NOVEL WEB Chapter 698: Challenged
The courtyard around the impressive-looking trees radiated an energy that made Reylin's skin tingle.
The leaves of the gently glowing trees rustled softly, though there was no wind.
It was quite a magical scene, and they couldn't help but pause for a moment to appreciate it all.
Torren, the medic, blinked and rubbed his fingers together. "Anyone else feel that?"
Maz nodded slowly.
"It's like… I can breathe easier. Clearer… I even feel like wishing in front of those trees."
"What? Do you think it can grant wishes?" Reylin chuckled.
"Wait… Check your System notifications," Maria said sharply. "I just got something weird."
One by one, they opened their interface menus and realized that Maria was right. These messages had been there for some time, and a new one just popped out.
[ You have entered a Zone of Influence: Eclipse Domain – Monumental Harmony ]
[ You are currently under the passive influence of:
Monument of Will: +35% Resistance to Fear and Mind Effects.
Monument of Unity: +30% Group Coordination Buff
Monument of Hope: +20% Vital Recovery Rate per hour ]
[ All effects will persist for as long as you remain within range.
Effect Duration Remaining: Continuous. ]
Duran let out a low whistle. "I'll be damned…"
"These are buffs," Reylin said in disbelief. "Actual buffs. From a statue."
Maz stared at the largest monument—the one rising at the center of a moonlit pond, depicting Shane in his black combat armor with one hand extended as if lifting someone from the ground.
"It's real…" she whispered. "We thought they were just morale pieces, but…"
Torren frowned thoughtfully. "These must've been built using something rare—blessed materials, perhaps? Or system-bound items. It's really impressive."
Maria walked up to one of the base plaques and knelt, scanning the writing with a lens from her engineering kit.
"This is engraved with Spirit Ink," she confirmed. "They're sold for 3 Reputation Points in the store. It attracts birds and small animals. I didn't expect that they'd use it here."
Reylin crossed her arms as she stared up at the monument.
"I like his idea about these statues… they don't just inspire you emotionally—they literally empower you. However, is it really necessary to have many statues of himself?"
She couldn't help but whisper this as she started doubting Shane's motive. After all, it felt as if Shane was a self-centered person who wanted to be revered or even worshiped by people.
However, she knew that she shouldn't judge the man yet. After all, there might be a requirement among the monuments that requires them to use Shane's figure to have such effects. There could be other reasons, so she had to wait until their meeting.
"It doesn't really matter at this point. What we just have here were terrifyingly effective," Duran muttered, flexing his prosthetic hand. "If every district here is like this…"
They were still digesting this revelation when a nearby Knight of Eclipse Domain approached. He wasn't wearing his full armor, but there was chainmail on him.
He bowed politely.
"My apologies for interrupting. Commander Zask said you might enjoy a short bout in the training yard. A friendly spar, nothing formal."
Maz raised an eyebrow. "Sparring with you guys?"
The knight smiled. "We don't expect a duel. Just an exchange—an opportunity to understand one another better."
The group glanced at each other uncertainly.
"Well… we could observe your combat methods," Maria said slowly. "Might help us figure out how to train our people when we go back."
Reylin nodded. "We're not exactly frontline warriors… but we'll take a look."
They followed the knight toward the open training yard again, where several Eclipse Knights sparred in pairs under the watchful eyes of instructors.
Spectators sat on benches beneath shaded pavilions, sipping herbal teas or adjusting armor straps.
The moment they stepped in, several nearby knights straightened.
"Duran, right?" one of the instructors called. "I've seen your battle in the Waiting Zone during the Zombie Challenge Event. If I'm not mistaken, you reached Floor 30 or was it 35?"
Duran was shocked as he didn't expect to be recognized. His achievement in the Zombie Challenge was indeed impressive, but it was nothing compared to Shane, who reached Floor 60.
The one who had just spoken was Tessa, one of the pioneers within Raze's group.
Raze, Lyra, Jaxon, Kael, and Tessa… They had all been training various talents within the shelter.
Kael would always help the medical team. Jaxon would mostly be together with the Super Soldiers…
Raze, Lyra, and Tessa, on the other hand, would normally teach the knights and many other recruits the skills they excel at.
Needless to say, Raze excels in swordsmanship, Lyra excels in archery or any target shooting, while Tessa is skilled in assassination and stealth movements.
Her teachings also allowed the knights to know how to deal with assassination techniques.
"You were still very impressive. It's a pity that you lost an arm and a leg… But don't worry, we have the best Clan Leader in the world. You'll most likely get a better arm and leg that won't hinder you anymore."
Duran felt excited after hearing that.
It was true that he could no longer be as soon as before because of what happened to his body.
"If that's really possible, then I guess I have to work harder." Duran said.
"How about we spar for a bit?" Tessa offered.
Before Duran could answer, Reylin stepped forward. "Wait. We're not here to show off. We came for diplomacy."
Reylin was worried since she wasn't sure if the result of the spar could affect their negotiation or meeting with Shane later on.
One of the younger knights chuckled. "Even diplomacy gets stronger with a few bruises, lady."
Reylin narrowed her eyes, but Duran simply stepped forward and pulled off his coat.
When he rolled up his left sleeve, the shining prosthetic arm beneath was shown to everyone. His left leg clicked faintly as he walked, but his stance was stable…
"Fine," Duran said with a grunt. "One round."
He was handed a training blade. It was dull but heavy...
However, it was enough. Soon, he faced off against a young knight in light armor who had just volunteered.