Zanno was at the Training Arena at 0800 sharp the next day. The helm that supposedly houses his eidolon was firm in the grasp of his hand. He was greeted by Sargeant Lysara, who seemed to have arrived there earlier.
Zanno walked into the Training Arena, his mind focused and determined. He held the eidolon helm firmly in his hand, ready to embark on the next phase of his training. As he entered, he saw Sergeant Lysara already present, her gaze fixed on him with a mix of anticipation and confidence.
「 Sergeant Lysara 」
"Zanno, I see you're as punctual as ever."
"Excellent!"
"Today, we will delve deeper into your connection with the eidolon housed within the helm."
"Are you ready?"
「 Zanno 」
"Absolutely, Sergeant Lysara."
"I've been preparing myself mentally for this moment."
"I'm ready to explore the depths of my connection and further understand the potential within."
Sergeant Lysara nodded approvingly.
「 Sergeant Lysara 」
"Good..."
"Remember, the eidolon within the helm is a source of immense power and knowledge."
"It will act as your guide and teacher, helping you unlock hidden abilities and tap into your true potential."
"But be warned, the process may be intense."
"You must stay focused and maintain control."
Zanno took a deep breath, his grip on the helm tightening.
「 Zanno 」
"I'm ready, Sergeant Lysara."
"I trust in myself and in the guidance of the eidolon within."
"Together, we will push the boundaries of what I thought possible."
「 Sergeant Lysara 」
"Very well, Zanno."
"Let us begin."
With a wave of her hand, Sergeant Lysara activated the training arena, enveloping them in a magical aura. The surroundings transformed, creating an ethereal space where Zanno's connection with the eidolon could be explored freely and safely.
As Zanno closed his eyes and focused his thoughts, the eidolon within the helm stirred. Its presence became more pronounced, its energy intertwining with Zanno's own magical essence. Images, feelings, and whispers of knowledge flooded his mind, granting him glimpses of the eidolon's wisdom.
「 Zanno 」
"I can feel it, Sergeant Lysara."
"The eidolon's presence is growing stronger within me."
"Its knowledge is seeping into my consciousness, expanding my understanding of magic and the potential that lies dormant."
Sergeant Lysara watched attentively, her voice steady and encouraging.
「 Sergeant Lysara 」
"Embrace it, Zanno."
"Let the eidolon's teachings guide you."
"Trust in your own instincts and let your connection with the helm and its inhabitant flourish."
"Together, you will unlock the mystery of your power and master it."
「 Zanno 」
"Understood!"
「 Sergeant Lysara 」
"Now it is time to let the mana around you regulated into your Gear."
"Connect the circuits..."
"It's time to put on your helm."
As Zanno put on the helm, a surge of energy coursed through him. The intricate circuits within the Gear activated, responding to his connection with the eidolon within the helm. He could feel the mana in the surrounding environment resonating with his presence, ready to be harnessed and channeled.
「 Zanno 」
"I can sense the power flowing through the Gear, Sergeant Lysara."
"It's as if the helm is an extension of myself, amplifying my connection with the eidolon."
Sergeant Lysara nodded, observing Zanno closely.
「 Sergeant Lysara 」
"Good, Zanno."
"Now, focus your thoughts on channeling the mana into the Gear."
"Let it integrate with your own magical essence."
"Visualize the circuits within the Gear lighting up, creating a harmonious flow of energy."
Zanno closed his eyes, his mind immersing itself in the task at hand. He concentrated on the intricate circuits within the Gear, envisioning them coming to life, vibrant with energy. Gradually, he began to feel the mana responding, aligning itself with his intentions.
「 Zanno 」
"I can feel the mana converging, Sergeant Lysara."
"It's responding to my will."
"The Gear is coming alive."
Sergeant Lysara's voice resonated with encouragement.
「 Sergeant Lysara 」
"Excellent, Zanno."
"You're tapping into the fundamental connection between magic and the Gear."
"Trust in your instincts and allow the mana to flow through you, becoming one with your purpose."
Zanno's concentration deepened as he allowed the mana to flow through him. He could sense the circuits within the Gear lighting up, each one interconnecting with the others, forming a complex network of power and potential.
「 Zanno 」
"The circuits..."
"They're aligning, Sergeant Lysara."
"The mana is flowing smoothly as if the Gear and I are in perfect synchrony."
Sergeant Lysara's voice held a sense of pride.
「 Sergeant Lysara 」
"You're doing marvelously, Zanno."
"The connection between you, the helm, and the Gear is becoming stronger with each passing moment."
"This is the foundation upon which your mastery will be built."
Zanno felt a surge of confidence as he continued to attune himself to the Gear. The melding of his own magical essence with the mana in the environment created a harmonious fusion, empowering him and the Gear as one.
「 Zanno 」
"I can feel the power coursing through me, Sergeant Lysara."
"It's exhilarating!"
"With this connection, I can sense the potential for incredible feats of magic."
Sergeant Lysara's voice resonated with pride.
「 Sergeant Lysara 」
"Zanno, you have taken your first step towards unlocking the true potential of your Gear."
"Now... feel your eidolon, understand its nature."
"This is an important part of your Gear's activation."
"Get to know the spirit within your helm well."
"If the eidolon rejects you, you will have to conquer it by your sheer will!"
Zanno stood tall, his resolve arrogantly firm as the eidolon within his helm was the collective consciousness of his mother, Olivia. Or so he thought.
「 Zanno 」
"Thank you for the warning, Sergeant Lysara."
"But I think I am ready to embrace this path fully."
"Together, I will unlock the mysteries of my power and master it for the greater good with my eidolon."
"Is that right, Mom?"
◣◥◣◥◣◥◣◥◣◥◣◥◣◥
[ Sufficient Pride Experience Points Accumulated:
One(1) Black Orb Acquired.
Unlocking Unique Trait ]
[ Unique Skill: Boast is Now Available ]
[ Unspent Black Orb(s) Transferred to Current Orb Pool ]
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「 Mysterious Eidolon 」
"I AM NOT YOUR MOM!"
Zanno was stunned after hearing a voice that clearly contradicted his assumption. His expression was filled with surprise and confusion.
「 Zanno 」
"Wait... You're not my mother?"
The mysterious eidolon within the helm spoke again, its tone filled with amusement.
「 Mysterious Eidolon 」
"No, Zanno."
"I am not your mother."
"I am an ancient being, a fragment of forgotten knowledge and power."
"You have mistaken me for someone else."
Sergeant Lysara watched the scene unfold, her expression a mix of concern and curiosity.
「 Sergeant Lysara 」
"Zanno, are you alright?"
"Who are you speaking to?"
Zanno shook his head, trying to process the revelation.
「 Zanno 」
"I... I thought the eidolon within the helm was my mother."
"But how?"
"I don't understand any of this."
The mysterious eidolon within the helm sighed, its voice softening.
「 Mysterious Eidolon 」
"Zanno, I can understand your confusion."
"I am not your mother, but I can see why you would make that assumption."
"My true nature is complex and difficult to comprehend."
"I am here to guide you, to help you unlock your potential, but our connection is different from what you believed."
Zanno's emotions swirled within him, a mix of disappointment and curiosity.
「 Zanno 」
"Then, who are you really?"
"And why did I mistake you for my mother?"
The mysterious eidolon paused for a moment, its voice filled with a hint of sadness.
「 Lady Hybris 」
"You shall call me Lady Hybris."
"I am the embodiment of pride and ambition, a force that seeks to push you beyond your limits."
"It is understandable that you mistook me for your mother, as the connection between us can be deeply personal and intimate."
"However, I am not bound by familial ties or emotions."
"My purpose is to challenge you, to test your resolve, and to guide you towards the realization of your true potential."
Zanno looked at Lady Hybris, his disappointment slowly transforming into a newfound determination.
「 Zanno 」
"Lady Hybris, even though you are not my mother, I can sense the power and knowledge you possess."
"I will embrace this connection and the challenges you present."
"Together, we will unravel the mysteries of my power and strive for greatness."
Sergeant Lysara, observing the interaction, interjected with caution.
「 Sergeant Lysara 」
"Zanno, be mindful of the influence Lady Hybris may have over you."
"While her guidance can be valuable, pride and ambition can be double-edged swords."
"Stay true to yourself and your principles Zanno."
Zanno nodded, acknowledging Sergeant Lysara's words.
「 Zanno 」
"I understand, Sergeant Lysara."
"I will remain grounded and remember the importance of balance."
"With your guidance and Lady Hybris' challenges, I will strive for growth without losing sight of who I am."
Lady Hybris spoke once more, her voice resonating with a mix of anticipation and determination.
「 Lady Hybris 」
"Very well, Zanno."
"Together, we shall embark on a journey that will push your limits and reshape your destiny."
"Embrace the fires of ambition. Only then will you truly harness the power that lies within."
" Now... Activate your Gear! Insert your Ki card and take pride in your boundless power!"
As if was hypnotized, Zanno pulled out his Ki card. Without him realizing it, the emblem on his card changed yet again. This time, it resembles a majestic bird consisting not of tail quill feathers, but highly elongated upper tail coverts. An emblem that looks like a peacock.
With a hum of energy filling the air, Zanno inserted the Ki card into the Gear, and the circuits within it lit up, interweaving with the surge of power coursing through his body. The Training Arena became a mesmerizing display of light and magic, but it only lasted a few moments before the prototype Gear he was wearing vanished into thin air.