Chapter 304: Opening

Chapter 304: Opening



Rain gazed out the carriage window, seeing rows of houses lining the street.

Most of these houses had various-sized carvings on their outer walls, intricately designed, as this area was predominantly home to administrative institutions.

This was Rain’s second time ascending Levenworth Street.

The last time, he had strolled up with Veronica.

Thinking of this, Rain couldn’t help but picture the young girl with twin pigtails in his mind. He wondered how she was faring on the frontline at the fishing port and and when she would return to the branch smoothly. "By the way, Lady Olenna, how is the situation at the fishing port?" Rain asked.

"The situation is not good. The branch has assigned quite a few missions and has already mobilized a considerable number of Swordsman squads to the coastal areas of Rosby County and and Mayorst City," Olenna said, her eyebrows slightly furrowed.

"Hmm?" Rain raised an eyebrow, quite puzzled.

This situation was indeed unexpected.

He had thought that after the ‘Red Queen’ Princess Menia severely wounded the three-headed sea dragon, the subsequent situation should have been one-sided. Why the situation had taken a turn for the worse now?

"How could this be? Isn’t Princess Menia there?"

"Well, Princess Menia actually left secretly a week ago and returned to the Capital."

"And the entire Southern Sea Fleet has now withdrawn strategically. Lord Rain, this news is still classified, so please keep it confidential," Olenna said, lowering her voice after a moment’s thought.

After all, the strategic withdrawal of the Southern Sea Fleet involved tens of thousands of naval officers and men. To some extent, it was impossible to keep it a secret; it was merely a matter of controlling the spread of information.

"What? At such a critical moment, Princess Menia actually returned to the Capital? What happened in the Capital?" Rain was slightly stunned upon hearing the news.

Such a mobilization or voluntary return was highly unusual, which only intensified Rain’s growing sense of unease.

There was a feeling that a storm was about to break, and dark clouds were gathering.

"I’m not quite sure about that," Olenna shook her head slightly.

"Since that’s the case, why haven’t I received any assigned missions?"

"Ah, Admiral Edward’s intention is that Lord Rain, after completing so many Golden Rank Missions, you naturally need a relatively longer period of rest."

Before Rain could say anything, Olenna continued, "Lord Rain, there’s another piece of news that might interest you."

"The evil spirit from the oil painting, which had gone silent for a week, has started to resurface in multiple county towns within the province, and the number of casualties is increasing each time."

"Currently, any form of art exhibition is prohibited throughout the entire Minster Province, and we have dispatched Golden Rank Swordsman squads and the Church of the Goddess’s elite forces to investigate the whereabouts of that oil painting."

"Has it reappeared? Have there been any Giant Demonic Spirits?" Rain frowned.

"Not yet. The reports we’ve received so far have all been about the normal-sized boy evil spirits," Olenna shook her head.

Rain nodded.

He was the first to engage with that evil spirit’s manifestation and knew how troublesome it was.

If the boy evil spirit did not merge, even he would find it difficult to completely eliminate it, unless he found the mysterious oil painting itself.

Additionally, since he knew that on that night, Archbishop Gomes of the Church of the Goddess was almost simultaneously assassinated, the connection was clear.

The evil spirit from the oil painting must be the work of the Black Flame Church.

They used the Giant Demonic Spirit to distraction, part of the the Church of the Goddess’s high-end forces,, thus taking the opportunity to assassinate the Archbishop,.

Now, they are using the oil paintings in various counties,, seemingly gathering strength.

"A storm is brewing," Rain mused to himself.

At this moment, the carriage had arrived at the Temple of the Wind and Sea Goddess, the provincial cathedral. The cathedral before them was even more magnificent than the one in Mayorst City.

The towering and majestic temple had multiple pointed domes on its roof, though the entrance still had several Ionic columns supporting it, the number was significantly reduced compared to the county-level cathedral.

In contrast, there were many more carvings and statues for decoration,, making it even more exquisite.

Following the steps down from the temple, a semi-elliptical fountain at the bottom of the square.

At the center of the fountain stood a statue of about five to six meters high, a statue of a woman holding a con a height of approximately five to six meters, and the Church of the Goddess had significantly reinforced security measures after the assassination of the Archbishop.

( the Black Flame Church.

Chapter: The Encounter with Master Mogaro

Scene: The Temple's Reception Room

As soon as the report was confirmed, Ryan and Olenna were led to the temple's reception room by a Temple Guard.

They didn't have to wait long in the reception room. Within minutes, a red-bearded elder, barely 1.5 meters tall, strode in, frowning and muttering under his breath.

"Young man, you're the one who defeated the Axe Golem Guardian. Impressive!" Without waiting for Olenna's introduction, the elder greeted Ryan, his voice deep and resonant.

"Thank you for the praise, Master Mogaro," Ryan replied with a slight bow.

It was Ryan's first meeting with Master Mogaro, and he couldn't help but be curious about the master's short stature and distinct appearance, which set him apart from ordinary humans.

"Hmm, where's your warhammer? The wound on the Axe Golem Guardian seems to have been caused by a high-level hammer technique," the master said, not waiting for Ryan to speak.

Ryan turned to glance at Olenna. Indeed, her warning about Master Mogaro's temperamental nature seemed justified.

Ryan decided to be straightforward, "Master, I wish to study in your school for a period of time. I understand you are a master of metal puppetry, and I'd like to request you as my mentor."

"I have no intention of taking on another disciple," Master Mogaro replied, shaking his head vigorously.

"Of course, this is just my personal opinion. You can ask other masters," he added.

Ryan's heart sank upon hearing the master's response. Among the three masters present, Master Mogaro was the only one specializing in metal puppetry.

After a moment's thought, Ryan spoke again, "Master, I am also a metal mage. So..."

"What?" Master Mogaro asked.

"You're a metal mage? I thought you were a knight," the master, who possessed the bloodline of a halfling, said in surprise.

Ryan didn't directly answer the question. Instead, he smiled and swiftly transformed the hardened gold on his armguards, demonstrating a level one metal spell, 'Metal Barrier'.

In the next instant, three kite-shaped shields made of hardened gold appeared around Ryan's body, slowly encircling him.

Master Mogaro froze, his eyes widening and his mouth agape, clearly shocked and puzzled.

After a few seconds, the master stammered, "H-how is your metal transformation spell so fast?"

"It's understandable for your innate spell, 'Metal Barrier', to be cast quickly. But how can your metal transformation spell be cast so swiftly?" Master Mogaro repeated, his face filled with astonishment.

As a fellow metal mage, Master Mogaro understood the situation clearly. Ryan had just demonstrated the transformation of metal without any shield in his hands, and within a second, he had formed three kite-shaped shields.

This wasn't a metal transformation spell; it was something else!

Or, to be precise, metal transformation spells were widely used in puppetry, and one could say they were among the most common spells for metal puppet creation.

However, this spell was easy to learn but challenging to master. Many metal mages in the school had been practicing this spell for two to three decades, and it still took them about a second to transform a steel shield.

But what had he just witnessed?

The young man before him had simultaneously transformed three kite-shaped shields, and they weren't made of ordinary steel but hardened gold!

It was common knowledge that transforming the same weight of metal took significantly more time.

"Master, I've been diligently practicing this spell recently," Ryan explained with a smile, slightly disguising the casting time of his innate spell, 'Metal Transformation'.

When casting 'Metal Barrier', Ryan didn't intentionally delay, and it still took around 0.25 seconds. However, when demonstrating 'Metal Transformation', he slowed down a bit, taking approximately one second.

After all, if he had displayed an instant metal transformation spell, Master Mogaro, being a fellow metal mage, would have quickly noticed something amiss.

Having 'Metal Transformation' as an innate spell was indeed extraordinary.

By letting Master Mogaro believe that 'Metal Barrier' was his innate spell, things seemed more plausible.

Ryan had revealed his mastery of these two metal spells to gain Master Mogaro's acknowledgment, hoping it would lead to a positive outcome.

However, Ryan hadn't anticipated that Master Mogaro would be so shocked by the demonstration.

"What kind of training could possibly allow you to cast Metal Shapeshifting at such a speed?" Master Mogaro looked at Rain with an expression that seemed to say, 'You're not fooling me, are you?'

"From the time I first grasped Metal Shapeshifting until now, it has been forty years, yet my casting speed still can't compare to yours."

As he spoke, Master Mogaro's eyes showed shock, envy, and a hint of dejection.

Hmm?

Rain was slightly puzzled.

That shouldn't be the case. But then, Rain thought again, and it made sense.

After all, his level 12 control over magic was roughly equivalent to a wizard who had practiced a single spell for over a decade.

Normally, a wizard wouldn't focus solely on one spell for such a long period.

"And you can even simultaneously transform three sides of a kite shield made of Tempered Gold!"

"Rain, your affinity with the metal element is...?" Master Mogaro excitedly grabbed Rain's arm, his face flushing red.

"It's around ninety," Rain said, giving a more conservative estimate.

The last time he checked, it seemed to be 93.6. But the issue was that if his Steel Body talent underwent another transformation, this value would increase again.

It wouldn't be wise to give such a precise number now.

For instance, the effect of the Dragon Bloodline might have already caused this value to change.

"Over ninety? No wonder your Metal Shapeshifting is so powerful! Ninety and above is an extraordinary talent!"

"Extraordinary spell comprehension, high affinity with the metal element, and an extraordinary talent! Extraordinary talent!" Master Mogaro seemed ready to beat his chest in frustration.

Olenna, standing beside them, stared at the scene with her mouth agape.

She vaguely remembered that Rain's affinity with the metal element was in the eighties. How did it suddenly become over ninety? Because Edward had paid special attention to Rain, she had specifically inquired about some of Rain's details.

"This won't do. I must contact the Dean immediately." Master Mogaro seemed impatient.

"Master Mogaro, I..." Rain spoke up beside him.

"You just said you wanted me to be your mentor?"

"There's no problem. I can agree to this right now." Master Mogaro looked at Rain with intense eyes.

"And any other requests, just tell me."

Master Mogaro's face showed desire.

He had a look that said, 'If you don't make a request, I won't give up.'

"Well..." Rain looked thoughtful.

He realized that the level of strength he had displayed might be a bit too high.

The other's enthusiasm made him feel a bit overwhelmed.

"It's like this, Master Mogaro. Rain, as a Star-level Swordsman in our division, is a pillar of our Minster branch. You should be familiar with this level of Swordsman."

"So, during your study at the school, there might be times when you'll have to leave for external missions." Olenna interjected at the right moment.

"What? Such a valuable imperial research talent, and you want him to leave the Minster branch to perform dangerous missions?" Master Mogaro frowned.

"What nonsense! I'll definitely complain to your Swordsman headquarters about this."

Olenna felt embarrassed.

"Cough, Master Mogaro, actually, this was my own request, it has nothing to do with the branch." Rain had to interrupt.

"Oh, then fine."

"You just said you wanted me to be your mentor, but during your studies, you might have to leave for missions. Although the school hasn't had such an exception before, in my opinion, this will affect your learning."

"But you're different. I can make an exception for you."

"Are there any other requests?" Master Mogaro asked again.

Rain shook his head.

"Then follow me back to the school's residence right now!"

"Now?" Rain was surprised.

Isn't this a bit too rushed?

"It might not be possible right now, Master Mogaro. Tomorrow, Rain, will be attending the viscount conferment ceremony in the Province of Minster."

"Viscount? It seems you've made quite a contribution to the Empire to become a viscount at such a young age." Master Mogaro couldn't help but look Rain up and down again, marveling.

"Truly a young talent! This is a good thing, and I won't stop you."

"Then, after your conferment, I'll also wrap up some matters here, and we can return to the school together."

"Okay, Master Mogaro." Rain nodded.

As Rain and Olenna left the Church of the Goddess, neither of them could have imagined that this matter would turn out to be so dramatic.

This made Olenna secretly glance at Rain again, thinking, 'Indeed, strength is the key to changing others' perceptions!'

Upon returning to the branch, Rain opened the door to find his teammates, Neor, Evelyn, and others, still exchanging combat experiences in the training room.

Naturally, Rain shared with them his next step, which was to study at the Bius Assembly School.

"Captain, it's great that you're going to study at the School of Mages, but there's one issue. If you're not here, some of the assigned missions might be too much for us to handle." Neor frowned as he spoke.

The others listened intently, deep in thought.

Rain knew that Neor wasn't trying to shirk responsibility; as a Star-Ranked Swordsman captain, the missions assigned to him were challenging, and even the easiest ones were Golden Rank.

Without Rain, it would be difficult for Neor and the others to complete Golden Rank missions, especially since they had only recently joined the Swordsman Division and lacked experience.

"Don't worry, I'll return as soon as a mission comes up. I've already discussed this with the School of Mages," Rain reassured Neor, patting his shoulder.

"In that case, there's no problem. By the way, Captain, why did you choose the Bius Assembly School? I heard it's more research-oriented." Neor, being a Scroll Master and from a Marquis family, had some knowledge of the various mage schools in the Empire.

"Neor, you forgot that the Captain is a Metal Mage. The Assembly School should have the metal-based spells he wants to learn," Angus chimed in with a smile.

"Oh, right. Metal-based spells are rare, and the Bius Assembly School is one of the few that teaches them," Neor realized.

"Mhm," Rain nodded.

"By the way, you should pay extra attention to the city's situation recently. I've been having some bad premonitions."

Rain proceeded to tell them about the appearance of the oil painting demonic spirit.

"It seems highly likely that the cult will make their next big move soon!"

"Speaking of that, Captain, we haven't had a proper combat drill yet," Vieri added.

"You're right, I should have thought of that," Rain agreed.

He had been fighting solo, either focusing on improving his Extraordinary Combat Skills or leveling up his Great Armorer (Superhuman) profession. Since Neor and the others joined, the team hadn't had a chance to train together.

This was something they needed to do.

Aside from other benefits, Neor's scrolls alone could provide numerous beneficial spells.

For instance, the Swift Wind spell could increase Rain's speed by nearly twenty percent.

The next morning, the administrative district, church district, noble district, and upper district of Minster were all festively decorated.

Although the number of people promoted to Barons and Viscounts each year was small, nearly a hundred people from the entire Minster Province were to be honored.

Among them, nearly half were from noble or wealthy merchant families in the provincial capital of Minster, so the impact of the award ceremony, both direct and indirect, was significant.

Additionally, the Barons and above in Minster also received invitations to attend the grandstand.

Rain had wanted to invite his mother Emma and father Elder Rayn, but Emma felt that their appearance might embarrass their son, so she declined his invitation.

Instead, Rain was accompanied by the beautiful ladies Jennifer and Jenny.

In essence, the award ceremony was more symbolic, while the evening banquet was the main event.

During the banquet, the newly appointed Barons and Viscounts could interact with established nobles, and the young men and women could socialize as well.

Around five in the afternoon, the sun began to set.

The magnificent Administrative Hall was bustling with elegantly dressed noblewomen and young ladies. Even in this environment, Rain's companion Jennifer stood out as one of the most eye-catching.

"Greetings, Lord Rain!"

"Lord Rain, it's been a while!"

Many people greeted Rain, as most of the young Swordsmen were granted the title of Baron, including Angus, Evelyn, and others.

Among the Swordsmen, Rain, who had defeated the generations of Obsidian Giants with a single blow of the Maister Siege Hammer, was well-known.

After a quarter of an hour, hundreds of well-dressed nobles and their families from various ranks in Minster gathered below the grandstand. Representatives from the Church of the Goddess, the Swordsman Division, and others were also present.

Rain spotted Envoy Javier, but Admiral Edward was absent.

At the same time, Rain saw the highest ruler of the entire Minster Province for the first time—the Duke of Minster.

He was an elderly man with a sharp mind, white hair, and a noble attire. His aura was calm and dignified.

Just as the Duke of Minster was about to give his speech, a bodyguard-like person hurried over and whispered something in his ear, causing the Duke's expression to turn unpleasant.

Rain, being granted the title of Viscount, was seated in the third row at the front. With his powerful perception, he could faintly make out words like 'Giant Demonic Spirit Giant Demonic Spirit' and 'Cult'.

Rain narrowed his eyes.

"Could it be that the cult has chosen this time to make their move?" Rain thought to himself.

(End of Chapter)

Chapter end