Chapter 202 Second Phase of Training (1/2)

The matter of Carody was put to a side. It just wasn't important enough to think about for Rhode right now. Instead, the training for Marlene and the others' were more crucial as the festival was arriving soon. Rhode wondered if after the few days if hellish training would be enough for them to study the attack patterns. While he didn't expect them to be able to comprehend the patterns fully, but at least they would gain some valuable experiences. In any case, skill mastery could be honed over time. Therefore, Rhode felt that it was time to proceed on to the second phase!

It was another day at the training grounds. When everybody arrived, to their surprise, they discovered Rhode standing in front of them.

”I have seen all your performances these few days, well done,” said Rhode who hadn't appeared for a seemingly long period of time.

When they heard Rhode compliment them, their expressions became awkward. They didn't feel like they made any significant improvements worthy of praise.

How was this 'well done' when they were still battered black and blue every single day like a newbie?

”I guess that all of you have already learned something regarding battles,” Rhode ignored their expressions and continued speaking, ”So now we are going to enter the second phase.”

Everyone looked at each other curiously and saw excitement, confusion, anticipation, and worry in their eyes. They had barely made it in the first phase, and how would the second phase even look like?

However, Rhode didn't intend to explain to everyone just yet. Instead, he activated the Sphere of Mystery and within the white space, the five human figures appeared once again.

”Today we'll spice it up a little.”

As Rhode spoke, he walked towards the side and pointed towards Joey.

”Joey.”

”Yes, Leader. Here!”

The young thief immediately ran towards Rhode excitedly upon hearing his name.

”What do you need me to do?”

”I will change your opponent today. You'll face her.”

He pointed towards the dainty and mischievous little girl.

Everyone was shocked momentarily.

A cleric?

It was common knowledge that a spellcasting class would be at a disadvantage when fighting against a thief class. If the little girl had better stats than Joey, then perhaps she would win, but now that both sides were equal in strength, how could she dodge Joey's agile attacks?

Rhode remained nonchalant at everyone's dubious gazes. He made the rest watch by the side and announced the start of the battle.

”Begin fight!”

Joey did not understand Rhode's underlying motive, but he still obeyed and switched to his concealment mode. But at this moment, his eyes suddenly widened in shock. It wasn't only him that was surprised, even Randolf by the side exclaimed.

How could Joey's companion not know how his concealment skill worked? Joey was at passable thief at best, that was all. However, when Joey cast his concealment skill, it felt incredibly smooth! It was totally unlike the previous time he saw it! Just a little bit more and perhaps he would be able to reach the peak of the thief class.

Joey's ridiculous rate of improvement was naturally due to his daily training. Each time he was beaten badly, he grasped and modified his movement technique. As the illusory figures were too tough to beat, he didn't realize that his strength was improving drastically. However, Rhode who monitored each and every one of them closely, was clear of their rate of growth. If he were to create a growth chart using their data, it would be an upwards trend graph.

While they might not be able to level up when utilizing the Sphere of Mystery to train, but the vivid improvement to their mastery of skills was impeccable. Rhode had successfully trained these NPCs as real players! It didn't matter if the level was slightly low. As long one had a firm foundation in skill mastery, levels would come easily later. Rhode always emphasized that it was essential to master the skill as early as possible.

It was akin to a sports athlete who hid weights on his calves during practice runs. And after the removal of these limitations on the competition day, their speed and endurance would shoot through the roof!

This was precisely what happened to Joey. Back then, when he was faced with the overwhelming pressure from his opponent, he hadn't realized his own development. Now, Joey knew that he was no longer his old self. The techniques and skills that had been rather taxing to cast could be accomplished as easily as breathing.

An opening!