Chapter 9: 【Preparation for Battle】 and Professional Resonance
【Successful Job Change, Current Profession: Recruit】
【Attribute Bonus Gained: Strength +1, Agility +1】
【Trait Gained: Preparation for Battle】
【Preparation for Battle: Improves the training effect of combat-related skills】
“Three points of Strength, though still not as much as Sean, should be slightly stronger than those apprentices in the blacksmith shop.”
Feeling the strength that had appeared out of nowhere within him, Roland let out a long sigh, clenched his fists, and then his gaze moved back to the text in front of him.
“Preparation for Battle?”
Upon seeing the description text after the 【Preparation for Battle】 trait, Roland’s pupils constricted slightly, and he immediately felt the fatigue in his body vanish.
He then picked up the wooden sword again and practiced the basic sword techniques once more.
The moment he finished his move, a golden text appeared before his eyes.
【You have successfully performed a basic sword technique training, gaining two experience points】
“Hiss.”
Looking at the two experience points gained, Roland gasped.
“I thought 【Preparation for Battle】 was similar to 【Humble Apprentice】, both allowing me to awaken skills in related fields faster, but I didn't expect the effect to be so simple and direct.”
“Isn’t this like carrying a permanent double experience card with me?”
After secretly smacking his lips, Roland couldn't help but feel a surge of excitement.
In this world, strength was the only foundation!
But limited by energy, even if an ordinary person specialized in a combat skill, whether it was swordsmanship, spear-fighting, or archery, they might not be able to fully master it.
For those with less talent, it might take a lifetime to hone a combat skill to its peak.
However, with the blessing of the 【Preparation for Battle】 trait, no matter what combat skill was practiced, whether basic moves or advanced techniques, the training efficiency would be significantly improved.
Moreover, he had heard that there were also things like combat arts in this world, and he assumed combat arts should also be considered combat-related skills!
“With this trait, as long as I’m given enough time, couldn't I…”
Just as Roland was lost in his thoughts, the golden text appeared again.
【Blacksmith Apprentice profession detected, can trigger Professional Resonance】
“Professional Resonance?”
Seeing these four words, Roland immediately fell into a memory.
“It seems that the biggest highlight of the game I used to play was that combat professions and life professions could resonate with each other.”
“It’s a pity I just pre-ordered the game and hadn’t had time to play it before I died suddenly at work.”
Just as Roland was feeling helpless, the text began to change continuously.
【Professional Resonance】
【Blacksmith Apprentice + Recruit】
【Gain additional buff: Steel Refined Through a Hundred Forgings】
【Steel Refined Through a Hundred Forgings: Strength cap increased, strength growth efficiency increased】
As the text gradually faded, Roland felt an indescribable power surging within him.
The most obvious change was that the muscle soreness caused by practicing basic swordsmanship had significantly subsided under the effect of this buff.
He rubbed his smooth chin, carefully savoring the description of the additional buff.
“So, this means that when I do strength training in the future, my growth rate will be faster than before? As for the strength cap… Wait!”
Just as he was deep in thought, Sean pushed open the door, holding a wooden spoon.
His best friend’s sturdy physique made Roland suddenly realize a crucial issue.
According to common sense, a person's strength limit is constrained by genes.
Just like under the same training conditions, people with smaller frames find it difficult to surpass those with naturally broad frames in muscle mass and strength.
“So, increasing the strength cap means my physique will become more robust? Or does it mean my muscle density will be enhanced?”
Thinking of this, Roland couldn't help but feel a surge of excitement.
Whichever possibility it was, for someone with his slender build, it was a dream transformation.
Amidst his surprise, Roland’s thoughts also drifted to another possibility.
“In the original game settings, only combat professions and life professions could produce a resonance effect, and each character could only have a maximum of one combat profession and one life profession.”
His eyes sparkled with excitement.
“But the modifier I have now allows me to take on unlimited concurrent jobs, which means I might trigger countless professional resonances?”
Thinking of this, his mind became even more active.
“Perhaps it’s not just between combat and life professions; even between combat professions and combat professions, or life professions and life professions, a resonance effect might occur, after all…”
His gaze fell upon the 【Recruit】 profession on the panel, a profession that had never appeared in the original game, and Roland unconsciously clenched his fists.
“Since the modifier has changed, then my earlier conjecture might really come true. If that’s the case…”
“Roland?”
Sean wiped the grease from the corner of his mouth, looking at his dazed best friend in confusion.
“Hmm? What’s wrong?”
Hearing the call, Roland finally snapped out of his thoughts.
“That’s what I should be asking you.”
Sean shook the wooden spoon in his hand.
“I’ve called you several times; it’s time to eat.”
“Oh! Right, right, right!”
At this reminder, Roland suddenly felt a strong sense of hunger.
He leaned the wooden sword against the wall and, smiling, tiptoed to hook Sean’s neck, walking into the house.
“I didn’t expect you to cook? You’re not going to make me pass out after eating, are you?”
“Hey! Don’t look down on me!”
Dinner was quite hearty: a large pot of steaming oat and soybean porridge, boiled cabbage, and salted meat marinated from the leftover scraps Sean’s father couldn't sell.
Compared to the exquisite but stingy portions at the manor, the food Sean made was not only filling but also tasted better.
During the meal, Sean’s father, Gary, also returned.
Compared to Peyton, although equally robust in physique, Gary had a simple and honest face and a warm, down-to-earth personality.
He welcomed Roland’s arrival but clearly showed displeasure when Peyton was mentioned.
After dinner, Roland, who had practiced swordsmanship all day, fell asleep as soon as he lay down on the bed.
Early the next morning, cheerful commotion woke Roland from his sleep.
Today was the day of the celebration.
“Hey! You’re finally awake!”
Opening his eyes, he saw Sean, dressed in a brand-new outfit, fumbling to smooth down his stubborn curly hair.
“Let’s go, buddy! I heard there’s going to be a dance party in the church square at noon, and Emily will be there too!”
Emily was considered the village beauty, at least Sean thought so.
In their daily chats, Roland had heard him mention this girl many times.
However, for Roland, who came from Blue Star, even the most beautiful village girl couldn't pique his interest.
“I’m not going; you go and have fun.”
“Why not? It’s a dance party! Besides Emily, there are so many pretty girls… Even if you don’t like dancing, we can still…”
Roland ignored Sean’s chatter, got up, dressed, and walked straight to the yard.
Compared to looking at girls, practicing swordsmanship and improving his strength held more appeal for him.
Although he gained attribute bonuses by changing to the Recruit profession, he was still a little short of the strength value required for the Blacksmith profession change.
“So what exactly are you going to do today?”
Seeing that persuasion was useless, Sean asked dejectedly.
“Of course, I’m going to continue practicing swordsmanship.”
Roland picked up the wooden sword and began to recall the key points Peyton had taught him yesterday.
“What?!”
Sean’s eyes widened in disbelief.
For him, the mundane village life was already boring, and only annual festivals brought some joy.
And the Father of Heaven’s Birthday Celebration was the grandest festival of the year.
But looking at Roland, who had already started practicing with his sword, Sean finally fell silent.
“Hmm?”
Only after finishing the last sword move did Roland realize that Sean had been standing beside him, unmoving.