Arthur's eyebrows quirked in slight surprise as he listened to Arthasia's words.
"Hidden mission?"
Intrigued, he couldn't help but wonder about the existence of a hidden mission.
Without delay, Arthasia addressed the unspoken question lingering in Arthur's mind.
"[Indeed, master!]" she confirmed.
"[Just as you successfully conquered Rian Fanhard, the conquest of these two individuals also triggers a mission,]" she elucidated.
"[Regrettably, these missions are only classified as hidden missions of relatively lesser significance,]" she added, her tone tinged with a hint of disappointment.
Upon hearing Arthasia's explanation, Arthur swiftly grasped an important revelation that had eluded him until now.
"Wait, so you're saying that missions are categorized into different levels?" Arthur inquired, seeking clarification.
Arthasia responded with a perplexed tone, "Of course, master. Missions are indeed classified into various levels based on their significance and complexity."
A slight twitch formed at the corner of Arthur's mouth, betraying mischievous amusement. He spoke in a soft tone, "I see. Could you assume your physical form for a moment, Arthasia?"
Arthasia, taken aback by Arthur's unusual request, responded with a touch of perplexity, "Certainly."
Instantaneously, she manifested before Arthur, wearing a warm smile on her face.
However, much to her surprise, as soon as she materialized, Arthur swiftly reached out and playfully pinched her cheek, a hint of annoyance apparent in his actions.
Arthasia let out a startled exclamation, "Wooo~", taken aback by the unexpected action.
"Master! What are you doing?" She protested, attempting to wriggle free from Arthur's firm grasp.
However, Arthur maintained his grip, continuing to pinch her cheek mischievously and not allowing her to escape.
After a brief moment, Arthur released his grip, allowing Arthasia to break free.
He settled back onto the sofa, preparing tea at the nearby table.
Meanwhile, Arthasia, her cheeks flushed from the pinching, rested her head on the table, sporting a pout of discontent.
"Wooo~ Why did you suddenly pinch me? Wooo~" Arthasia whined, casting an annoyed glance towards Arthur.
However, Arthur paid little heed, casually responding, "Huh! Consider it a consequence for failing to clarify crucial details, such as the level of the task I was given!"
Taken aback by Arthasia's sudden reaction, Arthur watched as she flew in front of him, her hands placed defiantly on her hips.
With an adorable yet angry expression on her face, she retorted, "Hump! So it's because of that?"
"Isn't it because you failed to inquire?" Arthasia continued, adopting an air of arrogance as she crossed her arms, her gaze fixed on Arthur.
Observing her display, Arthur couldn't help but shake his head, realizing that the system he had received was quite distinct from those depicted in other fantasy novels.
Nevertheless, Arthur remained unfazed by the situation.
He didn't heavily rely on Arthasia for every aspect of his endeavors.
He only sought her assistance when urgency demanded it.
Arthur's attention shifted back to Arthasia, and he gradually extended his hand toward her.
Cautiously, Arthasia inquired, "What are you doing?" Her wariness stemmed from the fear of another cheek-pinching incident.
However, instead of pinching her cheek again, Arthur simply stroked Arthasia's petite cheek and offered a sincere apology.
"Well, I'm sorry, alright?"
His charming smile and gentle tone melted even Arthasia's resistance.
"Hump!" Arthasia huffed, turning her face away in an attempt to maintain her facade of indifference, pretending not to relish Arthur's affectionate touch.
Observing Arthasia's playful response, Arthur couldn't help but find it both amusing and endearing.
Amidst the weight of his responsibilities and the occasional fatigue the government's problems brought, Arthur found solace in these lighthearted moments.
Arthasia's adorable and lively nature never failed to bring a smile to his face, providing a much-needed source of amusement in his exhausted state.
"Alright, now, could you kindly explain the various levels of missions available?" Arthur inquired in a gentle tone.
Arthasia fluttered over his shoulder, adopting a tone that still feigned annoyance as she began her explanation.
"Tasks are categorized into two main types: common tasks and hidden tasks."
"Hidden tasks are tasks that are triggered by specific events, but what sets them apart from general tasks is that they are not explicitly revealed beforehand."
"You won't be informed whether they will appear or not, and only when you happen to fulfill the task's conditions will you be notified that the task is completed," Arthasia clarified.
Then she continued, "This is similar to your conquest of Rian and the other two. The hidden tasks associated with them were only revealed to you once you successfully completed the conquest."
Arthur nodded in comprehension, his curiosity piqued as he eagerly awaited further details.
"The hidden tasks are categorized into three levels: low level, medium level, and high level, with each level offering different rewards."
Arthasia added, stretching her tiny wings and nestling into Arthur's hair, savoring his comforting scent.
"I understand," Arthur replied, rubbing his chin as he contemplated the information.
"Now, I'm curious about the general tasks. Could you provide an explanation?" He asked, his curiosity piqued.
Soon, Arthasia lazily continued, "The general tasks are divided into different levels with hidden tasks, ranging from the lowest (bronze) to the middle (silver) to the highest (gold)!"
Arthur's eyes displayed a hint of surprise as he muttered, "This is becoming increasingly reminiscent of a game."
He then opened his hands, and a white scroll materialized before him.
The scroll's information promptly appeared, floating in front of his eyes.
[Space Elemental Art Scroll: Warp Space (One Star)]
[Explanation: This scroll contains a space elemental art capable of warping space to the user's desired location or vicinity (maximum distance: 100 meters).]
[Power: While less effective when used as an offensive technique, it proves highly advantageous in combat situations.]
[Chance of Mastery: 100%]
[Scroll Rarity: Rare]
"So, what level is Rian's conquest mission?" Arthur inquired, opening the scroll and carefully studying its contents.
Arthasia paused briefly before responding, "It's an intermediate level."
Nodding in comprehension, Arthur further inquired, "Are Jack and Natasya's conquests included in a low-level hidden mission?"
Taken aback by Arthur's question, Arthasia responded with surprise, "How did you know it was a low-level mission?"
Nevertheless, Arthur maintained his silence, wearing a subtle smile as he continued his quiet examination of the space elemental art scroll.
Growing irritated by this, Arthasia rolled her eyes.
"Would you like to claim your reward now?" Arthasia asked.
Arthur shook his head and replied, "No, not yet. I have other matters to attend to at the moment!"
Curiously, Arthasia slowly got up and flew around Arthur, asking, "What is it?"
Arthur responded by slowly tossing the white scroll in his hand, and to his surprise, the scroll transformed into a radiant light and vanished.
Feeling a sudden surge of energy, Arthur promptly rose from his couch and stretched his body, relieving the stiffness in his waist.
"Of course I'm going to practice my skills in space elemental arts!" Arthur replied nonchalantly.
"What! You've memorized the theory of utilizing space elemental arts!" Arthasia exclaimed in disbelief.
Arthur simply smiled, shrugged his shoulders, and proceeded to the outer courtyard, where he intended to practice.
"Wait! Master, please answer me!" Arthasia hurriedly chased after Arthur as he had already exited the room, and the two slowly made their way out together.
...
Arthur stretched his body slightly in the middle of the training field.
The field he was currently utilizing differed from his usual training ground; it happened to be his favorite one.
The sky appeared overcast, with clear indications of an impending rainstorm.
Of course, he had already instructed everyone to vacate the surrounding fields and strictly prohibited anyone from entering.
After all, he was about to employ highly confidential and top-secret space elemental arts.
Soon, Arthasia emerged on the outskirts of the field, eagerly observing Arthur's utilization of the space elemental arts.
"Did Master truly grasp the theory of space elemental arts in just a matter of minutes?" Arthasia questioned, her disbelief evident in her tone.
"This can't be serious," she muttered under her breath, gradually redirecting her attention towards the field.
Meanwhile, Arthur commenced the manipulation of his mana, endeavoring to recollect the essence of the scroll.
Arthur couldn't help but notice that the space elemental art seemed easier to recall compared to the "fire elemental art: fireball" he had learned previously.
A peculiar sensation enveloped him, and his thoughts converged on one realization.
"It's because the space core is my primary and original core!" he exclaimed internally, his gaze swiftly fixating ahead as he extended his hand.
"Elemental Arts: Warp Space!" he shouted, unleashing the elemental art with conviction.
In an instant, a one-meter-diameter arch of space materialized within a ten-meter radius around Arthur, spinning as if caught in the grip of distorted dimensions.
"It actually worked!" Arthur exclaimed, unable to believe his eyes.
Without delay, he halted the flow of mana, and the space warp gradually returned to its normal state.
"Damn, this is incredible!" Arthur laughed joyfully, realizing that he didn't experience any of the mana fatigue he usually encountered while using the fire elemental art.
Arthasia, witnessing this astonishing display, was left stunned and could only manage to ask, "How is this even possible?"
Nevertheless, the evidence lay before her eyes, and she regarded Arthur with a peculiar expression.
Arthur, on the other hand, tried to sense the core of his space, and sure enough, he had no excessive fatigue like the use of fire elemental arts!
"Although this may be less effective for offensive purposes, it proves incredibly valuable for defense and countering the opponent's elemental arts!" Arthur swiftly analyzed the insights conveyed by the information column of the preceding space elemental art.
"Particularly noteworthy is the potential to, with further mastery, utilize it to absorb or neutralize incoming enemy elemental art attacks!" he added, a spark of anticipation glimmering in his eyes.
Arthur recognized that warping the space would result in the destruction or distortion of everything on that side, leading him to speculate that it could potentially eliminate offensive elemental arts directed at him.
"Of course, the effectiveness will vary depending on the power level of the enemy or the level of the elemental art being employed," he pondered.
Taking a deep breath, he resolved to continue his practice with the space elemental art, determined to explore its capabilities further.
"Boom!"
"Boom!"
Within a range of ten, twenty, and forty meters, the distortion of space became increasingly pronounced.
The space within these distances exhibited deep bends and convoluted twists, appearing on the verge of collapsing if subjected to further force.
Arthur's brow was drenched in sweat, and a sense of exhaustion washed over him.
Undeterred by his exhaustion, Arthur paid no heed to the condition and promptly retrieved a level two mana potion from his space pouch, consuming it without hesitation.
"This is truly remarkable!" He discarded the empty potion bottle, feeling revitalized as his fatigue diminished and his mana reserves replenished.
Drawing in a deep breath, a small smile graced his lips.
Suddenly, the sky resounded with a thunderous clap, heralding the arrival of raindrops that fell in a gentle cascade.
"Oh, rain?" Arthur remarked, slightly raising his hand to feel the gentle touch of the falling droplets.
Shortly after, Arthasia appeared beside him, brimming with delight.
"You're exceptional, Master!" she exclaimed with great enthusiasm.
Upon hearing this, Arthur smiled and responded, "Indeed, your master is quite extraordinary, isn't he?"
Arthasia nodded, her admiration for him evident.
Afterward, Arthasia casually inquired, "So, will you be returning to your study or heading to the library?"
Arthasia had familiarized herself with some of Arthur's usual routines, which often involved him either going to the study or the library.
To her surprise, Arthur shook his head in response.
"Neither," he replied.
Baffled, Arthasia watched as Arthur slowly made his way towards the far end of the field.
Afterward, Arthur picked up his usual practice sword and returned to the center of the field.
As the rain grew heavier, drenching Arthur, he stood motionless as if anticipating something in the midst of the downpour.
"Master, what is your intention?" Arthasia inquired once more, her curiosity reaching its peak.
Arthur's smile grew slightly, and he replied, "I am waiting for someone."
Arthasia tilted her head to the side, her expression reflecting her confusion at her master's cryptic remark.
Before she could inquire further, a middle-aged man's voice emerged from behind Arthur, catching her off guard.
"Didn't you mention that you would study it later, Young Master Arthur?" The voice inquired, gradually drawing nearer.
Arthur promptly turned around with a smile on his face.
With his sword poised towards the source of the voice, he declared, "Since There's Still Time, Let's Fight!"
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I will add more battle scenes in the future because the future plot will be full of blood and various battles.
Thank you! Stay tuned!
Read latest chapters at f(r)eewebnov𝒆l Only