Chapter 349: Soaring Strength

Chapter 349: Soaring Strength



As Rain was about to examine it closely, he suddenly felt a shadow overhead.

A Bloodfeather Eagle Beast flapped its wings and began to descend, and soon, Anna and Melita jumped down from it.

Both women looked at Rain with peculiar expressions, a mix of astonishment and concern.

"Rain, was that your transformation ability?" Anna, who also possessed a transformation ability, was more accepting of Rain's recent transformation into the dragonman form.

However, this was the first time Anna had seen Rain transform, so she was utterly astonished.

Rain looked down and immediately realized the reason for their reactions. He had never transformed in front of others before, and now, in front of everyone, he had revealed this ability. It was only natural for them to be shocked.

"Well, yes, it's a sort of special bloodline ability, I guess. I only awakened it recently," Rain explained.

"Bloodline ability?" Anna looked at Rain with a puzzled expression, her mind filled with strange thoughts.

But she had never heard of Aunt Emma having any special bloodline.

Nor had Mint.

How could Rain suddenly have a special bloodline?

Could it be that Rain wasn't Aunt Emma's biological child?

However, despite her confusion, Anna didn't press the matter further. Instead, she thoughtfully brought Rain a white wizard robe and helped him put it on.

After all, wearing only a pair of shorts would be quite damaging to Rain's image, especially with the pleated design.

But Anna now understood why Rain's shorts were of such an odd design; it was likely due to his transformation ability.

Pleated shorts were practical and wouldn't tear easily.

If it were regular shorts, they might tear when stretched.

Well, that image was too beautiful, and Anna felt her face flushing uncontrollably just thinking about it.

Upon hearing Rain's explanation, Melita's expression towards Rain changed completely.

After all, Melita wasn't familiar with Rain, and she had initially thought that Rain wasn't human due to his appearance. As a wizard, she had seen many unique cases of body possession or symbiosis, so her gaze towards Rain was filled with fear.

Now, upon hearing Rain's words, Melita relaxed and became even more certain of her previous guess.

Rain must be the direct descendant of a high-ranking noble with a powerful bloodline in the Dragon Empire. Otherwise, it was impossible for him to be so strong and have an official background at such a young age.

"Sir Rain, your strength is truly admirable. With your help, the academy's crisis will be easily resolved," Melita said with a slight bow.

Rain waved his hand, about to say something, but suddenly, he froze.

The two women followed Rain's gaze and turned to look.

A female barbarian warrior with a giant shield and a fiery figure appeared before Rain.

"Rain, is it really you?" Lagrelle stared at Rain in disbelief.

Previously, Lagrelle had some doubts, as it was possible for people to have similar appearances in such a vast world.

But now, with Anna by Rain's side, it confirmed Lagrelle's suspicions and verified Rain's identity.

"Lagrelle!" Anna exclaimed in delight and ran to her, taking her hand.

"Last time you left without saying goodbye! This time, are you not considering me a friend anymore?"

Lagrelle felt a little embarrassed when Anna said that.

Especially since before she left, she had secretly exchanged deep conversations with Rain without Anna's knowledge.

"Sorry, Anna. I just felt that leaving would make the farewell easier," Lagrelle apologized, hugging Anna warmly.

"Lagrelle, it's been a while!" Rain had many questions for Lagrelle, but in the end, he smiled and said, "It's been a while, Lagrelle. How did you... how did you know I was here? And how did your strength..." Lagrelle's beautiful eyes kept examining Rain, her expression filled with surprise.

Melita, overhearing Lagrelle's words, couldn't help but widen her eyes, her curiosity piqued.

Apparently, Sir Rain had traveled a long way to the Frostwind Tundra to meet this fiery and beautiful barbarian girl.

Indeed, such a beauty could only be nurtured in the tundra, as the capital would not have such a person.

After all, the private lives of the upper nobility in the Dragon Empire were notoriously chaotic, a well-known fact.

Hmm?

Melita immediately imagined a story of a noble's descendant leaving his family to be with his beloved in the tundra, only to return after gaining strength and influence.

"For the past six months, Anna and I haven't received any letters from you. So, recently, I asked someone to inquire about the situation here in Frostwind Tundra, and it seemed that you might be in trouble. That's why we came here as soon as possible," Rain explained, patting the Bloodfeather Eagle Beast.

"As for my strength, that's a long story..."

Just as Rain was pondering where to start, he suddenly stopped.

He noticed a group of people approaching—over a dozen robust barbarian warriors surrounding two individuals.

"Lagrelle, aren't you going to introduce your friend?" Dalarius, the chieftain, laughed heartily.

He and Rom, the high priest, approached together with smiles on their faces.

"Rain, this is our high priest Rom and chieftain Dalarius of the Norton Tribe."

"High Priest Rom, Chieftain Dalarius, this is Rain," Lagrelle quickly introduced.

However, when introducing Rain, she paused slightly.

Lagrelle had intended to introduce Rain as the deputy officer of Shingold Town, but she quickly realized that Rain's current strength far exceeded what she had imagined.

So, she only introduced Rain by name without specifying his occupation.

After a brief exchange of greetings, Dalarius and Rom both became solemn and bowed deeply to Rain, saying, "Sir Rain, the Norton Tribe is grateful for your assistance!"

Following them, over a dozen barbarian captains and elites also bowed to Rain, expressing their gratitude.

Rain, who admired the barbarians' straightforward and honest nature, quickly helped the two men up.

Lagrelle is just a good friend. It was just a small favor."

Good friend?

It's probably not that simple.

Many barbarians exchanged glances upon hearing this, but the smile on their faces couldn't be hidden.

After all, when it comes to relationships between men and women, there are only two types of bonds that can make someone risk their life in battle.

One is a direct relative.

The other is a romantic relationship, and not just an ordinary one at that.

So, Rom the High Priest and Dalarius the Chieftain looked at Rain with the kind expressions of old fathers-in-law.

This made Rain feel extremely uncomfortable.

The group arrived at the central tent of the Plateau Yak Caravan, where Dalarius, with his more severe injuries, required further treatment, while Rom had to comfort the injured warriors and the families of the fallen.

Thus, Lagrelle took on the 'heavy responsibility' of hosting and accompanying Rain's esteemed guests.

Soon after, Anna glanced at Lagrelle and then at Rain, and with her keen eye, she pulled away Melita, who was reluctant to leave and eager for gossip.

Inside the tent, only Lagrelle and Rain remained.

Lagrelle's beautiful eyes fixed on Rain, not blinking, as thoughts swirled in her mind.

Compared to her memories of Rain, the Rain before her now had a more robust physique and was much taller, even among the barbarians, Rain's height and build were above average.

He was only outmatched by a few individuals, such as the 8-foot-tall Dalarius.

And Rain's strength had improved beyond her imagination.

"Lagrelle, what are you staring at?" Rain, feeling a bit odd under Lagrelle's unwavering gaze, walked up to her and waved in front of her pretty face.

"Rain, thank you. Do you know? When I faced that Primordial Dragon, I thought I'd never see you again in my life."

"Do we still need to say thank you between us? By the way, why didn't you write to me before?"

"When I returned to the Frostwind Tundra, I initially planned to pass the trial, get promoted, and then go to Minster to find you."

"But I never expected to pass the trial and get promoted so quickly. The tribe had already started to have intermittent conflicts with the Black Flame Cult. In this situation, I couldn't leave the tribe."

"After all, the Norton Tribe is where I grew up."

"Then why didn't you write?"

"At the time, I just thought I shouldn't worry you, and even more so, I shouldn't drag you into this. So..." Lagrelle lowered her head.

"So, you took it upon yourself to risk your life rather than tell me?" Rain pretended to be slightly angry.

"Um..."

The next second, he felt a warm touch on his lips as Lagrelle kissed him.

"Rain, please forgive me," Lagrelle said, her face flushed as she looked at Rain with deep affection.

"Okay, but the compensation isn't enough."

In the evening, at the Norton Tribe's campsite, a campfire dinner was in full swing.

"Sir Rain, what are your plans now?" Dalarius asked with a smile.

"I plan to visit Winterfort Academy, and then, together with the wizards of Winterfort, we'll find an opportunity to kill the Primordial Dragon, Koraxus, as soon as possible," Rain said, glancing at Melita.

Melita smiled and nodded, "Yes, I invited Sir Rain, hoping he could help us at Winterfort Academy to defeat that Primordial Dragon."

"Indeed, this Primordial Dragon's recovery ability is extraordinary. Delaying too long is indeed a problem," Rom, the High Priest, agreed.

"The Norton Tribe is extremely grateful for Sir Rain's rescue. If you're going to kill the Primordial Dragon, the Norton Tribe will support you. Lagrelle, choose twenty elite tribal warriors to accompany Sir Rain in defeating the dragon," Dalarius said, waving his hand.

Rain looked at Lagrelle, hesitating.

If it were anyone else, Rain would have refused without hesitation.

But with Dalarius assigning Lagrelle to lead the team, it meant he could legitimately have Lagrelle accompany him.

From his perspective, he naturally didn't want Lagrelle to take such a risk, but how could he bring Anna and not Lagrelle?

"Sir Rain, our destination for this migration is actually the Gikar Stream Valley in the north of Frostwind Tundra, which is just a stone's throw away from the territory of the Primordial Dragon, Koraxus," Rom explained.

"So, helping you is also helping ourselves."

"Alright, I accept your support," Rain agreed, nodding.

"Sir Rain, if you want to show your gratitude, then finish this cup!" Dalarius laughed heartily.

Next came the Norton Tribe's drinking and singing celebration.

Rain was naturally subjected to rounds of toasts from the barbarian warriors.

Anna, persuaded by Lagrelle, also drank a small amount of egg cream in the lively atmosphere, and soon her face turned red, her eyes glazed over, and she became drowsy.

Melita, on the other hand, had a good tolerance for alcohol.

Back in the tent that night, Rain was not too affected by the alcohol.

Alcohol had a peculiar effect on him; no matter how much he drank, he would remain in a slightly tipsy state.

Rain calmed down and checked the prompt about the second form of the Dragonman that appeared at the end of the battle.

He directly switched to the attribute panel for a detailed look.

【Mutated Dragon Bloodline (Pure) Effect: Water, Fire, and Earth elemental affinity greatly increased. Possesses danger perception, dark vision, weapon mastery, supreme comprehension, gigantic force, and top-tier talents, including transformation into the first and second forms of the Dragonman.】

【Dragonman First Form (Dragonman Warrior Form)】

【Dragonman Second Form (Dragonman General Form): Upon activation, the body will further enlarge based on the first form, with horn-like protrusions on the skin, providing extreme defense and resistance. Immune to low-level poisons and diseases, and immune to sorcery damage below level 40.】

(Note: Duration is positively correlated with bloodline concentration and constitution.)



"The bloodline concentration is still at the pure level and has not been promoted."

"However, the Dragonman General Form..." Rain raised an eyebrow.

This title sounded much more impressive than the Dragonman Warrior Form.

There was an old saying in his previous life, 'A soldier who doesn't want to be a general is not a good soldier.'

At that moment, Rain began to read the words carefully, one by one.

"Hiss~ Immunity to below 40 degrees of wizard damage?"

"Doesn't that mean most first-rank wizardry, I can even be immune to?" Rain's eyes lit up.

Previously, when the Dragonman Warrior transformed, he was immune to zero-rank wizardry.

Now, the Dragonman General is immune to almost first-rank wizardry.

This second form is quite impressive! The combat capability of the transformation has taken a significant step forward.

"Moreover, the body size increases again?"

This instantly gave Rain an urge to go and test it out.

After some thought, Rain lifted the tent and walked out quickly. Soon, with Bloodfeather soaring into the sky, a few minutes later, Rain arrived on a hillside on one side of the Frostfall Mountains.

He found a relatively flat area with a highland lake, and Rain landed Bloodfeather.

Under the starlight, Rain jumped off the eagle beast, landing on an empty space by the highland lake. He took off his white wizard robe, leaving only a pair of shorts on his body.

The damaged Secret Silver Engraved Plate Armor had not yet been repaired, so he didn't wear it.

Rain took a deep breath of fresh air and began to silently recite the transformation into the second form.

Suddenly, Rain's entire body began to undergo rapid and violent changes.

He saw his palms suddenly enlarge, the skin on the palms becoming rough and thick, and large dragon scales started to appear on the back of his hands.

If the first form had left a trace of human resemblance in his deformed hands, at this moment, his hands were entirely beastly claws.

"Slap!"

Rain turned casually, but found that, driven by instinct, he had flicked the air with his tail.

He turned to look, and the tail, which was only about a meter long in the first form, had now grown to over three meters long. Its shape had also changed, becoming thicker and more powerful, with three sharp spikes protruding from the tip.

The spikes were of the piercing type, crossing the tail in a crisscross pattern.

It was as if a spike had pierced the tail, revealing two pointed ends, but it was naturally formed.

This effect was basically like creating three blood holes with one stab, and Rain tried it out, finding that tail control was extremely easy.

With just a slight thought, he could precisely control whether to swing or strike.

"Slap, slap!"

Two huge rocks on the ground beside him instantly turned into crushed stones from the flick of his tail.

The agility was comparable to having a third hand.

"Does this count as an extra limb beyond my four limbs? A fifth limb?" Rain wondered.

At this moment, Rain touched the top of his head. When he had just transformed, he felt like horns had grown on his head.

He just didn't know what kind of horns they were.

"Hmm, is this the shape of cow horns?"

The first thing Rain touched was a pair of sharp, sky-piercing horns similar to cow horns, growing on either side just above his temples.

"No, there's more in the middle."

But soon, he touched another one in the middle of his forehead, slightly smaller than the two large horns, a single horn.

These three horns weren't arranged in a straight line but formed a triangular pattern.

"If it's going to grow, it might as well grow five?"

As for height?

Rain estimated that the Dragonman General form was about seven or eight meters tall, almost doubling the Dragonman Warrior form.

If an ogre appeared before him now, Rain could kick it to death with one foot.

It was like an adult kicking a kindergarten kid.

"Thud, thud, thud!"

However, Rain still didn't have a direct view of his overall shape. So, he took a step, causing a massive vibration, and walked to the side of the highland lake.

The emerald highland lake was as clear as a mirror, reflecting the stars in the sky. Under the night's glow, the emerald color had a hint of dark depth.

As Rain approached, the lake's surface rippled slightly, but it didn't affect Rain's observation of himself in the lake.

His head was crowned with sky-piercing horns, his face was ferocious, and his claws and scales were evident.

"Is this still a human?"

Looking at his completely inhuman self, Rain felt a bit speechless.

"I wonder if this is because the dragon blood I was baptized with was from a melee-type dragon, so I'm advancing further down the path of melee combat?"

"It's not a bad thing."

"This matches my current Epic Class 'Thousand Blade King' quite well."

"It's just that if there are more advanced forms, it would be perfect if they could enhance the wizardry direction a bit."

With a slight thought, Rain transformed all the hardened mithril in his hand into a greatsword. However, at this moment, the greatsword in his second form was like a dagger.

"Not enough mithril."

"I need at least two to three hundred kilograms of hardened mithril to wield a greatsword in the Dragonman General form."

"But there's a solution; I can mix in some steel to make up the weight." Rain pondered.

After all, it was easier to gather steel than to know if the Swordbearer division had enough mithril.

"Dragonman General form + Thousand Blade King's battle techniques."

"Just thinking about it makes me excited."

Rain slightly sensed that his combat power in the second form had doubled again compared to the first form.

In other words, if his melee combat power was 100 in the normal state, it was about 200 in the first form and had reached 400 in the second form.

"Now, if I encounter that Primordial Dragon Koraxus again, hehe."

Previously, Rain had been slightly weaker than Primordial Dragon Koraxus, relying on the element of surprise to gain the first move advantage.

This was also why Rain hadn't pursued quickly.

Now, he was confident that in a head-on confrontation, he could directly challenge the enemy's strength.

"Slap, slap!"

However, a strong sense of weakness suddenly came over Rain, and he found his body rapidly shrinking, returning to his human form.

"How long did this second transformation last? Thirty seconds?"

"The body size is getting bigger and bigger, and the combat power is getting stronger and stronger, but the duration is getting shorter and shorter."

Shaking his head, Rain rode Bloodfeather back to the Norton Tribe's campsite.

Late at night, Rain's tent was suddenly lifted at one corner, and a fiery figure flashed in.

"Shh, it's me."

"Mm."

(End of Chapter)

Chapter end