286 Banchajanna Part 1 (1/2)
”Master, you will not like the fourth method of attack,” the winged skeleton replied. Without waiting for Saleen's response, he continued, ”This is an inborn attack from the turtle shell, similar to the sacrificial skill which the Tanggulasi cavaliers have. It is called Fatal Dash. When this attack is used, a rhombic ice shell will be formed around the turtle shell, then the shell will dash at full speed towards the enemy.”
Saleen was obviously displeased when he heard that. This skill would cause heavy damage to both parties since Saleen would have to ram his own ship into the enemy's. The Tanggulasi cavaliers might have been willing to use their own lives to achieve victory, but Saleen was not. The cavalier class had already been ostracized in the other empires. Their attitudes were not to be encouraged and publicized.
”Master, in truth, this skill is fairly useful.” Now that the winged skeleton could live aboard this ship, he was overjoyed and became chatty. Then, he explained to Saleen, ”This ship is of superior quality, so it can withstand any kind of impact. Even if this ship crashes into steel or rock, it will not break. The crux is in its speed.”
”Speed?” Saleen already understood the crux without needing to wait for Soldier's explanation. The alchemical boat could travel up to fifty miles an hour underwater, but due to the influence of its exterior, its highest speed was only close to sixty miles an hour. Even floating on the surface, the speed did not increase either.
If such a skill provided speed, then the ship would be able to escape from the enemy's attacks in a short time. Of course, the winged skeleton understood Saleen's thoughts, which was why he said that.
It was such irony that they would use this sacrificial method for escapes.
”Tell me about the fifth method of attack.” Saleen did not continue talking about this topic. In any case, the other three methods were adequate for combat already, while there was only a low probability of utilizing the fourth method.
”The fifth attack is called soul projection. Without needing to go outside, the mages inside the cabin will be able to project a phantom onto the deck using their mental power. This phantom is able to cast spells.”
”Isn't this a little impractical?” Saleen was doubtful. The previous few designs by Judikaka had seemed quite functional, but it did not seem to be the case with this one.
”Master, the soul projection is immune to physical attacks,” the winged skeleton explained.
Saleen thought about it hard, then he suddenly said, ”Isn't that the same as a ghost?”
”Ghosts cannot release elemental magic.” The winged skeleton was extremely patient, explaining the characteristics of this death creature in great detail. After listening, Saleen roughly understood the function of the fifth attack.
The first four attacks were methods which were employed during war. On the other hand, the fifth attack was more peaceful, as its aim was not to sink the enemy's ship.
”Soldier, what is the weakness of the soul projection?” Saleen asked cautiously. He was afraid that such an ability might bring some underlying harm to the user.
”Master, this is very complicated. It is hard to explain. There is no real harm, because the mages are inside the cabin. Even if the phantom is destroyed, the mages' souls will not be damaged, and the mages will only suffer loss to their mental power. However, when humans use this spell, they might mistake the phantom for their real selves, and they will thus regard the nonexistent damage as tangible damage.”
Saleen understood now. The winged skeleton had explained it to Saleen through the method of a mage.
In reality, what the winged skeleton meant was that if the phantom was shot by an arrow, the mage themselves would not sustain any injuries. However, the mage would truly think that they had really been shot. A mage would need to spend a long time getting used to such an attack method and familiarize themselves with the immunity towards physical attacks which the spell provided.
Even so, once a mage became accustomed to this ability, there would be another problem. The mage would potentially think that they were immune to any physical attacks, and thus would forget to put up a defense against physical attacks in the future.
This was called magic illusion. The psychological state of humans were difficult to interpret. Some spells could deceive the enemy, but they would deceive the mage themselves as well.
It was impossible for a spell to be perfect. If the soul projection had not had such a huge flaw, then it would have been the strongest skill on the planet already.
”Master, it would be better not to use this magic array. I feel that Judikaka does not have good intentions.” The winged skeleton was straightforward, unafraid of offending Judikaka.
”Don't worry, he is only testing me. If I am too afraid of using this magic array, he will despise me, and there will be no more chances for cooperation in the future.”
The winged skeleton hesitated for a moment, but he still mustered his courage and asked, ”Master, I have noticed that you aren't too close to the mages who were given to you by Teacher Jason. Why is this so?”
Saleen was stunned, and said, ”There is no particular reason. They are from Sregl Island while I have not joined Sregl Island. Unless my teacher controls the entire island, I will always be an outsider.”
The winged skeleton continued, ”Master, those mages have inferior talents. On Sregl Island, it is very difficult for them to become sorcerers. That is why Teacher Jason handed them to you. Have you ever thought of making them follow you permanently?”
”Follow me permanently? What can I give them?” Saleen smiled bitterly. He wanted to possess power like Lex so that he would have many followers, but what could he give the mages in return?