Recently, Zyro did nothing but ponder about viable solutions on his two primary predicaments - insufficient power and future livelihood. After considering everything available in his inventory and environment. An idea came to him for the former, which is adding the boundless fog in his arsenal. Making use of the seemingly useless air gun without a bullet by replacing the oxygen tank with poisonous mists. Which is free and abundant.
This wouldn't have been possible if not for his gear suitability. The air tank can store gasses with built-in automatic refilling system and releaser in the left forearm air gun barrel. Additionally, his mask filtered none-oxygen substances, so he wouldn't have to worry about being poisoned by his own biological weapon. However, the downside is that the fog was corrosive as well and did not differentiate between friends and foes. Although, his mostly immune to it thanks to Shroud of Night encasing his entire body, except his upper head.
Fortunately, the poisonous fog corrosive effect was not that potent. It cannot burn his skin in mere minutes of exposure, hours though, was a different story. Zyro could withstand it for a certain amount of time. However, he did not have any solutions about the other disadvantages. Not just his enemy, his allies can inhale the venomous gas too. Zyro didn't have any solutions except being careful at using it.
Over all, with the addition of the legendary fog whom everyone feared in his arsenal. Zyro's firepower just skyrocketed. Surely, not many can resist the toxicity of these ominous gasses. Zyro was now more confident in facing the hurdles ahead.
With his business near the great wall done, the two did not hastily leave. The lurking dangers within the forest were greater in daytime. For the majority of beasts are more active in search for prey to fill their stomachs. Unlike nighttime, when most of them slumber instead of wandering around.
The duo didn't want to risk it and decided to wait for nightfall. Zyro did gain new found strength, but it did not fade his cautiousness. it's what keeps people alive, after all.
As they wait, Pert sleeps atop the branches of an exceptionally tall tree. After undergoing last night demanding travel, straining both their body and mind to safely navigate through dark woods where countless beasts dwell. There were some short battles too. So the kid's developing body was totally exhausted despite being an Aster. On the other hand, Zyro was not that tired. As someone who has experienced many tiring ordeals. He already knew what's the best way to prevent running out of energy, which was rested plenty before their venture. However, Zyro would be lying if he did not feel drained at all. His human, after all. And was bound by human limits.
Idly laying on a relatively large branch, facing up, using both hands as a pillow. Zyro enjoyed the sight of glittering sunlight peeking through the tiny seams of leafs and branches. The world seemed at peace, the only thing missing was cute chirping birds. Sadly, there's no adorable birds here. But from time to time, Zyro would hear distant strange sounds that he rather not think about its makers.
Without anything to do but stay guard until his turn to sleep. Zyro checked his system. Which is basically just a statistical tabulation.
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Code name: Zero
Mark: 0
Status: Shackled trooper
Items: [Shroud of Night] [Broken Sword] [Axe]
Attributes: [Elite] [Technical mind] [Error]
Tittle: None
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He had done some editing, such as repositioning "Mark: 0" and erasing the skill text line after some thought. Originally, he considered "Fog spray" as a skill. However, considering that the skill was only possible because of Shroud of Night. Similar to the steel armor protection, retractable blade and exoskeleton augmentation. The fog spay was an extension of the cybernetic armor, as well. With that in mind, Zyro thought about including the Shroud of Night different functions too.
Hence, when he concentrated on the text of the armor. The item description is not alone anymore. There's also Item functions now.
[Shroud of Night]
Item Description: Made by humans of earth. Producer; Mel-tech, 155th generation cyber suits. Identification number: 1836734 25th Stealth edition series: Shroud of night.
Item Functions:
Titanium: The armor plates and internal frames were made of titanium alloy.
Retractable Blade: A portable melee weapon that can shoot out in 0.4 seconds. Specializing assassination.
Exoskeleton: It enhanced the wearer mobility and strength depending on power intake.
Resilience: The armor was designed to withstand space vacuum and possess resistance to electricity, heat, water and impacts to a certain degree.
Soundless steps: Its boots don't produce sounds.
Night vision: You can see in darkness.
Fog Spray: The armor left arm could spray poisonous mists.
Aizra's description was short and simple. Not like it needed to be accurate to the last bits of details, Zyro knew his gears and every part's functions like the back of his hand anyway. Hence, this information was meant to define the functions, not explain.
Other than this, Zyro did some experiments in his free time. Such as testing the fog effects on his skin. His endeavor was painful but bore helpful fruits. He found out that he could at least last ten minutes without feeling anything. Halve an hour, his skin will start to redden and feel like they've been drenched by hot sauce. Anymore than that, Zyro declined attempting further for he will only damage his skin. After that, though. Either he has nothing to do or his mind gone haywire. Zyro tried it on his bare eyes. But not without a basis. Pert said he was able to open his eyes when their flying boat crashed inside the fog. Yet, Pert can still see. And considering the slow and relatively weak acerbic effect, his eyes might be okay. Furthermore, Zyro can't instantly wear his helmet in battle. If push comes to shove, he will have to fight without it. However, if the situation forced him to use the fog spray. The mist will surely scatter infecting his sight too. Closing his eyelids in the midst of combat was equivalent to suicide. Zyro will face the corrosive fog with his eyeballs sooner or later anyway, might as well do it now.
'It will be fine'
That's when the slumbering Pert was almost awoken by a pained yelp.
"Duck, that was stupid" Zyro grunted, rubbing his closed eyes.
It was fine in the first seconds. Then, Zyro tested how long he could resist it. As seconds passed, the acidic pang increased constantly. Until he judged it dire enough, Zyro stopped. However, the terrible burning sensation on his eyes stayed. Thankfully, his vision still worked when he fought against pain to open it. The best he could last eyeing the mist was four minutes and a halve. For someone as precise as Zyro who prefers ending battles quickly without unnecessary actions. It was more than enough. The pain though, is left to his mental endurance.
Satisfied by the results, Zyro was just about to climb back. However, he noticed the smoky gasses he used to his eye experiment unnatural movements. Currently, his standing near the ominous cloudy wall to prevent accidentally poisoning Pert amidst his daring endeavor. A distance away, the messy cluster of mist hovered above ground. Slowly being carried by the wind. Strangely, it refuse to follow the gentle breezes and was visibly forcing its way back to the enormous wall.
Zyro watched the entire spectacle from start to finish. At the end, the detached portions were able to merge back into the mass of its kind.
'This fog really is strange.'
Everyone shares his wonder. Many have attempted uncovering its mysteries by diving inside. But none returned from its debts, they say.
Zyro silently looks at the fog.
'Come to think of it, my suit is capable for venturing inside there.'
True, the Shroud of Night was made for space exploration to handle absolute void. Not a single seam, even the tiniest for external substances to be allowed to enter inside the armor when all parts are locked properly.
If Zyro were to refill the tank with oxygen and wear his helmet. He'll be able to survive inside for hours. With this thought in mind, Zyro gaze wanders towards the dark silhouette of the wrecked vessel, named Golden Dawn. Pert's father's airship.
He lingered for a moment, then shook his head.
'Greed killed many.'
Zyro spare the ravaged vessel a glance before turning away to take his turn in sleeping. The Shroud of Night had defended him in numerous ordeals since arriving in this world. It's not in the best condition anymore, so he was not sure if it would not be breached by hazardous gasses. Furthermore, emptying and refilling the tank again was an inconvenient and time consuming task. Just to risk his life for unknown benefits. Besides, whatever is left there was probably ravaged by corrosion and time.
Zyro climbed up and woke up Pert to finally sleep. Day or night, dangers lurk in this forest where greater beasts wander. Hence, keeping watch all the time was a must.
With the kid on guard, Zyro rested till the sun had fallen. They began their departure with extreme caution. From the start of their journey, they've always been cautious. However, on their journey back to the Mine.
It seemed they ran out of luck.