Chapter 162
<em>Raise</em>
Sensing their presence, Ungus swiftly grabbed the two axes by his feet and held them in his hands. Without hesitation, he sprinted toward Seol and Jamad, who were at the vanguard.
His movements were instinctual and instant.
However, Seol and Jamad were able to respond in kind.
Thentern behind Seol lit up, breaking into fragments before wrapping around Seol''s hands.
<em>Fwirl!</em>
<em>Crackle!</em>
[You enter the Night Crow form with Shaman Jamad, the Volcanic.]
[You absorb Jamad, the Volcanics stats.]
[Your ss is changed to Fighter.]
<em>CLAAAAAANG!</em>
Before Ungus could even swing his axe, Jamad caught his wrists.
<em>Creak</em>
"You''ve got quite a sear on you, don''t you? Ambika must have taken extra care of you,ughed Jamad.
<em>Creaaak</em>
Ungus drooled over himself as his grip on the axes tightened. Jamad, observing in the Night Crow form, watched Ungus with concerned eyes.
Im sorry for keeping you waiting for so long. I heard you''ve been waiting for me."
Jamad couldn''t help but reminisce about their past after seeing Ungus utterly devoid of reason.
It was a memory from their childhood.
<em>- Why are you ck?</em>
<em>- They told me that being ck means youre strong.</em>
<em>- But Im strong and not ck?</em>
<em>- Thats weird? No, I bet youll turn ckter too.</em>
Jamadughed.
"Haha... Yeah, you were right, Ungus. I turned ck too.
Krrrrrr.
<em>Craaackle!</em>
[Ungus, the ck, used Lightning Shamanic Spell: Lightning Devil.]
[For a short while, all attacks discharge a small amount of electricity.]
Kraaaaaaaah!
Ungus swung his axes at Jamad.
<em>aang!</em>
<em>Craaaaackle!</em>
[Jamad used Volcano Armor.]
<em>Rumble!</em>
Jamad defended against the attack with a fieryyer of rocks that shielded his skin. And of course, he followed it up with a counterattack.
<em>Fwoosh</em>
<em>BAAAAAAAAM!</em>
Krghhhh
Jamad struck precisely at Unguss abdomen, sending Ungus off into therge tree.
<em>Crackle</em>
The tree slightly cracked from the impact.
Let me help you rest now.
Krrrr
In the past, there was an event in the Troll Tribe Alliance that brought together children who were likely to lead the next generation.
It was during a Great Tribe Meeting, a fairly frequent urrence at the time. Back then, Jamad was just a child with ambitions greater than he was ready for.
<em>- I will be king.</em>
<em>- What?</em>
<em>- I will be king and free the trolls from the Old Gods.</em>
<em>- Bwahahaha! What a psycho. Ungus, lets just go.</em>
<em>- He must be out of his mind</em>
Jamad stood out as the most unique among the five brothers of the Rock Mr Tribe.
Not only that, he distinguished himself from all of them.
However, the other sessors of the different tribes scoffed at his ideas.
<em>- Lets go, Ungus.</em>
Back then, Ung tightly gripped Unguss arms to pull him away. However, Ungus instead approached Jamad and asked a simple question.
<em>- How?</em>
<em>- What?</em>
<em>- How are you going to do it?</em>
Ungus was the only troll who had asked Jamad how he would achieve his ambitions.
Let me answer you that question now, Ungus.
Ungus also had grand dreams like Jamad.
But now, he faced Jamad while channeling lightning through his axes.
<em>Pitter Patter</em>
<em>Pour</em>
As the rain grew heavier, Ungus stood up from the tree.
Krrrr.
His body shone with light.
<em>Glooow!</em>
[Ungus, the ck, used Lightning Shamanic Spell: Lightning Fast.]
[In exchange for greatly increasing your speed, leave afterimages trailing behind.]
<em>Fwip!</em>
Though Ungus had lost his mind after being cursed, his skills were still the same. Suddenly, Unguspletely vanished from Jamad''s sight.
<em>Fwip</em>
Despite the hignds filling with Ungus''s afterimages, Jamad remained steadfast and focused on Unguss presence.
In a sh, Ungus appeared before Jamad.
<em>BAAAM!</em>
But his attack was effortlessly blocked.
<em>Fsssss</em>
Jamad slowly began to radiate an immense amount of heat.
And so Die here, said Jamad.
<em>Craaackle!</em>
Where I can see you.
* * *
As Jamad continued his battle with Ungus, Seol looked through Unguss information.
[[Ungus, the ck]
Rank: Legendary
Estimated Level: 26~37
Ungus, the hero of the ck Thunder Tribe.
Ungus, born with the power of lightning within him, was destined to be the true chief of the ck Thunder Tribe. However, unexpectedly, he chose to wield those same powers to challenge Ambika, the primal god of lightning and the origin of his abilities.
After his defeat to Ambika, his soul became tethered to the Thunder Hignds.
The only way to free him from this curse is death. However, it will not be so simple.
Basic Skills: [Unknown 2], [Lightning Fast 3], [Lightning Devil 4], [Unknown 3], [Unknown 2], [Unknown 2], [Unknown 3], [Unknown 1], [Unknown 1], [Unknown 2], [Unknown 3]
Unique Skills: [Unknown 2], [Unknown 3]]
For now, Seol gave Jamad full control of his body and only watched from the sidelines.
A Legendary-rank shaman Is this the first after Magra?
Back then, even the mere sight of Magra filled Seol with a sense of worry that seared him to his core.
But now, even in the presence of another Legendary-rank shaman, perhaps even stronger than Magra, that same sense of worry never came.
Did I grow?
It was likely because Seol had grown unbelievably since then. Not to mention, when he first met Magra, Seol was barely around level 20.
It has been a while since then.
And now... it was time to see the difference.
Though it might be more urate to say that Jamad will be the one doing it.
After all, Jamad was controlling his body right now.
<em>Fwip!</em>
<em>Craaackle!</em>
[Ungus, the ck, used Lightning Shamanic Spell: Maic Field.]
[The casters surroundings crackle with electricity.]
[Lightning skills be much more potent.]
...Itsing!
<em>Stter!</em>
<em>Fwoosh!</em>
An axe grazed Jamad''s face.
Jamad twisted his body to avoid the attack, then retaliated with a kick.
<em>Crack!</em>
Itnded on Unguss chin.
Krggg
Jamad used this momentum to continue his offense.
[Debauchee''s Movements activates.]
[Dodge rate increases by 10%. uracy increases by 5%.]
Jamads left hand moved quickly to unleash another attack as Ungus defended it with his axe.
No, thats a feint.
Jamad quickly shifted his stance then used a skill.
[You used Kick the Sky, Kick the Ground.]
[One of two skills will activate.]
<em>Fwirl</em>
Ungus leaped back in response to the unpredictable attack, but it was already toote. Jamad''s strike dipped down, targeting his lower body.
Jamad''s foot moved almost like a snake, twisting and coiling downward.
<em>BAAAAAAM!</em>
Kahhhhhh!
<em>Wobble</em>
For a moment, it appeared as if Ungus''s leg hadpletely given out.
Krgh!
<em>Crackle!</em>
The energy surrounding Ungus changed once more.
It seemed like hisbat instincts had finallye back to life.
[Ungus, the ck, used Thunder Shamanic Spell: Crash.]
[The casters surroundings bepletely silent for a second.]
[The target is afflicted with Abnormal Status: Dizziness.]
<em>CRAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAASH!</em>
<em>Riiiiiiiiiiing</em>
As a painful, high-pitched screech filled Seols ears, Ungus charged in once more.
[Ungus, the ck, used Thunderbolt Shamanic Spell: Lightning Bolt.]
[Upon collision with the caster, the target is dealt with immense lightning damage.]
<em>Craaaaaackle!</em>
An orb of lightning began charging toward the ck shadow.
Th-thats!
Watch out!
The trolls of the ck Thunder Tribe turned pale, while the members of the Alcatron expedition party continued to nervously bite their nails.
Ungus was nothing more than a monster that ceaselessly shot off bolts of lightning.
Even Ung, the chief of the ck Thunder Tribe, found himself quietly muttering under his breath.
"Jamad... Please confront the truth... Is this truly the future you desired...? My older brother, he..."
Ung trailed off as he gritted his teeth, unable to finish his words.
Each time heid eyes on them, Ung''s mind would be flooded with memories from their past, stirring up a whirlwind of emotions within him.
<em>- Alright, Ill be the king.</em>
<em>- Then Ill be the general. What about you, Ung?</em>
<em>- Whats even left?</em>
<em>- The generals right-hand man.</em>
<em>- What kind of pointless title is that?</em>
<em>- Its something that I just came up with.</em>
<em>- I dont want to do it!</em>
<em>- Watch your words! Because of your actions just now, you have been demoted to left-hand man.</em>
<em>Craaaaackle!</em>
<em>BOOOOOOOM!</em>
Ung couldnt think after seeing the massive explosion.
As the bolt of lightning shed, it felt as if the entire Thunder Hignds was trembling.
<em>Rumble</em>
<em>Rumble</em>
No!
Snowman!
None of the onlookers believed that Seol would emerge unscathed after being at the epicenter of such a massive explosion.
However
<em>Bam! Fwip!</em>
<em>Bam! Bam! Fwip! Turn!</em>
Their melee continued.
<em>Crack</em>
It appeared as if the Volcano Armor had absorbed most of the impact, as remnants of it fluttered about.
W-We should help
Frannan shook his head before Chameli could continue.
No, just watch.
<em>Bam! Bam! Fwip! Bam!</em>
Seol was the one unleashing an onught of attacks at Ungus, while Ungus was mostly busy just trying to run away.
Hes overwhelming him
Th-that must be Snowmans real strength!
So there was a reason Frannan epted someone like him as his disciple!
A few magicians and members of the Artifact Association were in awe of Seols skills.
Frannan nodded along.
Ive heard about some exceptional transferees as well, but this ones aplete monster.
<em>Kick!</em>
Krgh
<em>Baaam!</em>
Bwrgh
While Seol remainedpletely expressionless during the fight against Ungus, inwardly, Jamad''s face contorted more with each passing moment of the prolonged battle.
Jamad let out a painful roar.
Ahhhhhhhhh!
<em>- Ungus, dont you think its unfair?</em>
Even at a young age, Jamad was disillusioned with the world. Ungus, intrigued by that side of Jamad, was drawn toward him.
<em>- What do you mean by it?</em>
<em>- The fact that the blood that flows through our bodies is not our own.</em>
<em>- </em>
<em>- In exchange for power, the Old Gods have cursed us with barbarism, forcing us into servitude. Weve been stripped of intelligence. Were only driven by instinct.</em>
<em>- But even if its unfair its not like we can change it.</em>
The young Jamad was an ambitious daredevil.
<em>- We can change it, without a doubt. I will rise up to shake the world and turn it on its head. Watch me, Ungus. You''re the only troll I''ve confided in about this.</em>
Ungus had a shocked look on his face.
<em>- Woah but I dont want to.</em>
<em>- What?</em>
<em>- If youre going to rise up, Im going to rise up too.</em>
<em>- </em>
The young Ungus pounded his chest with a fist, revealing his own ambitions to Jamad as well.
<em>- A warriors blood flows through this great Unguss veins! I don''t need thunder or lightning. I can fight whenever and wherever, as long as I have my heart. I will help you!</em>
<em>Pouuuuur</em>
The downpour only intensified the horror of the fight.
As Jamad regained his senses, he saw Ungus, who wobbled unsteadily after enduring a brutal beating.
Ungus, why why did you end up like this Why did you have to challenge Ambika?
<em>Fwoosh</em>
<em>Baaam!</em>
Ungus weakly swung his arm at Jamad.
Krgh
Jamad epted the attack and returned one in kind.
<em>BAAAAAAAM!</em>
Kraaaah
<em>BAM!</em>
Urgh
While Seol initially believed he had caught up to Jamad''s experience, in the end, he realized that their fighting styles werepletely different.
Seol focused on a perfect fight, allowing no attacks tond on him.
He minimized the amount of damage he took and focused strongly on counters and openings.
Meanwhile, Jamad freely sacrificed his flesh if it meant he could break their bones.
It was such an aggressive style that describing it as even shattering would be apt.
And likely because of that, Ungus turnedpletely defensive, unable to retaliate at all.
Jamad continued his storm of attacks, overwhelming Ungus.
Hahhhhhhhhh!
<em>sh!</em>
Ungus, realizing that as well, prepared the final card up his sleeve.
[Ungus, the ck, used Lightning Shamanic Spell: Thunder Deers Descent.]
[Unguss physical stats and shamanic powers drastically increase.]
[Unguss lightning energy is enhanced and turns ck.]
<em>Craaaaackle!</em>
ck lightning swirled around Unguss body.
Ungus then abandoned his axe and attempted to attack Jamad with his bare fists.
<em>Craaaackle!</em>
<em>Rumble!</em>
With each swing of his fist, ck lightning surged forth.
Ungus''s appearance had transformed to the extent that it bore a resemnce to Ambika, the primal god of lightning.
He grewrge antlers, ferocious fangs, and bulging muscles.
However, all of it was pointless.
Jamad, with Seol in the Night Crow form, was too strong.
God damn it!
<em>Craaakle</em>
<em>BAAAAM!</em>
Arghhh
Overwhelming.
Jamad''s fists pierced through Ungus''s stomach, emerging on the other side.
"He... He won..."
"U-Ungus!"
The nervous onlookers seized the opportunity to draw closer to Ungus and Jamad.
<em>Crackle</em>
<em>Thud</em>
Ungus lowered his arms, as if attempting to pull out Jamad''s fist from his stomach, butcked the strength to do so. All he could manage was to rest his arms on it.
Though Jamads victory was decided, he was in pain.
Why Why did you challenge Ambika
...you?
A quiet whisper escaped Unguss lips. The voice was different from before. It was clear and strong.
That voice is that you Jamad?
U-Ungus?
How are you alive?
I died. I died and became a shadow. All to achieve my ambition.
Bwahahaha You crazy bastard Youve died, and youre still going on about that.
Unguss eyes were drifting away.
They were clouded, as if he was looking into another world entirely.
...Why did you challenge Ambika?
Ambika is strong. I couldnt even reach him once pffft What did I expect?
Tell me! Why did you
Because I thought I would be scared
......
I was worried that without you I would be scared
Ungus.
Ambika was a monster, though, Jamad. Why didnt you tell me that earlier, haha
Ungus gathered strength into his arms. It was clear he wouldnt recover, he was just squeezing out everyst drop of strength he had left.
Come with me, Ungus.
You want me to be a shadow? Dont make meugh
Ungus forced out an expression.
He was clearly trying to send off his friend with a smile.
I was cursed by Ambika. My soul cannot be revived.
Then
Ungus wasnt the only one in pain, though. Jamad forced out each and every word through his gritted teeth, his voice trembling.
If you cante with me I will take your strength.
Ah that was an option too, right.
Do you dislike it?
Not at all Take my strength.
......
<em>Slide</em>
Jamad''s arm was pulled out of Ungus''s body, but it wasn''t an action taken by Jamad himself. Ungus pulled it out on his own.
Khhrgh Haah
Ungus
Ungus stumbled for a second before taking a stance.
<em>Raise</em>
He raised both his arms.
Jamad, you have the right.
Though blood ceaselessly poured out of his mouth, he did not stop his lips.
Make sure, no matter what to achieve your ambition.
Thats where youre wrong.
......
Its our ambition.
Ungus gave a big smile.
Im going to go now.
Farewell.
<em>aare!</em>
[You have changed to the Volcano Stance.]
[All attacks will spread mes.]
[An explosion will ur at the impact point of each attack.]
[Passive: Moving mes is applied.]
[Passive: Heat and Warmth is applied.]
<em>Ripple!</em>
[You used Night Crow: Iron Fist Rule.]
[Passive: Moving mes is applied.]
[Passive: Heat and Warmth is applied.]
Seols massive right armpletely swept Ungus away.
<em>BAAAAAAAAM!</em>
But he didnt stop there, his attack even reached therge tree of the hignds.
<em>CRAAAAAASH!</em>
The tree uprooted from the impact and flew off.
Th-the tree flew away.
No way
Those who witnessed the being embodying both Snowman and Jamad were struck with awe.
[Your mana is currently below 5%]
[You have mana deficiency.]
[Your mana recovery rate is reduced by 50% for 5 minutes.]
[You have overused your mana all at once.]
[You are afflicted by Abnormal Status: Dizziness for a day.]
[The cooldowns for your skills are increased by 10%.]
The mana deficiency that always followed.
And
[You have defeated Ungus, the ck.]
[You have received the ck Thunder Tribes favor as a reward.]
[You may now use the path to Alcatron from the Wet Fog Hills.]
"Wait for me there, Ungus."
Jamad lumbered over to the tattered Unguss corpse and ced his hand on it.
<em>Craaaaaackle!</em>
Lightning poured out, apanied by immense pain, enveloping Jamad.
"Soon, I''ll send Ambika there too."
<em>Craaaaackle!</em>
With your strength.
Countless messages entered Seols vision.
[Jamad absorbs Unguss shamanic spells.]
A yellow lightning flickering with ck light tore through Jamad.