Chapter 344: Herbal Frittata

Chapter 344: Herbal Frittata



At this moment, Rain had just transformed his forked sword back into the shape of a regular two-handed greatsword.

He had just unleashed his ultimate art, 'Shadow Step,' with lightning speed, appearing before a two-headed magma hound at the rear of the caravan. His greatsword suddenly forked, and with two flashes of silver light, he directly pierced the creature's two heads.

The entire set of movements took less than 0.3 seconds.

Within this, he had incorporated 'Shadow Step,' 'Metal Transformation,' 'Sharpening Spell,' and a technique mimicking the lance's 'Armor Piercing Strike,' resulting in the forked sword's deadly strike.

Thus, he achieved the astonishing effect witnessed.

A two-headed magma hound, with strength comparable to a second-rank Liquidation Wizard, only felt a flash before its eyes and was killed by Rain's decisive strike before it could react.

The other magma hounds behind it were still stunned, not quite understanding the situation.

"Roar!!!"

But the other two-headed magma hound, approaching from the left side of the caravan, roared in anger upon seeing its companion killed.

Although it sensed the human's strength, its mind was now filled with rage.

"Boom!!!"

As its massive body, comparable to a wild bull, erupted in flames, a circular shockwave blasted out, instantly knocking back several nearby caravan guards. At the same time, while still in mid-air, the human's body ignited in raging flames!

"Ah! Ah!"

Screams echoed, and the entire caravan fell into chaos.

"You're asking for death!"

The enemy's indiscriminate area attack caused Rain's eyes to narrow, and he left behind seven or eight afterimages as he instantly appeared several meters in front of the second two-headed magma hound.

"Shh!"

However, this time, the hound was prepared, and as Rain approached at high speed, it quickly opened its two huge mouths and unleashed two different flame talents.

One head spewed a long, shooting fire serpent, while the other head blasted an enormous fireball, larger than a washbasin.

The fire serpent and fireball rushed towards Rain with incredible speed, reaching him in the blink of an eye.

had already rejected the other hounds, so he didn't bother dodging.

"Be careful! Get out of the way!" Melita shouted in warning.

Previously, the white-robed mage, Melita, hadn't seen how Rain had killed the first two-headed magma hound.

Her attention had been focused on the second hound approaching from the left side."

But this time, she saw everything clearly.

No, to be precise, she still couldn't see clearly, only catching glimpses of Rain's afterimages. But she understood his incredible speed.

Rain showed no signs of slowing down, still drawing a white line as he charged towards the hound, with no intention of dodging.

In Melita's astonished gaze, Rain's body suddenly formed three dark silver eagle shields, which quickly stacked on top of each other, blocking the front.

At the same time, the fireball and fire serpent struck Rain.

"Boom! Boom!"

The giant fireball and fire serpent shattered the two shields instantly, but by the third shield, they seemed to lack strength, breaking through more slowly.

The remaining flames were crushed by a silver giant hand. In an instant, Rain was already several meters in front of the two-headed magma hound.

"Whoosh!"

Suddenly, two identical Rain silhouettes appeared, one moving left and the other right, and almost simultaneously, two silver flashes passed through the hound's two necks.

Melita blinked, unsure if she was seeing things.

But soon, she realized it wasn't her imagination.

"Thud! Thud!"

Two consecutive thuds sounded as the two-headed magma hound's bodies hit the ground.

Everyone stared in disbelief.

The hound wasn't a dragonkin, so Rain didn't bother bathing in its blood.

He slightly shook the greatsword in his hand, and the blade returned to its pristine state.

The two groups of regular magma hounds, who had planned to ambush them, saw their leaders killed and immediately fled with their tails between their legs.

Rain had no interest in chasing after these non-threatening hounds.

"What level of strength is this?"

"He's incredible!" Melita exclaimed in excitement.

"And just now, he used the rare metal-type sorcery!"

Melita had noticed the transformation of Rain's weapon and the faint metal-type energy particle fluctuation when the silver light flashed.

Metal-type wizards were even rarer than her own ice-type wizard.

Suddenly, Melita thought of something as she looked at the blizzard elemental she had just summoned, feeling heartbroken.

"Oh no! I wasted a precious Ice Core!" she lamented.

For a whole year, he had been idly loafing around!

This was her trump card, a secret weapon she had been keeping to herself.

And that male wizard, who had already retreated to the caravan's guards and was ready to seize any opportunity to escape, was now staring dumbfounded at the fallen two-headed magma hound in front of him.

He glanced at that tall and sturdy figure once more.

In that instant, all the despicable thoughts in his mind dissipated like smoke.

I want to be a good person!

At this moment, Rain's grayish-white wizard robe was damaged, revealing a set of silver Mithril engraved plate armor.

The mysterious patterns, combined with the shiny silver armor, gave everyone an even more enigmatic feeling.

Although Melita had instantly recognized the material of his armor as Mithril, she was even more shocked!

"Strong in strength, and also exceptionally wealthy!"

"Moreover, if he has an official background from the Empire, then..."

Suddenly, Melita remembered something.

She had received an urgent notice from the academy, summoning combatants to return to Winterfort Academy to organize defenses.

According to the message, a gigantic Primordial Dragon named Koraxus had appeared in the Northland.

Like other Primordial Dragons, it was inherently violent and was currently sweeping through the Northland with a large number of followers.

Her mentor, who was also the dean of Winterfort Academy, had been seriously injured in the battle against Koraxus a few days ago.

After witnessing Rain's astonishing close-combat abilities, Melita couldn't help but have a thought.

If the academy's wizards had someone like Rain, who was exceptionally strong in close-quarters combat, to stand at the forefront during the battle against that Primordial Dragon, they could continuously cast spells from behind.

In that case, defeating that Primordial Dragon should be much easier, right? After snapping out of his daze, Janis, the fat man, hurried over to Rain with his wobbling fat body and said:

"Sir Rain, we owe you a great debt of gratitude. On behalf of the Cameron Caravan, I'd like to express our thanks, and these gold coins..."

As Janis spoke, he waved his hand, and a guard behind him carried a heavy wooden box forward.

"No need, it was just a small favor, and it's not convenient for me to carry boxes while riding a flying mount." Rain smiled and declined.

For Rain at the moment, gold coins were only meaningful if they started from ten thousand gold coins.

"But, sir..." Janis, the fat man, still seemed hesitant.

"Quickly go and treat the injured, it's better for us to leave Hammerfall Tunnel as soon as possible." Rain patted Janis' shoulder and said.

"Yes, Sir Rain!"

"Sir Rain, please forgive my boldness, but I'd like to discuss something with you." After Janis left, Melita, who had been deep in thought for a long time, stepped forward and said.

"Oh? Miss Melita, if you have something to say, please do so." Rain looked at the white-robed female wizard in front of him and smiled.

He didn't mind Melita.

During the previous battle, Rain had clearly seen that she had fought hard, even though she didn't get to use it in the end, but her character was evident.

She was much better than those two guys.

"It's like this, I'd like to ask Sir Rain for a favor."

"As a reward, I can provide you with a clue to an improved version of the Metal-type Sorcery, 'Cutting Net'."

Upon hearing Melita's first sentence, Rain had intended to refuse, as he had come here to search for the dragon. However, when he heard the words 'Metal-type Sorcery,' his eyebrows twitched.

Especially the name of this spell, 'Cutting Net,' which seemed to be an offensive Metal-type Sorcery, piqued Rain's interest.

After all, the Metal-type Sorcery he currently possessed, even including the zero-level 'Sharpening Spell,' was only three: the talent spell 'Metal Transformation,' and the defensive first-rank spell 'Metal Shield Spell.'

If he could obtain a new offensive spell, it would be perfect.

However, Rain looked around and said to Melita, "Miss Melita, we can discuss the favor you need, but not now. Can we talk after we leave Hammerfall Tunnel?"

"That's wonderful, of course." Melita had been worried that Rain would directly refuse her request.

Now, seeing his reaction, it seemed that he was indeed interested in the Metal-type Sorcery she had mentioned.

The rest of the journey went much smoother, although lava snakes continued to emerge from the tunnel, they were all easily dealt with by Rain and became food for Bloodwing.

By the time they reached the exit, Bloodwing's stomach was already slightly bloated.

One hour later.

At the other end of Hammerfall Tunnel, dozens of Cameron Caravan's vehicles were being checked and the crew was resting.

Melita, holding a bottle of amber-colored long-necked bottle, approached Rain and Anna, smiling as she said:

"Sir Rain, Miss Anna, this is our Winterfort Academy's specialty, 'Golden Thorn Honey Tea.' It has a refreshing taste, invigorates the mind, and is highly praised by wizards. Would you like to try it?"

Anna's eyes lit up at the mention of tea. If it were an alcoholic beverage, she might not have been as keen, but tea was a different matter. She glanced at Rain, who smiled back at her.

"Of course, thank you, Lady Melita," Rain responded with a smile.

Poison?

Rain wasn't worried; after all, he had enhanced poison resistance from his deadly poison master talent. If necessary, he could even transform into a dragonkin and become immune to low-level poisons.

Most importantly, after their battle, he didn't sense any malicious intent from Melita that would suggest she would poison them.

Melita poured a cup for both Rain and Anna.

"Good tea," Rain remarked after taking a sip.

The tea, infused with golden thorn grass, was sweet yet refreshing, almost like beer. It seemed to have a subtle effect of enhancing psychic energy, which explained why it was so well-received by wizards.

"It's delicious, I really like it, Lady Melita," Anna said, her eyes sparkling as she took a sip.

"I'm glad you like it, ladies."

"Um, Melita, you can just call me Anna. As for Rain, he's indeed a grown man," Anna said with a giggle, covering her mouth.

"Is Rain an Imperial Lord?"

Rain shook his head in exasperation at Anna's candidness.

Now he understood why her aunt, Lady Delanna, was so worried about Anna being deceived; she was simply too naive.

"Lady Melita, I do work for the Empire, but I may not be at liberty to disclose the specifics," Rain replied.

"No wonder the Hammerfall guards opened the gate specifically for you. I had a hunch about it," Melita said with a smile.

"By the way, Lady Melita, could you please elaborate on the task you want me to help with? I'll be on my way soon."

"Of course, Lord Rain," Melita nodded, her face brightening.

"It's like this. In the Northlands, a Primordial Dragon named Koraxus has appeared." As Melita spoke, she observed Rain's expression, noticing a hint of surprise. She thought to herself, 'Finally, he's showing some emotion.'

Rain was actually surprised by the coincidence that Melita wanted him to help slay the Primordial Dragon Koraxus, as he had planned to investigate the dragon's strength after finding Lagre. He needed to absorb new dragon genes to further enhance his dragon bloodline.

"As for the reward, I noticed you're a metal wizard. I happen to know the location of a deceased metal wizard from the Northlands, a Second Rank Liquidation Wizard known as 'The Cutter.' I have reliable information that he died suddenly while attempting crystallization, so his signature spell, the 'Cutting Net,' should still be there."

Rain's smile gradually faded as he listened.

He had assumed Melita had the metal wizardry spell 'Cutting Net' in her possession, but it turned out she only knew its location. Moreover, if the location was known, why hadn't she retrieved it herself? There must be a problem!

"I have a question."

"Lady Melita, if this metal wizardry spell is so rare and improved, it must be incredibly valuable. Why didn't you retrieve it yourself?" Rain asked, fixing his gaze on Melita.

"That's because the wizard's residence is in the easternmost part of the Frostwind Tundra, in Howling Bay. I visited the area recently and found that it had already been occupied by the Thick-Shell Crabman Clan of Howling Bay."

"Their numbers are vast, and their shells provide formidable defense. With my strength, it would be challenging to reach the location. But with your abilities, these shouldn't be issues."

"So, Lady Melita, if I understand correctly, you want me to help you by directly confronting a Primordial Dragon of legendary to epic proportions, and in return, you're offering the location of a metal wizardry spell. Is that right?"

Upon hearing Rain's words, Melita's face turned slightly red with embarrassment.

She realized that the terms of the deal she had proposed were somewhat unfair.

"Lord Rain, I apologize. This is the best I can offer, and I understand if it's not enough for you," Melita explained, slightly flustered.

After all, the risk Rain would be taking was greater than the potential reward.

"Lord Rain, to show my sincerity, I'm willing to accompany you to Howling Bay."

"Of course, if you still feel it's not worth it, I completely understand. And once again, thank you for your help in the Hammerfall Tunnel," Melita said, bowing slightly to Rain.

"No, I accept!" Rain waved his hand.

"Huh?" Melita stared at Rain, her eyes wide with surprise, momentarily stunned.

He had agreed? But the offer was clearly unbalanced.

At that moment, Melita was completely baffled as to why Rain had agreed.

However, upon hearing this news, she was naturally overjoyed. She immediately came to her senses and thanked Rain:

"Thank you, Lord Rain! That's wonderful!"

"By the way, Lord Rain, Miss Anna, please allow me to prepare a simple campfire dinner for the two of you as a token of my gratitude," Melita said eagerly.

"Also, this is some homemade egg cream. Please try it."

"Then we thank you, Lady Melita." Rain and Anna couldn't help but exchange smiles and nodded at Melita.

After all, no matter how busy they were, they still needed to eat dinner.

As the campfire rose, Melita skillfully took out some seasonings and a small box containing various herbs and over a dozen bird eggs, each about the size of an egg.

"Today, I didn't prepare too many ingredients, so I can only make you a herbal frittata."

A few minutes later, Rain held a dish that reminded him of pancakes from his previous life and started eating.

To his surprise, it tasted really good.

For a moment, Rain couldn't help but think of something.

After he advanced to the legendary class 'Dragonblood Mage,' he might consider taking on the role of a chef for his next class.

At least, he wouldn't be disappointing his stomach.

But one herbal frittata was naturally too little for Rain's appetite.

The leader of the Cameron Caravan, the fat Janis, who from his build was clearly a food connoisseur, had been observing the two lords all along.

Seeing that Rain seemed unsatisfied, he immediately and perceptively offered some carefully selected grilled salmon and grilled lamb chops.

After some casual conversation, Melita learned that Rain and Anna were also heading to the Frostwind Tundra, where the Winterfort Academy was located at the northernmost part of the tundra, making it quite a convenient route.

After enjoying the dinner, Rain took the initiative to say:

"If Lady Melita is heading to the Northland—"

Rain was about to offer her a ride, but he held back at the last moment.

He suddenly thought that although Bloodwing could easily carry one more person, it might make Anna misunderstand.

"Then we'll part ways here."

Hmm?

In Melita's expectant eyes, this abrupt turn of events was extremely disappointing.

She had thought Rain was inviting her to ride the horned eagle beast!

Such a strong horned eagle beast should have no problem carrying one more person, right?

"Pfft! Rain, why don't you let Melita ride with you?" Anna couldn't help but laugh after hearing Rain's words.

"Uh, alright!"

Rain then reshaped the hardened mithril into a metal seat with a hook and said to Melita, "Lady Melita, I'll add a seat below the horned eagle beast, so you can sit there."

At this moment, Melita looked at Rain with a speechless expression.

This was too much!

To avoid her disturbing their "two-person world," he was making her sit alone below.

"Rain, why don't you let Melita sit behind you? Why make it so complicated?!" Anna tugged on Rain's clothes, trying to persuade him.

"Uh—"

Rain thought to himself, this was to avoid her misunderstanding.

Since Anna didn't mind, he naturally wouldn't mind having a beautiful mage sit behind him.

"Miss Anna, thank you for standing up for me," Melita quickly walked to Anna's side, took her hand, and said warmly.

"Actually, Rain is a very nice person." For a moment, Anna was a bit uncomfortable with such familiarity.

After saying goodbye to the Cameron Caravan and with Melita sitting behind him, Rain controlled Bloodwing and soared into the sky, heading straight for the Beverley Pass in Kasvius Province.

As they took off, the horned eagle beast's body undulated up and down, forcing Melita to wrap her arms around Rain's waist.

Being a first-time rider of a flying mount, Melita was still a bit nervous and unaccustomed.

Every time Bloodwing flapped its wings, Melita would sometimes be pressed tightly against Rain's back and sometimes pulled away a bit.

This made Rain quite uncomfortable.

If she had stayed pressed against him the whole time, or kept a distance, it would have been better.

But the intermittent closeness...

Rain could clearly feel the pressure from behind.

"Is she here for a ride?"

"Or is she here to tease?"

Soon, Rain felt a bit warm.

At attention!

As if it were a chain reaction, this immediately made Anna, who was sitting in Rain's arms, blush.

She had experienced this feeling before.

This time, she knew exactly what it was.

Perhaps, if it were just Rain and her, Anna wouldn't be so shy.

After all, she had the experience from last time, so her tolerance was slightly better.

But this time, there were three people.

Before long, Anna's face turned red, and she leaned softly against Rain, while Rain himself didn't feel much happiness.

Carrying two people was more of a torment than a pleasure.

He couldn't possibly...

And the herbal frittata seemed to be a great tonic.

Rain immediately regretted it.

(End of Chapter)

Chapter end