Chapter 361: Spell Combo

Chapter 361: Spell Combo

After some thought, Rain decided to borrow two Soul Energy Crystals from Winterfort Academy, finally pushing his Vaporization progress to a full 100%. Next, he naturally chose to break through.

【Initiating Advancement. Ongoing Metamorphosis.】

Instantly, Rain keenly felt the Spirit Crystal in his mind, which was originally based on a First Rank Innate Spell, begin to undergo a dramatic transformation.

Another structure, slightly smaller than the 'Metal Transformation Spell' model but more complex, emerged.

It was also composed of highly condensed Spirit Crystals, with intricate patterns on its surface, forming the Second Rank Metal Spell, 'Cutting Net'.

To put it simply, it was like transforming a single-layer cake into a double-layer cake-like structure.

The dense silver mist surrounding the structure seemed to disappear, rapidly shrinking.

Upon closer inspection, the silver mist hadn't vanished but was gradually condensing into a small silver liquid, swirling around the 'double-layer cake'.

This was probably the result of Psychic Liquidation.

Just as Rain was pondering this, a system prompt suddenly sounded:

【Host detected breaking through to Tier 2 Wizard. Unlock the improvement restriction on the Innate Spell 'Metal Transformation Spell'. Do you wish to improve this spell? This improvement will consume 17 Gold Skill Points.】

(Note: After improvement, the Innate Spell will be more suitable for the host's casting, increasing its power, range, or other aspects.)



"Hiss~"

"I didn't expect that Innate Spells could only be improved during advancements!" Rain's eyes lit up as he realized this.

Previously, when he had improved the spell 'Sharpening', he had wondered about this.

Since other spells could be improved, could Innate Spells be enhanced as well?

But later, he discovered that it seemed impossible to improve spells due to the crystallization of the Spirit Sea.

In fact, it was possible to improve Innate Spells, but there were strict conditions—only during advancements could the originally crystallized Innate Spells be modified.

"Great!"

Rain was overjoyed that his most frequently used Innate Spell, 'Metal Transformation Spell', could be improved.

Without hesitation, Rain immediately chose 'Yes'! Once the advancement was complete and the crystal stabilized, there would be no chance for improvement.

In other words, this was a one-time opportunity.

Instantly, a vast amount of information about the Innate Spell 'Metal Transformation Spell' flooded Rain's mind, as if he had spent over a hundred years in a mysterious space, refining the spell according to his casting habits and making micro-adjustments to its model to suit him better.

As he made these adjustments, the two layers of Spirit Crystals in his Spirit Sea, which were rapidly taking shape, seemed to synchronize with his modifications.

Soon, another system prompt appeared:

【Ding! Host's Innate Spell 'Metal Transformation Spell' improvement complete. New spell model adjusted successfully. Spell power increased by 19%, and Psychic Crystal consumption reduced by 23%.】

"Hmm?" Rain's eyes widened.

"This boost is impressive! Not only has the spell's power increased, but the Psychic Crystal consumption has been further reduced. Amazing!"

The Psychic Crystal consumption of the Innate Spell was already about one-tenth of a spell of the same level, and now it had been reduced even further, to one-thirteenth or even one-fourteenth.

The improvement of the Innate Spell 'Metal Transformation Spell' coincided with Rain's advancement to a Tier 2 Liquidation Wizard.

【Host's Psychic Crystal power significantly increased. Liquidation initiated.】

【Ding! Advancement to Tier 2 Wizard successful! Spirit +15!】

【Obtained Tier 2 Innate Spell: Cutting Net】

A few minutes later, when Rain opened his eyes again, he felt that his perception of the world had deepened. If his perception upon becoming a Formal Wizard was like lifting a veil or mist to see the world, now it was as if he was observing and perceiving the world through a magnifying glass.

He could sense any needle-sized point or subtle movement in his surroundings with a mere thought.

After a few minutes, Rain focused his attention on the system panel.

Since it was an advancement to Tier 2 Wizard and not a class change, the War Hammer Wizard's profession panel didn't show any significant changes.

Rain first checked the system prompts:

"Huh? My Spirit increased by 15 points?"

"The other attributes didn't increase, which is normal since this is an advancement and not a class change."

Then, he glanced at the attribute panel:

Spirit: 15 (Liquidation 1%)



"Finally, Liquidation."

Rain slightly activated the first layer of the Iron Heart Meditation, and as expected, the effect of increasing and refining Psychic Crystal power began to diminish significantly. As for its effect on the Liquidation process, it was barely noticeable.

"It seems I'll need to visit the Wizard School soon. To further advance as a Second Rank Liquidation Wizard, mastering the second layer of the Iron Heart Meditation is essential." Rain contemplated.

Next, he turned his attention to what he cared about the most - his Second Rank Innate Spell.

On the War Hammer Wizard (Legendary) profession panel, he quickly found a new, large icon at the top.

The icon depicted a simple metal grid formed by nine horizontal and vertical lines intersecting, with a description below:

【Second Rank Innate Spell: Cutting Net】

Cutting Net (Second Rank Innate Spell) Effect: Consumes a small amount of spirit energy to solidify the spell model, activating the surrounding metal energy particles to strengthen the metal threads and rapidly form a net to attack the enemy. Casting Materials Required: Any metal thread.

(Note: The power of Cutting Net is directly proportional to the strength of the metal thread and inversely proportional to the distance of the attack.)



After silently reciting the description a few times, Rain entered a small training room nearby to test out this new innate spell.

Using 'Metal Transformation Spell', he first transformed a several-meter-long iron thread. Then, with a slight mental nudge, he cast 'Cutting Net'.

Instantly, the metal thread in his hand rapidly transformed into over ten threads, forming a grid net that shot towards the wooden dummy in front of him.

"Shhick!"

Although the wooden dummy was extremely resilient, even a full-powered slash from a knight would only leave a few inches deep gash.

However, under the attack of the Second Rank Spell, 'Cutting Net', the grid net easily pierced through it, slicing the dummy into evenly sized squares.

"Clatter!" The wooden dummy seemed to shatter into pieces in an instant, scattering on the ground.

Witnessing this, Rain smiled and nodded slightly.

The dummy, made of ironwood, was easily torn apart. If it had been a regular flesh-and-blood creature, it would have been shredded in an instant.

However, Rain's intention this time was to test the spell's power, and this direct shredding wasn't ideal for gauging the true strength of the spell.

After a moment's thought, Rain covered another intact wooden dummy with a hardened mithril breastplate, which he had transformed.

"Shhick!"

This time, the Cutting Net hit the mithril-covered wooden dummy, but it didn't cut through. Instead, it reached a depth of three-quarters of the way through.

Rain repeated the test several times, then approached to inspect and estimate the power of his 'Cutting Net'. He guessed that its power was around 70 to 75 degrees.

It's worth noting that the power of a typical Second Rank Spell is usually around 60 to 10 degrees.

Although Rain had just entered the Second Rank Liquidation Wizard tier, his high affinity for metal elements and the effects of the advanced Iron Heart Meditation allowed him to exhibit impressive power with his Second Rank Spell.

He had surpassed the 60 to 70-degree range and entered the 70+ tier.

However, it's important to remember that the power of 'Cutting Net' is directly linked to the casting material used.

Rain then transformed a mithril thread and once again attempted 'Cutting Net'.

"Shhick!"

This time, the mithril net didn't cut through the dummy, but it reached a depth of four-fifths, feeling like it would cut through the mithril-covered wooden dummy with just a little more power.

The power had clearly increased, and Rain stroked his chin as he estimated that using mithril thread as the casting material would result in a spell power of around 80 degrees, with a fluctuation of about 3 degrees.

The change in metal material had increased the power of the Second Rank Spell 'Cutting Net' by about 10%, a significant improvement.

After all, every bit of increase in spell power was hard-earned.

Rain then tried other rare metals, such as mythril and enchanted silver, as casting materials.

However, none of them surpassed the power of mithril.

For example, mythril was roughly on par because, while it had excellent energy conductivity, its softer material resulted in a similar overall performance.

Yet, mythril was five to six times more expensive than mithril. Therefore, mithril was the more suitable choice for casting materials.

Enchanted silver, on the other hand, was interesting; its power didn't increase but decreased, even falling below that of iron threads.

Rain quickly understood why; enchanted silver had high resistance to various elemental energy particles, making it a 'poor-quality casting material' for this spell.

After experimenting with various materials, it was time for the main event.

Rain's heart was filled with excitement as he prepared to test the power of his new spell combo.

"Cutting Net!"

"Sharpening!"

As Rain's deep voice echoed, the originally dark metal net suddenly glowed with silver light.

"Spell Combo: Lethal Cutting!"

A silver-glowing metal net shot towards the hardened gold dummy in front of him.

"Sizzle~"

An extremely sharp cutting sound rang out. Although the net's glow dimmed, it instantly penetrated the hardened gold and slammed into the wall behind.

"Such power!"

Before the test, Rain had thickened the hardened gold to prevent accidents, believing it could withstand a 100-degree spell attack, the limit of a Second Rank Spell.

But to his surprise, his new spell combo easily tore through it.

"Damn!"

As Rain watched the net pierce through the training room wall again, he muttered to himself.

"Ahh!"

A sharp, somewhat familiar female voice echoed.

"Crash!"

The wall hit by Rain's Lethal Cutting spell crumbled, revealing a misty vapor on the other side, like steam from a bathroom.

A slender, fair-skinned figure was faintly visible in the white mist.

Meanwhile, in Ilgarra Town...

After half a day of preparations, the Frostclaw Bear Mercenary Corps was ready to depart for Mann City, the capital of Maen Province. They were tasked with delivering the head of Deep Sea Giant Dunn, along with the bloodied remains of Harfus and Eura, to the Swordholder Division.

The mission's Climax

The Frostclaw Bear Mercenary Corps had just finished packing their bags in the inn when they prepared to leave for Mann City, the capital of Maen Province. They were tasked with delivering the head of Deep Sea Giant Dunn and the bloodied remains of Harfus and Eura to the Swordholder Division.

Ilgarra Town was just a small town, and rewards for such high-ranking bounties on the Wanted List had to be claimed in the county capital or higher.

The reason for delivering the bounty to Maen Province was due to Vandar's reminder to Rain.

Bounties meant gold coins for mercenaries, but for Swordholders like Rain, they could be exchanged for a substantial amount of merit points and mission evaluation medals.

Rain's recent missions had depleted his merit points, so this was an excellent opportunity to replenish them.

At the front of the group, Vandar rode alongside the hulking, scar-faced Spencer, deep in conversation.

"Vandar, you're thinking of quitting the mercenary business?" Spencer asked, surprised.

But then, as if realizing something, he nodded and continued, "I guess with your incredible luck, I'd do the same if I were in your shoes."

Just as Vandar was about to reveal some inside information to his old friend, a luxurious carriage and a fully armed cavalry unit stopped not far ahead.

The visitors' intentions seemed clear.

"Everyone, be on guard!" Vandar ordered.

Vandar, entrusted with the mission by Lord Rain, couldn't afford any mishaps.

"Vandar, the emblem on that carriage belongs to the Dale family of Fjord County," Spencer noted, his brow furrowing as he studied the carriage.

"Is that the Dale family of Count Dale?" Vandar asked, his expression turning serious.

"Yes, Vandar. I don't think they're here with good intentions," Spencer added, nodding.

Vandar was well aware of the Dale family, the most powerful clan in Fjord County, led by the ruling Count Dale.

Vandar's face grew somber.

As an experienced mercenary leader, Vandar was no stranger to the underhanded tactics of imperial nobles. He had a hunch about the Dale family's intentions.

However, times had changed. If it were in the past, he might have hesitated, but now, as a member of Lord Rain's forces, he had no reason to fear a mere county-level noble family.

A middle-aged man dressed as a butler approached, smiling, "Excuse me, which one of you is the leader of the Frostclaw Bear Mercenary Corps, Vandar?"

Spencer and Vandar both exuded unique auras, making it difficult for the butler to identify the leader.

"That would be me." Vandar replied gruffly.

“Count Dale sent me to deliver a message. He would like to speak with you in private." The butler smiled.

"Very well." Vandar nodded, expressionless.

Although he had an idea of their intentions, he couldn't avoid this meeting. He decided to face it head-on and have a straightforward conversation.

At this moment, a tall, bearded middle-aged man with a hooked nose stepped out of the carriage, his eyes fixed on Vandar.

"You must be Vandar. I am Count Dale. I have some matters to discuss with you." The man's voice was calm and collected.

"Please, come with me." The butler gestured for Vandar to follow him into the carriage.

Vandar glanced at Spencer, who nodded slightly, indicating that he should go.

Vandar followed the butler into the carriage, where he found himself face-to-face with Count Dale.

"Please, have a seat." Count Dale gestured to the seat across from him.

Vandar sat down, his expression unchanged.

"I believe you are aware of the bounty on the head of Deep Sea Giant Dunn," Count Dale began, his tone serious.

"I am." Vandar nodded.

"I must ask you to hand over the head and the bounty to me." Count Dale's expression remained calm.

"I'm afraid that's impossible." Vandar shook his head.

"Impossible? But the bounty is mine. I have the authority to claim it." Count Dale's eyes narrowed slightly.

"The bounty is not yours to claim, my lord. It belongs to Lord Rain, a Swordholder." Vandar's voice was firm.

"A Swordholder?" Count Dale's eyes flickered with surprise.

"Yes, my lord. Lord Rain is a Swordholder, and the bounty is his by right." Vandar explained.

"I see. But I must insist that you hand over the bounty to me. I have my reasons." Count Dale's expression turned stern.

"My lord, I'm afraid I cannot comply. The bounty is Lord Rain's, and I have my orders." Vandar's tone was unwavering.

"Orders? From a Swordholder?" Count Dale's eyes narrowed further.

"Yes, my lord. Lord Rain is a high-ranking Swordholder, and I am under his command." Vandar's voice carried a hint of warning.

Count Dale fell silent for a moment, his eyes fixed on Vandar.

"I see. It seems we have a misunderstanding. I will take my leave, but I hope you will reconsider." Count Dale stood up and walked towards the carriage door.

"My lord, I'm afraid I cannot change my decision." Vandar rose as well.

Count Dale stopped and turned around, his eyes filled with a hint of coldness.

"I hope you understand the consequences of your actions. The Dale family is not to be trifled with." Count Dale's voice carried a subtle threat.

"My lord, I understand the power of your family. But I am under Lord Rain's command, and I must follow his orders." Vandar's expression remained unchanged.

Count Dale's eyes flickered with a cold light, and he turned to leave without another word.

Vandar watched as the carriage departed, his expression turning solemn.

Spencer, who had been observing from a distance, approached Vandar.

"Vandar, what did Count Dale want?" Spencer asked.

"He wanted the bounty, but I refused." Vandar replied.

"I see. But why did he come in person? Isn't that a bit too much?" Spencer frowned.

"He probably wanted to use his status to pressure me. But he underestimated Lord Rain's influence." Vandar explained.

"I see. But I hope this won't cause any trouble for us." Spencer said, his expression turning grave.

"Don't worry. Lord Rain's influence is not something the Dale family can easily contend with." Vandar reassured him.

"I hope so. Let's get going. We have a long journey ahead." Spencer nodded, and the two men mounted their horses.

The Frostclaw Bear Mercenary Corps, led by Vandar and Spencer, set off towards Mann City.

(End of Chapter)

Chapter end