Chapter 341: Advancement and Departure

Chapter 341: Advancement and Departure



"Regarding the Primordial Dragon, Lord Rain, do you have any knowledge about it?" Olenna reported, paused, and looked at Rain.

"Lady Olenna, please introduce the Primordial Dragon."

Previously, after witnessing the 'Red Queen' Menia's Crimson Dragon, Rain had consulted and gained a rough understanding of the books about dragons within the Dragon Empire.

However, regarding the Primordial Dragon, the books merely mentioned it briefly without much description.

Instead, the books provided a clearer introduction to the Empire's Quintessence Dragons, which were categorized into Crimson Dragons, Emerald Dragons, Golden Dragons, Sapphire Dragons, and Onyx Dragons.

"Okay, Lord Rain, the Primordial Dragon is completely different from the Quintessence Dragons that our Dragon Empire takes pride in. Logically, the Primordial Dragon should have long disappeared into the vast river of history."

"But for some unknown reason, from time to time, in some remote areas, remnants of these surviving Primordial Dragons are occasionally discovered, just like this one named Koraxus."

"Koraxus, like other Primordial Dragons, is inherently ferocious. Although Primordial Dragons generally don't possess special talents, their close-combat abilities are extremely powerful. According to intelligence, spies have witnessed this Primordial Dragon, and it is said to be several times larger than its counterparts."

"Therefore, I believe that if a barbarian tribe skilled in melee combat encounters this Primordial Dragon, Koraxus, they will most likely suffer significant losses."

"Lady Olenna, I'd like to make a trip to the Frostwind Tundra." At this moment, Rain suddenly spoke up.

Olenna's introduction of the Primordial Dragon had prompted Rain to decide to head to the Frostwind Tundra as soon as possible.

Although Lagre had been out of contact for some time and might have encountered trouble, he had to go there to find out.

Rain's words startled Olenna, nearly making her jump.

"What?!"

"Lord Rain, are you going there yourself?" Olenna's beautiful eyes widened in shock.

It was common knowledge that Rain's reputation in Mystra Province had soared after he defeated the Corrupted Dragon Agnes. With Rain in Mystra, Olenna felt much safer.

"Hmm, I have a friend over there, and I need to pay them a visit. By the way, how long would it take to reach the Frostwind Tundra if I were to ride a flying mount?"

"Well, that's a bit tricky. Although you have a flying mount and can fly directly to the Frostwind Tundra..."

"The problem is that there are several dangerous areas in the northern part of the Empire, such as the Thunder Mountains, where rare Thunder Elementals reside. They launch lightning attacks against all living beings that fly near them, and even Imperial Dragon Knights must avoid their wrath."

"So, my suggestion is that it would be better to make a stopover."

Olenna quickly regained her composure and returned to her efficient demeanor, providing a detailed analysis for Rain.

Rain nodded and said, "Lady Olenna, do you have any recommended flight routes?"

Although he could now ride Bloodwing and fly through the air, reaching certain locations several times faster than before, he still needed to avoid dangerous areas.

In fact, during the early days of the Dragon Empire, there were many more dangerous areas than there are now.

The Imperial Dragon Knights had worked tirelessly for years to eliminate some of these dangers, leading to the establishment of the current airship routes.

Otherwise, the risks of flying would have been much higher.

"Yes, please take a look." Olenna, the efficient young woman, walked over to Rain and spread out a map of the Empire's territory, presenting it to him.

"Generally, if you were to travel by Imperial military airship, you would need to make six stopovers, from here to here, and then to... It would take approximately seven days."

"Since you have a flying mount, I suggest you make a stopover at Hammerfall Fort in Marcus Province to avoid the Black Fog Cyclone in the Hammerfall Mountains."

"

"With this route, it will only take you approximately three days to reach the Frostwind Tundra."

"Of course, regarding the barbarian tribe, the intelligence only indicates that they are migrating near the Coldfall Mountains in the northern part of the tundra. So, you'll need to spend some time searching for and catching up with them."

Olenna provided a thorough analysis.

Rain nodded, impressed by Olenna's exceptional competence.

She probably hadn't expected him to decide to go to the Frostwind Tundra, but she quickly helped him choose a suitable route.

"Thank you, Lady Olenna, your analysis is very helpful."

"You're too kind, but Lord Rain, if you truly intend to go to the Frostwind Tundra, perhaps you should inform Admiral Edward first."

"Of course, I'll pay a visit to Admiral Edward later." Rain nodded.

As a Diamond Rank Swordsman in the Mystra Swordsman Division, he held an official position within the Empire. It was customary to inform his superiors before leaving his jurisdiction.

Rain was confident he could convince Admiral Edward.

"Hmm, Admiral Edward has just bid farewell to Duke Victor and the Eagle Federation delegation. He should be back in his office by now." Olenna smiled slightly.

Half an hour later.

Admiral Edward's office.

"Admiral Edward, I have some personal matters to attend to and would like to request a month's leave to travel to the Frostwind Tundra," Rain said straightforwardly.

Admiral Edward's eyebrows furrowed slightly. "The Frostwind Tundra? It's not very safe there recently. Is it necessary for you to go?" He tried to dissuade Rain but didn't inquire about the specific reason.

"Yes, a good friend of mine is there, so I must go," Rain nodded.

"Alright, I'll write you an official letter. This trip to the Frostwind Tundra will be considered an official mission," Admiral Edward said with a smile.

"Thank you for your support," Rain bowed slightly in gratitude.

Admiral Edward was very supportive of Rain's trip to the Frostwind Tundra, especially since he had elevated Rain's personal mission to an official one, making many things more convenient.

"However, Rain, while I believe your strength can handle most enemies, the problem is that the Tundra is located on a plateau and close to the Far North. You'll need to be extra cautious about the special climate and environmental conditions," Admiral Edward warned.

"Thank you, I'll be careful," Rain replied.

When Rain returned to the manor, he began to ponder his preparations.

At that moment, he seemed to think of something and muttered, "But before I depart, there's a spell that I can enhance."

Rain focused his attention on a very practical spell that he had never had the time to improve—the entry-level metal spell, 'Sharpening Spell.'

Although Rain practiced it often, he was only at level 6 (133/3000) in proficiency, and it took him around 1.5 seconds to cast the Sharpening Spell.

This speed seemed decent, but there were still few opportunities to apply it in actual combat.

After all, Rain's opponents were not pushovers, and the battles were fast-paced. There was hardly any time to spare 1.5 seconds to cast a spell calmly.

This was why the more powerful wizards relied more on their innate spells and a few highly practiced spells that were almost instantaneous to determine the outcome of a battle.

Rarely did they have the chance to cast those seemingly powerful but lengthy high-level spells to decide the outcome.

The reason Rain chose to enhance this spell was that the Sharpening Spell complemented his Epic-tier profession, 'Thousand Blades King,' very well.

Except for a few blunt weapons like two-handed war hammers and staves, all sharp weapons could be enhanced by the Sharpening Spell, provided it was cast fast enough.

Additionally, Rain's affinity for metal was exceptionally high, and the power of the Sharpening Spell increased accordingly.

"After transforming, with the Sharpening Spell's enhancement, my combat power with sharp weapons will increase by at least 15% to 20%."

"Even in the Dragonkin Warrior Form, I can use sharp weapons with the Sharpening Spell, making it highly versatile."

"Currently, it's at level 6, and it requires 6 skill points to reach level 12."

Rain checked his attribute panel, and he had exactly 6 skill points remaining.

After further contemplation, Rain instantly invested all 6 skill points into the Sharpening Spell.

As the Sharpening Spell's level soared from 6 to 12!

In an instant, a flood of memories related to the Sharpening Spell flooded Rain's mind.

For a moment, Rain felt as if he had entered a mysterious space, constantly practicing the Sharpening Spell for over a decade. The incantation and chanting became second nature, and the syllables compressed faster and faster!

When Rain finished processing the memories and recited the incantation again, he realized that, like the First-Rank Metal Spell 'Metal Shield Spell,' it only took him around 0.25 seconds to cast.

However, after casting the 'Metal Transformation Spell' and the 'Sharpening Spell' consecutively several times, Rain's eyebrows furrowed.

He found that the 0.1-second casting time of the 'Metal Transformation Spell' plus the 0.25-second casting time of the 'Sharpening Spell' resulted in a total time of nearly 0.4 seconds.

This speed was already enough for enemies to react.

To prevent enemies from reacting, the total casting time should ideally be controlled within 0.2 seconds.

"Leveling up from level 12 will probably require Golden Skill Points, right?"

Rain checked his 23 Golden Skill Points and immediately started allocating them.

After a few minutes, Rain looked at the Sharpening Spell, which had reached level 16, and a satisfied smile appeared on his face.

A short spear materialized in Rain's hand, and almost simultaneously, a silver light enveloped the spear's sharp tip.

The next second, the short spear transformed into a great sword, and the silver light instantly covered the blade.

"A casting time of 0.1 seconds, almost faster than an innate spell!"

It could be said that Rain had mastered the Sharpening Spell to the point of near-perfect control. With a mere thought, he could cast it.

"Knock, knock, knock!"

"Enter."

"Viscount Rain, Lord Neor and the other lords are waiting for you in the training room.

Lei En nodded, "Alright, I'll be right there." He had just sent word to Neor and the others to join him.

Training Room.

Lei En informed his team about his upcoming trip to the Frosty Tundra.

"What? Captain, you're going to the Frosty Tundra? That's quite a distance," Neor exclaimed in surprise.

The rest of the team also looked at Lei En with curiosity, wondering why their captain had suddenly decided to venture to the distant Frosty Tundra.

"Is it a mission?" Angus asked.

"No, a friend of mine is in trouble, so I need to make a trip there."

"A friend?"

Vieri, Angus, and the others exchanged glances, all seeming to understand.

It had to be a female friend!

"Captain, let us come with you. It's better to have more people when dealing with difficulties."

"No need, I plan to go and return quickly. I'll ride on Bloodfeather, and we'll arrive at the Tundra in three days."

"Also, you have your own missions. While I'm away, pay extra attention to Mingstra, including the situations in Mist County and Rosby County, but don't take on tasks beyond your capabilities."

"For specific mission details, you can ask Olena," Lei En instructed.

"Okay, Captain."

"Don't worry, Captain. We'll handle things here."

After giving instructions to his team, Lei En informed his family and then spoke with Jennifer about the situation.

Finally, Lei En found Anna and told her about his plan.

"Anna, I plan to go to the Frosty Tundra. I received news that the Barbarian tribe where Lagre is located is facing some tricky troubles."

"She really didn't tell me about such an important matter."

"Actually, Lagre didn't contact me. I learned about this situation from within the Swordsman's organization." Lei En then shared the information he had gathered with Anna in detail.

"I understand!" Anna suddenly realized, her expression showing enlightenment.

"Hmm?"

"I know why Lagre didn't contact you or me! She probably didn't want to worry us about this matter, and even less so wanted to involve you in the trouble her tribe is facing."

"Lei En, I want to go with you!" Anna said seriously.

"Hmm?"

Lei En hadn't even considered taking Anna with him.

He had already refused Neor and the others, let alone Anna.

"You're not suitable for a long journey, and there might be combat ahead. It's better for you to stay home and wait." Lei En shook his head.

"I'm not afraid of fighting, and if you get injured, I can heal you." Anna's eyes were determined.

"Bloodfeather has limited carrying capacity."

"I'm very light, even lighter than your weapons. Adding me won't burden Bloodfeather."

"Cheep~"

Bloodfeather chirped in agreement, as if endorsing Anna.

"Do Druids naturally gain the favor of animals?" Lei En was at a loss for how to dissuade Anna.

"Alright, get ready. We'll depart later."

"Great!" Anna was overjoyed.

---

Frosty Tundra, Northern Region.

Left side of the Coldfall Mountains.

A Barbarian tribe of tens of thousands was migrating, their procession stretching over ten miles.

The most eye-catching part of the procession was a group of giant Highland Yaks with long, dark brown hair, pulling hundreds of crudely-made carts.

The carts were stacked with various supplies, including tents, pottery, and animal hides. Elderly and young members of the tribe rode on the carts.

Despite it being the month of Blooming Flowers, the weather in the Frosty Tundra remained cold. With each breath, the massive yaks exhaled thick white streams of air from their noses.

Suddenly, a squad of twelve Frost Wolves Knights returned from the rear, their leader being a fiery female in leather armor, carrying a large, eye-catching round shield on her back and wielding a huge steel battle axe in her right hand.

The wide and gleaming blade of the axe was stained with crimson blood, indicating recent combat.

"Captain Lagre, how's the situation at the rear?" a tall Barbarian warrior asked.

"The same as always. The enemy occasionally sends people to harass us."

"Those damn Black Flame Cultists. By the way, the Chief wants to see you. Go to him," said a burly Barbarian named Yon, touching the braids on his head.

"Lagre, are those scum from the Black Flame Cult still following us?"

"Yes, Chief Dalius, but they haven't launched an attack. They're just watching us leave from a distance."

"Then ignore them." Dalius, the unusually tall Barbarian, finally showed a relieved expression.

In the past six months, the Norton Tribe and the Black Flame Cult had clashed over a dozen times, mostly winning but occasionally losing. The Black Flame Cult rarely engaged directly.

Instead, they incited the primitive tribes, mercenaries, and others to harass and attack them.

In other words, the enemy's strength had barely been affected.

"Let's contact the Rezchi," Rom High Priest sighed. "At this point, it's no longer the time for our barbarian tribes to fight amongst ourselves."

"High Priest, do you mean the Black Flame Cult will continue to pressure us? We've already migrated so far north," Dalius, the chieftain, asked with a hint of reluctance upon hearing that they should contact the Rezchi.

"Right now, we're like a thorn in the side of the Black Flame Cult. If you were in my position, what would you choose to do?"

"This..."

"Moreover, migrating north doesn't guarantee safety. It's said that a Primordial Dragon named Koraxus has appeared in the glaciers of the Far North, and it's already gathered several large Northern Bear tribes."

"Is this rumor true?" Dalius asked, his eyes widening.

Although he had heard about it before, he had always thought it was just a rumor.

After all, Primordial Dragons had been extinct for thousands of years; how could they suddenly reappear?

"Yes, according to the divination results, it's true. And from the outcome, it seems that their strength might be beyond what we can handle alone."

"I understand, High Priest. I get your meaning. I'll contact the Rezchi right away." Dalius nodded.

"Yes, only by uniting can we face the impending crisis," Rom High Priest agreed.

Lagrey, who had been listening to the conversation between the chieftain and the high priest, couldn't help but think of Rain, far away in the Menin Province of the Empire.

"That young man with immense potential, I wonder how he's doing now."

"He should have been promoted from deputy sheriff to the actual sheriff of the town, right?"

"Although I was fortunate enough to become a Ferocious Warrior, with his talent, he might have already reached the level of a Senior Knight in these six months. I need to work harder too!"

Lagrey thought to herself.

She naturally missed Rain.

She had wanted to write to Rain for a long time, but soon after returning to her tribe, the situation in the Frostwind Tundra became unstable.

And the matter of writing a letter was put on hold.

During this time, she experienced several extremely dangerous battles and successfully broke through her limits.

However, facing the crisis her tribe was in, she no longer had the heart to write a letter, fearing that it might reveal too much information.

Lagrey didn't want to involve Rain.

Even a Grand Knight wouldn't be of much help in the difficult situation her tribe was facing.

Seven or eight miles behind the barbarian migration team, at the northern foot of the Hanluo Mountains.

Seven or eight Black Flame Cultists in black robes, with flame patterns on their cuffs and collars, were high up on the side of the mountains, overlooking the migrating barbarian tribe from a distance.

"Krolith High Priest, when will we make our move? The knights and mercenaries we've gathered can't cause much trouble for the barbarians. They'll crumble at the slightest touch."

"It's fine. The mercenaries' role is to harass and prevent the barbarians from getting adequate rest, which will significantly reduce their combat effectiveness."

"We'll wait until they're exhausted."

"Your Excellency, we praise your wisdom." The subordinates, relieved that they wouldn't have to fight the barbarians head-on for now, began to flatter their high priest.

Although these barbarians couldn't cast spells and relied solely on their physical strength in combat, they were fearless and fought with great coordination, making them formidable opponents.

So, they weren't too keen on engaging in direct combat either.

"By the way, is there any news from the White Bear tribe?" asked the high priest named Krolith.

"We've contacted them. They'll be heading south in the next couple of days to ambush this barbarian tribe ahead of us."

"Good. Once we eliminate these two barbarian tribes, there won't be any tough nuts left in the Frostwind Tundra to challenge us."

"However, High Priest, if we rely solely on ourselves, it might be difficult to deal with the chieftain and high priest of the barbarian tribe. Both of them are genuine legendary powerhouses."

"Rest assured, in a few days, High Priest Erickson will personally lead a team here, and he'll take care of those two."

"High Priest Erickson will personally intervene? Then there's no problem." The Black Flame Cultists behind him smiled in relief.

---

Mystra.

Inside Rain's manor.

Rain and Anna waved goodbye to the crowd seeing them off, and soon after, the Bloodfeather Griffin vigorously flapped its wings, surrounded by a faint cyan airflow.

"Whoosh!"

The two soared into the sky, quickly becoming smaller dots to the people below. Soon, the entire Mystra, built on the mountainside, came into view beneath them.

Since they were heading north, Rain steered the Bloodfeather Griffin away from the plains and circled around the towering Hosga Mountains.)



Soon, a continuous stretch of rolling hills gradually came into view in front of Rain and Anna.

"What a beautiful sight!" Anna exclaimed, admiring the endless verdant forests below and the vast fields of blooming wildflowers.

(End of Chapter)

Chapter end