Chapter 402: Thorn Iron Ball

Chapter 402: Thorn Iron Ball

Rain contemplated Buchanan's words, realizing that the offer from the other party was quite tempting, and it would be almost impossible to refuse joining the Dragon Scale Brotherhood if not for his System.

"It's imaginable that this Dragon Scale Brotherhood mentioned by the other party has already recruited quite a number of people with dragon blood."

"Although the probability of having dragon blood outside the Imperial Family is extremely low, even if it's just one in a hundred thousand or one in a million, according to the vast territory and large population of the Empire..."

"It's likely that this number is still in the hundreds or thousands."

"Is the Second Prince's purpose in establishing this hidden society really to provide a platform for communication and improvement for those with dragon blood?"

"Also, what did the other party mean by 'blood polluters' and 'breakers' that they mentioned earlier? It seems like they are very eager to join the Dragon Scale Brotherhood."

"It seems I need to look up some related information." Rain contemplated, and in an instant, several questions came to his mind.

However, with the limited information he had at the moment, he couldn't make a judgment.

After a moment of thought, Rain shifted his attention to the wooden box on the table, where a red potion was placed.

He sensed it briefly and picked up the so-called Dragon Evolution Potion, examining it carefully.

The potion, emitting a hazy red magical aura, looked particularly beautiful in the sunlight. However, for some reason, Rain felt like he was looking at a blooming poppy flower.

Beneath the extreme beauty, there was a hint of evil.

His body seemed to have a certain desire for the potion in front of him, but the feeling wasn't strong. Instead, what was peculiar was that when Rain had the thought of trying it, he felt a sense of danger arise in his heart.

"Interesting, it seems to have a certain promotion effect on my mutated dragon blood, but the benefits should be minimal."

"Moreover, it seems to have some unknown potential harm." Rain stared at the red potion in front of him, thinking to himself.

"If I have the chance, I can try to find out how this potion is made. If I can eliminate the potential harm within it..."

Although the System could possibly eliminate the potential danger, Rain didn't decide to drink it. Instead, he put it back into the wooden box and kept it properly.

Due to the interruption of Buchanan's arrival during the testing of 'Steel Armor', Rain now returned to the training room to test the new compound spell.

However, as Rain glanced at the attribute panel below, he was surprised to find that there were still 64 remaining golden skill points.

It was known that he had previously had 95 golden skill points but had consumed them twice.

First, 28 points were consumed to improve the Tier 2 Talent Spell 'Cutting Web', and then 42 points were used to cast the compound spell 'Steel Armor', totaling 70 points.

But soon, he realized the reason.

Rain hadn't checked the battle records from his fights with Staven and the Demon Incarnation.

Rain quickly skimmed through the records:

[Congratulations! You have defeated a powerful enemy and obtained 39 golden skill points!]



[Congratulations! Your Will (Hidden) attribute has been improved!]



[Congratulations! Your Hammer Wizard (Legendary) profession level has increased!]



[Congratulations! Your Thousand Blades King (Epic) profession level has increased!]



"Hmm, both professions have improved, that's good."

Although the Thousand Blades King (Epic) profession level was as high as lv13, requiring a massive amount of experience to level up, due to Rain's accumulation from the previous battle against the Deep Abyss Fire Giant and the intense fight with the Demon Incarnation, the Thousand Blades King (Epic) reached lv14.

Additionally, Rain's repeated use of spells during the battle, including the activation of the Animation spell to control the Hellfire Golem, resulted in the Hammer Wizard (Legendary) profession level advancing from lv11 to lv12.

The combined improvement in both professions granted Rain 2 attribute points and 2 skill points.

Furthermore, Rain's dedication to practicing as an Alchemist Master recently had resulted in his profession level reaching lv6, earning him 25 attribute points. After deducting the 5 points used in battle and adding the 2 points, he currently had 22 remaining attribute points.

As for skill points, he previously had 12, and with the additional 2 points, he now had a total of 14.

Regarding golden skill points, although they were consumed twice for spellcasting, the battle rewards also granted him 39 golden skill points. Therefore, he still had 64 remaining.

"It seems that after I become familiar with the compound spell 'Steel Armor', I can learn the Tier 3 Metal Magic 'Thorn Iron Ball'."

"My current skill points are sufficient to improve it and quickly form a combat force."

After a brief contemplation, Rain made a decision about the next spell to practice.

"Tier 1 Talent Spell 'Metal Transformation'!"

"Tier 2 Spell 'Iron Armor'!"

"Tier 3 Talent Spell 'Steel Armor'!"

"Compound Spell: Steel Armor!"

As Rain cast the spells in quick succession, a thick layer of armor enveloped his body, emitting a dense dark silver magical aura.

"Hmm, it's actually shaped like armor?" Rain looked at the mirror in the training room and couldn't help but feel a little surprised at his own reflection.

It was common knowledge that the second-tier spell 'Iron Armor' and the third-tier spell 'Steel Armor', and even the water-based defensive spell 'Water Membrane' and the like, were all protective spells that took the form of membranes or close-fitting shields.

But at this moment, the compound spell 'Steel Armor' that covered his body was a protective spell that resembled the shape of a knight's armor.

This was the first time Rain had seen such an effect from a protective spell.

Additionally, the effect of this compound spell, although it resembled a knight's armor, had a vastly different level of defense.

First was the spell's defensive effect. At this moment, Rain's entire body, covered in 'Steel Armor', emanated a dense aura of metal-based magic, clearly possessing formidable defense against both close-range attacks and magical assaults.

Of course, the specific defense rating would have to be tested to know for sure.

Second was the flexibility. Ordinary metal armor, regardless of its material, would always feel heavy and cumbersome.

The armor's joints, even when using soft top-layer cowhide, not only reduced its defensive capabilities but also failed to provide exceptional flexibility.

However, Rain's current suit, shimmering with dark silver light, had its joints flowing like mercury, greatly enhancing its flexibility.

With a slight thought, Rain's hardened mithril ingot swiftly transformed into a two-handed greatsword.

Covered in 'Steel Armor', Rain moved swiftly in the training ground, slashing, stabbing, and thrusting. Eventually, he even unleashed his ultimate technique.

After this display, Rain's agility was clearly a level higher than when he wore the magically hardened silver armor.

At that moment, a thought suddenly flashed through Rain's mind.

He first glanced at the height of the training room, and then initiated his transformation.

This time, Rain only activated the first form, the Draconian warrior transformation, causing his body to swell to over five meters tall.

Immediately after, he cast the compound spell 'Steel Armor'.

Soon, his Draconian warrior form was covered in a thick, shimmering set of knight armor.

"Excellent! It doesn't hinder my agility at all." Rain looked down at himself and couldn't help but feel delighted.

"Now, enemies will have to break through this layer of 'Steel Armor' before they can even attempt to harm me. Then, they'll have to get past my dragonhide defense." Rain clenched his fists, as if wearing steel gauntlets, and thought to himself.

"Agile and sturdy, my close-combat capabilities have improved!"

"Hmm, this seems a bit odd. I enhanced my magical abilities, but how did it ultimately translate into combat power, becoming a close-combat enhancement instead!"

Rain instantly realized a problem.

After a moment's thought, Rain couldn't help but show a trace of bitterness.

"Never mind which side it is, the increase in strength is what matters most."

After testing a few times, Rain returned to his study.

Just as he took out the Tier 3 Metal Magic 'Spiked Iron Ball' scroll, intending to study it, he suddenly remembered something else.

Rain focused his mind and slightly activated the second level of the Steel Heart Advanced Meditation.

"As expected, after reaching the Mythril level, the effect of the Steel Heart Advanced Meditation greatly diminishes, and its ability to drive the mental force becomes almost negligible."

This result was within expectations, and Rain once again focused his attention on the scroll containing the 'Spiked Iron Ball' spell.

At the same time.

After leaving Rain's residence, Buchanan immediately boarded a luxurious carriage waiting at the entrance.

The carriage soon returned to the Second Prince Everett's mansion.

In the study, Everett, who was reviewing a certain piece of intelligence, glanced at the door and saw Buchanan's return. He casually asked,

"Buchanan, how did the Mother Tree Cult's operation in Ferdinand Forest go?"

Buchanan quickly realized that the Second Prince was referring to the Mother Tree Cult's operation in the elven outpost. He thought for a moment and replied,

"Your Highness, according to the information we provided, they launched a surprise attack on several elven outposts and reaped great rewards. They have sent word that they will deliver over a dozen elven female captives to the Dragon Scale Brotherhood."

"Excellent. With this batch of captives, we can say that the issue of ingredients for the elixir has been temporarily resolved." The Second Prince's effeminate face broke into a satisfied smile.

"Oh, and notify Lindon and Jinger to speed up the development of the elixir."

"Yes, my lord. I will inform the two master alchemists."

However, before Buchanan could leave, the Second Prince Everett asked again, "Oh, and what about that Dragon Bloodline possessor you met today? What's his name, Rain, right?"

"He's young, strong, but quite cautious. He politely declined our invitation to join the Dragon Scale Brotherhood."

"It was only when I mentioned that you would be the examiner for the Dragon Knight Cadet Recruitment that his refusal softened." Buchanan reported in detail.

"Hmm, it's fine. Whether one more or one less Dragon Bloodline holder joins the Dragon Scale Brotherhood isn't a major concern for us."

"Our current focus is still on the experiments."

Clearly, Everett was completely unfazed by Rain's lack of enthusiasm to join.

After all, within the entire empire, there were no shortage of people with Dragon Bloodlines.

"By the way, Your Highness, this is a replica of the other party's Dragon Aura."

At this moment, Buchanan seemed to remember something. He pulled out a device similar to a pocket watch from his chest and respectfully handed it to Prince Everett.

This pocket watch-like magical artifact had only one function: to record the Dragon Aura of those nearby.

With this, Prince Everett could quickly understand the other party's lineage and the concentration of their bloodline.

As Prince Everett took it, he initially had a nonchalant expression. However, after briefly sensing it, his eyes suddenly lit up, and he exclaimed softly.

"Hmm? This kind of Dragon Aura..."

"Your Highness?" Buchanan looked at his prince with confusion.

Could it be that Rain's Dragon Bloodline is unusual?

"The other party's Dragon Bloodline aura is very strong. While it doesn't match mine or Raynara's, it is no less than that of ordinary royal offspring."

"Moreover, what's even more rare is that this aura gives me a feeling that it's not from common Black Dragons, Red Dragons, or other types of Chromatic Dragons. It feels more like... the aura of Metal Dragons, which have long disappeared from this world."

"Metal Dragons?" Buchanan was even more puzzled.

"Yes, there's a faint trace of metallic particles in it."

"Forget it, explaining more won't help you understand." Prince Everett shook his head and said.

"Adjust Rain's attention level to Level 1. Also, investigate his social circle to find a breakthrough point."

"We must bring Rain into the Dragon Scale Brotherhood."

"His bloodline could be of great use!"

"Understood, Your Highness!" Buchanan bowed respectfully.

Just as Buchanan left Prince Everett's study and stepped into the front garden, a guard hurried over and whispered,

"My Lord, Duke Dram has arrived. He's waiting in a carriage not far from the manor gate. What should we do?"

Buchanan thought for a moment and waved his hand, saying, "No need to trouble him. I'll go see him now."

He naturally knew why Duke Dram had come.

However, this time, things would not go as Duke Dram wished.

A few minutes later, inside the carriage.

"Lord Buchanan, regarding this Rain, what does His Highness—"

"Apologies, Duke Dram, but I'm afraid this will disappoint you. Prince Everett is very interested in Rain and has sent me to invite him to join the Dragon Scale Brotherhood, so—"

"What?" Duke Dram's face darkened.

Ever since receiving the first-hand report from the outpost, learning that the assassination attempt on Staven had failed, Duke Dram had been uneasy.

It wasn't that he was worried about the assassination attempt being traced back to Rain; they had merely facilitated the event, and the actual execution was handled by the Isodre Academy.

Instead, he realized that Rain's growth rate was too fast.

A seasoned wizard like Staven, with decades of experience and the top-tier Necromancy artifact 'Iron Spine Necromancer Chestplate,' was no match for Rain.

Judging by his talent, Rain would likely become an Imperial Guardian in the near future.

And if he still harbored resentment over the previous conflict with the Dram family, Rain would eventually become a significant threat to the family.

At that time, even with the presence of the Pantoskock Ancestor, it might not be enough to suppress him.

"Did he agree?" After a moment of thought, Duke Dram asked again.

"Not yet, but if Rain is wise enough, he should agree."

"Understood, thank you, Lord Buchanan."

Hearing this, Duke Dram's expression returned to calm. After a brief moment of contemplation, he bid farewell to Buchanan.

Upon returning to the Dram family manor, Duke Dram pondered in his study for a while.

"Bring someone in!"

"Duke Dram." A new young butler immediately entered the study and bowed.

Clearly, this new butler had replaced the previous one, Owen.

"Has the news about Rain spread?" Duke Dram asked.

"It has. According to Owen's report a few days ago, the intelligence about Rain killing multiple high-ranking members of different cult organizations has been leaked to the relevant cults."

"Good." Duke Dram nodded.

While the Dram family supported Prince Everett, it didn't mean they had to follow his every command. As a prominent noble family and a Guardian family, they had their own agendas, which was perfectly normal.

Even if Rain joined the Dragon Scale Brotherhood, if he were killed by cult organizations, it would be a testament to his lack of strength, and it wouldn't be the Dram family's fault.

Meanwhile.

In the Imperial Capital, Third Ring, Rain's Manor.

After about two hours of study, Rain, confident that he had initially mastered the new spell, went to the training room. Just as he was about to cast 'Thorn Iron Ball,' he suddenly lowered his hand.

(End of Chapter)"The power of Third Tier Sorcery is still a little too much. Perhaps I should go to the Sorcery Testing Room at headquarters instead."

After all, Rain didn't want to accidentally destroy his new manor with a mishap during his new spell practice.

Soon, Rain arrived at the Swordbearer headquarters by carriage.

Led by a young female staff member, Rain quickly arrived at the Third Tier Sorcery Testing Room.

"Sir Rain, if you have any needs, please ring the bell to call me at any time."

"Okay, thank you." Rain nodded.

"It's my honor to serve you!" The young female staff member smiled and bowed slightly.

After she left, Rain walked up to the giant cylindrical metal block on the slide rail and began to chant the incantation.

Soon, a two-meter-wide solid iron ball spinning at high speed appeared out of thin air.

"Sizzle, sizzle, sizzle!"

The surface of the iron ball was covered in densely packed spikes of varying lengths, creating sparks as they scraped against the ground.

With a wave of Rain's right hand, a 'whoosh' sound accompanied the massive kinetic energy as the giant iron ball shot forward in a straight line, rapidly slamming into the smooth cutting surface of the metal ingot!

"Boom!!!

A deafening sound reverberated through the room!

The giant cylindrical metal block on the slide rail was directly knocked to the top by this strike.

Even the floor of the room trembled slightly.

Rain took a closer look and saw that the giant iron ball formed by the Third Tier Sorcery 'Thorny Iron Ball' had its large hemispherical body directly embedded into the giant metal ingot.

"Clang, clang, clang!"

At the same time, the metal block, weighing tens of tons, shook back and forth on the slide rail.

On the black Wisdom Tablet beside it, a large number appeared—191!

"What a powerful force!" Rain's eyes lit up.

"Although the Thorny Iron Ball's attack method is a bit monotonous, its power is indeed astonishing."

It was common knowledge that the power of a Third Tier Sorcery was usually between 120 and 200 degrees.

Now, with the help of Super Metal Elemental Affinity and the special effects of Steel Heart Advanced Meditation, Rain's Third Tier Sorcery had almost reached the upper limit of its power.

According to the description of the effects in the scroll, the normal diameter of the Thorny Iron Ball was about one and a half meters.

But the iron ball Rain had just cast, without considering the length of the spikes, had a diameter of two meters.

At this moment, a system prompt appeared:

【You have learned Thorny Iron Ball and your related comprehension has increased!】

【You have learned the skill Thorny Iron Ball】

【Your skill Thorny Iron Ball has improved, gaining +5 experience】

At the same time, a new icon appeared below the Hammer Wizard (Legendary) panel.

The icon showed a giant metal ball with uneven spikes.

Additionally, below the icon, it read:

Thorny Iron Ball lv1 (0/100)



Thorny Iron Ball lv1 Effect: Consumes a certain amount of Mana to activate a specific Sorcery model, gathering surrounding metal energy particles to form a giant Thorny Iron Ball, and perform a crashing and crushing attack on all targets in a straight line.

(Note: Casting time is 3 seconds.)

Chapter end