Cornflower Witch

Chapter 186 Spiral Spear
In the valley, golden wheat fields swayed gently in the autumn breeze.

A group of toads of various colors were taking care of the crops in an orderly manner. Some were responsible for fetching water, some for getting rid of pests, and some for using their green magic to promote plant growth.

After completing three consecutive days of classes, Hilti returned to the valley.

She first spent half a day inspecting the crops in the fields, and then went back to her cabin for a nap.

In the afternoon, Hilti stood in the open space of the back garden, pondering her current situation.

She has already mastered the skills related to crop cultivation very well; to continue improving, she needs to reach the third level.

Regarding knowledge, I am currently learning systematically and gradually enriching myself, so there's no need to worry.

However, in terms of combat, she is currently lacking. Although she has abilities such as 'vines growing' and 'grass growing wildly', their applicability is ultimately limited. If facing a strong enemy, they are not always effective enough.

Thinking of this, she drew her Tree Jade Spirit Sword and practiced in the garden, going through all the 'Basic Sword Techniques', 'Military Sword Techniques', and 'Garden Sword Techniques' she had learned before.

If she could learn an attack skill like the 'Golden Needle Blade' that Iona used, with explosive power and breakthrough ability, that would be much better. If the petrified lizard she faced earlier had been a third-tier creature skilled in combat, her blade would not have been able to pierce its defenses at all.

Unfortunately, 'Emerald Honey' excels in breeding, but it has always been lacking in combat.

Among the lunar astrological signs, 'Radiant Moon' leans towards healing, purification, and recovery. However, when it comes to aggression, one must look at the 'Nightmare' astrological sign.

Hiltiya sat under the apple tree, deep in thought.

In three or four months, she will be going to the border post. Even though she is a gardener and not a main combatant, she still needs to be prepared for her own safety.

What should we do?

She thought for a moment, stood up, took out a seed, and held it in her palm. Soon, a vine grew along her wrist, then became strong, extending into a tough whip nearly three meters long, covered with thorns.

This is the sickle vine she bought before her last adventure, but she didn't have a chance to use it during the trip.

Wielding her vine whip, Hilti lashed at the stone in front of her, leaving a scratch. If it had hit a creature, it would probably have torn its body to shreds.

After that, she tested the intensity again and slowly estimated it in her mind.

This vine whip is very useful against first-tier creatures, as it can not only injure them but also bind them. However, it is less effective against second-tier enemies, such as the Blood Serpent we encountered. The serpent's scales can withstand the spikes on the vine whip, and the whip's strength is also insufficient to bind it.

Such abilities were probably used by gardeners for self-defense and support; they were not initially expected to have a very strong offensive effect.

However, another previously rarely used 'Wild Growth' catalyzes the Blade Grass, which can cause trouble for many creatures and can cover a large area at once, eliminating a large number of low-level enemies.

After several tests, Hiltiya formed some opinions in her mind.

Finally, she took out the Tree Jade Spirit Sword that she had used for a long time, and after infusing it with her own emerald honey essence, the blade hummed and suddenly became bright, then became sharp and sturdy.

Although it doesn't have any special effects, its shape and length can be freely adjusted, making it exceptionally easy to use.

After that, she manipulated the tree jade spirit sword, transforming it into the shapes of a knife, sickle, axe, and spear, displaying a kind of agility that allowed her to control it at will.

Finally, as the Tree Jade Spirit Sword transformed, she suddenly realized something.

Back in her room, she took out the potted 'Fire Orchid', plucked a flower stamen, and placed it into the Tree Jade Spirit Sword.

The originally emerald green blade now features orange-red veins that spread from the flower's stamen, and the entire blade becomes scorching hot, emitting a faint orange glow.

At this moment, Hiltiah swung her sword again, and it danced like a large swath of flames, leaving traces in the air.

It can indeed add the effects of flames and high temperatures, but...

Hilti looked at the softened and almost melting blade and shook her head slightly.

Even with this enhancement, there are still conflicts, causing the blade's own attributes to decline rapidly.

She retrieved the flower stamen and placed it aside. Then, Siltiah took the ice cup flower that Florella had given her earlier and placed it in the sword hilt.

The icy white luster spread from the guard to the blade, and then the blade itself turned snow-white and icy cold.

Hiltiya then swung her sword again to test it, a faint chill emanating from it, and a few snowflakes fell from the air.

[Tree Jade Spirit Sword] (Tier 1, Rare): A resin jade sword imbued with the power of the 'Ice Cup Flower,' its power is enhanced. (Sturdiness +1, Sharpness +1, Icy Cold +1)

It's much better than using 'Fire Orchid', at least there's no conflict.

Hilti nodded in satisfaction, but that wasn't enough; it merely made her more flexible in using various powers and improved their versatility.

Taking the Ice Cup Flower from the sword and placing it back in the pot, Hilti temporarily put aside the idea of ​​using the 'Emerald Honey' attribute to enhance her combat power.

Every personality type has its own strengths, so why should she strive to be all-around perfect?

……

Two days later, Hilti returned to Whitestone Fortress, but this time she went to the 'Holy White Knights' headquarters. After showing her badge and identity, the girl was quickly ushered into the training grounds inside the castle, where many knights and squires were being trained. They would practice swordsmanship, spearmanship, horsemanship, military knowledge, discipline, and the corresponding secret codes, among other things.

Upon hearing of Hilti's arrival, a knight clad in silver armor approached.

"Hello, I am Albert, the knight on duty today." He took off his helmet, revealing a handsome face, but with slightly melancholy eyes.

The knight looked to be around thirty years old, with gray hair and a slightly weathered appearance, but not old.

"Hello, I am Siltia. I have come to the Knights to learn an advanced sword technique." This was the mission and promise made by the Knights Commander, Cassius.

"I see." The other person nodded slightly, their expression remaining calm.

"Please follow me." He then led Hiltiya into the Knights' Hall, through gates guarded by servants, and into the castle's main hall, which resembled a temple.

Here stand rows of stone tablets, each carved with figures in action and weapons, with the name of the combat technique inscribed below.

'Breaking Formation Greatsword', 'Swift Wind Riding Technique', 'Piercing Kill Riding Lance'

'White Dove Sword Technique', 'Silver Armor Holy Armor', 'Shield of Protection'

'Meteor Bow Technique', 'Spiral Spear', 'Radiant Stone Breathing Technique'

'Obsidian Hammer' 'Wall Step' 'Shell-Breaking Axe'

……

Linlang's combat skills were displayed in front of Sylvia, dazzling her.

"These are the combat skills and abilities that can be learned by the first and second tiers of the Knights. You can choose one," Albert explained.

Walking in front of these stone tablets, Hiltiya carefully read the inscriptions below, which detailed the effects of the technique, the learning requirements, and the limitations, among other things.

Most abilities require the 'Castle' attribute, but some abilities are not limited to this and can be learned from other attributes. For example, the ability 'Shell-Breaking Axe' can be learned by both 'Snail Fish' and 'Castle', and its technique originated from the fish-men who fought against giant seashells in the deep sea.

However, the land later shattered, and the complete ocean no longer exists. Now, the fish-men are extinct, and only amphibian species survive, such as the group of toads in the valley.

After looking for a long time, Hilti stopped in front of one of the stone tablets.

'Spiral Spear'; It must be wielded with a spiral spear blade inscribed with special runes. It has great penetrating power and comes with different lightning power depending on the user's personality type. It requires one of the three personality types: 'Sky', 'Blazing Sun', or 'Emerald Honey'.

Note: This skill is modeled after 'Edaniel' from the Fifth Age. According to ancient legend, the fairy lords plucked a branch from the World Tree, forged it with the fire of the sun, and blessed it with the blessings of 385 high-ranking fairies, making it a mythical weapon to slay the Black Serpent of Doom. (After the Black Serpent of Doom died, its remains split into seven dragons of the Seven Laws.)

"I'll choose this ability." Since Cui Mi could learn it too, Xi Lu Tia was quite satisfied.

“No problem.” Albert nodded, then went to the stone tablet, placed his hand on it, and knelt down on one knee.

Soon, he prayed solemnly, his body radiating a stone-white halo, with invisible ripples spreading outwards.

The characters on the stone tablet were lit up one by one, and then formed a virtual transparent card in the air. The card was intricately drawn with countless lines, engraving the essence of the craftsmanship.

About ten minutes later, the transparent card was fully formed and then floated in the air.

Albert stood up and turned to look at Hilti.

“Hiltiya, come here, stand in front of the stone tablet, and relax your mind and body.”

“Yes.” Hilti walked forward with a hint of curiosity, then gazed at the huge floating card, in which many tiny points of light floated and outlined, vaguely resembling a spiral spear.

As she stood still, the enormous card slowly descended, engulfing the girl. In her consciousness, a peculiar scene unfolded in an instant, and an invisible, faint power coursed through her body, revealing the way and details of its operation.

“Now focus on memorizing this technique; it will only last for 20 minutes,” Albert warned.

“I understand.” Hiltiya nodded.

She closed her eyes and carefully observed the techniques and methods of execution, noting down the entire process.

About ten minutes later, as Hilti became familiar with and mastered the ability, a brand new ability card appeared on her destiny chart.

【Spiral Spear Lv.1】(Emerald Honey): A combat ability that requires a special spear blade and can inflict a weak Emerald Lightning attack. (Lightning +0.3)

After Hilti opened her eyes, Albert nodded slightly, showing a hint of approval.

"This is the Knights' stone tablet inheritance, which allows you to quickly learn a combat ability. However, as an advanced combat skill, you must upgrade this ability to at least the third stage before it can show its true power and effect."

"Thank you, I understand."

Do I need to train until I reach the third stage? I guess that's how I'll complete the knight commander's mission.

(End of this chapter)