Chapter 236: Prepare for the unknwon
As Lyerin stood there, watching the members of his tribe mull over their choices, he couldn't help but let his mind drift to more pressing matters—his insatiable curiosity about the future of the Stonehooves Tribe and the power that would come with the Spirit's evolution to the fourth level.
He had tasted only a fraction of what his tribe could become, but the potential simmered just beneath the surface, waiting to be unleashed.
He closed his eyes, shutting out the murmurs and whispers of those around him.
His consciousness slipped away, drawn to the essence of the Minotaur Stone Statue—the towering representation of the tribe's spirit, their protector, their source of power.
As he focused, he felt a shift, his mind pulling toward another place entirely.
When Lyerin opened his eyes in this alternate world, he was greeted by a vast, eerie landscape.
The sky was a deep, swirling mass of crimson and black, casting long shadows over the jagged mountains and endless plains of cracked, dry earth.
Rivers of molten lava cut through the ground, their glow the only source of light in the otherwise dark, oppressive realm.
The air felt thick, heavy with an ancient, primal energy, as though the very fabric of reality in this world was made of raw, untamed power.
In the distance, towering creatures roamed—massive, hulking beings with skin like stone and eyes that burned with an inner fire.
The wind howled with the sounds of battle and despair, echoing the cries of long-forgotten wars.
This world was unforgiving, a place where only the strong survived, and Lyerin could feel the pull of its brutal energy drawing him in.
This was the realm where the true strength of the Stonehooves Tribe would be forged, where the Minotaur Spirit drew its power.
But before he could explore further, something tugged at the edge of his awareness, pulling him back to the present.
He opened his eyes to the real world, just in time to see a stone tablet erupt from the ground before him, shaking the earth as it rose.
The sudden appearance interrupted the discussions still taking place among the tribe members, causing them to step back in shock.
The tablet was massive, covered in ancient inscriptions, but at its center, clear and unmistakable, were words that everyone could read:
Power Level: Fourth Stage Eldren Mana user
Name: Lyerin Stonehooves
Find adventures at m v lem|p-yr
Age: 19
Community: Stonehooves Tribe
Lyerin's eyes scanned the tablet, and a wide grin spread across his face.
He threw his head back and laughed, the sound booming through the air, echoing off the nearby ruins and walls of the city.
The tablet was a testament to his strength, a declaration of his power, and he reveled in it.
The tribe members, who had been deliberating moments before, stood in stunned silence.
Some stared at the tablet in awe, others with growing dread.
They had always known Lyerin was strong, but seeing his power spelled out so plainly before them made it all the more real.
It cemented his place as not just a leader, but a force of nature—someone who could not be easily defied.
Without missing a beat, Lyerin turned to the group, his grin still wide, his eyes blazing with excitement.
"Alright!" he called out, his voice cutting through the tension like a blade. "Times up!"
The tone of his voice was both commanding and jovial, a strange mix of menace and enthusiasm that left the tribe members on edge.
"No more debating, no more waiting. We've got work to do," he declared, his voice filled with purpose. "I want everyone to prepare for the next phase. Whether you're staying or leaving, there's something big coming, and we need to be ready."
Some of the members exchanged anxious glances, still unsure of their decision. But with the stone tablet's display of Lyerin's power looming over them, hesitation felt dangerous.
Those who had already decided to stay nodded grimly, ready to follow their leader into whatever came next.
Others, still debating whether to leave, felt the pressure mounting.
The air was thick with tension, the weight of their choices pressing down on them.
But for Lyerin, the path ahead was clear.
With the ruined magical world now connected to Earth, and with the strength of the Stonehooves Tribe growing by the day, the future was his to shape.
He could already feel the thrill of conquest coursing through his veins.
As the last few tribe members made their final decisions, Lyerin took one last glance at the stone tablet, his mind racing with the possibilities.
The connection between the worlds was his greatest advantage, and soon, he would make sure that everyone—on Earth and beyond—would know the name of Lyerin Stonehooves.
He chuckled to himself. "Hmmm," he whispered under his breath, before turning to the tribe. "I'll put them to work before they leave"
Lyerin, still grinning, watched the lingering hesitation among some of the tribe members.
The tension of their decisions weighed heavy, but he had no time for further delay. He clapped his hands together, grabbing everyone's attention.
"Alright, enough talk!" His voice boomed through the empty streets.
"Go! Get whatever armor you can find. Weapons, too. We're not walking into this unprepared."
He pointed toward the crumbling remnants of what had once been a well-stocked armory in the city. It wasn't much, but it would do.
The tribe members, both those who had decided to stay and those still uncertain, scrambled to find gear.
They scattered like ants, foraging through the remnants of the city for anything that could protect them.
Lyerin stood there, watching them move with a casual air, though inside his mind raced with excitement and anticipation. He knew exactly what was coming next, and it thrilled him to no end.
As the tribe members returned, they donned mismatched pieces of armor—chest plates with dents, helmets scratched from battle, and weapons that looked like they had seen better days.
Some wore pieces that were too large for their bodies, while others had settled for whatever scraps they could find.
Despite the odd assortment of gear, there was an eagerness in their eyes, a hunger for whatever lay ahead.
Corora and the other girls who had been with Lyerin for longer came back fully armed.
They moved gracefully, even in heavy armor, their faces serious but resolved.
They knew Lyerin better than anyone, knew what he was capable of, and even though they had no idea what he planned next, they were ready to follow him wherever he led.
Lyerin watched as the final few members strapped on their makeshift armor.
Some were more nervous than others, glancing at him, unsure if they were making the right choice. But with the weapons in their hands and the weight of metal on their bodies, they felt more grounded, more prepared for whatever insanity Lyerin had in store for them.
Finally, everyone was ready.
They gathered in front of him, looking at their leader expectantly.
Lyerin glanced over them, his eyes gleaming with a dangerous spark.
The mismatched armor, the determination in their faces—it was exactly what he needed.
He thrived on chaos, on unpredictability, and seeing them like this only fueled his ambitions.
He stepped forward, inspecting the group one last time, nodding approvingly at their efforts.
Then, he clapped his hands together again, a loud, sharp sound that cut through the air.
"Alright," he said, his voice low but filled with anticipation. "Let's go."
With that, Lyerin turned and began walking toward the edge of the city, his tribe following closely behind.
The sun had begun to set, casting a red glow over the apocalyptic landscape.
The shadows of the tall walls from the Minotaur's maze loomed ominously in the distance, but Lyerin walked forward with confidence, knowing that the true game was about to begin.