Cosmic Ruler - Chapter 142

Chapter 142: A Unexpected Duel

Hearing the king-like figure’s words, both Jake and Ramis looked around the room, hoping to find something useful.

“Well, let’s say we find some parts—how are we gonna build it?” Ramis asked, watching as Jake checked the walls.

“I can build it. I have the knowledge,” Jake replied, moving to the next corner.

Ramis looked at Jake, who casually continued his search. “Really?” he asked skeptically.

Jake stopped inspecting the walls and looked at Ramis. “Yes, I can.”

His confidence stemmed from the knowledge he usurped from the gnome and from his Inferno Force authority, which now had new skills unlocked under it—two of which suited the mecha task perfectly.

After a few more minutes of searching, Jake’s Akashic Eyes spotted a faint outline of a hidden compartment. “Over here,” he called to Ramis.

Together, they pried open the panel, revealing a cache of mechanical parts, tools, and runic components. Ramis’s eyes widened at the sight. “Looks like we hit the jackpot.”

“Indeed,” Jake agreed, pulling out various pieces and laying them out systematically. “Let’s divide the work. I’ll handle the core and weapon systems using the gnome’s knowledge and my Inferno skills. You focus on the framework and mobility.”

Ramis nodded, already examining the components. “Got it. My Void Eyes should help us optimize the design.”

They worked tirelessly, the pressure of the 24-hour deadline looming over them. Ramis’s nimble hands and keen vision allowed him to quickly assemble a sturdy yet agile frame. He meticulously tested each joint and connection, ensuring the mecha would have superior maneuverability.

Meanwhile, Jake concentrated on the power core and armaments. Drawing from the gnome’s extensive understanding of machinery and his own tactical insights, he integrated a potent energy source and advanced weapon systems. He inscribed runes to enhance the mecha’s performance, infusing it with both technological and magical prowess.

As the hours ticked away, their creation began to take shape. The mecha was a marvel of engineering, blending sleek design with formidable power. It stood tall, ready for the challenge ahead.

With only a few minutes to spare, they completed the final adjustments and stepped back to admire their work. The mecha, now fully operational, exuded an aura of strength and readiness.

The King, observing from his throne, nodded approvingly. “Time is up. Let the battle commence.”

The statues of knights and mages once again transformed into mechas, positioning themselves for combat. Jake and Ramis climbed into their creation, feeling the hum of its energy coursing through them.

“Let’s do this,” Jake said, gripping the controls.

“Agreed,” Ramis replied, activating the mecha’s systems.

the King raised his hand, and the room shifted. The floor transformed into a giant chessboard, and their mechas were suddenly moved to the positions of the King and Queen on one side of the board.

“Prepare for the final challenge,” the King intoned. “A battle of intellect and combat.”

Confused, Jake and Ramis looked around, realizing that they were now part of a chess game. The King’s voice echoed through the chamber again. “You must defeat my chess pieces. Remember, it is a test of both intellect and combat.”

The knights and mages they had to fought were now arranged as chess pieces on the board, moving mechanically into their starting positions.

Jake looked at Ramis, a mix of ‘what the fuck’ and frustration in his eyes. “He didn’t say what kind of battle it was going to be.”

Ramis nodded. “We should have prepared for more than just two mechas.”

The King, sensing their realization, shrugged. “The battle of intellect and combat is not limited to simple physical prowess. Your failure to foresee the nature of this challenge is not mine but yours ”

Jake assessed the situation and quickly realized it was an unwinnable battle. With only two pieces, and the Queen being their only effective fighter, they stood no chance of victory.

‘Nexus, use one of my opportunities to find me an Authority that can cope with this situation,’ he thought urgently.

[Well, it’s a pity we thought we could save enough to get an Absolute Authority, but the situation calls for it,] Nexus replied.

[Here is the list of Authorities, choose one,] Nexus said, presenting Jake with a list of Authorities.

* Low Rank Authorities

Authority of Insight

Grants enhanced perception and understanding, allowing Jake to see through complex problems and find solutions quickly.

Authority of Replication

Enables Jake to create temporary duplicates of non-living objects for a short period, useful for quick and resourceful problem-solving.

* Great Rank Authorities

Authority of the Scholar

Provides Jake with vast knowledge in various fields, enhancing his intellect significantly for a limited duration.

Authority of Fabrication

Allows Jake to replicate and enhance mechanical and magical constructs, useful for creating and upgrading machinery.

* Ultimate Rank Authorities

Authority of Omniscience

Temporarily grants Jake near-omniscient knowledge, allowing him to understand and predict outcomes with incredible accuracy.

Authority of Genesis

Enables Jake to create complex machines and magical constructs from minimal resources, duplicating and improving items significantly.

* Supreme Rank Authorities

Authority of Transcendence

Greatly enhances Jake’s cognitive abilities, allowing him to think and process information at cosmic human speeds, nearly increasing his intellect by 100 times.

Authority of Manifestation

Grants the power to create duplicates of both living and non-living things for an extended period, useful for creating allies and tools alike.

* Absolute Rank Authorities

Authority of the Infinite Mind

Provides Jake with limitless intellect and cognitive abilities, allowing him to solve any problem and understand any concept instantaneously.

Authority of Creation

Allows Jake to permanently create and duplicate any object or being, with full control over their properties and abilities.

Jake scanned through the list, weighing his options carefully.

‘Nexus, these are amazing. I need something that will give us an edge in both intellect and resources,’ Jake thought.

[Choose wisely,] Nexus replied. [The higher the rank, the more powerful the Authority, but also the more taxing it will be on your core.]

After a moment of consideration, Jake asked, “What is my current limit?”

[It’s Supreme, and even if you were to choose it, you wouldn’t be able to choose any for the next five major ranks. This means up to Duke, no new Authority. So I suggest choosing the one which will help you in the long run,] Nexus replied.

Jake nodded thoughtfully and then said, “I choose the Authority of Transcendence.”

A surge of power coursed through Jake as the Authority of Transcendence was bestowed upon him. His mind expanded, processing information at cosmic human speeds. Every problem, every challenge they faced, suddenly seemed manageable, the solutions crystal clear.

He felt as if world is moving in slow motion, he looked at the king figure amd found several problems in his design just by a single gaze.

He turned to Ramis, a newfound confidence in his eyes. “Let’s get to work.”

Authority of Transcendence: Activated

Jake immediately began analyzing the room with his enhanced cognitive abilities. Every detail, every potential resource, was scrutinized and cataloged in his mind.

Jake, now imbued with the Authority of Transcendence, felt an unwavering confidence. “Let’s do this,” he said, his mind racing through countless strategies.

Within few minutes he created several small, only for show mechas, to get a full game.

This is all due to Transcendence Authority as at Jake level he can access more of his skills which include a Cosmic mode , and in thia mode his whole speed increases by 100 times for a limited period of time,

Ramis looked at Jake speechlessly ans then at those new mechas,Jake didn’t mid him ans said to king to begin the match.

The King’s pieces moved with mechanical precision. Jake and Ramis, controlling their King and Queen mechas, began their counterplay.

The Opening Moves

1. e4 e5

Jake directed the Queen mecha forward, occupying the center of the board. The King’s pawn mirrored the move, signaling a traditional start.

2. Qh5 Nc6

Jake’s Queen mecha made an aggressive move, directly threatening the King’s defense. The King’s knight moved to protect the vulnerable pawn.

3. Qf3 Nf6

The Queen mecha repositioned, applying pressure. The King’s knight advanced, blocking the attack and preparing for future counters.

4. Bc4 Nd4

Jake and Ramis coordinated, moving the Queen to a more strategic position while the King’s knight took an aggressive stance.

The Middlegame

5. Qd1 b5

Jake pulled back the Queen, positioning for a more powerful attack later. The King moved a pawn forward, starting a flank attack.

6. Bb3 a5

Ramis adjusted the Queen mecha’s position, while the King continued to push pawns forward, trying to create an opening.

7. a4 bxa4

Jake sacrificed a pawn to disrupt the King’s flank attack. The King’s pawn captured the sacrifice, opening up the side.

8. Rxa4 d6

Jake’s Queen mecha took control of the open file, while the King’s bishop moved to strengthen the central defense.

9. Nf3 Be6

Jake brought out the Queen mecha’s support, the knight, while the King developed his bishop, preparing for an aggressive push.

10. Bxe6 fxe6

The Queen mecha’s bishop exchanged with the King’s bishop, opening up the King’s pawn structure.