Ascension from Dual Professions

Chapter 86: Chapter 85: Chance to Learn Saint Knight Skills, Taking Stock of the Gains

”Join the Sun Church?”

Jon repeated the question, then shook his head with a wry smile.

”My apologies, Mr. Priest. I’m afraid I don’t have time to serve before the gods.”

”Is that so? What a pity.”

The old priest was clearly not surprised by Jon’s refusal. He said it was a pity, but his expression showed no trace of regret.

Then, he changed the subject and brought up something else.

”Joyina mentioned to me that during your battle with those miscreants, you used an ability similar to a Saint Skill. Afterward, you were even cloaked in our Lord’s radiance as you slayed the heretic who used Evil Magic. That must have been a truly stunning and sacred sight.”

”In that case, Mr. Jon, if you have any leisure time, feel free to visit the Church. I imagine the Knights who serve as our Lord’s cutting edge would be very willing to exchange techniques with you.”

Hearing this, Jon thought of the [Righteous Counter] he had drawn and could use. His heart stirred, and he asked tentatively,

”You mean to say?”

”Yes.”

Ingram nodded, a hint of a ”mission accomplished” smile on his face.

”We followers of the Sun do not demand that all who harbor righteousness in their hearts walk the same path as us.”

”Therefore, if someone recognized by our Lord wishes to inherit a Saint Skill, our Knights will not be stingy with their teachings, even if that person is not a believer.”

Jon cursed inwardly after hearing this.

’Damn, so this is what he was getting at!’

He knew that the higher the level of a Saint Knight Skill, the stricter the requirements for theological knowledge, personal virtue, and piety.

Once he set foot on this path and wanted to learn more profound and powerful Saint Skills, he would naturally find himself studying the Church’s scriptures and learning the dogma of the Sun God.

In that case, even if you didn’t officially join the Sun Sect, you would be using the Sun Sect’s Skills and adhering to the Sun Sect’s ideals.

What’s the difference between that and a true follower of the Sun?

The only thing missing would be the baptismal ceremony!

It’s being one in all but name!

But could he refuse?

Jon felt he was about to fall into the trap—and willingly, at that.

The appearance of [Righteous Counter] meant his Professional Skill system wasn’t limited to the paths of Warrior and Mage. Like the natives of this world, he was not bound by class restrictions.

As long as you could learn it, you could use it!

Just like Joyina. Although she was a Sun Priest, she had also used a Moon Priest’s skill in the previous battle to protect everyone’s Spirit from the influence of the evil mist. This was clearly proof that she had studied at the Divine Hall of Neso, the God of the Radiant Moon!

’In that case...’

Thinking about all those Saint Knight Skills he could only drool over as a Warrior, Jon felt his heart betray him and beat a little faster.

’Setting aside the high-level ultimate abilities... I have to at least learn a few basic skills... the area-of-effect [Saint Fire Cloak], the heal-on-hit [Hallowed Hand]... and there’s [Righteous Punishment] that converts to true damage, and the damage-reflecting [Sunflame Blood]...’

’Once I reach the Official Level, there’s the temporary invincibility of [Guardian Saint Shield] and the [Light of Purity] that can Cure Abnormal Statuses...’

As a stream of skills with mouth-watering effects flashed through his mind, Jon accepted the Elder Priest’s invitation with barely a moment’s hesitation.

”In that case, once I have some free time, I will certainly pay you a visit.”

’Just learning a little bit won’t hurt!’

”Excellent.”

With his ”plan” a success, Ingram was clearly in high spirits. He waved, signaling that Jon didn’t need to see him off, then stepped into the curtain of snow, boarded his carriage, and departed.

After watching the old man leave and sighing at how his willpower was still too weak to resist temptation, Jon returned to Reya’s room to check on the exhausted girl.

After confirming she was resting safely under the care of Rosalind and Ivory, he went back to his own quarters.

He had been through too much today and had gained quite a lot. It was time to take stock.

First, the quests. There were four in total.

There was [Knowledge Exchange], completed with Esra at Old Quer’s library that morning, which yielded 1,800 Experience Points and the [Tivira Academy Apprentice’s Notes]. He had already spent those experience points.

Then there was [Act of Justice], completed at the Sun Church, which gave him 4,500 Experience Points, 60 Sun Church reputation, and the very useful counter-attack skill, [Righteous Counter].

Finally, there was the main haul: the two random quests triggered when the commerce association’s convoy was attacked and the evil being appeared.

——

[Deadly Ambush (Rare - Timed Random Quest), Completed]

[During an escort mission, you were attacked by a large number of enemies and high-level Professionals. You were the first to notice the enemy’s movements and sound the alarm. You keenly detected traces of Evil Magic, preserving the integrity of the defensive line. You repelled an assassin who attempted a sneak attack, protecting the mission objective from harm. You harassed the Evil Mage upon his appearance. When the Evil Mage summoned the gaze of an unknown entity, you broke free from its restraints and killed him.]

[Completion: S, reward multiplier 6.0]

[Completion Reward: 18,000 Battle Experience Points (3,000 base x 6.0), 3,000 Heta County Noble United Commerce Association reputation (500 base x 6.0), 600 Sun Church reputation (100 base x 6.0), Draw 1x Random ”Warrior” Domain Skill (Minimum Rarity: Rare)]

——

A Rare Level quest with an S-rank completion!

The rewards were bountiful enough to satisfy Jon.

But the next one was even more of a heavyweight.

——

[Advent of the Abomination (Epic - Timed Random Quest), Completed]

[The death of the maddened Evil Mage connected to an unknown domain, drawing the prying gaze of a terrifying abomination toward you. Your companion, Reya Xavier, saved you and prayed to the Sun God, ultimately invoking divine might to banish the creature.]

[Completion: C, reward multiplier 1.2]

[Completion Reward: 14,400 Battle Experience Points (12,000 base x 1.2), 2,400 Heta County Noble United Commerce Association reputation (2,000 base x 1.2), 480 Sun Church reputation (400 base x 1.2), Draw 1x Random ”Divine” Domain Skill (Minimum Rarity: Rare), Draw 1x Random ”Mystery” Domain Inscription (Minimum Rarity: Rare)]

[Current Heta County Noble United Commerce Association Reputation: Respected (1600/10,000)]

[Current Sun Church Reputation: Friendly (1140/30,000)]

——

An Epic Level quest!

The Basic Rewards like Experience Points and reputation were a full four times that of [Deadly Ambush]!

After this battle, Jon’s total Experience Points reserve shot up to 42,900!

Moreover, as an Epic Level quest, [Advent of the Abomination] rewarded him not only with a skill, but also with a fairly rare ”Inscription”!

So-called ”Inscriptions” were key items that players used to alter the form of their skills.

The only pity was that the quest’s completion rate was low, which meant the rarity of the skill and Inscription wasn’t very high either.

After all, Reya had been the main force behind banishing the abomination. He had merely played the role of the ”hero” in a ”damsel-saves-the-hero” situation.

Still, Jon was quite satisfied.

In a situation like that, just surviving was a victory. He couldn’t ask for more!

The outlander wiped his hands, his expression turning serious.

”Now, it’s time for the prize draw!”