Unlike the frenzy of a temporary promotion, a permanent upgrade felt much more stable.
The blood energy continuously strengthened his muscles, bones, and bloodlines!
He could clearly feel the heaviness brought on by battle and injuries quickly dissipating.
What was even more amazing was that his perception of the world around him became much clearer!
When the last bit of blood energy fused into his body, Raine slowly opened his eyes.
The world seemed much clearer to him now.
The texture of the rocks, the drifting dust in the air, even the suppressed breathing of his teammates became more distinct.
He clenched his fist, feeling the surge of strength spreading throughout his body. Though it wasn't as overwhelming as Formal-level strength, it was solid and undeniable.
"Trainee Level 9!"
Raine grinned. Finally, he was no longer the lowest rookie.
Even Matthew was at Trainee Level 4 now!
At that moment, a system prompt suddenly sounded!
[ Ding! Host has consumed bloodstone·gargoyle… ]
[ Awakened Gargoyle Bloodline Ability: Stoneform Skin (Basic) ]
[ Effect: Activates the skin and superficial muscles to gain a stone-like defense, greatly increasing resistance to physical and certain energy attacks. ]
[ Note: At the current level, partial defense effects are more effective! Duration and defense strength are influenced by the host's mental power and blood energy supply! ]
Raine raised an eyebrow.
Stoneform Skin!
It was the same annoying defensive ability that the gargoyles had!
Its hardness could even rival superalloy equipment, like "Ironstrike"!
Without a doubt, this was an extremely useful defensive skill!
On a battlefield where things changed in the blink of an eye, an extra layer of defense meant an extra chance of survival!
He focused his mental energy on his left forearm.
In an instant, the skin on the outer side of his forearm turned a pale white, feeling cold and hard to the touch.
He gently tapped it, producing a light, knocking sound, like knocking on stone.
He tried to make a fist, and while the stone-like skin did slightly restrict joint movement, it wasn't too much of an issue.
It was more like wearing a thin, closely-fitted stone armor.
The effect was impressive!
Although the defense boost was limited for now, in a critical moment, it would definitely offer an unexpected advantage.
"How does it feel?"
At that moment, Kyle's voice came from nearby.
He had been paying attention to the team's condition.
"Much better," Raine said, retracting the Stoneform Skin and moving his shoulder a little, showing a somewhat relaxed expression.
"Another hundred kills should be no problem!"
"Hahaha, you little rascal are even stealing my lines!"
Old Gore slapped him on the shoulder.
The five of them exchanged looks and burst into hearty laughter.
"Who would have thought we'd make it out alive?"
Matthew's tone carried a hint of disbelief.
"Yeah, our seventh squad alone lost several hundred warriors!"
"Pros, you really can take a beating, huh? Three shadowclaw beasts couldn't kill you!"
Pros swatted Old Gore's hand away and scoffed.
"Don't worry, I'll help you with the aftermath!"
"Hahahaha…"
"This time, we really have to thank Raine!"
The four of them exchanged knowing glances and looked at Raine.
It could be said that Raine's crucial burst of power had saved them all!
Otherwise, they too would have been buried under the rubble!
Before any more words of thanks could be spoken, a sturdy figure approached.
The man's tattoos on his face looked somewhat menacing.
This was Herbert, the captain of Raine's squad, who was said to have been the champion of the Iron Dragon Arena!
He held a small leather book and a charcoal pen, inspecting each team member's condition and equipment damage.
When he reached Raine, he stopped and glanced at the bandaged arm.
"How are the injuries? Equipment damage?" he asked in a rough voice.
Raine was slightly taken aback. His injuries had mostly healed.
"Report, sir, I can hold on!"
"The Ironstrike sword has slight chipping, and the leather armor is seriously damaged. No other losses."
Raine gave a brief report.
Herbert nodded, recording in the leather book, and then looked at Kyle and the others.
Kyle's greatsword, made of regular material, had been heavily damaged during the battle and would have to make do with an Ironstrike sword for now.
Gore's claw and shortsword both had significant damage.
Pros' shield and battleaxe were completely destroyed.
Matthew's bow only had a few arrows left.
The one consolation was that their military knives were still intact, so they wouldn't have to fight unarmed.
"Damn alien races, look at us all, a bunch of wrecks."
Herbert chuckled and cursed.
"Let's go check the supply point over there. There might be some stock left to patch things up."
"Raine, you look like you're in good shape, come with me to get some emergency potions."
Raine was a bit surprised but immediately stood up. "Yes, sir."
Herbert turned and walked toward several dilapidated stone houses, with Raine following behind.
The other team members continued to rest in place.
Along the way, Herbert walked in silence for a while before suddenly speaking.
"…Thanks."
"If it weren't for that kick of yours, many of our brothers wouldn't have made it."
Raine quickly realized. It was probably something he had done unconsciously during the battle that helped Herbert.
"Sir, you're too polite. It was what I was supposed to do."
Raine replied calmly.
Herbert glanced at him without expression.
"Kyle said you awakened your abilities…"
"There aren't many who awaken in battle and experience such a drastic power increase."
Raine felt a chill in his heart but didn't respond.
"Don't worry, I'm not interested in digging into your past."
Herbert turned his head forward and continued walking.
"Black Falcon instructor said it well, on the battlefield, any power that can kill enemies and save lives is good power."
"I just want to tell you, hurry up and get stronger. Those powerful alien races won't show mercy!"
His words were blunt.
The more noticeable one was on the battlefield, the more likely they would become a target.
If Raine didn't grow stronger, he would eventually be targeted by those powerful alien races and killed!
Raine whispered, "Of course!"
Soon, the two of them arrived at the stone houses.
An elderly man sat at the entrance, repairing damaged leather armor.
Beside him were some repaired weapons, simple protective gear, and a few small ceramic jars.
Herbert crouched down, showing a touch of respect.
"Old York, we need some supplies."
The old man slowly raised his head.
His murky eyes glanced at Herbert, then at Raine, before nodding silently.
Herbert began selecting supplies for himself, grabbing two small bottles of potion and some rolls of bandages.
He then picked up a well-maintained leather armor, inspected it, and handed it to Raine.
"Take this, it looks decent."
He then pulled out more supplies from the pile, suitable for other team members.
Finally, his gaze landed on a large, dark sword with a wide blade.
The sword had numerous small scratches and signs of use, but it was well-maintained and heavy in hand.
"This…"
Herbert weighed it in his hand and then looked toward Kyle.
"Perfect for that fire-loving guy. His sword's gone, and this one's solid. It'll do for now."
Raine watched Herbert expertly select and distribute the supplies and couldn't help but ask.
"Sir, this old man…"
Herbert pulled out a few silver coins and a piece of jerky from his pocket and placed them beside the old man.
He then straightened up.
"Old York, he's been here for almost thirty years. Everyone calls him…"
"The Watcher of Sighing Hill!"