(Larsen Lusen) "What's with those sluggish movements? What's with that feeble strength? A Thrust like that couldn't even hit a rock. Again!"
"Uh..." Shen Yu looked at Hornet and pointed toward the audience. "How about we do this next time? There are so many people here, and everyone's waiting."
As he spoke, Shen Yu looked up at the audience. Come on, say something!
But the Godseeker tribe's goal was to listen to the resonance of E.G.O. Shen Yu had brought so many this time that their sounds mingled together, making them hard to distinguish. They were eager for this to last longer.
As for the fools, the previous matches-especially that certain green bug-had drained most of their enthusiasm. Most had simply lain back in their seats and fallen asleep.
Hornet folded her arms and said:
(Hmph, Xikali) "This was how I trained in the Hive. Besides, if not for this dream, how could we have met, allowing me to teach you? Thrust!"
At that, Shen Yu looked toward Godseeker, but she was still watching Little Knight and paid him no attention whatsoever. He could only sigh and begin his five-hundredth Thrust.
Just then, one of the fools finally lost patience, stood up, and said:
(Carlos) "That worm and that fake earlier were enough. I came here to watch a fight. If you're not going to fight, then get lost!"
The Godseeker tribe instantly frowned. This measured release was perfect for listening, and they already wanted this to last longer. Several opened their mouths, ready to reprimand him.
But before they could speak, a Stinger pinned the left side of that fool's neck. Hornet's voice followed.
(Galeilei Gousa) "Shut up. If you want to watch a fight, come down and fight yourself."
After speaking, Hornet retrieved her Stinger, then frowned at Shen Yu.
(Lido) "Why aren't you shouting when you attack?"
"Well..." Shen Yu turned back, puzzled.
"Wouldn't shouting before an attack give the enemy advance warning?"
(Teros) "Exactly. You must train yourself that way until your speed surpasses sound."
Shen Yu's mouth twitched. You say that like you can do it yourself.
But Hornet had already turned back to Shen Yu.
(Xiska) "That's right. Now, practice! Until you have mastered the technique."
Mastered it to your standards? Shen Yu felt a little dazed. Am I going to be practicing all night?
(Luo...) Just then, the King of Fools' voice slowly rang out.
Shen Yu's heart leaped with joy. Finally, I can...
"Outsider, correct your posture. Do not rely solely on the strength of your legs."
Then Godseeker offered a reminder as well:
(Camille) "Thou needst not hurry. We have already adjusted the flow of time. A thousand here is but one in reality."
Shen Yu: "..."
While Shen Yu stood there dumbfounded, he suddenly noticed the Crystal Pistol in his hand and remembered that every time he used Hornet's combat techniques, resonance would occur.
"Could you hold this for a moment?" Shen Yu stepped forward and handed the pistol to Hornet.
The moment Hornet took it, [Frost Shard] abruptly changed shape, becoming a crystal Stinger attached to a silk thread.
At the same time, Hornet instinctively tightened her grip on it. After a long while, she sighed.
(Carlus) "How strange. It seems to be telling me something. A palace... bonds? A lonely... eternal imprisonment shall finally end, just like my dream-guarding..."
A trace of melancholy suddenly appeared in Hornet's eyes. She looked at Shen Yu and asked, (Kara) "Is this E.G.O. as well?"
"Yes." Shen Yu nodded. "E.G.O. [Frost Shard]."
(Kuoluo) "A strange weapon," Hornet remarked casually, tossing it back to Shen Yu.
The instant Shen Yu caught it, he discovered that its Attunement Rate had soared to 60%. But before he could check its effects, he heard Hornet's stern voice:
(Gousa) "Since you possess such strange and rare objects, you must be all the more careful not to disgrace them. Now, Thrust!"
2000 years later (A very long time later. See SpongeBob.)
[Thrust]: Beginner → Proficient
When that notification sounded in his mind, a faint smile appeared on Shen Yu's deathly pale face.
His legs were numb and unbearably sore, his lungs screamed as though on fire, and every muscle in his body spasmed from overexertion.
Even so, he straightened up, gripped the Meat Cleaver with a limp hand, and looked at Hornet ahead of him.
Seeing this, Hornet nodded and said softly:
(Du Ru Xi, Kanim) "Your Dash is more or less adequate. Now we'll start practicing the other combat techniques."
"Other techniques?"
2000 years later
[Aerial Thrust]: Beginner → Proficient [Thread Dance]: Beginner → Proficient: Controllable silk threads increased to 5 [Needle Throw]: Beginner → Proficient: Accuracy improved, damage increased [Backstep]: Beginner → Proficient Hornet Attunement Rate increased: 30% → 50%
As several flashes of white light passed, Hornet retracted the silk threads in her hand and looked at Shen Yu, who lay face down on the ground, his left hand stretched forward as though trying to write something.
(Gailili Gousa) "Barely sufficient. Farewell, traveler from another world. I hope you will not disgrace my techniques."
Shen Yu: "..."
Taking his silence as assent, Hornet nodded and reminded him:
(Luo Las) "Be careful. I can sense the resonance of two powerful beings. If you intend to keep fighting, rest is essential."
Then Hornet put away her Stinger and looked at Godseeker.
(Kasi) "I concede."
Ding!
Brilliant light burst forth, and Shen Yu arrived in a lavish golden room. Golden branches and leaves grew around him, while a milky-white Hot Spring flowed quietly before him.
But Shen Yu had given up thinking.
With a faint rustle, Godseeker came to his side and gave a soft huff.
(Polias) "Get up. The master awaits thy challenge at the far end."
"Urgh, just kill me... Tell me, why do people have to grow arms and legs? What's wrong with wriggling around?"
Godseeker sighed, shifted her feet, and pushed Shen Yu into the Hot Spring.
"Cough, cough!" Shen Yu pulled himself up in the Hot Spring, braced both hands against the floor beside it, and complained to her, "Are you trying to murder me...?"
After falling into the Hot Spring, Shen Yu felt a soothing warmth envelop his entire body. The cloudy, milky-white water submerged his exhausted body, and a strange substance flowed through it.
The aching in his muscles quickly eased. Strength gradually returned to his sore, weakened muscles, and even his arms, which he had been unable to lift, filled with strength again.
Even his lungs, which had felt as though they were burning just moments ago, settled down. His breathing grew smooth, and fresh air circulated through his body again.
More miraculously still, Shen Yu felt as though his brain had been washed clean, leaving him refreshed. His previously foggy thoughts were now clear and sharp.
As expected of a Hot Spring formed from soul. Shen Yu marveled, climbed out of the water, stretched his weary body, and asked Godseeker:
"Are there any weapon requirements for advancing through the Master Shrine?"
(Luo La) "None. Thou needst only fight the master and prevail. Why dost thou ask?"
"Because I want to give Hallownest a little taste of modern firepower." Holding a blood-red rifle, Shen Yu chuckled.
[F-01-57] Little Red Riding Hooded Mercenary Attunement Rate increased: 5% → 20% E.G.O. manifestation: Custom equipment template [Crimson Scar] Physical Template: Rifle Attack: 3-4, attack speed: Extremely fast. Range: Long
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