Chapter 606: Asina's Ambition
Elder, is Lei En here?
A clear voice from outside the palace sounded, but it didn't rush in, politely waiting for a response, and the two present could hear her anticipation.
Lei En smiled inwardly; she was one of the two targets Lei En had come to the Storm Temple for today.
Suolim also smiled, "Asina, come in."
Soon, Asina entered the palace.
She had already shrunk to human size, a tall, lithe 1.8‑meter figure, skin a healthy wheat tone, wearing fitted half‑body armor, and beneath the metal war skirt a pair of long, slender, rounded legs.
Her pure‑gold hair was tied into a ponytail hanging at the back of her head; a jeweled headband rested on her forehead, her features delicate and beautiful, bright eyes and white teeth, and she walked forward with a light yet steady gait, exuding a dashing aura that was unforgettable.
Asina saw Lei En, her eyes instantly brightened, and she said happily:
"Lei En, you finally came!"
"Lady Asina." Lei En smiled, replying in Giant tongue, "We meet again."
Since that first meeting, this was their third encounter. The previous one was a year and a half ago, when Lei En came to exchange a Nebula Ring and some Titan Blue Iron; Asina was focused on training to advance, hoping to breakthrough soon, so they exchanged a few words and then parted.
Lei En looked her over openly, a hint of surprise on his face, and asked, "Did you ascend to Legendary High‑rank?"
"Yes!"
Asina lifted her chin, feeling proud yet embarrassed to show it too clearly, "It's the result of years of effort; now I'm one rank above you."
"Hehe, congratulations." Lei En gave a sincere compliment.
In fact, when he came last time, his Soul Eye had seen the Titan Giant's details clearly; within half a year a breakthrough was inevitable.
Asina's talent was exceptional; she had just turned fifty, an age that in the Giant race marks early adulthood, equivalent to an eighteen‑year‑old human. Regardless of racial age standards, reaching Legendary High‑rank at fifty is a rare prodigy, with great hope of challenging the Holy Soul.
Not to mention, Asina is a Titan Giant, whose combat power far surpasses ordinary Legendary High‑rank.
Suolim looked at the young kin with a kindly face, a look of satisfaction, and laughed, "Lei En, you don't know—since Asina's breakthrough, she comes here every few days, asking me when you'll arrive…"
Asina hurriedly explained, "I just wanted to go out."
The Soul Eye saw a hint of shyness in her heart but no further thoughts; Lei En smiled, "Had I known, I would have visited earlier, keeping Lady Asina waiting longer."
"It's fine; you'll come sooner or later, and I'm not in a hurry." Asina's expression was calm; she saw the Endless Storm and was startled, "You actually exchanged for this Endless Storm! It doesn't suit you well, does it?"
Lei En waved the lamp in his hand, chuckling, "Why wouldn't it suit? I'm a Wizard."
"Uh…"
Asina was speechless.
She had interacted with Lei En several times; her keen perception told her that this human's power was comparable to hers, perhaps even stronger, and she didn't fully believe Lei En's constant emphasis on being a Wizard.
Suolim said, "Asina, Lei En is a true Wizard. Your perceptive eyes are sharp, but sometimes they can deceive you; you must not over‑rely on perception, you need to see more, think more, gain more experience, and use wisdom to judge correctly."
The Titan Elder's words were full of admonition.
"Yes, I remember." Asina accepted humbly, also catching the underlying meaning, and asked, "Elder, do you agree to let me leave the Storm Temple?"
The last time the Elder promised her that once she ascended to Legendary High‑rank and passed the Elder's assessment, she could leave the Storm Temple. The day after her ascent, she came for the assessment, but the Elder asked her to wait, saying they would conduct it after Lei En arrived, which is why she kept asking Lei En when he would come.
Suolim nodded slowly, "You may now receive the assessment."
Asina's spirit was uplifted.
"If you challenge Lei En and last more than a minute, I'll count it as you passing the assessment," the Titan Elder said with a smile.
"Challenge Lei En?"
Asina was momentarily stunned, then became eager to try.
Among her peers in the temple, no one had been her match for a long time; even among elders, few were worthy opponents. Apart from a few older Titan Giants, battles with other races offered little challenge, often requiring them to hold back to prolong the fight.
From the first time she saw Lei En, she sensed he was an excellent opponent, but also saw that Lei En had no desire to spar, so she didn't force it.
"Challenge me?" Lei En looked startled, "Elder, isn't that inappropriate?"
"No, I think it's perfect," Suolim smiled mischievously, "The Empire's youngest Legendary, the Holy Soul Wizard's student, the Earl of Glamorgan, Title: Duke Augustus, the first under Holy Soul who consecutively challenged and defeated three Naiser Elders, should not refuse Asina's challenge, right?"
Lei En felt his heart tremble at the words.
He had thought information in the Storm Temple was isolated and delayed, but clearly he was wrong; the Titan Elder had somehow learned of his deeds in the Empire.
"First under Holy Soul!"
Asina's eyes lit up at the title, and she exclaimed in surprise, "Lei En, are you that powerful?"
Lei En was about to be modest, but Suolim interjected, "That title for Lei En isn't flattery; it's earned, perhaps the strongest Legendary in human history. His story is remarkable, Asina, you will learn of it in time."
"Elder, you're overpraising me," Lei En said, a bit embarrassed.
Being praised so openly by a demi‑god‑level Titan Elder, even though he was accustomed to flattery, made him feel a soaring sense of elevation.
"Hehe..." Suolim earnestly said, "Lei En, show Asina a move, let her witness the strength of the strongest Legendary?"
Asina's eyes were also full of anticipation.
Lei En had previously not wanted to spar with her because there was no benefit; this time he came intending to fight her, so he readily agreed, "Alright, let's spar."
Suolim nodded with satisfaction, "Follow me."
He immediately opened a portal, the three stepped through and emerged onto a vast plaza paved with Titan Blue Iron; one side featured stone‑tiered stands, and towering rock pillars dozens of meters high surrounded it, the architecture immensely grand.
This is the Thunder God Arena!
At that moment, two Storm Giants were battling fiercely on the field, while a handful of giants sat around the sidelines watching.
"Elder!"
The Storm Giants saw Suolim, quickly rose and saluted.
The giants revered the Titan Elder, their eyes filled with worship and surprise, wondering how the great Elder could grace the arena.
"Let them finish their fight," Suolim commanded authoritatively.
The two battling giants sensed the Elder's arrival, instantly lost interest in fighting, quickly decided a winner, and approached the Elder together to greet him.
Lei En and Asina exchanged a glance and stepped onto the arena slowly.
"Do they want to fight?"
The Storm Giants let out a stir; they were all familiar with Asina, knew how strong Asina was, and most had also heard of the human called Lei En, but did not know his strength. It seemed the duel was still arranged by the Elder, showing that Lei En's strength could not be lacking.
Lines of fine lightning were fired outward, striking various parts of the Storm Temple.
Clack!
Clack…
Amid thunder and lightning, many Storm Giants arrived, appearing around the Thunder God Arena. Among them were many legends, including two or three Titan Giants.
Whenever a Titan Giant arrived, it immediately sensed Lei En's extraordinary nature, and its expression grew solemn.
Suolim suddenly shouted, "Lei En, please give your all."
Lei En nodded in understanding.
He was indeed considering subtly holding back, letting Asina last over a minute, then whisking away this splendid Titan Giant. Titan Giants are the best melee partners; if Asina goes to the New Continent with Reslin, things would go more smoothly.
A little holding back, Elder Suolim probably wouldn't notice, right?
Lei En's mind became active.
Before he could finish thinking, Asina opposite grew serious, "Lei En, obey the Elder's Willpower, and show no mercy to me." Her eyes were full of confidence, "I will not only last over a minute, but also defeat you honorably!"
"Then you may be disappointed," Lei En decided not to hold back.
The giants at the arena's edge heard the dialogue and the Elder's request, and let out a stir.
Only then did they realize that the Elder's assessment for Asina was to last over a minute under Lei En's hand!
Is this human really that strong?
Asina took up the round shield on her back, gripped the long sword at her waist in her right hand, and her body rose to about three meters, the most balanced form of her strength and speed. At the same time, her armor, sword, and shield enlarged to match her stature; lightning streaked across her skin, terrifying power merged with the Lightning Element, her aura was ferocious and heavy, majestic, like a Valkyrie.
Lei En's Soul Eye saw her Element changes clearly.
His expression also grew solemn.
He drew the Thunder Hammer from the Nebula Ring, cast with his left hand, and with a Clack, a pair of dazzling lightning wings sprouted behind him. His eyes bloodshot yet rational, Level 5 Blood Frenzy multiplied his power fivefold, instantly breaking through to Level 12 and attaining Legendary Power.
Without any augmentation, Lei En's power was only Level 11, still lacking over twenty units of electric charge to advance to Legendary Element.
After the Five Ring Dragon Power Technique stabilizes, power is constantly increased by half.
Battle music starts.
A melodious sound resonated from his body, power increased by another half, already surpassing Asina's power; Lei En thought for a moment and did not don the Titan Power Armor.
This is enough.
"Prepare."
Suolim glanced at the two on the field, snapped his fingers to emit a thunderclap, and shouted, "Begin!"
There's another chapter later tonight, no need to wait. It's the last day of February; those with monthly tickets, just toss them in, otherwise it's wasted.
(End of chapter)
End of Chapter
