How come this arcanist is invincible?

Chapter 17 New Tricks

Night fell.

The battlefield outside the halfling settlement has been roughly cleaned up.

The air was still filled with the smell of burning and blood.

Several half-human figures pushed a cart carrying the wounded; the bandages were already soaked with blood.

The bodies of the fallen were neatly laid out on the east side of the square.

Each body was covered with clean white linen.

The flickering firelight cast a solemn and desolate atmosphere.

To the west, the corpses of kobolds were piled up into a small mountain.

Several halflings were pouring pine resin onto the pile of corpses.

As the torch was thrown in.

boom!

Flames shot into the sky, instantly engulfing the pile of corpses.

High above the fence, Kane and Shar stood side by side, silently watching everything unfold.

Kane's hand unconsciously rested on the dagger, his mind churning with thoughts.

Shar tilted her head slightly, the flickering firelight shimmering in her emerald eyes.

"bring it on!"

Aldo’s loud voice broke the silence.

"The celebration is about to begin!"

The innocent halfling's face was still stained with blood, but he had already put on a festive smile.

The optimistic halfling's face was stained with blackened blood, and his clothes were tattered.

But he forced out a seemingly bright smile.

"celebrate?"

Kane frowned.

The fact that the celebration was being held at this moment made him feel an inexplicable sense of unease.

Aldo's smile faded slightly, but remained gentle:

"The living must continue to laugh for the dead; this is the tradition of the halflings."

He paused, his tone becoming extremely solemn.

"It was you and Miss Shar who protected our home; you are heroes of the settlement!"

"This celebration banquet is a token of everyone's appreciation, and it's dedicated to you all!"

Kane looked toward the row of white linens on the east side of the square.

They then turned west to the pile of kobold corpses that were still burning fiercely.

He slowly shook his head:

"Aldo, thank you for your and everyone's kindness, but... we need rest more."

He wasn't actually tired, but Shar was.

She was exhausted after a day of fierce fighting.

They need to rest; they have to set off first thing tomorrow morning.

The road to Nord is still long, and stopping will only increase the uncertainty.

The halfling glanced at Kane's pale face and finally nodded in understanding:

"We have prepared a room for you, please follow me."

When they appeared with Aldo.

A small commotion broke out among the half-sex crowd waiting in the square.

After learning that the two heroes would not be attending the celebration.

The half-bodied people looked at each other with disappointment and confusion on their faces.

The elder sitting at the main table glanced across the room, then slowly raised his hand, signaling everyone to be quiet.

He hesitated for a moment, then spoke in a steady voice:

"Since heroes need a quiet rest, we should respect their wishes even more."

Let us express our gratitude as a fitting farewell gift.

"May this gift protect them on their journey ahead."

……

Aldo led them to a low house.

The room was clean and tidy, with a double bed covered in fur.

The conditions were worlds apart from their previous tents.

A sumptuous feast was laid out on the wooden table: fresh bread, roast meat, cheese, and milk.

Outside the door, two halfling girls stood quietly by, indicating that they could be called upon at any time if needed.

After eating a few bites, Shar quickly fell into a deep sleep, her breathing shallow and even.

Kane sat on another bed, staring at the clear panel prompts in his field of vision:

[Dagger Mastery LV8 → LV9]

Just one step away from reaching the maximum level.

And the more important hint is:

[The mission to defend the halfling settlement is complete. Completion rating: Excellent]

[Reward: 5 Skill Points]

"Five skill points..." he thought to himself.

"Perhaps it's time to learn a new magic trick."

"It's always good to have an extra trump card before a battle."

In theory, a settlement of halflings might have a library.

However, the possibility of having a spellbook is slim.

Despite the fierce battle today, not a single halfling spellcaster has made a move.

Clearly, they do not possess any magical inheritance.

Therefore, the most likely way to obtain the Zero Ring Trick is still through this partner beside you.

Kane looked down at the sleeping Shar, then at the dagger he carried.

He thought for a moment, then stood up gently and walked to an open space in the room.

The dagger that had accompanied him through countless battles quietly slipped into his palm.

It began to flip and dance as if it had a life of its own, controlled by his fingertips.

"The LV9 dagger mastery is even more comfortable to use than I expected."

It wasn't until late at night that he put away the dagger, lay down, and closed his eyes.

……

The next morning.

The two left the gathering place amidst the halflings' reluctant gazes.

Kane put on a new set of leather armor.

This is a gift that the elder sent someone to make for him overnight.

His gaze swept over the equipment attributes on the panel:

【Azanaq Leather Armor (Green)】

Part: Armor - Leather Armor

Equipment Level: LV15

Basic attributes: Constitution +2, Strength +1

Equipment effects:

The wearer gains slight flame resistance and improved adaptability to high-temperature environments.

Remarks:

Azanak: "Despicable human, if you're so capable, then don't use magic!"

……

Looking at this note, Kane shook his head inwardly.

The dragonblood kobold Azanak completely overwhelmed him in strength and physique.

If it weren't for his immortality and the aid of the "Mind Wedge," he would have been torn to shreds long ago.

"that……"

Just as he was lost in thought, he heard Shar's hesitant voice beside him.

She barely uttered a word the entire way.

About an hour after leaving the gathering place, she suddenly stopped.

"I'm sorry," she whispered.

Kane was taken aback:

Why apologize?

Shar raised her head, her gaze earnest:

"Actually, we should have headed to Nord as soon as possible after yesterday's battle."

"You stayed to take care of me, didn't you... I'm sorry, I've been a burden to you."

Kane knew she was telling the truth, but some truths don't need to be spoken out.

He then smiled slightly:

"Don't worry about it..."

"What I need are reliable fighting partners, not reckless deserters."

He paused, then said:

"If you really feel bad about it, why don't you do me a favor?"

"it is good."

Shar agreed without hesitation.

"I'm happy to help with anything."

"Then teach me a magic trick."

Shar looked at him suspiciously:

"Now? We're still on our way... Is it too late?"

Kane smiled slightly.

He has skill points at his disposal, so as long as he understands the basic principles, he can directly add points to master them, but there is no need to explain too much.

"Have you forgotten about the Mage's Hand incident?"

He reminded him.

Shar couldn't help but smile as she recalled how she had initially concluded that he could never learn the Mage's Hand technique:

"Okay, but I have to remind you."

"Even the simplest zero-ring magic trick takes an ordinary person several months to practice."

"Just consider this a casual chat while traveling."

Kane didn't take it seriously.

"Since you insist... but I don't know many tricks."

Shar composed herself and listed the following:

"Blade Protection, Water Manipulation, or Social Skills—which would you like to learn?"

Kane nodded, already seriously comparing the practical advantages and disadvantages of these tricks.