Ch. 64 - The Third Reward

[As a true bard, when traveling abroad, one must always keep some non-bardic methods in reserve—

Brute force is also an inevitable choice.

After all, a true bard who records this world should never be just a showpiece who only knows how to sing and play music.]

[You have obtained 'Proficiency: Curved Blade':

You have gained an initial mastery of curved blade techniques.

Remark: Don't fucking swing a curved blade like it's an axe. You need to use the blade edge to drag and slash—drag and slash, understand?—Black Snake, 'Minion of Sandalwood Grove'.]

[You have obtained 'Combat Technique: Snake Fang':

A martial art that uses the curved blade's arc to perform reverse hooks.

Remark: The reverse-hooking blade is like a cunning snake's fang, but first you need to make sure you have a good blade, otherwise failing to slice through the back of the neck will make you look like a joke—Black Snake, 'Minion of Sandalwood Grove'.]

This was probably the reward obtained from the [Orc Raid] event.

Tang Qi couldn't describe the specific feeling, but he could vaguely sense that there was a huge chasm buried between 'using' and 'mastering.'

Every time one crossed a threshold, it would cause a qualitative change in that skill.

For instance, when facing goblins before, his blade would get stuck in the goblins' bones, making things quite awkward.

Now his blade-wielding arm was faster, his wrist more stable, and even some footwork during movement seemed to come naturally to him.

Although he couldn't yet confirm exactly what level his martial skills had reached.

But he was confident that if time rewound back to that day at the [Kobold Cave], he wouldn't need to rack his brains thinking about how to ambush Jackal anymore.

As for the combat technique called [Snake Fang], he had already used it during his duel with Steward Huss.

Now that he had completely mastered the method, the direct change it brought was that his blade recovery speed became much faster.

With the sharpness of that black blade, when using the combat technique, he no longer needed to deliberately expose openings or leave himself vulnerable after the strike.

If the opponent lacked experience or couldn't react in time, he could even scrape them with an extra slash.

Now, as long as he didn't run into a high-level warrior like Stonecrusher, close-combat martial arts could no longer be called his weak point.

But this was only part of the reward—

[A father's love is always unspoken. It's truly difficult for him to tell you in person just how much he loves you. But all his concerns have long been expressed in his every action.

Though he probably never imagined that you had already detected the truth from his every action long ago.

In truth, you both harbor the same feelings.]

[You have obtained the 'Ring of Mutual Hearts':

Extremely Rare.

Two people wearing this pair of rings will unconsciously feel close to each other and sense each other's location and intentions.

When sensing danger to the other person, by consuming the mental energy of one spell slot, you can cast a 'Sanctuary' spell on them that ignores distance—

The recipient cannot be targeted by any attacks before the spell ends. They cannot be immune to area-of-effect damage.

If the recipient casts a spell that affects an enemy during this time, or causes damage to any creature, the spell ends immediately.

Once per day, lasting until the caster actively or passively interrupts it, or until mental energy is exhausted.

Remark:

I truly love you.]

Tang Qi took out a ring hanging on a thin cord from his pocket—

A silver ring inset with a wine-red gemstone. Identical to Catherine and Black Snake's pendants.

This ring had originally been taken back by Catherine and placed in her box.

But after he finished writing in his journal, it somehow appeared inexplicably in his pack and was imbued with special effects.

To this day, Tang Qi still didn't know how to explain to Catherine the fact that the ring had ended up in his hands.

"However, the effect of this 'Sanctuary' spell seems a bit stronger than ordinary sanctuary spells. Although it can only be used once per day, it's worthy of its Extremely Rare quality."

Tang Qi carefully examined the wine-red gemstone, constantly pondering in his heart,

"But how should I ask Catherine for the other ring? That's her mother's keepsake..."

Catherine was just an ordinary person, unable to use a spell slot to support a sanctuary spell for him, which temporarily limited the ring's usefulness.

"As our relationship grows closer, there will eventually be an opportunity to ask for the ring. No rush."

Tang Qi remained optimistic and continued browsing through the unfinished contents of the journal—

[People always think that bards are nothing more than a bunch of buffoons performing in taverns and courts, selling their skills and winning favor.

So much so that they've forgotten that the power of music can actually inspire hearts.

And you—you actually inspired three hundred numb commoners all at once?

Those churches that love spreading their faith would definitely bash their heads in fighting over your tongue.]

[You have obtained 'Bardic Inspiration':

You can inspire others with passionate words or music. Those inspired by you will feel invigorated, thereby restoring vitality, improving reactions, and increasing strength.

Remark: Hey, did you hear that? I just inspired you! Now get up there and charge to your death!]

[You have obtained 'Bearing: Hero of the Common Folk':

People extol your past righteous deeds, which makes you extraordinarily dignified, distinguishing you from those court jesters and incompetent performers.

In the eyes of commoners who haven't met you, you're surprisingly approachable.

Your words are more easily believed by them, and your songs sound especially pleasing to their ears. Not to mention those commoners who know you.

Remark: In this world, aside from nobles and those who think they're nobles, everyone else can be counted as commoners—so you understand, commoners are the majority.]

Tang Qi hadn't been able to test the specific effects of Bardic Inspiration yet.

But he guessed it probably wasn't far from his previously hypothesized 'adrenaline theory.'

As for this so-called 'Bearing,' it had saved him quite a bit of trouble over these three days—

Of course it wouldn't have magical benefits that made all commoners unconditionally trust him.

But as long as what he said was reasonable and well-founded, they would be more inclined to believe Tang Qi.

For instance, during the 'uprising' in Starberry Town, he had no choice but to have Catherine tarnish her own reputation and become the target of public criticism.

And after their departure, the commoners did indeed treat her coldly.

But when Tang Qi stepped forward and clearly explained the original plan, these townspeople not only stopped blaming her, but even apologized for their hostility.

Their attitude toward Anbi also became much kinder.

The fact that there had been no infighting or conflicts along the way might also be partly due to its contribution.

"It's just a pity this is reality. There won't be specific data appearing to let me judge its effects..."

As Tang Qi sighed, his gaze finally fell upon the newest reward—

[To curse a noble continuously for three days and nights, without even repeating a single phrase. Hopefully when you argue with future enemies to the very end, they won't break down crying from being triggered...]

[You have obtained the cantrip 'Vicious Mockery':

Target a creature you can see and rapidly unleash a string of curses imbued with magical power.

Your insults are vicious enough and hurtful enough that they may directly wound the opponent's fragile psyche.

They might even feel physical discomfort from your abuse, affecting their next action.

Remark:

Feel free to curse away, no need to worry whether others can understand you.

After all, insults sometimes don't rely solely on language—

Why don't you try suggesting a height comparison contest with a dwarf?]

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