Chapter 379: Taking Action

Chapter 379: Taking Action

"The title 'Stormcloud'?" Rain contemplated, deep in thought.

It was common knowledge that titles, whether formal or informal, were not given lightly.

For instance, Rain's previous nickname, 'Maister Siege Hammer', clearly indicated his expertise in wielding war hammers and his immense strength.

Additionally, epic-level powerhouses were often bestowed with titles.

Although it differed from a mere title by only one word, the significance was vastly different.

"Dragon Knight Pantoskock's mount is a green dragon named Hazas. Even though it's just a young dragon, its acidic breath is incredibly powerful, and even the splattering acid mist has strong corrosive properties."

"Furthermore, it possesses an innate ability called 'Sleep Poison Cloud', making it a formidable opponent. The title 'Stormcloud' was given due to this unique ability."

"As for other details, I'm not too clear," Halowen said with a grave expression.

"I see," Rain nodded.

He understood that the information Halowen shared was considered top-secret within the Empire.

After all, it involved the detailed combat capabilities of an Imperial Guardian, and if leaked, it could easily be exploited by enemies.

Only someone like Halowen, a duke's firstborn, would have access to such sensitive information through special channels.

The next morning.

In the Swordmaster Headquarters' mission hall, voices buzzed with excitement.

"Huh? Bianciana, look! There's recruitment information for a Golden Rank Swordmaster! This is great!"

A female wizard in a blue robe glanced at the information displayed on the central Wisdom Tablet in the hall and immediately turned to the fiery-figured woman in leather armor beside her, exclaiming with delight.

"Don't get too excited, Claire. You're only an Iron Rank, and even if you apply, I doubt they'll consider you," the woman in leather armor, Bianciana, quickly dampened the blue-robed wizard's enthusiasm.

"Hmpf! Not necessarily."

"Huh? It's been up there since yesterday, and not a single person has applied in a whole day?" The blue-robed wizard, Claire, approached the tablet and noticed something amiss.

At that moment, a young man in knight armor, who seemed to know the two women, whispered, "Haven't you heard?"

"This Rain guy supposedly got lucky during a mission and then used his connections to get promoted to the Golden Rank."

"Hmm? How did headquarters allow such a thing?" Claire's beautiful eyes widened in disbelief.

She and Bianciana had both been promoted from local branches, and while they were aware of the Empire's widespread corruption, they believed that such practices were less prevalent within the Swordmaster organization.

"It's true. Everyone's talking about it. Otherwise, why do you think a Golden Rank Swordmaster's team has no applicants?"

To protect the safety and secrecy of their members, the Swordmasters kept individual mission records confidential. As a result, Claire and Bianciana couldn't access Rain's credentials or mission records.

This was similar to Rain's previous life, where even commended drug enforcement officers had their identities concealed to avoid retaliation, using either masks or no photos.

The Swordmasters followed a similar principle, especially for those who had eliminated high-ranking cult members.

"This..." Claire felt a sudden pang of worry.

Although she was eager to join a Golden Rank Swordmaster's team, the rumor about Rain's promotion worried her. If the rumor were true, it could be catastrophic during future missions. After all, their previous captain had been so powerful.

"However, if it's a genuinely powerful Golden Rank Swordmaster, I wouldn't stand a chance as an Iron Rank."

"Moreover, we're a team of two."

"Bianciana, let's give it a shot!" Claire's eyes flashed with determination as she spoke to Bianciana.

Time passed quickly, and on the third day, Rain arrived at a reserved room in the mission hall to meet with Swordmasters interested in joining his squad. As he entered, he was taken aback by the small number of people, not even enough to fill the five-person quota.

"Hmm? Only four of you?"

Rain surveyed the room, his eyebrows furrowing slightly.

Logically, given the crowd he had seen in the headquarters' mission hall, it was unlikely that not even five people would apply within three days.

He had also heard that recently, Swordmaster captains of various ranks at headquarters had suffered significant losses.

In other words, there were currently fewer captains and more individual Swordmasters.

His situation seemed highly unusual.

However, the three women before him gave Rain a strange sense of deja vu, reminiscent of his past life's bar recruitment atmosphere.

"Hey, Bianciana, this Captain Rain looks pretty handsome," Claire whispered to Bianciana.

"Handsomeness is useless if he's not strong enough. A strong and ugly Swordmaster would be more useful," Bianciana replied, exasperated.

As for Mia and Chandler, they had initially planned to dismiss Bianciana and Claire, but changed their minds, deciding to let the two women stay.

Having only the two of them apply for recruitment would make their intentions too obvious.

Additionally, being from the Swordmaster Headquarters, they were familiar with the two women, knowing they had also been promoted from a local branch and had unremarkable backgrounds and average abilities, making them easier to deal with later.

"Greetings, everyone! I'm Rain, the new Golden Rank Swordmaster," Rain nodded politely and then continued, "Why don't you all introduce yourselves first?"

"Claire, Iron Swordmaster, a peak First Rank Wizard specializing in Fire." Claire was the first to speak.

"Bianciana, Argent Ranger, skilled in archery and daggers."

"Mia, Argent Wizard, an initial Second Rank Wizard proficient in Enchantment and Negative Energy." As she spoke, Mia winked and smiled sweetly at Rain.

"Chandler, Iron Swordmaster, a peak First Rank Wizard specializing in Earth."

"Hmm? You two are both Iron rank? I thought I requested for Argent rank in the recruitment conditions."

"Well, Captain Rain, my abilities are actually quite good. I'm not inferior to an average Argent Swordmaster. If you don't believe me, you can test my combat strength."

"Can I withdraw if it's really not working out?" Claire stood up, slightly agitated.

Rain glanced at Claire and then at the others, saying, "Never mind! You're all hired."

"Huh?" This caused Bianciana and Claire to exchange glances.

So casual?

No need for a test? This made the two of them believe that the rumors about Rain were most likely true.

"Captain Rain, shouldn't you also demonstrate your strength?" At this moment, Mia said with a mischievous smile.

Although she had learned about Rain's background, she hadn't seen him in action and naturally wanted to assess his abilities.

Bianciana, the Ranger, nodded in agreement, saying, "Yes, Captain Rain, we're right next to the training ground, and we're eager to see your skills in action."

"Hehe, there's no need to go to the training ground. I'm in a bit of a hurry, but I can show you my strength right here."

The next moment, Rain's figure in front of them remained still, but suddenly, four more images of Rain appeared in the room, each standing beside the four of them in different poses.

Even the Ranger Bianciana, who had the fastest reaction, was stunned, her dagger only half-drawn.

However, the four figures disappeared in an instant, leaving only Rain's original body in the room.

Rain had just demonstrated the Supreme Art of Shadow Step, and indeed, his survival abilities were top-notch, making it extremely difficult to kill him.

"It's not a cloning technique, but a type of movement-based secret art," Mia said in a low voice.

But this also meant that it would be challenging to deal with; they had to restrict his movement speed.

Mia's eyes flashed as she began contemplating countermeasures.

At this point, the four of them had no further objections.

In fact, only Bianciana and Claire, the two women, had initially harbored doubts.

As for Mia and Chandler, they would join regardless of Rain's strength.

"By the way, do you know why so few people signed up to join my team?" Rain asked at the right moment.

He then briefly sensed the four of them.

"There's a rumor outside that Captain Rain, your strength isn't that impressive, and you're just lucky," the blue-robed female wizard, Claire, hesitated and said politely.

"Hehe, I see."

Rain had just noticed that Mia and Chandler's auras had briefly become slightly chaotic.

Chaos and fluctuations are different.

However, further probing was necessary.

"Additionally, Duke Minster mentioned that Admiral Donald is taking a significant risk by helping with this matter."

"It is said that Marshal Alfred originally intended to meet with Rain, but due to an urgent military matter, he had to leave the capital some time ago."

"So..." Steward Owen spoke up.

"Then we must succeed this time!" Greenwood interrupted before Steward Owen could finish his thought.

He understood the unspoken meaning in Owen's words.

"Wise young master Greenwood, otherwise, there may be few opportunities to take action in the future." Steward Owen bowed slightly with a smile.

A day and a half later.

Norn City, Airship Docking Point.

Many people dressed in noble attire were waiting for the airship from the capital, obviously here to receive someone.

Among them, three individuals stood out in their combat attire.

If Rain were present, he would instantly recognize them as Langor, Fry, and Alex, with whom he had fought alongside.

"Captain, you said the Electrum Rank Swordsman sent by the capital has the same name as that Rain from the Minster Province?" Fry, the tall and thin young man in leather armor, asked curiously.

"It's just a coincidence." Alex, in his robe and holding a book with an iron art-style cover, replied after some thought.

Although Rain's subordinates were indeed very powerful, it seemed unlikely that he would have advanced to the Electrum Rank so quickly.

Advancing to the Electrum Rank required completing numerous challenging tasks, and it was illogical for Rain to have done so in such a short time.

"But I have this premonition that this Rain is the same person from the Minster Province." Fry frowned.

"Hehe, I hope so too, but it's impossible. This Electrum Rank Swordsman is from the capital, after all." Alex shook his head with a smile.

"But Rain seems to be just as capable." Fry insisted.

After their mission in Minster, he was thoroughly impressed by Rain and often spoke of him with admiration.

"Well..."

For a moment, Langor and Alex couldn't find any words to refute.

The Rain from the neighboring province was indeed like a freak of nature.

"But there's no need to guess anymore, the capital's airship has arrived." Alex smiled and pointed to the sky.

A quarter of an hour later.

"Wow~ Is it really you, Rain?" The three of them exclaimed in disbelief.

"Captain Langor, Alex, Fry, long time no see." Rain, who had just disembarked from the airship, greeted them with a smile.

Rain had a good impression of these three.

During the Maister battle, the cult's power was overwhelming, yet these three fought against the cult without the slightest hesitation, which Rain greatly admired.

At this moment, Rain and Chandler, who were standing nearby, exchanged a glance and whispered to each other:

"I didn't expect Rain to be so well-known. Even in the Norn Province, there are Swordsmen who acknowledge him."

"Indeed, it's surprising that someone from the Minster Province has a reputation that reaches even here."

"This squad is quite capable, but it's a pity that they're about to be eliminated." Mia glanced at Langor's team and said.

"Yes, Captain Langor's strength is impressive, almost at the Iron Rank." Chandler nodded in agreement.

Both of them were well aware that Rain was from the neighboring Minster Province, and it was extraordinary that his reputation had reached even the Norn Province.

After some pleasantries, Langor asked:

"Rain, according to headquarters' instructions, the branch has assigned us to accompany you. Should we set off directly, or stay in Norn City for the night?"

Langor had adjusted his address for Rain from 'Rain' to 'Rain, sir'.

"Yes, Rain, sir. Let's gather again after we return." Rain smiled.

Return?

Will they be able to return? Chandler couldn't help but smirk at this.

"Then let's go! Rain, sir, the griffin has been prepared, and we're ready to depart." Langor guided the way.

Soon, the group, each riding a griffin, swiftly headed towards their destination—the Black Mud Swamp.

"Rain, sir, we plan to slaughter a few prepared Brutal Beasts in the Mud Town outside the Black Mud Swamp to lure the Venom Dragon out of its lair."

Since receiving this task, Langor had prepared several plans and made ample preparations.

"Alright." Rain agreed after a brief thought.

Heading directly into the swamp filled with miasma was less convenient than waiting for the enemy to come out.

Half an hour later, a small airship adorned with a family emblem arrived at the Norn City Airship Docking Point.

Leading the group was Greenwood, and beside him was an exceptionally robust warrior.

The warrior stood nearly three meters tall, with a rugged appearance. If Halowen were present, he would instantly recognize the warrior as a Brenton from the Seridi Plateau, rumored to have giant bloodlines.

"So, Rain left as soon as he arrived?"

"Yes."

- Reflective Clothing or Reflective Gear: By wearing reflective clothing, they can ensure they are seen in the dark.

- Greg, Marquis Ulrich: Greg, Marquis Ulrich, is a powerful figure, a Marquis, and a key character.

"It is, Greenwood, sir."

"Marquis Ulrich, let's depart then."

Mud Town.

"Captain Langor, you won't be needed in this fight. Just keep watch from the outskirts."

"I'll have Alex help out. He's a wizard and should be of some use." Langor pondered for a moment before replying.

Both he and Fry specialized in close combat, but fighting a legendary creature like the Venom Dragon, covered in poison and capable of flight, was like an old man eating arsenic, a sure way to shorten one's life.

"Alright."

"You four, stay back and attack with your sorcery and archery. I'll draw its attention," Rain instructed the newly joined team members.

"Yes, Captain," Mia couldn't help but smile.

What a convenient opportunity.

This would make it easier for the two of them to make their move.

"Captain, are you sure you can hold it off?" Claire asked, her face showing a hint of worry.

After reading the Venom Dragon's information, she couldn't help but feel a lingering fear about its strength and difficulty.

"Don't worry, remember that I'm an Electrum Rank Swordsman," Rain said with a smile.

Half an hour later, Rain squinted as he looked towards the horizon. A black dragon, over ten yards long, was flying swiftly towards Mud Town from the direction of Black Mud Swamp.

Its body seemed to shed small pieces of black, glowing debris, which, according to intelligence, was highly toxic.

Upon seeing the Brutal Beast corpses on the ground, the Venom Dragon began to flap its wings, preparing to descend in a spiral.

But in an instant, a silver metal cage shot out from a nearby building, directly towards the dragon!

Rain's reinforced Second-Rank Spell, 'Cutting Net', instantly tore into the dragon's body, leaving it covered in wounds.

Immediately after, another 'Cutting Net' followed!

"Wing Dive Kill!"

"Poison Spit!"

"What a perfect opportunity!"

Mia and Chandler exchanged a glance, surprised to have a chance to strike so early. Without hesitation, they nodded in agreement.

"Binding Spell!" Mia narrowed her eyes, licked her luscious red lips, and cast a First-Rank Negative Energy Spell, Binding Spell, on their captain, Rain.

The Binding Spell was a First-Rank Spell with a high learning difficulty, requiring the prerequisite knowledge of zero-rank spells like Slowing Spell and Weakening Spell, as well as an understanding of the Negative Energy Principle, to cast successfully.

Moreover, Mia's swift and effortless casting indicated an exceptionally high talent for sorcery.

"Earth Grasp!"

Chandler, too, cast an immobilizing Earth Spell on Rain, using a scroll that shimmered with a yellowish-brown spell aura.

Apparently, his own abilities were insufficient to cast this spell, so he resorted to using the scroll.

He quickly tore it open, and a dense yellow light shot into the mud beneath Rain's feet.

A thunderous roar accompanied the emergence of two wheel-sized mud hands that clutched Rain's legs tightly.

In an instant, what should have been Rain's allies, helping him face the Venom Dragon, became backstabbers.

"You!" Langor, witnessing this turn of events, was shocked and appalled.

Alex, standing nearby, wanted to aid Rain, but casting spells took time, and by the time the Venom Dragon had descended, it was too late for him to do anything.

Claire, similarly, had the Dispel Spell, but facing this premeditated attack, she was powerless to help Rain at this moment.

"It's over!" she thought, her beautiful eyes fixed on the unfolding scene, filled with horror.

Beyonce quickly fired an Aimed Shot, seemingly trying to draw some of the Venom Dragon's attention, but the dragon, already infuriated with Rain, chose to endure her attack and continued its assault.

"Hehe, Greenwood sends his regards to Rain," Chandler said, feeling the situation was sealed, and bowed politely towards Rain.

Mia, too, was surprised at how smoothly things had gone. Rain's trust in her and Chandler, leaving him as an easy target, made it too convenient for them to strike from behind.

It was almost unbearable.

"We've been waiting for you to make your move." A calm voice penetrated the dragon's roars, reaching their ears.

"Hmm?"

"What?"

Mia and Chandler were startled by the voice. Did Rain know about their intentions all along? But before they could ponder further, Rain spoke again, "The one in the left bush, what are you waiting for?"

Hmm? Someone else? Mia, Chandler, Claire, Beyonce, and the others were astonished, looking towards the location Rain indicated.

There were already three wizards here, yet someone had managed to evade their detection and hide nearby?

A buzzing sound, like that of bees, emanated from the bushes, growing louder.

"Swish!"

A dark figure, wielding a twisted scimitar, charged towards Rain from the distant bushes, moving so fast it left a black line in its wake, surpassing the speed of sound.

A white shockwave formed around the figure and rippled outwards.

(End of Chapter)

Chapter end