Chapter 40: Of a Bird and Lizards

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[ Combining Skills:

‣ Skill Share

‣ Inspire

Requested ]

[ Integrating...

▮▮▮▮▮▮▮▮▮▮▮▮▮▮▮▮▮▮▮ ( 100% ) ]

[ Skill Combination...

Successful ]

[ New Skill: Global Awareness...

Acquired ]

[ Activating Skill: Global Awareness...

Successful ]

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A holographic Status Report appeared above the entourage from the capital. The displayed name on the report shocked everybody else. Laksmana Bujang was actually Chief Gralis of the Calmwaters Tribe.

Exposed, the rest of the envoys quickly made their way to their Chieftan, shedding their disguises and readying their weapons. One of them was Gratus, the Chieftain's son. The Calmwaters Tribe's finest totem warrior.

「 Totem Warrior Gratus 」

"Looks like the gig is out, father!"

「 Laksmana Bujang 」

"Well... No point in playing nice anymore."

"Hahaha..."

Laksmana Bujang shed his human disguise as his laughter echoed through the courtyard. His true form as Chief Gralis of the Calmwaters Tribe emerged, towering over the others with his imposing presence. The envoys from the capital, now revealed as members of the Calmwaters Tribe, stood proudly beside their chief, ready to defend him.

Mayor Rachmat and the guards watched in astonishment, their confusion turning to a mix of concern and curiosity. Amidst the chaos, Zanno's Gear transformation was finally completed, revealing a set of armor that resembled a majestic bird.

「 Lady Hybris 」

"Renewed and revived, with rustic flare."

"Courage will guard thy heart from glare."

"Tomorrow will bring, more dangerous toil."

"Through the conflict and the turmoil."

"Give me what is mine, divinest peace."

"We shall rise again, as God shall please!"

"Oh mighty Orion, I call upon the Pheonix Armor... "

"ARISE!"

Zanno was engulfed in a blaze emitted from his activated Gear, ready to confront his adversary, Chief Gralis of the Calmwaters Tribe. The craglisk chieftain was known as the greatest Storm Shaman that ever existed, and his power was feared throughout the land. But Zanno's newfound power, combined with the support of the eidolon, Lady Hybris gave him the strength and confidence to face this formidable opponent.

As Zanno's Gear transformation was completed, the fiery blaze surrounding him dissipated, revealing the magnificent Phoenix Armor. The armor was a stunning blend of vibrant reds, oranges, and golds, reminiscent of the majestic plumage of a phoenix.

The helmet of the armor featured a sleek and streamlined shape that resembled the head of a phoenix. Crowned with a crest of fiery feathers that flickered with ethereal flames, it portrayed the regal and awe-inspiring nature of this mythical bird.

The chest plate bore an engraved image of a soaring phoenix, its wings outstretched in a display of power and grace. The armor's surface shimmered with a faint iridescence, giving it an otherworldly glow.

The gauntlets and greaves of the Phoenix Armor were adorned with detailed patterns resembling flames as if Zanno himself was cloaked in the essence of fire. Each step he took left behind a trail of smoldering embers, symbolizing the immense heat and intensity of his power.

Enveloping Zanno's back were a pair of majestic wings, reminiscent of those of a phoenix in flight. These ethereal wings could expand and contract at will, granting Zanno the ability to soar through the air with unparalleled grace and agility.

Donning the Phoenix Armor, a surge of power flowed through Zanno's body. His magical capabilities were amplified and his control over fire improved. The Gear also provided him with newfound resilience and endurance, safeguarding him from harm as he tackled the challenges ahead. In essence, the armor was comparable to the maximum level of the Molten Armor spell, rendering him nearly invincible and immune to fire.

Zanno stood tall and resolute, ready to face Chief Gralis and any other obstacles that stood in his way. The fiery aura surrounding him matched the blazing determination in his eyes, as he prepared to unleash the full extent of his powers and protect those he cared for.

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[ Pheonix Armor...

Acquired ]

[ Basic Attributes Bonus...

Allocated ]

[ Current Attribute...

Physique: 6 (+1)

Mind: 6 (+1)

Soul: 5

Confirmed ]

[ Vulnerability Tolerance...

Physical Resistance: 65%

Magical Resistance: 60%

Spiritual Resistance: 5%

Elemental Resistance: 75% (+15%)

Report Completed ]

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「 Lady Hybris 」

"Let it go Zanno, release the power within you."

"Show them their place"

"Show them that you alone shall decide."

"Not these lizards..."

"Not the clowns in the capital..."

"NO ONE!"

「 Phoenix Armor Zanno 」

"Let's dance, lizard face!"

[ Wrath Experience Point: +1 ]

Zanno took a deep breath, his focus sharpening as he channeled the power within him. The flames on his armor intensified, swirling and dancing as he prepared to unleash his true potential. With a resounding cry, he extended his hand toward Chief Gralis and summoned a torrent of scorching fire.

"Blazing Vortex!!!"

The flames erupted from his palm, roaring toward the chieftain with an intensity that could rival the sun. The searing heat enveloped Chief Gralis, who attempted to conjure his own storm magic to counter the attack. But Zanno's Phoenix Armor, bolstered by Lady Hybris's guidance, nullified the storm's impact, absorbing it into the fiery vortex.

The Craglisk Chieftain was enveloped by a fiery engulfment, his form obscured by the intense blaze. The air crackled with energy as Zanno's flames clashed with Gralis's storm, creating a spectacle of raw power and elemental forces.

As the flames subsided, revealing the aftermath of their clash, Zanno stood unyielding, his armor glowing with renewed vigor. Chief Gralis, on the other hand, emerged from the inferno, his once imposing form now battered and scorched.

The intense heat had melted away parts of Chief Gralis's outer armor, revealing something underneath. Something that no one was expecting. His face was stoic, but his eyes betrayed a mischievous glint. He tore the charred armor off, revealing a fully equipped Gear.

「 Chief Gralis 」

"Don't look so surprised, human."

"Yes. I am wearing something you humans call…"

"Gear."

「 Mayor Rachmat 」

"What in the heavens?"

Mayor Rachmat's eyes widened in disbelief as he witnessed Chief Gralis's revelation. The realization sent shockwaves through the courtyard, leaving everyone in a state of astonishment. The notion of a Craglisk Chieftain donning Gear was unheard of, defying the norms and expectations of their world.

Chief Gralis's Gear emanated an aura of power and mystery. It was a stark contrast to Zanno's Phoenix Armor, exuding an air of darkness and primal energy. The Gear was adorned with jagged, obsidian-like plates that seemed to absorb the surrounding magical energy. Dark tendrils of mana sparks snaked their way across the armor, pulsating with an ominous presence.

Chief Gralis slowly puts on his helmet which resembles the fierce visage of a predatory beast, with glowing red eyes that pierced through the shadows. Spikes protruded from his shoulders and gauntlets, giving him a menacing and formidable appearance.

As Chief Gralis stepped forward, the ground beneath him cracked, revealing a surge of elemental power. The storm clouds above swirled and darkened, crackling with lightning. It was clear that Chief Gralis's Gear was attuned to the forces of nature, allowing him to command the elements with unparalleled mastery.

Zanno's eyes narrowed as he assessed the newfound threat before him. The clash between fire and storm was about to reach a whole new level. The atmosphere crackled with anticipation as the two Gear-wielders prepared to face off in an epic battle of elemental prowess.

Zanno's Phoenix Armor glowed brighter, its fiery aura intensifying as he tapped into the depths of his power. Flames danced along his gauntlets, ready to be unleashed with devastating force.

「 Chief Gralis 」

"Gratus, take care of the guards."

"I will handle the Soul Traveler myself!"

Zanno was flabbergasted. Hearing the Craglisk chieftain utter the word 'Soul Traveler' really caught him off guard. He never expected the conundrum of its existence would be known by others.

Zanno's mind was filled with confusion and intrigue. How could Chief Gralis know about the Soul Traveler, a secret Zanno thought only he knew? It seemed that Chief Gralis held more knowledge and power than Zanno had anticipated.

As Gratus, Chief Gralis's son, swiftly engaged the guards in combat, Zanno focused his attention squarely on Chief Gralis. The two Gear armored warriors locked eyes, each aware of the formidable opponent standing before them.

Zanno took a step forward, his movements purposeful and calculated. The flames on his armor burned brighter, fueled by his determination and resolve.

「 Phoenix Armor Zanno 」

"You speak of the Soul Traveler as if you understand its true nature."

"Tell me lizard face, what do you know?"

Chief Gralis's expression remained impassive, his eyes gleaming with a mix of amusement and superiority.

「 Chief Gralis 」

"A Soul Traveler..."

"A soul being caught between worlds, wielding power unmatched by mortals."

"It is a force that can shape destinies and alter the course of history."

"I, too, have encountered its essence."

Zanno's curiosity grew, his mind whirling with questions. How had Chief Gralis come into contact with a Soul Traveler? What were his true intentions?

「 Phoenix Armor Zanno 」

"Enough riddles."

"If you know of the Soul Traveler, then you know the responsibility that comes with such knowledge."

"Why have you revealed yourself now?"

"And what do you seek?"

Chief Gralis's lips curled into a sly smile, a glimmer of mischief in his eyes.

「 Chief Gralis 」

"Ah, Zanno, the answers to your questions lie within the storm."

"If you wish to uncover the truth, you'll have to face the tempest head-on."

With those enigmatic words, Chief Gralis raised his arm, summoning a swirling vortex of wind and lightning. The storm grew in intensity, crackling with raw power.

Zanno steeled himself, his resolve unwavering. He knew that he would have to push his powers to their limits to uncover the secrets Chief Gralis held within the tumultuous storm.

With Lady Hybris by his side, he would face this challenge head-on, determined to unravel the mysteries of the Soul Traveler and protect the world from any potential threat it may pose.