Anime: Fight Sukuna at the beginning?.

Chapter 532 The Tide Never Returns: The Identity and Gains of the Dead (Part Two)

"Back to the small town?"
"Didn't the conditions already clearly state on the 'runestone' that led us into the 'dungeon'?"

The man walked up to the fire lit by firewood.

Reach out and grab the shared spoon in the small pot.

He stirred the broth that was placed over the fire.

Ensure that the added medication that can lower stress levels is evenly distributed, so that every bowl is effective.

Only then did he calmly look at the old man.

"Kill that [leader] and we can leave immediately."

"Or, as long as you are in a non-combat state, you can wait for a period of time and then pay a heavy price to 'force your way out'."

Hearing the man's words.

The old man was silent.

Placed on her knees, her wrinkled hands nervously rubbed against her waist.

After turning his head slightly and observing that the other two were not paying attention to this side.

The old man's voice, which he deliberately lowered, finally reached his ears.

"Captain, I'm afraid the 'forced disengagement' option won't work."

"I feel like something's off about this 'dungeon'."

"Given the strength of the enemy and the bizarre and unannounced appearance, it will probably not be easy for us to 'force our way out'."

"Although there is no evidence, my intuition tells me otherwise."

The old man handed the shield to the man.

He stretched out his hands again.

Pointing to the increasingly obvious 'water stains' on it, he said in a low voice.

Something bad is happening to us.

"And this 'dungeon' is more like a meticulously planned one."

"Used for burying us."

"trap.

"And we have already stepped in."
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Fang Yi remained silent.

He just stirred the broth again.

Watching the broth gradually heat up, about to burst into bubbles.

They started talking about unrelated topics.

"A rare, unusual unease and anxiety in you."

"And the fear of death."

"You seem to have obtained some information and therefore made some guesses."

Hearing Fang Yi's incisive words.

A look of surprise flashed across the old man's face.

Once you've extended your hand, you must provide an answer.

However, the man's next words...

But the old man was stunned.

"What you want to show me."

"It should be the badge that hangs on the armor plate of the [Drowned Corpse], right?"

The man stroked his chin as he spoke.

I added a sentence, though I was a little unsure.

"And that badge, judging from its style, is somewhat similar to the Swordsman's Badge on Vaughn's chest, but with more intricate patterns."

"So the person who possesses this [Swordsman's Badge] should be..."

Hearing the man's words.

The old man simply and decisively opened his palm.

The swordsman's badge, covered in barnacles and rust, was revealed.

Each word revealed the identity of the person holding the badge.

"The person who holds this badge was a man who suffered from leprosy, whose body was ravaged, and who could only wear a mask. It is unknown when he will die."

"But a swordsman whose virtue and strength are on par with, or even surpass, Lord Woyin's."

"【Broken Blade, Resolute Heart - Baldwin】"

"Like that [Saint White Radiance Zhalan], I will serve as Lord Woyin's deputy."
-
After uttering the name of the man holding the badge.

The old man's face instantly turned extremely ugly.

"And this badge is something he would never lose."

"Therefore, the fact that this badge is here basically indicates that he is probably already dead."

The old man's voice had become somewhat hoarse without him realizing it.

Fang Yi remained silent.

He simply shook his head silently.

Then he patted the old man on the shoulder.

He took out a bottle of "water mixed with alcohol" and handed it to the old man.

"Although the quality is somewhat poor, it is more like water than wine."

"But I think you need a little of this before the broth boils up to keep the bread from getting too hard."

"Make your language more organized and efficient."

Looking at the smiling man and the wine jug in his hand.

After hesitating for a moment.

She took the "water mixed with wine" from the man's hand and raised her chin.

"Gudong, Gudong."

A few sounds of liquid sliding down the throat followed.

Drink the wine in one gulp.

The old man, who had put down the wine jug, spat in dissatisfaction.

"This wine really is as terrible as you said."

Under the influence of the placebo, the elderly man seemed to regain his composure.

Fang Yi remained silent.

He simply made a 'please' gesture.

The old man didn't waste time and gave the information directly.

He went missing two weeks ago.

"In a commission that was 'perfect for him to go,' 'there was no better choice than him,' and 'couldn't be missed.'"

Looking at Fang Yi, who had a calm expression.

The old man added another sentence.

"Just like this dungeon about the [Gulf] that's 'perfect for you'."

As he spoke, the old man gripped the badge in his hand more tightly.

"And that commission."

Fang Yi looked at the bubbling iron pot.

He recalled the information he had exchanged with Miss Gu Qi: Leonard had accepted a commission related to the Prophet and mysteriously disappeared.

He said what the old man hadn't finished saying.

"It should be related to that [prophet]."

"Right."

The old man nodded.

"Yes, that's the one who handles all commissions and tasks involving it."

"The prophet" is someone who ensures that every participant will either disappear or suffer misfortune.

"The commission for it has failed thirty-seven times."

"For safety's sake, I can't continue discussing it with you, but if this dungeon involves it, we've probably fallen into an elaborate trap."

To the end.

The old man's speech became faster and faster.

It revealed an unease that even the Border Collie named Pudding in the men's martial arts gym could sense.

But Fang Yi didn't offer any words of comfort.

He simply drew the long sword from his waist.

Then he squatted down.

He took out the [Wheelstone Weapon], which resembled a whetstone.

He placed the longsword named "Kiriichimonji: Reforged" on it.

At the same time, water vapor was gathered.

He slowly pushed the blade forward.

He then began sharpening the knife with unusual focus.

"Sizzle... crunch..."
-
Looking at the man who was unusually focused.

And the rhythmic grinding sound produced as the abrasive particles are squeezed and scraped by the blade.

Do not know why.

The old man's fear gradually disappeared.

The heart that had been gripped by unease calmed down.

Then three rhythmic sounds rang out.

The man stopped sharpening the knife.

He picked up the long sword and blew on the blade.

He said it casually.

"After sharpening with a whetstone, the knife did become sharper."

The old woman seemed to have understood the man's implication.

They then gave a response.

"Yes.

"What the captain meant to say was..."

Even a trap can be used to hone oneself, if one can treat it like a sharp blade.

No, you're overthinking it!

A man with a smile on his face.

He said what he wanted to say very easily.

"If the knife becomes sharp."

“Killing enemies will be more efficient, and it will take less time to kill the leader and leave the dungeon.” The old man was stunned.

The man who had sheathed his sword looked at the group of fish fins standing to the side.

Vaughn, carrying two long swords and a staff inlaid with a large pearl, called the "Murloc Priestess."

And Miss Kanroji, who had already cleared the obstacles and entered the firelight's range.
"So, during this period of camping."

"During meals."

"Everyone, remember to maintain your weapons like I do."

"In the upcoming battle, for some reason, you will need to contribute and get some 'kills'."

The young swordsman snapped to attention and responded loudly.

"Yes, Captain, your order!"

Miss Kanroji replied with a smile and in a low voice.

"Of course, Captain."

And until then.

The old man finally came to his senses.

He responded calmly yet with murderous intent.

"Yes, Captain."

The old man took out the whetstone and also took out the meteor hammer that he had previously placed in his [identity badge] for convenience.

Fang Yi then took the longsword and staff from the swordsman.

While reviewing the gains from this battle.

They walked towards the corpse of the [Fishman Priest].

Before the main course, opening treasure chests, is served.

There are still some appetizers to try.

For example, these are some of the more interesting pieces of equipment.
-
Sweep over the [Murloc Longsword - Mistbreaker], which has reached the [Tier 2 Rare] quality level.

After ignoring meaningless data such as damage and durability, as well as the passive buff of increased movement speed in water-rich environments.

Fang Yi quickly focused his attention on the two [Specialized Buffs] triggered when equipping longswords.
-
[Specialized Gains]

When wielding a longsword, the effect of [Mist Dive] will be slightly increased and its consumption reduced.

Significantly reduces the burden of using [Shadow Rift].

It also moderately increases the effect of [Shadow Rift].
-
It seems to be for the sake of ease of understanding.

When a man's mind is focused on [Foggy Dive] and [Shadow Rift].

The space thoughtfully provides explanations of the skills.
-
【Mist-Piercing Blade Technique - Shadow Split】

When in a water-rich environment, activate [Fog Dive].

It can be achieved through water vapor and refraction.

Multiple deceptive attacks were created.
-
【Mist-Piercing Blade Technique - Mist Dive】

When in a water-rich environment, one can manipulate water vapor according to their innate abilities.

It uses water vapor to conceal its existence.

Upon launching the first attack, the [Mist Lurk] state will be dispelled.

And it significantly reduces the enemy's reaction speed.
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The former is clearly the sword light used by the opponent to confuse you when they make their move.

The latter is the key to the other party concealing their own existence.

These are all valuable skills that can be combined with the male's [Frozen Cloud] and [Mist Reaper] skills.

The man had easily killed the two Murloc Sword Saints by using the reverse application of [Mist Dive].

But it looks almost identical to my own [Fog Dive] effect.

However, the skill description now includes the prefix "[Fog Breaking Blade Technique]".

Fang Yi tilted his head.

Made a complaint.

Therefore, this is the version of the skill that I 'learned' and reproduced based on my own knowledge.

[Is this another version that looks and has similar effects, but whose internal structure is completely different from the 'original' skills?] Then...

Fang Yi then grasped the [Fishman Longsword - Mist Breaker].

Closed his eyes.

He began to recall the flashes of light from the enemy's blade.

He already sensed it.

His own 'unskilled' swordsmanship improved after witnessing the swordsmanship of these merfolk.

They're already getting restless.

This move, "Shadow Rift," is similar to "Moon in the Mirror."

Perhaps I can combine them into an even stronger technique.

With the activation of [Frozen Cloud].

The man's figure disappeared into the mist.

A few minutes later, the man gripped the long knife in his hand.

He slashed forward with a powerful blow.

The long sword slashed down.

Two beams of sword light, radiating an unparalleled and unhindered aura, appeared out of thin air in the space.

However, the two sword lights only lasted for a moment.

It shattered like a fragmented moon's reflection as it rippled on the water's surface, then vanished into the air.

All that remained was a notification sound saying, "Thank you for your patronage. You have xx draws left to trigger the pity system."

Your understanding of [Master-level Swordsmanship] has deepened.

Your understanding of [Shadow Rift] and [Moon in the Mirror] has deepened. Continuing to improve your understanding of these skills will help you integrate your abilities.

Sensing the water vapor that was somewhat difficult to manipulate.

And some odd and incongruous skills.

Fang Yi tilted his head with a hint of regret.

The idea of ​​replicating the [Mist Rift] integration technique has been temporarily abandoned.

Deriving it myself is far too inefficient.

Go find those [Murloc Blademasters] and learn how they use them; that should be faster.

The man quickly turned his gaze to it.

He held a staff inlaid with a large pearl.

This is the weapon of that high-ranking [Murloc Priest].

Its quality reached the level of a [Second-Tier Epic] that would leave men with little emotional reaction.
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【Calling the Tide】

Quality: Tier 2 Epic

Durability: 78/100
Origin: A pioneering town undergoing reconstruction after all its hardships

Conditions of Use:

1. Possesses the ability to manipulate energy with high precision, including but not limited to elements, talents, traits, skills, and expertise.

2. Master multiple skills related to manipulating liquids.

Equipment buffs:

【Chao Bi】

When in a water-vapor-rich environment.

Slightly reduce the mana cost when using skills.

It also increases resistance to abnormal states.
-
【Calling the Tide】

You will gain additional buffs when using skills that manipulate water vapor.

This includes, but is not limited to, reduced energy consumption, longer lifespan, and expanded range of applications.

And depending on the level of skill mastery, additional enhancements will be provided.

example:

【Water-Walking Lotus】->【Water-Walking Lotus - Mist Walk】

(When the target launches an attack, if the ambient moisture conditions are met, they will receive an additional buff that greatly increases their movement speed.)
Active Gain:

[The Tide]

It consumes a large amount of water vapor in the air, as well as some mental and magical energy.

Create biomimetic organisms shaped from water vapor called "water elements".

The strength of the [Water Element] is affected by [Spirit], [Intelligence], as well as the mana consumed, and the composition and quantity of water vapor.
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The sound of the tide never ceases.

It consumes a lot of mental energy.

It significantly enhances the ability to manipulate water vapor within a short period of time after use.

Moderately improves the performance of skills that consume water vapor.

After using water vapor-related skills.

This will reduce the cost of the next water vapor-related skill.
-
Summary:
Only those with a certain status and firm beliefs can achieve this.

A creature trusted by an unknown entity.

Only then can one possess the equipment to communicate with the tides.
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Evaluation:

In terms of manufacturing process, it is somewhat natural and outdated.

The pearl, which was the core element, was simply inlaid on a wooden staff.

But it's still a good piece of equipment.
-
have nothing to say.

The staff is exclusive to water-type mages, such as those who use mist or ice magic.

The core buff is [Tidecaller], which can evolve and buff water vapor-related skills.

Even though I know I may not meet the requirements for use.

But Fang Yi still stubbornly gripped the staff.

He had a premonition that this would happen once he was able to use the equipment.

Perhaps it's possible to use [Truth Forging - Completion] to transfer some of the buffs from one piece of equipment to another.

Then, the man received a cold response from the space.

[Not yet eligible for use]

Seeing this notification, the man reluctantly clicked on the [Deep Sea Treasure] in his personal space.

According to the information provided, this is a treasure chest that can extract the skills of the four-person team from earlier.

The first prize is "Water Lotus Walking," and the second prize is "Mist-Breaking Blade Technique." I'm not picky; second prize will do.

With that thought in mind, Fang Yi opened the treasure chest.

Then, they were captivated by the golden light emanating from the opened treasure chest.

He drew the "Grand Prize," which might allow him to use the staff and activate "Truth Forging - Completion."

(End of this chapter)