Everyone in the party has noticed it, the growth of their own party members. While the rankings have never changed with Matt at the top. It is still imperative that everyone improves.
None have grown more than Rokhan.
He has done it, upon finding a purpose and working to become this purpose's sword or in this case Halberd. Rokhan achieved a feat he thought improbable. He knew that it was an inevitable step in his growth but the rate of his growth has been fast, sporadic and in short bursts but it all led to the same result.
Surely in 4 or 5 years he would have reached it but with a goal along with companions at such a level, it was as if he unlocked knowledge and experience at a faster rate than most.
His growth can be attributed to a lot of things, but he himself, having noticed the growth knew that this was only because of his own desperation.
His desperation to prove himself to the captain.
At the moment they are heading to the last stop of their journey to collect soul cores.
They all saw the potential of a puppet created with the use of one. They knew that it would only increase their own chances of survival.
Not a single one of them questioned his authority and motives anyways.
Actions speak louder than words, he works them hard but he pays them well. The money is split evenly amongst the 5 of them, he even lets them keep the revenue from most of the carcasses.
As long as he got his orb, an orb that costs 3 or 4 Gold in the market but due to their usage in other professions a puppeteer would be unlikely to see one that's actually up for sale.
In the past 2 weeks they have collected at least 3 of those if one were to count. Rokhan didn't mind it much, he got his money and he served his purpose easy as that.
While he was a little jealous about the discussions Matthew had with Malik, he couldn't really join them since all they talked about were puppets and integrating augments into said puppets.
"What do you think? We can use it to pressurize the water and make the puppet lethal against undead."
"I believe that it's too situational Malik. It's a good feature to think about but in practice it just makes the puppet too heavy, not to mention the way that it's meant to be used"
Rokhan could understand what they were saying but he'd be lying if he said it wasn't boring. The two spellcasters often discussed these things along with strategies to use mid-combat. They were the noisiest in the bunch which is not saying much since everyone often kept to themselves.
They all grew closer but the group has a lot of silent types.
"All right, it should be a day or two away from here. Set up tents and we'll go with the usual nightly rotations."
Before their nightly rotations, the ones who specialized in melee combat often sparred with one another. Sometimes the captain would use his puppets for it to help them train but the moment he brings out any of the more powerful ones then it was curtains.
The winner of the spars is usually Hawk or if the captain decides to join then his puppet of choice.
"Care to make a wager Hawk?"
Hawk looked at Malik and nodded, after which he took out 5 pieces of copper from a small pouch. "Money's on Vannifar"
Malik chuckled lightly before doing the same. "Rokhan almost won last time so it's a fair gamble is it not?"
Their captain simply looked at the two fighters as they traded blows with some wooden equivalents of their normal weapons.
The pole-arm would usually be enough but Vannifar wields a combination between either a sword and a shield or a mace and a shield.
Either way, these kinds of match ups hinge on who is more knowledgeable or experienced against the opposing set of weapons and style.
Their captain soon chimed in "Depends on who wants it more, Vannifar doesn't take sparring seriously unless challenged. Rokhan treats it as a training exercise, you have to rile him up if you want your money."
"You're right captain, OI THIS IS BORING! Use skills we have first aid anyways. The captain wants you both to put on a show."
At this a fire lit in Rokhan's eyes as he was pushed back by a singular bash of the shield.
"The captain wants a show? Then I shall provide it." stated the paladin. A bright yellow light emanated from his unarmored body.
"Ohh yeah? We'll see about that!" Red aura covered Rokhan's body and the two of them circled around each other.
Each waiting for the other to make the next move.
Spars like these is what they all bond over. There's no harm done at the end, a few bruises here and there but that's about it.
The fight ended when the Paladin broke his opponent's wooden weapon. The fact that Rokhan could even stand toe to toe with him was a testament to his growth.
"Captain!"
"What is it Vannifar?"
"This is the last one right?"
"Yes"
"What are we up against?"
"C - Tier Boss, A named Gnoll Captain. Sightings state that there are 4 Gnoll soldiers and at least 20 average gnolls. They'll be in our way but the main Goal is the Gorehorn. That's where my 4th orb will be."
The party is used to stronger opponents but underestimating their opponents is not an advantageous trait to have. A wrong move could get them killed.
And so preparations were made.
...
[You have unlocked your Unique Ability]
"Status"
Name: Rokhan Greywolf
Title: N/A
Profession: Warrior
Mana: 300/300 [No Circle]
Ki: 432/1,975 [2nd-Rate Martial Artist]
Unique Ability: Duplication II
Skills: [Cleave] [Basic Swordsmanship] [Pole-arm Mastery] etc.
As he read through the ability he just unlocked, Rokhan couldn't help but laugh as the group finished off the monster in front of them.
Duplication II
Create two clones of yourself that can fight by your side.
Time limit: None
Cooldown: 2 days to regain a fallen clone.