UE Rewrite: B2 — 50. The Challenge (Patreon)

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1. Elinor (Our Evolved Undead Warlord!)

Undying Empire Index

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Hanging in the hot jungle air, a gust pressed against Elinor’s frame while she studied the northwest. The thick, pungent smell of vegetation filled her nose with flowers, decaying greenery, damp soil, and wood. Beams of the bright sun overhead showered her in heat, yet it couldn’t ease the maddening chill that swept through her agitated soul as she scanned the rolling mists hanging over the northern cliffs in the distance.

Not a soul knew of the trouble compressing within her chest; it was too far away for any of them to notice any reflux inside the Nexus. Butter was strong after fusing with Elinor’s former body; she felt it when they’d fought Ashrit. Her fingers closed around the shattered diamond inside her palm. Something was wrong, though… Something was very wrong.

Elinor’s emerald eyes wandered the Delthax cliffs in the distance, leading to the towering mountains with their lightly snowy peaks. Spotted, low-hanging clouds covered sections of the area, no doubt blanketing Butter in a veil of fog. Somewhere above that area, her sister was struggling against…something.

Mika was dead—sent back to the void. Butter’s phylactery had been shattered due to her being forced to activate her Soul Expansion…and there wasn’t a damn thing she could do about it. Once again, she was spread too thin. It was a recurring theme over the past few months and something she needed to correct—swiftly.

Nose twisting with agitation, she let go of the chain, falling through open air as the links snapped back into the void. Allowing herself to be caught, the soft cushion of Quin’s large hand broke her fall, and Theresa’s sharp eyes caught the broken earring in her palm as she righted herself to sit on the gorilla’s hand.

“Empress, Is…is High Queen Butter in danger?”

Tucking her knee up to her chin while staring at it, Elinor stared at the dimming, golden hues that were escaping the item, returning it to its black origin; the Holy Force within it burned her skin, but it wasn’t lethal now that the connection had been cut. In a way, that was a blessing.

Hot air streamed through Quin’s nostrils as she looked to the northeast, her muscles tensing; the fatty butterfly was an important figure within many of the citizens’ stable worlds. Yet, Elinor shut down the pair’s protective impulses that were instinctively bound into their souls.

Butter is a big girl. She can handle herself… Garu, she said, connecting to the mist toad by the Wixum lake.

“A change in plans, Empress?” the young officer instantly replied.

Not a change in plans. Just an update needed to be sent to my father and mother… Mika is gone. My sister is still alive, but her phylactery is broken, and mine is nearing the end of its life. She has activated her Soul Expansion and is likely dealing with a troublesome foe with White, Adoncia, and Angélica.

Theresa’s somber voice entered the discussion. “Empress, If Mika fell as a Lieutenant, Uncommon-Grade military unit, then the two maids would stand no chance.”

I am aware, Elinor muttered, standing on Quin’s hand to look across the sea of jungle trees and watching the wind create waves along its surface. It is likely why Butter activated her Soul Expansion in the first place…to protect them. I don’t know how long she can keep it up or her new body can last with it active, but she will be relying on White to carry them out of danger.

Garu sighed. “It is their duty to protect the High Queen, not the other way around.”

A half-smile lifted Elinor’s lips as she felt Theresa’s emotional tug of respect that Butter would prioritize the maids within her care.

I’ll give you permission to tell Butter that, but good luck convincing her… Butter is proud like that, and I’m sure she’s pissed as it is… I know I would be if I had to return and report my miscalculation which cost us a valuable soldier. Butter is not the type to drop things and run for her life. She’ll exact her payment in blood.

Motioning for Quin to keep going, Elinor stabilized herself on the gorilla’s palm. We will honor Mika when we can and when Butter returns with her story… Hopefully, with Mika’s body, so that we can return it to the Roxim. She’s more than proved her worthiness to be welcomed back into her old clan as a hero. I need you to inform King Edmon and Queen Tiffany of what has happened…and this:

I cannot use Soul Expansion, or else it will shatter like Butter’s. It isn’t the end of the world. My Artificial Body can probably hold my soul…but we are more vulnerable than I anticipated. I need to find more soldiers and solutions to even the odds if we are going to be fighting large armies… And tell my dad to have faith in his daughters as we descend into this madness.

“I will send the message along to select individuals within the Serving Court to relay.”

Elinor retreated into her Soul Expanse as Quin carried her to the tri-zone territory between the Wixum, Lethix, and Flex. They’d arrive at the location in less than ten minutes with Quin’s superior navigation aptitude in the jungle environment, albeit not Camellia’s insane level. Still, no one she had could compare to the monstrous spider.

Elinor sat in her chair inside her floating mansion, clearing away the wall to study the expansive, over two-hundred-kilometer-wide valley with its colossal black fortress on its northern half. She saw the future rather than the present and the price she might have to pay to realize that vision.

Her goal wasn’t just to own this jungle but to tame it. This world was rich with secrets, dangers, and opportunities. The potential for what this valley could symbolize could make this a real home for her citizens. Yet, with that future came risks and sacrifices.

To the north of her empire was the old quen’talrat badlands, a vast wilderness of barren fields abandoned for this lush valley. It was free real estate that was reportedly ten times larger than her little nest egg. She couldn’t believe someone like the White God of the quen’talrat would leave it unused either; there had to be something there.

Her gaze wandered from the seemingly endless yellow grass plains to the east, where vibrant green fields sprawled out. Waterways split off from the wide serpentine river cutting through its rolling hills that snaked its way into her valley, providing a ripe section of land to be cultivated.

Powerful ri’bot clans were gathering their armies to Krava’s warcry across the region, the war hero chief hoping to raise up an insurmountable host to crush her. A small chuckle shook her chest as she considered how poorly this could have gone for her if he’d taken a more aggressive stance against his former best friend.

If Krava had cast aside his friendship and respect for Valdar, appealing to Chief Kalix behind the Plant Caller’s back, Elinor could see the Delthax’s current chief siding with the Komath’s war hero.

He had a real chance at succeeding in turning the Delthax against her. He could have used Kalix’s pure animosity toward the Flex Clan to shut down his grandfather’s voice within the community, offering his clan’s strength and joining forces with them to deliver a decisive victory against the Flex and Lethix.

However, Krava’s pride was too great to unite with any clan he believed to be ‘weaker’ than him. At least, that is what she’d come to understand. It lined up with his opinion of the Roxim’s failing military prowess.

Instead of taking the quickest way to stamp out her small advantage in the valley, the orange-skinned toad had stormed off to the east to entreat the Great Chiefs of the plains.

The old toad’s decision was both right and so very wrong at the same time. He saw the diminishing power of the clans around him—much as Valdar did—and that was the correct opinion. He needed a way to build up his own clan’s foothold in the valley… To once again find pride in his people. It was here he’d taken a divergent path to the Grand Plant Caller.

Krava turned to the Great Clans of the East for his support. It was a bold move, and one taken with risk to his own territory since he’d need to abandon it and send his people south, out of the valley. It also showed that Krava’s pride was worth more than his clan’s. And luckily, that gave her time to prepare.

Elinor’s focus moved to the south, where the Great Ruby Lakes glittered like dazzling rubies in the sun’s reflection on their vast, bloody pools. Klaus was having trouble getting the clout needed to talk to the nalevean High Lord, their name for an emperor.

In fact, from his report, he couldn’t even get a proper foothold with the Clavex’s Supreme Mother. It was no fault of his; the man had made several important connections that brought him closer to that goal. Yet, it was the snake woman, Yesenia, who was giving Elinor an edge of caution.

The former prison warden that the Scarlet Hand had booted off to this world, like Roman and her, seemed to be making strides with them. It was a troubling development based on her ambassador’s reports. She didn’t have the leniency to divert her focus to the south, though.

First, she needed to secure her empire, which would give her the clout she needed. And the mysterious kingdom of ri’bot beyond the mountains to their west could prove useful if they could create a stable trade route between them. Well, unless they also wanted to go to war, giving her more land to absorb into her growing empire—time would tell.

Green eyes lighting with fire, Elinor glared at the black spires of the mysterious and awesome former capital of the quen’talrat. In any case, if she wanted to bring her people to this fortress city and cement their pride in this new world as their home, it was time for her to stop messing around. 

Theresa informed her of their soon arrival at the challenge grounds, and she left her internal world, stopping Quin from fully exiting the jungle.

“You want me to stay behind, Empress?” the confused gorilla woman asked, hanging from one of the branches high within the canopy.

Elinor hopped off of her open palm, carefully aiming her descent from high up within the jungle canopy. Theresa seemed to have total faith in her and followed without a second thought; the woman had no ability to break her fall but had seen enough regarding her chains.

Find somewhere close by to lay low, out of the range of the Wixum guard. Soon enough, I will show you one of the new abilities I gained during my training this week.

“Oh?! I cannot wait to see your power, Empress!”

The hot wind rushed past her bare skin, pressing against her tank top and shorts. Theresa held her legs to the side, using one hand to keep her dress from slipping off while holding her other up since she’d already seen how Elinor was operating now.

The stunned, minimal guard of the Wixum watched them fall in shock. Yet, just before reaching the muddy earth, chains split space, connecting to their open palms. Locking their spirits and bodies to prevent any damage to joints, the tension gradually tightened as they came to a stop just before touching the jungle floor.

Theresa landed with a grace that befitted the motherly woman, and Elinor’s boots touched the soil beside her, less interested in looking cool. One of the few senior warriors excitedly jumped down from the trees to join them as Quin slipped into the branches. It was impressive how such a giant ape could blend into the jungle.

“Empress, I knew you would not run away; we’ll make a load of bushel berries from everyone that took bets! Talia, go inform the Chiefs that the Empress has arrived!”

“Right away, Lead Warrior!”

“Oh?” Elinor asked, adjusting her tank top and shorts as the thrilled and semi-nervous ri’bot surrounded her. “And who is spreading this rumor that I would run away from this challenge…that I suggested?”

He forced a laugh, his big toad-like eyes shifting to his buddies while rubbing his stationary neck, the bulge on it blowing up and expelling air as he talked.

“Xaria Meji, 2nd-in-command of the Delthax warriors, Empress. He has been speaking much about your absence these last several days and your lack of a military presence at the challenge arena.”

“Yes, Empress,” another younger warrior of the Wixum piped up. “Tensions are high among the Flex and Lethix due to the minimal warriors the Delthax has brought when they so vehemently oppose you ascending to Great Chief of the coalition.”

Elinor stretched out her fingers high above her head with a short laugh. “Is that right? Let’s meet the other representatives. Who has shown up from each clan to oppose my challenge?”

The young, inexperienced Wixum New Bloods clustered around her, expressing their excitement at what was to come. It seemed after Nebu died that the few male Wixum men left—and quite a few female toads—had gravitated toward Garu as their idol, who gave his allegiances to her. And that meant, in the eyes of these youth, she was basically a goddess.

“Elder Chief Valdar is here with a few of his top Plant Callers.”

“They don’t seem to be getting along well with their chief, Empress, and Chief Kalix has been very…hostile toward our chief,” one female warrior mumbled. “It’s a little upsetting, to be honest. Chief Kalix and Elder Chief Valdar have argued a lot… Everyone was really scared of what might happen if you didn’t show up, Empress—it would probably be a total war on all sides.”

A short male toad strained a smile, long tongue sliding out to wet his chin in a nervous gesture as Theresa kept her eyes ahead, anticipating danger. The toads didn’t seem so concerned, though, but they believed in the pride of each clan before their Supreme Chiefs to remain neutral, as was their word.

“2nd Rank Xaria Ectria is here and said she wanted to test your strength, but 2nd Rank Xaria Kole…is not here, which is causing some people to spread rumors about where he is… Maybe he is leading an attack against the Flex’s villages.”

“No!” the previous female warrior scoffed. “Xaria Kole is a man of honor! He’s probably overlooking the defense of their cliffs. If it would be anyone who broke their word, it would be Meji… I’ve heard things about Meji from some of the other Young Blood Delthax—they like to talk to me.”

“I’m sure they do,” Elinor chuckled, allowing the youngsters to clear obstacles for her on their path to the clearing. “I know quite a bit about what the Delthax has been up to, but what about the rumors regarding the Flex and Lethix…and is Chief Zargoth of the Roxim here?”

The first ri’bot who had addressed her glanced at the other Young Bloods, scratching his left arm. “I’m…afraid not, Empress. He stated that you have his clan’s support and will be putting his efforts into securing his people against the Xaltan invasion. He did send a runner to watch and report the results, though.”

The girl jumped back in, her light-blue skin glossy and polished, which Elinor had come to learn was a sign that she was looking for a mate. Her words didn’t betray that visual display.

“Oh, the Flex and Lethix have brought some stronger warriors, but most of them are Young Bloods…hehe, and wooh, do they have a lot of boys! I’ve counted at least three hundred each, and all of them look, eh…really ugly!” she said with an unconvincing laugh at the other blue-skinned boys’ dull glares.

The girls all averted their eyes in ashamed agreement, though. It was obvious that the human influence amongst the Wixum over the last few months was breaking down a lot of social barriers with the youngster toads. It would have been nonsense for such talk to happen before she came to this world, but now, at least when it came to these ri’bot, they all believed she would take the leadership role and usher in a change.

“So, the Flex and Lethix expected foul play and left the bulk of their forces with their settlements,” Elinor mused, clasping her hands behind her back while stepping over large twigs in this world that would be considered branches on Earth. “If their strongest cannot keep up with me, then the others would be a waste to bring… It’s smart.”

She saw the beaming looks the young toads shot one another at her praising words. It really was a cultural revolution. Krava was right to be terrified of her. She was poison to their archaic ways, but that didn’t mean she’d tramp over all of them… Only the deadwood that needed to be burned.

Her half-smile grew as she entered the clearing and saw what the clans had been working on over the week. A stage of bound wooden logs had been laid out, a cage-like framework on all sides to provide launching platforms for the jumpy toads. It was an arena built with the ri’bot’s advantages in mind.

The other clans were swift to lock onto her entrance after a few of the Young Bloods had dashed ahead to warn them. A hush took the youngsters, and the throng’s eyes fell upon Theresa and her on their path toward the smoothly shaved arena platform.

A strong breeze brought the sweet-and-sour scent of fruit across the glade. Her gaze drifted between the four sides of the arena. Each side of the square hosted a cluster of the main fighting forces of each clan. It was time for her to show these toads who they were dealing with…today was a day of violence.

Curiosity moved the Flex and Lethix leaders’ expressions; the two chiefs and their advisors moved to a conjoined area to speak. The light and dark brown-skinned clan stood tall, awaiting any action from their leaders, as their Xaria moved along their ranks, hyping them up.

On the other hand, apprehension was firmly fixed on Chief Yimara’s face as the Wixum chief jumped onto the platform to talk to her. The very few senior warriors of the light-blue ri’bot were lighting up with confidence as the Young Bloods ran to speak to them—she’d already won the hearts of the lake toads.

Yet, her most argent opposition was right in front of her as she mounted the steps leading up to the cliff face. Chief Kalix’s twitching nose and scowl said it all; they’d expected her to shy away from this challenge. She’d said that she’d face all of them herself, but Elinor doubted they actually believed she would follow through with it. It was an insult in their eyes for her to only bring one of her weak, human maids along to observe.

Valdar was quick to jog up to the stage, no doubt feeling relief that she’d made her appearance long before the sun went down, and a discolored, green-skinned female ri’bot straightened on her torlim, alligator-toad mount—the Roxim’s representative.

Packs of blue and brown ri’bot spotted the wide open area in their cliques, and ahead of her loomed the tall cliff that rose over a hundred meters to Flex territory. She didn’t slow her pace or look away upon climbing the steps to the single witch woman who had volunteered to operate the speaker system. Theresa told her the woman’s station and name on their approach.

“Kaya, I see you’ve made it to the 2nd Circle Rank within your coven by that blue armband—a full-fledged Intermediate Witch. One more rank, and you’ll catch up to Esmeralda and Alisa as Advanced Witches. It must have been challenging to reach this place on your own; I heard you made the trip yourself.”

The 27-year-old woman chuckled, holding one of the White Witch microphones that she’d been given back at the lake, seemingly the prototype this Columbian woman had made.

“Thank you, Empress. This job was my test to reach the 2nd Circle and uplift my coven… I couldn’t fail since my team was counting on me.”

She swept back her shoulder-length black locks behind her ears before handing her the item. “I feel a little ashamed at being outpaced by teenage girls, but I’m trying my best. Alisa is a big inspiration after starting her White Coven. It made a few of us more sure of ourselves to take a less…dark route to gain access to your gifts in contrast to Esmeralda and Queen Tiffany. Everything is prepared.”

“Good. Theresa will accompany you and let you know when to activate this ingenious network you’ve developed,” she said, scanning the various wooden boxes hung around the clearing. “I look forward to seeing the fruits of your labor.”

The woman bowed her head with an anxious smile. She was wearing shorts and a tank top, and her brown skin was slick with sweat and dirt, showing how hard she’d worked over the last few days—she’d want to take a shower when she returned to the lake.

Elinor watched the fifth strongest Witch—second strongest White Witch—leave with a skip in her step. Her ritual station was located near the Wixum group, where a bunch of the Young Bloods gathered, curious at her Mysticism as they saw it.

She spoke to her maid as they retreated, waiting for Valdar and Yimara to reach her.

So, to reach the next Circle for Tiffany’s witches and warlocks, you must gain a degree of sorts, by developing a new, advanced ritual that supports the empire. It’s an effective way to promote research and development… I’d expect nothing less from my mother.

Theresa lifted her skirt slightly while descending the stairs with the dark-haired woman. “It isn’t only the witches and warlocks. Queen Tiffany has also instituted incentive programs and rewards in conjunction with the Serving Court leaders to motivate our efforts further. I’ve heard Gwen and Lucky discussing the topic amongst the living, as well.”

Interesting… The further we develop, the better rewards available.

Her smiling eyes darted to Yimara as the Wixum chief neared. “I told you I would be here on the seventh day. Did you doubt me?”

“I didn’t,” Valdar said with a hearty laugh as he spoke first, but his cheer soon faded. “The jungle whispered of your return. I am sure you received…quite the report. I’m afraid I must rely on your cunning once again to save my clan. What should I do?”

“Nothing.” Elinor turned her smirk toward the fuming Delthax leader behind the elderly toad as he jumped nearly the full distance to land beside his grandfather. “Nothing at all. Well, aren’t we jumpy today, Chief Kalix?”

Yimara had a sour expression as the darker-skinned Delthax didn’t give her the courtesy to speak when she’d arrived before him.

“Today, you will die, Empress of Death. Your only option is to choose how to die.”

Head tilting to the side with an incredulous crease to her left eye, Elinor chortled. “What an oxymoronic statement, Chief Kalix. You see…I’m already dead.”

Purposefully dismissing the agitated chief, seeking to intimidate and provoke her, Elinor turned her attention to the disrespected Wixum chief. She grinned at the absolute torture she invoked on Kalix upon brazenly turning her back to him after his threat. It was open for attack, but he couldn’t throw away his pride to strike; she could taste his lust for her death, though.

“I met your mother on the way here, Yimara. She is taking excellent care of your people… I expect some hiccups, but don’t fret; I am more than prepared.”

The woman released a breath that held the weight of her whole world on it; she’d likely been hearing warnings from Carlos and Garu about the Delthax’s movements.

Within the Wixum’s border far above them, the Delthax’s full army was gathering for a massive play. Yet, they wouldn’t be ready yet for her since the challenge was set to begin at sunset, and she knew there was doubt in many of their warriors’ hearts at this deceptive tactic. Well, plans could also change.

“That is a relief,” Yimara said, strength returning to her posture. “I will return to my seat and await your grand display then, Empress. I put my trust in you.”

Kalix spat on the ground at her feet as she turned to leave, and everyone paused in the ensuing tense atmosphere; the scowl on his grandfather’s face could kill. An act of the chief was an action taken by the clan itself, and the Wixum were supposed to be their allies.

“You always were a dirt licker, Yimara, just like your mother, without an ounce of pride for your clan. You all but licked my toes before this, humph…Pit Demon aberration showed her face, and now you lick the ground she treads.”

Instead of anger, Yimara brushed it off with a chuckle and shifted to face the indignant Xaria-grade chief boldly. “I am not blind enough to believe the Wixum could have stood up to you, Chief Kalix… And yes, I do not have a sliver of your pride. That does not mean I do not have pride in my people. I dare say as much pride as you have in your warrior name, I have in my craftsmen and craftswomen.”

“Those are words of challenge—the utmost disrespect! Comparing warriors to…to builders—grandfather… Why do you stop me?” he snarled as the elder placed his staff in front of his chief. “I lead the Delthax now, Elder Chief.”

“Indeed, you do, Kalix…but do not allow yourself to make a fool out of us for such a small slight. I thought I taught you better than this,” he sighed, “but your temper and animosity toward anyone outside of our clan have grown in leaps and bounds by the year… Set an example for your warriors, Chief.”

“A title he will not hold for much longer.”

Elinor’s snicker stole Kalix’s heated gaze as the two brown-skinned clans mirrored her entertained laughter at the fighting chiefs who should have been allies. Goosebumps ran along the Delthax chief’s slick skin at her threatening words, his fingers twitching to attack her, yet holding himself back.

“…Say your last speech before the Supreme Chiefs, and try to die with honor.”

He turned and walked away, green blood dripping from his white-knuckled hand as his fingernails dug into his flesh. Most of the Delthax warriors present looked at her as if she were the devil incarnate, which was fine for her. Kalix had had plenty of time to poison their minds against her. She did wonder about the opinions of the two Xaria who had accompanied her to the Flex and Lethix, however.

Ectria was standing off to the side, apart from her fellow warriors. The spotted, ‘ugly’ Delthax Xaria’s focus wasn’t on them, though; her thoughtful scowl was aimed at the Flex’s top-rank stealth warrior, Xaria Iona. She’d learned from their previous encounter that the pair shared somewhat of a cross-clan hatred or rivalry of sorts, and Ectria was likely the better fighter, but Iona was better at her spy trade.

Valdar had a mournful smile on his face while watching his grandson leave, and it touched his soft whisper. “Can you at least make it quick, Empress?”

Elinor streamed out a sigh and moved to pat the elder on his shoulder, feeling the slight tremors that ran down his frame; he didn’t want this outcome but knew if the Delthax were to survive, this was the best path forward for a united valley.

“I’m afraid I don’t think I will be able to fulfill that request if things turn out as I envision… You should return to his side and spend what time you can with him.”

“…I was afraid of that,” he mumbled, a tear falling down his cheek as he read between the lines of her response. “I suppose it wouldn’t have ended any other way. The Plant Callers will take no action.”

Valdar left her alone in the arena, Yimara returning to her fuming warriors, cursing the Delthax for their arrogance after all they’d provided for their people.

Taking a deep breath, Elinor walked in a wide circle while bringing up her microphone to her lips and sending the prompt to Theresa to begin the ceremony. Kaya closed her eyes inside the center of her ritual circle and whispered her incantation; she seemingly drew power from the trees themselves to fuel the ritual boxes that spread her message.

Elinor’s voice filled the space, the volume having to tone down a tad as all the ri’bot winced at the high output the nervous witch set. It swiftly tamed, and she didn’t stop her opening speech, trusting Kaya to adapt as they went.

“One week was the time limit set for all of us to sharpen our blades and hone our skills for this day. One week, we made plans, plotted our strategies, and expected betrayal. Today, everything changes. Today…a Great Chief is named!”

Cheers rang out from the Young Bloods on all sides, eager for their own chiefs and Xaria to take the title for themselves. She let them scream their vigor, the pressure in her chest from Butter’s Soul Expansion fading; it had lasted longer than she thought, and she suspected her twin was utterly exhausted after pushing her soul for so long—but she was alive, and no one else had died.

Attagirl… Now, don’t disappoint me and go dying after expelling all that energy. We still have a celebratory meal to enjoy together.

Elinor chuckled, raising a hand to control the cheers as the croaking toads continued their loud choir, trying to yell out harder than their enemies. She moved on by speaking to each one individually, allowing them to cry out their voices again and pump up their base.

“Yes, yes, I can hear you… We have the prideful Delthax… The Lethix… The Flex! Hahaha. Yes, yes, I can hear your blood surging for violence! And finally, the Wixum and our honored guest from the Roxim…who have put their support behind me…the Empress of the Dead. It is time for me to meet your blades…”

She met the boos with an entertained smirk until the crowd died down. Amid their jeers, she closed her eyes and entered her Soul Expanse.

The cry of violins, lightning, and pelting rain smacking against her mansion roof filtered into focus as she stood at the open wall of her private room. Elinor looked over the land, soon to be firmly held in her grasp.

“Quin…it is time.”

“I am ready, Empress!”

[Project Mental Image I: Unslotted]

[Mental Acceleration I: Slotted]

[Warlord: Soldier’s Spirit: Activated]

The thumping in her breast increased, and she felt the pre-battle jitters cascade through her soul. Scrolling through her system menu, her finger hovered over her Warlord’s submenu, and she pressed the icon, whispering to the terrifying creature all ri’bot feared—a child, yet a terror nonetheless.

“Fear is a dangerous thing, Quin…and fear steeped in truth all the more potent… Let’s welcome them to their nightmare.”

[Quin’Alse - Military Court - Rare F - Elite Warrior/Fire Brawler - Female Quen’Talrat - Level 19: Selected.]

[Soul Secrynoization Success: 100%]

[Time Remaining: 59:99]

A tremor shook through her phylactery, the five-meter-tall quen’talrat converting into pure energy to be absorbed into her soul. Physical strength far exceeding what she’d previously experienced from the spider drone erupted within her breast, and Elinor felt her damaged diamond sphere crack further with Quin’s soul uniting with hers.

[Mutated Quen’talrat Physiology II: Active]

Opening her flaming eyes to the outside world, her vision pulled back as the world appeared smaller. Green flames enshrouded her entire body, and unexpectedly, white fur covered her chest and lower half. The fur spread along her back and ripped her precious clothes as she grew, the ri’bot on all sides stumbling back in shock.

Elinor lifted her two newly formed, ethereal arms to flex her toughened fingers, watching the toads shrink around her while growing to the size of the giant ape girl she channeled, towering over five meters tall. Gray flames lit along her arm, mixing with the emerald green and radiating a shocking amount of heat.

Her chuckle vibrated the air, an ethereal set of eyes representing the ape’s second head materializing to allow her two angles of view. She stared down at her mostly human frame, patches of steel-like gray fur protecting her chest, back, lower half, and the outside of her arms. It wasn’t like her skin was particularly vulnerable as much as her fur was that much tougher to penetrate.

Her long, ghostly tail flicked out, smashing the platform, denting the wood, and sending splinters exploding out from the impact. Elinor rose to her full height, feeling a lust for combat that resonated acutely with [Path of the Warlord].

[Warlord’s Vigor: Unlocked]

[Whenever [Warlord’s Bloodlust] is above 25%, increase all Stats by 1; whenever above 50%, increase all Stats by 2; and when above 75%, increase all Stats by 4]

[Warlord’s Bloodlust: 35%]

The heat of the blazing sun beat upon Elinor while she flexed her powerful hands—she’d become a quen’talrat and human hybrid, as she’d become a thélméthra when channeling the drone. She didn’t feel nearly as fast as the spiders nor share in their hyper-sensitive senses, yet by raw power, Quin far surpassed the drone…Camellia might be a different story, though.

Turning her flaming eyes to the tiny toads around her on the much smaller platform, Elinor brought up the now minuscule wooden microphone in her hand. Being careful not to crush it, she looked right at the stunned Delthax chief and showed him a belittling grin.

“Let’s not waste time, Chiefs. I know you have your army waiting above us to attack and wipe out the leadership of the other clans. Well, I’m right here. Any who oppose me, challenge me here and now with honor,” she roared, knowing she would be heard from miles away as Kaya projected her booming voice further.

“Challenge the Empress of Death with honor before your Supreme Chiefs! Meet me in combat now…all of you at once, if you so dare. Bring your champions before me to crush beneath my feet!”

Tossing the microphone to the Wixum, gray flames mixed with her green, she felt invincible as one ri’bot stepped onto the podium, a smile on the Xaria’s face as his wet tongue slid under his chin.

[Warlord’s Bloodlust: 50%]

“Xaria Meji, welcome your death at the hands of a god…hahaha, not that it will be enjoyed for long.”

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