NOVPUB
Chapter 34: Invitation
"Yes, Mechas. And I don't even know a tenth of their capabilities yet," Evernight added smoothly.
"Oh? Why don't you explain them to me then?" Igaris asked coolly.
Evernight began to explain the mechanisms more seriously this time:
About how they were made using the toughest Metal. How they are capable generating magical power with the "Heart". Amd how they are spiritually connected with the pilot.
More importantly about the fact that Summoners can't use them because of the mysterious "X" factor.
He listened attentively, nodding from time to time.
After a moment, he dismissed the other Fire Spirits and three of the beasts, leaving only the Griffin by his side.
Just as he reached the stairs, he paused. Someone was calling out behind him.
He looked back and cursed under his breath:
"They are pissing me off now!"
Several men with powerful auras were quickly approaching.
"Fufufu... Like I said, you're now a target, my Liege," Evernight teased.
"Shut up, Vixen. Or I'll spank you," Igaris snapped, quickly climbing onto the Griffin's back.
Evernight appeared stunned by his bold words.
Then she chuckled, her laughter silky and amused, echoing inside his head.
"Fufufu... such a violent response. I like it."
"Just shut up and watch," Igaris muttered, gripping the reins tightly. His eyes swept the ridge behind them.
Five figures. No—six. Each radiated a dense pressure that made the surrounding air waver. Unlike the trio from earlier, these weren't just opportunistic bullies.
These people were trained, equipped, and knew exactly who they were chasing.
"Griffin, up!"
With a powerful screech, the Griffin leapt forward and spread its wings wide, kicking up dust and flames as it soared into the air.
The hunters below shouted, breaking into formation. One of them even pulled out a long-range artifact, a silver barrel weapon with glowing etchings along the side.
"That's an Artifact Cannon from Perfect Society. Two hits, and even your Griffin will fall," Evernight said calmly.
Igaris frowned. "How did they get hold of such weapons?"
"Don't ask me. But they are really powerful."
"I see," Igaris replied grimly. "How fast can we go?"
"Not fast enough to outrun a targeting spell. You'll need a distraction."
He gritted his teeth, then extended one hand behind him.
A ripple surged out, summoning a blazing sphere mid-air. It was one of the strongest Fire Spirits he'd stored earlier.
"Whoosh!"
"Boom!"
It immediately exploded in a blinding flare, forcing the attackers to shield their eyes.
Taking the chance, Igaris pushed forward. The Griffin darted higher, skimming along a jagged cliffside.
"They're not stopping yet," he muttered, glancing back. One of the pursuers had summoned a flying beast—an obsidian hawk that cut through the sky like a blade.
"Give me permission," Evernight whispered. "Let me deal with one."
"No. You stay hidden unless absolutely necessary," he shot back.
"Fine. Then I suggest you summon more distractions, or you won't make it past mountain peak."
Igaris didn't hesitate. Five more Fire Spirits emerged behind him, forming a defensive trail.
"Screech!"
"Boom! Boom!"
As the obsidian hawk closed in, two of the spirits detonated, knocking it back. Another one launched a flame barrage downward, keeping the ground pursuers at bay.
"Three more kilometers," he murmured.
But the Artifact Cannon hummed again. A glowing orb fired. Igaris twisted the Griffin to the left, narrowly avoiding a direct hit—but the shockwave cracked the side of the cliff, sending rubble flying.
Behind him, one of the flying pursuers reached close enough to strike.
Igaris turned and hurled the blade. The air hissed. The weapon spun and struck the enemy's beast squarely in the wing, causing both rider and mount to plummet.
The broken blade returned to his hand, dragging through the air like a boomerang.
"Not bad," Evernight purred. "You're finally starting to adapt."
"Save the compliments. Are they still following me?"
"Two left. The others have fallen behind."
"Then let's finish this." Igaris said, looking to the evening sky. Now that the Sun is no more, they can be summoned back.
He finally summoned Malthius and Dred from his space. The undead creatures materialized mid-air, standing atop the Griffin.
With a silent command, they launched themselves at the nearest enemies.
"That's our exit!" Igaris pointed ahead. The narrow path bewtween two peaks gleamed with evening light.
The Griffin shot forward.
Malthius engaged a summoner in mid-air, his Greatsword clashing against a staff.
Dred tackled the obsidian hawk, pinning it in a spiral dive.
Igaris and the Griffin blasted through, the wind slamming into his face.
After 20 minutes of continuous flight.
Once they were far enough, he let out a sharp breath and signaled a descent.
They landed near a stream where steam rose from hot stones. He dismounted, exhausted, wiping sweat from his brow. 𝙣𝙤𝒗𝙥𝒖𝒃.𝒄𝒐𝒎
"That was too close."
"But you left them to die. That's not nice," Evernight chided.
"They won't die for good. I can summon them back, even if they fall once."
"So your summons are immortal... Interesting," Evernight said, sounding genuinely curious.
Igaris didn't have the energy to care about her ramblings. He was feeling completely drained, worn out from the constant summoning and re-summoning after each death.
He leaned against a rock and closed his eyes, letting himself rest for a moment.
"My Liege, someone's here!"
At Evernight's warning, Igaris opened his eyes instantly.
A handsome man stood before him, a smug expression plastered across his face.
Igaris already didn't like him. Still, he stayed quiet, waiting for the man to speak first.
The man radiated strength—possibly even on par with Evernight.
"You're not afraid. That means you have another powerful beast hidden away, don't you?" the man asked, sounding too clever for Igaris's taste.
"Get to the point. Why are all of you attacking me?" Igaris asked bluntly.
The man raised a hand, palm open in mock surrender. "Oh no, don't mistake me for one of those greedy worms, boy. I didn't come to steal your spirits or cause you any harm."
"Then why are you here?"
The man added with a faint smile: "I'm here to invite you to the hidden Rebel Faction. You have promise in you."
"Promise for what?" Igaris asked, narrowing his eyes.
"To become a great hero among us Summoners. To help free our kind from the cruel oppression of the Perfect Society."
His smile faded slightly, replaced by a more serious tone.
"Answer me, boy! Don't you want to pay back the Perfect Society for casting you into this hell?"
