Chapter 129: The Hero of Flonyard
"My Singrab is named Harlan. Hero, please climb aboard," Michiole said, gracefully mounting the white magical ostrich before extending her hand to Zhang Fan.
En route to the battlefield, Michiole provided Zhang Fan with an overview of Flonyard and the ongoing war between the Biscotti Republic and their neighboring adversary, the Gallet Lion Army. The Republic had recently suffered defeats, with several front lines and cities breached. Today, Gallet's target was Michiole's castle, Filianno. The fall of the castle would deal a significant blow to the Republic's morale.
It's important to note that the wars in Flonyard are unlike the brutal, ambition-driven conflicts of the real world. Thanks to a magical force, or perhaps a rule of Flonyard, these battles are more akin to grand-scale sporting events.
Within a certain area, soldiers defeated in battle do not die. Instead, they turn into cat or dog balls – a harmonious aspect of this world. This magical protection is activated within the area governed by the Continental Agreement. Outside this zone, death in combat is inevitable.
"So, Hero, I must ask one final time: are you willing to shoulder the fate of the Biscotti Republic?" Michiole posed this solemn question to Zhang Fan as they approached a cliff on Harlan, the Singrab.
At the same time, Zhang Fan's mission updated:
Mission World: Hero's Saga in the Fiery Summer
Main Mission 1: Save Michiole F. Biscotti from perishing in the monster invasion. Reward: 5000 game points, permanent ownership of the Holy Galatian.
Side Mission 1: Help the Biscotti Republic win the war. Reward: 3000 game points (Automatic Emblem Power acquisition).
Side Mission 2: Find players in this world and team up to complete missions. Reward: 500 game points (Automatic team-up).
Zhang Fan was intrigued by the plethora of missions and the prospect of wielding Emblem Power. He wondered if possessing such power would render him invincible.
"Don't get too excited. Emblem Power is strong because of the dense magical elements in the air here. In a world with lower magic, it becomes useless," Cai Cai, the system character, appeared, yawned, and casually shared this insight.
Emblem Power harnesses the magical elements between heaven and earth for personal use. Its efficacy is linked to Flonyard's rich magical environment and the power emanating from underground relics.
"Yes, Your Highness, I am willing," Zhang Fan replied, despite Cai Cai's reality check.
"Really? That's wonderful!" Michiole's eyes sparkled with gratitude and excitement.
"Of course, serving Your Highness is my honor," Zhang Fan replied with a gentlemanly bow.
"Hero, shall we depart?" Michiole beamed, her tail wagging happily.
"Certainly, let's embark on our journey!" Zhang Fan couldn't resist patting Michiole's head, though he quickly realized the impropriety of his action.
"I apologize for my rudeness, Princess," Zhang Fan stepped back respectfully.
"It's alright, Hero. Your touch is comforting," Michiole smiled, her tail still swaying.
"After the war, you may continue, Hero. But for now, Harbi!" Michiole blushed, then focused on summoning her Singrab.
Zhang Fan received the Emblem Power, a warm sensation and knowledge of harnessing it flooding his mind. Despite its limitations, he was eager to test its potential.
"Hero, your weapons and gear are prepared. Please accompany me to the castle," Michiole said, as Harbi's wings unfolded, transforming from an ostrich into a flying creature.
Michiole's castle hovered above an island in the sky, a testament to Flonyard's magical wonders, defying scientific laws. In a world of swords and magic, what couldn't be explained by enchantments?