Chapter 17: Training Ground

Please support me on Patreon, where you can read a bunch of extra chapters, not just for this novel, but for all the novels I'm working on. I upload at least 2 times daily for each novel.

Patreon.com/ThatGreatStuff

******

[Equipment: Vow Spear.]

[Special Effect 1: Indestructible.]

[Special Effect 2: Guaranteed Hit on Projectile Throw and Automatic Return.]

This was a long spear. Bochang carefully examined the attributes of the Vow Spear and realized it was a fantastic gamble payoff. Just the "Indestructible" effect alone elevated its value to unparalleled heights.

The guaranteed hit on projectile throw and automatic return were also impressive features.

No longer would he need to worry about losing his weapon after throwing it.

"But... does this mean I should reclass as a lancer? As they say, 'Since ancient times, luck E for lance wielders,' really... oh well, since I've obtained this weapon, might as well put it to use. It'll definitely come in handy when fighting the Doomsday Beast later."

"Can I ask you something? I'm curious... what's going on with that power of yours?" Himeko's voice brought Bochang back to reality.

The black-haired youth replied, "This thing... I'm not entirely sure myself. I just wanted to help, reached out my hand, and instinctively shouted 'Explosion.' A blast immediately fired off, and then I realized what this move was called..."

"It's called Dragon Blast!" interjected March 7th, helping Bochang with the name. "However, I still think 'Explosion' sounds cooler. 'Dragon Blast' feels somewhat ordinary..."

Stelle chimed in as well.

"Yes, similar to Bochang, we mysteriously acquired some combat-related knowledge, but... the power he uses seems different from ours."

Both Stelle, March 7th, and Dan Heng employed abilities derived from their respective fate paths.

Stelle's power originated from the Destruction Fate Path.

March 7th's power stemmed from the Preservation Fate Path.

Dan Heng's power originated from the Fate Path of The Hunt.

When not actively using their fate paths, it might be difficult to perceive this connection. However, once someone taps into their fate path's strength, those attuned can clearly sense it.

But Bochang was different...

Neither Stelle nor March 7th detected any signs of a fate path's influence when he produced flames.

"After all, I'm utilizing magic power..." Specifically, the magic power from the Dragon Talisman.

Unwilling to reveal too much, Bochang shook his head and said, "I'm not sure..."

"Here's what we'll do. Let's find a place where you can test your abilities; perhaps I've encountered something similar before."

As the navigator of the Astral Express, Himeko had traversed countless planets and witnessed individuals who, despite not having activated a fate path, could still unleash formidable powers. Therefore, this wasn't particularly rare.

"I remember Dan Heng mentioning that you haven't fully mastered this power yet," Himeko continued. "It's even more important to test it now, so we don't encounter similar issues when the time comes to use it..."

Unable to decline Himeko's invitation, Bochang agreed, considering he had mostly recovered.

"Alright, let's find a suitable place to give it a try."

"I know of a training area nearby." Himeko pointed in its direction.

And so...

Under the guidance of the redheaded big sister, the group set off.

Unfortunately, they left Asta behind... She actually wanted to witness his Enigmata's power too, but given the current situation at the space station, she couldn't abandon her post.

The Master Control Zone's training area was vast, typically used by the Security Division for their drills. If needed, Herta would also requisition this facility for urgent testing or experiments.

As for now...

The training ground was completely empty, devoid of any presence.

With most members of the Security Division either on patrol or defending against the Antimatter Legion's attacks outside, it stood abandoned.

"Do you see that target up ahead? Just direct your attack towards it," Himeko said, pointing at a massive humanoid robot located fifty meters away, as she addressed Bochang.

This robot was specifically designed for the training ground.

Immovable, its sole advantage lay in its durability, making it often used by Herta for various tests.

The redheaded big sister placed her hand on her hip and warned, "Remember to control your power carefully; don't collapse after just one shot... otherwise, we'll be quite troubled."

"Don't worry, I won't make the same mistake again."

Previously, Bochang, lacking experience, had focused solely on unleashing a destructive attack with the Dragon Talisman against his enemies.

In simpler terms, he had been too hasty.

As a result, the energy within him surged out uncontrollably, akin to water bursting through an open floodgate.

Extending his hand and aiming at the robot ahead, Bochang subtly channeled the Dragon Talisman's power, immediately sensing his stamina rapidly draining...

Realizing this, the black-haired youth swiftly triggered the Dragon Blast to avoid further energy accumulation and excessive depletion. A pillar of flame burst forth from his palm, hurtling towards the target.

This time, the stream of flames was only as thick as a wrist.

Under the watchful eyes of March 7th, Himeko, Stelle, and Dan Heng,

the fiery beam struck the robot, causing a violent explosion. The training robot was engulfed in flames... The ensuing gusts forced Himeko and others to squint instinctively.

As the flames subsided,

the impact area where Bochang had hit showed a deep indentation.

The already battered body of the robot acquired yet another scar.

Meanwhile, March 7th had taken out her camera to film, but she appeared somewhat unsatisfied.

"I haven't seen such power before..." Himeko rubbed her chin, then quickly changed the topic, "However... it's truly impressive, Bochang. How many times can you perform attacks like that?"

"Not sure... probably around ten times," Bochang assessed his stamina consumption.

He realized he still had considerable energy left.

"About ten times? Can you lower its potency further? When dealing with weaker enemies... your previous attack was still too powerful." Himeko spread her hands, offering her suggestion.

Bochang pondered for a moment, then mimicked holding a gun, cautiously adjusting the Dragon Talisman's strength.

This time...

Bochang concentrated for a full three seconds before firing.

The pillar of flame was only as thick as half a wrist.

It ultimately created a small pit on the robot.

This was already the limit of Bochang's control; the attack could not be weakened any further.

"That's about right for now. Against weaker Voidrangers, if you can land a hit, it should cause severe damage... or potentially even kill them outright. However, the firing speed is still too slow. You need to practice more; three seconds is enough for an enemy to close in on you."

Himeko offered her assessment.

With such an attack...

Bochang felt he could unleash several dozen times before tiring. If his body were fully recovered, he might endure even longer.

"You can continue training here for a while. I'll have March accompany you," Himeko said, turning and waving her hand. "I'm going to investigate the nature of this power further."

Watching the redheaded big sister walk away, Bochang muttered to himself:

"The Doomsday Beast... must be approaching soon, right?"

As if invoking Word of Power, urgent alarms signaling danger quickly sounded throughout the space station.

"What's happening?" Everyone was startled, momentarily diverting their attention from Bochang's left index finger, where Dan Heng resided.