Tutorial Battle at a Critical Juncture
In the continent of Shangri-La Frontier, there lies an area called the Vast Azure Sacred Land, a mountain range piercing the heavens.
The higher one climbs toward the azure sky, the more powerful monsters block the path. Pioneers hone their skills here, striving to reach the ultimate frontier.
Yet, at the summit, no monsters dare approach. They know the one who reigns there—a dragon, the only being worthy of the title "King" among dragons.
Named Ziegwurm the Sky Tyrant, one of the seven strongest unique species, a golden dragon. Now, he rests his wings at this peak, awaiting a challenger bold enough to face him.
"!… What's this!?"
Ziegwurm sensed a presence like his own, yet distinct.
"Kukuku…! Hahaha!! So, it has finally awakened! Under a hero soaring the azure sky, the 'great legacy' modeled after me!"
The Dragon King rose, spreading his golden four wings wide, their membranes gleaming, filling the summit with radiant light.
"A mere fragment, yet a grand step! Thus, I, Ziegwurm, shall see with my own eyes the one who inherits the dream!"
The Sky Tyrant flapped his wings, his massive form lifting. His gaze fixed on the place where his presence stirred.
Ziegwurm moved toward one destination: the Verdant Sea Cavern's Imperial Trees.
"Let's go, Radiant Solreia!"
Awakened from eternal slumber by the fused attack of Tyranid Giraffe and Kaiserion Caucasus, the Radiant Solreia—a Legacy Weapon gauntlet—gleamed. Its golden claws and drills shone, energy fully charged. Pepper believed it could now deal damage, but a problem arose.
(What do I do? I don't know how to use Radiant Solreia! How do I fly!?)
A relic from a bygone era, activated without a manual, left Pepper clueless. But help came unexpectedly.
"Hero, we shall teach you… how to use Radiant Solreia!"
"The wings are woven… It is our duty to push you forward!"
The two Insect Emperors, previously airborne, landed and spoke to Pepper.
"Please, teach me!"
Pepper's reply was instant. Tyranid Giraffe and Kaiserion Caucasus exchanged glances, then began instructing the hero who wove the wings.
"Legacy Weapons draw power from the wielder's 'Words of Spirit,' manifesting their abilities."
"Radiant Solreia, of the Radiant series, unleashes its power through the words 'Charge' and 'Flight.'"
Each Legacy Weapon has a key phrase to unlock its power. For Radiant Solreia, it requires Charging energy for flight and the act of Flight itself.
"First, say to Radiant Solreia: 'Charge up!' and 'Fly up!'"
"Then, synchronize with 'walking,' 'running,' or 'wind' or 'thunder' attacks, and kick!"
"When energy is stored, Radiant Solreia will soar!"
Though broken, their explanation was clear. Pepper bowed deeply. "Thank you!"
Facing Radiant Solreia, Pepper declared, "Fly up!"
At those words, aurora-like wings unfolded from the gauntlet's white wing modules, and boosters activated beneath their feet. Pepper's body lifted, gradually floating into the sky.
"Whoa!? I'm flying…! For real!?"
Moving their feet adjusted altitude; forward or backward motion shifted direction. Fine energy control enabled variable maneuvers, sparking endless possibilities in Pepper's mind.
"This is amazing…! She created this technology to fulfill the dream of flight!"
Dreams are a driving force, rivaling motivation. To achieve them, people tirelessly strive, explore possibilities, and turn fantasies into reality.
"First, adapt to its power!"
"Once mastered, proceed to combat!"
Like an action game's tutorial mode, combat paused until Pepper adjusted to the controls.
Time was plentiful, but a concern lingered: being seen. Flight is a colossal advantage in any game. In an FPS, a player gaining flight could snipe from above, dominating with superior intel—a factor deciding victory since ancient times.
Misjudge this, and even a masterpiece game could turn into garbage.
"…Tch, pointless thoughts."
Pepper's mind veered to the trivial. Flight was incredible, a monopoly for now, but exposure was inevitable.
Overthinking was fine, but it wasn't fun. Why play games?
"To enjoy life, to enjoy the game! That's reason enough!"
If discovered, so be it! Let Pencilgon handle the fallout—she'd likely manage! Probably!
"I'm getting the hang of movement and output control…! It's like my legs, bracing in midair!"
Using Radiant Solreia revealed key details. First, a full charge allowed 10 minutes of continuous flight, confirmed via timer. Without energy sources, this limit guided usage.
Second, energy accumulated faster through kicking attacks, parrying, or absorbing wind or thunder attacks, compared to walking or running. However, the Emperors warned that absorption was ineffective against armor-piercing abilities.
Lastly, Legacy Weapons, including Radiant Solreia, had a special move called Exceed Charge, to be taught after dealing sufficient damage in combat, they teased.
"A special move too? Radiant Solreia's got my full attention!"
Tutorial complete, warnings noted. Pepper slapped their cheeks, psyching up for the showdown.
"I'm ready! Let's do this, Emperors!"
"Very well!"
"The battle begins!"
Three valiant figures soared skyward. The fight commenced.
From the grass, Aitoir, the black Fatal Rabbit, watched, ready to pass this tale to posterity.
Further back, Laser Marlin, the blue mage, observed the battle from the trees' shadows.
The Hero Soars to the Azure Sky, Witnessed by the Radiant Marlin
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