Chapter 111 Chapter 111-Spirit Beast Covenant, Arcane Technique
[Beastwhisperer Legguard]
[Level: 30]
[Grade: Supreme Artifact]
[Equipment Attribute Bonuses:]
1. HP +20,000
2. Constitution +790
3. Defense Value +500
4. Spirit Beast Affinity: When adorned with this equipment, any sentient beast encountered will grow fond of the wearer. Unless provoked or attacked, these beasts will not inflict harm.
5. Beastwhisper: While wearing this equipment, words spoken can be understood by sentient beasts, and the speech of these creatures can be translated into human language.
6. Spirit Beast Aura: This legguard exudes an aura of dominance, imposing an overwhelming presence on all beasts and animals. This causes any creature of Mythical-grade or below to experience a 10% reduction in all attributes and there's a 10% chance they might flee in sheer terror.
[Skill: Spirit Beast Covenant: Can be cast upon sentient beasts or animals to form a Blood Covenant. Once sealed, it binds for eternity unless one meets death. Note: Can only be cast on a single target. Upon using this skill, the equipment will sustain damage.]
"!!!"
After scrutinizing the attributes, Howard's pupils constricted sharply.
The capabilities of this equipment were simply unparalleled!
Its foundational attributes were extraordinary: 20,000 base HP plus an additional 790 points in Constitution. Once adorned, Howard's total HP would surge past 30,000.
It's noteworthy that many monsters at LV50 don't even possess such ample HP.
In human terms, it was akin to a LV70 awakened!
Yet, Howard hadn't even reached LV30.
The other effects were staggering in their power.
Not being proactively attacked by monsters meant that as long as Howard avoided regions swarming with undead and demons, he'd be virtually immune to harm no matter where he roamed.
Beastwhisper, which allowed for communication with spiritual beasts, might seem somewhat superfluous.
But the Spirit Beast Aura was genuinely astounding.
Every monster below Mythical-grade would witness a 10% reduction in all their attributes.
Coupled with a probability-driven intimidation causing them to flee, it would ease Howard's monster conquest endeavors substantially.
As for the innate Spirit Beast Covenant of the equipment?
Once cast, it would be like acquiring a pet -- a forever loyal pet at that!
The downside, of course, was that this wasn't a game.
Should the pet perish, resurrection was out of the question.
Thus, if Howard intended to utilize this skill, he'd need to pinpoint a spiritual beast with commendable potential.
Otherwise, its effectiveness would diminish in the long run.
"Whew, having acquired a Supreme Artifact, my immediate goal should be to swiftly ascend to LV30! If Wales is leading the way, I might just level up during the journey. After all, crossing several regions guarantees encountering numerous monsters."
"Time to rest and hope that tomorrow brings good tidings from Wales."
With his thoughts gathered and inner turmoil settled, Howard sank into a profound slumber.
The next day, when Howard woke, there were no unexpected gifts waiting for him.
Knowing who the mysterious gift-giver was, Howard wasn't filled with apprehension.
Instead, he playfully lamented, "Why did Wales stop the gifts?"
After freshening up, Howard joined Nick and Mike, and the trio headed to their classroom.
After the previous day's interactions, the students in class one had become familiar with each other, and conversations bubbled up here and there.
However, their chitchat was soon interrupted by the sound of a cane tapping.
Norris Coody made his unhurried entrance into the classroom.
In an instant, the lively classroom transformed into a void of silence.
"Good," Norris Coody said, sweeping a gaze over the students, a pleased smile emerging on his lips. "Children who respect their teachers are always well-regarded. Today, I am here to assess your knowledge from yesterday. Answer correctly, and I shall reward you with a special gift."
Without missing a beat, Norris Coody sharply queried, "Lanas, 700 years ago, who defeated the allied forces of the demons and orcs and what treaty did they sign?"
For such a foundational question, Lanas was well-prepared.
Without hesitation, he answered, "It was General Dragonhart from the Crimson Dragon City, part of the Alliance, who defeated the allied forces of demons and orcs. They signed the Treaty of Sorrow Valley!"
"Very well. And who ventured deep into the orcish territories, causing the rift between the orcs and demons, leading the orcs to ally with our human race?" Norris Coody continued probing.
Faced with this query, Lanas was momentarily stumped.
The tales most remembered are often of great heroes who changed the course of history.
Other events, however integral, sometimes slip through the cracks of memory.
And it wasn't just Lanas; the other students exchanged bewildered glances, equally perplexed.
Norris Coody shook his head faintly, directing his questions to other students.
Yet, after querying seven of them, including Mike and Judy, none could produce the answer.
His disappointment was palpable.
Eventually, his gaze settled on Howard, "Howard, can you shed light on who orchestrated this?"
At his beckoning, Howard rose promptly and responded, "It was the then Leader of the Assassin Guild, Barlobas. He infiltrated the orcish territory and assassinated three demon archmagi, leading to the rift between the demons and orcs."
Though Howard wasn't innately familiar with this historical tidbit, his attentive participation in the previous day's lecture allowed him to relay the correct answer.
"Well done!"
Relief washed over Norris Coody's face, forming a rare smile.
However, the satisfaction was short-lived.
He scanned the room and announced with a cold edge, "Those who failed to answer, head to the grounds and run ten laps!"
At his words, the likes of Lanas and others shivered involuntarily.
But they didn't dare challenge the decree, even if Norris Coody appeared to be nothing more than a frail old man.
Swiftly, the classroom was left with only eight individuals.
Norris Coody scrutinized Howard, letting out a light chuckle, "Howard, what would you like as a reward?"
Raising an eyebrow, Howard thought for a moment and replied earnestly, "Answering questions is a student's duty. I would not presume to ask for a reward."
"Well done, well done!" Norris Coody's face lit up with an even broader smile.
After all, who wouldn't appreciate a diligent student?
"Since I promised a special reward for the correct answer, I won't go back on my word."
After a brief hesitation, Norris Coody reached into his robes and pulled out a scroll, tossing it directly to Howard. "This is a protective charm. It can shield you from two fatal injuries."
Gravely, Howard responded, "I would be remiss to decline such a generous gift from an elder. I humbly accept."
Though his expression was serious, exhilaration bubbled within him.
If he were to venture out with Wales in the coming days, possessing such a life-saving artifact would be a blessing.
With Lanas and the other six being punished with laps, Norris Coody didn't resume teaching.
Instead, he kept probing Howard about the history discussed in the previous lesson.
Fortunately, Howard's keen memory served him well, reciting all he had learned, further endearing him to Norris Coody.
Only when Lanas, Judy, and the others returned from their punishment did Norris Coody commence the day's lecture.
This time, Norris Coody veered away from history, turning his attention to elucidating the intricacies of the Arcane Technique for Howard and his peers.
Simply put, the Arcane Technique pertains to mastering skill books, optimizing the way one manifests their abilities.
An average awakened individual channels their skills solely through their spirit, with the resulting damage typically corresponding to their level.
However, mastering the Arcane Technique allows one to unleash formidable strength, even if their inherent power is modest.
Moreover, the speed of casting and precision both see marked enhancements.
Apart from Judy, who had some prior knowledge, the other students had, at most, heard whispers of the Arcane Technique but had never been formally introduced to it.
As Norris Coody's teachings unfurled, they were utterly captivated, hanging onto his every word with fervor.
After class, once Howard and his mates had finished their meal, they bypassed the idea of retreating to their dorms for rest.
Instead, they beelined for the academy's practice grounds, so engrossed that a few completely forgot about their afternoon class!
Thankfully, their afternoon instructor, known for his fondness for liquor, hardly cared about attendance and chose not to penalize Howard and the others.
Time flowed, gentle and unyielding.
Over the ensuing days, Howard, under Abby's guidance, diligently attended his lessons, striving to master the Arcane Technique.
During this period, he crossed paths with Aisha and Caitlin several times.
Aisha's concerns were straightforward, merely inquiring about the next venture into the Castle of Vampires.
But after recovering from her injuries, Caitlin seemed to be constantly seeking Howard's company.
She visited the classroom often, sparking a touch of jealousy in Abby.
Had Howard not recently consoled Abby, she might have been consumed by insecurity.
Caitlin's attachment, however, inadvertently put Howard on the radar of senior students.
Another student, increasingly familiar with Howard, persistently invited him for drinks.
Unable to decline such earnest invitations, Howard gradually befriended the student.
They began sparring together, allowing Howard to sharpen his combat skills.
Yet, amidst this tranquility, a nagging doubt crept into Howard's mind: Why hadn't Wales reached out to him? Could it be that he wasn't the one Wales had mentioned?
The mere thought flushed Howard's cheeks with embarrassment.
Thank heavens he hadn't made any presumptuous remarks; the humiliation would've been unbearable.
The more he pondered, the more bewildered he became.
Wales had always treated him kindly, so why would he be overlooked now when an opportunity arose?
Lost in his contemplation, an unexpected interruption came.
Mentor Daniel had convened a meeting for the freshmen.
As hundreds of novices gathered on the field, Howard's heartbeat quickened upon spotting Wales beside Daniel.
A gut feeling told him that today's announcement from Daniel might very well pertain to the mission involving Athena!
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