Chapter 241: Chapter 241 - Into the Stormlands
The Nimbus Carriage streaked toward the outermost jagged peaks of the storm-choked landscape. Even from here, thunder rolled like war drums, lightning clashed in relentless bursts, and the tempest’s howl drowned out even the crackle of the Nimbus itself.
Atlas clenched his fists, bracing, then pulled open the carriage door. It was heavier than usual, the gale slamming against it with brutal force. He leapt out, the others following close behind, boots striking the soaked ground. With a flick of his hand, he recalled the Nimbus Carriage back into his inventory.
What met his eyes was a chaos of nature unleashed. Great cyclones spun across the land. Two, three, four vast funnels twisting like hungry beasts eager to swallow anything in reach. Lightning rained in wild arcs, slamming into the shattered landscape again and again, carving the ground with each strike.
"How does a place like this even exist in the lower lands?"
Conditions this extreme weren’t supposed to exist on solid ground. They belonged up in the floating islands.
The air was sharp with cold, thick with water vapor. Winds slammed into them with such force that their clothes were instantly soaked, skin chilled to the bone. And this was only the fringe, the very edge of the stormfields. Beyond stretched an expanse of endless jagged spires, a labyrinth hammered ceaselessly by nature’s fury.
"Phew... the storm is so wild," Serenith piped up. "I think this will be a very fun vacation."
Atlas couldn’t help but smirk, some of the tension easing from his shoulders at her innocent remark.
One thing Atlas noted about this place, and which he immediately shared with Kurogasa standing to his right instead of Edrik, was how much harsher it felt than the last class quest zone.
"In the previous task we were in a similar area, only much milder," he said, then fell silent for a moment. "Lightning struck the ground repeatedly back then. The worst of it only hit the area around me, and even that packed a serious punch."
He frowned. "I have a Rank-A item, the Stormcaller’s Amulet, that can call down lightning. But there is a difference between natural lightning and the lightning born of mana manipulation, like the bolts that come from my Wavebreaker Spear."
He hesitated, then looked to Kurogasa. "If I get struck directly by lightning here, will I survive?"
Kurogasa paused, bowed once to Atlas, and answered carefully. "My lord, the class you chose is exceptional. Even though it granted you powerful skills, this third quest introduces dangers far greater than before. This is only the level-50 advancement. There are further heights beyond it. Here you begin a transfer into something more perilous."
Atlas narrowed his eyes. "So I must be struck by lightning directly to complete the quest perfectly?"
"Are you truly willing to walk such a hard path to pursue it?" Kurogasa asked in return.
Atlas shook his head, not because he refused but because he needed clarity. "No. I mean. Will I survive being hit by lightning directly?"
Kurogasa did not answer immediately. Lyrassa, standing nearby, wore an expression of obvious concern.
"Surviving does not mean you will be unhurt," Kurogasa finally said.
Atlas let out a slow, crooked grin. "If the consequence is only damage, pain, or being out for a few days, and I do not die, I can endure it. This is insane, I know. I have gone through insane things before. But death from a failed trial is final. I will take this on only if I can make it through with my current condition."
Kurogasa remained silent for a beat longer before finally speaking.
"The effect of lightning that strong could be fatal, my lord. Yet... recovery isn’t impossible, if you can endure it. But I believe it will demand Lyrassa’s support above all else."
Atlas let out a short breath, the corner of his lips curving faintly. "Edrik already gave me a clue about that. So, as long as there’s a way through, I’ll take it. As long as my body survives. Even broken or scarred, that’s still better than dying." His gaze shifted toward Lyrassa.
She met his eyes with a gentle smile, then nodded firmly. "My lord, I am here to ensure you come through safely."
"Thanks, Lyrassa."
Atlas’s eyes shifted back to the jagged peaks stretching far into the distance. Beyond them lay the very heart of the storm. Lightning crashing in endless fury. That was where he needed to go. To endure it, to wield his elements against the raw chaos of nature itself, and to emerge with the new skills promised by this quest.
He had already summoned his Wavebreaker Spear, his armor secured tight against the raging winds. For a moment, he considered merging with Zefyros to gain an edge. But he knew the truth, relying on borrowed strength would only diminish the reward the system intended for him. With a hard breath, he discarded the thought.
There was also the option of facing the storm bare-chested, as he had in the past. But Kurogasa had warned him that this was unnecessary. So long as he pushed toward the quest objective, the result would stand.
Serenith stepped closer and gave a respectful salute. "I will always be ready to catch you if the storm throws you, my lord. Twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week. I’ll make sure you don’t crash into the ground too hard."
Atlas chuckled faintly. "Thanks, Sera."
This would likely take longer than he had anticipated. But he had no regrets. Edrik was holding the reins of Gacha Haven in his stead, with the island growing stronger every day. Morganna was nearing level 100, Milo had already secured his first upgrade, the army had swelled with new recruits, and the Soulbinding Armor now equipped his most vital fighters.
Even if the Lord Battle season began tomorrow, Gacha Haven was no longer weak.
He tightened his grip on the spear, planting his feet with resolve.
Atlas centered himself, drawing his awareness inward until he could feel the elemental particles saturating the storm-heavy air. Even with his eyes open, the threads of power revealed themselves to him. Raw earth beneath his feet, air swirling like blades, water clinging thick in the mist, and lightning dancing everywhere like restless serpents.
He channeled earth through his legs, grounding his body. It steadied him against the violent winds and anchored his weight so he wouldn’t be thrown off balance.
"I’ll face the storm first. Get used to the whirlwinds and the force of the winds. Luckily, the lightning rain is concentrated in a different area. Once I’ve adapted to the storm, then I’ll welcome the lightning." He grinned.
With a spin of his spear, he pulled both water and air into a sheath around him, weaving them into a natural barrier. A living shield. Air to soften impacts, water to absorb the force. With this, he could blunt the worst of the storm’s strikes while keeping his body intact.
The path forward stretched in jagged leaps. Each peak stood apart, the gaps wide enough that a normal jump would mean certain death. He could use the Mountain Leaper Bands, but he decided to discard those items for this quest.
Atlas’s lips curled into a grin.
[Epic Skill – Lightning Step (Active) Lv. 6 Activated!]
Golden lightning crackled violently around him, wrapping his frame until his whole body thrummed with energy. At level six, the skill had grown sharper, cleaner. The lightning flowed into him naturally, boosting both speed and efficiency, letting him hold the charge longer than ever before.
In an instant, his body surged forward. His boots hit the edge of the peak! He launched himself.
The world blurred. For a heartbeat, he was airborne, weightless, then lightning propelled him further. His feet slammed into the next jagged summit. He didn’t stop.
Again, he sprinted, the skill still alive in his veins. Another leap, another flash. Peaks passed beneath him like stepping-stones.
Then, mid-stride, the lightning flickered out. The skill’s charge ended just as he hit another sheer drop.
Atlas didn’t panic. He whipped his spear around, channeling earth through it, and stabbed the haft into the rock, bracing himself. His body jolted, but he held firm.
He hadn’t fallen. Damn it. He held his breath for a beat, then exhaled hard, steadying his grip. The grin stayed carved across his face.
This is only the beginning.