Translator: CinderTL
Devilfish are not a rare species and are sold in many port towns.
However, as an aquatic fish, they typically inhabit the deep sea.
Blackwater Territory, consisting primarily of forests and mountains, lacks any suitable waters for their survival.
"The nearest port to Blackwater Territory should be in the east of Dawn Territory," Roland murmured, stroking his smooth chin as his brow furrowed. "If I were to go there and back, it would likely take quite some time."
"If all else fails, I'll ask Master Hawk for another leave after successfully becoming a warrior. It wouldn't be the first time anyway."
Having made up his mind, Roland returned to practicing potion-making.
The next morning, Roland prepared to head to the blacksmith shop for his daily work as usual.
As he passed the main road leading from the manor to the outside world, he noticed dozens of manor guards lined up in formation.
Leading the group on horseback was none other than Baron Forslin himself.
"What's going on?"
Roland, filled with curiosity, watched from a distance. He happened to spot Captain John standing nearby and approached him to inquire.
"Captain John, what's this about?"
Seeing Roland, John first exchanged a few words with the guards beside him, making arrangements before turning to answer.
"His Majesty Monen is currently touring the vicinity of Blackwater Territory, and Lord Baron is going to pay his respects."
"A royal progress?"
After a thorough inquiry, Roland finally understood what was happening.
However, it had nothing to do with him, so he turned and continued toward the blacksmith shop.
The next few days were no different from usual, except Darco visited him to chat far less often.
Roland was actually glad for the peace and quiet, as it allowed him to focus entirely on honing his skills.
Whoosh
One evening, Roland completed a full set of Lion Swordsmanship, exhaling deeply.
You successfully completed a Lion Swordsmanship training session. Gained 2 experience points.
Lion Swordsmanship has reached maximum level.
Seeing the golden text before him, Roland couldn't help but silently exclaim in his mind.
As the transparent Job Panel slowly unfolded, the progress bar for the five max-level combat skills required for the warrior class finally changed from 4/5 to 5/5.
At this sight, Roland eagerly thought, "Job change to warrior!"
In an instant, dazzling golden text appeared before his eyes.
Detection complete. You are eligible to advance to the high-tier class: Warrior.
Requirements: Strength 9, Agility 6, five max-level combat skills 5/5, 100/100 hostile creatures killed.
Would you like to proceed with the job change?
"Confirm job change!"
Job change successful. Current class: Warrior.
[Attribute Bonus: Strength +3, Agility +2]
Before the golden text fully faded, an even more intense wave of warmth surged through Roland's body, far stronger than when he had become a blacksmith. It coursed through his limbs and every fiber of his being.
Roland gritted his teeth, feeling the surging heat coursing through him.
His bones emitted faint cracking sounds as his muscle fibers seemed to be rewoven, growing stronger with each passing moment.
His already sturdy arms bulged with prominent veins, every line radiating explosive power.
"This is the strength of a warrior?"
Roland looked down at his hands, his knuckles slightly thicker.
When he lightly clenched his fist, he could clearly feel the ripple of power flowing between his muscles, as if he could crush a boulder with ease.
Even more astonishingly, Roland realized his body's coordination had undergone a qualitative leap.
Complex sword techniques that once required his full concentration now felt instinctive.
He casually picked up his iron sword and executed a standard thrust with lightning speed, the tip slicing through the air with a sharp whistle.
"The improvement in agility is even more pronounced than I imagined."
As Roland's emotions surged, another line of golden text appeared before his eyes:
[Detection complete: Host has mastered three short blade combat techniques. Commencing fusion.]
A moment later, the golden text subtly shifted.
[Merging Complete]
[Learned Skill: Short Blade Mastery, Current Level: Lv.1]
As the golden characters slowly faded, a wave of new understanding surged into his mind like a tidal wave.
He closed his eyes, and in the depths of his consciousness, he saw countless figures wielding short-bladed weapons flashing and clashing.
The cunning of daggers, the ferocity of short swords, the raw power of battle axes...
Techniques that had once required countless repetitions to master now felt as natural as breathing.
"This is Short Blade Mastery?"
Roland snapped his eyes open and grabbed a short axe from the training ground.
The veteran Darco had found for him hadn't taught him any axe-fighting techniques, leaving him feeling somewhat awkward with such weapons.
But now, the axe handle felt as light and natural as an extension of his own limb.
With a flick of his wrist, the axe blade sliced through the air in a silver arc.
The force and angle of his swing were perfectly aligned, allowing him to anticipate how his imaginary opponent would block and how he should counter.
It felt as though countless life-or-death battles had been etched into his very bones.
"This feeling... it's truly remarkable."
Before Roland could fully savor this change, another line of golden text flashed before his eyes:
[Acquired Trait: Battle Frenzy]
[Battle Frenzy: When activated, gradually enters a frenzied state during sustained combat. As the battle continues, gains strength and agility bonuses based on your base attributes. However, excessive excitement will cause your mental attribute to steadily decline, potentially dropping as low as 0.1.]
"Isn't this just a berserker?"
Roland's eyebrows arched slightly as he finished reading the description of Battle Frenzy. Excitement flickered in his eyes.
"Unlike Adaptive Training, the description suggests there's no limit to the strength and agility bonuses! But..."
After reading the final sentence, Roland couldn't help but recall the terrifying experience of mental power depletion.
His mind had gone blank, leaving him a zombie-like husk, utterly vacant.
He instinctively smacked his lips.
"If my mental attribute truly drops to 0.1, I'll completely lose my ability to think. Not only would I be vulnerable to the simplest enemy trickery, but I'd probably even forget the existence of my Job Panel, turning into a completely idiotic madman."
Imagining the terrifying scene, Roland couldn't help but shiver.
"It seems that when using this ability, I must never get lost in the thrill of battle. I must remain clear-headed at all times and closely monitor my mental state."
As he was pondering this, another line of golden text slowly materialized.
[High-tier class Blacksmith detected. Job Resonance triggered.]
[Job Resonance]
[Warrior + Blacksmith]
[Additional Buff: Steel Will]
[Steel Will: Complete immunity to mind control effects such as fear, confusion, and charm. Significantly reduces the impact of mental attacks like hypnosis and illusions.]
"This buff is too powerful!"
Roland stared at the words before him, a surge of wild joy erupting within him.
On the battlefield of life and death, whether it was the flashing blades of close combat, the rain of arrows and flying axes from afar, or even world-shattering elemental magic, these tangible attacks were not the most terrifying threats.
After all, with quick reflexes and agile movements, there was always room to maneuver.
But in this world where magic was gradually returning, the truly insidious and inescapable danger lay in the intangible, formless mental attacks.
Sudden bewitchment, silent hypnosis, indistinguishable illusions—these attacks often strike when you're completely defenseless, and a moment's lapse in vigilance can lead to disaster.
But now, under the influence of Steel Will, Roland was no longer completely helpless against spirit-based attacks.
"Battle Frenzy, Short Blade Mastery, Steel Will... Compared to a basic class, the power boost from a high-tier warrior class is simply overwhelming!"
With this thought, Roland slowly clenched his fists.
Feeling the surge of power within him, a slight smile curled his lips.
"Even without Momentum Slash, I'm more than capable of handling a Winged Kobold now!"
Just as he was reveling in the joy of his newfound strength, he heard footsteps behind him.
Turning around, he saw Darco standing dumbfounded at the training ground entrance, still clutching two water flasks.
(End of the Chapter)