Chapter 325: Mistaken Identity

Chapter 325: Mistaken Identity



After enjoying a well-prepared brunch, Ren arrived at the entrance of the training room on the first floor. Just then, he saw Head Maid Shadiya turning the corner of the corridor, carrying a set of clothing.

However, her current state was quite different from her usual self.

The dark circles under her eyes, her haggard yet charming face, and her occasional yawns were a far cry from the efficient and capable Head Maid he knew.

Ren immediately realized that the two surprise attacks launched by the enemies last night must have kept all the servants in the mansion awake.

After all, as ordinary people, they had no means to resist such a situation other than fleeing.

"Head Maid Shadiya, perhaps you should take some rest. Yesterday's battle was quite intense, and none of you got much sleep," Ren said with a smile.

"Hmm?" Shadiya's beautiful eyes widened as she looked at Ren.

Battle? Intense? No way! Does Ren know that I was eavesdropping?

Shadiya was already feeling guilty for eavesdropping on Ren, and when she heard words like 'intense' and 'battle', her mind immediately went to the embarrassing voices she had overheard the night before.

In an instant, Shadiya's face turned red!

"Of course, Ren!" the head maid quickly replied.

As soon as she finished speaking, she hurried away, muttering to herself, 'Ren is really something, telling me about his intense battle with Miss Klaj.'

Ren, on the other hand, watched the usually stoic head maid with a puzzled expression.

"Why did she suddenly blush and run off like that?"

"That's not like her at all."

For a moment, Ren couldn't understand why she reacted that way.

But soon, he shook his head and pushed the thought aside. He opened the door and entered the training room.

The room was empty, and the only person who might have been there—Kraya—was nowhere to be found. She was probably busy with her duties or taking a break.

"It's a shame. If I had a sparring partner, I could have improved my Extraordinary Combat Skill even faster!"

"I wonder when Neorlo and the others will arrive."

"Overall, I still lack skill points."

At this thought, Ren suddenly paused, remembering that he hadn't checked the system notification after the battle due to being captivated by the legendary Dragon Vein Wizard profession.

He quickly opened the system and first checked his attribute panel:

Constitution: 48

Strength: 58 (2 points from Strength in battle)



Agility: 48

Spirit: 59

Will (Hidden Attribute): 12

"Hmm? My Will attribute still increased? It went up by 2 points," Ren muttered to himself.

He had assumed that after choosing 'No' during his Sword Saint profession change, there would be some change to this hidden attribute, but it seemed that wasn't the case.

"Perhaps there's a missing condition or trigger."

Ren continued scrolling up to check the previous battle records:

[Congratulations! You have defeated a powerful enemy and obtained 14 Golden Skill Points!]



[Congratulations! Your Will (Hidden) attribute has increased!]



[Congratulations! Your Warhammer Mage (Legendary) profession level has increased!]



With this, Ren's Warhammer Mage (Legendary) profession level reached lv10, granting him an additional attribute point and skill point.

Combined with his remaining points, he now had 3 attribute points and 3 skill points left, along with 22 Golden Skill Points.

"Hmm? I have 3 skill points?"

"Doesn't that mean I can reach lv10 at lv7 and then, with the 'Intermediate Weapon Mastery' talent, unlock the Ultimate Technique early?" Ren's eyes sparkled with anticipation.

"Never mind, I should save the skill points. Let's stick to the original plan!"

"I should keep at least 2 points for Advanced Meditation and Puppetry, just in case."

Ren thought carefully for a moment and then shook his head slightly.

This was mainly because his current rate of improving Extraordinary Combat Skills wasn't slow, even without spending skill points.

With the talent 'Extraordinary Combat Skill Insight', he could reach the maximum level in at most two days, even without spending any points.

In contrast, Advanced Meditation and Puppetry, without the boost from 'Extraordinary Combat Skill Insight', would take much longer to improve.

Ren took another look at the effect of Extraordinary Combat Skill Insight (Passive).

".Weapon Mastery allows you to effortlessly learn any Extraordinary Combat Skill, increasing the learning speed by 200%."

"I was right; it specifically mentions combat skills, not magic." Ren nodded in confirmation.

After making up his mind, Ren held the Tempered Gold Bar, which instantly transformed into a staff over a meter long.

He began practicing the Extraordinary Combat Skill 'Rockydoro's Guardian Staff'.

Half an hour later, when Anna, Neorlo, Remir, and the others arrived at the gates of the Habsburg Castle on horseback, they noticed a large group of City Guards coming and going, seemingly busy with some task.

Moreover, a pungent, bloody smell wafted from the castle.

"Hmm, do you smell that?"

"Anna's nostrils twitched slightly, and she asked in confusion."

"This... this is the smell of corrupted blood. Could it be that the attack has already happened?" Vieri, with his military background and extensive combat experience, immediately realized the situation.

"Hmm?" Everyone's gaze fell on Vieri.

"But... it doesn't seem like the smell of human blood." Vieri added, seeing everyone's attention on him.

"Don't guess, let's go and see for ourselves." Neorlo's expression turned serious.

The group couldn't help but look worried as they rode their horses towards the Earl of Habsburg's mansion.

However, as soon as they arrived at the main entrance, everyone was shocked by what they saw. Their eyes widened, and they stood there in a daze!

At that moment, through the open gate, they could clearly see a dismembered giant creature in the garden of the mansion's front yard.

The source of the strong stench they had smelled earlier was right there.

Large amounts of dark red blood had mixed with the garden soil, and the guards were busy cleaning and filling in the pits.

Although the head of the legendary soil snake had been cut off, the long snake-like body was still recognizable as a giant serpent.

"This... this is a legendary soil snake!"

"It's been killed?"

"Who has such a strong ability!" Remir, who had come to assist the Stone Formation Squad, exclaimed.

"It could only be Captain Ren. He's the most likely candidate," Neorlo said, snapping out of his shock and patting Remir on the shoulder with a smile.

Seeing this scene, he felt relieved.

"Indeed. Captain Ren's strength cannot be judged by ordinary standards." Remir was taken aback for a moment, then nodded and said.

Remir wanted to argue, but when he thought about how Ren had defeated the Blood Curse Nagadrum, it seemed reasonable that he could also kill a legendary soil snake.

"But what if Captain Ren gets injured!" Anna suddenly thought of a problem and whispered.

"Well..." Everyone glanced at each other, finding it difficult to answer.

After all, a legendary soil snake was not easy to deal with, and it was likely that Captain Ren had paid a price, perhaps suffering a minor injury.

But they all knew about the close relationship between Anna and Ren, and saying that the captain was injured would make it seem like they lacked confidence in their own captain, and it would also worry Anna.

Vieri, as a follower of Ren, didn't think too much. He immediately stopped a guard and asked, "Yesterday, there was a battle here, did Captain Ren get injured?"

Because Vieri and his companions were dressed as knights and had an extraordinary aura, the guard, although stopped, was not impolite.

Moreover, when he heard Vieri call Ren 'Captain,' he became even more respectful and smiled, saying, "You must be friends of Captain Ren. Captain Ren is fine."

Hearing this, Anna and the others couldn't help but breathe a sigh of relief.

"It's just that Captain Ren fought two battles in a row yesterday, so he should still be resting." The guard thought for a moment and added.

"Two battles?" Everyone looked at each other in surprise.

They had missed two battles just by arriving one night late?

The group surrounded the guard and asked for more details. Soon, they had a good understanding of the situation.

"A legendary powerhouse... but it's not just one," Anna's beautiful eyes widened, and her mind was a little confused.

Could it be that the definition of a legendary powerhouse in the Empire was different from that of the Druid Ring?

In one night, they had almost eliminated two legends. This was too exaggerated.

As I advanced to a full Druid, the gap between me and Captain Ren seemed to be growing wider.

"Wow~ To consecutively kill two legendary powerhouses and a legendary soil snake, Captain Ren is truly amazing!" Neorlo, the well-informed heir of a marquis, couldn't help but be amazed.

"Captain Ren's strength is truly extraordinary!" Angus exclaimed, his tiger-like eyes widening.

"This is too exaggerated," Evelyn said, her beautiful eyes widening in surprise.

At that moment, in the training room, Ren noticed the commotion outside through the window.

"Not bad, you've arrived at the right time."

Seeing his teammates arrive, Ren couldn't help but smile.

He opened the door to the training room and greeted them.

However, after a brief exchange and explanation, the group was led into the training room.

A few minutes later.

In the center of the training room, Vieri swiftly swung his greatsword, creating a silver arc that slashed down towards Ren with lightning speed!

Ren calmly lifted his staff to block Vieri's attack.

"Clang!"

The harsh sound of metal clashing filled the air.

Ren's staff firmly blocked Vieri's powerful slash.

"Ding ding clang clang!"

The two of them fought faster and faster, and the sound of their weapons clashing filled the air.

"Clang!"

The two separated after another weapon clash.

"Huff... huff..."

Vieri's chest heaved as he panted heavily, his forehead covered in sweat.

"I can't go on, Captain!" Vieri waved his hand tiredly.

Despite Vieri's use of the 'Break Limit' technique and secret skills, he was no match for their captain.

In a high-intensity battle, even if it only lasted a few minutes, the physical exertion was immense. Even a Great Knight would be unable to continuously unleash secret skills without exhausting their stamina and quickly lose.

Seeing Vieri's defeat due to stamina depletion, Anna, Neorlo, and Evelyn exchanged glances, all aware that Ren was intentionally holding back.

They noticed that their captain was using only a common wizard's staff, not any other weapon.

"Captain, it's my turn!" Angus, with his sword and shield, stepped forward eagerly.

Angus was in a good mindset, ready to face their captain.

He thought to himself, 'In one night, our captain defeated two legendary cultists and a legendary breed. With legendary strength, this is correct, right?'

'How rare is it to have a legendary powerhouse from the Empire come to practice combat skills with you? Do you understand how precious this opportunity is?'

'Win or lose?'

'Is this something to consider?'

'Seize every moment and cherish this valuable practice time! That's the most important thing!'

With this in mind, Angus, full of battle intent, stepped forward. Ten minutes later, a breathless Angus exhausted his stamina.

"Captain, it's my turn!" The red-haired beauty, Evelyn, also showed her eagerness to try.

Evelyn naturally understood that their captain seemed to be practicing with a staff.

Read the flawless version at Book Bar 69! 6=9+Book_Bar First Edition Novel.

This opportunity was quite rare.

If Ren used a greatsword or warhammer, as a peak knight, she would barely qualify to spar with him.

This was why Angus and Vieri, the two Great Knights, practiced with Ren the most.

But if their captain used a staff, it was barely manageable.

Ren smiled and nodded, "Of course."

At the same time, he glanced at the system:

[Your skill 'Rockydoro's Guardian Staff' has improved. Experience +621]



(Note: The above skill experience has enjoyed the exclusive talent 'Advanced Extraordinary Insight' with a 100% boost.)



[You have experienced a battle. 'Weapon Master' (Legendary) Experience +41]



Seeing 'Rockydoro's Guardian Staff' reach level 5 (1233/2000), Ren's eyes lit up!

After just two practice sessions, they were already halfway there.

This speed was quite impressive!

As expected, having a sparring partner made a difference.

When Evelyn stood in the center of the training ground, ready to launch an attack, suddenly, the training room's door opened again, and a tall, slender, and graceful girl walked in.

The newcomer was Klaj!

The first thing she saw was the red-haired beauty, Evelyn, standing in the center of the training ground, ready to spar with Ren.

Hmm?

She seemed to be a noble heir too? And she was so beautiful.

Was she Ren's teammate or friend?

As for the other one, Klaj glanced at Anna and quickly focused on Evelyn again.

Although the other girl was also youthful and vibrant, with a neighborly aura, her appearance was clearly inferior to the red-haired girl in front of her.

Women seemed to have their own independent system for judging beauty.

Evelyn naturally felt Klaj's gaze and attention.

At this moment, Evelyn was also at a loss.

"Klaj, you're here! Come, let me introduce you." Ren smiled and said.

"This is Renmir the Wizard, the vice-captain of the Stone Formation Squad."

"This is the Countess of the Habsburg family, the first-in-line heir of the Habsburg family, and a Great Knight, Klaj."

"This is..."

"This is Evelyn, also my teammate."

"Hello, Evelyn. You're so beautiful," Klaj said with a smile, gazing at Evelyn.

"Miss Klaj, you're the truly beautiful one."

Evelyn was well aware of Klaj's exceptional attention.

But at this moment, she could only sigh inwardly.

After all, she couldn't say, "Miss Klaj, you've mistaken the person."

You should be paying attention to Miss Anna, not me.

At the same time.

Minster Airship Dock.

As the airship slowly came to a stop, several mercenaries, led by a man in a black wizard's robe, disembarked.

This group was Sam's team.

As they walked, they seemed to be discussing something.

It turned out that Garcia had just received a message from the Earth Dragon Knight, Hansal, saying, 'It's possible, but at double the price.'

"Commander, Hansal is taking us for fools!" A bald, burly man said in a deep voice.

"Yeah, he's asking for twice the price! Why doesn't he just rob us?" Another team member said indignantly.

"Indeed. Why not hire someone else?"

However, the leader, Sam, after some thought, turned to the long-legged woman with a bow and said, "Garcia, agree to it, but on one condition. Ask Hansal to come over quickly."

"Tell him that if he doesn't show up within three days, the mission offer will be voided."

"Yes, Commander," Garcia nodded in agreement.

"Commander," said a nearby team member, clearly wanting to say something more.

Sam waved his hand and said with a hint of displeasure, "If Hansal doesn't come, who among you can distract the other party?"

"Well..."

The team members exchanged glances and fell silent.

"As long as Hansal can complete the task we've arranged for him, it's only a small part of our profit, even at three times the price."

"But if we try to save money and hire someone who isn't capable enough, and they fail to meet our expectations, leading to mission failure, our losses will be much greater!"

Soon after, the group boarded a carriage and arrived at a luxurious mansion located in the trading district.

Upon disembarking, they quickly entered the building.

As Sam entered the living room, a short man dressed as a servant knocked on the door and hurried inside.

Sam glanced at him and casually asked, "Has anything happened during the two days we were away?"

The man before him was one of Sam's informants.

The informant respectfully bowed and reported, "Commander Sam, shortly after you and the others left, Viscount Fabian came here with a tall young man."

"Yes, this young man is likely called Viscount Ren, judging by his association with Viscount Fabian."

"Hmm?"

Upon hearing the word 'Ren', everyone in the living room was taken aback.

Immediately, a few of them showed signs of realization.

"Commander, could it be that this Ren has heard of our Sam Team's reputation, and so, Fabian is here to resolve the misunderstanding on his behalf?" The bald, muscular man scratched his head and chuckled.

"It's very likely. I estimate that this Ren might have learned about our background from Fabian." Another team member nodded in agreement.

"That's right. If I were in his shoes and knew that an Imperial Duke was backing my opponent, I'd also choose to make peace." Another team member seemed to think it over and nodded in agreement.

Only Garcia and Sam remained silent.

Sam furrowed his brows and continued to question the informant, "What about Dixon? Did they bring Dixon with them?"

The informant didn't hesitate and immediately shook his head, "Commander Sam, among those accompanying Viscount Fabian, I didn't see Lord Dixon."

Sam nodded and turned to Garcia beside him, saying, "Something seems off, Garcia. I need you to investigate this right away."

"Yes, Commander Sam."

Garcia slightly bowed and quickly left.

The remaining three team members, led by the bald man, exchanged glances, and the bald man asked with confusion, "Boss, do you mean they're not here for negotiations?"

"It's not clear yet, but if I were in their shoes and wanted to clarify a misunderstanding, I'd bring Dixon along. I wouldn't continue to detain him," Sam said solemnly, shaking his head.

Upon hearing Sam's words, the team members suddenly realized, "Of course! If they were here to back down, they would definitely bring Dixon along. It doesn't make sense to keep him detained!"

For a moment, silence filled the living room.

Within an hour, Garcia returned, but her expression was grim.

"Commander, Dixon is still being detained at the Swordbearer Minster Branch. He hasn't been released."

"Also, Ren left Minster with the Elven Maiden two days ago, and their destination is unknown. I'm still having someone inquire about it."

"What? He's left? Does he know about our plan?" someone exclaimed.

"Impossible. Only we know about this plan." The bald man shook his head.

"Damn! This is bad! We just agreed to pay the Earth Dragon Knight Hansal double the price to come as soon as possible, and now the Elven Maiden is gone."

Another team member slapped his thigh and exclaimed.

"Well..."

The team members glanced at each other and fell silent.

After all, the decision to pay double the price to get Hansal to come quickly was made by their own commander, Sam.

However, the team members occasionally glanced at their commander, Sam, as if waiting for him to make a decision.

Sam thought for a moment and asked, "Garcia, did you ask Fabian about this?"

"When he accompanied Ren here, didn't he know Ren's intention?"

"I asked, but that old fox feigned ignorance. He said that when Ren came that day, he only wanted him to make an introduction, and he knew nothing about Ren's purpose." Garcia shook her head in frustration.

At that moment, a small gray bird flew into the room and landed on Garcia's shoulder, chirping.

"Oh? Garcia, news has come, and it's quite fast."

Garcia unfolded a piece of paper tied to the bird's claws and quickly read it aloud, ".Ren is heading to Meister to carry out a mission and is expected to return to Minster in a few days."

"Good, it seems they don't know about our plan yet."

"Then the double payment wasn't in vain!"

(End of Chapter)

Chapter end