"Have you unlocked your skill books, Az?" Beatrice inquired, seeking confirmation from Az.
"Yeah, I think so. Is this it?" Az displayed his Arcane Book of Reverie Art to Beatrice, seeking her confirmation.
"Yup, by the way, in the simulation, after beating the aliens they provided us, I just put all of the skull points into my Arcane and that's how I unlocked my skill books," Beatrice elaborated, recounting her experience in the simulation.
"Did you know you can use your skill books at a certain point level? And the skill unlock is based on your class," Beatrice continued, guiding Az as they navigated through the base, searching for a way out.
"That's how Elodie managed to use her Reconnaissance Skill," Beatrice added, pointing out an example.
Az recalled the discussion he had with Beatrice, as he remembered the impact point of his attack, he saw Journ deflected it effortlessly. With a quick dash backward, he muttered, "Of course, it's not that easy," expressing his frustration internally.
As Journ regained composure, he questioned Az, "What have you done with the weapon?" inquiring about the changes in the hammer's appearance.
That query jolted Az's memory. While accompanying Beatrice on their way to Hex's location, Az had taken the opportunity to allocate his remaining skull points into his Arcane attributes. This decision resulted in a new notification:
"Unlocking a skill from Arcane Book of Reverie Art. First skill: Technomagery Skill Unlocked."
As they rushed toward Hex's location, Az quickly scanned the description to comprehend the newly unlocked skill:
"Technomagery Skill: A fusion of arcane mastery and technological prowess wields the ethereal might of magic within the circuits of innovation. (Cooldown varies with item or weapon level)"
The previous weapon used by the alien foot soldier took the form of elongated hammers, capable of transforming into advanced blasters.
However, the recent alteration manifested them as long hammers, now appearing as if crafted from enchanted elements. The grip and neck of the hammer seemed to have transformed into a tree trunk, intricately entwined and pulsating with vibrant life.
The blaster attached to it emanated fiery energy, crackling with an intense heat, as if forged from the very heart of a blazing inferno. This new form is reminiscent of ancient mythical weapons forged by celestial powers.
The weapon's previous description has also been alternated from the Az's Technomagery Skill.
Name: Arcane Maulstaff
Description: A hammer wrought from pulsating arcane energies, forged seamlessly by a device of foreign technology.
STR | Strength: C
DEX | Dexterity: E
INT | Intelligence: -
ARC | Arcane: F
Passive: Strength and Dexterity increase slightly when utilizing the blaster propeller (Cooldown: 3 seconds per activation)
As Az maneuvered to shorten the gap, Journ deftly altered his approach, transitioning his combat style into one focused on close-range encounters, effectively thwarting Az's attempt to narrow the distance between them.
Journ's attack with Allveigandi found its mark once more, showcasing his precision and control over his weapon. Az strained to deflect the strike, the impact resonating through the air. Amid the clash of weapons, the captain's voice cut through the tumult of the battle.
"Your efforts are futile, human," Journ taunted, his tone laced with calculated confidence. "That hammer may have changed form, but it's useless against me."
The sudden alteration caught Az off guard, Journ's swift response proving that he wasn't bound to a single style of combat.
Despite Az's attempt to press closer, Journ's precision with the javelin was unyielding, turning the battlefield into a precarious dance of offense and defense at an unexpected range.
Az gritted his teeth. "You talk a lot for someone just throwing a stick around just now," he retorted between breaths, trying to hide the strain in his voice.
Journ's eyes narrowed, his strikes intensifying. "Your wit won't save you from defeat. This isn't a game."
Az blocked a particularly forceful strike, his hammer quivering from the impact. "If it's not a game, why are you playing it safe?" Az countered, frustration evident in his voice.
Journ's expression remained stoic, unfazed by Az's words. "I'm testing your limits, human. Your potential against mine. And so far, you're falling short."
Az's gaze hardened, determination burning within. "Then I'll just have to keep upping my game until I catch up," he replied, determination fueling his resolve.
Amidst the clash of metal and the echoes of their combat, Az attempted to capitalize on his new weapon, thinking it might lend an advantage in close quarters.
"You think a new toy will save you?" Journ sneered, the tone dripping with derision as he effortlessly switched tactics.
Az gritted his teeth, realizing the folly of underestimating his opponent's adaptability. The captain's relentless assault continued the javelin a deadly blur as it closed the gap between them.
Az's attempts at offensive maneuvers were met with precision strikes, each thrust and parry pushing him further back.
"Impressive," Journ taunted between strikes, his voice carrying a hauntingly casual air. "But a child's plaything won't turn the tide."
Journ deftly spun his javelin, the deadly weapon becoming an impenetrable barrier to Az's attempts to close the distance.
Just as Az sought to fall back, anticipating a change in strategy, Journ effortlessly transitioned back to his throwing stances.
The javelin sliced through the air with remarkable precision, aimed directly at Az. Even as Az tried to evade, the weapon's flight path seemed to anticipate his every move.
Journ's mastery of both close-quarters combat and ranged attacks presented Az with an unnerving challenge.
Frustrated by the seamless transition in Journ's battle style, Az found himself trapped between two realms of combat. Journ's expertise encompassed a breadth of tactics, making it nearly impossible for Az to predict his opponent's next move.
The swift shifts between long-range and close-quarters combat left Az in a precarious position, forcing him to strategize on the fly to counter Journ's versatile fighting style.
Az found himself in a perilous situation, pinned down by the alien captain's versatile combat style. His singular advantage lay in his inability to die; had he been a regular human, the series of strikes from the javelin would have ended his life several times over.
Suddenly, Az's thoughts shifted, "Wait a minute, I can't die," he muttered to himself, realizing his unique advantage, suddenly seeing a strategic opportunity within his invulnerability. With a change in mindset, he transformed his undying body from a vulnerability into an offensive tool.
Az's eyes fixed on Journ, an unwavering gaze that exuded a blend of determination and calculated resolve. He beckoned Journ, challenging him with a subtle smirk that hinted at a strategy hidden within his supposed madness.
Without warning, Az planted the blaster side of his transformed hammer into the ground. Rubble and debris began to swirl into the blaster, each piece igniting a fiery blaze.
As the debris ignited within the blaster, a swirling vortex of flames enveloped the weapon's head. The flames danced and crackled, consuming the rubble in a fiery display. Journ's bewilderment grew, his focus wavering between Az's seemingly erratic actions and the escalating blaze.
Az's unexpected change in behavior puzzled Journ. "Have you gone mad?" Journ questioned, readying his javelin for another attack. Az stood undeterred, taunting Journ as he goaded the alien captain to throw his javelin.
Journ, convinced that Az had succumbed to irrationality, shook his head in exasperation. Fueled by impatience, he readied his javelin for another strike. His mind was set on ending the confrontation swiftly, oblivious to the unfolding plan within Az's calculated facade.
In the face of danger, Journ hurled his javelin, expecting Az to retreat. But Az's response was unexpected—he charged toward the flying javelin. The weapon pierced through his body, yet Az pressed on, determination etched on his face.
Az's determination propelled him forward, the javelin cleanly piercing through his body and emerging from his back. Despite the searing pain, Az's resolve remained unwavering. Journ, taken aback by Az's relentless charge, was momentarily surprised.
With a swift motion, Az hurled his knife at Journ's leg, capitalizing on the distraction. Concurrently, his dexterity surged, amplifying his capabilities in the midst of battle.
As Journ turned to counter the knife, Az's modified hammer blaster came into play. Instead of firing it directly, Az utilized the blaster's force as a propulsion mechanism, augmenting the knife's momentum.
The hammerhead, perfectly synchronized with the knife, intensified its impact, tearing through Journ's leg. The knife's piercing thrust, coupled with the forceful strike of the hammerhead, left Journ reeling in pain, the dual assault inflicting significant damage.
Az's move, an unexpected fusion of his weapon's capabilities, and the unexpected maneuver caught Journ off guard, eliciting a pained reaction from the alien captain.
Journ's stability wavered, and he stumbled, dropping to one knee, his hand desperately seeking support against the ground to steady himself.
As he raised his head, he met Az's unwavering gaze, a sense of dominance palpable in the air, emanating from Az's poised stance towering above him.
"Me, a Tréverndari, kneeling before an inferior creature!" Journ's voice, laced with a hint of disbelief and indignation, echoed through the hall.