Chapter 14 – Storm of Arrogance
Zephryn’s voice echoed gently across the marble chamber, her wings subtly glinting under the soft light pouring in from the crystalline ceiling. She radiated grace, serenity — and to Tyler’s frustration — zero aggression.
“May I ask the reason for your visit, [Player]?” she inquired with a small, respectful nod.
Tyler stood with his arms crossed, unimpressed. His eyes narrowed as he examined the peacock-hummingbird hybrid who floated serenely before him, wings barely stirring the air.
This… was the Primordial Beast who warranted such a perilous climb?
He scoffed inwardly.
Milo stepped forward politely. “We’re just passing through, Miss Zephryn. We ca to collect a rare material for a blacksmithing quest. We’re very grateful for your ti.”
Zephryn offered a kind smile. “I shall nullify the blizzards henceforth to make your descent easier and more comfortable.”
“Thank you,” Milo replied earnestly.
But Tyler clenched his jaw, annoyed. The warmth, the friendliness — it irked him.
Where was the powerful opponent? The challenge? The sense of glory?
Milo looked around and asked, “If you don’t mind asking, what’s the purpose of this sanctuary?”
Zephryn folded her wings. “It is a sacred place. I am the keeper of one of the five Divine Keys, and thus, I remain here. Decades ago, I had many followers. They ca to seek my wisdom, to bask in the presence of the winds. I never liked being worshipped, though. I rely wished for companionship. For friends. But they were always too afraid… too reverent. Over ti, they stopped coming. You two are the first to visit in many years.”
Tyler stepped forward abruptly. “I want the key.”
Milo turned toward him in surprise. “What? Why all of a sudden?”
Zephryn’s tone remained composed. “I’d be glad to fulfill any request, but I’m afraid I cannot hand over the key.”
Tyler’s eyes narrowed. “Then I’ll take it by force.”
Milo quickly stepped between them. “Why are you doing this?! We don’t need to fight her. Let’s just go.”
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Tyler looked past Milo with disdain. Zephryn’s na and details hovered over her.
[Zephryn, Warden of Whispering Winds]
[Level: 66] [HP: 440/440]
“Because I can.” Tyler drew his sword, the blade flashing in the sunlight.
Zephryn sighed. “You may be the only one to conquer these mountains in decades, but you are not strong enough to face . Leave now, and I may show rcy.”
“Can you afford to show rcy?” Tyler growled. “We’ll find out soon.”
He dashed forward with [Sprint], only to be slamd back by an invisible force.
[Zephryn Activated Skill: Forcepush]
[HP: 250 → 230]
“Why are you just standing there, Milo? Won’t you help ?”
“Why are you doing this, Tyler?! This isn’t you!”
“She’s a divine entity,” Tyler barked. “Who knows what kind of overpowered skills she has? If I defeat her, maybe I’ll get one of them. You know how strong that would make ?”
Milo shook his head. “This is madness.”
Zephryn raised her hand. “Companion, please, ask your friend to cease this madness. I am a pacifist. I do not wish to fight.”
“I don’t care what you wish.” Tyler activated [Sprint] again, trying to close the distance, only to be thrown back by [Forcepush] ti and ti again.
Zephryn’s expression wavered slightly. “Why do you continue?”
But then, in a flicker of motion and a lapse of her focus, Tyler managed to cast [Spider Web].
[Activated Skill: Spider Web] [PE: 18 → 13]
Caught. Zephryn faltered.
Tyler lunged.
Slash. Slash. Slash.
[Zephryn HP: 440 → 370 → 330 → 305]
“I won’t give you the key, even if you kill ,” Zephryn cried out, pained.
Tyler sneered. “Ga logic, sweetheart. Drop rate’s guaranteed.”
Milo shouted, “Stop! We’re not here for this! You can still walk away!”
“Hahaha,” Tyler laughed maniacally. “It’s too late.”
He charged again. [Forcepush] tried to repel him, but he was relentless. Their clashes sent shockwaves through the monastery.
Crack.
A wall split. Then another. Decorative marble collapsed in chunks.
Zephryn tried shielding herself with her wings. “Please… stop. This place… they built it for . My friends, my followers…”
Tears welled in her eyes as she watched the monastery crumble under the force of Tyler’s ceaseless attacks. Her sanctuary — the last remnant of her identity — was falling apart.
She whispered in despair, “Why… why must the first person to visit in decades be a monster?”
She wanted to believe this was a dream. A trial. A test from the Aether Dragon.
But it wasn’t.
Tyler’s eyes glead. “No rcy.”
He activated his final skill.
[Activated Skill: Rage] [PE: 13 → 3]
Zephryn didn’t fight back. Her wings folded around her, eyes closed.
Slash. Slash. Slash.
And with a final cry, she disintegrated into shimring particles, a single tear rolling down her cheek.
[ 90 XP]
[Level Up! Tyler Level 44 → 46]
[Attribute Points: 2]
[Acquired Item: Divine Key (1/5)]
[Description: The key that opens the doors of heavens.]
[Divine Key Acquired — Zephryn’s Gale]
[Acquired Item: Ancient Bone]
[Description: The bones of a Primordial Beast. Can be used to craft the strongest weapon in the world.]
[Acquired Runestone — Forcepush]
[Skill: Forcepush]
[Inflicts 20 damage and pushes all enemies away within a 2.5 ter range. PE Cost: 8]
[Achievent Unlocked: Trials of the Wind]
[Grade: AA]
[Condition: Defeat the Primordial Beast, Zephryn, the Warden of Whispering Winds.]
Tyler stood, breathing heavily, eyes still burning with the glow of [Rage]. Milo stood behind him, silent and horrified, watching as the winds in the monastery finally… stopped.
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