While Elio struggled inside his book, trapped in the paralysis of the seventh level, the rest of the team, except for Zara, had already completed their challenges.
Thanks to Elio's intensive training and meticulous strategies, the elephant challenge had proven surprisingly simple for most.
Kriz, having defeated the elephant with a speed that surprised even himself, now found himself alone in an empty chamber. "Well, is that all?" he muttered, his usual mocking tone tinged with disappointment.
In an uncharacteristically serious moment, he looked at his small rabbit. "You know, little buddy," he said, "when all this is over, we'll have to thank Elio. I don't know how, but he always finds a way to make us stronger."
In his own space, Brok examined his new summoner's robe. The magical fabric fit perfectly to his muscular body, stretching and contracting with each movement.
He imagined that when he had his elephant, he could make it grow like his muscles. He just needed to inject his new element, carbon... black muscles.
Micah began to analyze the possible tactical applications of his new ability. He started practicing carbon generation, gradually feeding his already proficient control.
After several attempts, he had achieved precise control. "The key is balance," he muttered to himself. "Too big and we lose agility, too small and we lose strength."
Aria, in her chamber, practiced channeling her mana through carbon. "Impressive," she murmured. Then, energetically, she began jumping around the chamber like a certain leader celebrating his new powers.
Lila took advantage of the solitude to meditate. Sitting cross-legged, she mentally reviewed each lesson, each strategy. As she meditated, Lila reflected on her role in the group and the mission.
Guilt for her participation in the seductresses' plan still weighed on her conscience, but she was determined to redeem herself, to prove her worth in an honest and honorable way.
Mei, always calculating even in solitude, began planning how to use this new ability to advance her personal ambitions, but also to contribute to the mission's success.
The loyalty that Elio had inspired in her competed with her own desires for power, creating an internal conflict reflected in the restlessness of her small swift.
"Power is important," she reflected, "but the loyalty and trust that Elio has shown us... that's invaluable. We have to live up to it."
Valeria pondered her position in the group and the larger plan. Her pragmatism told her she should relax a bit. "Perhaps," she said, stroking her swift, "we've been focusing on the wrong things."
Elio: 59.5 Resistance / 550 Armor Resistance
The numbers kept decreasing.
Desperation began to take over him as he noticed a movement out of the corner of his eye.
Ice Ball, his faithful penguin, looked at him with concern.
The small creature seemed to understand that something was wrong with its summoner so... With a determination that rivaled Elio's, Ice Ball decided to take action.
The penguin backed up a few steps, preparing itself. Elio, unable to move, could only watch in confusion, his mind racing with possibilities but his body refusing to cooperate.
Suddenly, Ice Ball launched forward, propelling itself with all the force its small legs allowed. The penguin intended to help, somehow shake Elio out of his paralysis.
The result was less than ideal.
Ice Ball's head collided with Elio's with a dull thud, sending waves of pain through the already tormented body of his summoner.
"Mmph!" was all Elio could emit, his teeth gritted from pain and paralysis.
The impact, though painful, had an unexpected effect. Elio's rigid body, unable to maintain balance, began to fall backward. For a moment, Elio thought things could only get worse. Falling on his back, completely paralyzed, seemed like a recipe for disaster.
However, when his back made contact with the ground, Elio noticed something strange. The pain, which had been constant and overwhelming, decreased considerably.
The tingling sensation and muscle spasms seemed to attenuate.
Confused at first, Elio soon realized what was happening. His superior elemental resistance cloak, part of the equipment he had brought with him, was separating him from the tunnel floor. Somehow, this separation was interfering with the mysterious force that had been tormenting him.
With a monumental effort, Elio managed to slightly move his head, enough to look at Ice Ball. The penguin, apparently proud of its "help," looked at him expectantly.
"Good job, friend."