From Hogwarts to Strixhaven.

Chapter 394 Extraordinary String
After Asdaelen left, Ivy didn't waste any time and immediately got down to work.

Under his powerful alchemy, the hell iron that should not be easily bent in the main material plane was easily shaped by Ivy like a piece of clay.

The design drawings of the Kalak Inferno Engine had already been engraved in his mind, and the subsequent upgrade plan could be quickly completed, so the entire work process did not take too much time and effort.

Putting the freshly-made Hell Iron spark plugs and heat-insulating chamber parts aside, Ivy began making a new prosthetic limb.

There are a large number of prepared metal ingots in the blacksmith shop in the abandoned village. The soft and corrosion-resistant copper ingots are conducive to making joints, and the strong and tough steel ingots can be made into armor plates and weapons.

Ivy designed a new prosthetic hand from scratch.

This steel prosthetic hand can not only transmit muscle power according to the gear and spring structure, but also has a sharp dagger and many tools built in. At least Xie Nian can use the tools that pop out from the fingertips of the prosthetic hand to complete the work of picking locks or removing traps.

The hidden blade that pops out from the wrist is equivalent to a +1 magic blade, and can also be used to launch a catapult attack using the pre-wound spring. However, this catapult attack can only be used once per battle, after which the spring must be manually wound up again, and then the launched hidden blade can be reinstalled.

Named by Ivy as the "Universal Prosthetic Hand", it can not only replace the user's original hand, but also be used as a sturdy lock picking tool and trap removal tool, and can also be used as a secondary weapon and a disposable throwing object. It can be said to be a must-have item for home travel and murder and robbery.

For a disabled person like Xie Nian who has lost one arm, it is an indispensable magical prop.

After settling his companions' issues, Ivy could officially decide on his advanced career as a [Bard].

In fact, when Alda acquired the profession of [Bard], Ivy had already thought about the future.

This profession, which is influenced by the gods and the special environment of the world, is very powerful. Not only can you gain expertise at level 1, level 3, and every three levels thereafter, but you can also increase your attribute value by one point every four levels.

Ivy used the 4th-level attribute on the spellcasting attribute Charisma of the Bard and Warlock, bringing the total value of Charisma to 26 points, the adjustment value to +8, and gaining several additional attribute bonus spell slots.

As for the level 3 specialty, Ivy chose [Sounds That Resonate] which enhances her singing ability.

The effect of this feat is that after the concentration of the bardic singing ends, the bardic singing effect will continue to take effect for a period of time depending on the bardic singing ability.

The most common boosts used by the bard will last for an additional 5 rounds, which, when combined with the original effect, will last for 10 rounds, or a full minute.

Coupled with Ivy's [Word of Creation] which can double the effect of the boost series, just standing aside playing the lute to accompany can also bring a terrifyingly strong bonus to teammates.

With [Sounds of the Heart], after Ivy finishes playing, she can pick up her weapon and join the battle, enjoying all the benefits of singing.

But overall, this is still just a specialty ability that adds icing on the cake and cannot play a decisive role.

But the [Supernatural String] that Ivy is about to advance to is an advanced bard profession with explosive power.

The most significant feature of this profession is the extraordinary in its name, which allows a bard with limited spellcasting to enjoy the dual spellcasting of a mage and a warlock, and can also perform spontaneous spellcasting like a real warlock. Although [Extraordinary Strings] must use musical instruments and sound components to complete spellcasting, as a spellcasting profession that can make the impossible possible, this price is not worth mentioning at all.

The advancement requirements for [Supernatural Strings] are to gain the [Bardic] ability, be able to cast arcane spells above level 3, and then have sufficient knowledge of astrology, performance, and spells.

Generally speaking, this advanced profession is to help ordinary bards who can only cast sixth-ring spells to complete the leap to ninth ring, so ordinary bards must reach level 7 to advance, or they must become level 1 wizards who work part-time as level 5 poets.

But Ivy's [Bard] profession, which was inspired by the creator god Ilúvatar, is originally a normal nine-ring spellcasting profession, so after obtaining a third-ring spell slot at level 5, he can immediately advance to level 6, and directly gain two fourth-ring spell slots, one fifth-ring spell slot, and four new known spells.

A level 6 five-ring spellcaster, isn't that super enough?

Moreover, the effect of obtaining advanced spellcasting ability early will increase with the level, and will reach its strongest when [Superb String] reaches level 10.

【超凡之弦】在9级时能获得九环法术位，10级的总计法术位为四环4个、五环4个、六环4个、七环3个、八环3个、九环2个。

Taking into account that it is an advanced profession, the profession level of the [Bard] must also be added to it, that is to say, at level 14, you can obtain the high-level casting ability of an ordinary nine-ring spellcaster at level 17.

However, although [Supernatural String] can release high-level spells across levels, it does not provide additional caster level correction. Therefore, when releasing high-level arcane spells at a low level, the spell's immunity DC and casting adjustment value will be subject to a certain penalty. Overall, it is slightly weaker than other spellcasters who can release spells of the same level.

However, BUFF spells do not require an exemption DC and casting level to support their values. As long as they are used, they will be effective. This makes the [Bard] more in line with its positioning as a BUFF machine.

Moreover, when the caster's level catches up with the spell level, the multi-magic advantages of [Supernatural String] will be fully demonstrated. The versatility of an average nine-ring spellcaster may not be as strong as that of [Supernatural String].

However, due to the multi-method advantage of [Superb Chords], the professional characteristics of this advanced profession are not very good. Apart from three new bard songs that are not much better than useless, there are no other professional features, and there are no additional bonus feats.

After all, spellcasting ability is the pride of this advanced profession. It doesn't matter if there are weaknesses in other unnecessary areas.

After completing the advanced level, it is time to choose a level 6 feat.

Ivy had already thought about this. He chose [High-Speed Super Magic] which enhances his super magic ability. It can benefit all his professions that can cast spells with super magic and turn the spells with prolonged casting time due to super magic into normal casting time.

This means that Ivy, who originally needed to stand still and output to complete a spell that applied multiple metamagic feats, can now move while casting, and does not need to use instant spells to achieve this effect.

----

"Is this my new arm?" Xie Nian rushed to Ivy excitedly, holding up the [Universal Prosthetic Hand] in front of him with both hands, and made a sound of amazement.

"Try it now." Ivy watched Xie Nian dismantle the old prosthetic arm and install the new one on the broken arm, explaining its abilities aloud.

"To you, it is both an arm and a tool, as well as a secondary melee weapon and a disposable throwing weapon." Ivy handed a bronze clockwork key to Xie Nian, "Use it to wind up the clockwork. The purely mechanical structure means it is reliable and durable."

"So cool!" Xie Nian kept opening his palms to let the hidden blade pop out, and then clenched his fists to let it retract. He never got tired of playing with it. "I must be the coolest killer in Sword Coast!"

Ivy was of course very happy that the prop he made with his heart was recognized. Although the [Universal Prosthetic Hand] did not use any special materials or magic enchantments, it still took him a lot of effort.

"What about this old one?" Xie Nian shook the old style that was fastened with wood and leather straps.

"You can do with it however you like. If you think it takes up too much space, you can just throw it away." Ivy thought the makeshift item had completed its mission.

"No way! I'm going to keep it well! Maybe I can open a prosthetic limb museum in the future! Thanks! Ivy!" Xie Nian turned around happily to pack his things, then raised the [Universal Prosthetic Hand] high in the air, and deftly moved each finger, and finally gave a thumbs up to thank Ivy.

"Kalak," Ivy turned to the Hell Champion Warrior who had been envious for a long time, and showed him two gleaming new parts of Hell Iron. "These are new parts for your engine. Once installed, they can suppress the uncontrolled flames until you get a healthy heart. Do you need me to help you install them?"

"Of course! You don't know how much I miss the touch of your fingers! Hurry up! I can't wait to touch my dear friends!" Kalak took off his shirt carelessly, revealing a chest covered with rivets and heat dissipation vents.

Ivy no longer hesitated, and reached out to climb up the scarred mountain, opened the two inspection ports reserved by the Hell Craftsmen, and installed the new parts of the Hell Engine from the front and back respectively.

The moment the new parts fell into place, the heat on Kalak's body had weakened. The sparks that occasionally spewed out of her skin surface all disappeared, and the scorching heat was quickly returning to a range that a normal person could accept.

"Wow... this is amazing! My heart is no longer fickle... this is simply the best day of my life!" Kalak cheered, then hugged Ivy and slammed his face against his chest.

After patting Ivy's back vigorously, Kalak quickly let him go and walked towards the other teammates. Looking at Kalak cheering and celebrating the new life with her teammates, Ivy found that she had put on her clothes without knowing when.

This seemingly tough tiefling in front of me also has a delicate side.

However, Kalak's celebration was rejected by Leizer.

"Enough of celebrating! Don't forget the Mind Flayer tadpoles in our brains... All preparations are complete, it's time for us to set off!" Laizer looked at Evil Thought who was hugging Kalak, then turned to Ivy and said.

"According to Su Luo, he met a group of Gisyanki in the north, so we should search along the path of promotion. Maybe we can happen to find the fork in the road leading to the nursery." Ivy used a branch to draw a simple map on the ground so that Laizer could understand the next direction of travel.

"As long as our goals are the same, I will obey your orders as a soldier." Laizer glanced at the stick drawing on the ground, then put on the necessary supplies and stood up straight like a soldier ready to go.

"Our first stop should be Woking's resting place. We can replenish food and water there. We won't stop at the inn itself and the Zhentarim's hideout behind it for the time being." Ivy's eyes swept over Laizer and continued to look at the other people in the team.

Unconsciously, he has replaced Xie Nian and officially become the leader of this team. However, if there is an unexpected reduction in personnel, it will still be up to Xie Nian, the chosen one of Jegal, to pay for the gravekeeper.

Woking's resting place is a striking manor.

In addition to the red brick courtyard wall, the manor also has a complete canteen and wine cellar, providing comprehensive services for every guest who comes here to rest and stay overnight.

The primitive atmosphere of the wilderness no longer exists here, and the supplies from the city bring the hustle and bustle back to everyone here.

Today, this inn, which is already famous for its luxury and comfort, stands out even more in the wilderness.

Because it was almost completely burned.

When the adventure team saw the column of smoke rising into the sky, they knew they should speed up.

Sure enough, when they arrived at the violently demolished gate of the inn, they immediately saw corpses all over the ground and the Flame Fist mercenaries who were like headless flies.

The geographical location close to the Chongsa River means that Wokin's hibernation place is never short of water resources. The private wells are running at full speed, providing ammunition for firefighting to every soldier who rushes with a bucket.

Several dusty soldiers gathered in front of the wooden door of the hotel lobby. Led by their captain, they were banging their shoulders against the stuck door.

"Keep pushing!" the black female captain with dreadlocks shouted, "——Duke Ravengard may be inside! Count to three and push together! One..."

"Ravengard?" Will asked incredulously, looking over Ivy. "Is he here?"

"Yes! Please help!" The sweat from his forehead opened up a new path in the dust. The dry-mouthed Captain Flame Fist shouted, "Push it quickly!"

"High Duke Ravengard is an important figure in Baldur's Gate. We should help him!" Will shouted at Ivy, fearing that he might mishear a word or two because of the noisy environment.

Ivy nodded, took the lute from behind his back and began to play.

This was enough time for Will to rush to the door and kick it hard.

The solid wooden door shattered and turned into garbage on the ground.

But this does not mean that a way out has been opened in the fire.

Although the open door allowed the Flame Fist soldiers to enter and search, it also brought fresh air from outside into the fire scene.

The air exchange brought about by hot and cold convection made the flames inside the fire scene burn more violently. The thick smoke and heat waves made the already unprepared Flame Fist soldiers suffer a lot, and they retreated while covering their mouths and noses.

"Damn! The fire is too big! We can't get in!" a Flame Fist soldier complained, "The people inside must be beyond saving!"

Although the dreadlocked Captain Flame Fist also retreated, she was not ready to abandon the people in the fire, so she stared at the soldier viciously.

"Uh... I mean, we need some help from magic..." The soldier realized that he had said the wrong thing and quickly found a lame excuse. Then he looked at the adventurers behind him, "They look like experienced adventurers. Maybe one of them knows some magic..."

"An unknown adventurer? No..."

Before the word "Impossible" was completely uttered, the dreadlocked captain looked at the magical notes floating from the strings of Avirut in shock.

Thin staves weaved between the notes, spiraling up into the air and merging with the thick smoke that continued to drift out of the inn.

The black cloud began to expand, soon covering the entire dormant place of Woking.

The Flame Fist soldiers who were putting out the fire also felt the sky getting dark, and when they first looked up they thought it was a rain cloud floating in the sky, but when they looked more closely, the cheers that were about to come out were blocked at their lips.

The black clouds floating above the fire were very low, which was not a normal weather condition at all, and their range perfectly overlapped with the entire fire scene, with hardly any shadows falling outside the red walls of the manor.

This strange situation was obviously not normal, but the low and dark rain clouds still brought the scene that everyone was looking forward to - a heavy rain.

Raindrops as big as beans hit the fire with a crackling sound, and wisps of white mist soon rose up. The heat was absorbed in the process of the rain turning from liquid to gas, and the temperature of the combustibles in the fire soon dropped below the ignition point.

The black rain clouds brought no strong winds or thunder, only timely rain that extinguished the flames.

The dreadlocked captain came to his senses in time and waved to the other Flame Fist soldiers who were wiping their faces: "Quick! This mage has helped us a lot! Go inside and rescue them!"

"You've broadened my horizons once again!" Gale stared numbly at the dispersing rain clouds above his head. "I didn't expect the range of weather manipulation could be so small... Is this also a spell taught in your magic school?"

"A minor weather spell," Ivy replied with a smile. "Usually used to water lawns and magical plants. But I suppose putting out fires is a reasonable application as well."

"It's not a reasonable use!" Will said seriously, "It's simply a miracle!"

Although Ivy's five-ring wizard magic weather spell put out the flames, only a few people survived the fire.

One was a hapless peasant who was crushed under the roof beam, and the other was a dark-skinned high elf wizard, Florrick, the High Duke's advisor.

"Thank you so much - no... you are... Will? Gods, what happened to you?" Florek wiped the black dust off her face and thanked the adventurers first, but she recognized Will in the crowd at a glance and looked at the devil's curved horns on his head in shock.

The excitement on Will's face faded: "Let's save the story for calmer days, Florrick... High Duke - isn't my father in there?"

"He was taken west by the drow," Florek said. "I know you and your son are at odds, but please, find him and return him to Baldur's Gate. The city needs him more than ever."

(End of this chapter)