Chapter 97: Arcane Skill Enhancement, [Mastery: Spellcasting Expertise]

The weapon quality increases by one tier, but without enhancing the attributes or the effects of attached skills, it may seem underwhelming.

Actually, under normal circumstances, this skill enhancement was quite excellent. It could elevate the quality of a weapon by one tier. Melee weapons had increased output, while ranged weapons benefited from better mana conduction efficiency, resulting in a boost in skill power.

Moreover, since it's an unconditional quality boost, Sterl's future legendary, epic, or mythical weapons will benefit greatly from this skill, making it extremely overpowered.

Higher-tier weapons experience a qualitative change with each tier increase.

Sterl was exceedingly excited, though slightly frustrated by the effort required to achieve 'Mastered' proficiency in [Mastery: All Soldiers].

After the point allocation, the accumulated proficiency in Proficiency in Multiple Martial Arts depreciated significantly, currently at [Beginner: 611/10000]. Fortunately, [Mastery: All Soldiers] proficiency would gradually increase through combat.

Sterl had already planned to grind proficiencies in The Netherworld. In critical battles, he would use his blood power to make a surge, and it shouldn't take long to enjoy the benefits of this Mastery.

Next, Sterl spent another day training, taking a total of five days to max out his arcane skill proficiency and allocate points.

The quality of Star Soul Rotation has risen once again, reaching D-tier. Since Sterl has not yet reached the new cultivation stage for arcane skills, this wave of additional enhancements is modest, just a 10% increase in experience efficiency and a 10% boost in attribute effects.

Then, he spent three more days maxing out another Mastery, [Mastery: Mobile Spellcasting].

Finally, Sterl obtained—

[Mastery: Spellcasting Expertise]

[Description: You can cast spells in any harsh environment and gain additional benefits from spellcasting. You can cast spells freely while moving, receiving damage, under control effects, or near death.]

[Effect: Spellcasting efficiency is increased by 30%. You can still cast spells while under control effects, depleting stamina instead of mana when out of mana. In special maps where spellcasting is restricted, you can choose to expend additional stamina to forcefully cast spells.

When the proficiency of this skill reaches Mastery, you will acquire the ability [Maximized Spell (You can invest additional stamina to increase the power of your next spell. The maximum enhancement is achieved by investing 200% of your stamina, resulting in a 100% power increase.)

When the proficiency of this skill reaches Grandmaster, you will acquire the skill [Destructive Arcane (You can remove any additional effects from your skill. For each effect removed, you need to spend an extra 100% stamina, increasing the spell's power by 50%.)].

[Difficulty of cultivation: Difficult]

"This is incredible!" Sterl exclaimed with excitement. After three point allocations, the newly evolved Mastery was highly satisfying.

Sterl initially learned [Mobile Spellcasting] to ensure his spellcasting would be unrestricted.

Now, this goal was more than achieved. He could cast spells even when controlled or silenced, with an empty mana bar, and even in anti-magic zones.

As for casting spells while moving, flying, or being hit—these common scenarios couldn't stop Sterl from unleashing his skills.

The effects of this Mastery were maxed out!

Even the two additional skills seemed like bonus gifts.

The Great Elder nodded seriously. Anyone connected to the Fourth Prince of the Divine Mountain Empire was not someone he would neglect.

However, upon entering the villa and seeing Teresa and Daphne, a look of disdain flashed in his eyes. "Is that David here with you?"

The Great Elder exuded an air of superiority, his tone dripping with contempt. He recognized Teresa and Daphne as second-class players from their family.

To an elder like him, they were nothing more than servants.

"What business do you have with Lord David?" Daphne hadn't yet reacted, but Teresa frowned and asked.

She knew Sterl had repeatedly instructed her to keep his strength and secrets hidden.

Teresa had long since arranged to have all of Sterl's records and information at the lower-level base destroyed.

The Great Elder's arrival made Teresa feel an ominous premonition.

"Could it be that the master's abilities have been exposed? Is someone targeting him?"

However, the Great Elder merely snorted coldly. "Hmm?"

A silver gleam flashed in his eyes.

"Aargh!" Teresa seemed to suffer a severe blow, immediately collapsing to the ground, bleeding from her orifices.

She was already gravely injured, on the brink of death!

The family rules were clear: for elders and patriarchs, ordinary members were not to question them and were expected to give their lives and everything without hesitation.

If any ordinary member disobeyed, elders or patriarchs had the right to execute them at will. This was to ensure the family's absolute control over its members, instilling such fear that they wouldn't dare contemplate betrayal or defiance.

The only downside was that those elders and high-ranking members saw ordinary family members as less than human. But so what? In the real-world factories, the efficiency of producing new family members was incredibly high, ensuring that the great families never lacked people.

The Great Elder's eyes were filled with anger. If he didn't need to ask questions, he would have killed Teresa on the spot!

Daphne, trembling with fear, didn't dare to move an inch.

Years ago, during their training in the family, this Great Elder had been one of their instructors.

That training session was a nightmare.

At least 30 players had been slaughtered for failing to show enough respect to the Elder or for speaking inappropriately.

The traumatic memories flooded back for Daphne, causing her entire body to tremble.

"Is David here?" The Great Elder's tone was flat, as if he had just taken a sip of water.

Daphne's mind went blank, but she still remained silent...