A journey from the skies was a sight to behold, descending through the cold clouds is another wave of expereience. The feeling of freezing winds, crashing ice blocks, and the pull from nature. Flying pass the cold winter clouds, what awaits us below are simply a sight to inspire.
Just like what Yoo-Ah said, I could see our destination below. A collosal structure towers between what seems to be the endless ocean and the lower lands. Strudy and grand it stand with gigantic walls, dominating the lowlands behind it. Its ramparts glistened with snow, a bastion of strength amidst a tranquil place... If it was in another time.
From above, what we thought was the ocean is but a sea... A sea form between countless and myriads of different monsters surging towards the massive ports and walls, crushing, killing, and trampling at anything they come across. Countless flying ships stationed at the ports have been overrunned by flying foes and yet they still keep firing upon the swarm that's rushing over the walls and their brethren's corpses, blowing them all to smitherins while drowning beneath their charge. From above, this mighty bastion of strength that seem impervious is slowly losing an inch of ground as time passes by.
Seeing such dire situation, I can't help but grip upon the steel bars wondering if we can arrive faster. And worse of all,
(If this is what's happening to the port, what's happening with the canyon we're supposed to defend!? And aren't they predicted to arrive tommorow if what Gangyi said is true?)
Our ships fires multiple flares below to signal our arrival and,
*BOOM* *BOOM* *BOOM*
With the arrival of fire, a torrent of bombardment rains from above. Decimating and Obliterating any monster below, thinning out the crowd as I see another small wave surge from the fortress to push the monsters back. Seeing the situation stabilizing, I can't help but sigh as I remember what Yungmin said.
"Is this what he meant by interesting developement?"
The ship hasten its descend below as they keep assisting the blockade with more bombardments when I heard,
"Are you not cold, Sova!? Brrrgh!"
Yoo-Ah wearing a more thicker jacket comes out rubbing her arms alongside Gabgyi who seems very eager at the situation below as she flaps her wings.
"Hm? Cold is not really the word, I felt more like being pinch by pins and needles- wait! Yoo-Ah what's going on down there? Isn't that looking worse?!"
I point below in distressed trying to show how dire the situation has become but Yoo-Ah seem pretty unfazed by that and simply lean over to watch replying:
"Hum? Woah! That's the biggest monster wave we've ever seen! Hum! And this might also be the first time I've seen the dam from so high up! It really is, the shape of an egg, uncle was right!"
Bewildered by Yoo-Ah's indifferent attitude, I turn to Gangyi asking:
"So, are you actually going to fly down there and help?"
"Kaka! Of course, I thought this might be the boring picking off leftover kind of missions but I'm glad I'm wrong. Screw the orders, We're going now!"
"We-Eeeee..!?"
"Sova? Sovaaa!"
As if Gangyi already decided to bring me along, she grab me by my arms and descend.
*Clang*
Hearing sounds of clashing steel, I also hear a deep wind piercing through the sky. Unlike like last time she brought me under her wings, I could see the beautiful world across the horizon. With the dusk slowly descend beneath the ocean. Cutting across snow and wind, Gangyi burns blue as she hasten her fall and shout:
"Brace tight, Hubby~! Let me show you what I can do!"
An armour form as the blue light engulfed her, turning her akin to a junggernout with layers upon layers of azure plating covering her body. Falling like a blue star amidst the grey sky, Gangyi left a blue trail with her speed. It wasn't long when I could finally hear the sound of monsters and people fighting below.
"Reinforcements! It's reinforcements!"
"Don't cower! Push them back!"
"It us between your home and families!"
"Yeah! Burns those sons of bitches!"
I hear someone shout as the soldiers at the top of the walls cheer and Gangyi swoops in, dropping me at the rear as I then see her in action. Wind starts to gather at the tip of her wings and,
*Fwoosh* *Boom*
Before I could hear the sound of taking off, she already soar across to the edge of the walls. Flying over the fire left by the cannons, she gathers them with the wind on her wings to form a small torrent. With each fire she pass, those flames stick with the small gust Gangyi created as she then starts circling around the monster wave. Her speed is akin to a plunging comet as any monster she passes through immediately gets obliterated into chunks while the fire grows, igniting her azure armour into a crimson hue.
Even as I stand at the rear, I could feel the heat as I realize what she's doing. A wall of fire forms and prevented any monster from climbing the walls, and those that do are simply their last muscle memory it has. The burn is so bad, I could see their bones from their searing flesh, dropping dead soon after. A tornado of fire erupted as the walls close and the firestorm that ranges from one end of this dam to the other encase the entire wave like a net and wiping them out in a matter of minutes. It wasn't only me, but the entire soldiers watching was agasped by her feat and even more so when Gangyi sent that firestorm into the ocean where the monster are coming.
"Oh, God!", "A Deity!", "It's a Goddess! The Heavens have grace us!", "Glory to the Heavens!", " A Godddess have descend!", "Show those monsters what happened when they mess with the Heavens!"
(S-She wasn't lying when she said she could handle all of this alone).
In a matter of minutes she has wiped out most of the monster wave. Gangyi then flew out of the natural disaster she created and land landed near me in a ball of fire. As if the gates of hell those from the Theocracy believe, Gangyi speakes from insife the flames asking:
"What's wrong, Hubby? There's still some stragglers, let's finish them up."
"R-Right!"
Realizing my mistakes I quickly summon my halberd and start helping the soldiers kill the remaining monsters. Gangyi then continues to ascend, like a rising phoenix, a torrent of flames follows after her trail as she then flies back into the firestorm and I realize what's she's doing. The storm starts to lift and leave the ground, making a giant typhoon of fire and ash.
*Slash*
"Roar!"
*Slump*
With a single slash, I cut an incoming fish monster in half. When I try to move, my senses finally catches up. My stomach churn from the smell of burnt flesh, the thick smog of ash and dust clouds felt searing to my lungs while my sense of touch could only feel the cinders falling across the battlefield. Yet I continue to swing forward, cutting down monsters that come my way. Small monsters I simply sweep aside, big monsters I cut open, and close allies I rescue when possible, pulling them back as I act as the vanguard.
This port that has turn hellish would usually bring the spirit of everyone down but...
"Glory to the Great Heavens!"
"Die in the name of Sovereign!"
"Oh Goddess! Bless us with strength!"
"Repel these invaders! Show no weakness before the Gods!"
The firestorm doesn't seem to hinder their morale but instead bolster their spirit to fight with even more fervour. Cutting one monster down even at the cost of another or their limbs.
"Praise be to the Sovereign!"
"Hail to the spirits! Send them to purgatory!"
"Sing! Sing the spirits, name! Arihwata!"
I could hear them chant and sing praises as they start attacking and pushing back all the monsters with unrelenting fury and wonder if I even need to do anything. Even if I try not to look and focus on killing the monsters, Gangyi's ridiculous feats are always at view as she then plunge inside the firestorm and disperse the moving disaster into the sky.
An ocean of fire, as if the skies has been engulfed by flames, ashes fell across the port, replacing the white snow with black dust. Even with monsters breathing down their necks, soldiers seeing such miracle simply fell on their knees and started praying.
When the last monster have been repelled, Gangyi gloriously land with a single flap that thaws away all the embers, the soldiers went from kneeling starts kowtowing and worshipping her as she walks past them with steam bursting from the gaps of her armour.
Bringing their hands up and down, Gangyi answers their fevour by flapping her steel wings which cause them to worship even harder and sing hymns I never heard. Compared to them, Gangyi's massive size thanks to her juggernaut armour also seem to give an even bigger impresion as well, like standing beneath a statue.
(Wow, I can understand why they call them Gods now. I don't think any magician can do what she does).
Her every steps left behind a black mark on the floor, still searing with fire and loud sizzling from the firestorm, the gaps on her armour shine red as she then disperse those crimson colour with a single motion, turning her armour back to that beautiful blue.
*Fwoom*
She disperse her form and I notice her beautiful blue wings have turn grey with black edges as her blonde hair have become charred as well as she looks a bit annoyed as she walks beside me saying:
"Urgh! This is why I hate fire, ruins my hair and wings I put so much work. But I totally showed you how awesome I can be right~?"
"Y-Yea! You're very awesome! No wonder you're rank 1!"
"Mm~! Mm~! Keep those praises coming. I haven't even showed you my magic or even any techniques."
"ROAAAAARRRR!!!"
With that single cry, I felt my whole body paralyzed. The soldiers worshipping Gangyi becomes petrified as they stay in place like statues. Gangyi alone can still move as she frown and look at where it comes from. From the black goo that was once the sea, something leap across the charred remains.
*Smash*
Crushing over dozens of soldiers and turning them into scrap metals, it cast a mighty shadow atop the walls and stand twice the size of Gangyi. Towering over her with fur despite being a fish, it has claws on its thin but massive fins. With a massive bloated body filled with many sagging long pockets, its back soon opens and reveal more furry fins and shine bright.
"Roaaar!"
*Bzzz*
Patterns of circles and lines shine bright across its body as lightning and thunder surround the mighty monster. Those lighting force zaps any soldiers close enough to her vicinity, cooking them inside their armour. I felt my heart sank seeing something similar again and felt nauseous as I'm being reminded of my failure back at the Rucina's Walls. My arms starts to sweat, shaking in regret while my head feel dizzy, Gangyi holds my cheeks and bring her forehead closer to mine.
*iiing*
I felt her tranfer some qi within me, feeling like I'm floating upon a cold stream, I start to calm down seeing Gangyi smile become enchanting. She pats my head and brush aside the ash with her charred wings saying:
"There~ There~ It seems you have quite the weak mental resistance. Stay back, Hubby."
Gangyi face turn sour as she flaps her wings and push away all the paralized soldiers from the monster with a huge gust, stepping up against the monster to protect us saying:
"A Rex Class, C... No, You're C+. No wonder it was such a huge monster wave."
The monster clench its large teeth before opening its large gaping mouth, revealing myriad of saw-like fangs until something slowly crawl out of that death trap. Slowly something comes out, it's slimy exterior shine beneath the fiery fortress, revealing a smaller thin version of itself akin to a furry sock puppet with female human features, pointing at Gangyi with its small arm shouts:
"Foolish, human! You have no idea what's coming in your way do you!?"
Speaking in the common tongue, it caught me by surprise.
(Monster can speak!?)
Seing something having so many mouth and backwards seem uncanny and brings shiver to my already paralyzed body. What's even weirder is the fact that this is my first time seeing monsters actually talk not counting the special case which is Yuwei's mom. Gangyi despite seeing such terrifying display can't seem to hold her laughter as she then burst out laughing, flapping her wings saying:
"Pffff, kakaka! The fact that you opted to talk instead of fighting proves that you realise it yourself... You're no match for me."
*Shiiing*
It was in a single blink Gangyi swipes her wing diagonally, unleashing a sharp wind slice. The monster seeing such blatant provocation smash it apart with its claws, crushing the floor and gnashing its teeth in rage. With a ominous smile, Gangyi stares down at it as she slowly ascend and the monster in response summon a massive lightning bolts, erupting like a coming storm.
*Bzzz*
Wrapping itself in nature's wrath, It burst forth with power, lighting the golden field blue with its lightning shouting:
"So be it Raaaagh- Oegh!"
*Vwoosh*
Before the monster could unleash any attack, Gangyi rearms herself in that azure armour and grab the monster by its puppet-tongue before it could pull back and close it.
*Boom*
"Aaah!"
"Woah!"
"Whaa!"
The pressure and speed she reach in that moment blows away all the soldiers who she already distance as she lifts it to the air. Grabbing the creature by its tongue, she sneer at the monster saying:
"It seems like you don't understand. You. Are. No. Match. For. Me."
*Fwoom*
Without any hesitation, Gangyi flies away, accelerating even further that the sound doesn't match her movement. The monster in desperation tries to fight back bringing its claws down at Gangyi and destroy her with its massive thunder strike. But Gangyi seem unbothered, gathering even speed and momentum once more until,
*Click* *Boom*
With another blow they ignite in flames but the only one getting effected is the monster instead.
"Raaagh!"
*Vwoosh* *sheeng*
Gangyi fly over us carrying the scream of the mosnter along, bending any pole and blowing any soldiers in her way. The fire grows and expands, burning the monster above until its tongue snaps right off Gangyi's Claw. By this point the monster couldn't even move its body from the speed pressure as it's just being drag along, Gangyi like an avian predator doesn't let go her prey from her talons, she then grabs it by its upper palate and burying her claws deep in its flaps.
*Pop*
It's body that's burning simply pops and moisture burst out alongside its insides as they soar around the fortress like a fallin star. And just like a falling star,
*Crash*
She flies over trees, snapping it in half and some even got uprooted from the ground, peeling away the monster's fins. All we can see behind her is but a passing red light.
*Crash* *Crash* *Crash*
She flies smashing across boulders, stone pillars, and uneven terrain, peeling away its limbs, leaving a burning trail.
*Crash* *Crash* *Boom* *Boom*
She then smash it towards cliffs and crushing its body to any hard surface, leaving behind a red trail, walls of smoke, and small explosions.
*CRASH* *CRASH* *CRASH* *CRASH* *CRASH* *CRASH*
*BOOM* *BOOM* *BOOM*
She then start slamming the monster over mountains and hills, starting from one side and coming over the opposite end, causing massive chain explosions that changes the terrain behind the massive fortress. In the wake of her might, she left behind giant holes in mountains, craters where hills once stood, and fire erupted from where rivers once flow. The whole scenery of forests, floods, and mountain has change to become a charred lowland where rivers starts pouring in from the side to become small waterfalls thawing away the existing fires.
Simply agasped by her power, I'm completely speechless until I remember the title she calls herself.
The Bird of Calamity
It suits her monicker very well. Her rampage finally stops when she lands at the top of the tallest building at the fort and obliterated it from impact. A huge wall of black smoke soon follows after her, pushing away the soldiers into the edge of the walls, dying the port black. It was all darkness and the smell of ash is simply overwhelming until a huge gust blow it all away. Gangyi descends, polishing her dirty talons that's been tainted by some searing black paste upon the steel floor.
Leaving deep burning marks, she shakes her feathers in jubilation and satisfaction as she shouts:
"I'm back~! How is it? I showed you what I can do at full speed. Amazing isn't it?"
"Mm! Mm!"
I simply nod at her might until finally I saw small ships descend from the black residue. Soldiers jump with ropes and some levitate with magic unto the walls. The massive ship is slowly descending when Yungmin finally arrived from one of the smaller ships and look around shouting:
"Secure the permiter and fix those gaps!"
He smiles as if satisfied by the outcome looking over the fortress. He approaches me with upbeat steps saying:
"Haha, I suppose I have to thank you for actually making that birdbrain work. Now I know why those elders sent her here. She can be quite useful. I do hope you can ask her to hold back. I know Great Uncle's paying but terraforming that devastation would be expensive..."
Yungmin seems to notice something as he then raise his wrist, whispering very softly:
"(Yes, this should give enough reason to hopefully terraform this peninsula better too, ripping it off the hands of those northern conservatives little by little and to build a better infrastructure back to home)."
(T-Terraforming? But I guess it's good he's doing a job to make a better place?)
I tilt my head from the new word coming from Yungmin's mouth. But he brush that thought aside with another curious expression saying:
"Though, I'm still more curious about your powers."
I disperse my halberd and try to temper his expectation by saying:
"Don't be, I'm not so flashy or as powerful as Gangyi. So, what now? Since we finish the defense here, should we immediately went to the canyon?"
I try to change the subject and get to the important point until I remember another thing and continue saying:
"Oh! And I almost forgot, what about the republic? Shouldn't we defend them as well?"
"Republic? Hahaha!"
Yungmin seems surprised by my question and laugh it off with a hearthy giggle. He brush off the soot from his white coat and open his glasses to wipe it saying:
"Ha... They can go eat dirt. They have already refuse our help and even rejected the proposal from Great Uncle when he personally visited them."
"Oh, I see- wait, what!?"
Completely mind blown by the sudden development, Yungmin raise his shoulders and shake his head in disbelief. He wears his glasses and maybe because of it, his eyes widened with anticipation, replying:
"Ridiculous isn't it? But that's their business, we value their autonomy and if that's what they want then so be it. Uncle already berated their leadership and sanctioned all of their commercial revenue for this whole year. I just can't wait for the aftermath."
"B-But isn't that bad? Shouldn't we help them regardless? Even though they might have some powerful backer we still need to do something right? Lives are at matter here?"
Gangyi press down my shoulders and looks me over my head replying:
"Oh, Hubby~ you sure are sweet, aren't you? They probably already have International troops under someone that Elder Luo Fuji trusted line up outside their borders. The moment the monsters breach, they will storm in and raze the country to the ground~ So that just like the phoenix a new country would rise again. Under his authority of course~"
"That's even worse! How could you say that!?"
"Haha..."
Yungmin laughs at my reaction, looking at me with curious eyes. He then walks to the main building of this fortress saying:
"While I hate to agree with that birdbrain, she is right. Great Uncle have already station the International Guards at every inch of the Republic's borders. Any or all conspiracy those fools are trying to enact will be uprooted either way. After all, what can some backwater country with barely 60 years of history can cook up? I don't know if you're actually genuine or not but I must praise your act. Now, if you'll excuse me I must meet with the Commander-"
"Forgive me for my tardiness, Oh Lords from Heavens!"
Hearing a familiar voice, I turn around to see a young boy with short black hair and blue wave trimmings in his uniform. He kneels down and clasp his hand shouting:
"I'm Blue bone Sangeo So-Jun! I'm currently the commander in charge!"
Hearing a familiar name, I tilt my head and lean over to get a closer look at him asking:
"Oh, So-Jun? Is that you?"
So-Jun shoulder jolt as he heard me and hesitanly look up, he widens his red eyes replying:
"H-Huh? Sova Ssi? Ah right, you're an adventurer."
"Mhm!"
"Oh..."
With a single cough from Yungmin, So-Jun bows his head down again. Yungmin sigh and walk to his side, he takes out his notebook and glare at him asking:
"I'm pretty sure Hwang-So, your grandfather is suppose to be in charge?"
Yungmin speaks in Hwansea to ask him and So-Jun shivers under Yungmin's gaze, but puts on a brave response shouting:
"If you permit me to speak, my lord! Elder Hwang-So nim and Hyung nim have taken multiple regiments into the Munsan canyon to hold back the monsters that went there!"
Yungmin flips through some pages and gives an understanding nod as he then closes his notebook and looks at me saying:
"Mm... Very well then, you heard him, Sova. Get back to the ship or ask that birdbrain to fly you there whatever your choice, get there immediately! All adventurers and Hunters, follow the bird!"
"Yea-aaaa!"
"You don't tell me what to do, kaka!"
Gangyi grabs me by my arms before I could respond and starts flying. Within each blink, Yungmin becomes smaller alongside the fortress.
*Psssh*
By our side, Yungmin's massive ship flies beside us as I then see Yoo-Ah waving her arms at the deck alongside Seyong and the rest of Hunters and Adventurers. With my arms immobile, I wave my feet back and forth to let them know I can see them.
"Pukaka! We're going first!"
***********************************
The ship starts to get left behind as Gangyi accelerate. The air feels much hotter despite the coldness moments ago, the charred wasteland Gangyi makes gets left behind as we areive at a rocky terrain as I realize,
"Wait, do you know where the canyon is, Gangyi?"
"Kaka! Of course! I sweep the entire region when we descend. I memorized the terrain surrounding the port and all around there's only one canyon here."
"O-oh, that's pretty amazing. I didn't even notice there was a canyon."
I shout out loud as I notice how my voice get muffled by the wind and Gangyi flaps her wings in response replying:
"PuKiki! Anyone can do it the moment they're willing to widen their view. Now brace!"
Just like before, Gangyi hasten her flight, leaving behind the ship in the dust. My whole view distorts again as I feel the pressure pushing against my face, as my body becomes numb, I finally appear into an entirely new world. Flying under Gangyi felt as if I'm truly experiencing the teleportation spell I heard so much about.
*Boom* *Boom*
"Fall back! Regroup!"
What they call a canyon is akin to a massive divide with one side leading to the low lands while the other side is a low slope that is the beach, or that is what is suppose to be if it wasn't for the influx and flood of monster pouring in fron the sea climbing over the massive natural wall that acts as the defense. Unlike the port, this place only have troops to support it, and the troops are divided into two following the canyon.
One side where tents and other make-shift facilities are built, the other being the barricade where the soldiers are sent to halt the wave. Unlike the port the monster seem much less numeroues and less diverse compared to before... But it seems they're still being push back until the bridges that are connecting them together. The whole place has been littered with bodies and muddy water as the whole siege continues.
*Crash*
At one point behind the barricade, a massive blue monster that looks like a starfish with 9 long limbs is ravagaing across the platform. Even from above, its massive size can be seen towering over someone familiar. An elderly with long white balding hair wearing a summer clothes wielding a spear, keeping the monster barely at bay with majestic spear techniqued that parry any of the monster's many limbs like flowing water.
"Over there! Drop me on that big monster!"
"Daring but okey, dokey. Drop off!"
*Vwoosh*
We both reach an agreement and Gangyi lets me go as I summon my halberd and spin.
[Immortal calamity dragon technique and silver tiger god technique combined, Armageddon path: apocalypse squall!]
[Origin] gather at the blade of my halverd and I swing it forth, surging with power and might my attack sends forth a squall.
*Crack*
The monster rear one of its limbs my way, as if anticipating my attack moves its limbs move in a circular flow and I soon realize what it's trying to do.
"No way!"
Standing like a martial artist, planting its feet to the steel ground it enhances its 7 arms, hardening it and turning it white.
*Smack* *crack* *smash* *burst*
With precision it repels each shard from my squall and redirect it away towards the soldier and even Elder Hwnag-So. Hwang-So barely manage to block but lost his spear to my powers instead while some soldier are knocked out immediately.
"Oh, no! No, not yet..."
But that parry comes at a price. He lost half of his limbs as it turns to dust, and just like that I was lucky enough to garner the monster's attention. Realizing that spread technique is dangerous against it, I decided to strike swiftly and decisively.
[Immortal calamity dragon technique and silver tiger god technique combined, Armageddon path: Endless Twilight!]
As I reach closer to the ground, I gather energy at the halberd once more and is about to unleash my strongest technique. The starfish prepared for my arrival as I then swing with all my might and,
"Eh?"
*Flip* *Splash* *Crash*
"Argh!"
All I could see was waves of its white limbs dances around, before I knew it my world has turn upside down, smashing to the ground as I feel it's limb gripping my legs.
"Woah!"
It lift me off the ground and I notice how it has regrown its limbs and turned it white in seconds.
(Oh no...)
*smack* *smack* *smack*
"Urgh!"
Grabbing me by the legs, I try to cut it off but the other limbs prevents ne by striking in synergy. I raise my halberd and try to parry when some slips and hits my ears.
*Eeeng*
"Wha?"
The whole world blur as my slash missed and then it grabs me by the leg and deag me off the ground. With my senses distorted and in disarray, I see hundred of its limbs raining barrages whilst upside down, or not?
"Human, I'm sure you can understand this language do you not? I can smell Carluno's Remains on your shoulders... I see... She failed to breach the port."
"Wha?"
Hearing it speak in the common tongue perfectly, I can't help but be agasped by the sudden developement today.
*Smack* *Smack* *Smack* *Smack* *Smack* *Smack* *Smack* *Smack* *Smack*
"Aaargh!"
Before I could contemplate, the monster continues its barrage shouting:
"Foolish Humans! You truly are unaware of the impending doom! You think the trap that separate our horde will stop us? We'll break through and honour the sacrfice of our Elders! Less we all be eaten by the great devourer!"
*Smack* *Smack* *Smack* *Smack* *Smack* *Smack*
"Aaargh!"
I could feel pain all across my body as if I have been whipped in all directions simultaneously. I wonder where did it go wrong? Is this all because of the overconfidence and adrenaline I got seeing Gangyi easily destroy the monsters? Or I'm just too full of myself thinking I acquire a powerful power and thought I can do anything?
*Slash* *Grab*
"Pukakaka! Hubby, you sure are stupid~"
The pain finally stops when Gangyi comes to my rescue, seeing the monsters lost all 6 limbs simultaneously. It easily regrows its hands when,
*Boom* *Bom* *Pshoot*
Cannons fire from the rear stopping the beast on its tracks to repel those blows. Gangyi flies to the rear where Hwang-So is eating some familiar brick bread. He has discarded his summer shirt that has been corrupted by my power and reveal his built body filled with bullet and claw scars.
"If my ears didn't fail me, did that mosnter just speak? Hmph, well it matters not. Thanks for the little respite you've given me. We have no medics with Owlian specialist so..."
Hwang-So crouch down and pat me on the back as I feel qi being poured in and my pain lessening. He look at me with. Worry saying:
"If Yoo-Ah saw you like this she would definitely cause me a ruckus. But that is the life of a Hunter, a bit late but welcome to the sea front, Lil Sova. Heh, I'm surprise you're still alive let alone awake after getting beat by those poisonous stings. You must've a strong body."
As he finish attending me Hwang-So raises his arm toward the turret shouting:
"Weapon!"
"We obey!"
One of the soldier in the station harpoon turret throws a spear and Hwang-So grabs the weapon and inspect it saying:
"Mm, not bad."
Seemingly satisfied, he takes a stance agaisnt the blue monster saying:
"As much as I wish to kowtow I believe you would permit this discourteousy would you, Great Goddess Nim?"
"Um, Hwang-So Ssi she doesn't speak Hwansea but I'll tell her what you said."
"Ah right, silly me. Now stay back, seems a Apex Champion class is still too much for you. Let me show you what 3 decades of defending against their invasion brings inside a warrior!"
*Splash*
Hwang-So charges at the monster and unleashes mid range attack and try to make some distance. Seeing them at a standstill, I try to stand in my state of weakness but failed as my knees buckle easily.
*Splash*
I look at my reflection at one of the muddy water splashed around and see my skin have turned black and blue from the beating and blood leaking from the edge of my mouth and ear. Some part of my skin has been stripped to see my bare flesh.
"Ow... Let me try again."
I try to stand but Gangyi force me to stay down and and pat my head saying:
"Kaka, Even I know you're no match for it. You may have immense power but you're severely lacking in experience. Let us deal with it."
(That's... True. Now that I think about it, after my training all the ones I've been fighting have been pretty much humans. I rarely fought monsters. Thinking even further back, Sis Rubeca never actually teach me how to fight monsters...)
With that sudden realization, my legs give in as I tumble to the floor. Force to rest from the pain, I look at Gangyi asking:
"What's so different? And how did you tell the difference between them? Isn't Rex suppose to be powerful?"
"Oh, Hubby, you really are testing my patience... You're lucky I'm such a considerate wife, Hmph!"
Hearing her complaint, I start to remember what Gangyi said when we fist met here. I hang my head saying:
"Sorry, I'll get that information elsewhere."
Gangyi irritatingly fold her wings saying:
"Tch! Foolish Hubby, how did you pass the adventurer exam? Rex class may be strong but they're monster that specialize in leading a massive groups like a queen or king. Champion class are special monsters with abnormal battle prowess but they lead little or even none. Apex are titles given to the peak of their types before they become a Vertex Saint."
"That's the first time I heard of that. Thank you... Ho-ney?"
I try to appease her anger by playing along the nickname she gave me. It seem to work as she shake her wings and tail replying:
"Kaka! It seems that monster somehow learned martial arts and render conventional attack useless so... If you really wish to join us, you have to make our own techniques."
At the mention of that, something click in my head.
(My own technique? My original arts?)
As if realizing how much of a failure I am, and how much I've taken things for granted by simply borrowing the powers of others. I started to clench my fist at my own weakness, churning my head for a solution.
"Kaka! I'll be going to assist now too. Watch me win again, H.U.B.B.Y~"
Gangyi flies back into the fray and that's when I notice dark clouds gathering from the sea. The clouds swarm the ashen skies and swallow it in darkness. Storms brew inside and soon, rain comes down...
(So it rains during winter?)
*Prsssh*
The heavy rain drains the sound of battle when,
*Thump*
"Rrgh!"
My heart that has stopped for so long have finally beat once again. It feels like a premonition, a warning that something is coming. Something is approaching, challengging me from beyond the horizon. Staring where the sun is hiding, I remeber what all the monsters said and felt an impending disaster is about to arrive. But for now, I need to remain calm and recuperate.