Chapter 77: One too Many
Sheriff Nathkin stifled a chuckle, realizing the absurdity of the situation. The tension began to ease as the group exchanged glances, their fear giving way to a shared moment of lightheartedness amidst the uncertainty.
The zak'nagi, seemingly unperturbed by the exchange, continued to observe the group with its piercing eyes. After a few moments, it turned and vanished into the depths of the forest, leaving the group in a state of bemusement.
「 Rhynn Erulisse 」
"Well, that was unexpected."
「 Mayor Rachmat 」
"It wasn't me..."
"Was it?"
「 Sheriff Nathkin 」
"I guess so..."
"Seems like you managed to establish some form of communication..."
"Even if it was unintentional."
「 Mayor Rachmat 」
"Maybe the zak'nagi was afraid of you, Nath?"
"With that big nasty stick of yours..."
"Hehe..."
「 Rhynn Erulisse 」
"Watch out!"
But before the joke could be fully appreciated, a soft, melodic hum filled the air, originating from where the zak'nagi had disappeared. A group of seven zak'nagis flickered right before the party. Tensions built up as their eyes changed from chromatic blue, earlier to red.
The group braced themselves, their hearts pounding as they prepared for the worst. Sheriff Nathkin took the lead, stepping forward with a determined expression. His voice rang out, steady and commanding while his hand gripped Ragna, his trusted weapon firmly.
「 Sheriff Nathkin 」
"Set your Gear to SEAM( Strategic Express Activation Mode) Raja and ready your weapon..."
"But do not strike unless it is absolutely necessary."
Mayor Rachmat slowly changed the setting of his Gear and positioned himself with his sword, Blizzard at the ready. Rhynn, with her acute perception, maintained a close watch on the zak'nagis, scrutinizing them for any indications of aggression or hostile conduct while her bow, Meteor, released a stream of scarlet-hued aura.
The zak'nagis, sensing the change in the group's demeanor, became more restless. Their wings buzzed with a heightened energy, and a low, reverberating hum filled the air. It was a warning, a clear indication that they were prepared to defend themselves.
As the tension peaked, a single zak'nagi broke away from the group, flying towards the party with surprising speed. Its multifaceted eyes glowed with an intense red, and its wings created a blurry motion.
Reacting swiftly, Sheriff Nathkin raised his mace in a defensive stance, his voice projecting authority.
「 Sheriff Nathkin 」
"Hold your ground!"
But just as the zak'nagi approached, it abruptly veered off course, flying past the group without causing harm. It landed a few feet away, its wings settling as it turned to face them.
Rhynn's brows furrowed in confusion as she watched the zak'nagi. It seemed to be waiting as if challenging the group to make their move. She exchanged a glance with Sheriff Nathkin, silently communicating their shared uncertainty.
「 Rhynn Erulisse 」
"What do they want?"
"They're not attacking..."
"But they're not backing down either."
Sheriff Nathkin remained vigilant, his grip tightening on his weapon.
「 Mayor Rachmat 」
"I am gonna try to get closer..."
"But be prepared for anything."
「 Sheriff Nathkin 」
"You gonna what?!"
With caution and determination, Mayor Rachmat took a step forward, closing the distance between himself and the zak'nagi. He moved slowly, his movements deliberate and non-threatening, attempting to convey their peaceful intentions.
The zak'nagi's red eyes flickered as he approached, reverting to their original blue hue. Its wings relaxed, and it emitted a soft, melodic hum that mirrored the enchanting melody of the forest.
Rhynn's eyes widened as she realized the zak'nagi's response. The mayor seemed to have successfully conveyed their peaceful intent, and the zak'nagi was willing to communicate uniquely.
"I think it's working, Raja..."
"You CAN, speak bugs."
"Haha..."
But before Mayor Rachmat could take another step forward, all of the zak'nagi flickered out of sight unexpectedly, leaving the party stupefied. Ember, sensing imminent threat lept in front of Mayor Rachmat and released a maximum-level Molten Shield spell to protect him.
「 Rhynn Erulisse 」
"What is it, Ember?!"
Dozens of sharp, poisonous spikes rained on them seconds after Ember's instinctive feat. Rhynn and Sheriff Nathkin deflected and dodged the dangerous projectiles while seeking cover under the Molten Shield.
「 Sheriff Nathkin 」
"It's a trap!"
"Time to gear up, Raja..."
「 Mayor Rachmat 」
"It's been a while my friend..."
"Sorry about the SEAM."
"I'll be relying on you for a while."
「 Nyx 」
"I'm on it old friend..."
To regulate all the mana currents from a Gear, a human being needs to have proper physical, mental, and spiritual coordination and must prepare carefully. It should be done slowly to avoid any mishaps.
The activation sequence for SEAM can only be carried out by individuals with a strong bond with their eidolon, as it will bear all the stress from the process. This is the only way for a Gear to be activated nearly instantaneously.
Relying entirely on his eidolon, Mayor Rachmat depended on Nyx for the rapid activation of his Gear. In a matter of seconds, the mayor stood prepared for battle as the surrounding area became engulfed in flashes of blinding light.
「 Mayor Rachmat 」
"Nyx, just like the good old days!"
「 Nyx 」
"I still haven't heard anything about that raise..."
「 Mayor Rachmat 」
"Haha..."
Mayor Rachmat's raised sword, Blizzard, burst into a mist of icy energy as he charged forward, his movements swift and agile. The zak'nagis flickered from the shadows, their bodies glowing with an eerie crimson light.
With a series of precise slashes, the mayor carved a path through the zak'nagis, his Gear's power augmenting his every strike. Nyx, his eidolon, was in sync with him, further helping the mayor's control over his suit.
「 Sheriff Nathkin 」
"Ragna, let's do this!"
Sheriff Nathkin swung his massive mace, Rock of Ragna, with tremendous force, each impact sending a shockwave that shattered the ground and repelled the zak'nagis. Gritting his teeth, he advanced steadily, his unwavering determination driving him forward.
「 Rhynn Erulisse 」
"Meteor, guide my arrows!"
Rhynn's bow, known as Meteor, emitted a vibrant scarlet aura as she released a barrage of arrows. The projectiles exhibited remarkable agility, maneuvering adeptly through the air to seek out their intended targets. Each arrow landed with striking precision, disrupting the zak'nagis' efforts to regroup.
The trio operated in flawless harmony. The forest reverberated with the tumult of combat, the clanging of weaponry, and the piercing cries of the zak'nagis. Much to the group's surprise, the encounter proved notably unchallenging.
Mayor Rachmat's Blizzard cleaved through the atmosphere, leaving frigid trails in its path. Sheriff Nathkin's Rock of Ragna careened through the enemy formations, his forceful strikes rending the earth. Rhynn's Meteor arrows penetrated the zak'nagis, leaving a trail of crimson in their wake.
Gradually, the party established dominance, their synchronization and collaborative effort overwhelming the zak'nagis. As the confrontation persisted, the creatures began to withdraw, their crimson eyes dimming as their forms dissolved into the shadows.
「 Mayor Rachmat 」
"Nyx, let's finish this!"
With a final, powerful strike, Mayor Rachmat unleashed a devastating icy blast that engulfed the remaining zak'nagis, freezing them in their tracks. The creatures, unable to withstand the intense cold, shattered into a thousand glittering shards.
The battle had been fierce, but the party had emerged victorious. As the dust settled, they stood together, their breaths heavy but their resolve unwavering.
「 Sheriff Nathkin 」
"Well, that was... eventful."
「 Mayor Rachmat 」
"But we showed them what we're made of, didn't we?"
「 Rhynn Erulisse 」
"No."
"It was..."
"Too easy."
「 Sheriff Nathkin 」
"Hmm..."
"Now that you mentioned it."
"It was kind of too easy."
「 Rhynn Erulisse 」
"Wait..."
"Hold on a second."
"Ember!"
"Where is Ember?"
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