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[ Sufficient Charity Experience Points Accumulated:
One(1) White Orb Acquired.
Unlocking Unique Trait ]
[ Unique Skill: Warden is Now Available ]
[ Unspent White Orb(s) Transferred to Current Orb Pool ]
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Zanno took out his Ki card from his back pocket. He took a glance at the emblem-less card as the pure lightning storm, conjured by the Black Unicorns of the Qeddah Sultanate Army took shape for the third time in successions.
The others on top of the defensive wall of Cardinal Peaks were perplexed with anticipation, waiting for what Zanno would do next. He appeared to be inside his own world, mumbling as if talking to himself every now and then.
「 Zanno 」
"Are you sure, Babah?"
「 Babah 」
"Yes... I am very sure."
"Even though my knowledge of this world's magic is limited, I am sure the knowledge I learned from Mom is more than adequate."
「 Zanno 」
"So..."
"You are saying that..."
"I can choose the emblem on my Ki card?"
「 Babah 」
"Yeah... Just try and flick the emblem on your Ki card."
"I have a feeling that our Ki card is just like a smartphone from my world."
「 Zanno 」
"A smart what?"
「 Babah 」
"Just give it a try, will you..."
「 Zanno 」
"Okay..."
"Which one should I choose then?"
「 Babah 」
"The zak'nagi emblem!"
Zanno was appalled by Babah's austere suggestion. The zak'nagi emblem represented the very creatures they had fought against. While Zanno understood the significance of their encounter and the power the creatures had displayed, he couldn't bring himself to embrace a symbol associated with such malice.
「 Zanno 」
"Babah, I appreciate your suggestion, but I don't think I can choose the zak'nagi emblem."
"It represents darkness and destruction."
"The very creatures that brought despair to us..."
"Not to mention the town."
"I want to use my powers for good, to protect and bring light to this world."
「 Babah 」
"Zanno..."
"It is not the power that determines whether it is good or evil."
"It's how you use it."
"You did manage to pacify Lady Hybris's influence, didn't you?"
「 Zanno 」
"We did, Babah."
"We did."
「 Babah 」
"Trust me..."
"The emblem will give you the power to handle the storm."
"We don't have much time."
"It's now or never."
Zanno urgently checked his Ki card, knowing that time was of the essence. He flicked the emblem's placeholder, taking note of Babah's instruction. To his astonishment, 15 emblems were available for him to choose from. However, at the moment, he only had three emblems unlocked. The zak'nagi, the lion, and the phoenix emblems.
「 Zanno 」
"Well..."
"Zak'nagi it is then."
Zanno hesitated for a moment, pondering on Babah's words. He understood the importance of not letting fear or prejudice cloud his judgment. If he could harness the power associated with the zak'nagi emblem and use it for good, perhaps it could be a symbol of redemption and transformation.
With a deep breath, Zanno focused his energy on the flickering emblem on his Ki card. Channeling his determination and resolve, he made his choice. In a flash of light, the zak'nagi emblem transformed and merged with his Ki card, becoming a symbol of his unique connection to the creatures his fate was entangled with.
「 Babah 」
"It's time to Gear Up!"
「 Zanno 」
"Here goes nothing..."
「 Babah 」
"Henshin!"
"Hehe..."
As Zanno inserted his Ki card into his Gear, a surge of energy coursed through him. His Gear started to transform, its grey components shifting and rearranging in a mesmerizing display. The Gear took on an otherworldly appearance, reminiscent of the zak'nagi.
Glowing lines of pulsating energy traced patterns across the surface of his Gear, illuminating the darkness with a vibrant, ethereal light. The prototype Gear he was wearing now resembled a formidable and awe-inspiring suit of armor.
The helm materialized first, its sleek design incorporating sharp angles and smooth curves. The visor, tinted with a faint bluish hue, provided Zanno with enhanced vision and augmented reality capabilities.
It projected vital information and tactical data onto his field of view, giving him a comprehensive understanding of his surroundings. Lists of skills, damage reports, and other useful information were available to him in the blink of an eye.
Next, the chest piece formed, encasing Zanno's torso in a protective shell. It had a segmented design, with overlapping plates resembling a zak'nagi chitinous exoskeleton that allowed for flexibility without compromising durability. Embedded within the armor were glowing red æsthers, pulsating with energy, which acted as power sources for the suit's advanced functions.
The gauntlets materialized, covering Zanno's hands and forearms. They featured detailed engravings, depicting ancient symbols that represented the balance between light and darkness. The gauntlets were equipped with energy emitters, capable of projecting powerful blasts or creating protective barriers.
Leg guards followed suit, encasing Zanno's lower body with plating that provided both mobility and stability. The armor seamlessly integrated with his movements, enhancing his agility and granting him the ability to traverse challenging terrains effortlessly.
Finally, the boots formed, completing the transformation of the Gear. They featured magical propulsion systems, allowing Zanno to leap great distances and maneuver with precision. The soles were equipped with energy-dampening magic, reducing the impact of landings while enhancing his stability.
As the transformation concluded, Zanno stood before the defenders of Cardinal Peaks, now clad in the awe-inspiring Xeno Armor. The armor emanated a faint hum, resonating with the power coursing through Zanno's veins. He felt a connection to the zak'nagi the armor represented as if their strength flowed through him.
With his newfound appearance and power, Zanno was ready to face the challenges that awaited him. The Xeno Armor symbolized his acceptance of the zak'nagi emblem and his determination to wield his abilities for the greater good.
「 Councillor Jengo 」
"What in the heavens..."
"Zanno?"
「 Master Raneeya 」
"Thank goodness..."
"Please take care of the situation, Zanno."
Those were Master Raneeya's last words before she passed out from fatigue. She was relieved after sensing the tremendous energy pulsating from Zanno and gave in, knowing that the prodigal child had the capability to handle the current predicament.
「 Xeno Armor Zanno 」
"You can rest now, Master Raneeya."
[ Pride Experience Point: +1 ]
Zanno nodded in acknowledgment, his eyes focused on the third storm summoned by the Qeddah Sultanate's Black Unicorns. The crackling lightning grew more intense, and the gusts of wind howled with fury. With a firm grip on his newfound powers, he stepped forward, ready to defend his beloved town.
The Xeno Armor responded to his thoughts, activating defensive shields that surrounded Cardinal Peaks' defensive wall. The shields shimmered with translucent, iridescent energy, forming an impenetrable barrier against the raging storm.
Zanno raised his gauntlet-clad hand, summoning the power of the zak'nagi emblem within him. Arcs of blue lightning crackled along his armored fingers, gathering energy for his next move. With a swift motion, he unleashed a focused blast of energy toward the storm, disrupting its chaotic forces.
The blast collided with the lightning storm, causing a brilliant explosion of light and energy. The storm momentarily weakened, its fury quelled by Zanno's intervention. With each subsequent strike, Zanno's control over the storm grew stronger, unraveling its destructive power and restoring balance to the land.
The defenders of Cardinal Peaks watched in awe as Zanno commanded the elements with his newfound abilities. The once-perplexed expressions on their faces turned into expressions of hope and determination. They knew that with Zanno's aid, they could overcome any challenge.
As the storm gradually subsided, Zanno stood tall amidst the dissipating clouds, his Xeno Armor gleaming with residual energy. With the storm tamed and the immediate threat averted, Zanno focused on the task at hand. Pacifying the invading army of the Qeddah Sultanate.
Zanno surveyed the battlefield, his gaze fixed on the advancing army of the Qeddah Sultanate. Their ranks stretched as far as the eye could see, a formidable force ready to lay siege to Cardinal Peaks. But Zanno was undeterred, fueled by the power surging through his Xeno Armor.
With a swift movement, he unsheathed a gleaming energy blade from his gauntlet. The blade crackled with raw elemental energy, ready to cut through any obstacle in his path. He took a step forward, his armored boots hitting the ground with a resounding thud after a free fall from the defensive walls.
The defenders of Cardinal Peaks rallied behind Zanno at the main gate, their faith restored by his display of power. They formed a united front, their weapons at the ready, prepared to fight alongside their protector.
As the first wave of the Qeddah Sultanate Army charged forward, Zanno sprang into action. His movements were a blur of agility and precision as he engaged the enemy. With each swing of his energy blade, he cleaved through the enemy ranks, sending sparks and debris flying.
Beams of magical energy shot from the emitters of his gauntlets, striking down adversaries from a distance. The Xeno Armor enhanced his strength, speed, and reflexes, allowing him to swiftly evade incoming attacks and counter with devastating blows.
The battle raged on, and Zanno's presence on the battlefield was significant and became a beacon of hope for the people of Cardinal Peaks. His mastery over the zak'nagi emblem and his Xeno Armor inspired them to fight with renewed vigor and determination.
With each enemy he defeated, Zanno absorbed their energy into his armor, further empowering himself. The Xeno Armor pulsed with radiant light, its energy reserves growing with every fallen foe. The once seemingly insurmountable onslaught of the Qeddah Sultanate began to falter under Zanno's unwavering assault.
But it was not just his physical prowess that turned the tide of the battle. Zanno's newly acquired Unique Skill, Warden allowed him to tap into the hearts and minds of the creatures in the vicinity. He reached out, forming a connection with the spirits of the land and channeling their essence to aid the defenders.
Earth tremors shook the ground, disorienting the enemy forces. Whirlwinds swept through the battlefield, scattering their ranks. Vines sprouted from the earth, entangling enemy soldiers and rendering them immobile. Zanno had become a conduit for the very forces of Aena, using his powers to protect the land he held dear.
Amidst the chaos of battle, Zanno's resolve remained unyielding. He pressed forward, leading the charge against the Qeddah Sultanate Army with unwavering determination. His Xeno Armor radiated with the combined power of the zak'nagi emblem and the spirits of the land, making him an unstoppable force on the battlefield.
"Archers and mages!"
"Concentrate your attacks to maximize damage."
Zanno's strategic prowess became evident as the battle continued. He coordinated with the defenders, directing their efforts and exploiting weaknesses in the enemy's formation. With calculated precision, he struck at key targets, dismantling the enemy's command structure and sowing confusion among their ranks.
The Qeddah Sultanate Army, once confident in their imminent victory, now found themselves on the defensive. Zanno's relentless assault and the unwavering spirit of the defenders began to turn the tide in favor of Cardinal Peaks.
As the battle reached its climax, Zanno stood at the forefront, his presence commanding and inspiring. He unleashed a final surge of energy, a cataclysmic blast that engulfed the remaining enemy forces. The blast dissipated, leaving only silence and the echoes of victory.
The defenders of Cardinal Peaks cheered, their cries of triumph echoing through the now, still battlefield. Zanno, his Xeno Armor glowing with residual energy, surveyed the scene, a sense of fulfillment and pride coursing through him. He had not only protected his home but had also proven that the power of the zak'nagi emblem could be wielded for good.
Zanno's gaze swept across the battlefield, taking in the aftermath of the fierce battle. The first wave of the once formidable army of the Qeddah Sultanate lay defeated, their ranks scattered and broken. Cardinal Peaks had survived the initial onslaught.
The defenders gathered around Zanno, their faces filled with gratitude and admiration. They hailed him as their savior, their protector. Zanno, however, remained humble, acknowledging the collective effort of the defenders and the sacrifices made during the battle.
[ Humility Experience Point: +1 ]