Over the next period of time, the warriors of the Children of Echoes received an especially "enthusiastic welcome," their cries and cheers echoing nonstop.
After the trial ended, they all agreed on one thing,
The defense turrets were terrifyingly powerful.
With these in place, eliminating Abyssal Monsters would become far easier.
At the same time, each of them silently swore never to provoke the Lord Pyro Archon.
Otherwise, they would have to experience Natlan's "passion" all over again.
"This was only an increase in power, not speed," Caelus said calmly. "Once it switches to true Enemy Annihilation Mode, the firing speed will increase severalfold."
The warriors of the Children of Echoes collectively inhaled sharply.
Even at this reduced firing speed, many of them had failed to last long.
At full speed, there would likely be very few people in all of Natlan capable of dodging the fireballs.
"With defense turrets like this, we won't have to fear sudden Abyssal Monster invasions."
Abyssal Monsters attacked the various Tribes from time to time, which was why each Tribe maintained constant patrols and sentries.
Even so, the suddenness of these assaults often led to unavoidable casualties.
But with defense turrets providing support, casualties could be drastically reduced, perhaps even eliminated entirely.
"Has everyone here tried it?" Caelus asked, scanning the assembled warriors.
To be honest, he was quite satisfied with their performance.
Aside from Traco, who lost in record time nearly every round,bthe others managed to endure the barrage for a respectable duration. That alone was commendable.
If defense turrets were deployed across all Six Great Tribes and the warriors trained regularly, Natlan's overall combat strength would undoubtedly rise to a new level.
Just as Caelus assumed everyone had taken their turn, a timid voice spoke up.
"I… I haven't tried yet."
He turned toward the source.
A small girl with light gray hair and gloves raised her hand.
"Kachina?"
Kachina was also a warrior of the Children of Echoes.
She hadn't been present earlier; she must have noticed the commotion while passing by and decided to join.
However…
Caelus noticed the hesitation in her eyes.
He and Kachina were well acquainted. Her physical strength was exceptional no weaker than Mualani's.
But because she lacked confidence, she could never fully unleash her true potential. As a result, her rankings in the Holy Night of the Return of Fire had never been impressive.
"Kachina, you really should practice more."
One of her former teammates from the Holy Night blurted out, "If you get stronger, then next time when you participate in the Sacred, I mean, when fighting Abyssal Monsters, you'll perform better."
He had almost mentioned the Holy Night of the Return of Fire outright, but remembering Caelus was standing right there, he hurriedly corrected himself.
Recently, people across Natlan had been quietly discussing reinstating the Holy Night. Many Tribes were secretly preparing to compete.
If the Pyro Archon interfered now, all their preparations would be wasted.
Of course, Caelus had known about this for a long time.
He simply chose not to interfere, for now, it helped generate Emotion Points.
"Mm…"
"I'll train hard."
Encouraged, Kachina nodded and jogged over, stopping in front of Caelus.
"Lord Pyro Archon, please grant me a shield."
However, Caelus did not immediately comply.
"Kachina," he said, folding his arms and meeting her gaze directly, "you're afraid."
She blinked in surprise.
"I… am?"
"Lord Pyro Archon, she must be scared after watching us get blasted like that," one female warrior laughed.
Then she bent down and whispered softly to Kachina, "But you'll have to fight Abyssal Monsters in the future. Getting used to facing something frightening now will help you win honor later."
"So be brave."
"Mm…"
Kachina nodded again.
But the tension in her brows remained.
"I didn't say she was afraid of the turret," Caelus corrected gently. "She's afraid of failing to perform at her true level. Afraid of disappointing everyone."
Silence fell.
The warriors of the Children of Echoes were stunned.
Kachina herself froze.
Because he was right.
"Kachina," Caelus continued, "I've known you for a long time."
"Your strength is among Natlan's finest. What you lack isn't power, it's the conviction to believe in yourself."
Overwhelmed, Kachina flustered and waved her hands.
"Lord Pyro Archon, you overpraise me. I'm not that amazing."
"Even if you don't believe in yourself," Caelus said lightly, "do you doubt the judgment of the Pyro Archon?"
Kachina was rendered speechless.
The Great Spirit had bestowed upon her an ancient name.
And the Pyro Archon acknowledged her strength.
If she truly lacked ability, would she have received recognition from both?
"Kachina," Caelus added quietly, "the hymn of humanity is the hymn of courage."
"You already possess the courage to face Abyssal Monsters."
"So what could possibly extinguish the fire in your heart?"
Fire.
Courage.
Her pupils trembled slightly.
Her gloved hands slowly clenched into fists.
Then,
A spark of determination ignited in her eyes.
"Lord Pyro Archon," she said, voice steady now, "I may not fully understand your words… but I want to take the test."
A confident smile replaced her earlier hesitation.
"I wish you success."
Caelus raised his hand and placed the Pyro shield upon her.
He watched as she walked toward the defense turret.
"Lord Pyro Archon, is this really alright?" Xilonen asked softly, concern lingering in her voice.
"Don't worry," Caelus replied with calm assurance. "With Kachina's agility, she'll dodge every fireball beautifully."
After all
Having known her for so long…
Having guided her personally…
Caelus could say with certainty
No one understood Kachina better than he did.
...
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