Chapter 379: Taking Action

Chapter 379: Taking Action

"Title 'Tempest Cloud'?" Ren contemplated the name.

It was no ordinary title, whether it be a formal title, a nickname, or an alias.

For instance, Ren's previous nickname, 'Meist Hammer', clearly indicated his expertise with warhammers and immense strength, highlighting two of his distinctive traits.

Additionally, legendary-tier individuals were often bestowed with titles.

Despite the subtle difference between titles and nicknames, the significance was vastly different.

"The mount of Dragon Knight Pantoskock is a green dragon named Hazas. Although it's just a young dragon, its acid breath is incredibly powerful, and even the splattered acid mist has strong corrosive properties."

"Furthermore, it possesses the innate ability to release a 'Sleep Poison Cloud', making it a formidable opponent. The title 'Tempest Cloud' originates from this unique ability."

"As for other details, I'm not too sure," Halowen said gravely.

"I see," Ren nodded in understanding.

He realized that the information Halowen shared was considered a state secret within the Empire.

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

Only someone like Halowen, the eldest son of a Duke, would have access to such confidential information through special channels.

The following morning...

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

"Hmm? Beyonce, look, there's a recruitment notice for a Golden Rank Swordbearer!" exclaimed a female wizard in a blue robe, immediately turning to the curvaceous woman in leather armor beside her.

"Don't get too excited, Claire. You're only an Iron Rank, and even if you apply, they might not even consider you," Beyonce replied, dashing the other woman's hopes.

"Nonsense! It's not like that at all."

"Hmm? It's been up there for a day, and no one has applied yet?" Claire, the woman in the blue robe, approached the notice and noticed something peculiar.

A young man in knight armor, seemingly acquainted with the two women, whispered, "Haven't you heard?"

"This Ren apparently found a huge opportunity during a mission and, with some connections, managed to get promoted to the Golden Rank."

"Huh? How could Headquarters allow such a thing?" Claire's beautiful eyes widened in disbelief.

She and Beyonce were both promoted from local branches, and while they knew that backroom dealings were common in the Empire, they had assumed that such practices were rare in specialized combat units like the Swordmasters.

"It's true. Everyone's talking about it. Otherwise, why would a Golden Rank Swordbearer's recruitment notice have zero applicants?"

Due to the confidentiality of individual mission records, the Swordmasters kept each member's specific tasks secret. As a result, Claire and Beyonce couldn't access Ren's mission records or details.

This was similar to Ren's previous life, where drug enforcement officers, even when receiving commendations, would wear masks or have their faces obscured in photos to avoid retaliation.

The Swordmasters operated on a similar principle, especially for those who had eliminated high-ranking cultists.

This question struck a chord with Claire.

Although she was eager to join a Golden Rank Swordbearer's team, the rumor that Ren's promotion was due to connections rather than merit was concerning.

Such a situation could be disastrous during future missions.

Claire knew firsthand how capable her previous captain had been.

"However, if it's a genuinely powerful Golden Rank Swordbearer, I wouldn't have a chance with my Iron Rank anyway."

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

"Beyonce, let's give it a shot," Claire said with determination, her eyes glinting with resolve.

Time flew by, and on the third day...

When Ren arrived at the designated room in the mission hall to meet the Swordbearers interested in joining his squad, he was taken aback upon entering.

The number of applicants was surprisingly low, not even enough to fill the five-person quota.

"Hmm? Only four of you?"

Ren scanned the room, his eyebrows furrowing slightly.

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

Especially since he had heard that Swordbearer captains of various ranks had suffered significant losses recently.

In other words, there was currently a shortage of captains and an abundance of team members.

The situation with these three women and one man seemed highly unusual.

However, they were all remarkably attractive, giving Ren a sense of deja vu from his past life's bar recruitment experiences.

"Hey, Beyonce, this Captain Ren looks pretty handsome," Claire whispered to Beyonce.

"What good is looks if they lack strength? It's better to have an ugly but powerful teammate," Beyonce replied, exasperated.

As for Mia and Chandler, they had initially intended to dismiss Beyonce and her friend, but upon reconsideration, they decided to let the two women stay.

With just the two of them attending the recruitment, the situation might appear too obvious.

Additionally, being in the Swordmaster Headquarters, they were acquainted with the two women, having heard they were also from a local branch. Although not particularly close, their backgrounds weren't impressive, and their skills were average, making it easier to deal with them if necessary.

"Greetings, everyone! I'm Ren, the new Golden Rank Swordbearer," Ren said, nodding politely. "Why don't you all introduce yourselves first?"

"Claire, Ferrite Rank, Peak First-Level Wizard, specializing in Fire." Claire was the first to speak.

"Bianz, Mithril Rank, Ranger, skilled in archery and daggers."

"Mia, Mithril Rank, Early Second-Level Wizard, adept in Enchantment and Negative Energy Schools." As Mia finished, she winked at Ren with a sweet smile.

"Chandler, Ferrite Rank, Peak First-Level Wizard, specializing in Earth."

"Hmm? You two are both Ferrite Rank? I thought my recruitment conditions required Mithril Rank?"

"Well, Captain Ren, my abilities are actually quite impressive. I'm no worse than a typical Mithril Rank Swordbearer. If you don't believe me, you can test my combat prowess."

"Can I quit if I'm really not up to par?" Claire stood up, slightly agitated.

Ren glanced at Claire and then at the others, saying, "Forget it! You're all hired."

"Hmm?" This caused Bianz and Claire to exchange glances.

So casual?

No need for a test?

This made the two of them even more convinced that the rumors about Ren were likely true.

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

Although she had learned about Ren's abilities, as she hadn't witnessed his skills in action, she naturally wanted to see for herself to make an assessment.

Bianz, standing nearby, nodded in agreement, "Yes, Captain Ren, the training ground is right next door. We're eager to see your skills in action."

"Haha, there's no need to go to the training ground. I'm in a bit of a rush, and as for demonstrating my abilities, I can do that right here."

The next second, Ren's figure at the front remained unmoved, but suddenly, four more figures of Ren appeared in the room, each standing beside the four individuals, in various poses.

Even the swiftest of them, the Ranger Bianz, was momentarily stunned, her dagger only half-drawn.

However, the four figures instantly disappeared.

In the field, only Ren's original figure remained.

The technique Ren had just displayed was the top-tier Ultimate Art, Shadow Step, though Ren hadn't used its full power.

"Instant Clone Technique?" Chandler exclaimed.

Wizards capable of creating clones were exceptionally skilled at self-preservation, making them incredibly challenging to kill.

"It's not a cloning technique, it's a type of movement Ultimate Art," Mia said in a low voice.

However, this also meant they'd have to restrict the opponent's mobility.

Mia's eyes flashed as she began strategizing countermeasures.

At this point, the four had no further objections.

In fact, only Bianz and Claire had harbored doubts earlier.

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

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

Simultaneously, his sharp senses lingered briefly on the four of them.

"The rumors outside say that Captain Ren, your strength isn't that great, and you're just lucky," the blue-robed female wizard, Claire, said hesitantly, choosing her words carefully.

"Haha, I see."

Ren had just noticed that Mia and Chandler's auras had briefly exhibited an extremely subtle disturbance.

Disturbance and fluctuation are not the same.

But

Further observation was needed.

After a few minutes, the four signed the team agreement.

At this moment, Ren spoke, "Prepare yourselves. In two hours, we'll be embarking on a mission."

"Huh? So soon? Captain, shouldn't we have a practice session first?" Claire was both surprised and confused.

This was different from the usual routine for new teams.

Shouldn't they practice teamwork for a while before heading out on a mission?

"Captain Ren, what's the specific mission? We'd like to prepare accordingly," Bianz inquired.

"Kill the Venom Dragon."

"What!" The two women were shocked.

Although Mia and Chandler feigned surprise, Ren's keen senses detected a hint of hesitation and intentionality.

This made Ren somewhat aware of their reaction.

"In two hours, meet me at the headquarters' airship platform." Ren left, having said his piece.

Bianz and Claire exchanged glances for a while, knowing that this was one of the most challenging tasks within the headquarters.

Although Ren's displayed strength was impressive, it was just that—impressive. It reached the level of a typical Electrum Rank Swordbearer, but it was far from sufficient to take on the Venom Dragon.

At this moment, Claire asked Mia, "You're not going to try to persuade the captain?"

"Haha, we should trust the captain's abilities." Mia giggled and left with Chandler.

At the same time.

Greenwood and Dram Family Steward Owen were in a carriage at the entrance of the Swordmaster Headquarters.

"Steward Owen, is the Duke's intention to hire the Black Blade Organization?" Greenwood frowned slightly as he spoke.

In his opinion, his current plan was nearly flawless, and sending any advisor from his family would practically guarantee success.

"Yes, the Duke has already engaged the Black Blade Organization, and they will dispatch a King of Assassins."

"Is that so? Well, I understand." Greenwood's furrowed brows relaxed.

It seemed the Duke did not underestimate Ren.

The King of Assassins, a title only bestowed upon those who had successfully assassinated legendary powers, was a rare honor even within the top-tier Black Blade Organization.

Using such an elite assassin against Ren, who was more adept at wizardry, seemed like the perfect choice.

"The Duke also mentioned that General Tamas's involvement in this matter is a significant favor.

Lord Rayn was originally scheduled to meet with Marshal Alfred, but due to an urgent military matter, the Marshal had to leave the Imperial City Tamriel a while ago."

"So," Steward Owen said.

"So, we must succeed this time!" Young Master Greenwood waved his hand, speaking before Steward Owen.

He understood the unspoken meaning in Owen's words.

"Wise Young Master Greenwood, otherwise, there might be fewer opportunities to take action later." Steward Owen smiled and bowed slightly, saying.

A day later.

Nom City, the airship docking point.

Many people dressed in noble attire were waiting for the airship from the Imperial City, obviously to pick someone up.

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

If Ren were present, he would immediately recognize them as Langger, Frey, and Alex, with whom he had fought together.

"Captain, you said the name of the Electrum Rank Swordbearer from the Imperial City is the same as that of Lord Rayn from Munster Province?" Frey, the tall and thin young man in leather armor, asked curiously.

The correct version is on Book 69! 6=9+Book_Bar First Release of this Novel.

"It's a coincidence," said Alex, holding a book with an Iron Art-style cover. "I think it's a coincidence."

Although Lord Rayn's strength is indeed formidable, it's unlikely that he would advance to the Electrum Rank so quickly.

After all, strength is strength, and advancing in Swordbearer ranks is not easy. It requires completing numerous difficult or arduous tasks, so advancing to the Electrum Rank so quickly is illogical.

"But I have a hunch that this Lord Rayn is the one from Munster Province!" Frey frowned and said.

"Hehe, I hope so too, but it's impossible. This is an Electrum Rank Swordbearer from the Imperial City, with at least a Legendary Tier of strength." Langger laughed and shook his head.

"But Lord Rayn seems to be almost there too!" Frey insisted.

After the trip to Munster Province, he was thoroughly impressed by Lord Rayn. After returning, he often talked about Lord Rayn with admiration.

"This..."

For a moment, Langger and Alex couldn't come up with any rebuttal.

The Lord Rayn from Munster Province was indeed like a monster.

"However, we don't need to guess anymore. The airship from the Imperial City has arrived." Alex smiled and pointed to the sky, saying.

A quarter of an hour later.

"Wow~ Is it really you, Lord Rayn?" The three of them exclaimed in disbelief as they looked at Lord Rayn.

"Langger, Alex, Frey, it's been a while." Lord Rayn, who had just disembarked from the airship, greeted them with a smile.

Lord Rayn had a good impression of these three.

During the battle in Meist, the cultists were formidable, but these three did not show any fear when facing them. This was something that Lord Rayn appreciated.

At this moment, Mia and Chandler, who were standing behind Lord Rayn, exchanged glances and whispered to each other:

"I didn't expect this Lord Rayn to be so well-known."

"Yeah, I didn't think there would be Swordbearers in Nom Province who recognized him."

"This squad is quite capable even in the branch. It's a pity that they're about to be eliminated." Mia glanced at Langger and the others, saying.

"Yeah, Captain Langger's strength is impressive. He's almost at the Ferrite Rank." Chandler also nodded slightly in agreement.

The two of them were well aware that Lord Rayn was from the Munster Province, and they didn't expect his reputation to have reached even Nom Province.

After some greetings, Langger asked:

"Lord Rayn, according to headquarters, the branch has assigned us to accompany you. Should we set off directly, or should we stay in Nom City for the night?"

At this moment, Langger had adjusted his address for Lord Rayn to "Lord Rayn."

"Yes, Lord Rayn, why don't we stay in Nom City for the night?" Frey suggested.

"Let's go directly. When we return, we can get together." Lord Rayn smiled and said.

Return?

Will they be able to return?

Chandler couldn't help but smirk when he saw this.

"

Soon, the group, each riding a griffin, headed swiftly towards the Black Sludge Swamp.

Venom Dragons naturally prefer swamp environments. The Black Sludge Swamp, located hundreds of miles outside of Nom City, became their ideal nesting location. It was convenient for them to quickly return to their nest while also allowing them to prey on humans and livestock in nearby densely populated towns.

"Lord Rayn, we plan to slaughter a few Brutal Beasts that we've prepared in Mud Town on the outskirts of the Black Sludge Swamp to lure them out from the swamp."

Since receiving this task, Langger had thought of several contingency plans and made extensive preparations.

"Okay." Lord Rayn agreed after a moment's thought.

It's naturally more convenient to wait for the prey to come than to venture into the miasma-filled swamp.

Half an hour later, a small airship adorned with the family emblem arrived at the Nom City airship docking point.

Leading the group was Young Master Greenwood, accompanied by an exceptionally robust warrior.

This warrior stood nearly three meters tall, with a rugged appearance. If Halowen were present, he would surely recognize him as a Brighton from the Seredil Plateau, rumored to have giant bloodlines.

"So, Lord Rayn left as soon as he arrived?"

"Yes."

"

"It's ready, Young Master Greenwood."

"Then let's go, Greg."

In the town of Swamp Town.

"Captain Langger, you don't need to participate in this battle. Just keep watch on the outskirts," said the speaker.

"Let Alex help, he's a wizard and should be of some use," Langger replied after some thought.

Both he and Frey were skilled in close combat, but against a legendary creature like the Venom Dragon, covered in poison and capable of flight, it was like an old man eating arsenic, wishing for a longer life.

"Alright," he agreed.

"You four, just attack with your sorcery and archery from a distance. I'll draw its attention," Ren instructed the new team members.

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

There was such a good opportunity.

Wasn't this convenient 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 information about the Venom Dragon, she was apprehensive about its strength and tenacity.

"Don't worry, remember, I'm an Electrum Rank Swordbearer," Ren smiled.

Half an hour later, Ren narrowed his eyes, looking towards the horizon. A Venom Dragon, over ten yards long, flew swiftly from the direction of the Black Sludge Swamp towards the town.

Its body seemed to shed black, glowing fragments, which, according to intelligence, were highly toxic.

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

But in an instant, a silver metal giant net shot out from a building, directly towards the Venom Dragon!

Ren's reinforced second-level sorcery, 'Cutting Net', instantly scraped the Venom Dragon, leaving it with injuries all over its body.

Immediately after, another 'Cutting Net'!

"Ahh!!!"

However, although it appeared severely injured, these were only external wounds to the Venom Dragon. This enraged it.

The Venom Dragon rapidly ascended, then spun and dove towards Ren, its mouth gaping, its throat visibly contracting as it prepared to spew a large amount of dark, foul-smelling poison.

This was a breath attack, the specialty of dragon-like creatures.

"Winged Dive Attack!"

"Venom Breath!"

"A good opportunity!"

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

"Bind!" Mia narrowed her eyes, licked her red lips, and cast a first-level negative energy sorcery, Bind, on Captain Ren.

Bind was a first-level sorcery with a low learning difficulty. It required mastering the prerequisite zero-level sorceries, Slow and Weaken, as well as understanding the principles of negative energy to cast successfully.

Moreover, Mia's swift casting indicated an extremely high talent.

"Earthbind!"

Chandler also cast an immobilization-type earth sorcery on Ren, using a scroll that glowed with yellowish-brown sorcery light.

A thick yellow light shot out as he tore the scroll, directly into the mud beneath Ren's feet.

Boom! Two wheel-sized mud giants emerged from the ground, tightly grasping Ren's legs.

For a moment, the two who were supposed to assist Ren in dealing with the Venom Dragon's ultimate move became backstabbers.

"You!" Langger's eyes widened in shock at this turn of events.

Alex, standing nearby, wanted to aid Ren, but casting a spell took time. By the time he was ready, the Venom Dragon had already dived down, leaving him no time to act.

Claire, similarly, possessed the Dispel sorcery, but facing this long-prepared attack, she was too late to help Ren, even with her intentions.

"It's over!" She watched in horror as the scene unfolded before her.

Bianze quickly cast an Aimed Shot, seemingly to draw the Venom Dragon's attention away from Ren, but the dragon, already filled with hatred for Ren, chose to endure her attack and continued its assault on Ren.

"Hehe, Greenwood asks us to send his regards to Lord Rayn," Chandler said with a gentlemanly bow towards Ren, feeling the situation was now under control.

In his understanding, even if Captain Ren had a trump card and survived by luck, he would still be severely injured.

Mia also hadn't expected things to go so smoothly. Ren's trust in her and Chandler, taking the front alone, made it too convenient for them to 'stab him in the back.'

It was so convenient that she even felt a twinge of reluctance.

"You've finally made your move," a calm voice penetrated the Venom Dragon's roar.

"Hmm?"

"What?"

Mia and Chandler were startled by the voice. Did Ren know about their issues from the start? But before they could ponder further, Ren spoke again, "What are you waiting for, the one in the left bush?"

Hmm? There's someone else? Mia, Chandler, Claire, and Bianze were all surprised, looking towards the location Ren indicated.

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

"Buzz..."

A sound like bees filled the air, growing louder.

"Swish!"

A dark figure holding a twisted curved blade charged from the distant bushes towards Ren, moving so fast it left a black line, surpassing the speed of sound.

White air waves formed around his body, rippling outwards.

(End of Chapter)

Chapter end