Chapter 43: Thunderstruck

As Chief Gralis channeled the power of the storm, the atmosphere around him became charged with an overwhelming surge of energy. Dark clouds gathered above, swirling with an ominous intensity. Thunder boomed and lightning crackled, heralding the arrival of a devastating force.

Zanno's heart pounded in his chest as he witnessed the unleashed power of Chief Gralis. The ground beneath him trembled, and a gust of wind whipped through the battlefield, threatening to knock him off balance. But he refused to yield.

With a ferocious cry, Chief Gralis unleashed a devastating blast of lightning, aimed directly at Zanno. The bolt surged forward with unstoppable force, crackling and searing everything in its path. Zanno's eyes widened with determination as he braced himself for the impact.

Summoning the full extent of his magical abilities, Zanno gathered the essence of fire within him. Flames danced along his arms and engulfed the length of his flame spear. With a swift motion, he swung the weapon in a wide arc, creating a fiery vortex that intercepted the incoming lightning.

The clash between fire and lightning created a cataclysmic explosion, sending shockwaves rippling through the battlefield. The ground quaked, and the air crackled with raw elemental power. Zanno strained against the force of the impact, his muscles burning with the effort to maintain his stance.

The force of the lightning strike sent Zanno sprawling backward, his body crashing into the ground with a resounding thud. Pain coursed through his veins as the residual electricity tingled and burned his skin. His breath came in ragged gasps as he struggled to regain his footing.

The impact had taken a toll on Zanno's Phoenix Armor, the magical energy that infused it diminishing with each passing moment. The once vibrant and protective aura surrounding him now flickered weakly, its brilliance fading. The cracks on the armor's surface revealed the strain it had endured, and Zanno could feel its weakening defenses.

Blood trickled from the corner of Zanno's mouth, a testament to the injuries he had sustained. His muscles protested with every movement, weakened by the relentless assault. Despite the pain and the dwindling power of his armor, Zanno refused to succumb to despair.

「 Chief Gralis 」

"Impressive, boy."

"Not many could withstand the power of my ultimate offensive spell."

"Hmm..."

"Another strike will settle this!"

Struggling to rise, Zanno gritted his teeth and clenched his fists. His determination burned brighter than ever, fueled by the love and support of his family and the fire that coursed through his veins. He knew he had to press on, even in the face of overwhelming odds.

As he staggered back to his feet, the flame spear slipped from his grasp, clattering to the ground. Zanno's heart sank momentarily, but his resolve remained steadfast. He had fought with all his might, using every ounce of magical energy at his disposal. Now he had to rely on his inner strength and resourcefulness.

Gritting his teeth, Zanno braced himself for the next clash, his eyes fixed on Chief Gralis. Despite his injuries and his battered Gear, he would fight with everything he had left. He would continue to stand against the storm, refusing to be broken by the Craglisk Chieftain.

「 Phoenix Armor Zanno 」

"I may be bruised and battered, but I'm not defeated."

Zanno proclaimed, his voice filled with unwavering determination.

"You underestimated me, lizard face."

"Don't you remember?"

"I am a Soul Traveler!"

With a burst of inner fire, Zanno propelled himself towards Chief Gralis, his movements swift and agile. He relied on his instincts and honed combat skills to evade the chieftain's attacks, weaving through the storm-infused strikes with calculated precision.

As he closed the distance, Zanno unleashed a flurry of unarmed strikes, delivering powerful blows to Chief Gralis. Each strike carried the weight of his determination, fueled by the fire that burned within him. The force of his punches reverberated through the air, momentarily staggering the chieftain.

Chief Gralis, caught off guard by Zanno's relentless assault, struggled to regain his footing. Zanno seized the opportunity, summoning the last vestiges of his magical energy. Flames flickered to life once again, enveloping his fists with searing heat. The fire grew in intensity, forming fiery gauntlets that enhanced the power of his blows.

「 Phoenix Armor Zanno 」

"Phoenix Flame Weaver Barrage!"

With a mighty roar, Zanno unleashed a devastating punch, his fiery gauntlet colliding with Chief Gralis's defenses. The impact sent shockwaves rippling through the air, cracking the chieftain's armor and shattering his resolve. Chief Gralis stumbled backward, his expression a mix of surprise and disbelief.

Drawing upon every ounce of strength he had left, Zanno pressed his advantage. He unleashed a barrage of strikes, each blow fueled by his unwavering spirit. The flames danced along his fists, leaving trails of scorched marks on Chief Gralis's armor. The chieftain's defenses crumbled under the onslaught of Zanno's fiery assault.

With one final surge of energy, Zanno delivered a decisive blow. His fist connected with Chief Gralis's chest, sending the chieftain hurtling backward. Chief Gralis crashed to the ground, his body smoldering with the remnants of Zanno's fiery attack.

「 Chief Gralis 」

"ENOUGH!."

As the Craglisk Chieftain let out a deafening shout, his Maelstrom Armor crackled with electrical energy, the burst sent Zanno flying across the courtyard. With a thunderous impact, Zanno crashed into a nearby wall, his body aching from the force of the blow.

The remnants of Chief Gralis's power crackled around him, threatening to overwhelm his senses. Zanno did not have the strength to carry on anymore. His body felt numb, fatigue seeping into his bones. Every breath was a struggle as he fought to regain his composure.

Slowly, Zanno pushed himself up from the ground, his muscles protesting with each movement. The pain from his injuries throbbed through his body, but he refused to surrender. He leaned against the wall for support, his vision blurred and his head spinning. But his spirit remained unbroken.

With sheer willpower, Zanno forced himself to stand upright, his gaze fixed on Chief Gralis. Despite the overwhelming odds, a flicker of determination ignited within him. Summoning the last reserves of his strength, Zanno straightened his posture and took a shaky step forward. Each movement was a struggle, but he refused to let his weariness define him. With a defiant glare, he met Chief Gralis's gaze.

「 Phoenix Armor Zanno 」

"I won't be defeated so easily, Chief Gralis."

"My flame may flicker, but it will never be extinguished."

「 Babah 」

"We have no choice, Mom."

"We need to spend the Black Orb now."

「 Olivia 」

"Understood."

◣◥◣◥◣◥◣◥◣◥◣◥◣◥

[ Soul Request…

Accepted ]

[ Spending Black Orb to Force Level, Regeneration: Level 1…

▮▮▮▮▮▮▮▮▮▮▮▮▮▮▮▮▮▮▮▮ ( 100%) ]

[ Force Level Up...

Successful ]

[ Skill: Regeneration...

Level Up ]

[ Regeneration: Level 2...

Activated ]

[ Remaining Black Orb(s): 0 ]

◣◥◣◥◣◥◣◥◣◥◣◥◣◥

A brilliant burst of flames engulfed Zanno, wrapping around him like a protective cocoon. The intense heat seared away his injuries, mending his broken body and revitalizing his spirit.

From within the flames, Zanno emerged, reborn like a phoenix rising from the ashes. His wounds were completely healed, and a renewed surge of energy coursed through his veins. The fire that surrounded him danced with newfound intensity, reflecting the strength of his indomitable will.

With a confident stride, Zanno approached Chief Gralis once again. The weariness that had plagued him moments ago was replaced by an unwavering resolve. His eyes blazed with determination, and a renewed aura of power radiated from his being.

「 Phoenix Armor Zanno: Mk 2 」

"You thought you had me beaten, lizard face?"

"I am not so easily broken."

Chief Gralis stared at Zanno in disbelief, his arrogance fading into a mix of shock and uncertainty. The sight of Zanno's complete recovery and unwavering determination rattled the chieftain's confidence. He realized that underestimating the young Soul Traveler had been a grave mistake.

Chief Gralis tightened his grip on his weapon, his eyes narrowing with renewed focus. He knew he had to gather his own strength and fight back with everything he had. The battle was far from over, and he refused to be overshadowed by his opponent.

With a roar that echoed through the battlefield, Chief Gralis unleashed a devastating flurry of attacks. The ground shook beneath his feet as he charged towards Zanno, his Maelstrom Armor crackling with raw elemental power. Lightning arced around him, seeking to strike down his adversary.

But Zanno was prepared. With his newfound vigor, he met Chief Gralis head-on, his movements fluid and precise. He skillfully evaded the lightning-infused strikes, weaving through the onslaught with grace and agility. Each dodge and parry showcased his honed combat skills and quick reflexes.

As Chief Gralis unleashed a mighty swing, aiming to cleave through Zanno's defenses, the young Soul Traveler responded with a counterattack of his own. With a swift motion, he unleashed a torrent of flames from his outstretched palms, colliding with Chief Gralis's strike.

「 Phoenix Armor Zanno: Mk 2 」

"Mercurial Flare!"

Zanno's Mercurial Flare erupted in a brilliant display of fire and heat, engulfing Chief Gralis's weapon and pushing back the chieftain's assault. The flames danced and crackled, their intensity matching the ferocity of Zanno's spirit.

"Eat this, lizard face!"

[ Wrath Experience Point: +1 ]

「 Babah 」

"Calm your rage, Zanno."

"Don't lose control."

"Remember, your emotions dictate your power."

「 Zanno 」

"Thanks for the reminder, Babah."

Caught off guard by the sudden surge of flames, Chief Gralis staggered backward, his footing momentarily lost. Seizing the opportunity, Zanno pressed his advantage. He closed the distance between them with lightning speed, his fists ablaze with fire.

In a swift and relentless barrage of blows, Zanno unleashed a flurry of fiery punches and kicks, each strike fueled by his determination and the power of his Phoenix Flame. The impact of his attacks sent shockwaves through Chief Gralis's defenses, gradually wearing down the chieftain's resolve.

Chief Gralis, though formidable, found himself struggling to match Zanno's newfound strength and unwavering resolve. The flames that surrounded Zanno seemed to grow hotter and brighter with each passing moment, intensifying the pressure on the chieftain.

As Chief Gralis continued to falter under Zanno's relentless assault, doubts began to creep into his mind. The once powerful and arrogant chieftain now found himself on the defensive, desperately trying to fend off Zanno's fiery onslaught.

Zanno's movements became a blur of speed and precision, his attacks landing with pinpoint accuracy. Each punch and kick was infused with the scorching heat of his Phoenix Flame, leaving scorch marks and cracks in Chief Gralis's Maelstrom Armor.

The chieftain's strength wavered, his resolve weakening as the flames danced closer to his vulnerable spots. Sweat trickled down Chief Gralis's forehead as he struggled to summon the power to counter Zanno's onslaught. But it seemed that the boy's determination and unwavering spirit had ignited a fire within him that could not be extinguished.

The other craglisk warriors were still being held busy by the guards of Cardinal Peaks when the storm clouds summoned by Chief Gralis began to disperse, and sunlight began to filter through. At this moment, they realized that their leader was now at the mercy of Zanno as the young prodigy prepared to deliver the final blow.

With Chief Gralis weakened and the craglisk warriors momentarily distracted by the unfolding battle, Zanno saw his opportunity to end the confrontation. He gathered the last remnants of his inner fire, channeling it into one final, decisive attack.

Leaping into the air, Zanno's body became enveloped in a blazing inferno. The flames roared and soared, reaching their peak intensity. With a resounding cry, he brought his fists crashing down toward Chief Gralis, unleashing the full force of his Phoenix Flame in a devastating strike.

「 Phoenix Armor Zanno: Mk 2 」

"Take this parting gift, Chief Gralis!"

"NOVA STRIKE!"

The impact was cataclysmic. The ground trembled beneath the sheer power of Zanno's attack, sending shockwaves reverberating through the battlefield. A massive explosion of fire and force erupted upon contact, engulfing Chief Gralis in a whirlwind of flames.