Chapter 87: What is a Sin?
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Chapter 87: What is a Sin?
Hyshana wiped her sword on the monster's fur. Turning towards the exit, she sheathed her weapon. The sand crunched under the metal of her armor, and the smoke rising from it was not only due to its high temperature.
"The thirty-fifth wave is not a walk in the park, right?"
No sooner had the new Champion emerged from the arena than a vulture was already trying to unsettle her. Sighing under her mask, she turned to one of Ishaka's subordinates.
"Your master took twenty-seven minutes to finish his fight. His wounds were so severe he almost had to be amputated. My juggernaut armor is still working, and I'm barely out of breath. I still have enough energy to challenge you to a duel."
The armor masked the subordinates expression, but Hyshana could sense his fear. The man bowed.
"I'm sorry, Champion. My words were out of place."
Hyshana swept the excuses aside with her hand. Words were useless in Hoplite society; only actions counted.
"What do you want?"
"Supreme General Ishaka requests the expertise of Champion Hyshana. If you'll follow me," he said, bowing again.
Hyshana nodded and followed the fool. His lack of courage was disappointing, but he knew she'd have killed him if he'd accepted the duel.
A few minutes later, Hyshana and her escort arrived at a heavy door. The Hoplite headquarters were inside the Colosseum. What better place for a warrior civilization?
Without waiting to be announced, Hyshana opened the door. Behind it, a vast room filled with computers, technicians and scientists awaited. The Champion moved quickly through the room, stopping regularly to return the greetings of the men and women working to improve the future of their race.
None of the hoplites here were skilled in warfare. Yet they were respected. Hyshana felt no disdain for those who had chosen the path of science. Sacrificing much of their physical training, the scientists concentrated on supporting the Hoplite soldiers. It was a noble vocation, and the Champion knew they were needed more than ever. After all, the 'threat' sent to them by the System couldn't be cut with blades.
At the far end of the room, a second door was waiting. A secretary tried to stop her, but Hyshana entered quickly. Her time was too precious to be sacrificed to bureaucracy.
"Ishaka, you wanted to see me?" she asked in a neutral voice.
Sitting behind a desk, the Supreme General looked up from a document.
"Come in, Hyshana. Thank you for coming so quickly. Please sit down," he said, pointing to a chair Hyshana had already pulled towards her.
The chair creaked under the weight of her Mecha armor, but didn't break. Hyshana didn't bother to lower her mask. Her attitude was rude, but she didn't like the general. The feeling was mutual.
After a few seconds of silence, and as Hyshana began to entertain the thought of cutting the desk in half - a way of expressing her displeasure at the wait - Ishaka spoke up.
"We think we've found Kazushi."
Hyshana gasped. A second later, the Hoplite Champion stood up abruptly, destroying the chair with her acceleration.
"Where?!"
Ishaka lowered his hands to calm the situation.
"Let's calm down. I..." The general paused. The tip of Hyshana's sword lay against his throat. The Champion had unlocked Micro at Stage 1. Ishaka was one of the most powerful hoplites, but he had no chance of escaping alive at this distance if she decided to kill him. He also knew that, despite her proud and upright nature, Hyshana could commit folly when her family's well-being was concerned.
Placing her hands firmly on her desk, Ishaka looked into the eyes of the Champion.
"I know our history has impacted our relationship, Hyshana. The scientific and protective factions' admiration for you is a thorn in my side. However, you know I'm loyal to our race. This is not an attempt at manipulation on my part. Hes your husband and our Champion. Terrible wars are coming, and we'll need him. Sit down and listen to me. Please."
Hyshana's heart rate began to drop. A second later, she slowly put away her weapon, calmed her emotions with Micro, and took another chair.
Taking a breath, she repeated her question. L1tLagoon witnessed the first publication of this chapter on Ñøv€l--B1n.
"Where?"
"A world called Elysium. One of our Prophets was able to make contact using the reward of an Achievement. Your husband was the first hoplite to pass the Impossible Tutorial. He was chosen to enter a unique and perilous world: Elysium. According to him, only Titan-class soldiers could have a chance of survival there in the long term.
Hyshana frowned at the news. Only one Hoplite in a million could qualify for the Titan class. Trained from an early age, genetically modified and cybernetically enhanced, the Titan classes were the elite. Most were already Barons, and the best were Viscounts. If this level of power was barely enough to survive...
"How is he?" she asked, trying to mask her concern.
"He's alive. I don't have any more information at the moment. However, he was able to give us another piece of information."
Ishaka must have had a reason for helping the Hoplite Champion. Kazushi's political clout was significant, and the general would normally have been delighted to 'lose' his rival.
"I'm listening."
"The resources in Elysium are exceptional. Any blade of grass can be used to craft an elixir. Certain plants, growing naturally, have the ability to boost attributes by dozens of points. The environment itself can unlock resistances," announced the general.
Hyshana nodded. The Supreme General was greedy. But if it could save her husband...
"There is more," he continued. "The environment is saturated with aether. We could save our people."
Hyshana's eyes widened. The System had introduced a deadly virus, a 'threat', which attacked and caused aether hemorrhage in hoplites who had undergone genetic manipulation. A constitution greater than two hundred was required to survive the virus.
It was obviously a trap. Exceeding two hundred in constitution triggered a Tribulation. Fortunately, the virus killed slowly. For the time being, the dead were children and the elderly. Despite this, the entire civilization was paralyzed. A trip to Elysium would solve the virus problem. After all, if the environment had more aether than a hoplite's body, he wouldn't lose his aether...
"You want to open a passageway to Elysium," asserted Hyshana. "And for that, I suppose you need me?"
Otherwise, why would he call her?
"Indeed. There is an object capable of creating a passage between Calisto and Elysium. But Kazushi has to use it."
Callisto was one of the satellites orbiting the Hoplite homeworld. It was currently home to the Hoplite Reunion.
"How do you intend to send this item to my husband?"
"The wave forty-five reward is a wish. That should be enough," smiled Ishaki.
Son of a... Hyshana forced himself to remain calm. The basilisk of the thirty-fifth wave had nearly killed her. Wave forty-five was impossible. Ishaki knew her chances of survival were slim, but he had nothing to lose. If the new Champion died, no one would be left to challenge his orders. If she succeeded, she would use her precious reward to offer him passage to a world that would change their civilization.
But that didn't matter to Hyshana. She finally had a chance to reform the most powerful Champion duo in Hoplite history. A chance to reunite with her husband.
Hyshana stood up, deep in thought. To stand a chance, she had to survive her Tribulations, then unlock Mastery. First, I need to repair my armor.
"What do you want to tell me, Dad?"
"I want to tell you that your survival is most important. However, that doesn't mean these people's lives are unimportant, right?"
"Of course!"
Alain pushed Priam back and looked him straight in the eye.
"Claire has killed many people, but that's a drop in a bucket compared to the blood that will flow today. It is not the time to find out who's responsible. It is not the time to think about that. You'll find your own answers later and act as you see fit," he smiled. "For now, find a way to kill these fucking bugs, and let us worry about saving as many people as possible."
Priam nodded before looking at his father, his stomach in knots. He had a bad feeling.
"When you talk about saving people..."
"I intend to work with the factions inside this dome. Accompany people to safety. Save those who can be saved."
Priam took a deep breath.
"You're not planning on getting to safety."
"I don't intend to put myself in danger either. The dome is full of underground tunnels, and I'm going to open passages between them and the houses. People will be able to borrow them for shelter. Louis will accompany me for protection. Mirscella will coordinate the rest of the factions, accompanied by Claire if you let her live this day."
Priam glanced at the traitor and clenched his fists. A second later, he controlled himself. The situation was exceptional and deserved exceptional decisions. Claire would live through another day. And if she tried to flee, he'd find her.
"Good. I'll leave you to deal with the situation. Thank you, Mirscella," Priam said, turning to the smiling grandmother. She knew everything but didn't seem to hate or despise him for it. His father had found loyal friends. "I'll try to find a solution to kill these insects," he continued. "Louis, take care of my father."
The old man smiled. "You can rely on me."
Priam took one last look at Claire. The young woman hadn't uttered a second sentence. Her eyes were full of defiance and anger. Deep down, Priam thought he read sadness.
Mirscella spoke up, looking at Claire.
"She will not escape, do not worry. By surviving this Tribulation, you will become the undisputed Champion of humanity. Then you will be able to condemn her in a public trial and explain the danger of the Revenants to the public. She will die then. Too many humans would be ready to join them without understanding."
Looking at Priam, she added. "You'll make enemies, but then humanity will understand your firm conviction. It's the right decision you're making here. Quick revenge would be easier, but getting to the top is never easy. You can be proud of yourself."
Priam remained silent for a moment before nodding. Claire wasn't exactly powerful, whereas Mirscella and Louis were strong enough to make his instinct notice them. If she could save a few lives before her death, why not
Priam kisses his father before descending the stairs. Down to the first floor, he pondered his next actions. His first goal was to get as many insects away from the mansion as possible. Then he'd have to kill them. Between his new skill and Domain, there had to be a possibility.
Time to hunt a Tribulation.
Status: (Average value for a Homo sapiens male before integration: PHY 10 / MEN 10 / META 0)
PHYSICAL:
Strength 173
Constitution 343
Agility 210
Vitality 339
Perception 414
MENTAL:
Vivacity 189
Dexterity 269
Memory 50
Willpower 380
Charisma 199
META:
Meta-affinity 216
Meta-focus 143
Meta-endurance 110
Meta-perception 71
Meta-chance 150
Potential: 1194
Tier 0
[He Who Eludes Death] charge: OFF. Reloaded in 20 hours 5 minutes 13 seconds
[Tribulation]: A Tribulation is coming.
Time: ???
Delayed.
Please report us if you find any errors so we can fix it asap!
Chapter 87: What is a Sin?
Hyshana wiped her sword on the monster's fur. Turning towards the exit, she sheathed her weapon. The sand crunched under the metal of her armor, and the smoke rising from it was not only due to its high temperature.
"The thirty-fifth wave is not a walk in the park, right?"
No sooner had the new Champion emerged from the arena than a vulture was already trying to unsettle her. Sighing under her mask, she turned to one of Ishaka's subordinates.
"Your master took twenty-seven minutes to finish his fight. His wounds were so severe he almost had to be amputated. My juggernaut armor is still working, and I'm barely out of breath. I still have enough energy to challenge you to a duel."
The armor masked the subordinates expression, but Hyshana could sense his fear. The man bowed.
"I'm sorry, Champion. My words were out of place."
Hyshana swept the excuses aside with her hand. Words were useless in Hoplite society; only actions counted.
"What do you want?"
"Supreme General Ishaka requests the expertise of Champion Hyshana. If you'll follow me," he said, bowing again.
Hyshana nodded and followed the fool. His lack of courage was disappointing, but he knew she'd have killed him if he'd accepted the duel.
A few minutes later, Hyshana and her escort arrived at a heavy door. The Hoplite headquarters were inside the Colosseum. What better place for a warrior civilization?
Without waiting to be announced, Hyshana opened the door. Behind it, a vast room filled with computers, technicians and scientists awaited. The Champion moved quickly through the room, stopping regularly to return the greetings of the men and women working to improve the future of their race.
None of the hoplites here were skilled in warfare. Yet they were respected. Hyshana felt no disdain for those who had chosen the path of science. Sacrificing much of their physical training, the scientists concentrated on supporting the Hoplite soldiers. It was a noble vocation, and the Champion knew they were needed more than ever. After all, the 'threat' sent to them by the System couldn't be cut with blades.
At the far end of the room, a second door was waiting. A secretary tried to stop her, but Hyshana entered quickly. Her time was too precious to be sacrificed to bureaucracy.
"Ishaka, you wanted to see me?" she asked in a neutral voice.
Sitting behind a desk, the Supreme General looked up from a document.
"Come in, Hyshana. Thank you for coming so quickly. Please sit down," he said, pointing to a chair Hyshana had already pulled towards her.
The chair creaked under the weight of her Mecha armor, but didn't break. Hyshana didn't bother to lower her mask. Her attitude was rude, but she didn't like the general. The feeling was mutual.
After a few seconds of silence, and as Hyshana began to entertain the thought of cutting the desk in half - a way of expressing her displeasure at the wait - Ishaka spoke up.
"We think we've found Kazushi."
Hyshana gasped. A second later, the Hoplite Champion stood up abruptly, destroying the chair with her acceleration.
"Where?!"
Ishaka lowered his hands to calm the situation.
"Let's calm down. I..." The general paused. The tip of Hyshana's sword lay against his throat. The Champion had unlocked Micro at Stage 1. Ishaka was one of the most powerful hoplites, but he had no chance of escaping alive at this distance if she decided to kill him. He also knew that, despite her proud and upright nature, Hyshana could commit folly when her family's well-being was concerned.
Placing her hands firmly on her desk, Ishaka looked into the eyes of the Champion.
"I know our history has impacted our relationship, Hyshana. The scientific and protective factions' admiration for you is a thorn in my side. However, you know I'm loyal to our race. This is not an attempt at manipulation on my part. Hes your husband and our Champion. Terrible wars are coming, and we'll need him. Sit down and listen to me. Please."
Hyshana's heart rate began to drop. A second later, she slowly put away her weapon, calmed her emotions with Micro, and took another chair.
Taking a breath, she repeated her question. L1tLagoon witnessed the first publication of this chapter on Ñøv€l--B1n.
"Where?"
"A world called Elysium. One of our Prophets was able to make contact using the reward of an Achievement. Your husband was the first hoplite to pass the Impossible Tutorial. He was chosen to enter a unique and perilous world: Elysium. According to him, only Titan-class soldiers could have a chance of survival there in the long term.
Hyshana frowned at the news. Only one Hoplite in a million could qualify for the Titan class. Trained from an early age, genetically modified and cybernetically enhanced, the Titan classes were the elite. Most were already Barons, and the best were Viscounts. If this level of power was barely enough to survive...
"How is he?" she asked, trying to mask her concern.
"He's alive. I don't have any more information at the moment. However, he was able to give us another piece of information."
Ishaka must have had a reason for helping the Hoplite Champion. Kazushi's political clout was significant, and the general would normally have been delighted to 'lose' his rival.
"I'm listening."
"The resources in Elysium are exceptional. Any blade of grass can be used to craft an elixir. Certain plants, growing naturally, have the ability to boost attributes by dozens of points. The environment itself can unlock resistances," announced the general.
Hyshana nodded. The Supreme General was greedy. But if it could save her husband...
"There is more," he continued. "The environment is saturated with aether. We could save our people."
Hyshana's eyes widened. The System had introduced a deadly virus, a 'threat', which attacked and caused aether hemorrhage in hoplites who had undergone genetic manipulation. A constitution greater than two hundred was required to survive the virus.
It was obviously a trap. Exceeding two hundred in constitution triggered a Tribulation. Fortunately, the virus killed slowly. For the time being, the dead were children and the elderly. Despite this, the entire civilization was paralyzed. A trip to Elysium would solve the virus problem. After all, if the environment had more aether than a hoplite's body, he wouldn't lose his aether...
"You want to open a passageway to Elysium," asserted Hyshana. "And for that, I suppose you need me?"
Otherwise, why would he call her?
"Indeed. There is an object capable of creating a passage between Calisto and Elysium. But Kazushi has to use it."
Callisto was one of the satellites orbiting the Hoplite homeworld. It was currently home to the Hoplite Reunion.
"How do you intend to send this item to my husband?"
"The wave forty-five reward is a wish. That should be enough," smiled Ishaki.
Son of a... Hyshana forced himself to remain calm. The basilisk of the thirty-fifth wave had nearly killed her. Wave forty-five was impossible. Ishaki knew her chances of survival were slim, but he had nothing to lose. If the new Champion died, no one would be left to challenge his orders. If she succeeded, she would use her precious reward to offer him passage to a world that would change their civilization.
But that didn't matter to Hyshana. She finally had a chance to reform the most powerful Champion duo in Hoplite history. A chance to reunite with her husband.
Hyshana stood up, deep in thought. To stand a chance, she had to survive her Tribulations, then unlock Mastery. First, I need to repair my armor.
"What do you want to tell me, Dad?"
"I want to tell you that your survival is most important. However, that doesn't mean these people's lives are unimportant, right?"
"Of course!"
Alain pushed Priam back and looked him straight in the eye.
"Claire has killed many people, but that's a drop in a bucket compared to the blood that will flow today. It is not the time to find out who's responsible. It is not the time to think about that. You'll find your own answers later and act as you see fit," he smiled. "For now, find a way to kill these fucking bugs, and let us worry about saving as many people as possible."
Priam nodded before looking at his father, his stomach in knots. He had a bad feeling.
"When you talk about saving people..."
"I intend to work with the factions inside this dome. Accompany people to safety. Save those who can be saved."
Priam took a deep breath.
"You're not planning on getting to safety."
"I don't intend to put myself in danger either. The dome is full of underground tunnels, and I'm going to open passages between them and the houses. People will be able to borrow them for shelter. Louis will accompany me for protection. Mirscella will coordinate the rest of the factions, accompanied by Claire if you let her live this day."
Priam glanced at the traitor and clenched his fists. A second later, he controlled himself. The situation was exceptional and deserved exceptional decisions. Claire would live through another day. And if she tried to flee, he'd find her.
"Good. I'll leave you to deal with the situation. Thank you, Mirscella," Priam said, turning to the smiling grandmother. She knew everything but didn't seem to hate or despise him for it. His father had found loyal friends. "I'll try to find a solution to kill these insects," he continued. "Louis, take care of my father."
The old man smiled. "You can rely on me."
Priam took one last look at Claire. The young woman hadn't uttered a second sentence. Her eyes were full of defiance and anger. Deep down, Priam thought he read sadness.
Mirscella spoke up, looking at Claire.
"She will not escape, do not worry. By surviving this Tribulation, you will become the undisputed Champion of humanity. Then you will be able to condemn her in a public trial and explain the danger of the Revenants to the public. She will die then. Too many humans would be ready to join them without understanding."
Looking at Priam, she added. "You'll make enemies, but then humanity will understand your firm conviction. It's the right decision you're making here. Quick revenge would be easier, but getting to the top is never easy. You can be proud of yourself."
Priam remained silent for a moment before nodding. Claire wasn't exactly powerful, whereas Mirscella and Louis were strong enough to make his instinct notice them. If she could save a few lives before her death, why not
Priam kisses his father before descending the stairs. Down to the first floor, he pondered his next actions. His first goal was to get as many insects away from the mansion as possible. Then he'd have to kill them. Between his new skill and Domain, there had to be a possibility.
Time to hunt a Tribulation.
Status: (Average value for a Homo sapiens male before integration: PHY 10 / MEN 10 / META 0)
PHYSICAL:
Strength 173
Constitution 343
Agility 210
Vitality 339
Perception 414
MENTAL:
Vivacity 189
Dexterity 269
Memory 50
Willpower 380
Charisma 199
META:
Meta-affinity 216
Meta-focus 143
Meta-endurance 110
Meta-perception 71
Meta-chance 150
Potential: 1194
Tier 0
[He Who Eludes Death] charge: OFF. Reloaded in 20 hours 5 minutes 13 seconds
[Tribulation]: A Tribulation is coming.
Time: ???
Delayed.
Chapter 87: What is a Sin?Hyshana wiped her sword on the monster's fur. Turning towards the exit, she sheathed her weapon. The sand crunched under the metal of her armor, and the smoke rising from it was not only due to its high temperature."The thirty-fifth wave is not a walk in the park, right?"No sooner had the new Champion emerged from the arena than a vulture was already trying to unsettle her. Sighing under her mask, she turned to one of Ishaka's subordinates. "Your master took twenty-seven minutes to finish his fight. His wounds were so severe he almost had to be amputated. My juggernaut armor is still working, and I'm barely out of breath. I still have enough energy to challenge you to a duel."The armor masked the subordinates expression, but Hyshana could sense his fear. The man bowed."I'm sorry, Champion. My words were out of place."Hyshana swept the excuses aside with her hand. Words were useless in Hoplite society; only actions counted."What do you want?""Supreme General Ishaka requests the expertise of Champion Hyshana. If you'll follow me," he said, bowing again.Hyshana nodded and followed the fool. His lack of courage was disappointing, but he knew she'd have killed him if he'd accepted the duel. A few minutes later, Hyshana and her escort arrived at a heavy door. The Hoplite headquarters were inside the Colosseum. What better place for a warrior civilization?Without waiting to be announced, Hyshana opened the door. Behind it, a vast room filled with computers, technicians and scientists awaited. The Champion moved quickly through the room, stopping regularly to return the greetings of the men and women working to improve the future of their race.None of the hoplites here were skilled in warfare. Yet they were respected. Hyshana felt no disdain for those who had chosen the path of science. Sacrificing much of their physical training, the scientists concentrated on supporting the Hoplite soldiers. It was a noble vocation, and the Champion knew they were needed more than ever. After all, the 'threat' sent to them by the System couldn't be cut with blades. At the far end of the room, a second door was waiting. A secretary tried to stop her, but Hyshana entered quickly. Her time was too precious to be sacrificed to bureaucracy."Ishaka, you wanted to see me?" she asked in a neutral voice.Sitting behind a desk, the Supreme General looked up from a document. "Come in, Hyshana. Thank you for coming so quickly. Please sit down," he said, pointing to a chair Hyshana had already pulled towards her.The chair creaked under the weight of her Mecha armor, but didn't break. Hyshana didn't bother to lower her mask. Her attitude was rude, but she didn't like the general. The feeling was mutual.After a few seconds of silence, and as Hyshana began to entertain the thought of cutting the desk in half - a way of expressing her displeasure at the wait - Ishaka spoke up."We think we've found Kazushi."Hyshana gasped. A second later, the Hoplite Champion stood up abruptly, destroying the chair with her acceleration."Where?!"Ishaka lowered his hands to calm the situation."Let's calm down. I..." The general paused. The tip of Hyshana's sword lay against his throat. The Champion had unlocked Micro at Stage 1. Ishaka was one of the most powerful hoplites, but he had no chance of escaping alive at this distance if she decided to kill him. He also knew that, despite her proud and upright nature, Hyshana could commit folly when her family's well-being was concerned.Placing her hands firmly on her desk, Ishaka looked into the eyes of the Champion."I know our history has impacted our relationship, Hyshana. The scientific and protective factions' admiration for you is a thorn in my side. However, you know I'm loyal to our race. This is not an attempt at manipulation on my part. Hes your husband and our Champion. Terrible wars are coming, and we'll need him. Sit down and listen to me. Please."Hyshana's heart rate began to drop. A second later, she slowly put away her weapon, calmed her emotions with Micro, and took another chair. Taking a breath, she repeated her question. L1tLagoon witnessed the first publication of this chapter on Nvl--B1n."Where?""A world called Elysium. One of our Prophets was able to make contact using the reward of an Achievement. Your husband was the first hoplite to pass the Impossible Tutorial. He was chosen to enter a unique and perilous world: Elysium. According to him, only Titan-class soldiers could have a chance of survival there in the long term.Hyshana frowned at the news. Only one Hoplite in a million could qualify for the Titan class. Trained from an early age, genetically modified and cybernetically enhanced, the Titan classes were the elite. Most were already Barons, and the best were Viscounts. If this level of power was barely enough to survive..."How is he?" she asked, trying to mask her concern. "He's alive. I don't have any more information at the moment. However, he was able to give us another piece of information."Ishaka must have had a reason for helping the Hoplite Champion. Kazushi's political clout was significant, and the general would normally have been delighted to 'lose' his rival."I'm listening." "The resources in Elysium are exceptional. Any blade of grass can be used to craft an elixir. Certain plants, growing naturally, have the ability to boost attributes by dozens of points. The environment itself can unlock resistances," announced the general.Hyshana nodded. The Supreme General was greedy. But if it could save her husband..."There is more," he continued. "The environment is saturated with aether. We could save our people."Hyshana's eyes widened. The System had introduced a deadly virus, a 'threat', which attacked and caused aether hemorrhage in hoplites who had undergone genetic manipulation. A constitution greater than two hundred was required to survive the virus. It was obviously a trap. Exceeding two hundred in constitution triggered a Tribulation. Fortunately, the virus killed slowly. For the time being, the dead were children and the elderly. Despite this, the entire civilization was paralyzed. A trip to Elysium would solve the virus problem. After all, if the environment had more aether than a hoplite's body, he wouldn't lose his aether..."You want to open a passageway to Elysium," asserted Hyshana. "And for that, I suppose you need me?"Otherwise, why would he call her?"Indeed. There is an object capable of creating a passage between Calisto and Elysium. But Kazushi has to use it."Callisto was one of the satellites orbiting the Hoplite homeworld. It was currently home to the Hoplite Reunion. "How do you intend to send this item to my husband?""The wave forty-five reward is a wish. That should be enough," smiled Ishaki.Son of a... Hyshana forced himself to remain calm. The basilisk of the thirty-fifth wave had nearly killed her. Wave forty-five was impossible. Ishaki knew her chances of survival were slim, but he had nothing to lose. If the new Champion died, no one would be left to challenge his orders. If she succeeded, she would use her precious reward to offer him passage to a world that would change their civilization.But that didn't matter to Hyshana. She finally had a chance to reform the most powerful Champion duo in Hoplite history. A chance to reunite with her husband. Hyshana stood up, deep in thought. To stand a chance, she had to survive her Tribulations, then unlock Mastery. First, I need to repair my armor. "What do you want to tell me, Dad?""I want to tell you that your survival is most important. However, that doesn't mean these people's lives are unimportant, right?""Of course!"Alain pushed Priam back and looked him straight in the eye."Claire has killed many people, but that's a drop in a bucket compared to the blood that will flow today. It is not the time to find out who's responsible. It is not the time to think about that. You'll find your own answers later and act as you see fit," he smiled. "For now, find a way to kill these fucking bugs, and let us worry about saving as many people as possible."Priam nodded before looking at his father, his stomach in knots. He had a bad feeling. "When you talk about saving people...""I intend to work with the factions inside this dome. Accompany people to safety. Save those who can be saved."Priam took a deep breath."You're not planning on getting to safety.""I don't intend to put myself in danger either. The dome is full of underground tunnels, and I'm going to open passages between them and the houses. People will be able to borrow them for shelter. Louis will accompany me for protection. Mirscella will coordinate the rest of the factions, accompanied by Claire if you let her live this day."Priam glanced at the traitor and clenched his fists. A second later, he controlled himself. The situation was exceptional and deserved exceptional decisions. Claire would live through another day. And if she tried to flee, he'd find her. "Good. I'll leave you to deal with the situation. Thank you, Mirscella," Priam said, turning to the smiling grandmother. She knew everything but didn't seem to hate or despise him for it. His father had found loyal friends. "I'll try to find a solution to kill these insects," he continued. "Louis, take care of my father."The old man smiled. "You can rely on me."Priam took one last look at Claire. The young woman hadn't uttered a second sentence. Her eyes were full of defiance and anger. Deep down, Priam thought he read sadness.Mirscella spoke up, looking at Claire."She will not escape, do not worry. By surviving this Tribulation, you will become the undisputed Champion of humanity. Then you will be able to condemn her in a public trial and explain the danger of the Revenants to the public. She will die then. Too many humans would be ready to join them without understanding."Looking at Priam, she added. "You'll make enemies, but then humanity will understand your firm conviction. It's the right decision you're making here. Quick revenge would be easier, but getting to the top is never easy. You can be proud of yourself."Priam remained silent for a moment before nodding. Claire wasn't exactly powerful, whereas Mirscella and Louis were strong enough to make his instinct notice them. If she could save a few lives before her death, why notPriam kisses his father before descending the stairs. Down to the first floor, he pondered his next actions. His first goal was to get as many insects away from the mansion as possible. Then he'd have to kill them. Between his new skill and Domain, there had to be a possibility.Time to hunt a Tribulation.Status: Average value for a Homo sapiens male before integration: PHY 10 / MEN 10 / META 0PHYSICAL:Strength 173 Constitution 343 Agility 210 Vitality 339 Perception 414 MENTAL:Vivacity 189 Dexterity 269 Memory 50 Willpower 380 Charisma 199META:Meta-affinity 216 Meta-focus 143 Meta-endurance 110Meta-perception 71Meta-chance 150Potential: 1194Tier 0He Who Eludes Death charge: OFF. Reloaded in 20 hours 5 minutes 13 secondsTribulation: A Tribulation is coming.Time: ???Delayed.
