EPISODE 145: SLAYING CALAMITY 2

— GREAT EDRYAN, YEAR 7291. SEASON: COLOR FADING.

Inside Adam 2.0, Lawruthian was shocked into silence at the conversation taking place inside his head. His state didn’t go unnoticed by General Alexandria, who he stood next to. He said he was fine, but from his posture and general body language, Alexandria could tell something was up. The pair were surrounded by the core of the Imperius Army and the [Imperius Knights], who prepared themselves for an aerial fight.

Overhead, the sky was dark with heavy storm clouds that flashed with yellow and blue lightning. In the distance was a red comet speeding toward the area where the South Gate Army set its trap. The red comet fired beams of flame as a large bird snapped its beak at it, attempting to devour the annoyance.

Zephyron — Thunderwing Lord, did its name and title justice. It possessed dark feathers with lightning patterns as the vanes for each feather shaft. The wind seemed to carry it forward without the beast flapping—the element naturally did the work as if Zephyron were a part of it. Two deer-like antlers rose from the side of the beast’s head, each crackling with lightning. While its green eyes remained locked onto the figure surrounded by fire—unaware or uncaring for the army it approached.

[Grand Magi] Caimen Lordstar was not having a pleasant time. His face held a mixture of emotions, shock, confusion, worry, and more. His initial strike that collapsed the [Abandoned Roc-Mage Tower] was easily suppressed and dispersed. The magic he expelled from his body, which would usually allow him a measure of control as its flames burned, was simply extinguished by the wind—an element that should have strengthened the flames and not halted them.

His movement skill (True Fire Flight) was barely keeping Zephyron out of range. He focused, and a thunderous crack split the sky as his speed increased by another grade. The ground beneath him completely blurred as he entered a new realm of speed. He’d have directly teleported, but the goal was to lure in Zephyron and not just annoy it.

Lawruthian slowly regained his composure. The voices of the Three-Faced Goddess slowly halted in his head as they waited for his response. He repeatedly tried to activate his mental skill, (The King’s Indifference), to help him get into a state to formulate the best responses, but his emotional state was far too active—even though the skill was enhanced to [Mythical]. The skill broke, his Intent lacked the strength to keep it active. (Wisdom’s Insight), the skill bestowed upon him by the Goddess during Her blessing, continued to advise. He pondered over the information it fed him and how and what he should say.

Eventually, as he usually did with (Political Mind), he listened to the advice and did his own thing.

‘ Have you always been able to communicate like this, ’ he began with a question.

A voice scoffed before responding, Lawruthian felt this one belonged to Wisdom.

‘ Of Course We Have, You’ve Only Never Prayed To Us—Directly Or Indirectly—It Seems After Your… Vacation To The Aspect’s Domain, You’ve Learned Humility. ’

‘ Then…, why not guide me? ’

This time the voice was much colder…, indifferent, as the tone of The Challenger primarily was.

‘ Why Guide What Doesn’t Wish To Be Guided? Why Should We Guide What Hasn’t Called For Guidance? ’

‎ Lawruthian paused before his third question, his thoughts drifted through his life in the Genesis Realm thus far. Not once did he recall calling, praying, to the Goddess. He’d led some small prayers—never anything major or something he truly put his heart and effort into. What changed with this attempt? Was it the sacrifice? Or perhaps it was his changing mentality? These questions and more flashed through his mind. His tense body relaxed more and more, and next to him, Alexandria began to relax.

His first general wasn’t certain what was happening to her [Chosen] but it appeared whatever state he was in was getting resolved. General Alexandria’s gaze, and that of Lawruthian, watched the bright red flame travel through the sky. Caimen traveled fast enough for a circular cloud to follow him close behind.

“ PREPARE FOR BATTLE, ” General Alexandria said, activating skills as she watched Lord Caimen grow closer and closer. At his speed, she estimated he’d arrive in a minute or less.

Lawruthian’s gaze flickered to the area where the South Gate Army and [Seven Heroes] waited in ambush—although, that name no longer qualified for them as they entered a new stage. The area they were stationed was nearly a kilometer ahead of the Imperius Army, a short distance that could easily be covered in thirty seconds or less should they use skills.

Behind Zephyron, was a growing herd of flying beasts. They were led by two large rocs, who Lawruthian knew were the calamity’s mates. The rumored third mate was missing.

‘ Why did you give me the (Aura of Divinity) …? Why {Enslave} those around me? That was a punishment, meant to target my previous actions—it was tasteless. ’

Eventually, after a long internal silence to the response of the Challenger, Lawruthian asked a brand-new question. If the Goddess’s Three Faces were willing to speak, then he would take advantage to get what information he could. He asked the most pressing question on his mind. There was more, of course, but the calamity was coming.

‘ Why Have You Never Prayed To Me For Guidance—Or Came To Me For Insight Before You Enact Changes To My Magi? It Is A Punishment, One Fit For Its Situation, ’ Wisdom stated.

‘ Those actions were years ago, ’ Lawruthian countered. ‘ …there is no point in punishing what already passed. ’

‘ Time To You, And Time To Me Are Not The Same. You Will Understand As You Rise To Demigodhood And Beyond. It Is Best You Focus On Securing My Prizes… And Beware… For It Is Not All It Seems To Be. ’

Lawruthian wanted to ask another question, but Lord Caimen suddenly disappeared just as Zephyron caught up. The calamity attempted to swallow him as it bit toward the [Grand Magi], instead it met nothing but air.

Seconds later, Caimen appeared from the air before the ambush area. His flames were far dimmer than what he started with, and his battle robes appeared tattered in places.

Zephyron’s eyes immediately locked onto Caimen as it flapped slowly, yet in the next moment, it too, teleported.

Caimen’s eyes widened in shock and horror, but he remained calm overall. He’d teleported the remaining distance through the might of his skill—an effect he couldn’t use in quick succession. He hadn’t expected the Thunderwing Lord to also possess the skill to teleport short distances. No matter, for as it emerged from space directly above him, bright silver-white chains shot from the ground. It was time to remove himself from the situation—at least, remove himself long enough to consume a few potions for recovery.

Just as he drifted away, a voice, one that he desired, made its way into his ears.

“You’ve done well.”

A bright pink aura spread in a continuous wave, and the Queen of Edryan calmly flew into the air. Below her, the South Gate Army and its general prepared to meet the brunt of the Horde of Zephyron. Lawruthian watched this from a distance. The Imperius Army had yet to move, but the young men and women's hands tightened around their weapons. Zephyron seemed annoyed, its body twisting as chains snapped off, only to be replaced by others. The (Life-Drain Chains) would only grow in number and strength as they fed on the captive to reinforce themselves.

“(Inspect),” Lawruthian said.

[Raid Boss: Zephyron — ★ ★ ★ ★★ ]

Base Atk: 2187

Base Def: 1355

HP: 10890/11130

SP: 9420/9420

MP: 12450/12450

HP Regen: 296/Hour

SP Regen: 251/Hour

MP Regen: 331/Hour

Power: 7290

Endurance: 3140

Vitality: 3710

Mind: 4150

Self: 2710

Description:

Once a beloved pet of Grand Magi Rokkun, the Thunderwing Lord fought alongside its master in battle. His death became the catalyst Zephyron needed to become a calamity. Now, its allegiance is to the realm.

Skills:

(World Bound) [+], (???), (Tempest Roar) [+], (Thunderclap) [+], (Regenerative Zephyr) [+], (???)…

Stolen novel; please report.

Theorize Weakness:

The Thunderwing Lord holds two elements that are weakened by the Earth Element. Water — Ice, Dark, and Space can disrupt its major elemental control.

Lawruthian frowned, his mother seemed to be preparing something as her pink aura continued to spread. It quickly approached the area the Imperius Army stood. Instead of striking directly, it was clear his mother wanted to test an ability on the beast.

Lawruthian clicked on the plus next to the skill (World Bound) and a new panel opened before him.

[-] (World Bound)

Function:

‎ World’s Champion

When active, reduce skill cost by 90%.

Function:

‎ Eternal Reservoir

Replenish 2,000 Life Points in each category over ten seconds. This effect can be activated once every minute.

Function:

‎ World’s Avatar

Increase all damage and all defense by 10% per minute until capped at 100%.

Cost:

Each activation and subsequent use increasingly strengthens the bond to the World's Will.

“Well… no wonder maxed calamities are called kingdom enders ,” Lawruthian chuckled. General Alexandria turned to him, and he quickly shared the notifications before advising her to immediately check the first skill.

Her eyes rapidly consumed the information, but the look of worry Lawruthian expected didn’t show.

“Killing a calamity is difficult, but not impossible . If Her Majesty or the other Lords and Ladies can strike with a blow to kill it instantly, then not even this skill can save it.”

They both turned to look at the floating demigoddess. Her aura continuously spread until it swept past them and showed no signs of stopping as it did. It easily outshined the (Aura of the Chosen). Lawruthian wasn’t sure what his mother was planning, but Zephyron’s horde of monsters was bearing down on the South Gate Army. General Yûah and her men already fired their initial attacks.

Zephyron was clearly only annoyed by the chains. The Calamity’s chest expanded and it opened its hooked beak. Just as it did this, Queen Titiana seemed to finish with her preparations.

Her mouth opened, and her voice was heard by all present in the range of her aura. “(Divine Skill: Heart of the Nation — National Unity).”

THUMP!

Lawruthian’s heartbeat accelerated as he watched in a stunned state. He nearly didn’t notice the new buff that once again increased his strength— nearly . Zephyron opened its beak—a cry appeared to leave its mouth, and Lawruthian braced for the sound, but a second later he looked at the calamity confused.

At that moment, the sky, which held dark cumulonimbus clouds that threatened to burst… ROARED. Thick yellow and blue bolts of lightning fell like raindrops covering Zephyron, the Queen, and the area of the trap that held the calamity.

THUMP!

The wind, once calm and sparse, blasted against the armored figures. The Horde of Zephyron, that followed in the wake of their leader, began to dive, wings tucked and talons outstretched as they engaged the South Gate Army. Thousands of two-starred and three-starred beasts dove in quick succession while a hundred four-star rocs, children of Zephyron, waited above with its two mates.

THUMP!

“ IMPERIUS SOLDIERS…, NOW IS THE TIME—MARCH! ”

Lawruthian’s feet moved without his input as the voice of his general spread throughout his army. He tightly gripped the sheathe of [Legacy] as he moved forward. What was before them was a true calamity and not one still in the state of evolution like Nubia. Fortunately, their steps took them toward the battle where the South Gate Army began its fight against the Horde of Zephyron.

He regained his composure and took charge of his own marching. A mountain sized rock came quickly and blocked their view of the battle. The Imperius Army marched at a brisk paced, their attribute enhanced bodies easily moving them dozens of meters in a matter of moments.

An excitement built in Lawruthian’s chest, part from him, but another from the connection he shared with Goddess Madris. She was excited—all Three Faces paid attention to the events that occurred below.

It took nearly thirty seconds for the Imperius Army to march around the large rock, and as their view cleared, Lawruthian took stock of the situation. A breath of relief escaped from his lips as he caught sight of his mother. There was damage to her armor, but it appeared to be surface level, putting his mind at ease. No longer was she the only one by the Thunderwing Lord. Now, [Prestige] Liana and Akeem Oni accompanied her—the three attacking the Thunderwing Lord as it struggled to free itself. The (Life-Drain Chains) still held strong, but the spell held less than half of what it started with. The chains grew sparse as Zephyron’s attack did a number on the carved runes.

“ IMPERIUS SOLDIERS, READY YOUR EARTH SPELLS ”

Lawruthian glanced away from the battle. He followed the command of his head general and silently, he began to chant an advance form of the first spell he ever learned.

“ Earth is the Origin of All, allow its spires to form en masse, its strength to pierce through all targets, let its might be felt through this, ” Lawruthian paused. He held the name of the spell on the tip of his tongue, ready to fire at General Alexandria’s command.

“ HOLD! ”

They were less than five hundred meters now. The area which General Yûah chose to clash with the Horde of Zephyron was an open gravel field with two large rocks serving as pincher points on either side. Although it would only allow the South Gate Army from moving in two directions, forward or backwards, it would prevent attacks from coming at all sides. The South Gate Army would mainly worry about attacks in one direction— above .

“ HOLD! ”

General Alexandria voiced once again. Lawruthian could feel her excitement as the shorter woman marched next to him. He gazed at the chaotic battlefield they were marching to join. Like kamikaze bombers, thousands of two and three-starred beasts dove to attack the defending army. Spells of flame, water, and earth shot into the air, colliding with the diving birds—many died on the spot, others fell injured, but the wave behind them succeeded in their dive. Sharp talons pierced through armor and scored critical hits as they struck at the soldiers of the South Gate Army.

“ MY SOLDIERS… HOLD! ”

Lawruthian could feel the tension from his spell and he nearly released it, but the sharp voice of General Alexandria next to him brought him back to his senses. They were two hundred meters away, a close enough distance to fire the loaded spells, but General Alexandria sought perfection. At this distance, most of the spells would deal a glancing blow or perhaps even lose their strength. The connection all magi-humans felt to magic was strained. Alexandria knew the moment they joined the battle, the world, which always supported the spell and skill casting of saphens, would turn against them. Calamities were well known to be the strongest defense the world held against monsters… and men.

Just as Saphens could reach a plateau where they either broke through and Be Come More, the same was for beasts. However, their path of progression was different. For them, their progression was through a starred system that slowly evolved them with each level. A [Bear — ★ ] could eat a magical plant with the element of wind and become a [Wind Bear — ★ ★ ]. With each evolution, it would become stronger and have a certain number of attributes available until it too, hit that plateau.

So what happened when a [Calamity — ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ] hit that plateau?

One option was to become a Champion of the World—a defender of its beauty.

“ FIIIIIIRRRRRRRRRE! ”

Lawruthian’s blood ran hot, and as General Alexandria commanded, he unleashed his spell. “(Earthen Spike Barrage).”

The ground shifted around them. A dozen lance-like spikes, each the size of a horse, shot into the air alongside a host of other spells.

Gasps of shock and dismay was heard as a notification showed itself to the Imperius Army that joined the battle. The mana in the air, that once seemed to constantly embrace the magi, now felt hostile —like a dagger was at their necks.

Lawruthian’s barrage successfully struck a number of birds, but the notifications remained suppressed as they entered the battle.

“ WEAPON’S READY, FIRE AT WILL. ”

A new command entered the ears of the Imperius Army. Lawruthian, not one to hesitate unless overthinking, immediately began a barrage of spells.

Above, the sky continued to crackle. Lightning bolts as thick as a man's leg hit the ground in indiscriminate burst. Three new [Heroes] fought, the class that two held, remained unknown to Great Edryan. On another part of the battlefield, those who achieved the pinnacle of mortality and began their journey to rise above it, fought against an agent of the world—Calamity… Thunderwing Lord.