Chapter 135: Awakening [ XV ]

Rowan was still puzzled about the identity and motivation of the creator who had just given him the reward he required at the right time. But he didn't dwell on the thought too much.

After obtaining what he needed, he went back to meet the soldiers who were already deep in discussion. Rowan spoke to them again, telling them the ancestors had rewarded all of them with a special skill book and obliged them to train in it and become stronger in order to protect the village.

Rowan then instructed the archers' team to step out first as he distributed their skill books to them. Each of them got a special skill that boosted their attributes significantly. About 50% of them got the [Eagle Eyes], while others received different skills. Rowan called the other groups and did the same thing.

The soldiers, having received their skill books, began to study them immediately. The skill books had finely written texts and illustrations that appeared to integrate with their system as they read them.

Rowan watched as their comprehension of the skills went from 0% to 50% in less than an hour. All of them were busy reading their skill books, and the village square became eerily silent for the first time today.

Only after the first hour passed did they start conversing among themselves. Some of them, especially those in the pure martial arts team, began to demonstrate their skills right away.

The archers held their bows and arrows, practicing their aim without shooting. The swordsmen swung their swords and felt a new form of energy being channeled through their hands. They even felt as though the sword had suddenly become an extension of their own hands, enabling them to maneuver several moves that were impossible in the past.

"This is amazing!"

"Look, my punches are so powerful. I think I'll be able to bring down a tree with just my fist!"

"My sword feels so light and powerful when I swing it."

Their excited chatter suddenly filled the air.

Rowan listened to their words and studied their expressions. His eyes fell on Brandon, who was standing among the martial arts team, staring at his own fist, finding it difficult to believe he could wield such power simply with his hands. He wasn't the only one; many other men in the village square felt the same way right now.

"Lord Rowan is truly an angel sent by the ancestors," one of them suddenly chanted, lifting his sword. His chant triggered the others, who joined in chanting Rowan's name and praising their ancestors for sending him.

Rowan didn't mind them giving credit and praises to their non-existent ancestors since he had been using it to deceive them all this while. He even joined them to praise and thank the imaginary helpers.

"You have all received the blessing of the ancestors and experienced just how marvelous and strong it is. But this is just the beginning!" Rowan announced. "We will go out hunting in the south forest in the next few days. Once you slay monsters, you will grow stronger. After you slay a certain number of monsters, you'll ascend the mortal limit and become really powerful!

You will run at a speed unbeatable by the fastest cat, and your punches will be able to shatter mountains!"

This new piece of information both shocked and intrigued everyone.

"Monsters?" they asked at once.

Although they had gained newfound powerful skills, the mention of monsters still triggered fear in them. S~eaʀᴄh the NôvelFire(.)net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

Rowan nodded his head and explained. He lied to them, saying that the reason he had become as strong as he was right now was because he had slain so many monsters in the past.

They immediately believed him, but they still had one question.

"Are you saying we will become as strong as you, Lord Rowan?" one of them asked.

Rowan looked at the soldier named Winston who had asked and nodded his head.

"Yes, you will become as strong as I am currently. Your speed, strength, endurance, and other physical attributes of your body will improve!"

When they heard this, their eyes widened, and they were left speechless.

"Are you ready to take the step toward power? Will you seize this chance to become strong enough to protect your loved ones, or let fear hold you back? Will you prove to me how useful and fearless you are?"

Rowan raised his hands, stirring the crowd with his challenge and motivation.

"If you're ready, raise your hands and voice your readiness! Let the heavens be aware of your boldness and let hell cower!" He looked at everyone, his gaze fierce and encouraging.

For a moment, the crowd was silent. Then, one by one, hands shot up into the air.

"I'm ready!" Brandon shouted, his voice filled with determination.

"Me too!"

"We are all ready!" the soldiers began to chant, their voices growing louder with each word.

"Ready to become stronger!"

"Ready to protect our village!"

"Ready to face the monsters!"

The air was filled with their shouts and the sound of weapons clanging as they raised them high.

Rowan felt a surge of satisfaction as he watched them. "Good! This is the spirit we need!" he called out.

"Thank you, Lord Rowan!" they replied in unison.

"Thank the ancestors for their blessings! We shouldn't disappoint them and the people of Winterseed! We should all grow stronger! "

The soldiers nodded.

Rowan spoke with them for a few minutes, discussing the new schedule.

He assigned time for them to train together and introduced a new formation to guard the borders at night.

He provided the captains with additional skills they could easily teach others, so everyone wouldn't be limited to a single skill.

Additionally, since they each had their own personal skills, they would be able to train independently at home and grow stronger at their own pace.

For those who wouldn't train at home, the daily training sessions would ensure their skills remained sharp.

Rowan also announced their first hunting trip would be in three days, motivating them to train even harder.

In two days, Rowan also planned to undergo his power evolution.

---

Two days passed swiftly after the announcement.

The soldiers were training intensely.

Riela had made some minor progress in her magic training.

Rowan was on the verge of beginning his evolution.

At the same time, Dragun and Vishirk had arrived at a new destination!