If luck wasn't too bad, they might gradually master and integrate these powers in the times to come.
However, if luck turned sour, the Hero might perish instantly due to a power conflict, or worse, fall into a mutation more horrific than death itself.
Just time, when the Hero slew the Corrupted Phoenix but was cursed by its lingering resentment. If not for her certain resistance to curses, she might have fallen into becoming an Evil Demon.
"It's nothing, just seems like..." The Hero shook her head, first comforting the Snow Woman, then plunged into contemplation, unsure of how to express herself accurately.
This time, however, she didn't fall into endless circles of thought and quickly reached her own conclusion.
[Awakening Nature (same rules as Crystal Ceremony)]
[Units Place: 1-4 as Element, 0 as Special Attribute]
6. Compound Attribute
7. Negative Energy (Poison, Evil, etc.)
8. Mutated Attribute (Sand, Steel, etc.)
0. Special (Illusion, Dream, Dragon)
Having grasped something, the Hero smiled slightly and raised her finger.
At the tip of her finger, a small cyclone formed quietly.
Immediately, her finger seemed to melt like ice, transforming into a delicate stream drawn into the cyclone, merging with it, becoming a lightweight little bird flapping transparent wings, lightly hovering before the Snow Woman.
The Snow Woman's ice-blue pupils widened in surprise, and she carefully extended her icy-blue finger to gently touch the bird. Yet, as if a mirage, the bird's body dispersed the moment her fingertip touched it.
The Hero's finger had somehow already returned to normal, as if everything earlier had never happened.
At that moment, outside the Chocobo Cart, a breeze carrying cool moisture swept over, causing the marching soldiers to feel the refreshing wind and exhale in relaxation, showing relieved expressions.
The Sergeant turned his gaze toward the cart's interior, unsurprised, revealing a smile.
'Indeed, as expected of Lady Saintess, once again mastering new powers.'
[The Hero's Magic Awakening High-level Elemental Properties: Wind (this ability applies to her body)]
[The Hero's Agility +20, chant speed increases when using Wind Magic (R5 or below can cast instantly), consumption decreases, power gains an increase]
[The Hero's Agility took another step on the Extraordinary Path]
Life lies in motion, the circulation of all things is the cycle of the world.
Wind is motion, the earth is in motion, true stillness doesn't exist, only the manner of movement differs.
Will you choose to slow down and look at the world; or move straight ahead, to the very end?
[The Hero gained a special skill—]
1. Agility: Your weight lightens, gaining a bonus with the weather♛
2. Turbulence: The wind during your movement provides you with D Agility damage reduction
3. Flying: You are capable of flying
4. Divine Speed: First strike guaranteed, with attached D Agility damage bonus
5. Gale: Guaranteed first strike if undamaged, with Agility greater than opponent
6. Gale: When gaining aerial dominance, receive a bonus
7. Raging Wind: You gain Agility/5 Armor Break
8. Storm: Rationality drops to zero, Agility fixed at maximum
9. Hurricane: When acceleration reaches level 3 or above, gain D guaranteed Agility destructive damage
10. Critical Success/Extreme Failure
"Wind..." The Hero's eyes focused slightly, looking at the cyclone entwined around her fingertip.
Although her body felt much lighter, a heavy emotion inexplicably surged within her heart, as if an unspeakable stone pressed down on her.
This was the Magic her father excelled at.
She froze for a moment, suddenly hearing the past call of the Gleaming Scale Serpent echo in her mind—
Did she still have a chance to return to that home? The one besides her grandfather's, nearly forgotten.
Seeing the Hero suddenly silent, the Snow Woman Archer, though unclear about her exact thoughts, sensed a certain melancholy from her somewhat wistful expression.
Therefore, she said nothing to disturb, merely quietly accompanying the Hero.
The atmosphere in the carriage gradually fell into silence, until a gentle knock on the window broke the quiet.
The Hero awoke from her thoughts, hurriedly opening the window, finding the Sergeant keeping steady pace with the carriage, parallel outside.
"Miss Hero, perhaps discussing this now might be premature, but I think it's appropriate to inform you ahead of time." The Sergeant's voice was steady and powerful, carrying a hint of formality.
Confused, the Hero nodded, indicating she was listening.
As she listened, her expression gradually turned bewildered.
"...What, conferment?" The Hero murmured in disbelief.
Military Merit Nobles? Who? Me? Like Father?
[The Hero's Attitude Towards Conferment]
The Sergeant naturally nodded.
"You cast the Forbidden Curse, not only resurrecting me but also directly halting the continuation of the Arcane Surge. The accumulation of such merits, while possibly insufficient for acquiring land, is more than enough for nobility.
"Of course, the specific procedures and Noble Title still depend on the discussion of Lord Count and others, but I think preparing yourself mentally from now on wouldn't be a problem."
Seeing the Hero's contemplative expression, the Sergeant turned his gaze toward the other side, observing the Cruising Bishop.