Only at 3rd level does a Paladin truly begin to grasp divine power, and the increase is significant.
This was especially true for the Oath of the Noble Genies, which, for the first time, revealed the might of elemental power.
The Oath of the Noble Genies could also be called the Oath of Elements. In essence, it uses the power of an oath to establish a connection with the Elemental Planes, allowing one to command elemental might like a genie.
"Elemental Smite" can greatly improve a Paladin's flexibility—it can restrain or drive back enemies, and it can also increase damage or enable retreat.
Combined with traits such as Elemental Affinity and Elemental Mastery, its power is formidable.
"Genie Spells" may look unremarkable, but they are extremely useful.
A 3rd-level Paladin can prepare only four spells; with this, he gained three more at once. For an ordinary Paladin, that merely meant a bit more flexibility, because at most they can cast three spells.
But Anser was different. His Magic Power was immense; he could throw out 1st-level spells casually, and the meaning of having a few extra spells was completely different.
"Genie's Radiance" was the ability Anser valued most. Once mastered, a layer of elemental radiance would permanently cloak the surface of his body; the higher his Charisma, the higher his Armor Class.
Because the mechanism of action was different, it did not conflict with the scale protection granted by the draconic physique.
When unarmored and holding a shield, his Armor Class reached 21; counting the dragonhide-etched talisman, it became 22.
What did that mean? The same tier as an ancient dragon!
Of course, there were still differences. An ancient dragon also has a whole pile of spells and traits, and after those buffs are applied, it is far stronger than bare Armor Class.
Against protection of this level, let alone ordinary people—even a 10th-level elite Fighter, if they lacked a magic weapon, and if their Strength were a bit lower, might not be able to break through the defense even after several strikes.
'If I get another magic greatshield, hehe…'
In addition, "Arcane Resonance" also came with an evocation spell, though unfortunately it was only 1st level.
After a moment of consideration, he chose "Earth Tremor."
This spell can cause the ground to shake; creatures with poor balance will fall prone and take 1d6 (1–6) bludgeoning damage. If the surface is not sturdy enough, it will also create fissures, upheavals, and other difficult terrain that is hard to traverse.
Earth Tremor is highly functional. He would prepare it for now—there would always be a time to use it.
As his intent confirmed, vast elemental power descended out of nowhere and poured into his body—like brilliant, multicolored clouds, and like a violent storm—swirling around him, surging without end.
Time quietly passed, and a quarter of an hour soon went by.
The brilliant, multicolored halo filling the entire room shrank in rings, merged into Anser's skin, and became a faint, rainbow-tinted radiance that clung to the surface of his supple scales.
Anser opened his eyes. He raised his palm before his face and examined it closely.
Charisma was the manifestation of the soul's power, taking shape as clear, limpid spiritual light that interwove with the dragon scales. Outside it, elemental radiance swirled, together forging an indestructible Extraordinary barrier.
'Too eye-catching.'
As soon as the thought arose, the radiance gradually sank into the dragon scales. Only a nearly imperceptible layer of transparent spiritual light remained, but the protective effect did not change.
He pulled up his character sheet. His Magic Power had increased a tiny bit, reaching 61. His Lay on Hands energy pool had reached 15. Other changes were not significant.
It was still early. He immediately meditated, spending a bit of time to additionally prepare a spell: "Divine Favor," which could add 1d4 radiant damage to a weapon.
Useful or not, he would prepare it first.
'Time to get down to business.'
Before leaving, he borrowed a shield from the crew, and only then teleported out.
The night was deep. The surroundings were utterly quiet. A Grey Eagle was circling overhead.
Anser swept his gaze around and, on trees not far away, found Salian, Finn, and Colin one after another.
All three had bows and arrows on their backs. Each occupied a tree and had climbed very high. It seemed good archers were all little experts at climbing trees.
He turned his head toward Durlag. On the city walls, scattered points of lamplight had lit up. In the firelight stood many guards, and outside the city there was also a squad of guards, holding torches as they ran this way.
'They move pretty fast.'
The people of Amn looked as if they were pursuing the black dragon; if Durlag were completely unprepared, perhaps they would even dare to take the opportunity to launch a night raid. They could not be ignored.
He walked to the tree where Finn was and patted the trunk. "Have you found the black dragon?"
"Found it!" Finn's dull voice came down. "A little north of west, a bit over three kilometers. It's crawling deeper into the northern forest and still vomiting. The trail… is very obvious."
"Vomiting? Poisoned?" Anser froze, his face full of confusion.
Black dragons dwell in desolate ruins, tainted swamps, and other places eroded by decay. They eat all kinds of things, have strong resistance to toxins, and possess astonishing digestive ability. For a black dragon, ordinary poison is no different from clear water.
'The people of Amn… have some tricks.'
He was even a little worried the black dragon might be poisoned to death.
Hearing Anser's voice, Salian climbed down from the tree and returned the spyglass to him, looking somewhat excited. "The Amn army is large, but slow. Can we strike first?"
"I'll check the black dragon's condition first. Relocate and take the closest route." He waved his hand, activated the Royal Butterfly Cloak, spread his wings, and flew north at low altitude along the edge of the forest.
At the same time, he cast a Light spell on the Rod of Security so Giant Tail and the others could see it.
The Amn army was approaching from the southern end of the forest, while they were on the eastern side. Because of the angle and distance, the people of Amn could not see him.
Salian and the others followed close behind, and the distant guards also changed direction.
At the same time, the thunder of hooves came rumbling. Groups of black horsemen overtook the guards and rapidly closed in on them.
The Knights of Jacqueline had arrived.
A sharp rush of wind suddenly sounded. A flying carpet shot forward like lightning, catching up with Anser in an instant. A figure sat upon it, long hair streaming, a purple cloak billowing high.
"Get on." Iris flew beside Anser, tugged one of the butterfly wings, and pulled him onto the flying carpet. "Where's the black dragon?"
Anser staggered a step. Following the motion, he sat down and grabbed the ring buckle. When he raised his head, he met a pair of sparkling eyes, excitement nearly overflowing from them.
"Right below the Grey Eagle." He pointed toward the night sky.
The flying carpet paused, then shot upward at extreme speed.
Anser quickly put away the Rod of Security to avoid being noticed by the people of Amn or the black dragon.
The flying carpet soared to a height of a thousand meters, adjusted its direction at the same time, and headed straight toward the Grey Eagle.
Anser raised the spyglass and soon noticed trees swaying constantly. The black dragon's body was enormous; as it crawled, it inevitably struck or smashed trees.
As the view drew closer, the black dragon's body appeared and disappeared within the lens.
Its appearance was terrifying, with a pair of curved horns and a withered face, its form resembling the skull of a fiend.
'Truly… ferocious and ugly!'
The flying carpet hovered in the night sky. Iris grabbed Anser's hand and brought the spyglass before her own eyes. "Let me see."
Anser did not mind. He considered for a moment and said, "It's said that black dragons are typical misers. But they are cunning and suspicious by nature and do not like fighting to the death. They usually rely on environmental and lair advantages to protect themselves. It may be stalling for time."
"Possible." Iris's voice mixed with the night wind, making it hard to hear clearly.
After a long while, she lowered the spyglass and let out a heavy breath. "It looks frightening. Its external injuries are minor; it may have been poisoned or afflicted by some kind of curse."
"Black dragons are crafty. We can't rush in." Anser looked toward the distant wilderness, his eyes dim and deep. "Better to let the people of Amn go first, and we'll reap the fisherman's profit."
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