Camp Command Post.
Commander Heimdall and the camp medical officer, Scala, sat together. Heimdall's pupils flickered slightly as he appeared momentarily absent-minded, clearly using his all-seeing power to observe something from afar.
Scala asked, "The kid went to kill the Skrins again?"
Heimdall nodded with a smile. "He seems to be hunting for Skrins lords. I've seen him do this multiple times... I must say, his ability to pinpoint them is remarkable. I even suspect he possesses eyes like mine."
Scala was surprised. "Has he killed another Skrins lord?"
"Not yet," Heimdall shook his head. "However, Rowe has a knack for identifying Skrins officers hidden within the ranks. I believe it won't be long before he manages to kill another lord."
After a pause, he continued, "His combat awareness and skills are developing rapidly. At his age, I doubt anyone surpasses him. If not for his lack of physical prowess, Rowe could have grown into an excellent—perhaps even a great—warrior."
"By the way, Rowe seems to wield a type of magic. It's a power I've never seen before. Do you know what it is?" Heimdall looked at Scala.
Scala shook his head. "It appears to be a form of light magic, but it differs from any light magic I've encountered."
Heimdall pondered. "Light magic? Could he have connections to the Light Elves?"
"Unlikely," Scala replied. "However, while I was recently in Asgard, I learned that Rowe has a cousin—a prodigy in magic and herbal medicine. Not long ago, she traveled to Nornheim and became a student of the Duchess of Norn... Rowe's magic might be related to her."
---
"Cough…" The wounded soldier coughed a few times, instinctively raising a hand toward his neck.
Rowe was preparing a bandage and quickly said, "Don't move—your wound hasn't fully healed yet. It's on your neck."
The soldier hesitated, then lowered his hand. "Thank you…"
"I'm a healer. This is my duty." Rowe said as he wrapped the bandage around the soldier's wound.
"Are you from the Vanir?" Rowe asked, noting the soldier's accent.
The soldier nodded. "Yes, my name is Wayne."
The resilience of the gods was formidable. With the aid of the healing stone and bandages, Wayne quickly regained some of his strength. He stood up and clenched his weapon. "Damn Skrins!"
Ignoring Rowe's advice, Wayne returned to the battlefield.
Rowe sighed and resumed his search around the perimeter, hoping to find another Skrins elite that met the criteria for punishment. However, luck was not on his side this time—the battle ended soon, and he returned to his quarters.
---
Time to see what the reward is this time.
Opening the Holy Deed, Rowe claimed his vengeance reward.
[Standard Space Grid Acquired]
Rowe's eyes brightened. Finally, something worthwhile.
Over the past six months, he had purchased five Fate Gifts from the Devotion Store daily, accumulating nearly a thousand. However, space grids were rare—he had only obtained a few so far, and they weren't even enough to store his hammer properly.
Now, with one more space grid, he estimated he could finally store Verigan's Fist. He immediately grabbed the warhammer and attempted to store it.
Success!
The Fist of Verigan disappeared into the Holy Deed, imprinting itself as a pattern on the page.
A smile crept onto Rowe's face. At last, he didn't have to carry the hammer around daily. Though not heavy, it was cumbersome.
He turned the page to his spellbook.
As expected, only Holy Light Strike was unlocked, while the other spells on the second tier remained grayed out: Judgment, Sword of Justice, Divine Protection, Hand of Reckoning, Grant Faith, Light of the Martyrs—six in total.
For now, Rowe could only use spell fragments obtained through Fate Gifts for one-time use.
To permanently unlock and learn these spells, he had to complete ten sin punishments.
Between the three Skrins elites, one Skrins lord, and a past thief, Rowe had completed five punishments. Five more to go.
If he managed to kill five more wicked Skrins, he could unlock these spells.
---
A few days later.
After breakfast, Rowe returned to his room, opened the Holy Deed, and entered Graf Swifttooth's experience space.
In truth, he could have defeated Graf Swifttooth long ago. However, Graf was a formidable opponent—far superior to boars, kobolds, and Golden Town infantry. Rowe deliberately prolonged their battles to hone his skills.
As Uncle Hogg's younger brother, Graf did not disappoint.
To this day, Rowe still found it challenging to defeat him without using magic.
"Graf, I'm back."
Entering the experience space, Rowe greeted his opponent.
Graf Swifttooth remained silent, charging forward while repeating his gnoll battle cry: "Ahhh! Fresh meat!"
Rowe swung his warhammer, clashing with Graf once more. After a fierce exchange, he withdrew from the experience space, both panting and injured.
"Hah—"
Back in the real world, Rowe exhaled deeply, wiping sweat from his brow.
The experience space was too realistic. Every high-intensity battle left him drenched in sweat.
"Knock, knock." A knock at the door.
Opening it, Rowe found Sigurd standing there.
Since Rowe had killed a Skrins lord, Sigurd had been visiting him every few days. Despite being older, he acted like Rowe's sidekick.
"Master Scala has summoned us."
This time, however, Sigurd's tone was serious. Rowe followed him without hesitation.
Arriving at the designated room, they found Scala waiting with several doctors.
Scala surveyed the gathered individuals and nodded slightly. "Good, everyone is here."
Clearing his throat, he continued, "Yesterday, our scouts discovered a rare herb colony deep within the forest, containing many valuable medicinal plants. After discussing with the commander, I have decided to organize a collection team. It will consist of two warrior squads and one healer team."
"You are the designated healer team."
After a pause, he added, "Since the site is deep in the forest, there is a high chance of Skrins attacks. If anyone is unwilling to go, now is the time to withdraw."
The doctors exchanged glances but remained silent.
Scala repeated, "This is not a mere errand. The Skrins cannot overrun our camp, but they can annihilate a herb-gathering team."