As Liam stared at the platform he had just jumped from his eyes followed each line of cracks that were formed. His mind worked double time as he understood the implications of this meant. It meant that each time the Wave Rider Crab did that wave attack, whichever platform he was last on that the creature crashed on to would slowly destroy it.

Liam activated Spot Frailty and saw each crack sport a yellow color. This meant that the platform would be completely destroyed with a second attack. If that was the case then he needed to kill the monster before all four outer platforms were destroyed. Seeing the state of the platform and thinking about how hard the Wave Rider Crab’s shell was while adding what he had to do to get to what he was thinking it’s weak spot was…The feeling of being able to handle killing this monster by himself was now starting to feel a lot tougher.

He shook his head a couple of times trying to stop the slight dread and anxiety that was forming in his mind of failing the task. He needed to keep calm and think of a way of doing this without needing to ask the others to step in and help. This was for not just his sake, but the others. He needed to learn how to handle tough creatures as a Crafter.

He needed to learn how to fight as a Battle Crafter like Uncle Naro. However, the more he was thinking into this the more he was kicking himself for not being better prepared. He should have made more Chemicalized Creations. That was his first mistake. His next mistake was his tools. He was solely focused on the three tool weapons Uncle Naro had him practice with. The fight against the Mud Shaper Hermit Crab revealed that a pickaxe could be used as well. If that was the case then what about other crafter tools? He had a needle for Tailoring, but he was up against a creature with a hard shell. Would a needle really be helpful in a fight like this?

Once more Liam shook his head. His current needle wouldn’t be able to help him. It was of Crude Quality and would easily break, just like his pickaxe. Plus he didn’t have any proper skills or abilities appropriate for it. He didn’t have any other crafter tools he could use. If that was the case then what about Crafter skills or abilities?

He quickly thought about what he had. The abilities from his Focus Points in the Field of the Crafter didn’t have much that could do damage. His Construction Craft Focus Points didn’t have much help. Both Construct Wooden Creation and Small Creation Knowledge wasn’t going to be helpful with anything. Destruction points only showed him where the best places to strike a place that would help speed along the destruction of a constructed object.

His Gathering Focus Point wasn’t helpful in this fight either. Lumberjack Efficiency and Mining Strike Accuracy were only helpful when mining and chopping down trees. Harvest wasn’t much helpful here too since it could be used only after the monster was dead. Temp Check, Item Understandace, and Crafter’s Endurance from his Production Craft Focus Point were useless as well. Light and Burn was something he could use if he dumped oil on the creature, but getting close enough to do that would be a chore and since they were near the sea the creature could just wash it off when knocked into it.

You have more than what you believe you have at your disposal. Eri suddenly stated in Liam’s mind.

Huh? Liam muttered as he grew confused.

You’re overthinking this. Eri continued. Before you start wasting time thinking over the skills and abilities you gained with Crafts you have currently trained with. Think about the one ability you have honed into your fighting style while in the Tutorial Area.

Liam’s brows scrunched as he took her words to heart. The one ability that I have honed into my fighting style while in the Tutorial Area? But I can only currently use Crafter ability and skills and if I think about that then it would be the Light and Burn combo with oil and like I thought before it would just wash it off by hopping into the sea wouldn’t it?

Liam heard Eri sigh before responding, While it is true that you did do that as well, I wasn’t talking about. Besides there’s a way around that issue, but we’ll address that after you realize how stupid you are. Think about the one ability you learned that you didn’t realize it was a Crafter’s bread and butter until recently.

Liam gave an incredulous look as he was taken aback. What do you me… Liam started to reply until he looked down at his hands. As a Crafter his hands were his bread and butter when creating things. However, what Eri was getting at wasn’t his physical hands, but the Mana created versions. Hand Type Spells.

Hand Type Spells, according to Uncle Naro, and to even Vesely, were spells that Crafters used to help them during crafting sessions. Whether they were used to bring ingredients from different spots of the crafting room when a Crafter couldn’t step away from the process to using them to pour in, guide mana, or help stabilize a crafted item being crafted, these Hand Type spells were really the bread and butter to a crafter.

However, before he could get excited he remember the only Hand Type spells he had were Shadow Hand, Lunar Hand, Lightning Hand, and Gravity Hand. He was trying to stay away from using Shadow Hand for two reasons right now. One was he needed to level up his other Shadow spells before allowing that spell to reach level twenty. The other was, he was trying to avoid using any Shadow spell when fighting as a ‘Crafter’.

When it came to his Lunar Hand, he was told not to use any Lunar abilities and still didn’t know when or if he could reveal that he had the Field of the Lunar. His Gravity Hand and Lightning Hand he had just learned recently; so unlike the other two where their levels in Mana Control and Manipulation was past ten and allowed him to summon more than one, he would only be able to use one of both of them and if he was going to use Hand Type spells in a fight then he would need to use more than one. While using those two would help him out he felt they were also lacking.

Ugh, you’re doing it again. Eri stated with a dissatisfied tone. While I understand your concerns about using your Shadow Hand, you can still use Lunar Hand.

Liam’s brows scrunched. What do you mean? Did you say…

I know I said you shouldn’t use Lunar Magic since it would cause issues due to how rare it is, but I think maybe we are making things more complicated than it should be limiting your magics to different personas. Eri explained. I’m not saying you should just outright use it openly right now. it will bring too much attention. For now you should use Lunar Magic when there are no outsiders around. In this fight just limit it to the Lunar Hand, but after this you should start utilizing Lunar Magic more and more.

Liam thought about it. She was right about them making things more complicated with creating multiple personas and limiting magics to each one. His Lunar Magic was the only thing left out. He needed to work on it if he wanted it to grow, but since they didn’t have a way to incorporate it they were left at a standstill with it. Creating a third persona would be too much work and would spread him thin.

Liam liked the change of plans. He nodded his head in agreement with her plan. Using his Lunar Magic with his Crafting Fighting Style could open up more routes for him. The Afflictions especially would be helpful in fights. However for this fight he would only be able to use the Lunar Hand and…

Liam’s eyes widened as his mind went back to his surroundings. He was still in the middle of a fight and instead of paying attention to his opponent he was having a leisurely conversation with Eri. He swiftly scanned the watery arena and looked to find where the Wave Rider Crab was only to find empty platforms and calm waters.

You don’t have to worry about the Wave Rider Crab. Eri informed as she felt Liam’s sudden concerns. Just like the Sand Flea Crabs, it won’t reappear until you step back out there. Think of this area as a safe zone. For now at least…After you get it to half health it will attack this area if you spend too much time here. Besides, I wouldn’t be talking to you and distracting your thoughts if you were in danger.

Liam let out a breath of air as his body relaxed a bit. Okay so going back to what we were talking about…I should use Lunar Hand and Gravity Hand or Lunar Hand and Lightning Hand in this fight right?

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No. Eri quickly replied.

Liam felt his body twitch as slight irritation stirred. What do you mean no? Did you just say…

No. Eri said again. Before Liam could say anything else she quickly added. You’re going to use those three plus Earth Hand.

Liam blinked a couple of times before saying, But I don’t have Earth Hand. And how would I use more than one type of Hand Spell? I haven… Liam stopped his words as he realized that wasn’t true. He remembered he had use two different types of Hand Type Spells. He was able to do it, however, when he was losing his mind while in the Harbinger of Chaos class. He hadn’t been able to pull it off again since those times. No, that wasn’t right. He hadn’t tried to pull it off when not using that class due to Eri’s warning.

He remembered his discussion with Eri about it. They were both compatible and opposite elemental forces. He still didn’t understand how that was possible. How could something be compatible and opposite? That was something he needed to figure out another time. However, now he had Lightning Hand and Gravity Hand and Eri wanted him to learn Earth Hand too. Maybe he could pull it off. He just needed to understand how.

You need to learn how to make it. Like Naro had said, once you learn how to make one, learning the others will become easier. Eri stated. I would have you learn Plant Hand as well, but having too many Hand Type spells active at once at your current understanding will only burden you than help you.

What do you mean? Liam asked, slightly confused.

It will take a lot of focus for you to wield Lunar Hand, Lightning Hand, Gravity Hand, and Earth Hand all at once. You won’t be able to have them move on their own like you would when using Shadow Hand or Lunar Hand alone. So you will need to move them yourself while trying to fight off the Wave Rider Crab at the same time. You will also need to pay attention to your Mana Pool since it will drain it having so many out at the same time without proper understanding of what you are doing.

Liam sighed. So what you are saying is I am going to do something that is both stupid for trying out for the first time in the middle of a fight without any proper training and incredible if I can pull it off?

Potentially. Eri said, sounding a bit amused. However, you are my Champion so you should be able to pull it off. If you can’t then maybe I should reconsider finding a different Champion.

Even though Liam could tell she was trying to motivate him, he still responded to the bait. “You really know how to motivate me don’t you. Fine, I’ll take your challenge and show you that I am worthy of the title you bestowed me.”

All he got in response was Eri laughing merrily in his mind.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Mercer and the others stood on the beach, watching Liam. They were a bit concerned after watching him slam into the edge of the rocky lane. Especially Mercer since he was the only other person who had Perception of the Control Tower. He had seen Liam’s Health Pool drop and continued to drop along with his Stamina Bar as the wave pummeled him.

He felt relieved when the wave had stopped pouring down and he was able to pull himself onto the rocky terrain he had held onto for dear life. He felt even more relieved when he saw Liam’s health and stamina go back up. “He must have taken a Health and Stamina Potion,” Mercer muttered to himself.

“What was that?” Avery asked as she turned to look at him.

“Hm?” Mercer responded as he looked back at her. “Oh, I was saying he must have taken a Health and Stamina Potion since both of those rose up.”

Avery’s brows furrowed as she asked, “How do you kno…” She stopped herself as she realized the answer. “Ah, you have Perception of the Control Tower too right? If so how much damage did he take from that hit?”

“His health dropped under half, and he had a quarter of his stamina left,” Mercer answered.

Before Avery or Mercer could say anything else, Roman asked, “What is he doing?”

Both of them turned to see Liam staring out at the watery arena. He just stood there looking like he was contemplating something, but what he was thinking was a mystery to them all.

“He better get back out there before the Wave Rider Crab comes back out and attacks him,” Artem stated, worried for Liam.

“You don’t have to worry about that for now,” Mercer informed. “It won’t reappear until he steps back out onto the platforms.”

Everyone looked at him, confusion as to why he knew that. But before anyone could ask they remembered he had said he had read about the creature in a book. They nodded, each relieved that he had some time to breath and think. That relief was quickly replaced as they saw the state of the platform Liam had jumped from before the wave crashed down. It really didn’t look good from where they stood.

“Do you think he has a chance?” Ariyana questioned as she stroked Tabby’s head.

“Of course he does. Why would you think he wouldn’t?” Roman asked as he crossed his arms.

“It’s not that I don’t think he would, it’s just that he’s limited to just using Crafter style skills and abilities. If he were to use everything he has then I wouldn’t put it past him. But since he can’t…,” Ariyana left the rest of the sentence to hang as she wasn’t sure how to finish it.

“There’s nothing to worry about,” Blair stated, clearing the awkward silence that was created a moment ago.

“What makes you say that?” Ariyana asked, unsure herself.

“He’s not using everything,” Blair said.

“That’s because he can’t,” Ariyana argued. “You were there when he was told he needs to only use Crafter….”

Blair interrupted as she clarified, “He too focused on the Crafter tool weapons he was given. He’s not thinking about what else he can use that is considered Crafter skills or abilities. I think him standing there is him realizing that.”

Ariyana stood there dumbfounded. She couldn’t think of what else he had that was considered Crafter skills or abilities he could use in a fight. She knew it hadn’t been long since they had regrouped, but these last two waves she hadn’t seen him use anything but the tool weapons he was given. There was that thing with the pickaxe, but she hadn’t seen it with her eyes and didn’t think a pickaxe would be helpful in this fight.

Before she could ask for further clarification, she saw Blair and Roman grin as they said, “Sounds like he figured something out.”

Ariyana raised a brow as she looked over at Liam. On his face was grin he usually wore when he was presented with a challenge. Even though she thought it was funny to see him have it, she was confused as to what he was planning.

“What did he say? I couldn’t hear anything,” Artem and Avery questioned.

“Something about knowing how to motivate him and showing he is worthy of bearing the title he was bestowed with,” Roman said.

“Best guess is Eris gave him a nice talking to,” Blair said as she kept her eyes locked on him waiting to see what he was going to do.

Mercer let out a laugh at what they had said. He felt if there was anyone who could get him to stop being so tunnel visioned it would be her. As he watched him he felt something strange coming from his direction. He recognized it as mana being channeled and used Mana Sight to see what he was channeling. Was it Gravity Mana? Lightning Mana? He surely wouldn’t use Shadow or Lunar…His thoughts stopped as he unconsciously questioned out loud, “Why is he channeling Earth Mana?”

Roman laughed as Blair chuckled. Everyone activated their Mana Sight and saw what Mercer did. They were just as confused and curious as Mercer as they watched Liam channel the mana. While they knew he had unlocked it through the guidance of Naro, they were entirely sure what he was planning on doing with it.

Without them having to wait long, they watched as he molded the mana he had channeled and created an Earth Hand with it. This scene still confused them, while having an Earth Hand was good and all, they weren’t entirely sure why he made it. Having an extra hand could be helpful, but since he could only make one of the Earth Hands and not two like his Shadow Hand and Lunar Hand, they didn’t think it would be…

Shortly after creating the Earth Hand, they watched as he started channeling another elemental mana type. This one was Lightning. A Lightning Hand was created not too long after that.

“Okay…an Earth Hand and a Lighting Hand,” Roman said as he tried to think why he created the two. “I didn’t know he could make two Hand Spells that were different, did any of you?”

“He’s made a Shadow Hand and a Lunar Hand before, but that was when he wasn’t in the right state of mind,” Mercer said as he grew curious as to what Liam had planned.

“Why Earth and Lightning?” Artem asked.

Before anyone could say anything they felt another type of mana being channeled. All of their attention was focused on Liam as they watched him look like he was straining as he channeled Gravity Mana this time. After channeling enough of it, a Gravity Hand came to life.

“A third Mana Type Hand Spell?” Ariyana gasped. “Was he always able to do this?”

“No, he had just gotten those three Hand Spells just recently so there’s no way he’s ever tried doing this before,” Mercer responded. Curiosity and worry both growing within him. His focus was on both Liam himself and his Mana Pool as he noticed it was slowly ticking down. It had dropped a third of its full pool and was ticking down two mana points a second.

There was obvious risks to using more than one type of Hand Type Spells they weren’t aware of and were now seeing. He was just happy Liam was limiting himself to not using…Mercer’s eyes widened as Liam’s Mana Pool started dropping fast. He then saw the familiar color of pale white that represented Lunar Mana start being channeled. With concern he quickly said, “What the hell is he thinking?”

“I thought he wasn’t going to use Lunar Magic,” Ariyana commented.

“He wasn’t,” Avery stated. “However, I think that might have changed after he had his chat with Eris.”

No one said anything. If the goddess who blessed him did indeed speak to him not too long ago then it was safe to say that what he was going to do right now was something she had suggested. If that was the case then all they could do was watch and see what he was going to do with this situation.

After Liam created the Lunar Hand, he quickly pulled out a Mana Potion and downed it. After that he placed the vial back in his inventory. They could see his focus was strained as he grinned widely. He then let out a weird battle shout before jumping right onto the broken platform and getting the fight going once more.