Chapter 336: Spotting a Double-headed Eagle Again (Part 2)
Translator: Nyoi-Bo Studio Editor: Nyoi-Bo Studio
It was more troublesome smearing magic medicine on weapons than doing so with poison . Magic medicine had a higher level of volatility, and only a mage would be able to ensure that the magic medicine on a weapon could last for an extended duration . Even if a soldier possessed magic medicine, the magic medicine would be useless .
Chaotic medicine was used to deal with summoning spells, but it also had the same effect on puppets . Even if a puppet was not controlled by a mage, it would still need a set of operational rules to distribute its energy so that it could battle autonomously . The moment a puppet was damaged by chaotic medicine, it would lose control over its movements . Not only would it attack its enemies, but it would also attack its own companions .
This kind of medicine was the forte of a death mage . If an elemental mage tried producing it, it would be as difficult as producing high-grade medicine .
After the wooden spears were refined, they became long spears which were over five meters in length . They were more suitable for use by infantrymen, as cavalrymen would need to undergo specialized training to learn how to wield such long weapons . However, Saleen had drawn some magic patterns on the pole of each spear, allowing the wooden spears to maintain their original weight . As long as the pirates gripped onto the center of gravity of the spears, they would not lose control of them .
The best weapons against a headless rider would be weapons such as a square axe, a two-handed epee, or an explosive meteor hammer . A square axe would be able to cleave heavy armor because of its inertia . The two-handed epee was a swordmaster's favorite weapon as it allowed them to utilize the sword aura in a reasonable manner . The explosive meteor hammer was a rarer magic weapon . Besides delivering heavy blows, it could also produce a tearing effect .
Swordmasters were rare in Saleen's team . Saleen had refined the square axes for the pirates to use . One of Saleen's fully constructed puppets also wielded a square axe . This weapon was extremely heavy and had unparalleled sharpness, and even magic armor could barely resist its attacks . The only problem was that this weapon was too heavy, and a lot of physical strength would be consumed trying to carry it .
Fortunately, Saleen had bone horses in his team . One only needed to hang the square axe on the weapon hook of the horse to do the trick .
These weapons did not pose much of a challenge, because metal and wood were relatively easily refined . Also, Saleen still had to produce new gloves for the pirates .
Usually, the pirates only used a saber or a long knife . If they were to wield a square axe, they would need a pair of gloves which could withstand immense friction, so that the axe would not slip from their hands .
At this point in time, the benefits of having followers were clearly exemplified . Jola and the four magic beast swordsmen protected Saleen's tent while the pirates streamed in and out of the tent continuously, distributing the newly refined weapons . With the protection of four grand swordmasters, Saleen and Aini would not need to worry about being assassinated .
More often than not, a mage would select a very safe location to carry out their alchemy experiments . After all, when a mage was conducting alchemy, they would have to concentrate a huge amount of mental strength, which would cause their perception of the surroundings to be reduced .
To a mage who was used to having everything under control, having a lowered perception was extremely dangerous . During such a time, a mage was more vulnerable to attacks than a swordsman .
When Jola observed the weapons sent out of the tent, he said to the four magic beast swordsmen, "You all should have the lord refine a weapon for you . Judging by this situation, the lord must have run into some trouble . Didn't you notice that the three mages looked nervous?"
The four magic beast swordsmen looked at one another . They were still not used to regarding Jola as their partner . After all, they had been pursuing Jola for months . They could not bring themselves to disregard whatever had happened like what Jola was doing right now . The four of them were orphans who had been groomed into magic beast swordsmen by the imperial family . However, they did not swear allegiance to anyone . Furthermore, as magic beast swordsmen, they could not retreat if they met with danger .
Jola despised the Cloudflow institutions . In order to make someone work hard, one had to provide some benefits in exchange . Magic beast swordsmen did not lead very good lives . They might have enjoyed higher statuses than civilians, but they were inferior to even a third-class baron .
"We have just become beginner grand swordmasters . We still need some time to get used to our weapons . We don't even know what kind of special weapons we require, so…"
One of the magic beast swordsmen hesitated, confessing his worries . To them, it was a very troublesome affair to ask Saleen to refine a weapon . The weapons they required were not some lowly products like the ones which would be given to the pirates . A premium alchemical weapon would accompany a grand swordmaster for the rest of their life . Hence, the magic beast swordsmen decided that they would stabilize their skills before requesting that Saleen help them by crafting suitable weapons for them .
"Hey, has Jupiter made all of you stupid?" Jola objected, "Before long, you are going to put your lives at stake . If you survive, the lord will treat you very well . In the future, you might even obtain some land, two wives, and a brood of children . Furthermore, the lord will hire a teacher to educate your children . By behaving like this now, it's obvious that all of you are not sincere in joining the lord . "
The four magic beast swordsmen became flustered . They did not know how the outside world worked . They only knew that they had to continue fighting if they joined Saleen . However, they did not know that a follower would enjoy such privileges . If that was really the case, then they did not need to stand by ceremony with Saleen . If they distanced themselves too much, just as Jola said, it would mean that they did not regard Saleen as their lord at all .
"Is that the truth?"
"Of course . I feel that Sir will volunteer to help you all refine a weapon this time around . But if you still do not take initiative the second time, the situation will not be too good . You should know that a mage will probably have more than a hundred followers . The few of you were lucky . In truth, you can't even return to Cloudflow anymore . Yet, you were adopted by a grand mage, which is an opportunity others would gladly accept . All of you must cherish this opportunity," Jola continued spouting nonsense, but he was absolutely right . As a follower, one would have to ensure their master's safety . Hence, they needed to maximize their offensive abilities .
The four magic beast swordsmen had decided to break their sabers as an exhibition of loyalty . Henceforth, they could only rely on their cavalry equipment . Furthermore, if they traveled on foot, they would no longer have any weapons suitable for use .
"Mr . Jola, thank you for your guidance," a magic beast swordsman thanked sincerely .
"Just address me by my name in the future . In Qin, the title 'Mr' is only used to address mages . Don't bring trouble to yourselves . " Originally, Jola had been a swordsmanship instructor in the palace, so some students would address him in this manner . However, he knew very clearly that certain rules in Qin were stricter than they were in Cloudflow . Jola was fine with the four swordsmen addressing him in this manner privately, but if the other mages overheard, there would be unnecessary trouble .
"Okay . " The magic beast swordsmen stopped talking . They began brainstorming for weapons which personally suited them . An epee might have been the simplest choice, but they were well-versed in a variety of combat skills, so an epee might not have been the most suitable weapon . During their time in Cloudflow, the magic beast swordsmen had only been able to carry sabers due to the nature of their job . They would not receive any special weapons .
These five men stood guard outside the tent . Since they were already grand swordmasters, the frigid weather would not affect them adversely . Under non-combat conditions, the sword aura was just like a mage's magic in that it could provide a comfortable environment for the body .
It was only late into the night that Saleen's voice came from the tent . "The five of you, come inside . "
Jola led the four magic beast swordsmen into Saleen's tent . Saleen's tent was huge . Now that the pirates had moved the last of the weapons away, only three mages remained inside the tent, making the interior look spacious .
"Sit down, let's eat together . " Saleen took out his premade meal from the demonic ring and placed it on the oilcloth which was spread out nicely . At the moment, he was not a grade-6 mage yet, so the space in the demonic ring was limited . Hence, Saleen would not bring along items such as tables and chairs . Unless Saleen's spatial equipment was like Lex's god's ring, he would not even think of bringing along those lifestyle appliances .
Jola reached for the food and started eating . On the other hand, the four magic beast swordsmen were feeling perturbed as they had thought of weapons after being reminded by Jola . However, since it was mealtime now, they were embarrassed to make any requests, thus they felt very conflicted .
Saleen was the first to finish his bread, then he used the Cleaning spell to put away the utensils . Then, he said to Jola and the magic beast swordsmen, "Jola is right, we might run into trouble . I have thought of a weapon for Jola . As for the four of you, show me your strongest skill later on . I will help you design weapons . "
"Sir, what kind of trouble is it?" Jola took the initiative to ask Saleen . In truth, Jola was an easygoing person . Be it Saleen or Emperor Jupiter, there was not much difference to him . If his lord could not tolerate him, then he would simply bid them farewell . That was why Jola was not as restrained as the four magic beast swordsmen .
"Mm, we might run into some black mages . "
The five of them were not familiar with magic . Even though they might have heard some myths regarding black magic, it was inevitably a thousand year old issue already . A few years earlier, some black mages had appeared in Phoenix, but they had disappeared again very quickly, so nobody had really become alarmed . This incident was only spread within the empire's royal family and had not created any ripples .
"I have fought with the puppets controlled by the black mages . They are an annoying bunch . " Seeing that the rest of them were not really nervous, Saleen continued, "A black mage can create a huge number of puppets . Furthermore, those black puppets which surfaced the previous time were obviously made from scarecrows . Just think about it, black puppets might not be very powerful, but they come in massive numbers . If there are ten thousand black puppets, can you all guarantee you will emerge victorious?"
"If we have ten thousand soldiers, we can win," Jola chuckled .
"Do I need you tell me that? But we only have slightly more than a hundred soldiers . There might be more than one hundred thousand black puppets . Also, a headless rider is far more powerful than a black puppet . It is almost as powerful as a swordmaster . How many swordmasters can you handle at a time?"
At this point in time, Jola furrowed his brows . If the battle was between a grand swordmaster and a swordmaster, the grand swordmaster could win even with his eyes closed . But in a chaotic battle, a dozen swordmasters would pose a threat to a grand swordmaster .
"Sir, I have underestimated the enemy," Jola admitted unabashedly . Even though Jola was careless with his personal life, he took his job very seriously .
"One thousand years ago, it was no coincidence that the black mages were able to create so much trouble . Right now, we don't have a city to rely on . And in the Chaotic Swamp, the black mages will be able to unleash all their power . I am not sure if other puppets will appear, but the evil dragon will definitely make its appearance . It will be pointless for us to establish a simple formation . As long as the headless riders hide behind the evil dragon as they charged forward, we will not be able to hold the fort even if we have a huge number of steel crossbows with us . "
"Evil dragon?" None of the five grand swordmasters knew what an evil dragon was .
"It is one of the most terrifying weapons in the world, to its enemies, I mean . " Saleen recalled the time when he had discovered the evil dragon at the end of the road of bones . It was truly strange because evil dragons still had not appeared at any other locations . Now, it seemed that these things had gone into hiding in the Chaotic Swamp, and many more of such monsters might have been groomed after all these years .
That tug-of-war in Loulan would have provided the black mages with the best nourishment possible – suffering souls .
Chapter 336 Spotting a Double headed Eagle Again Part 2 Translator Nyoi Bo Studio Editor Nyoi Bo StudioIt was more troublesome smearing magic medicine on weapons than doing so with poison . Magic medicine had a higher level of volatility, and only a mage would be able to ensure that the magic medicine on a weapon could last for an extended duration . Even if a soldier possessed magic medicine, the magic medicine would be useless . Chaotic medicine was used to deal with summoning spells, but it also had the same effect on puppets . Even if a puppet was not controlled by a mage, it would still need a set of operational rules to distribute its energy so that it could battle autonomously . The moment a puppet was damaged by chaotic medicine, it would lose control over its movements . Not only would it attack its enemies, but it would also attack its own companions . This kind of medicine was the forte of a death mage . If an elemental mage tried producing it, it would be as difficult as producing high grade medicine . After the wooden spears were refined, they became long spears which were over five meters in length . They were more suitable for use by infantrymen, as cavalrymen would need to undergo specialized training to learn how to wield such long weapons . However, Saleen had drawn some magic patterns on the pole of each spear, allowing the wooden spears to maintain their original weight . As long as the pirates gripped onto the center of gravity of the spears, they would not lose control of them . The best weapons against a headless rider would be weapons such as a square axe, a two handed epee, or an explosive meteor hammer . A square axe would be able to cleave heavy armor because of its inertia . The two handed epee was a swordmaster s favorite weapon as it allowed them to utilize the sword aura in a reasonable manner . The explosive meteor hammer was a rarer magic weapon . Besides delivering heavy blows, it could also produce a tearing effect . Swordmasters were rare in Saleen s team . Saleen had refined the square axes for the pirates to use . One of Saleen s fully constructed puppets also wielded a square axe . This weapon was extremely heavy and had unparalleled sharpness, and even magic armor could barely resist its attacks . The only problem was that this weapon was too heavy, and a lot of physical strength would be consumed trying to carry it . Fortunately, Saleen had bone horses in his team . One only needed to hang the square axe on the weapon hook of the horse to do the trick . These weapons did not pose much of a challenge, because metal and wood were relatively easily refined . Also, Saleen still had to produce new gloves for the pirates . Usually, the pirates only used a saber or a long knife . If they were to wield a square axe, they would need a pair of gloves which could withstand immense friction, so that the axe would not slip from their hands . At this point in time, the benefits of having followers were clearly exemplified . Jola and the four magic beast swordsmen protected Saleen s tent while the pirates streamed in and out of the tent continuously, distributing the newly refined weapons . With the protection of four grand swordmasters, Saleen and Aini would not need to worry about being assassinated . More often than not, a mage would select a very safe location to carry out their alchemy experiments . After all, when a mage was conducting alchemy, they would have to concentrate a huge amount of mental strength, which would cause their perception of the surroundings to be reduced . To a mage who was used to having everything under control, having a lowered perception was extremely dangerous . During such a time, a mage was more vulnerable to attacks than a swordsman . When Jola observed the weapons sent out of the tent, he said to the four magic beast swordsmen, You all should have the lord refine a weapon for you . Judging by this situation, the lord must have run into some trouble . Didn t you notice that the three mages looked nervous The four magic beast swordsmen looked at one another . They were still not used to regarding Jola as their partner . After all, they had been pursuing Jola for months . They could not bring themselves to disregard whatever had happened like what Jola was doing right now . The four of them were orphans who had been groomed into magic beast swordsmen by the imperial family . However, they did not swear allegiance to anyone . Furthermore, as magic beast swordsmen, they could not retreat if they met with danger . Jola despised the Cloudflow institutions . In order to make someone work hard, one had to provide some benefits in exchange . Magic beast swordsmen did not lead very good lives . They might have enjoyed higher statuses than civilians, but they were inferior to even a third class baron . We have just become beginner grand swordmasters . We still need some time to get used to our weapons . We don t even know what kind of special weapons we require, so One of the magic beast swordsmen hesitated, confessing his worries . To them, it was a very troublesome affair to ask Saleen to refine a weapon . The weapons they required were not some lowly products like the ones which would be given to the pirates . A premium alchemical weapon would accompany a grand swordmaster for the rest of their life . Hence, the magic beast swordsmen decided that they would stabilize their skills before requesting that Saleen help them by crafting suitable weapons for them . Hey, has Jupiter made all of you stupid Jola objected, Before long, you are going to put your lives at stake . If you survive, the lord will treat you very well . In the future, you might even obtain some land, two wives, and a brood of children . Furthermore, the lord will hire a teacher to educate your children . By behaving like this now, it s obvious that all of you are not sincere in joining the lord . The four magic beast swordsmen became flustered . They did not know how the outside world worked . They only knew that they had to continue fighting if they joined Saleen . However, they did not know that a follower would enjoy such privileges . If that was really the case, then they did not need to stand by ceremony with Saleen . If they distanced themselves too much, just as Jola said, it would mean that they did not regard Saleen as their lord at all . Is that the truth Of course . I feel that Sir will volunteer to help you all refine a weapon this time around . But if you still do not take initiative the second time, the situation will not be too good . You should know that a mage will probably have more than a hundred followers . The few of you were lucky . In truth, you can t even return to Cloudflow anymore . Yet, you were adopted by a grand mage, which is an opportunity others would gladly accept . All of you must cherish this opportunity, Jola continued spouting nonsense, but he was absolutely right . As a follower, one would have to ensure their master s safety . Hence, they needed to maximize their offensive abilities . The four magic beast swordsmen had decided to break their sabers as an exhibition of loyalty . Henceforth, they could only rely on their cavalry equipment . Furthermore, if they traveled on foot, they would no longer have any weapons suitable for use . Mr . Jola, thank you for your guidance, a magic beast swordsman thanked sincerely . Just address me by my name in the future . In Qin, the title Mr is only used to address mages . Don t bring trouble to yourselves . Originally, Jola had been a swordsmanship instructor in the palace, so some students would address him in this manner . However, he knew very clearly that certain rules in Qin were stricter than they were in Cloudflow . Jola was fine with the four swordsmen addressing him in this manner privately, but if the other mages overheard, there would be unnecessary trouble . Okay . The magic beast swordsmen stopped talking . They began brainstorming for weapons which personally suited them . An epee might have been the simplest choice, but they were well versed in a variety of combat skills, so an epee might not have been the most suitable weapon . During their time in Cloudflow, the magic beast swordsmen had only been able to carry sabers due to the nature of their job . They would not receive any special weapons . These five men stood guard outside the tent . Since they were already grand swordmasters, the frigid weather would not affect them adversely . Under non combat conditions, the sword aura was just like a mage s magic in that it could provide a comfortable environment for the body . It was only late into the night that Saleen s voice came from the tent . The five of you, come inside . Jola led the four magic beast swordsmen into Saleen s tent . Saleen s tent was huge . Now that the pirates had moved the last of the weapons away, only three mages remained inside the tent, making the interior look spacious . Sit down, let s eat together . Saleen took out his premade meal from the demonic ring and placed it on the oilcloth which was spread out nicely . At the moment, he was not a grade 6 mage yet, so the space in the demonic ring was limited . Hence, Saleen would not bring along items such as tables and chairs . Unless Saleen s spatial equipment was like Lex s god s ring, he would not even think of bringing along those lifestyle appliances . Jola reached for the food and started eating . On the other hand, the four magic beast swordsmen were feeling perturbed as they had thought of weapons after being reminded by Jola . However, since it was mealtime now, they were embarrassed to make any requests, thus they felt very conflicted . Saleen was the first to finish his bread, then he used the Cleaning spell to put away the utensils . Then, he said to Jola and the magic beast swordsmen, Jola is right, we might run into trouble . I have thought of a weapon for Jola . As for the four of you, show me your strongest skill later on . I will help you design weapons . Sir, what kind of trouble is it Jola took the initiative to ask Saleen . In truth, Jola was an easygoing person . Be it Saleen or Emperor Jupiter, there was not much difference to him . If his lord could not tolerate him, then he would simply bid them farewell . That was why Jola was not as restrained as the four magic beast swordsmen . Mm, we might run into some black mages . The five of them were not familiar with magic . Even though they might have heard some myths regarding black magic, it was inevitably a thousand year old issue already . A few years earlier, some black mages had appeared in Phoenix, but they had disappeared again very quickly, so nobody had really become alarmed . This incident was only spread within the empire s royal family and had not created any ripples . I have fought with the puppets controlled by the black mages . They are an annoying bunch . Seeing that the rest of them were not really nervous, Saleen continued, A black mage can create a huge number of puppets . Furthermore, those black puppets which surfaced the previous time were obviously made from scarecrows . Just think about it, black puppets might not be very powerful, but they come in massive numbers . If there are ten thousand black puppets, can you all guarantee you will emerge victorious If we have ten thousand soldiers, we can win, Jola chuckled . Do I need you tell me that But we only have slightly more than a hundred soldiers . There might be more than one hundred thousand black puppets . Also, a headless rider is far more powerful than a black puppet . It is almost as powerful as a swordmaster . How many swordmasters can you handle at a time At this point in time, Jola furrowed his brows . If the battle was between a grand swordmaster and a swordmaster, the grand swordmaster could win even with his eyes closed . But in a chaotic battle, a dozen swordmasters would pose a threat to a grand swordmaster . Sir, I have underestimated the enemy, Jola admitted unabashedly . Even though Jola was careless with his personal life, he took his job very seriously . One thousand years ago, it was no coincidence that the black mages were able to create so much trouble . Right now, we don t have a city to rely on . And in the Chaotic Swamp, the black mages will be able to unleash all their power . I am not sure if other puppets will appear, but the evil dragon will definitely make its appearance . It will be pointless for us to establish a simple formation . As long as the headless riders hide behind the evil dragon as they charged forward, we will not be able to hold the fort even if we have a huge number of steel crossbows with us . Evil dragon None of the five grand swordmasters knew what an evil dragon was . It is one of the most terrifying weapons in the world, to its enemies, I mean . Saleen recalled the time when he had discovered the evil dragon at the end of the road of bones . It was truly strange because evil dragons still had not appeared at any other locations . Now, it seemed that these things had gone into hiding in the Chaotic Swamp, and many more of such monsters might have been groomed after all these years . That tug of war in Loulan would have provided the black mages with the best nourishment possible suffering souls .