The Stonehearted Knight
Chapter 279: The Knight Scroll (3)

Chapter 279: The Knight Scroll (3)

’Will Ice and Space conflict?’

Hex stared at the back of his hands. The Space circle lay inside the Ice circle. He knew the Baron left that piece of advice for him. He didn’t dare to make light of it.

’In that case, the next element I focus on can’t be fire-related. I haven’t decided on the next one yet – there is still a lot to learn about the two I have. I am glad I read it now and not when it was too late.

Hex stared through the open window. The distant sky gained a few more colors aside from black. The morning breeze blew on his face. And he could hear the noise coming from the castle ground.

After taking a deep breath, he turned back to the Scroll. He threw the worries about the next element to the back of his mind. He had time. He would decide after reviewing his options.

He chose the category Element Techniques next.

The list he saw the last time, appeared at first.

Skull Smash [Earth]

Swift Strike [Wind]

Aquaflex armor [Ice]

Blizzard Strike [Ice]

Frost Dragon Technique [Ice, Wind, Space, Time]

The list went on after the ones he remembered from the last time. The main difference he noticed was the notations between the brackets. Besides each Technique, the elements to amplify the effects were stated.

’The Frost Dragon Technique sure is a special technique. Not only are there a lot of elements required to master it, but some of the elements are the rarest ones.’

His Dragon Bear Soul enabled him to learn many of the Techniques but to master the Frost Dragon Technique, the constitution mattered.

He didn’t get the constitution but the inheritance gifted by the Frost Dragon Queen would work as a good substitute. Even better, he realized he could try to combine a few things. He could use the inheritance to deepen his understanding of Space. Doing that would help his control over his element circle. And as he mastered the space element, his Frost Dragon Technique would benefit from it.

’Now that’s what I call snowballing,’ Hex exclaimed. He couldn’t help but chuckle at his own joke, silly as it might be.

Hex checked the additional techniques listed.

Void Dance [Earth, Space]

Blink Step [Space]

Lightning Descent [Lightning]

Time Freeze [Ice, Time]

Space Free [Ice, Space]

Dark Devour [Space, Time, Darkness]

Blood Ignite [Fire, Nature]

The list was quite extensive this time. He could read the description if he clicked the name of the Technique. He desired to learn all but he had to prioritize. Hex chose the techniques that used the Ice and Space element. And the Frost Dragon Technique. It would enable him to deepen his understanding and empower the technique at the same time.

He was especially happy with Blink Step and Time Freeze. Those two weren’t offensive types but they seemed extremely overpowered.

Blink Step was a movement technique. It enabled the user to move a couple of meters in every direction. It could bypass physical objects in the path. But it didn’t create a pocket of space. If he Blinked to a place in the ground, the Technique would work but he would be stuck in the ground.

To move, he had to sense the Space and use the gaps in it to move through. The gaps in space occurred where the space was pressed against each other. It existed everywhere but it moved at speeds beyond human perception. And there lay its downside.

One mistake and the space would tear the body into pieces. It was possible to survive with a strong body but injuries couldn’t be prevented. The Baron warned him to be cautious even if he managed to reach higher stages. Space wasn’t easy to control, not even for an existence at the Taboo Stage.

The same held for Time Freeze. Time wasn’t something a mortal should have control over. The Technique was a defensive technique. It could freeze an opponent for a brief period. The duration of the freeze depended on the difference in power between the user and the opponent.

Against stronger opponents, the duration would be a fraction of a second. But Hex still wished to learn it. A fraction of time combined with Blink Step could save his life at a crucial point.

He opened Method as last.

Method is as the name suggested, a method. It’s a method to improve and transform the three aspects of a person or creature.

There are several types of Methods: Transmutation, Destruction, Creation, and Refinement.

With transmutation, a person or creature fuses the cells of a being already undergone such a process. It gives a major boost in power but limits growth opportunities. Only by using an even higher form of the same type could the being proceed.

Destruction is often destroying everything and letting it heal over time. The destroyed things will recover stronger and more resilient. But not many can withstand the pain. The physical pain is the easiest of all the pains to endure during this process.

Creation is pushing the cells, whisps, and fragments of all to the brink and forcing them to improve and grow. It’s the least painful but requires a huge amount of resources and time.

Refinement is a combination of Destruction and Creation.

Methods are rare and often not shared with everyone. Everyone can choose a Method based on availability and preference. Everyone, except you. Your body is a product of all four methods. So, you will have to use a method that utilizes all four.

Methods that require even two could be counted on one hand. There are only three Methods that can combine three.

There is only a half one that uses all four. It was a fluke the Witch succeeded with that one. I advise you to use it. But learn all four methods individually too.

And hope that the World Seed can help you.

Hex stared at the Scroll in a daze. Only when Sterling knocked on the door, did he blink. He looked back to the page. He re-read the passage a couple of times. It didn’t change. No matter how many times he went over it, he understood but one thing. It slipped out of his mouth before he knew.

"I am fucked.