service desk and asked, "Excuse me, does this Arcane Power Testing Room have private rooms?"

"Coco, how could it possibly be a Gold Emblem?" Evelyn's mind was still in a state of shock, and she hadn't processed the information yet.

Ren clearly remembered what the enthusiastic hostess had told him about the Arcane Testing Room on the third floor, while the second floor was primarily for testing Extraordinary Combat Techniques.

Due to the unstable situation in Maestus, the maritime trade routes from Eagle Federation to Fishing Port Town were almost entirely cut off. This forced Jennifer, the beautiful matron and leader of the merchant guild, to explore new business channels.

"Yes, it can be done."

Swordsmen were not uncommon, and they all had powerful backers, so they were not something to be feared.

"Bang!"

Ren quickly scanned the room and then left.

However, a thorough discussion with the matron was necessary before they could cooperate smoothly.

Two flame jets erupted from the center, directly striking Ren's Kite Shield, which was made of Tempered Mithril.

Jennifer's fair face flushed with embarrassment as she gently patted Jenny's hand, chiding her shyly, "You're even making fun of your mother now? That's going too far!"

"It's approximately a 40-degree flame defense."

"So, you're right! You can be promoted to the Gold Rank."

In the Ren Residence of Minster.

Ever since Kraya mentioned studying Runes to him, Ren had been eager to find a Rune Master to learn from as soon as possible.

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"2"

Jenny blinked after speaking.

After several attempts, Ren was pleasantly surprised by his discovery.

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

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

In fact, when Ren submitted his task yesterday, a female staff member asked him about allocating Evaluation Medals and Valor Points. Without much thought, he randomly assigned a few Silver Evaluation Medals, which he didn't need at the moment, to Evelyn.

"Sir Ren has just returned and probably has a lot of work to do. By the way, didn't you mention a Viscount's eldest son pursuing you a few days ago?"

"Yes, ma'am. If you've been to the Offensive Power Testing Room on the second floor, you'd notice that this device has a similar design to the one downstairs, but its surface is coated with Enchanted Serenium, which significantly reduces Energy Damage."

If Ren could allocate Evaluation Medals, he must be at least a Gold Swordsman Captain!

With the successful completion of the new task, in addition to the 150 Valor Points, the most important thing was that she had been promoted from a reserve Swordsman to a formal Swordsman, allowing her to exchange for a Bronze Emblem.

Evelyn was only four or five meters away from them.

Ren nodded and said, "The last one is for testing Arcane Attack Power, right?"

For instance, Neilo, who was standing behind her, performed exceptionally well during this new task, successfully eliminating a member of the Sea God Sect.

She turned to her mother, Jennifer, and said, "Mother, the issue you encountered this time can be resolved with the help of Sir Ren."

The Flame Launcher's countdown timer lit up: "3"

"I heard it from a Stone Squadron member from Bobiny County. His name is Remir, and he just advanced to the formal Wizard Rank a few days ago. I learned about it during a gathering."

Ren thought for a moment and then began testing the first device.

Ren seemed to have an idea, and his eyes lit up slightly.

"Alright, ma'am, the Bronze Task 'Transport Line of Rosby City' is complete, and the 150 Valor Points have been recorded on your Emblem."

"Thank you, ma'am. Please take care, and feel free to call me anytime." The maiden respectfully bowed and left.

"If you practice and improve your 'Metal Barrier' to Level 2 first, and then allocate 5 Skill Points, it will be at Level 7, which means it will only take 0.8 seconds to cast the spell!"

The Sea God Sect was more formidable than she had anticipated.

If it weren't for the fact that this was a new task with an instructor leading the team, the losses could have been even greater.

"And, I'd like to ask Sir Ren to take action. Ren, have you considered the price you'll have to pay?"

When Agatha mentioned this, she blushed a little. Her attention was focused on the fact that the Viscount's eldest son was pursuing her. "It's not a formal pursuit. He invited me to an art exhibition these past few days... I think it's a showcase of the oil painting master, Franco Van Cleef."

During one of the escorts, they were ambushed by the Dark Flame Church of Wales County. Although the transport team managed to evacuate, they almost didn't make it back! Kris and the other two died at the hands of the enemy's experts. One of them was called 'Buffalo' Biddles, and his Knight Armor had a distinctive feature: each shoulder guard had two sharp metal ramming horns.

"Do you want me to help you screen him?" Jenny deftly changed the subject.

A rare affinity for both the largest Fire and Water Elements.

Ren easily withstood the 20-degree Arcane Attack.

Among the crowd waiting to submit their tasks, Evelyn, with her red hair, remained beautiful, but the fatigue on her face was undeniable.

"Thank you, I appreciate it."

In Ren's opinion, helping out a squadmate was a simple favor.

Not to mention in the smallest Metal Element.

When they heard that Ren had allocated Evaluation Medals to Evelyn, allowing her to be promoted to the Gold Rank, they were shocked beyond belief!

The first was a flame, and the second was a Water Magic called 'Torrent Emitter'.

"It turns out that the defense of the Arcane 'Metal Barrier' is somewhat related to the resistance of the metal sliver itself."

As for the Swordsman Branch or some special departments, why are there so many Wizard Apprentices and Wizards? It's because the Empire has conducted rigorous selections, gathering those with such qualifications together.

"Yes, my lady. It's a special metal that can significantly weaken Energy Attacks, but I'm not too clear on the specifics." The maiden explained.

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

Standing behind Evelyn, Neilo and another Swordsman newcomer stood with wide eyes and a dazed expression!

What does Gold Rank represent? It's a group of the most elite within the entire Swordsman Branch.

The industry is so lucrative that it has long been dominated by certain individuals and powers.

On the far right is an Offensive Power Testing Device similar to the second floor, but with a bright silver finish.

At this moment, Jenny seemed to have thought of something and teased, "Mother, it looks like tonight, Agatha and I should go out and have some fun. What time do you think would be appropriate for us to return?"

"By the way, my lady, when testing your Arcane Defense, please proceed gradually. Also, remember to prioritize safety and avoid directing the launcher at vital body parts. There's a reminder about this on the rune plaque on the device." The maiden added.

Coercion and enticement are the ways to go.

"Hmm." The lady, who had been slightly worried, was pleasantly surprised to hear that Ren had returned.

He wasn't keen on exposing his extraordinary Metal Elemental Affinity.

If you want to get involved and take a share, it's akin to snatching food from a tiger's mouth. Without sufficient strength, success is almost impossible.

"Captain Angus, have you heard? Ren has been promoted to Captain of the Gold Swordsman Branch!" Veri, whose injuries had just healed, was undergoing rehabilitative training and shared this with Angus on the side.

From left to right, there were two devices with multiple barrels resembling Gatling guns, and in the center, a device similar to a tennis ball launcher from his previous life.

"In that case..."

Indeed, when Ren took the Swordsman Branch assessment, the number of Wizard Apprentices was less than one-tenth of the total.

"If Ren is willing to take on the tasks of these two, Captain Angus, I'm willing to become his Follower!" Veri said solemnly.

"What?!" At this, Evelyn was completely stunned!

The Swordsman Branch.

Soon, Ren followed the female staff member and arrived at a room on the left side of the third-floor corridor, near the end.

"Enchanted Serenium?"

"..."

A spear? That's for testing physical attacks.

Ren nodded, agreeing that both were similar.

Most of the members in the branch who had been there for a year or two were Silver Rank, and the proportion of Gold Rank was even smaller.

As Viscount Norman, a hereditary noble, he couldn't leave Rosby County.

Seeing Evelyn's vehement denial and sensing her sincerity, the female staff member looked puzzled and checked the name displayed on the emblem again, confirming, "May I ask, are you Lady Evelyn Norman from Rosby County?"

"But 2.4 seconds is still too slow."

Of course, it's best to further reduce the time, even by a little! "But this will require at least 5 more Skill Points!"

"Hmm? Ren is back?" As soon as Jenny returned, she heard Mint happily talking about this and showed her surprise.

"Veri, how did you know?"

Evelyn nodded, her expression easing slightly as if a burden had been lifted.

"Ah!!!"

"It can still be improved."

This marked Ren's graduation from being a 'rookie' Swordsman.

The Swordsman Branch, Mission Hall.

Therefore, the lady's efforts during this period had only yielded minor progress. If she wanted to take a bigger step, it could be described as an arduous task.

"Hmm? The art exhibition of Master Wizard Franco Van Cleef?" Jenny showed some interest.

The door opened to a room resembling an indoor training hall, spanning 400-500 square meters, but with far fewer people than the second-floor Offensive Power Testing Room.

"Yes, my lady."

"It's likely that the runes are related to the Armorer's subsequent job change."

She was relatively lucky, as she was a Peak Knight and a Second Rank Wizard Apprentice. As such, she often provided magical assistance, making her tasks slightly less dangerous.

After all, even though the Black Iron Emblem rank was low, they were still Extraordinary, and a Swordsman! There was an immense gap between them and ordinary people.

"Yes, but you've been busy these past two days, and I felt it was inappropriate to go alone. Jenny, are you also interested in the art exhibition? If so, I'll send him there tonight."

"I heard the art exhibition will last a week, with a banquet every night."

"Hmm. Master Wizard Franco Van Cleef's paintings are quite renowned in the Empire, so it's a good opportunity to appreciate them." Jenny nodded.

"Wonderful! I'll send someone to make the arrangements right away. Jenny, I love you so much." Agatha hugged Jenny excitedly.

(End of Chapter)

Chapter end