Chapter 44 : Halberdier, Obscura Signet
Wilhelm’s curiosity piqued by Noah''s combat prowess and the abilities he had displayed, and he couldn''t help but inquire about Noah''s class. In the New World, a player''s class was a defining aspect of their identity and capabilities. It determined the skills and abilities they could employ in battle, as well as their role within a party or guild.
With a sly smile playing on his lips, Noah decided to reveal a snippet of his persona. "At the moment," he replied, "I am a Halberdier."
Wilhelm raised an eyebrow, intrigued by the response. "A pretty interesting class, if I do say so myself."
The Halberdier class was known for its formidable medium-close combat skills, specializing in wielding halberds that combined the features of an axe or blade and a spear. But there was something about Noah''s tone that hinted at a hidden layer to his class.
Unbeknownst to Wilhelm, Noah possessed a unique ability that allowed him to manipulate how his class appeared to others. And that ability came from the ring that he had, one of the most precious items that he had at the moment too, named Obscura Signet.
Asking someone about the information regarding the related person''s character was quite taboo. Especially between strangers and people who didn''t know each other. It was natural because one''s information was a privacy, information that could be used to tackle the related person.
But that didn''t mean that the others couldn''t use other means to get the information out of that related person. There were skills and items that improved players'' observation skills, and if that was high or capable enough, they could peer into the observed players.
But this ring, Obscura Signet, was an extremely rare kind of item, an artifact that granted its wearer more control over their status panel and the information it revealed to others.
...
[Obscura Signet]
Type : Ring
Rarity : Secret
+15% Wisdom
+15% Stamina
+15% Dexterity
Description:
Crafted by unknown hands in the depths of history, this artifact grants its wearer the ability to manipulate the information displayed in their status panel. The ring provides the wearer with limited control over what information they share with others. It allows for selective disclosure of details while concealing data.
Abilities:
1. Class Concealment: The wearer can choose to hide their current class, preventing others from discerning their true profession or specialization.
<ol start="2">
<li> Class Change : Changing the user''s class status to the class the user wanted, for as long as the user could use the minimum set skills of that supposed class.</li>
<li> Level Camouflage: The Obscura Signet allows the user to temporarily alter their outward level appearance. This feature, however, can only reduce the displayed level, not increase it. </li>
</ol>
...
A Secret Rarity item!
Secret Rarity items were the stuff of unknowns even for many people...
The Obscura Signet, in particular, was special for its interesting abilities. When worn, it granted the wearer the extraordinary ability to manipulate the information displayed in their status panel. This meant that Noah could not only hide specific details about his class, level, or abilities from other players but also alter them at will. It was a power that few could comprehend, let alone harness.
The origins of the Obscura Signet were shrouded in mystery, much like the item itself. Regardless of its origin, one thing was certain. Its utility was absolutely immense.
For Noah, the Obscura Signet had become an invaluable asset, allowing him to operate in a world where information was often the key to success. The ability to hide his class information was just the tip of the iceberg. With this powerful artifact, he could mask his true identity more, adopt temporary disguises, or even present himself as a member of another class when it suited his needs. It was a level of subterfuge that added layers of complexity to his arsenal.
It also allowed Noah to alter his status panel in creative ways. For example, during his encounters with Wilhelm, he had used it to present himself as a Halberdier while retaining the abilities of a Battlemage.
Wilhelm was a cautious person, and that could be known from how he tried in suggesting Noah to join other guilds first instead of building from scratch. That could be interpreted that Wilhelm was more cautious than Noah. But if Wilhelm could see Noah''s situation, he might be ashamed to acknowledge that he was a cautious person...
Also, to possess such an item was to wield a double-edged sword. On one hand, it provided Noah with a tactical advantage, like simply enabling him to surprise opponents, infiltrate guilds incognito, and manipulate the perceptions of those around him. On the other hand, it meant that he had to tread carefully, for the Obscura Signet was a coveted prize. Other players would stop at nothing to obtain it, and the consequences of its loss could be dire.
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The ability to allow him to camouflage or alter his class name, making it appear as though he belonged to a different class, all while retaining the capabilities of his hidden class, Battlemage, had a prerequisite as mentioned above.
But the amazing thing about Battle Mage was that Battle Mage allowed the user to master other close combat''s skills and ability, for as long as the user was able to master it. After all, one would need to master physical combat skills as the requirement. How could you be a Battlemage if you don’t even know how to fight in close range?
One of the reasons why Battlemage was a very coveted class, for those who even knew its existence.
All in all, this item was really suited with Battlemage with how it could be used to hide the class vastly better. To hide, one would need to have the set skills of the supposed class. And with Battlemage, one would have the capacity to achieve that. Such combinations that compliment each other perfectly like this, Noah wondered what kind of expression Wilhelm would have if the latter knew it.
...
[Class : Halberdier]
Skills :
<ol>
<li> Halberd Strike: The basic skill of the Halberdier, a powerful overhand strike with the halberd that delivers a heavy blow to the target.</li>
</ol>
Mana Cost: 10
Cooldown: 1 second
Duration: Instant
<ol start="2">
<li> Impale: Thrusts the halberd forward, impaling enemies at a distance and pinning them to the ground, rendering them immobile for a short duration.</li>
</ol>
Mana Cost: 15
Cooldown: 12 seconds
Duration: Pinning effect lasts for 5 seconds
<ol start="3">
<li> Sweeping Cleave: Executes a wide swinging motion with the halberd, striking all nearby enemies in a 180-degree arc, dealing damage to multiple foes simultaneously.</li>
</ol>
Mana Cost: 20
Cooldown: 8 seconds
Duration: Instant
<ol start="4">
<li> Counterstance: Assumes a defensive stance with the halberd, increasing the Halberdier''s resistance to incoming attacks and reflecting a portion of the damage back to attackers.</li>
</ol>
Mana Cost: 25
Cooldown: 20 seconds
Duration: 10 seconds
<ol start="5">
<li> Piercing Dash: Charges forward with great speed, impaling the first enemy in the path and knocking them back. A chance for them to be vulnerable to physical attacks relative to stats.</li>
</ol>
Mana Cost: 15
Cooldown: 10 seconds
Duration: Instant
<ol start="6">
<li> Guardian''s Shield: Raises the halberd in front to form a temporary energy shield, reducing incoming damage and granting brief invulnerability to status effects.</li>
</ol>
Mana Cost: 30
Cooldown: 30 seconds
Duration: 15 seconds
<ol start="7">
<li> Halberd Throw: Hurls the halberd at a distant target, dealing ranged damage before it returns to the Halberdier''s hand.</li>
</ol>
Mana Cost: 25
Cooldown: 15 seconds
Duration: Ranged attack, instant
<ol start="8">
<li> Retribution Strike: Empowers the halberd with divine energy, causing the next attack to deal extra damage and heal the Halberdier for a portion of the damage dealt.</li>
</ol>
Mana Cost: 20
Cooldown: 5 seconds (internal cooldown)
Duration: Next attack, instant
<ol start="9">
<li> Halberd Spin: Spins the halberd rapidly, creating a whirlwind of destruction around the Halberdier, dealing continuous damage to nearby enemies.</li>
</ol>
Mana Cost: 40
Cooldown: 20 seconds
Duration: 5 seconds (continuous damage)
<ol start="10">
<li> Titan''s Stance: Temporarily transforms the Halberdier into an unstoppable force, greatly increasing their size, strength, and durability for a short duration.</li>
</ol>
Mana Cost: 50
Cooldown: 90 seconds
Duration: 30 seconds
<ol start="11">
<li> Final Stand: In dire situations, the Halberdier takes a last stand, decreasing all damage taken and effects for a short period, while dealing massive retaliation damage to attackers.</li>
</ol>
Mana Cost: 75
Cooldown: 180 seconds
Duration: 10 seconds of decreased damage and negative effects taken
...
Noah had acquired those Halberdier class'' skills thanks to his Battlemage class long ago. The reason why he seldom used the skills of this subclass was mostly because he didn’t even have the chance to use them as he had other plethora skills in his sleeves.
"As you can see yourself..." Noah said to Wilhelm.
The Battle Mage class, valued for its versatility in mastering a variety of melee classes, provided Noah with the foundation needed to embrace the Halberdier''s skills, also the reason why he could acquire them easily. It was this adaptability that allowed him to seamlessly adopt the role of a Halberdier in combat.
"A Halberdier, huh? That''s an interesting choice... It''s not every day you come across a player who could be as impressive as you, not gonna lie." Wilhelm put his hand on his chin as he smiled approvingly from looking at Noah’s shown status.
"Thanks yeah..." Noah merely shrugged and smiled, his gaze focused on the path ahead.
He also couldn''t help but wonder about Wilhelm''s High Sorcerer class. He was keen to learn more about the magical powers at Wilhelm''s disposal.
...
"Hmm...? What''s that?"
Wilhelm said as he pointed at a certain location. And at that exact location, there was an old looking chest.