Chess Mage of Faerûn

Chapter 17 Perseverance and Growth

Putting aside the sense of superiority that he himself was unaware of, and the subsequent feeling of loss, the rookie began to devote himself wholeheartedly to training.

The physical potential enhanced by the system is like a rare treasure nurtured by Mother Earth, which is discovered, polished, and sculpted, ultimately revealing its own brilliant splendor.

After a month of training, the changes in this rookie can only be described as a complete transformation.

This change is not only reflected in Zhang Yuan's disappearance of his belly, his lean and strong physique and muscle contours, nor only in the fewer mistakes he makes when practicing with other teammates, nor even just in the changes that have finally occurred in the system attribute panel. The courage and confidence brought about by self-discipline and growth are the real treasures that this experience has brought him.

"What supports the hand that wields the sword is not strength, but courage." This is what Ska taught the rookie when he was torturing him.

If Zhang Yuan's first reaction to encountering monsters or enemies was to run away before, then now, although he can't be described as fearless or eager for battle, he at least has the courage to draw his sword.

All the hard work will not be in vain, and all the sweat will not be wasted, especially when you have a system that can check attribute changes.

Owner: Zhang Yuan
Race: human

Identity: Auto Chess Messenger
Class: Sword Saint (Level 3) / Mage
Age: 24
Alignment: Lawful Neutral

Power: 16
Agility: 13
Constitution: 18
Intelligence: 18
Intelligence (Perception): 10
Charisma: 11
Weapon Specialization: Longsword, Dual Weapons
Combat Specialties: Evasion, Roll
Upon discovering the growth in his attribute panel, Zhang Yuan was overjoyed, but also had a vague guess: his system probably couldn't provide him with direct experience or level increases, but rather acted as an observation instrument, truthfully recording the host's growth and changes.

For example, the increased strength and agility come from targeted training and power generation techniques, as well as the learning of combat footwork. In view of Zhang Yuan's special situation of being a part-time fighter, Ska will also focus his skill training on guerrilla warfare and dodging, since it is not realistic to have a mage charging into battle wearing plate armor.

The rolling move was actually a life-saving technique taught to him by Scott. Although it sounds like a lazy donkey rolling around and looks like a lazy donkey rolling around, it is actually an otherworldly version of a lazy donkey rolling around.

It may look unseemly, but it's quite practical. For a mage, finding an opportunity to escape the entanglement and attacks of the enemy in melee combat is always a good choice.

Unfortunately, despite having acquired a wealth of skills and eager to put them to use, the person has yet to find a place to put them to good use.

Although I went on a few missions with the team, they were mostly security jobs such as patrolling, transporting goods, and maintaining order. At most, I caught a few petty thieves, but it was my teammates who did the dirty work.

However, Zhang Yuan didn't care about that. The Forgotten Continent lacked everything except monsters and dangers. Besides, why would he go looking for trouble when he could live a peaceful life?

But the fulfilling and peaceful days eventually came to an end. The tranquil base began to stir with a transfer order from the Flame Fist headquarters, and the entire squad gathered on the training ground.

After returning from headquarters, Ska gathered all the team members and called Zhang Yuan aside: "The mission we are about to carry out is more dangerous than before, but you are not a formal member of our Flame Fist team and are not obligated to participate. You have two choices: join or leave our team."

After speaking, Ska remained silent, while Zhang Yuan began to weigh the pros and cons in his mind.

In a game, what's there to hesitate about when a mission like this comes knocking on your door? But reality isn't a game. A mission that can gather the entire elite Flame Fist squad and make even the battle-hardened Scar on high alert must be incredibly difficult and dangerous.

Zhang Yuan, who had only managed to accumulate 16 gold coins after several missions, did not believe he was significant enough to impress the temple into arranging a resurrection ceremony for him.

However, rejecting the captain in front of him was not what he wanted. To him, a newcomer who was nominally a mage but actually knew nothing, Ska not only showed great patience and tolerance, but also spent a lot of time and effort to help him. He also guided him step by step to help him grow and correct the problems caused by his weak foundation.

It's not to say that Zhang Yuan couldn't improve without this help, but having such a teacher when consolidating his foundation is like a young footballer joining a top club's youth academy—the growth he achieves is incomparable to playing street football without proper training. Having waited in vain for a response, Shika turned to the newcomer before him, his eyes revealing a complex mix of disappointment and relief.

During the wait, he also figured some things out. It was already a bit much to ask a newcomer who had never seen blood to participate in a high-risk mission, let alone the fact that the person in front of him also had the identity of a mage. It was probably not a wise choice to put himself in danger.

But does a warrior who only ever makes the most rational choices still have the strength to wield a sword?

"It's alright, this isn't your responsibility, and there's no need to make things difficult for you. I'll go and gather the team. When you're ready to move out, just let the clerk at headquarters know."

Ska patted Zhang Yuan on the shoulder and turned to leave.

Ska's forgiveness was like the last straw, breaking the string of reason. Zhang Yuan, who had been trying his best to suppress his impulse, finally couldn't hold back and shouted at the captain's back: "I am also a soldier, so let me fight!"

On the way to the Flame Fist headquarters, Ska chuckled and teased his newbie, "I thought you weren't planning on coming. Where did your mage's rationality go?"

Still fuming, Zhang Yuan retorted irritably, "I didn't want to come either. The share you gave me is barely enough to pay the deposit for the house, let alone the cost of learning magic."

Ska chuckled, not exposing the other party's lie: "Alright, didn't we not have many big orders before? If we survive this mission, you'll definitely get a bonus."

"So you really don't plan to join Flame Fist? The fixed benefits and allowances alone are higher than your mission commission." The unscrupulous captain once again tried to deceive and lure the newbie.

"Come on, what if we have to do a few more high-risk missions? Am I supposed to spend money to buy myself a tombstone?" The person remained unmoved.

When Zhang Yuan arrived at the Flame Fist headquarters, he found that the headquarters was very different from before. The entrance was surrounded by guards, and the once bustling service hall was deserted, with only fallen leaves drifting in the autumn wind swirling in the air.

After entering, Ska told all the team members to wait where they were and went straight up to the second floor.

A moment later, Ska returned with another person by his side. This man's face had a resolute and heroic look that the vicissitudes of time could not conceal, and his hawk-like gaze made everyone who was looked at by him tense up.

Although he did not reveal his identity, the Flame Fist symbol engraved on his full suit of armor, and the respectful and admiring gazes of the crowd looking at him, had already given Zhang Yuan a vague idea.

The man looked around and asked Ska next to him, "Is everyone here?"

"A total of 31 team members, plus one unofficial member, are all here."

Nodding, the man said, "I have summoned you here today to give you an important and difficult task. For the past three months, all the ore caravans from Nassai have been subjected to shameful and brutal attacks by bandits. Order and justice on the Sword Coast have been completely destroyed."

His voice was filled with rage: "The Baldur's Gate Council has entrusted us with the duty of upholding justice. In my name, Iltan, all participants shall gather here at dawn tomorrow and march to Nashka! Wherever those bandits are found, kill them! We are the sword of flamingfist!"

After everyone agreed, the team returned to their base and began packing their luggage for the long journey.

(End of this chapter)