Since the Tokkal Hammer Technique had advanced to lv4 (3/1000), Rein was currently perceiving the fragmented training memories of the Tokkal Hammer Technique that had appeared in his mind.
These memory fragments were scattered segments of hammer training, which Rein was quickly digesting and absorbing, integrating them into his muscle memory.
The entire process felt to Rein as if he had suddenly gained a year's worth of arduous practice experience in the Tokkal Hammer Technique.
Some previously overlooked details of the hammer technique were also perfected and supplemented.
Moreover, Rein noticed that his Knight (Transcendent) Profession Level had reached lv3 (476/500) and was about to advance to lv4.
Of course, the Profession Level of a Wizard Apprentice, being already at lv4, was still far from advancing again.
"Cough… cough… Rein, I really didn't expect, cough… you could actually kill that guy Adams." Hamilton patted Rein's shoulder, saying with a face full of relief.
However, it seemed that because of the recent backlash damage from a 'Lesser Physical Reflection Shield', Hamilton's physical condition was not too good at the moment.
His body had been wounded by some unknown energy and he was constantly coughing.
"By the way, this time… cough… are you planning to directly claim the bounty, or report it as the Deputy Sheriff of Flashgold Town?"
"Uh..." Hamilton's words made Rein involuntarily start pondering.
He was no longer a newcomer within the imperial system, and of course, he understood the implications of Hamilton's words.
If claimed directly, that would mean receiving 1000 Imperial Gold Coins as a reward and, additionally, it could further enhance the rank of the Bounty Hunters.
Whereas if he reported it as the Deputy Sheriff of Flashgold Town, the financial reward in terms of Gold Coins would basically be gone, all converted into Merit Points, and the killing of Adams would be listed in the resume as a separate deed.
"Cough... Based on your combat performance this time, I think the merit reward you can get is definitely not small. Once you pass the knighthood assessment later, you are highly likely to be immediately promoted in position."
Hamilton, seeing Rein hesitating, tactfully expressed his opinion.
In fact, Rein was leaning towards the first option; during the previous battle, he had seen Adams' combat power and the strength unleashed by a third-level Wizard Apprentice who had several Sorcery Scrolls on hand.
Apparently, all these required money, that is, Gold Coins for support!
If one were to rise higher in position, would he still lack money?
Just thinking about the compensation given by the Crowley family for hiring him as a Guardian Knight was enough to understand.
At this thought, a smirk appeared at the corner of Rein's mouth.
Furthermore, if he reported it as the latter, Hamilton and his fellow Night Watchmen would add a commendable note to their resumes and receive a significant amount of merit rewards.
"Of course, Lord Hamilton, let's report it under the nomination of joint annihilation by the security forces of Flashgold Town. By the way, please do not skimp on the narration of yours and your colleagues' contributions in the battle."
"Good lad, cough… much appreciated!" Hamilton, while coughing, couldn't help but smile.
Rein's words naturally also reached the ears of the Night Watchmen.
Many had been wounded by a female specter and were originally grimacing in pain while being treated, but now, their expressions had softened greatly, some even began to smile.
Sometimes, as ordinary people, being a Night Watchman to them was more a profession that sustained their livelihood.
If they could earn a bit more and make their families' lives better, even if the tasks were sometimes dangerous and they might get hurt, they still found it worthwhile.
"No need to speak of other things, the Deputy Lord is truly generous in terms of military achievements!" This was the sentiment of most elite Night Watchmen present.
Thinking about the female specter, Rein turned his head and looked around, noticing that she seemed to have disappeared from the spot along with Adams' defeat.
Rein recalled that, at the moment just after the battle ended, he had vaguely seen her dissolving at the corner of the alley with a smile on her lips.
"Sheriff Lord, Deputy Lord, this corpse…" a Night Watchman elite reported.
"Leave it to the Deputy to handle!" Hamilton said with a smile as he waved his hand.
Only then did Rein remember he still hadn't had the chance to collect his spoils.
He wondered what kind of loot this strongest opponent he had encountered so far might bring him.
A sense of anticipation long absent began to rise in Rein's heart.
But... when Rein came to the heap of black-robed flesh, he couldn't help but feel stunned!
This… was really a bit difficult to approach!
After hesitating for a while, Rein, suppressing the sticky and warm sensation from his hand, began to search the black robe.
The bottles and jars in the opponent's waist pouch had shattered, but their contents had not yet leaked.
Thus, Rein carefully chose not to disturb them first but opted to collect other items instead.
Soon, Rein had accounted for all the spoils: a wand-like curved stick, a white slender phalange, an iron key, and a pouch containing a small amount of Gold Coins.
This couldn't help but disappoint Rein.
The feeling was just like in Rein's past life online games, when a group took down a big BOSS and then ended up with junk loot.
But still, Rein carefully examined these three pieces of loot.
The first was the stick, more precisely a short staff, with a slightly thicker head and a much smaller base, made from a single piece of unknown dark grey wood.