The celestials began to whisper among themselves. They knew that this moment was approaching, but that did not stop the feeling of uneasiness that slowly snuck up on them.
All of the celestials present spent a good portion of their lives looking up to the pillars in the same way that mortals revered them.
It was challenging for them not to think of the pillars as beings that were untouchable—even after Astratis had successfully slain the Teraidi.
However, the celestials buried this fear deep in their hearts. Everyone understood that it was too late to turn back. Now that they had rebelled, the pillars would not stop hunting them until they were all cast into the Na’Ei Cha. If they wanted to change their fate, the only path for them was to steel their resolve and face the pillars with all their might.
Astratis paused for a few seconds to give everyone some time to absorb his words. He understood that even if the resolution was present, there were still undoubtedly those with lingering fears and feelings of uncertainty.
As the celestials’ whispers ceased, Thalos spoke up after Astratis.
“The Teraidi’s fall will have already caught the attention of the east and west pillars. Fortunately for us, given the arrogant natures of the pillars, they will not act as one. We will take advantage of that arrogance.” Thalos said.
“I’m not so sure about that, brother. I failed to mention it earlier, but there is a possibility that the east and west pillars are working together.” Astratis revealed with furrowed brows.
“?!”
Everyone was taken aback by Astratis’ sudden revelation. Pillars working together? These were words that did not belong in the same sentence! And, if it turned out to not just be the east and west pillars, but also the north and south—it would only be the second time in history that all the pillars worked together!
“This news… Brother, are you certain?” Thalos inquired.
“I sent someone to confirm it as soon as I returned. But, for now, we should proceed with the thoughts in our mind that we may have to face the east and west pillars simultaneously. This will increase the overall risk level; however, our original plan remains unchanged. No matter what we encounter, today, we will take the first step towards freeing this world!” Astratis declared.
…
Approximately 10 minutes later…
The meeting had adjourned as the celestials took their leave from the Sanctuary. There were still numerous preparations to be made for the inevitable battle that was fast approaching.
As for those who remained behind, including Izroth and Sychia, there were the six others. Ilioreas, Astratis, Thalos, Skos, Ierosni, and Eiritia.
After silently listening to the contents of the meeting and observing the celestials, the pillars began to pique Izroth’s interest.
‘Just how strong are these pillars?’
Something in the Hidden Celestial Abode was obstructing Izroth’s Energy Vision Sense; however, with his high perception stat of 10 and natural experience, Izroth was able to roughly place the strength of those present.
If they were back on the Mortal Realm, everyone present would be considered, at the very least, a legendary realm powerhouse at the late or peak stage!
Even the celestials who left not too long ago were at the early stages of the legendary realm or infinitely close to breaking through to that point.
With so legendary realm individuals, it was enough to rival any of the kingdoms in the Mortal Realm!
“Allow me to properly introduce you. Everyone, this is Izroth. I owe him a deep debt of gratitude. Izroth, these are my elder brothers, Thalos and Skos. My elder sister, Eiritia. And, you have already met my wife, Ierosni. I have another elder sister who is not present at the moment due to certain circumstances, but you will meet them when fate permits.” Astratis said as he completed his introductions.
“My name is Izroth. This is my companion, Sychia. We’ll be in your care for a while.” Izroth stated in a manner that was neither arrogant nor submissive.
“A mortal as a companion? Uncle, it seems your vision has skipped a generation. It is a pleasure to meet you, Izroth. And, you as well, Sychia.” Eiritia commented with a calming smile.
“Since you helped my brother return safely, it can be said that we all owe you a small debt of gratitude. If in the future you need a similar helping hand, we will do our best to return the gratitude we have received.” Thalos stated.
“…I am going to complete my preparations,” Skos said as his body started to fluctuate. Not too long after, he disappeared from the Sanctuary. However, just before he left, Skos gave a small nod to Izroth.
Astratis shook his head and sighed as Skos vanished.
“That guy… Don’t mind him, Izroth. He may not show it, but he is the most anxious out of everyone.” Astratis sighed.
He then continued, “Ah, that’s right. I have yet to reward you for your hard work.”
Astratis made a few more arrangements with those present before stepping next to Izroth.
“Sister, please make sure our guest is well taken care of,” Astratis said as he placed his hand on Izroth’s shoulder.
“Rest easy, brother. As long as she is under my care, no harm shall come to her.” Eiritia responded gracefully.
Izroth inwardly furrowed his brows. He did not like the idea of Sychia leaving his sights while there was still a quest active—even if this place was relatively safe.
“There is no need to worry about your companion. You have my word. Plus, where we’re going, it is not possible for mortals who lack Ethos to enter. That being said…” Astratis then lowered his voice to where only Izroth could hear him.
“I’m curious how a mortal got Ethos to flow through them. But, well, I won’t force your hand. You are my benefactor, after all.”
‘I figured it wouldn’t escape him. At this rate, I’m not sure how much longer I can conceal the full truth regarding the Mortal Realm.’
“We will pay a visit to your dwellings when we return,” Astratis said to Eiritia.
The next moment, a brilliant ray of light encompassed Izroth and Astratis as they were swept away from the Sanctuary.
…
Somewhere deep within the Hidden Celestial Abode…
A ray of brilliant light shined down as Izroth and Astratis emerged.
‘How useful.’
Izroth did not know the source behind the transportation system that generated the brilliant ray, but it was incredibly useful to getting around without trouble.
‘According to the system, we have not left the Hidden Celestial Abode, but… Is this really connected to it?’
At the moment, Izroth stood before two towering black metal doors that were tightly shut. The surrounding land was desolate with red clay-like earth. The sky above resembled a starless night sky; however, there was an abundance of a soft red hue that made it so the world was not enveloped in a state of darkness.
“You’ll need this,” Astratis said as he snapped his fingers, causing a small golden coin with special carvings to appear in his hand.
Astratis handed the coin to Izroth. And, the instant he did so, Izroth received two alerts from the system.
〈System Alert: You have received x1 «Token of Promise»!〉
〈System Alert: You have gained access to the «Cyclops Workshop»!〉
‘Oh?’
“The Son of Thunder, Astratis, is here!” Astratis’ voice boomed as he placed his hands on the large black metal doors and pushed them open.
Creeeeaaaaaak!
The doors seemed extremely heavy. The fact that Astratis was able to open them with his physical strength alone was a testament to his power.
…Boom! Boom! Rmmmmble!
The moment the door opened, the earth began to shake. At first, Izroth thought they were trimmers; however, surprisingly, this shaking was caused by footsteps.
“Your reward is quite good this time. After all, there are not many who can invoke the services of the Enati.” Astratis commented.
Izroth looked up and saw one giant eye. The figure reached their massive hand down as the token in Izroth’s hand vanished.
The following moment, his Sword of the Storm also disappeared without a trace.
“?!”
Izroth did not know how his weapon was taken, but before he could say anything, Astratis spoke up.
“Relax. Your weapon—it will not be the same as before.” Astratis said with a large grin.
…
A few moments later…
The doors to the workshop opened once more as Izroth received an alert from the system.
He had gotten his Sword of the Storm back. But, it was not the same at all.
‘This… Is the Sword of The Storm?’
Weapon Name: Sword of The Storm
Weapon Rank: Epic -> Unique
Weapon Level: 40 -> 0
Requirements: 500 Attack -> 1,500-5,000 Attack [Current: 1,634]
*Upgraded->Attack Damage: 1,000 -> 2,500-10,000 [Current: 2,723]
*Upgraded->Weapon Skill Storm Surge(Passive) – Every time the user completes a successful attack and every 3 seconds they are in combat, the user gains 1 stack of «Storm Surge Charge» (MAX: 150). Use «Storm Surge Charge» stacks to activate any of the following effect(s). The user begins to rapidly lose «Storm Surge Charge» stacks after remaining out of combat for 1 minute.
*Upgraded->«Tempest Strikes» – Consumes 10 «Storm Surge Charge» stacks. The user gains the wind element for physical-based weapon attacks which increases their range by a distance of 25 meters for 10 seconds.
Cooldown: 5 minutes
*Upgraded->«Lightning Cage» – Consumes 20 «Storm Surge Charge» stacks. The user forms a 20 meters cage of lightning anywhere within a 25 meters range. While trapped inside the cage of lightning, enemies become «Paralyzed» for 5 seconds and receive a 40% damage increase as lightning damage from all sources.
Cooldown: 10 minutes
*Upgraded->«Great Storm» – Consumes 50 «Storm Surge Charge» stacks. Summons the great storm with fierce winds that resides within the blade of the «Sword of The Storm» in the surrounding 100 meters. The great storm disorientates enemies inside of it while releasing a large amount of random sharp «Blades of Winds» that deal 100% of the user’s attack as damage. This damage ignores 80% of enemies defenses and has a high chance of causing struck enemies to «Bleedout» for 10 seconds. «Blades of Winds» can «Critical Hit». This storm lasts for 20 seconds.
Cooldown: 1 hour
*New->«Bonus Forged Effect: Touch of the Primordial Forge» – This weapon has been forged by the «Primordial Forge». It cannot be destroyed or damaged by items at or below the Unique rank.
*New->«Bonus Forged Effect: Peak Growth Evolution» – This weapon has undergone an evolution to reach the peak of its growth. The requirement and attack damage of this weapon increases or lowers based on the user’s attack. Bonus attack provided by weapons is not calculated.
*New->«Bonus Forged Effect: Destructive Aftermath» – Every 10th strike, the user unleashes a wave of destruction from their sword in a 25 meter radius that deals 400% of the user’s attack as lightning damage to enemies and has a 75% chance to paralyze them for 2 seconds. After activating, this effect cannot occur again for 20 seconds.
*New->«Bonus Forged Effect: Great Lightning Army» – The user summons [26] «Lightning Soldier» and [1] «Storm Commander» that will aid them in battle for up to 30 minutes. The number of summons and their strength are based on the «Sword of The Storm» current attack damage.
Cooldown: 12 hours.
Special Note: A blade forged from an ancient great storm
