Chapter 32: Combined Technique: Lava Armor

"That's right, Young Master. A combined technique is the fusion of two different elemental powers, giving birth to a transcendent skill that embodies the traits of both."

Stone stared at the trophy in Lin Mo’s hand and said, "Such a technique is typically only attainable by top-tier combatants."

Ye Hongyu also nodded to add:

"To master a combined technique, you must possess dual-element S-rank elemental affinity."

"The vast majority of magic users have single-element affinity—for example, Stone has S-rank Earth affinity, but his Fire affinity is limited to just casting Fireball."

Stone chuckled helplessly and said:

"Exactly. Only legendary hidden classes, like the [Thunderflame Mage] with S-rank Thunder and Fire affinity, have the innate conditions to even attempt it."

"But to master a combined technique, this kind of material is essential—it serves as a medium to harmonize different elements."

"Without this, it’s impossible to successfully master a combined technique."

At this point, Lin Mo finally understood.

He nodded, thinking deeply, "So this thing is hard to buy, then?"

Stone let out a light laugh:

"This thing is priceless and unavailable on the market. For example, the [Chaos Lava Heart] in your hand—if I recall correctly—is the first one produced in Long Country this year!"

As he spoke, Stone glanced at Ye Hongyu, as if seeking confirmation.

Ye Hongyu nodded in agreement:

"Yes, it’s the first one in Long Country this year. Once this appears, every top-tier combatant in the nation will scramble to seize it."

"Not just mages—even high-rank Magic Swordsmen, Elemental Archers, and other elemental classes all need this."

Stone nodded in addition:

"This material isn’t just rare for dual-element use—even single-element variants are scarce. For instance, in this major exam, Jianghai City planned to award the complete heart of a Lava Colossus to the city’s Top Graduate—it’s this kind of single-element material."

"Such single-element materials greatly increase the success rate of mastering mid- to high-rank elemental skills."

Lin Mo listened, raising an eyebrow.

Damn.

His luck really was insane.

He randomly fell underground, randomly killed a boss, and got the national first-release limited item?

Meanwhile, two skills began to erupt.

【'Fireball' sneered: 'Why should I, the Great One, team up with this coward to create some combined technique? Impossible! Absolutely impossible!'】

【'Earth Shield' shook its head frantically: 'Like I’d want to team up with this brute! Master, I protest!'】

Lin Mo ignored the two skills’ bickering.

How could he not use something this powerful?

After all, these were his own skills—they existed to serve him, his master. Who were they to pick and choose?

At this moment, Stone continued talking:

"Young Master, even with this material, success isn’t guaranteed."

"Usually, you must wait until a high level, when you have profound insight and understanding of both elements—then your success rate improves somewhat…"

Crack…

A crisp snapping sound interrupted Stone’s long-winded explanation.

Both: "?"

They froze, their gazes snapping to Lin Mo’s hand.

Red and yellow light streamed from between his fingers, instantly surging into his body.

"Uh… slipped my hand."

Lin Mo scratched his head, looking at them with innocent confusion.

"…"

Stone’s mouth hung open, his heart twitching.

This was priceless and unavailable!

The first one in Long Country this year!

And he just used it?

What level are you even at, Young Master? Using it now? Success rate will be abysmal!

Yet at that moment, a stream of information appeared on Lin Mo’s class panel.

【Successfully used 'Chaos Lava Heart'】

【Your internal 'Fire Element' and 'Earth Element,' under the mediation of the 'Chaos Lava Heart,' were forced into an unfriendly meeting】

【'Fireball' roared: 'What the hell? You’re full of sand?!'】

【'Earth Shield' screamed: 'Hot! Hot! Hot! You brute, can’t you tone down the fire!'】

【After intense integration and reorganization…】

【Congratulations! You have successfully mastered the Fire-Earth combined technique—Lava Armor!】

【Lava Armor: Summon molten magma from the earth’s core to cover your body, forming an indestructible armor. All attributes greatly enhanced. While active, your basic attacks deal additional Fire damage. Duration: 5 minutes. Cooldown: 1 hour.】

This… it succeeded already?

Lin Mo stared at the panel’s message, stunned himself.

But then he instantly understood.

Normal people, when mastering a combined technique, must carefully balance two radically different elements.

But he was different—his skills had brains.

The [Chaos Lava Heart] had forcibly shoved [Fireball] and [Earth Shield] into the same room.

They could only rely on their instincts to find the perfect fusion point.

【'Fireball' let out a despairing wail: 'What is this? I am noble flame! Why must I wear this ugly thing?'】

【'Fireball' fiercely resisted: 'Besides, I’m damage! Only cowards wear armor! I won’t wear it! Kill me first!'】

【'Earth Shield' whined pitifully: 'Master, this form is blazing hot—it’s too obvious, no safety at all… maybe we shouldn’t wear it…'】

Lin Mo ignored their protests entirely.

He didn’t care whether the skills wanted to or not—he was the master.

Boom—!!!

A terrifying wave of heat exploded outward from Lin Mo.

Stone and Ye Hongyu instinctively stepped back several paces, staring at Lin Mo in shock.

Blocks of black obsidian rapidly clung to Lin Mo’s body.

Molten lava flowed through the armor’s seams, warping the air with intense heat.

He looked like an ancient demon god emerging from a volcanic lava flow!

Lin Mo looked down at his armor, clenched his fist.

Cool!

Absolutely awesome!

But now… was he really going to become a melee mage?

Whatever. Melee is exhausting. Better to stay back and cast spells. I’ll just treat this as a new defensive skill.

"This…"

Stone and Ye Hongyu exchanged glances, both seeing unparalleled shock in each other’s eyes.

Is this what a genius looks like…?

A divine skill, just click and receive?

After a long while, Ye Hongyu finally came to her senses.

She looked at Lin Mo—now back to his lazy, slouching self, the armor gone—and smiled wryly.

It was the deep helplessness and resignation one feels facing a true prodigy.

"Young Master, it’s very late. We should head back."

Ye Hongyu glanced at the pitch-black sky.

"With your current strength and this insane combined technique… tomorrow’s exam will let you dominate the field. Rest well tonight."

Lin Mo nodded in full agreement:

"True. Let’s go. I’m starving."

【'Fireball' danced excitedly: 'Eat! Eat! I’m starving! I want dragon liver! Flame rhino meat!'】

【'Earth Shield' weakly added: 'Master, I’m hungry too… any aged earth vein magma core? I want to eat…'】

These two were clever enough.

Knowing resistance was useless, they wisely dropped the subject.

Since they were so sensible, he wouldn’t be unreasonable.

"Fine. You both get it."

Lin Mo mentally replied generously, "Today I’m in a good mood—whatever dragon liver or earth vein core we’ve got at home, there’s plenty!"

Meanwhile,

Ye Hongyu pulled out her phone and told her driver to come pick them up.

Then she fell into thought.

When we get home, I need to report Young Master’s progress today to Commander Lin and Lady Lin.

Where should I begin?

Today, Young Master gave her far too many surprises.