"Successfully learned the skill [Weapon Specialization]!"
[Weapon Specialization] (Apprentice level, Beginner): Choose long spear-type weapons as your specialization. When using a long spear, power, attack speed, etc., can receive a slight increase. The degree of enhancement depends on the skill proficiency.
As a passive skill, the proficiency of [Weapon Specialization] doesn't require Fang Zhou's skeleton clone to purposely practice. Naturally, it will gradually improve as he uses the Skeleton Long Spear over time.
Fang Zhou looked at his soul power, which had already dropped to zero, and felt a sense of urgent anticipation rise within him.
Currently, there are plenty of contribution points left, and the limiting factor for his strength improvement is the speed at which soul power is accumulated.
Now, under the dark moon and high winds, it's the perfect night for murder and arson.
The skeleton clone grinned, holding the long spear, and once again started its day-and-night slaughter and devouring.
Pfft!
Pfft!
The sound of soul fire extinguishing is somewhat monotonous.
But with the influx of skeleton essence, this slightly tonal sound is enough for Fang Zhou to regard it as a heavenly melody.
...
After class the next day, Fang Zhou again arrived at the Demon Hunter research group to spar with Ye Fan.
This time, Bai Xiaochan came along with him.
Upon seeing Fang Zhou and Bai Xiaochan, Ye Fan seemed puzzled.
"Bai Xiaochan, what are you doing here?"
Bai Xiaochan placed her hands on her waist, raised her chin slightly, and said proudly, "Hmph hmph, during my nap at noon today, I comprehended a super useful support skill [Lullaby].
This skill can speed up soul recovery, thus slightly extending meditation or exercise time.
However, I can only release the lullaby three times a day.
I'm planning once for myself, once reserved for Fang Zhou.
For the last one, considering the fact that we are desk mates, I might save it for you.
How about it, rich guy, name your price?"
Ye Fan's eyes lit up.
If Bai Xiaochan's words are true, then her [Lullaby] skill's effect is somewhat similar to the Concentration Array and Soul Calming Potion.
He wouldn't miss the chance to become stronger.
Thus, Ye Fan decisively said, "Quickly come in, Xiaochan.
I'll have the instructor test the strength of your skill. If it meets the requirements, contribution points are not a problem.
As long as it's for the development research of the Demon Profession's combat strength, the expenses can be reimbursed through the research group's project funds."
Upon hearing this, Bai Xiaochan was enormously envious.
She glanced at Fang Zhou, sighed, and said, "Ah, if only we could have a research survey group like that.
We absolutely have to keep a close eye on Ye Fan, that big spender."
Ye Fan listened but didn't seize the chance to show off. Instead, he smiled bitterly.
"I signed a deferred payment contract with the research group, and all these upfront resources must be repaid double later.
Currently, I'm burdened with 50 contribution points of debt."
Upon hearing this, Bai Xiaochan stuck her tongue out.
It turns out all those contribution points and resources will have to be repaid in the future.
However, Ye Fan was quite optimistic, quickly lifting his spirits.
"Being poor and humble in youth is not shameful; in time, prosperity will come.
These pressures are merely some minor hardships on my legendary journey."
Then, he turned and took Fang Zhou and Bai Xiaochan into the laboratory.
Ye Fan explained Bai Xiaochan's purpose to Instructor Chen Qingshan, and soon the researchers brought several testing instruments.
Although Bai Xiaochan's [Lullaby] skill is recorded in the Human Alliance's skill library, due to its rarity, its actual effect still needs to be tested.
Soon, a melodious and soothing tune began to flow into Fang Zhou and Ye Fan's ears.
Bai Xiaochan hummed a warm and tranquil melody, resembling the flowing Milky Way in the night sky, deep and serene.
The notes of the [Lullaby] seem to have magical power, capable of penetrating deeply into the listener's mind, subtly affecting the soul recovery process.
Based on the research group's observations and tests, a complete [Lullaby] could significantly enhance the listener's soul recovery speed, amplifying it by one-tenth.
Its effect is weaker than the Concentration Array and Soul Calming Potion, but even a small improvement is worthwhile!
The faster the soul recovery, the longer the Professionals can cultivate the [Meditation Method] or [Breathing Technique], accelerating the rate of advancement.
After the melody, Fang Zhou gazed at Bai Xiaochan with increasingly intense admiration, sincerely praising her: "Xiaochan, you're simply my Zither Fairy!"
Not only beautiful and sweet-voiced, with a generous heart, but also able to sing, play music, and assist in cultivation—what else could you be but the Zither Girl!
Bai Xiaochan's cheeks reddened under Fang Zhou's gaze, and she shyly turned her face away, saying, "Zither Fairy?! I can't even afford a small harp, hmph!"
...
Following the test, Instructor Chen Qingshan decisively decided to hire Bai Xiaochan at a rate of 1 contribution point per week.
Fang Zhou naturally wouldn't treat Bai Xiaochan unfairly and signed her to the same labor contract.
In this way, Bai Xiaochan only needs to sing a [Lullaby] once a day for Fang Zhou and Ye Fan to earn a stable income of 2 contribution points per week.
Though it can't compare to a genius like Fang Zhou, who independently theorizes new skills, or a lucky person like Ye Fan, among ordinary trainees, she's already considered a little rich girl.
After signing the contract, Bai Xiaochan stood outside the training ground, along with the research group's instructor and researchers, curiously watching Fang Zhou and Ye Fan spar.
This time, Fang Zhou didn't pull any tricky maneuvers.
He honestly controlled dozens of skeletons, solidly surrounding and beating Ye Fan.
After understanding the range of Ye Fan's Fallen Heaven Strike skill, Fang Zhou gave him no chance for a close-quarters attack, effortlessly using the skeletons on the ground, Skeleton Flying Spear, and Skeleton Shield to beat Ye Fan into a defeated state.
"Fang Zhou's skills in commanding skeletons are becoming increasingly refined."
Instructor Chen Qingshan outside the field couldn't help but sigh.
Bai Xiaochan was even more amazed, her mouth forming an O in shock.
Who can tell her, what are those White Bone Spear and Bone Shield skills?
Has Fang Zhou become that impressive?
Bai Xiaochan initially felt quite proud of the skill she had just comprehended, but watching Fang Zhou's dominating performance, she once again doubted herself.
"Comparison hurts deeply."
Is it that she's not diligent enough, or not clever enough?
On the training ground, after Ye Fan admitted defeat, Fang Zhou snapped his fingers and dispersed the skeletons on the ground.
He stepped forward, helped Ye Fan up, and gave him an encouraging look.
Just as he expected, the previously exhausted and lifeless Ye Fan, after receiving his look, suddenly seemed invigorated, full of energy.
"I can feel this bond between strong individuals!
Fang Zhou, I, Ye Fan, will never let you down."
Fang Zhou smiled without saying a word and left the laboratory with Bai Xiaochan, who admired him tremendously.
...
After dinner, in the dormitory.
Fang Zhou looked at his soul power, which had accumulated to 15 points, and opened his personal terminal.
He spent 50 contribution points to purchase all the previously chosen Magic Professional control skills.