"Successfully learned the skill [Weapon Specialization]!"
[Weapon Specialization] (Apprentice, Beginner): Select long spears as your specialization. When using a long spear, its power and attack speed will receive a slight increase. The degree of enhancement depends on the Skill Proficiency.
As a Passive Skill, the proficiency of [Weapon Specialization] didn't require Fang Zhou's Skeleton Clone to practice it deliberately. It would naturally improve over time as he continued to use the Skeleton Long Spear.
Fang Zhou looked at his Soul Power, which had dropped to zero, and felt a pressing sense of anticipation build within him.
I have plenty of contribution points left. The only thing limiting my power now is the speed at which I can accumulate Soul Power.
And on a dark and stormy night like this... it's perfect for a little murder and mayhem.
The Skeleton Clone grinned, gripping its long spear, and began another night of slaughter and consumption.
POOF!
POOF!
The sound of a Soul Fire being extinguished was somewhat monotonous.
But with each influx of Skeleton Essence, that sound was heavenly music to my ears.
「...」
After class the next day, Fang Zhou once again arrived at the Demon Hunter research group to act as a combat sparring partner for Ye Fan. This time, however, Bai Xiaochan had come along with him.
Ye Fan looked puzzled when he saw the two of them.
"Bai Xiaochan, what are you doing here?"
Bai Xiaochan placed her hands on her hips, lifted her chin slightly, and said proudly, "Hmph! During my nap today, I comprehended a super useful Support Skill, [Lullaby]! It can accelerate Soul Recovery Speed, which slightly extends the time you can spend in Meditation or training. However, I can only cast Lullaby three times a day. I plan to use one for myself and save one for Fang Zhou. As for the last one... since you're my deskmate, I might consider saving it for you. So, how about it, Mr. Moneybags? Name your price."
Ye Fan's eyes lit up.
If what Bai Xiaochan says is true, then her [Lullaby] skill has an effect similar to the Concentration Array and the Soul Calming Potion. I can't miss any opportunity to become stronger.
Thus, Ye Fan said decisively, "Come on in, Xiaochan. I'll have the instructor test the strength of your skill. If it meets the requirements, contribution points won't be an issue. Any expenses for the combat development research of the Demon Profession can be reimbursed from the research group's project funds."
Hearing this, Bai Xiaochan was incredibly envious. She glanced at Fang Zhou and sighed, "Ah, if only we had a research group like that. We'll have to keep a close eye on Ye Fan, that big shot."
Instead of taking the opportunity to show off, Ye Fan just gave a bitter smile. "I signed a deferred payment contract with the research group. All these upfront resources have to be paid back double later. I'm already 50 contribution points in debt."
Bai Xiaochan stuck her tongue out. So all those contribution points and resources have to be paid back eventually.
Ye Fan, however, was quite optimistic and quickly bolstered his own morale. "Poverty in youth is no disgrace; one day, I will soar to great heights. These pressures are merely minor squalls on my Legendary journey."
With that, he turned and led Fang Zhou and Bai Xiaochan into the laboratory.
Ye Fan explained Bai Xiaochan's purpose to Instructor Chen Qingshan, and a few researchers soon brought over several testing instruments. Although Bai Xiaochan's [Lullaby] skill was recorded in the Human Alliance's Skill Library, its actual effect still needed to be tested due to its rarity.
Soon, a melodious and soothing tune flowed into Fang Zhou and Ye Fan's ears. Bai Xiaochan hummed a warm and tranquil melody, resembling the flowing Milky Way in the night sky—deep and serene. The notes of her [Lullaby] seemed to possess a magical power, capable of penetrating deep into a listener's mind and subtly influencing their soul recovery process.
According to the research group's observations and tests, a complete [Lullaby] could significantly boost a listener's Soul Recovery Speed by as much as ten percent.
Its effect was weaker than the Concentration Array and the Soul Calming Potion, but every little bit helps!
The faster one's soul recovered, the longer a Professional could practice the [Meditation Method] or [Breathing Technique], accelerating their rate of advancement.
When the song ended, Fang Zhou gazed at Bai Xiaochan with growing admiration and praised her sincerely, "Xiaochan, you're my own personal Zither Fairy!"
She's beautiful, has a sweet voice, is kind-hearted... and she can even sing to help with cultivation! What else could she be but my Zither Girl?
Bai Xiaochan's cheeks flushed red under his intense gaze. She turned her face away shyly and huffed, "Zither Fairy? I can't even afford a small harp!"
「...」
After the test, Instructor Chen Qingshan promptly hired Bai Xiaochan for one contribution point per week.
Fang Zhou, of course, wouldn't treat Bai Xiaochan unfairly either, so he signed her to an identical employment contract.
This way, Bai Xiaochan only needed to sing [Lullaby] for Fang Zhou and Ye Fan once a day to earn a stable income of two contribution points per week.
While it couldn't compare to a genius like Fang Zhou, who could independently develop new skills, or a lucky prodigy like Ye Fan, she was now considered quite well-off among the ordinary trainees.
After signing the contracts, Bai Xiaochan stood outside the training ground with the instructor and researchers from the group, curiously watching Fang Zhou and Ye Fan's sparring match.
This time, Fang Zhou didn't resort to any of his usual sneaky tricks. He methodically commanded dozens of Skeletons, systematically overwhelming Ye Fan.
Now knowing the range of Ye Fan's [Fallen Heaven Strike], Fang Zhou gave him no opportunity to get close. He effortlessly used the swarm of Skeletons, along with [Skeleton Flying Spear] and [Skeleton Shield], to beat Ye Fan senseless.
"Fang Zhou's command of his Skeletons is becoming more and more exquisite," from the sidelines, Instructor Chen Qingshan couldn't help but remark in admiration.
Bai Xiaochan was even more stunned, her mouth forming a perfect "O" in shock.
What in the world were those [White Bone Spear] and [Bone Shield] skills? Had Fang Zhou really gotten this strong?
Bai Xiaochan had been quite proud of the skill she had just comprehended, but after witnessing Fang Zhou's overwhelming performance, she began to doubt herself once again.
Comparisons are odious. Am I not working hard enough? Am I not smart enough?
On the training ground, after Ye Fan conceded defeat, Fang Zhou snapped his fingers, and the horde of Skeletons dissipated. He walked over, helped Ye Fan to his feet, and shot him an encouraging look.
Just as I thought. The previously exhausted and lifeless Ye Fan seemed to get a shot of adrenaline upon receiving his gaze, his spirit instantly reignited.
"I feel it! This is the bond between the strong! Fang Zhou, I, Ye Fan, will never let you down!"
Fang Zhou just smiled without saying a word, then left the laboratory with a star-struck Bai Xiaochan in tow.
「...」
「After dinner, in the dormitory.」
Fang Zhou looked at the 15 points of Soul Power he had accumulated and opened his personal terminal.
He spent 50 contribution points to purchase the set of Control Skills for Magic Professionals that he had previously selected.