Upon entering, two things crossed Ali’s mind. First, he saw three orbs on the altar with stone walls sealing off the rest of the temple. Secondly, he hadn’t visited Tian’s temple for a while and should check to see if anything else has been unlocked, especially now that the air serpent was level 7. He walked up to the altar with Mika close behind him.
“Let’s see what we have here.”
Ali went through the orbs, glad he could read them this time.
“An intense lightning ensures the lightning mink leaves a mark on foes.”
“The flash of a lightning teaches the lightning mink how to move through the air.”
“A lightning strike reminds the lightning mink of its paralyzing potential.”
“Looks like we have damage, movement speed and debuff options,” said Ali as he looked at Mika. “What would you pick?”
“What does the air serpent do?”
The teenager took a minute to gather his thoughts. He then listed scout and frontliner as the two key roles played by the air serpent. To him, Tian had yet to have a specific role because they were too low leveled. Rain dance was an interesting ability but they had yet to unlock its full potential. On that topic, he made a note that he still had to unlock the ability boosts that were awaiting his decision. After sharing Tian’s role, the teenager could see Mika ponder over the decisions carefully.
“I will pick the debuff then!”
The lightning mink explained that movement speed would be an overlap between him and Tian while the damage too small of a boost despite being nice for his current level. The debuff would have a more instant impact and was a better coverage for what they needed.
“Thanks for thinking of our entire squad!”
With the orb selected and Tian still missing, Ali exited the summoner realm. He opened his prompt to see what exactly Mika acquired.
<
Providing information on the lightning mink…
Creature: Lightning Mink
Level: 1
HP: 7/7
MP: 0/0
Strength: 2
Constitution: 2
Intelligence: 1
Survival: 1
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Wisdom: 1
Attack Type: Elemental (Ranged)
Damage: 2
Defense Type: Elemental
Defense: 0
Special: Shock Bolt
Uploading information for Shock Bolt…
[
Ability: Shock Bolt
Level: 1 ( 0 / 26 XP to Level Up)
Level Up Requirements: Apply debuff on foes of equal or higher level
Type: Supporting (Debuff)
Description:
There’s a 1% chance of a shock bolt being applied to normal attacks of the user. Enemies hit by the shock bolt are paralyzed for a minimum of 2 seconds with the duration extended when debuff is applied to a foe at a lower level than the debuff ability.
Cost: None
Cooldown: None
Damage: 0 (+0)
]
Note: Paralyzed foes cannot move freely and, if they force themselves to move, they will take damage.
>
A 1% chance of triggering the debuff? Do you ever feel that lucky Mika?
I regret not taking the damage orb…
Ali had to hold the lightning mink in his embrace to stop the fella from crying, though he wouldn’t complain about feeling the soft fur. The mink fur was the softest material he ever felt in his life. As the mink calmed down, the teenager wondered where Tian went. He hoped that they were all alright because he wasn’t ready to lose either Belen or Kamis.
“Well, is this an example of a good life?” said Kurata. “Hold a cute mink while you wait for the troubles to go away!”
“How many levels did you gain for your healing ability?” asked Ali as he tried changing the topic.
“I gained a whole two levels from healing them! Maybe I should instigate another fight so I can squeeze out another level.”
Fearing what another fight could do to the surviving Dark Cult members, Ali hastily dissuaded Kurata from doing such a thing. However, he was aware of the situation they were in. They still needed a leader and the fight got them no closer to picking one. The time they wasted in the valley could be valuable time they needed to reach a safe haven. He was torn between staying until his other party members returned and leaving to get help if things were dire for Belen and Kamis. As he shared his concern with his remaining party member, he sensed Tian who finally entered the range needed for them to communicate.
How are they doing, Tian? Did you find them?
Yes, they are alive and well! They also found tunnels with rail tracks along with a number of carts. They are headed here right now!
After he relayed the information to Kurata, Ali went to share it with the other Dark Cult members. With the help of Tian, they found a way into the tunnel where additional carts were abandoned beside the rail tracks. Due to the renewed hope, the Dark Cult members split themselves into groups with an earth element user assigned to each group. They patiently waited for Kamis and Belen to join them before moving as a group. With the four of them reunited, Ali found renewed hope that they could get through anything. He didn't express it but he was very depressed when he had no news of his two companions. For the time being, he could focus on their escape to a safe haven and the carts were incredible. This form of transportation was not only faster than walking but they could also avoid detection of those who controlled the skies. After what happened in Vliland, he wouldn't be surprised if the surviving forces from the attacking side were withdrawing with their airships. They eventually arrived at another abandoned mine but this one had the aftermath of a gruesome battle. The ground appeared to be literally dyed in blood.
I sense something here, Ali. Don’t leave the cart until I tell you it’s safe.
While Ali relayed Tian’s warning to his companions, the other Dark Cult members weren’t so patient. Many of them complained about the cramped conditions of the cart with some wishing to see the sky again. Since they were all talking loudly amongst themselves, none of them could hear Ali when he told everyone to get back into their carts.