Sammuel was overflooded with information.
[Current Stats:
Base EXP Gain: Colorless (Ego: Mineral-Clawed Ferron) | 1.21x
Card Drop Rate: 1.5%
Affinity Level Efficiency: 0.45%
Affinity Level to Goblins: 3.7%
Increased EXP Gain: 7.3%
…
Affinity Level to Flowing Swordsmanship: 10.4%
Increased EXP Gain: 28.9%
Card Quality: Colorless (Ego: Mineral-Clawed Ferron) | 0.32x
…]
It proceeded to list even more Affinity Level relations. It even had an Affinity Level to the weather depending on how hot or cold it was. There were far too many factors at play that it overloaded Sammuel’s brain trying to figure it all out.
Suffering through trying to determine actually useful information, Sammuel found the list relating to [Flowing Swordmanship]. Seeing the term [Ego: Mineral-Clawed Ferron], he had decided to do something about it.
[Switch Ego: Goblin]
Now Sammuel decided to check this particular part again. With his only technique carrying him through this, he needed to see the most effective way to train.
[Affinity Level to Flowing Swordsmanship: 10.4%
Increased EXP Gain: 28.9%
Card Quality: Colorless (Ego: Goblin) | 0.71x]
A rush of understanding filled him. Of course, creatures would have difficulty understanding how one would wield swords. This meant that this entire time, he had been working at a severe disadvantage. Only 70% of his efforts bore any fruit.
Feeling curious, he checked another part.
[Base EXP Gain: Colorless (Ego: Goblin) | 1.03x]
This meant that each [Ego] had its strengths and weaknesses. Sammuel needed to properly understand when and where to use each [Ego] to properly utilize its full power. Right now it was manageable but once it reached a point where he had thousands upon thousands of [Ego] it would be such a hassle.
[Switch Ego: Mineral-Clawed Ferron]
For the time being, Sammuel wasn’t going to practice [Flowing Swordsmanship] anyway so trying to earn EXP for this [Ego] made sense. With an understanding that he only had 1.5% of actually getting an [Ego] from anything, his eyes finally switched over to a certain [Assimilation Requirement].
[Assimilation Requirements:
Condition: Reach Base Card Quality Bronze | Reward: First Kill
First Kill: The first time a creature from a species would be killed it would guarantee its Card Drop.
Condition: Reach 10 Combat Power | Reward: Increased Card Drop Rate
Condition: Gain 5 Bronze Ego | Reward: Ego Delegation]
He needed to fulfill the first condition. The perk of getting a guaranteed [Ego] was far too appetizing. It was clear what he needed to do now, he needed to find a way to heal himself without getting too many eyes on him.
There were two ways he could do this, someone having the ability to heal him or to heal himself. There were pills he could purchase for such a need but it was too expensive for him. Even the ones he could afford were only for treating minor wounds.
His [Ego: Base] had its stomach completely slit open. If Sammuel had to bet on it, he would go back to that hell once he switched back to it. This was a dilemma since he couldn’t just go to a clinic and revert back to his injured self.
Leaving the plan on how to go about this later, Sammuel had decided to lay waste to anything that he could deal with. [Ego: Goblin] still had its uses but in terms of Combat Power, [Ego: Mineral-Clawed Ferron] had a much higher ceiling.
From the beginning of that morning to the deep lull of the night, Sammuel went out of his way to pick on creatures he could easily deal with. It had come to a point where he questioned why people didn’t just go out of their way to slaughter these creatures.
Risk was a factor in all of this for sure yet it didn’t make as much sense. Going back to the city of Aganth, Sammuel was stained with creature blood. One of the guards pointed him to a nearby well where he could clean himself up before entering.
Back inside the library, he started practicing [Flowing Swordsmanship] once again. He repeated his entire routine before sleeping. It had become routine for him at this point. Feeling satisfied with his immense progress for today, he laid his head against his pillow and closed his eyes.
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“I still have a lot to do but I’m getting there.”
The following day, he continued on to guard the front of the library. The previously semi-barren streets suddenly had a massive influx of people running about. This made Sammuel feel something was off. Catching the attention of one of the people, he inquired about the situation.
“Haven’t you heard? Apparently, there’s a Hatchling that managed to escape the Plains of Divinity. You have to leave too, it’s not safe here anymore.”
Recalling what he had read regarding this, a Hatching was what was referred to a Dragon that had just been born. He wasn’t as clueless about this anymore. In any case, a Dragon was a majestic creature, being born within the Plains of Divinity, they were powerful beings that held the fear and respect of many.
What people didn’t fear was the Hatchling itself rather, the Dragon behind it. Having seen what a Dragon was capable of, Sammuel knew just how powerless everyone here was. Although Riccen had the confidence to deal with it, he wouldn’t be able to keep the city safe.
“Do you know whose it is?”
“Rumors said it was from Vzella the Great Dragon of Symphony. Some internal conflict within its clan forced the Hatchling to run here. Unlike you idiots thinking it’s not real, I’ve got to go. I can’t keep wasting time like this.” The man ran off as fast as he could, not even caring about some of the coins that escaped his pocket.
The name struck Sammuel frozen. Although people might think it was a mere rumor with only a few taking this seriously, he knew the truth. Vzella had taken massive injuries from the battle and thinking about the things he had read about the Dragon Clan, he firmly believed it to be true.
Though, unlike that man, Sammuel understood something much deeper here despite the common consensus. Making a Hatchling run all the way here meant that it was very susceptible to assassination. Compared to mortals like him, those with actual power see this as an opportunity as well.
Looking behind him, Fian didn’t seem bothered either by the news. Although Marie wasn’t as composed. She wanted to leave as well but after being assured by Fian, she managed to calm down as well.
There was something else at play here, something he hadn’t figured out yet. Nonetheless, he put this thought away. Picking up a few copper coins from the ground, he pocketed it and continued staying in his post.
“You’re going to pick up every coin?” Fian teased him. They had grown to be more than just acquaintances into friends. Sammuel showed his worth by being a decent person. That was more than enough to win Fian’s trust.
“I don’t get paid enough to stand here, anyway.”
They both laughed it off. Fian then left to purchase some fabric and thread. She had been prepared enough to finally try creating something.
“I want to join too. I’m getting bored staying inside for so long.” Marie came up to Fian and hugged her waist, adamant about going. She seemed as if she would never let go until she got what she wanted.
“Did Sammuel’s toy bore you? Such a shame, he spent a lot of money on that you know?” Fian rubbed Marie’s nose and kissed her on the forehead.
“But…”
“We can all go. I don’t think anyone’s in the mood to enter the library right now. Right, Fian?” Getting up, Sammuel left his sword behind. A break from the monotony of life was a welcome change.
Fian wanted to dispute Sammuel’s offer but she couldn’t argue against Sammuel as easily as she could others. Adding on Marie’s sparkling eyes, she could only give in.
“Fine. But be on your best behavior or I’m locking you inside!”
“Yes!” Marie jumped for joy.
“Also, Sammuel. Please bring your sword.”
Sammuel had wanted this to be a more casual event but he agreed as well. Despite having reached even higher Combat Power, he still wasn’t strong enough to walk around arrogantly. Placing the rusty sword inside his makeshift scabbard, they went on their merry way.
The local market in the plaza was bustling with life. The current devastating news didn’t seem to have affected the trade of Aganth. If there was something you needed to sell, it would be sold. Similarly, if there was something you wanted to buy, you would eventually get it.
Fian seemed to have gotten a little too excited buying fabric that Sammuel was struggling to find a place to put it all in. If not for his current strength, he would be overwhelmed.
As Sammuel tried to move forward with multiple folded pieces of fabric, he eventually managed to hit someone. They both fell down on the ground and Sammuel felt his heart shake.
“That was my bad, I didn’t see where I was going.” Sammuel ignored the fabric that fell down and decided to help the person in front of him first. A teenage girl with a nasty look in her eyes returned his gaze.
She wore a brown hooded robe that covered all her features. There were two protrusions sticking out from her waist, something Sammuel perceived to be twin daggers. Adding on the tattoo sticking out from her neck, Sammuel accurately determined that this was a mercenary of a relatively famous mercenary group.
Taking his hand, she gripped tightly pulling him down and bringing herself back up. Sammuel’s kind gesture was replied to with hostility. He laid on his back, being humiliated. Grabbing his hand, he groaned as it ached. She clearly didn’t care enough to think of how weak he was.
If he was a normal person, his hand would’ve been broken already. Yet even in this state, it felt like his ligaments were slightly swollen. Her strength was no joke.
“You’re stronger than you look.” She turned her body and went on her own way. Quick-tempered and left just as quickly.
Fian saw this situation unfold and quickly came up to Sammuel’s aid. “Are you alright? There’s a nearby clinic that we can go to. Marie? Ignore the fabric, let’s go.”
Sammuel shook his hands. “I’m fine. Just a little bruised but I’m alive. See?” Sammuel moved both of his hands in sync. It was slightly painful but after a while, it should go back to normal.
“Thank god.” Fian sighed in relief. Feeling a little guilty, she took some of the fabric as well. “Now I know that you’re definitely worth that silver coin. If your hand didn’t break that easily against her then it was money well spent.”
“Who was she?” Sammuel feigned ignorance. He already had a guess and saw her status but he wanted to know just how well-versed Fian was with the current matters of the city.
“Let’s talk back at the library.”
The three people went back inside the library. They decided to talk about the matter inside the staff room. Marie was sent to go ahead and man the counter as Fian didn’t want to burden Marie with information she didn’t need to know.
“That was Jynnette Hease, but people here just call her Jyn. She’s an up-and-coming mercenary who managed to have a lot have achievements despite her young age. Despite how young she is, she’s well-versed in assassination. A clear favorite of the city.”
This was correct. Sammuel noted down two important measures from that girl, her true name and her Combat Power. As it turned out, a Combat Power of 1694 was a devastating number to come across. Enough to make Sammuel thank the gods that he only managed to get away with that with a mere injury.
Sammuel’s hand still ached. He moved it around to try and get his blood circulating.
“That’s comforting. Let's just hope she doesn’t come out and try to target me, haha.” Sammuel’s awkward smile betrayed him. It weighed heavily on his mind.
“I..” Fian gathered up the courage to say something. “I know you’ve been practicing your swordsmanship at night. I peeked at it one night and saw it all. If that was what I think it was, I want to ask, why are you staying with us?”
“Is there a problem?”
“Are you acting or do you genuinely not know?” Fian continued on. She knew that Sammuel had a good character. “Because it might change how the current situation will unfold.”
Sammuel knew that this was bound to happen but he didn’t expect it to be this early on. “Would you believe me if I said I don’t know what happened? That I arrived in this city with nothing but a rusty sword and that sword technique on me?”
Fian bit her lip. “Would you?”