LIGHTNOVELWORLD Chapter 17: The Phoenix’s Challenge
Mira heard what Raven said and slowly let go of him from the hug. Raven handed her the report and proof of completion of his mission. As Mira read the details, her expression changed to one of shock and sadness. She looked at Raven with somber eyes and voiced her concerns, but before she could say more, her hands trembled, and the report slipped from her grasp, falling to the floor.
Liana bent down, picked up the report, and began reading it aloud. Her voice echoed through the guild hall as she recited the details of Raven's battle with the Minotaur, his near-death experience, and his transformation. The guild members were stunned into silence, their eyes fixed on Raven.
One of the Iron Talon members broke the silence. "How are you even alive after that?"
Raven turned his gaze toward the man, his crimson eyes glowing faintly. "I'm not human anymore," he said calmly. "I evolved into an Abyssal Phoenix after defeating that monster."
The room erupted into murmurs of shock and disbelief. Whispers of amazement and fear rippled through the crowd as they tried to process what they had just heard.
Then, a commanding voice came from behind them. "Oh, you evolved, Mr. Cross?"
Everyone turned to see a tall, imposing figure entering the guild hall. Mira's eyes widened in recognition, and she stuttered, "G-Guild Master…"
The room fell silent as the guild master approached with a calm smile. "Let me see the report, Mira," he said.
Mira, still shaken, handed him the document. The guild master read it thoroughly, his expression shifting to one of admiration. He looked at Raven, a proud gleam in his eyes. "Mr. Cross, I've been watching you since your test to become an adventurer. I knew you would become a formidable force—a true monster among adventurers. And now, look at you."
Raven turned to face him fully, his expression neutral but respectful. "Thank you, Guild Master," he replied, "but I don't think you're here just to congratulate me."
The guild master's smile widened. "You're right," he said, his tone light yet challenging. "How about this: have a fight with me. If you win, I'll promote you directly to A-rank adventurer, skipping all the other ranks."
The guild hall erupted in gasps. Even Mira and Liana were stunned. Mira stuttered, voicing her concern. "That… that's impossible! The guild master is one of the strongest adventurers alive!"
Raven's crimson eyes narrowed slightly, and a small smirk formed on his lips. He stepped forward and locked eyes with the guild master. "Let's do it," he said confidently.
The room fell into stunned silence once more before erupting into excited whispers. The guild members couldn't believe what they had just witnessed. The tension in the air was palpable as everyone prepared to witness the clash between the guild master and the newly evolved Abyssal Phoenix.
The guild master smiled, his body radiating a brilliant white aura of power. Across from him, Raven smirked as his own aura, a blackish-red energy, began to radiate from his body. The two auras collided, creating sparks that crackled and danced in the air. The onlookers gasped in awe, their whispers filling the guild hall.
Mira, her face pale with worry, stuttered as she voiced her opinion. "Th-This… this is unbelievable…"
Liana, standing among the Iron Talons, shivered slightly, feeling the sheer intensity of the energy emanating from the two combatants. She clenched her fists, trying to steady herself.
The guild master broke the silence with a confident tone. "Let's take this to the training field. Follow me."
Raven nodded, his voice calm but firm. "Right."
The two walked side by side through the guild hall and out to the training field, their powerful auras leaving an electrified atmosphere in their wake. The crowd followed eagerly, their excitement palpable.
A few minutes later, they arrived at the training field. Raven stood on one side of the stage, his crimson eyes focused and unwavering. The guild master took his position on the opposite side, his posture relaxed yet commanding.
Mira climbed onto the stage, clutching a small flag in her trembling hands. She looked between the two with wide eyes, her voice shaking as she asked, "A-Are you ready?"
Both men nodded, their expressions steady.
With a deep breath, Mira raised her hand and brought it down quickly. "G-Go!"
For a moment, neither moved. The air between them grew heavy with tension. Raven narrowed his eyes and whispered, "*Skill: Appraisal.*"
A glowing screen appeared before his eyes, displaying the guild master's status and skills. Raven began reading the information aloud, his voice calm yet tinged with surprise as he processed the details.
**Guild Master's Status Screen**
**Name:** Alaric Valtor
**Age:** 47
**Species:** Human (Ascended)
**Gender:** Male
**Level:** 95
**Occupation:** Guild Master, Former S-Rank Adventurer
**Nicknames:** The White Titan, The Shield of Valor
**Titles:** Protector of Realms, Slayer of the Abyss, Unbreakable Guardian
**Health Points (HP):** 85,000 / 85,000
**Magic Points (MP):** 40,000 / 40,000
**Strength:** 25,000
**Agility:** 18,000
**Attack:** 22,000
**Intelligence:** 20,000
---
### **Skills**
#### **Core Skills**
- **Radiant Slash:** A powerful sword strike imbued with holy light, capable of piercing through shadow-based defenses.
- **Titan's Barrier:** Creates an impenetrable shield that absorbs all incoming damage for a limited time.
- **Blinding Light:** Releases a flash of divine energy, stunning all enemies within range.
- **Holy Fury:** A devastating attack that combines light and physical force, dealing massive area-of-effect damage.
- **Guardian's Wrath:** A counterattack skill that reflects damage received back to the attacker.
#### **Unique Skills**
- **Celestial Dominion:** Grants temporary invincibility and drastically enhances all stats for 10 minutes.
- **Ethereal Shield:** Summons a magical shield that protects allies and reflects magical attacks.
#### **Ultimate Skill**
- **Judgment Nova:** Unleashes a massive wave of divine energy, capable of wiping out enemies in a wide radius while healing allies.
---
### **Weapons**
- **Valor's Edge:** A legendary blade blessed by the gods, capable of amplifying holy magic and slashing through the toughest defenses.
- **Aegis of Light:** An indestructible shield that enhances defensive capabilities and can create protective barriers.
---
### **Unique Traits**
- **Ascended Aura:** Passively enhances the stats of all allies within range and reduces the power of enemies.
- **Indomitable Will:** Immune to mind-control and fear-based effects, inspiring courage in allies.
---
Raven's eyes narrowed as he read the guild master's stats. "No wonder they call him the Shield of Valor," he murmured.
Raven felt a mix of nerves and excitement bubbling within him as he stood across from the Guild Master. Despite the intimidating aura radiating from his opponent, a small grin spread across Raven's face.
"You're really powerful," Raven admitted. "No wonder you're the Guild Master."
The Guild Master chuckled. "Well, well, it seems you peeked at my stats."
Raven smiled awkwardly, rubbing the back of his neck. "My bad… but I'll make the first move. *Skill: Quill Maelstrom! X30!*"
Raven's hands glowed with dark red energy as he unleashed a storm of razor-sharp quills, each one aimed directly at the Guild Master. In response, the Guild Master calmly raised his hand and said, "*Skill: Titan's Barrier.*"
A shimmering, impenetrable shield materialized around the Guild Master, absorbing the barrage of quills effortlessly. The attack didn't leave so much as a scratch.
Raven let out a low whistle. "Oh well, I figured I couldn't make a dent in you with that move. You're a monster."
The Guild Master laughed. "Oh, but it was still scary! I wouldn't want to get pricked by one of those quills."
Raven smirked. "Your turn."
The Guild Master smiled as he held out his hand. In an instant, a radiant sword materialized in his grip. He shifted into a sword stance, his aura glowing brighter. "*Skill: Radiant Slash,*" he announced.
Raven's eyes widened in alarm. "Oh, shit!" he muttered. Quickly, he countered. "*Combo Skill: Twisting Tornado + Abyssal Convergence!*"
Extending his arms to his sides, Raven opened his hands. A dark red, swirling energy erupted around him, forming a massive tornado that spun violently. The Guild Master's attack collided with the tornado, the two forces clashing in a dazzling display of light and shadow. Raven gritted his teeth, holding his ground as the Guild Master's radiant energy pushed against his defense.
Suddenly, a notification rang in Raven's mind. *New Skill Acquired.*
Raven's grin widened despite the strain. "Good… very good," he murmured. But the Guild Master's power proved too overwhelming. The Radiant Slash shattered Raven's tornado, sending him flying across the stage. He tumbled through the air but managed to catch himself before hitting the ground.
Standing back on his feet, Raven checked his new skill. His crimson eyes glowed as he read the name, then he called it out loud for everyone to hear.
The Guild Master's eyebrows lifted slightly in surprise. "How?" he asked, genuinely curious.
Raven quickly glanced at the glowing blue screen that appeared before him, showcasing his newly acquired skill. His eyes darted across the text as he read it out loud:
**Skill Acquired:** Radiant Abyss Slash
**Description:** A powerful hybrid attack combining radiant and abyssal energies. This skill allows the user to release a devastating slash that pierces through all defenses, dealing massive damage to both physical and magical barriers. Has a chance to temporarily blind enemies with its radiant flare and weaken them with shadow corrosion.
Raven's grin widened as he muttered, "Radiant Abyss Slash, huh? This might be useful…"
The Guild Master's eyes narrowed slightly as he observed Raven. "Impressive. You absorbed my technique and made it your own."
Raven shrugged, his confidence growing. "Well, I'm full of surprises."
The crowd murmured in awe, their excitement building as they realized Raven was more than a match for the Guild Master's power.
Raven stood tall, his crimson eyes gleaming with determination. "Let's end this with my new power," he declared, his voice steady and filled with resolve.
The Guild Master chuckled, his white aura shimmering around him. "Oh, your new evolution? Alright then, young Raven. Show me what you've got."
Around the training field, Mira and the onlookers murmured amongst themselves, their excitement and curiosity mounting.
"He's going to use his new power?" one adventurer said in awe.
"What kind of monster is he becoming now?" another whispered.
Mira, her hands trembling, stammered, "R-Raven… just what have you become?" Her concern was evident, but so was her amazement.
Raven smirked, the corners of his lips curling upward. "Alright then. Watch closely. *Combo Skill: Ultimate Skill Form—Phoenix Ascension + Abyssal Rebirth!*"
The atmosphere shifted dramatically. The ground beneath them began to tremble, and the air grew thick with heat and energy. Flames erupted around Raven, intertwining with tendrils of shadowy aura. His body radiated an intense, overwhelming power that made the onlookers step back instinctively. The very air seemed to ripple and warp around him.
The Guild Master's smile widened as he observed the transformation. "Incredible. This boy… he's truly remarkable," he said, his voice filled with admiration.
Mira's eyes widened, her face pale. She stuttered, "I-Is this really Raven? This power… it's unimaginable…"
All around, the adventurers looked on in awe and fear, their whispers growing louder.
"He's not just an adventurer anymore. He's something else entirely."
"This heat… this pressure… it's like standing in front of a god."
As Raven's transformation completed, his new form stood revealed. The blazing flames of the phoenix combined with the dark, ominous energy of the abyss. His wings, a stunning mix of fire and shadow, spread wide, and his aura radiated dominance and majesty.
Raven locked eyes with the Guild Master, his voice calm yet commanding. "Are you ready for this?"
The Guild Master laughed heartily, his booming voice resonating across the training field. "Bring it, young one! Show me your strength!"
Raven opened both of his hands, his eyes glowing with determination. "Come to me, my swords… Eclipsing Fang and Shadowfang!"
Two magnificent swords materialized in his hands, one radiating fiery and shadowy energy, the other exuding pure darkness. The Guild Master shifted into his sword stance, his radiant aura intensifying. "*Skill: Radiant Slash!*" he bellowed.
Raven smirked. "*3-Combo Sword Skill: Abyss Step + Radiant Abyss Slash + Shadow Rift!*"
With a synchronized cry of "Go!" the two warriors dashed toward each other at blinding speed. Their swords collided, unleashing a massive explosion that sent shockwaves and sonic booms rippling across the field. The sheer force of their clash left the onlookers staggering, shielding their faces from the gale-like winds.
Blow after blow, Raven and the Guild Master exchanged attacks, their auras colliding and sparking like fireworks. Raven gritted his teeth, holding his ground, but he could feel his grip slipping under the Guild Master's overwhelming strength.
The Guild Master's voice cut through the chaos. "Sorry, but I will win, young Cross!"
As Raven faltered, a voice echoed in his mind—his father's voice. "Show them the power of the Cross family, Raven."
At the same moment, Mira's voice reached him from the sidelines. "Don't give up, Raven!" she shouted, her voice filled with desperation.
Raven's eyes widened, and a surge of determination flooded through him. "I will never give up!" he roared.
Suddenly, he heard a ding in his mind, followed by a notification. A glowing blue screen appeared before him, displaying the words:
**Hidden Potential Unlocked!**
Raven's eyes scanned the text as he read the new information aloud to himself, his voice trembling with awe and excitement.
**Hidden Potential Unlocked!**
**Name:** Abyssal Ascendant
**Description:** This potential unlocks the user's latent abilities, allowing access to unprecedented levels of power. Upon activation, all attributes are temporarily doubled, and a unique ability is granted based on the user's current skills and forms. This potential also boosts the user's combat instincts, enhancing reaction speed and precision during battle.
**Effects:**
- **Stat Amplification:** Doubles all base stats (Strength, Agility, Intelligence, Attack, and Defense) for 10 minutes.
- **Skill Evolution:** Enhances one selected skill to its ultimate form during the duration.
- **Combat Instincts:** Grants heightened awareness, allowing the user to predict and counter enemy moves with precision.
- **Unique Ability:**
Shadowflame Cataclysm — Combines fire and abyssal energy into a devastating area-of-effect attack that incinerates everything within range.
Raven's eyes widened as he read the description, the realization of his potential igniting a newfound resolve. The blue screen faded, but the words lingered in his mind.
The Guild Master noticed the shift in Raven's demeanor and smiled. "I see you've discovered something new… Let's see if it's enough, young Cross."
Raven tightened his grip on his swords, his voice steady and filled with determination. "It will be."
Raven smiled through the strain, his crimson eyes burning with determination. "This is not over," he growled, gripping his swords tightly. Summoning every ounce of strength, he roared, "*Skill: Abyssal Ascendant!*"
The atmosphere shifted violently as his latent power surged forth. His aura expanded, and his presence became almost overwhelming. Without hesitation, he unleashed his ultimate move. "*Skill: Shadowflame Cataclysm!*"
The stage erupted into chaos. A massive explosion of fire and shadow energy engulfed the battlefield, sending shockwaves rippling outward. Flames and dark energy intertwined, creating a cataclysmic storm that obliterated everything within its radius. Dust, wind, and smoke filled the air, obscuring the view of the combatants.
The crowd gasped and shouted, their voices filled with shock and awe. Mira's hands trembled as she stuttered, "R-Raven… what did you do? Are you okay?" Her concern was palpable as she scanned the battlefield through the thick smoke.
After a few tense moments, the smoke began to clear. The stage was in ruins, the ground scorched and cracked. Standing amidst the destruction was Raven, his clothes torn and blood dripping from the corner of his mouth. Despite his injuries, he remained on his feet, his fiery determination still evident.
Across from him, the Guild Master lay on the ground, his clothes scorched and his body unmoving. The silence was deafening as everyone processed what had just happened.
Mira, her voice shaky, managed to stammer, "R-Raven Cross… winner."
At that moment, Raven's ultimate form deactivated. His aura vanished, and his body collapsed to the ground, unconscious.
"Raven!" Mira screamed, rushing toward him. Her voice echoed across the training field as the crowd stood frozen, their hearts pounding from the intensity of the battle.
Mira knelt beside Raven, her hands shaking as she gently shook him. "Raven, wake up! Are you okay?" she pleaded, her voice thick with worry. When he didn't respond, she turned to the crowd, her expression fierce. "Someone get a healer, now!"
The adventurers, still stunned by the battle, stuttered their responses before scrambling into action. "Y-Yes, Mira!" several voices rang out as they rushed to find help.
While the others moved, Mira turned her focus back to Raven. She placed a trembling hand on his shoulder, her voice soft and filled with concern. "Raven, you have so much power… What are you? What did you evolve into?"
Suddenly, Raven's body was engulfed in a swirling mix of red and black flames. Mira gasped, pulling back slightly but refusing to leave his side. The flames danced across his form, not burning but radiating an intense heat and energy. She watched in awe as his wounds began to close, the blood vanishing, and his scars disappearing. The flames seemed to be healing him, their energy restoring his body to perfect condition.
"What… what is this?" Mira stuttered, her wide eyes fixed on the miraculous sight. Her mind raced as she tried to comprehend the power she was witnessing. "Is this… his evolution?" she murmured, her voice barely above a whisper.
The crowd murmured and whispered among themselves, their awe growing as they witnessed Raven's body heal itself with such overwhelming power. The tension in the air was palpable as everyone waited to see what would happen next.