Horizon of Glory
"The Annals of Exploration and Empires," Book III, Chapter XVII, Page 211 In the annals of history, few epochs have been as rife with the promise of adventure and the peril of the unknown as the Age of Discovery. It was a time when the very fabric of the world was being stretched, its edges frayed by the bold hands of explorers and conquerors. Among these intrepid souls, one name, has been etched into the annals of legends. The Wars of the Roses, a conflagration that had consumed the heart of empires and forged kings from the crucible of blood and fire, had at last given way to an uneasy peace. It was in this aftermath, amidst the smoldering ruins of a world reshaped by conflict, that Byron's journey began. Armed with a relic of untold power, the "Navigation Logbook," he set forth into the uncharted waters of the world, where the mundane and the magical intertwined in an intricate dance. The high seas, a vast and uncharted canvas, stretched before him, a horizon that whispered of untold riches and the promise of peril. Great ships, their sails billowing like the wings of colossal birds, traversed these waters, their cannons thundering a challenge to the very gods of the deep. It was an age of ambition, a testament to the unyielding spirit of mankind's quest for dominion over the unknown. Beneath the waves, ancient beings from epochs long past slumbered, their legends carried on the creaking timbers of ships and the roar of cannons. Byron, undaunted by the shadows that lurked beneath the waves or the tempests that raged above, carved out a kingdom from the chaos that enveloped the world. His fleet, a specter of doom, became a symbol of his indomitable will, a force that would not be challenged lightly. This is a saga, a tale woven from the threads of history and magic, adventure and power, and the eternal quest for glory. It is a narrative that compels the heart and captures the imagination, a story that resonates through the ages, a reminder of the heights to which humanity can aspire when driven by the winds of ambition and the tides of destiny. Let this account, penned by the hands of the most esteemed historians and literature masters, serve as a beacon for those who seek to embark upon their own voyages of discovery. For within the pages of this epic tale lies the essence of the human spirit, a spirit that seeks, that conquers, and that endures.
HoG - Chapter 34
Chapter 34: Abilities Beyond the Sequence
As the promotion ritual concluded and Byron's consciousness returned to reality, his azure eyes retained a deep sense of caution and alarm.
"What happened to that lighthouse that disappeared just now? Why does it feel so familiar? It reminds me of that night..."
Simultaneously, the 'Navigation Log' entry "Secret: The Shadow of the Red and White Rose War (Historical Influence 31%, Decryption 12%)" suddenly leaped from 12% to 20% decryption! This indicated a definite connection between the two events.
Unfortunately, even in the royal collection of books, there was no description of the black ocean, the "Source Sea." It was as if the connection between humans and that black sea was to be completely severed from the source of everyone's cognition. Not only was exploration forbidden, but understanding was also not allowed.
However, Byron clearly remembered that the front page of the 'Navigation Log' stated:
"Some say we live on a small island of ignorance, surrounded by an endless black ocean. Perhaps we should never have set sail! But we have no choice."
The waters of this world were clearly unfathomably deep, and even Byron, who had personally experienced the Red and White Rose War, had only touched upon an insignificant part of it. Further exploration would undoubtedly be extremely dangerous.
But he also remembered the 'Navigation Log's' warning: the great flood of this world has never receded; you must firmly secure your anchor! Perhaps if his anchor was thick and strong enough, there would come a day when he could learn the truth.
Setting this matter aside for the moment, Byron reorganized his mindset and began to check the abilities he had gained at the first tier of the 'Storm Knight' sequence. Seeing the three abilities that appeared on the 'Navigation Log' after 'Cognitive Correction' and 'Weather Intuition,' he muttered:
"As expected, no surprises, and no individuality to speak of."
'Swordsmanship Mastery':
A common ability for most melee professionals. The laws bestow upon you the experience accumulated by our ancestors over countless years. An ordinary person can master the use of various sword weapons without practice and significantly improve their original swordsmanship level.
'Mountain Goat Steps':
Standard for every pirate and adventurer. It allows one to move as if on flat ground even with their hands free, leaping ten meters horizontally and three meters vertically across rigging and yardarms. No matter how one maneuvers, they will not fall from the dozens of meters high mast.
'Riding':
An exclusive ability for all knightly professions. It condenses the riding experience of our ancestors, allowing one to ride horses, drive carriages, and even control any vehicle with ease. The 'Storm Knight's' riding ability is more focused on harnessing the sea wind, enabling someone who has never touched a sailboat to instantly become a master of sail handling.
The 'Silver Laws' connect the spirituality of all humans throughout history. In the seven layers of the law's web, from shallow to deep, lies the history, knowledge, and even the inexpressible experiences of the human race. And the human race, having emerged in millions of years of evolution, has many innately supernatural abilities.
The initial abilities of the first-tier attendant mainly come from three aspects:
The first is the brain.
The most representative ability among the corresponding series is the 'Eidetic Memory' of the scholars of the High Tower Sequence who are not on the combat side. Once awakened, one can have a photographic memory and even share a common database with others.
The second is endurance. Humans may not be the kings of endurance, but they are certainly endurance powerhouses, second only to sled dogs and mules among ordinary animals. This has evolved into 'Extraordinary Endurance' and 'Stubborn Will,' allowing people to have extraordinary stamina.
The third is flexible hands and joints. Even if felines and weasels are more agile, they cannot touch their backs with their claws, but humans can easily do so. The ability to grasp with five fingers is unparalleled, allowing for the finest motor skills, such as using tools and sewing. This has evolved into abilities like 'Swordsmanship Mastery,' 'Military Weapon Mastery,' 'Riding,' and 'Mountain Goat Steps.'
Most of these abilities are not at all flashy or fantastical; they are ordinary passive abilities with average power. Even the initial abilities of the various sequences are mostly fixed. From the first step on the 'Stairway of Glory,' one can see the finish line at a glance.
The 'Storm Knight' profession is derived from the superior profession of pirates, equivalent to pirates of the sea and knights of the land combined. It incorporates the advantages of both and has its own characteristics.
The attendant stage abilities 'Swordsmanship Mastery,' 'Mountain Goat Steps,' and 'Riding' allow him to easily become an outstanding fighter at sea. But they are no different from those of other 'Storm Knights,' lacking any individuality.
To be honest, Byron actually wanted that extraordinary stamina... cough, I mean 'Extraordinary Endurance.'
"But compared to other people's generic templates, I have a fourth exclusive ability!"
Don't forget, Byron completed his sublimation in a blood battle ritual centered around "plunder." He took not only Salman's pirate ship, crew, treasure, and artifacts, but also one of his supernatural powers.
Perhaps due to the combined effect of 'Mortal Enemy' and the ritual. What Byron took from Salman was not the basic abilities of a 'Gourmet' at the attendant level. Anyway, besides the second-tier 'Nourishment,' he didn't care about the rest.
But the forbidden knowledge of the 'Blood Brew' series, the ritual witchcraft for brewing 'Transformation Blood'—the 'Blood Grail'! Even the man-eating sharks in the sea were inherited along with it.
The 'Storm Knight's' frontal combat abilities are absolutely flawless and are among the best in the sequences that make up the 'Stairway of Glory.' However, their support abilities are noticeably weaker.
And no matter how powerful the orthodox 'Stairway of Glory' supernatural individuals are, they are only enhanced on a spiritual level and cannot escape the shackles of the Silver Laws. They never change the essence of being human, achieving a higher life form, and will age, die, and get sick.
If it weren't for his uncle, King Henry VI, who inherited intermittent mental illness from his grandfather, King Charles VI of France. The York family would not have had the opportunity to rebel.
For these issues, the forbidden knowledge not recorded in the 'Silver Laws' can solve them all!
But Byron was wary of the price of learning forbidden knowledge. Even though he had bought the raw materials, he had been hesitating whether to start brewing the 'Blood Brew.'
Now, by seizing this Forbidden Knowledge through a proper promotion ritual, it is partially integrated into the 'Silver Laws' system. With the laws sharing the burden, the cost of using this ability in rituals will certainly be greatly reduced.
Of course, forbidden knowledge is still forbidden knowledge and will still be subject to strict limitations. It can only be Byron's exclusive.
And unlike other conventional abilities, when another 'Storm Knight' is employed, they may receive skills and experience from their predecessors through the 'Silver Laws.'
With this, Byron's abilities in all aspects are comprehensively strengthened. The protection of the 'Storm Signet Ring' is simultaneously activated, and he no longer has to worry about being caught by any prophecy spells.
Finally, after days of fleeing, he has the capital to settle down.
"The matter is not over yet."
Byron took out a piece of white cloth from his pocket, which also had a trace of blood on it. It was the blood left by the finger monkey on the blade of the hand-and-a-half sword during the earlier confrontation with the assassin!
Since the attack was initially aimed at him, even if it had inadvertently helped him greatly. Now, he must take advantage of the opportunity to eliminate the threat completely!