Ruby lay sprawled on the floor of her temporary home, the remnants of her recent battle still echoing in her bones. The pain was dull but persistent, a reminder of the Ice Behemoth she had fought just a few days ago. She took a deep breath, feeling the tension in her muscles, and reached for the small, ornate mirror hanging on the wall.
Ruby stared at her reflection, her silver eyes shimmering faintly in the morning light. They reminded her of the power she possessed—power she still felt hesitant to fully embrace.
As she focused on the mirror, the intricate patterns began to swirl, revealing her current stats and titles.
Name: Ruby Crystal (Rose)
Age: 15
Title: Chosen One, Pure Blood Silver Eyed Warrior, Bullet Time, Messenger, Prodigy, Goblin Slayer, Enhanced, Cold Blooded, Bearer of God of Light Fragment, Lucifer's Apprentice, Survivor, Last Stand
Level: 83 (Exp 0/503000)
Passive Curse: [Limiter] {30%} Unlocked (MP and SP are allowed to increase)
Health Points: 78,500/78,500 HP (Currently: 65,000/78,500 HP)
Mana Points: 60,500/60,500 MP (Currently: 45,000/60,500 MP)
Stamina Points: 75,900/75,900 SP (Currently: 60,000/75,900 SP)
Strength: D
Agility:
Endurance: C+
Dexterity:
Vitality:
Mana:
Qi: N/A (Not Cultivated)
Ruby's heart sank slightly as she read the numbers. Although her HP and SP were recovering, she knew that the toll of the battle had left its mark on her. The dull ache in her ribs was a constant reminder that she wasn't quite back to her full strength.
"I really pushed myself this time," she muttered, tapping her fingers against the floor. "But I can't keep holding back."
Her mind flickered back to the fight against the Ice Behemoth. She remembered the surge of power when she unleashed her Silver Eyes, the thrill of victory intertwined with the shadow of exhaustion. The exhilaration had faded quickly, replaced by a lingering fear of her own abilities.
"What if I can't control it next time?" she thought, biting her lip. The memory of Summer flashed in her mind—moments filled with both guidance and pain. Her heart raced, a swirl of emotions threatening to overwhelm her. She couldn't let fear dictate her actions, but how could she move forward knowing the stakes were so high?
"Ruby?" Guwa's voice broke her from her thoughts, the spirit floating nearby, concern etched on her small face. "Are you okay?"
"Yeah, just… checking my status," Ruby replied, forcing a smile.
Guwa hovered closer, peering into the mirror. "You're recovering well, but you still look worried."
"It's just…" Ruby hesitated, her mind racing. "What if I face something stronger next time? I barely made it through the last fight."
Guwa's expression softened. "You're stronger than you think. Every battle teaches you something, even if it hurts."
"But what if I lose control?" Ruby whispered, the weight of her fear pressing down on her. "What if I hurt someone?"
"You won't," Guwa reassured her, her voice firm. "You have the power of the Silver Eyes, yes, but you also have a good heart. You fight to protect, not to harm. Remember what Selene said: strength comes from understanding your limits and expanding them with care."
Ruby nodded slowly, absorbing Guwa's words. "You're right. I just need to keep training and learn to trust myself more."
"That's the spirit!" Guwa cheered, she fluttered with excitement. "Let's make a plan. You can practice your control over your magic while we think of strategies for the next challenge."
Feeling a flicker of hope, Ruby smiled for real this time. "Okay. I can do this."
With a deep breath, she pushed herself up from the floor, determination shining in her silver eyes. She still had a long way to go, but for the first time in days, she felt a spark of confidence reignite within her. The journey ahead wouldn't be easy, but she was ready to face it, one step at a time.
As Ruby prepared for her next training session, she knew that every challenge would only make her stronger. And with allies like Guwa by her side, she wouldn't have to face them alone.
=============
The sun hung high in the sky, casting a warm glow over the clearing where Ruby had agreed to meet Guwa for their lesson. The air was filled with the scent of wildflowers and the distant sound of rustling leaves, creating a serene backdrop for the day's training.
Ruby sat cross-legged on the grass, her gaze fixed on Guwa, who floated gracefully above her, her long hair shimmering in the sunlight. Guwa's expression was a mixture of excitement and mischief, hinting at her playful nature.
"Are you ready for some magic, Ruby?" Guwa asked, her voice light and cheerful.
"Ready as I'll ever be," Ruby replied, trying to match Guwa's enthusiasm. She could feel a flutter of nerves in her stomach, but she was eager to learn.
"Okay! Let's start with something simple," Guwa said, clapping her hands together. "Today, I'll teach you how to manipulate the elements—starting with water!"
Ruby nodded, her heart racing at the prospect of learning something new. Guwa gestured dramatically, summoning a small sphere of water above her palm. The liquid danced and glimmered in the light, mesmerizing Ruby.
"This is the basic water spell," Guwa explained. "To cast it, you need to focus on the flow of water and channel your magic into it. Visualize the water swirling and shaping to your will."
Ruby watched intently, her eyes wide with wonder. "Alright, let me try!" she said, determination flooding her veins.
Guwa's playful demeanor softened, becoming more serious. "Remember, focus is key. Feel the magic within you and let it guide the water."
Taking a deep breath, Ruby closed her eyes and extended her hand. She pictured a stream flowing gently, its water shimmering under the sun. She felt the familiar warmth of her magic stirring within her, and with a flick of her wrist, she attempted to conjure the water.
To her surprise, a small puddle formed at her feet. Ruby opened her eyes, disappointed. "I-I wanted it to float like yours..."
"That was a good attempt, Ruby!" Guwa encouraged, her eyes sparkling with excitement. "It may not have been perfect, but you channeled your magic well! The more you practice, the more control you'll gain."
Ruby smiled, feeling a rush of motivation. "Okay, let's try again!"
Guwa's playful nature returned as she watched Ruby with admiration. "You have a way of making everything fun, Ruby! Now, let's combine this with a little air magic!"
With that, Guwa demonstrated how to create a gentle breeze to carry the water. As she did, the small sphere of water danced in the air, swirling around them in an elegant display.
"See how the water moves?" Guwa explained. "It's all about connection. You can use air to direct your water magic, like a dance."
Ruby's eyes lit up as the idea clicked. She concentrated again, envisioning the breeze lifting the water. This time, she summoned the air and watched as the small puddle floated gently above her palm, forming a small orb of water, just like Guwa's.
"Yes! You did it!" Guwa cheered, clapping her hands together. "Now, that's more like it!"
Feeling a surge of triumph, Ruby beamed. "Thanks, Guwa! I feel like I'm really starting to get it."
Guwa's expression turned serious again, her tone shifting as she reminded Ruby of the importance of practice. "Remember, every spell requires focus and intent. Even if you succeed today, you must keep honing your skills."
Ruby nodded, absorbing the wisdom. "I will, I promise."
They continued their lessons, moving through various spells, from earth to air, each one a building block in Ruby's growing arsenal of magic. Guwa's playful encouragement blended with her serious guidance, creating a balanced atmosphere of learning and joy.
As the sun began to set, casting a golden hue across the clearing, Ruby felt a sense of accomplishment wash over her. She had learned so much, and with Guwa by her side, the journey ahead felt a little less daunting.
"Alright, Ruby! We'll take a break for today," Guwa said, her playful smile returning. "You've earned it! Tomorrow, we'll tackle more advanced spells. Just don't forget to practice what you learned today."
"Thanks, Guwa!" Ruby replied, her heart swelling with gratitude. "I'm excited for tomorrow!"
Ruby couldn't help but feel a renewed sense of purpose as they made their way back. With each lesson, she was getting closer to mastering her magic though she hoped it would be soon rather than later