Compared with the entry-level, the advanced-level Paladin fighting skills were not only more profound but also extended in breadth.
Unarmed combat and warhammers remained the core focus, but now, techniques for wielding other mainstream weapons such as swords had been introduced. This significantly expanded the scope of [Paladin Fighting (Advanced)], making it more than three times the size of the beginner level.
Luo Wei estimated that it might take him two or three years to fully master all the techniques...
The herb collection team embarked on their return journey. Fortunately, no accidents occurred, and they safely made their way back to the third camp with the gathered herbs.
A month later, in the morning.
Rowe entered the training space of Graf Swifttooth. As his vision adjusted, the familiar forest-like environment, reminiscent of Elwynn Forest from World of Warcraft, appeared once more.
Before this, Rowe had used Graf Swifttooth as his daily training target. However, with his recent advancement in Paladin Fighting Techniques, Graf Swifttooth no longer posed much of a challenge.
Today, Rowe had made up his mind—he would defeat Graf Swifttooth once and for all.
"Ahhhh… Fresh meat!" The gnoll Graf Swifttooth howled as he charged forward, brandishing a battle axe.
"Clang!"
Rowe met the attack with his warhammer, countering with a powerful backhand strike. The fiery energy of Verrigan's Fist surged, clashing against the gnoll's weapon multiple times. Rowe steadily gained the upper hand.
"Clang!"
Once more, their weapons locked. Unlike Rowe, who remained steady, Graf Swifttooth visibly struggled. He strained to hold Verrigan's Fist at bay, his arms trembling under the pressure.
A sinister gleam flickered in Graf Swifttooth's eyes as he prepared to unleash his signature howling skill.
Anticipating this, Rowe adjusted his grip and twisted the hammer handle, slamming it into the gnoll's jaw with a resounding crack.
"Ow—"
Graf Swifttooth let out a pained cry, blood spurting from his mouth, abruptly cutting off his howl.
Seizing the opportunity, Rowe threw a series of punches, knocking Graf Swifttooth backward. With a final, forceful blow, he sent the gnoll tumbling to the ground.
Realizing he was outmatched, Graf Swifttooth abandoned his weapon and fled at full speed. His agility was astonishing, and he quickly gained distance.
Rowe knew that if his target escaped, the Sanctuary would register it as a failed challenge. He had experienced this once before when Graf Swifttooth had vanished into the distance, forcing an automatic failure.
Not willing to let that happen again, Rowe gave chase at full speed.
Despite being weaker in combat, Graf Swifttooth's sheer speed was impressive. Just as he was about to escape, Rowe made a split-second decision and hurled Verrigan's Fist.
Luck was on his side. The flaming warhammer arced through the air and struck Graf Swifttooth squarely, knocking him down.
With a few quick strides, Rowe reached his fallen opponent and pummeled him into submission. Moments later, Graf Swifttooth's body disintegrated, leaving behind several glowing items.
Obtained: [Piety 39.83], [Alchemy Formula: Swiftness Potion], [Book of Experience: Hogg].
Rowe's eyes widened.
Hogg?!
[Hogg (BOSS)]
[Experience Level: Level 4]
[Introduction: Hogg is the great leader of the gnolls, beloved by his kin and feared by all human inhabitants of Elwynn…]
A boss-level opponent! This was unlike anything he had faced before.
Rowe wasted no time. Entering the experience space, he found himself on a rugged hill—Hogg's Mountain.
The terrain was ordinary, but what surprised him were the five gnolls standing before him. They looked almost identical.
Wait… isn't this supposed to be a fight against Hogg?
Before he could process it further, the gnolls attacked, howling, "Fresh flesh and blood!"
Rowe met them head-on, swinging Verrigan's Fist with precision, quickly dispatching one.
Just regular gnolls, Rowe noted with relief. Though outnumbered, he could handle them.
As he prepared to deal with the next, one particular gnoll charged forward, wielding a battle axe.
Without hesitation, Rowe swung his hammer.
But something was different. The gnoll effortlessly dodged his attack and suddenly accelerated, closing the gap in an instant.
Rowe's instincts flared in warning. He threw a desperate punch.
The gnoll smirked, easily catching his fist. With his free hand, he swung the axe.
A flash of steel—
Rowe's vision went dark.
Decapitated in an instant, he was forcibly ejected from the experience space.
Back in reality, Rowe broke out in a cold sweat.
That sneaky bastard… He realized the truth—Hogg had been among the five gnolls all along, blending in with his minions, waiting for the perfect moment to strike.
The deception had worked flawlessly. Rowe had completely underestimated the boss.
Despite his frustration, he had to admit—Hogg's power was immense. His raw strength and speed were leagues beyond Rowe's current capabilities.
For now, he decided to put this challenge on hold. He wasn't ready.
Turning his attention to the other item he had acquired, Rowe examined the alchemy formula.
[Alchemy Recipe: Swiftness Potion]
[Type: Potion]
[Standard Item Level: Second Class]
[Main Ingredients: Swiftlet, Heather]
[Effect: Increases movement speed significantly for five minutes.]
So that's how Graf Swifttooth was so fast… Rowe mused.
This potion could be incredibly useful. A well-timed speed boost might save his life one day.
Determined to test it out, he spent the rest of the day researching the formula, preparing to craft one himself.
Later that evening, as Rowe sat down for dinner, a commotion erupted in the camp.
Turning toward the noise, he saw a squad of soldiers returning from a mission. Heimdall led the group, his expression unreadable. Several warriors bore wounds, while others carried fallen comrades.
Most of them were stained with green liquid—a telltale sign of battle against the Skrins. The foul stench of their blood filled the air.
Rowe wasn't surprised.
The Skrins had attacked the Asgardian camp before, and the warriors had retaliated in kind.
"Rowe, get me a healing stone," Ander called, approaching with a weary gait, his arm bleeding.
"What happened?" Rowe asked, passing him the stone.
Ander sighed heavily. "It's bad. Really bad."