Chapter 340: News from the Frostwind Tundra

Chapter 340: News from the Frostwind Tundra



"Viscount, you truly are a rare tailoring genius. If you were to become a..." Ursula exclaimed in awe at Rain's rapid learning speed, akin to a rocket.

But soon, Ursula realized her mistake. The person before her was a noble, a viscount, not an apprentice in her tailor shop. Praising him as a tailoring genius was rather inappropriate.

Ursula quickly corrected herself, "No, no, Viscount. I mean, you learn any skill very quickly."

Rain waved his hand, unbothered by her words.

"Ursula, I have a question. How do I address the issue of insufficient elasticity in the pants?"

"A belt made of cowhide could solve the problem, but the fabric... There doesn't seem to be a very elastic material."

"Because if the body expands, it will tear."

As soon as Rain finished speaking, the entire study fell silent!

Expand?!

Tear?!

Viscount, is it appropriate to discuss this with me?

This is also a bit too boastful.

I've never heard of anyone being able to tear their underwear like that.

Rain's bold words made Ursula, a woman with experience in that area, feel overwhelmed. Her fair complexion turned red.

Jennifer, the beautiful woman beside them, was also stunned by their conversation. Her beautiful eyes sparkled as she glanced back and forth between Ursula and Rain.

Hmm?

Is my dear being too flirtatious?

The other person is about the same age as me, but their skin isn't as fair, and their face is more dignified, not quite my type. Could my dear have taken a liking to them?

Wait, it must be the profession's attributes that interest my dear!

The beautiful woman's eyes lit up.

She believed she had found the key to it all.

This particular preference was quite common among the upper class.

Not just nobles, but wealthy merchants often had similar scandals and gossip.

For instance, a certain rich merchant who loved to seek pleasure with maids, or a noble with a particular interest in female tutors, and that short viscount who preferred women taller than him—these were all things she had heard about.

For a moment, Jennifer's mind raced with these thoughts.

Rain snapped back to reality upon seeing the expressions of the two mature women. He realized his words might have been misinterpreted, but he couldn't reveal his Dragonkin transformation.

"Cough, it's like this. In battle, my muscles expand, so I need underwear with better elasticity."

"I see." Ursula nodded, still finding it hard to believe.

As a master tailor, she was not from the lower class, and she had never heard of a Grand Knight's underwear tearing during combat.

"Viscount, how much expansion are we talking about? It's crucial for choosing the right material." Ursula took a deep breath before asking.

"At least twice as much," Rain replied after a moment's thought.

"Twice? Hmm... If we're talking about elasticity, silk is the most elastic of all fabrics."

"However, relying solely on silk's elasticity might not meet your requirements." Ursula added, still shocked.

"Is there no solution? No other materials?"

"Well, animal hide has good elasticity, but it might not be as comfortable."

Animal hide?

Rain considered it but decided against it.

It would be too uncomfortable.

And leather shorts would remind him of male dancers, which was too trendy.

"If you don't mind a different style, I have a suggestion. You can add pleats to the underwear, like a pleated skirt, to prevent tearing."

Ursula saw Rain's furrowed brows and offered another idea.

"Add pleats?" Rain quickly understood Ursula's intention.

The belt could be made of elastic cowhide, but even silk might not provide the required elasticity for the fabric. Pleats could solve this issue.

When the body expands, the pleats could be straightened out to compensate for the lack of elasticity.

Although 'pleated underwear' sounded odd, it was better than transforming and exposing oneself. It also considered comfort.

"Ursula, that's a great idea."

Rain's eyes lit up, and he turned to the beautiful woman, "Jennifer, please prepare some cowhide right away. I want to try it."

"Oh? Okay, Viscount." Jennifer, startled by Rain's request, left the study to prepare the cowhide.

Rain didn't waste time and began working on a sample.

"Viscount, you... you want a hole in your underwear?" Ursula was surprised, thinking the viscount was going overboard to prevent tearing.

Ursula took another look at the hole Rain was digging and thought, "I know it has a special purpose, but isn't this hole a bit too big?"

"Hmm, why is this facing the wrong way?"

"Viscount, is the position of this hole backwards?" Ursula couldn't help but point out.

"No, it's supposed to be like this," Rain shook his head naturally.

The tail should naturally be behind.

If it's in front, can it still be called a tail?!

Suddenly, Ursula stiffened, her eyes filled with bewilderment.

Soon, a bundle of elastic silk was delivered.

Since Rain had already started his preparations, he quickly finished making the first pair of elastic silk culottes.

The system prompts followed:

[You have crafted elastic silk culottes, and your understanding of the technique has improved!]



[You have learned a new skill - Crafting Elastic Silk Culottes]



[Your skill in crafting elastic silk culottes has improved. Experience +5]



[Ding! Host has created an innovative tailoring product, triggering a class change - Tailor!]



[Promotion to Tailor requires: 1. Apprentice Tailor level 3 maxed; 2. Agility of 5 or above, Constitution of 5 or above; 3. Create ten qualified tailoring products. Current conditions are not met! Promotion to Tailor failed!]



"Hmm? Experience +5?"

"The subsequent promotion conditions have also been triggered?"

"Indeed, innovation is the primary force of production."

Rain was overjoyed.

So, he proceeded to make ten pairs of elastic silk culottes, and the entire process became smooth and fluid, unlike his initial clumsy attempts.

Ursula, standing by, was almost dumbfounded.

She vaguely felt that the young and handsome Viscount Rain in front of her was not here to flirt, but genuinely learning to make underwear.

"Viscount, do you need to learn how to make clothes for other parts of the body?" Ursula asked.

"No need. Well, let's end today's tailoring lesson here. Thank you for your hard work, Ursula."

"Jennifer, please see Ursula out. I'll practice making shorts for a few days and learn the rest later," Rain said to Jennifer.

"Yes, Viscount."

After the two left, Rain spent only half a day to advance his Apprentice Tailor level from 1 to 3 (127/500), gaining two attribute points and two skill points.

The ten pairs of elastic silk culottes stacked in the room were the fruits of Rain's labor.

Adding to his remaining points, he now had a total of 7 attribute points and 6 skill points left, with 23 golden skill points remaining.

Just as Rain was about to push forward and level up his Apprentice Tailor to level 3, a knock sounded on the door.

"Knock, knock, knock!"

"Viscount, there's a visitor at the manor's entrance. It's Viscount Hamadi from Mist County," the servant announced.

"Viscount Hamadi? Why is he here suddenly?" Rain looked puzzled.

Although Hamadi was once his superior's superior, Rain always felt there was something off about him. As a result, they never had much interaction.

"Please show him to the drawing room. I'll be there shortly," Rain decided to meet with him and hear his intentions.

In the drawing room.

"Viscount Rain, it's been a while," Hamadi said with a smile.

"Viscount Hamadi, it's been a while," Rain smiled and used the title he had in Mist County, showing politeness.

"No, Viscount Rain, with your current fame, I should be the one calling you 'Lord.'"

"This sudden visit is actually due to a request from someone." Hamadi placed a dark brown wooden box on the table, and after a 'click' sound, he turned the box towards Rain.

Hmm?

The box had intricate array patterns engraved on it, and inside were three six-sided prismatic crystals emitting energy fluctuations. Additionally, beneath the crystals was a letter.

Rain looked at the three crystals in the box, his face filled with surprise.

Although he wasn't sure what they were.

But judging from the box and its contents, they seemed incredibly valuable.

Moreover, the fluctuations seemed to stir a connection with his psychic energy, as if this was...

Hamadi glanced around, seemingly confirming that only he and Rain were in the drawing room, and then he smiled and said:

"These are from Envoy Traena, who asked me to deliver them to Viscount Rain."

"Envoy Traena?" Rain's eyebrows furrowed.

In an instant, he understood many things. Viscount Hamadi had always been a member of the Federation, possibly an insider or a recruited noble.

No wonder, when he was in Mist County, he always felt something was off about Hamadi.

Initially, he even suspected Hamadi of being a rebel, but now he realized he was from the Federation.

However, Rain didn't understand Hamadi's intentions, so he naturally couldn't accept the gift. He waved his hand and said, "This is too precious. I can't accept it."

"Viscount Rain, why not take a look at Envoy Traena's personal letter first?"

After some thought, Rain nodded and said, "Alright."

Then, Rain took the letter out of the wooden box.

(End)

The red wax seal on the letter was intact, and Rain could also sense a faint magical fluctuation within the envelope.

"Lord Rain, for confidentiality reasons, the letter will self-destruct after reading."

Hamadi, standing beside Rain, noticed his sudden pause and immediately understood what was happening. He also admired Rain's caution and keen senses.

"I see."

Rain nodded and opened the letter.

The content read:

"Dear Lord Rain: Your strength and talent are among the few I have seen in young people. The Eagle Federation warmly welcomes you to settle here."

"If you are willing, I can guarantee that you will receive treatment and prospects far beyond what you currently have in the Dragon Empire. At the same time, we will also arrange for your family to be secretly transferred to the Federation."

"Of course, if you are not yet ready, we also hope to maintain a good friendship and contact with you."

"In recent years, the Federation's development has been rapid, far surpassing the imagination of many in the Dragon Empire. For example, the production of Soul Energy Crystals has increased several times. We look forward to your early joining the Federation."

"If you have any questions, you can contact and ask Hamadi."

"Here, I present you with three Soul Energy Crystals as a token of our meeting. Sincerely, Terena."

After a few seconds, the letter slowly burned with a faint blue flame and turned to ashes.

"Lord Rain, I have delivered the envoy's gift. I look forward to your contact, and I believe it's time for me to take my leave." Hamadi stood up with a smile and said.

"Okay, Viscount Hamadi. I'll see you out."

After Hamadi left, Rain paced back and forth in the room, pondering the purpose of the envoy's visit.

"No wonder the Federation's development is so rapid. Their infiltration into the Empire is impressive, and they spare no effort in attracting talents."

As soon as Rain saw the words 'Soul Energy Crystal' in the letter, he knew what these three hexagonal prismatic crystals were.

Generally, potions or items that enhance psychic energy are already very precious.

But the value of Soul Energy Crystals is even higher, as their function is to promote the speed of psychic vaporization and liquidation.

Rain had previously inquired with Olenna, but unfortunately, the branch did not have an allocation of Soul Energy Crystals.

Of course, the headquarters in the imperial capital would have them, but they were also extremely rare.

In other words, if Rain wanted to exchange for them, he would need to be transferred to the Swordsman headquarters.

"What's even more impressive is that phrase—'The production of Soul Energy Crystals has increased several times.' It not only reveals the Federation's strength but also serves as a great temptation."

"If it weren't for my rapid vaporization speed, I might have been tempted myself."

Rain walked over to the wooden box, picked up a Soul Energy Crystal, and examined it.

"Soul Energy Crystal, what a valuable item."

This was also the reason why Rain did not refuse the envoy's gift. At this stage, the Soul Energy Crystal could indeed enhance his strength.

Rain's psychic energy had increased from 60 to 62, with one point coming from his previous allocation and the other from the effect of the advanced meditation technique over the past few days.

The degree of vaporization had also increased by one percentage point.

After carefully inspecting the Soul Energy Crystal again to ensure there were no issues, Rain immediately began using it.

Using the crystal was very simple; he just needed to hold it in his hand and activate the meditation technique.

After a few minutes, as Rain activated the advanced meditation technique, the Soul Energy Crystal seemed to resonate, emitting a transparent aura. The silver mist within his mind slowly purified, and the strands of mist became more abundant.

At this moment, the system notification sounded:

[Ding! Detected Soul Energy Crystal that can enhance psychic vaporization. Do you want to accelerate absorption? (Note: The system can eliminate impurities and complete absorption in one go.)]



"Hamaadi, Viscount Hamaadi, I'll see you out."

After Hamaadi left, Rain paced back and forth in the room, pondering the purpose of the envoy's visit.

"No wonder the Federation's development is so rapid. Their infiltration into the Empire is impressive, and they spare no effort in attracting talents."

As soon as Rain saw the words 'Soul Energy Crystal' in the letter, he knew what these three hexagonal prismatic crystals were.

Generally, potions or items that enhance psychic energy are already very precious.

But the value of Soul Energy Crystals is even higher, as their function is to promote the speed of psychic vaporization and liquidation.

Rain had previously inquired with Olenna, but unfortunately, the branch did not have an allocation of Soul Energy Crystals.

Of course, the headquarters in the imperial capital would have them, but they were also extremely rare.

In other words, if Rain wanted to exchange for them, he would need to be transferred to the Swordsman headquarters.

"What's even more impressive is that phrase—'The production of Soul Energy Crystals has increased several times.' It not only reveals the Federation's strength but also serves as a great temptation."

"If it weren't for my rapid vaporization speed, I might have been tempted myself."

Rain walked over to the wooden box, picked up a Soul Energy Crystal, and examined it.

"Soul Energy Crystal, what a valuable item."

This was also the reason why Rain did not refuse the envoy's gift. At this stage, the Soul Energy Crystal could indeed enhance his strength.

Rain's psychic energy had increased from 60 to 62, with one point coming from his previous allocation and the other from the effects of the advanced meditation technique over the past few days.

The degree of vaporization had also increased by one percentage point.

After carefully inspecting the Soul Energy Crystal again to ensure there were no issues, Rain immediately began using it.

Using the crystal was very simple; he just needed to hold it in his hand and activate the meditation technique.

After a few minutes, as Rain activated the advanced meditation technique, the Soul Energy Crystal seemed to resonate, emitting a transparent aura. The silver mist within his mind slowly purified, and the strands of mist became more abundant.

At this moment, the system notification sounded:

[Ding! Detected Soul Energy Crystal that can enhance psychic vaporization. Do you want to accelerate absorption? (Note: The system can eliminate impurities and complete absorption in one go.)]



"Hmm? Eliminate impurities?"

"And complete absorption in one go?"

Rain raised an eyebrow, thinking to himself.

Normally, a Soul Energy Crystal of this size would take him about half a month of daily meditation to fully absorb.

The system's ability to absorb it instantly was indeed beneficial.

"Moreover, if I can eliminate impurities, it means I can use them consecutively!"

Typically, Soul Energy Crystals are valuable, but wizards need to stop using them for a while after a certain concentration of impurities accumulates in their bodies.

They must wait for their bodies to eliminate the impurities from the Soul Energy Crystals before using them again, making consecutive use impossible.

Based on the system notification, Rain should be able to absorb them consecutively.

Without hesitation, Rain immediately chose "Yes!"

Instantly, Rain felt the silver mist in his mind increase at a visible rate, quickly doubling in size.

The sensation was indescribably wonderful.

The psychic energy became purer, and the same amount of psychic energy could now manipulate more energy particles in the surroundings.

Rain glanced at the system panel:

Psychic Energy: 62 (Vaporization: 11%)



"Wow! A 5% increase in one go?"

(End of Chapter)No wonder it's so precious!"

"The psychic value is no longer declining, which means the impurities should have been mostly removed."

Seeing the excellent results, Rain thought for a moment and decided to use the other two Soul Energy Crystals in the wooden box as well.

Finally, the psychic value on the attribute panel showed: 62 (Vaporization 20%).

Calculating that each point of vaporization increased spell power by 0.5 points, Rain's current spell power had increased by about 10% compared to when he had just advanced to Wizard.

Don't underestimate this 10% increase. Often, the improvement of strength comes from accumulating these small steps, leading to a qualitative change.

Obviously, when the vaporization reaches 90%, the increase in spell power will be very significant, with an approximate 50% boost.

As for why it doesn't reach 100%, generally, when First Rank Wizards achieve 90% vaporization, they can choose to advance to Second Rank Liquidation Wizards.

The difficulty of psychic energy vaporization is not linear, meaning it becomes harder as you progress.

This is evident from the rate of increase of the Soul Energy Crystals just now. Logically, if each crystal increased vaporization by 5%, Rain's vaporization should be 21%, but it is only 20%.

Rain tested a few spells, feeling the increase in power, and then the knocking sound came again.

"Come in."

Olenna, a capable middle-aged woman, entered with a smile. "I heard you slayed a dragon yesterday? Congratulations on becoming a dragon-slaying hero."

"Thank you. Has this news spread already?" Rain couldn't help but smile wryly.

"Of course. It's a dragon-slaying feat, and it wasn't just the Swordsmen, but also the Gryphon Knights and Brightsin's guards who witnessed it. They're all helping to spread the word."

"I believe your fame will soon spread throughout the nearby provinces." Olenna covered her mouth and laughed softly.

Rain shook his head, thinking, "Good intentions can sometimes backfire."

This would shorten his stay in Mystra even more.

"By the way, Viscount Rain, I have news about the person you asked me to look into last time." Olenna handed him a stack of papers.

Rain nodded, comparing Olenna's information with that of the middle-aged woman, Jennifer, and confirmed it was mostly correct.

"Perhaps you are more concerned about another piece of news."

"Oh?" Rain looked at Olenna.

"Regarding the barbarian tribes in Frostwind Tundra that you asked me to pay attention to, coincidentally, I have an acquaintance in the intelligence department at the Imperial Capital who told me three days ago that he had obtained information there."

"Currently, the barbarian tribes are having a hard time with the Black Flame Cult, which is rampant in Frostwind Tundra. As a cult that worships flames and hunting, it has spread rapidly in the tundra, and many indigenous tribes have already joined it."

"The barbarian tribes are not weak, so they have clashed fiercely with the Black Flame Cult."

"But after some time, the Black Flame Cult gathered many powerful individuals, making it difficult for the barbarian tribes to resist. So, recently, the barbarian tribes sought aid from the Empire, but so far, the Empire has not sent a Guardian."

"Now, both barbarian tribes are migrating to more remote areas of the tundra."

"Hmm? The Black Flame Cult again?" Rain narrowed his eyes.

"Is the Empire not going to intervene?"

"It's unlikely in the short term. The Empire will prioritize domestic affairs, and Frostwind Tundra may not be a priority."

Rain nodded. Indeed, under the current circumstances, the Empire might make such a decision.

"Then, Lady Olenna, will the barbarian tribes be safer after migrating?" Rain asked.

"I'm sorry, Viscount Rain, but I wasn't finished. The problem now is that the northern part of Frostwind Tundra is also unstable." Olenna apologized.

"Hmm?" Rain raised his eyebrows.

"It is said that a Primordial Dragon named Koraxus recently emerged from the Far North and is currently expanding its territory, gathering followers. Several Large Northern Bear Tribes have already surrendered."

"If the two barbarian tribes continue to migrate, they will undoubtedly be noticed by the dragon."

Rain's expression became uncertain upon hearing Olenna's words.

"Is the Empire not going to take action?"

"It's unlikely in the short term. The Empire will prioritize domestic affairs, and Frostwind Tundra may not be a priority."

Rain nodded. Indeed, under the current circumstances, the Empire might make such a decision.

"Then, Lady Olenna, will the barbarian tribes be safer after migrating?" Rain asked.

"I'm sorry, Viscount Rain, but I wasn't finished. The problem is that the northern part of Frostwind Tundra is also unstable." Olenna apologized.

"Hmm?" Rain raised his eyebrows.

"It is said that a Primordial Dragon named Koraxus recently emerged from the Far North and is currently expanding its territory, gathering followers. Several Large Northern Bear Tribes have already surrendered."

"If the two barbarian tribes continue to migrate, they will undoubtedly be noticed by the dragon."

Rain's expression became uncertain upon hearing Olenna's words.

(End)

Chapter end