Chapter 51: Hammer Training

In the early Empire, the aristocracy was the most important ruling force, and nobles of all ranks formed a solid upper class.

However, by the mid‑Empire, the royal house had vanished, and the highest authority was taken over by the Kermitis Supreme Council; apart from the Holy Soul Wizards who had self‑appointed themselves as Dukes, the other traditional nobles gradually lost influence over the long years.

Especially more than four hundred years ago, after the Mechanical Guild emerged, productivity surged, completely shattering the feudal system that traditional nobles had built by monopolizing land, and many noble powers vanished into the river of history.

Of course, because of the existence of extraordinary powers, some traditional nobles still remain today, holding authority over certain regions, though few in number and usually called the old aristocracy.

Opposite the old aristocracy are the new aristocrats.

The new aristocrats no longer rely on land and taxes; instead, through trade and commerce, they establish factories and run companies, amassing great wealth in capital, thereby gaining power and being granted titles.

These new aristocrats' titles are generally nominal, symbols of status, mainly baron and viscount, with lower knight and chevalier medals as well.

Moreover, nominal titles are only for life and cannot be hereditary.

Above the rank of count, titles are substantive, most holding fiefs; they are either old aristocrats or members of duke families.

The Dong Ting Bo Ju Ling is a rare substantive title; the city of Dong Ting alone has over three hundred thousand citizens, and the entire domain exceeds one million people.

Within the domain lies a vast lake situated on a key waterway, of such high value and great profit that the entire Empire can find few better countships.

Moreover, the Count of Dong Ting also holds a seat in the Imperial Council.

If one can become the Count of Dong Ting, one automatically becomes a member of the Imperial Council, enters the Empire's power center, and reaches the pinnacle of life.

Faced with such enormous temptation of profit, who would not be moved?

Even Lei En himself, if given the chance to be granted the Countship of Dong Ting, would strive with all his might, clearing every obstacle in his way.

He looked at Viola; it was clear that she, too, was determined to obtain this count title.

But achieving the goal is not easy.

Who can be appointed count is decided by the Silver Star Duke.

And the Silver Star Duke cares only about profit; whoever demonstrates the best management ability and brings more wealth will win the Duke's favor.

In a year, standing out among a dozen competitors is very difficult. None of the members who can manage the Duke's family assets are mediocre.

Moreover, it is now mid‑August, with just over four months left until the end of the year.

Unless one can forge a new path, creating an entirely novel way to make money and earn the Duke's approval.

Lei En recalled the earlier idea, thinking that the matter wasn't truly difficult; it depended on Viola's thoughts about him, and once clarified, perhaps he could give her a hand.

If Viola becomes a count and gains a large fief, he might also bask in the reflected glory.

Of course, now he certainly couldn't say that.

Lei En stopped bringing up the Dong Ting Bo Ju Ling and asked, "If Feilis returns and discovers that the mountain giant's demon soul is a fake, and she doesn't know it's a Ga Luo Wei Na scam, what will you do when she comes back to demand compensation?"

Feilis was swindled out of more than twenty thousand gold; this person's unscrupulous nature means she certainly won't swallow her grievance, let alone reason with Viola.

Viola also cannot state outright that Ga Luo Wei Na is behind it; without evidence, the other party won't believe it.

The best solution is to capture Helini.

But that transaction happened so long ago, that Helini has certainly already escaped from Longshande.

"She herself said outright that she has nothing to do with the Violet House; if she wants to act rogue, we don't need to worry about her," Viola said unbothered, confidently adding, "This is Longshande, not Palas, and I still have the justification,"

"Just tell the Duke, and she'll be honest."

Lei En nodded and said, "As long as you have a way to deal with her, that's fine."

He saw that it was getting late, so he took his leave.

"Then go back and rest; thank you for today," Viola stood up and saw him out the door. Standing in the doorway, as Lei En was about to step into the lift, she suddenly said, "Your keyboard organ still isn't proficient enough; from now on, come to my place every afternoon to practice."

Lei En turned to look at her and noticed her gaze flickered evasively; the proposal was almost an outright implication.

A smile appeared on his face, and he nodded, "Alright, see you tomorrow afternoon."

He said that, then waved off stylishly and left.

After leaving the Violet House, he called for a carriage and got in.

Lei En keenly noticed that before boarding, several eyes in the dark street corners were watching him, then quietly followed.

"I have no idea whether these people were sent by the so‑called 'rival lovers' or are Ga Luo Wei Na's henchmen."

Lei En felt rather helpless.

He knew clearly that from today onward his name would have gained some notoriety among Longshande's upper circles, tightly linked with Viola, and his future life would likely not be peaceful.

After the carriage crossed the bridge, Lei En casually chose a spot to dismount, using the Voice of All Things to easily shake off all pursuers.

He returned to his apartment, slept through the night, and upon waking in the morning, first did three hours of meditation.

Then he went out to the Basil Inn, and in Zoltan's courtyard, borrowed dwarf equipment to train his strength, also bringing his refined iron war hammer, which he swung in his hand.

Using a war hammer also requires technique; although not as complex as swordsmanship, it still demands years of practice.

These techniques aren't that mysterious, nor is there any special hammer method; they can be summed up in two points: one is striking, the other is blocking.

Swinging the hammer to smash things sounds simple, but there are many subtleties inside.

One‑handed strikes, two‑handed strikes, horizontal swings, vertical swings, forward strikes, backward strikes, half‑circle swings, full‑circle swings; using some force, reserving some force, all must be ingrained in the mind. In combat one must master the hammer's center of balance, coordinate with footwork to unleash maximum power, and after striking be able to retract it promptly, rather than a one‑swing trade.

These moves must be repeatedly practiced, combined in combat for fluid use, so that excessive force won't stall the attack and allow the enemy to exploit the opening.

Additionally, there's blocking; the war hammer's size exceeds that of ordinary weapons, often allowing it to serve as a shield.

Not only the hammerhead, but also the shaft and tail can be used to attack the target while blocking.

Sometimes a swift tail strike deals more damage than a sword thrust.

With the aid of his phone's gyroscope and the Metal Touch Element, Lei En quickly became familiar with the war hammer in his hand, as if it merged with him, becoming an extension of his body, like a finger of his arm.

The 120‑pound war hammer whirred in his hand, stirring a fierce gust in the courtyard.

After practicing for over an hour, Lei En stopped, his whole body drenched in sweat.

He hefted the war hammer; the heavy weapon felt increasingly comfortable, the weight just right.

Holding the hammer, everyone looked like a nail to him.

Unfortunately, after practicing so long, it was all empty swings; the courtyard was barren, with only a dozen large iron blocks to smash, leaving him a bit restless.

Lei En shook his head, suppressing the impulse.

"I don't have an attack‑type Body Element yet; otherwise the war hammer's power could be stronger."

Among Body Elements, many can boost attack power; extraordinary beings usually call these elements skills.

For example, the most common "Heavy Strike," many melee extraordinary beings have; when attacking it releases greater force; the berserker's "Angry Strike" has a similar effect, and its power increase is even higher.

There are also "Charged Slash," "Reverse Slash," "Triple Combo," etc.; many are universal to various weapons, though some don't apply to the war hammer.

Lei En currently has no skills, so he must rely solely on his pure strength and technique to attack.

He suddenly grasped the upper end of the hammer's handle and flicked his palm forcefully.

The war hammer began to spin in his palm like a windmill; not only did it not fall, it accelerated, forming a blur and emitting a whooshing sound.

"War hammer, you can spin too?"

Zuo Ertan happened to come in through the courtyard gate; seeing this, his eyes widened roundly.

Lei En paused, the blur vanished instantly, turning back into a war hammer held in his hand, and he laughed, "I just gave it a try and happened to succeed."

"You kid, always reluctant to tell the truth."

Zuo Ertan shook his head, his red rooster‑comb hairstyle swaying, his eyes full of astonishment.

He prefers the Soul Spear and is not adept with the war hammer, but as a dwarf his knowledge of war hammers far exceeds that of ordinary people; in his clan he has seen many war‑hammer masters, yet none as skillful as Lei En, who can wield it so smoothly.

A heavy war hammer, one end light and the other heavy—how much superb control of force and technique is needed to make it spin?

Even the rangers with the Hand of Dexterity couldn't do it, right?

Lei En put away the war hammer, took a sheet of paper from the coat hanging on the wall, and said, "Zuo Ertan, I want to purchase a batch of alchemy materials and many mechanical parts; can you get them for me? I've already listed them, and you set the price."

He had written this down before sleeping last night, intending to use it for some projects.

Zuo Ertan took the list and examined it.

"Fuel, Enchantment Powder, Alcohol, Graphite, Rubber, Copper Pipe, Wax, Distilled Water, Sulfuric Acid Solution, Horn, Iron Sheet, Needle, Iron Frame…" He skimmed quickly, noticing Lei En's request was numerous and varied, totaling dozens of items, with no clear purpose.

He didn't ask; the more items Lei En wants, the more money he earns.

"I have most of these materials, just not enough quantity. Give me a few days to prepare; I'll let you know when they're ready." Zuo Ertan gave a rough estimate, "All the materials are worth about five Gold Shields; you should prepay me three Gold."

Lei En took out three Gold Shields and handed them over.

"Wait for my word." Zuo Ertan cheerfully pocketed the Gold Shields, waddled away on his short legs.