With the help of the flickering firelight and the illumination from the gas lamp on the ground, Durin realized that at some point, the once indestructible flanged mace had been burned black and twisted. The flanges had deformed and fused into a single mass, burning his index finger and the web of his hand.
Looking at the flanged mace lying in the dark sewage river, Durin felt heartache over the ruined weapon and simultaneously felt as if his entire body had been pummeled. His muscles throbbed with agonizing pain no matter where he pressed.
The pain was unbearable; cold sweat broke out on his temples and forehead, and his body trembled uncontrollably.
This time, he had not only exhausted his physical strength but had also severely overextended his mental energy due to the Darkin possession.
The blood flowing through his veins felt as if it were boiling with the flames of a searing furnace, exerting heavy pressure that left a strong, metallic, rancid taste in Durin's mouth.
This was the aftereffect of the uncontrolled fire magic he had just released.
It seemed the Darkin's attempt to possess him had side effects; at the very least, Durin was far from comfortable right now.
Lowering his head to look at his chest over his heart, he saw the surface blood vessels knotted and bulging, looking like hideous crawling centipedes as if they might burst out of his body at any moment.
Yet, Durin could also feel his brain buzzing with each forceful beat of his heart. For the first time, he felt his heart was so powerful and full of vibrant life.
After finally catching his breath, Durin's mind gradually stabilized. Seeing the layer of black-red substance on his body, he fumbled to take out spare clothes from his basket and put them on to hide these terrifying Darkin substances.
Then Durin opened the character card interface. He remembered obtaining a proficiency point for One-Handed Weapons and one for Running, and he planned to learn some perks to add some strength to his weakened body.
Looking at the two perk choices that popped up for 75 points in One-Handed Weapons, their passive effects were—
[Cavalry: Personal, Leader. Increases one-handed weapon damage by 5% while mounted; also increases your companions' melee damage by 5% while mounted.]
[Shieldbearer: Personal, Leader. Reduces the movement speed penalty when equipped with a shield; also increases your companions' movement speed by 5%.]
Looking at these two passive effects, Durin decisively chose Shieldbearer. The passive effect provided by the Cavalry perk was completely useless to him right now.
In Zaun, where would he find a mount to ride? It was better to have Shieldbearer reduce the speed penalty of a shield. Speaking of which, it reminded Durin that it was time to get himself a shield.
After making his choice, Durin looked at the two perk choices that popped up for 50 points in Running, their passive effects being—
[Fanatic: While on foot, your weapon handling is +10%. Your companions' weapon handling is +10%.]
[Fitted Armor: Your armor weight is -30%. Your companions' movement speed is +10% while in heavy armor.]
Durin was very interested in the first passive perk, Fanatic. Once chosen, it would increase his weapon handling by 10%. He recalled that the previous [Wrapped Grip] passive perk had increased his one-handed weapon handling by 20%.
With these two stacked together, it would be equivalent to a 30% increase in weapon handling for One-Handed Weapons, which was a significant numerical boost.
The latter passive perk, Fitted Armor, which could reduce armor weight by 30%, would actually be very useful in reality. A standard set of chainmail weighed about 13 kilograms; a 30% reduction would mean it only weighed about 9 kilograms for Durin.
The 4 kilograms saved was equivalent to the weight of eight bottles of Nongfu Spring water in a bag.
In combat, this would make Durin faster and more agile than his enemies, allowing him to dodge lethal attacks. In the long run, this perk would definitely have a significant impact, but for now, Durin didn't need it at all.
Because it was impossible to buy a set of chainmail in Zaun! The Upper City strictly controlled such military-grade armor that could incite a rebellion. Of course, it might be possible to buy a full set of studded hardened leather armor.
But the price would also be ridiculously high!
So, after much consideration, Durin decided to choose the former—[Fanatic]—to strengthen his melee capabilities.
Feeling a continuous stream of warmth flowing into his body and slightly easing his pain, Durin used his left hand to support himself against the sewer wall to stand up, but he failed to control his strength.
Crack!
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