Chapter 348: Uncastable Dragon Lord Form; Conflict
The several passive abilities were not complex!
Tang Zheng lifted his arm, looking at his palm and skin. There were no changes. The first five passives, such as "Enhanced Golden Dragon Scales" and "Enhanced Claw and Wing Attack," were clearly abilities that could only be used after transformation. His human form received no amplification from them.
"The Low Murmur of the True Dragon Lord."
Seeing the vague description of this passive, Tang Zheng's expression shifted slightly. He quickly chanted in a low voice:
"Magic Arrow!"
Swoosh—swoosh—!
Ten streaks of white light, like arrows, flew out and precisely struck a distant rock, pulverizing it.
"I can still use magic."
The situation Tang Zheng had worried about didn't occur. He frowned slightly. "Then what is this passive ability?"
He continued to check the information.
"It costs 10% of my HP and MP to transform? It's actually a percentage-based cost."
"This skill probably shouldn't have existed originally. Did it appear because I, a human, managed to take the [Dragon Race Transcender] job?"
Tang Zheng was lost in thought, even a little surprised. He realized his understanding of jobs was still somewhat shallow.
"Hm?"
As he looked at the remaining two class skills, he found that both were grayed out.
[Flame Breath · Degraded (Usable after Transformation)]
[Sulfur Breath · Degraded (Usable after Transformation)]
"This should mean they're unusable."
Tang Zheng felt he might need to properly study the "Human Form" and "Dragon Lord Form."
It was likely that some abilities between these two forms were not interchangeable.
"As expected of a special job of the Dragon Race."
"In addition to the standard specialization in Dragon Race combat power, it also has the additional stat increase from 'Power of the Dragon Race Transcender,' and most specially, it has a level cap of 10."
Tang Zheng raised a hand and rubbed his cheeks. He felt like today was his lucky day.
He had already profited from this incredibly high stat bonus alone!
In the game YGGDRASIL, whether it was a high-tier or a special job class, the job level was only 5.
But the native jobs possessed by the Dragon Race in this otherworld could generally be raised to level 10!
No wonder the Dragon Race was the strongest race in the otherworld!
"Golden Dragon Lord Transformation!" Tang Zheng uttered in a low voice.
Boom!
The air thundered.
The figure of the twenty-meter-tall Golden Dragon Lord reappeared in the valley, its golden scales shining brilliantly under the sunlight.
A sulfuric odor emanated from its mouth and nose. With each breath, the Golden Dragon Lord that Tang Zheng had become exhaled sparks of fire.
Just by standing there!
A terrifying oppressive feeling constantly affected its surroundings.
This time, Tang Zheng's transformation was free of his initial worries. He curiously waved his dragon claws and wings, even coiling his dragon tail into a circle.
"There's no awkwardness at all. It feels as natural as controlling my own body."
The voice he produced was different from his original human voice; it had become rough, cold, and possessed a sense of majesty and a metallic quality.
He looked at the status panel again.
The class skills of the [Dragon Race Transcender] had been restored to a usable state. However, the magic skills on the panel had all turned gray, indicating they were unusable.
"Magic Arrow!"
Tang Zheng tried to activate the magic and began to chant, but nothing happened.
"I see. So this is the effect of the passive ability, 'The Low Murmur of the True Dragon Lord'."
"In my human form, magic is unaffected, but in my Dragon Lord form, I cannot use the power of Tier Magic."
Tang Zheng tried his other skills one by one and found that only magic was unusable.
Faced with this situation, Tang Zheng's pupils grew brighter and brighter. "Does this mean that in my Dragon Lord form, I can learn Primordial Magic?"
Tier Magic and Primordial Magic were in conflict!
Once one mastered Tier Magic, they could not use Primordial Magic, which was why the Dragon Lords referred to Tier Magic as a defilement.
But now, the inability to use normal magic in his Dragon Lord form was, from another perspective, good news!
"I can't be sure yet. It requires further verification." Tang Zheng was somewhat excited. He felt that this situation was very likely influenced by that True Dragon Lord's heart.
It was impossible not to be excited!
This was Primordial Magic—the strongest power in the otherworld!
Putting aside the power of Primordial Magic itself, the job structure of a True Dragon Lord, besides the standard 50 levels of race classes, generally included three other jobs!
Dragon Race Transcender 10Lv, Primeval Chanter 10Lv, World Connector 10Lv!
This was a standard 80-level job build. For the remaining 20 levels, different True Dragon Lords would develop in different directions according to their own power.
For example, the Platinum Dragon Lord's [Soul Reverer] and the Elder Coffin Dragon Lord's [Soul Desecrator].
"If I could get my hands on the [World Connector] job, that would be a true windfall!"
Based on the situation with these True Dragon Lords, this world-class job clearly possessed a "World Protection" similar to that of a World Item.
A long while passed!
Only then did Tang Zheng manage to calm his emotions. The mention of Primordial Magic made him subconsciously think of the Elder Coffin Dragon Lord's Soul Devouring Breath.
However, it was just a thought.
Soul Devouring Breath was different from other Primordial Magic; it was a power that could not be used by the living.
Unless one was prepared to sacrifice their own soul for mutual destruction, similar to the World Item "Saint-Slaying Spear," where everyone gets wiped out together.
Of course, the Elder Coffin Dragon Lord, who had turned himself into an undead to exploit this bug, was a separate case.
Tang Zheng didn't know yet if he could obtain Primordial Magic, and even if he could, he had no intention of turning himself into an undead.
"Plans can't keep up with changes. Why does it feel like I'm developing toward two separate character builds?"
Tang Zheng muttered to himself, thinking about how some abilities were not shared between his human and dragon forms.
Fortunately, his various stats were not affected!
"Next, I need to test some skills to confirm more detailed information!"
"First up is—"
"Soul of Heroic Spirits!"
Tang Zheng shouted.
Swish!
A white, holy light erupted from the golden giant dragon that Tang Zheng had transformed into, splitting off from him. In the blink of an eye, it condensed in mid-air, forming the image of a giant dragon identical to Tang Zheng, only it was white.
"Amazing!"
"As expected of a special job class's trump card. It can even replicate the giant dragon form."
Tang Zheng stared at the pure white giant dragon hovering in mid-air, also beating its wings, his pupils slightly dilated.
"Right, if I combine it with..."
[Body Armament]!
The white giant dragon of the Soul of Heroic Spirits was rapidly covered in a layer of crimson armor. Basin-sized scale patterns covered its entire body.
It transformed the construct-like Soul of Heroic Spirits dragon into something resembling a fire dragon!
"Interesting."
Tang Zheng narrowed his eyes slightly.
...…
Two days later, at dusk.
In the courtyard outside the castle.
A Holy Kingdom squad, led by Remedios, was confronting a member of the Sunlight Scripture.
"Who do you think you're talking to!"
Remedios held a member of the Sunlight Scripture by his collar with one hand, speaking coldly from a commanding position.
"I, I didn't!"
The scripture member was a bit stunned and subconsciously took a step back.
But as a magic caster, how could he compare to the speed of a warrior?
Remedios looked at the frightened scripture member before her with disdain in her eyes. "Did the Slane Theocracy not teach you the proper etiquette when facing a person of higher rank from another nation?"
Despite being taller, he was easily grabbed by the collar and lifted with a single hand by Remedios.
The commotion here!
It caused all the other members of the Sunlight Scripture present to assume a guarded stance, and the atmosphere grew tense.
Captain Ian was the last to walk out of the castle. His usually gentle face had become troubled and ugly, a rare sight during this period.
Not only had their mission made no progress, but the appearance of the people from the Holy Kingdom had added many new complications. It was impossible for them to have appeared here by chance.
Clearly, it was that Leader Tang of Free Will who had sent someone to notify the Holy Kingdom, which meant that the other party was wary of their Slane Theocracy.
It was all the Wind Flower Scripture's fault!
Why did they have to snatch the potion that Leader Tang was giving to the Holy Kingdom?
Captain Ian was actually a bit resentful that the Cardinals hadn't considered things more thoroughly, but of course, he would never let this thought show.
"Captain Remedios, I apologize to you on his behalf." Captain Ian walked to the front, trying his best to keep his tone calm as he offered a concession.
He didn't ask what had happened.
Nor did he get entangled in right and wrong, because it was meaningless!
The moment the people from the Holy Kingdom appeared here, Captain Ian knew they would inevitably cause trouble, even though he had already warned his subordinates.
"Ha!"
Remedios sneered, "My personal honor is insignificant. I am the Captain of the Holy Knight Order! I represent the honor of the Holy Kingdom of Roble!"
"This disrespect, no matter what, cannot be ignored!"
Shriiek!
The sound of a sword blade scraping against its sheath rang out.
Remedios drew her holy sword, plunging it into the ground in front of her. She pressed both hands on the hilt, her expression solemn and serious. "Therefore—I, in my capacity as a Paladin!"
"Challenge you to a fair duel. Let victory and defeat be the response!"
Behind her.
"Black" Pabel, who had been watching everything in silence with his arms crossed, suddenly had a change of expression when he heard the word "duel."
"The Captain has grown, hasn't she." A gratified smile appeared on the face of the middle-aged uncle, "Pink" Isadoro.
"In my capacity as a Paladin" represented an individual.
Regardless of the outcome, it would not escalate to the national level.
But—
The smile that Captain Ian had barely managed to maintain froze on his face. Given their status, how could they possibly represent only themselves!
What angered Captain Ian even more was that Remedios had not looked him in the eye from beginning to end. The so-called "fair duel" was not directed at him.
This was a silent humiliation!
No matter how furious Captain Ian was, he knew that his strength was slightly weaker than the former Captain Nigun's; he was no match for Remedios.
"Oh~"
"It's the handsome Paladin."
Clementine was leaning against the main gate, greeting them in a sickeningly sweet voice, the corners of her mouth gradually splitting into a grin.
"Clementine!" Remedios's tone was ice-cold.
"Hi, Lord Paladin. You're so serious, you must look great when you cry!" Clementine teased with a light smile.
[Gale Acceleration]
In an instant, Clementine's figure vanished from her spot.
Remedios's pupils narrowed slightly. She grabbed the holy sword in her hand and blocked it in front of the left side of her chest.
—Clang!
A crisp impact sound rang out.
Remedios pressed down with her sword, her gaze sharp as she raised her right leg for a roundhouse kick. Her lightning-fast reflexes allowed her to execute the most appropriate attack at that moment.
"So boorish, for a woman," Clementine mocked mercilessly, taking a step back. However, the short dagger in her right hand stabbed out sharply again.
"Firm Strike!"
A blue light flashed across the holy sword, and its speed and power suddenly intensified.
Clementine's purple pupils shone with excited madness. She changed her stabbing dagger to a horizontal grip. "Unyielding Fortress."
Thump.
A soft, muffled collision.
Remedios's sword swing was nullified by the defensive martial art. Her neat, tea-colored hair scattered as her voice grew even colder. "Flowing Water Acceleration, Firm Strike!"
"Heehee, Flowing Water Acceleration, Super Evasion!"
Clementine not only didn't retreat but took a step forward, her beast-like aura becoming even more intense.
The two stuck close to their opponents, swinging their holy sword and short daggers without mercy.
Ding—ding—clang clang!
The fierce clashes echoed through the courtyard. The sparks from the metal weaponry illuminated the pupils of Remedios and Clementine.
One was frigid and cold, the other cruel and gleeful!
Their movements grew faster and faster, almost becoming afterimages. Few among those present could track their movements.
The formidable strength of the Heroic Realm was on full display, shocking everyone and forcing them to retreat to give the two more space.
"Is dodging all you can do!"
"Your expression is fantastic, completely different from the small fry!"
Clementine's greed and fervor seemed to overflow from her face, her lithe body displaying terrifying flexibility.
"A fraction too slow!"
Clementine was thrilled internally, her eyes as sharp as a hawk's.
A sword-type weapon had a range advantage over the short dagger in her hand. Creating distance would be disadvantageous. Staying in close quarters could further inhibit the opponent's sword swings.
"As expected of the Holy Kingdom's strongest Paladin. The suppression is limited, but it's enough."
Clementine's eyes caught a glimpse of an opening. Her delicate waist bent at an unbelievable angle.
In an instant, the short dagger passed through a gap in the holy sword's defense!
At that moment, Remedios subconsciously turned her head, and the cold, gleaming short dagger flew past, almost grazing her cheek.
"Sky Slash!"
Remedios roared, completely unaffected by the previous attack.
Bang!
Clementine's hand blurred at her waist, drawing another short dagger to block in front of her.
The powerful force made her retreat, leaving a shallow scratch on the ground!
"Not a bad reaction~"
Clementine tilted her head as she took a step, laughing wantonly. "To think you could dodge that."
At this very moment.
On the highest floor of the castle.
Tang Zheng stood by the window, watching the battle below with a mixture of surprise and calmness. "Those two actually started fighting."
He had just returned from the depths of the Southern Mountain Range and hadn't expected to see such a grand show the moment he arrived at the castle.
(end of chapter)