The next morning Hex resumed training the bearhanded sword technique. He integrated his understanding of the technique with his experience during the mission.
'This technique isn't solely about efficiency. It's more about strategizing the use of your strength. When I was fighting the demonic stage Heartlesses it was crucial to maintain my strength at a certain level for a long duration. But against the Disaster stage Heartless damage was more important. In that case I needed to unleash my full strength at once."
This experience made Hex realize that techniques were simply guidelines. Their effectiveness depended on the user's understanding and application.
Fusing his understanding and applying the technique seemed to have alleviated Hex's combat ability. His control over his strength had also improved greatly.
Next, Hex used the different grades of swords to estimate how much strength he could apply through them.
The Squire graded swords, even the high grade one, could only channel up to half his strength. Only the pseudo Knight grade - according to Hestia the unembedded Knight grades were called pseudo Knight grade - could unleash his entire strength without any problems.
'I estimate that my physical strength is about the same as a double or triple Blessed Squire. My energy levels are low though,' Hex concluded after training half a day. After unleashing his full strength once, he felt exhausted. If his energy levels were higher, he would be able to unleash it multiple times.
There were two things Hex needed to focus on. One was to improve his body through the use of pills and potions. The other was to refine beast crystals with the help of the monoliths to increase his energy.
…
"Wallen, I wonder if you can help with something." After completing his training and helping Hestia on the fields, Hex looked for the butler.
"It depends on what you need help with," Wallen replied, while continuing his work.
"I need something to help me disguise myself. It should be effective even against higher level Blessed and the duration shouldn't be short. I can't tell you the reason why I need it though."
"I think I can help. And I don't need a reason," Wallen replied. He signaled Hex to follow him.
"Thanks. Did the baron tell you something?" Hex inquired carefully. He didn't know how much the baron trusted the butler. Hex preferred his secret to remain between the baron and him, but he couldn't control the baron.
"No, master didn't need to."
'It seems the baron really didn't tell anyone,' Hex thought joyfully. Wallen led him towards the southern tower.
"This entire tower is designated to be the vault. Its walls are the thickest and it has Blessed Iron inlaid on the inside."
Hex noticed that the southern tower differed from the other three towers. It was sturdier and the only tower entirely surrounded by other buildings such as the barracks, servant quarters and sheds.
It also lacked any windows and stairs on the outside. The door was made of massive steel and didn't have any keyholes. It did have an indent in the shape of a hand.
Wallen placed his hand on the indent and pressed. His hand started to glow and with a loud 'click' sound the door opened to the inside.
"This door can only be opened by pouring energy in the slot. But it only recognizes the baron's or mine energy."
Hex was really impressed by the mechanisms. He had yet to learn the different types of energies and their applications. Just last night he heard Hestia discuss elemental energy. Now he witnessed energy work as a security measure.
'I really have to designate time to read up on stuff. The baron isn't going to teach me much. He just answers some questions and even then he is cryptic.'
The vault was large and multi storied. A narrow stair in the middle of the space spiraled upwards.
A few puppets wearing ancient armor stood spaced through the room. Between them there stood small cabinets made of glass.
Out of one such cabinet Wallen pulled a box. It was squire and rainbow colored. Hex noticed an engraving on the lid.
'Morphuse'
"This a box with small dosages of a potion capable of altering some of your features. There are options to change your hair and facial muscles. It doesn't change your height nor does it alter your energy. If you use your energy, you might be exposed to those familiar with it."
"I think it will work," Hex said gratefully. "How long does it last?"
"At most six hours. You can dispel the effects any time you wish before the time is up though."
That was more than enough time for Hex to get the pills and regroup.
"Do you happen to have a manual on refining crystals?"
"We have a few in the library. You can check for yourself."
"Thank you. I will prepare to leave with the others," Hex smiled and turned to leave. When he reached the door, he heard Wallen's voice.
"I will write the cost of the box as credit in the books. It's only ten thousand coins."
…
Hex noticed at once that the plaza was busier and more crowded this time. But unlike last night, people were standing orderly around a platform built in the middle of the plaza.
"That is where they will announce the participant names," Hestia said, pointing towards the platform. "But that will happen a bit later. So be quick and get back here before they start. We represent the baron's faction."
Hex split up and quickly made way to the edge of the plaza. He used the dark alley between the inn and the temple to apply the potion.
He changed his hair to brown. He kneed a few wrinkles on his face, thinned and elongated his nose and poked lightly in his cheeks to make it appear like pockmarks.
The clothes he wore underneath his robe were a bit tattered but clean. Hex intended to look average so no one would pay attention to him.
Looking into a dirty window he noticed a middle aged looking guy reflected in the mirror. For the first time, Hex didn't draw any attention as he made his way to the Union market.
"Welcome sir, can I show you around?" A young woman dressed provocatively approached Hex as he entered the market. Her gaze was shy yet alluring.
'I think she thinks it will be easier to seduce an old and alone guy into spending more?'
"I know what I want." Hex brushed her off. Her smile disappeared for a moment but returned quickly.
"Of course sir. Please go ahead."
She even bowed, showing a good amount of cleavage. If Hex didn't have such a short window of time, he would certainly be willing to let her guide him around.
The counter selling the pills already had a customer. And it was someone Hex knew quite well.
'Gorge? What is he doing here?' Hex approached the counter and tried to listen.
"...please, I only have four hundred coins. If I can get the body strengthening pill I can hunt easier."
'Since when is he a hunter?' Hex stood there surprised. He knew Gorge didn't have any interest in hunting.
"I understand but there is really nothing I can do. I can only sell at the price that is set on each product," the same cute girl from last night tried to explain Gorge calmly.
"But…"
"If I may interrupt," Hex interjected, "I can give you a hundred coins."
Gorge looked at Hex, who stood disguised. "Why?"
"It's just a hundred coins," replied Hex. He didn't mind helping the neighbor's kid if he could.
Gorge seemed in a dilemma. He stood for a while, contemplating his choices. In the meanwhile Hex bought four E quality pills. He could afford more, but he didn't want to spend all his money in one transaction.
"O-okay, I will take them." By the time he was done paying, Gorde had made his mind up. He accepted Hex's coins.
"Why do you want it so badly?" Hex inquired about what might have changed the little boy's heart towards hunting.
"I just want to do what my big bro did." He said and took the pill.
Hex almost chuckled. 'He is still just a kid.'
He didn't wait for Gorge to finish his gratitude and left the boy inside the market. He had little time left.
'It's almost time to meet my opponents.'