Feng looked down on the ground as he thought about what Jed said. It really hurt him, the words of Jed. He never had been told by anyone like what Jed did to him.
'Am I really a coward? I just wanted to have Mir with us. Why is he so mean?', Feng thought, forcing his tears not to drop.
Feng kept his emotions intact and just clenched his fists. When he looked up again, his grandfather was walking towards him with a red iron fan held in his right hand.
"Don't be sad, Feng. Jed never wanted to say something like that, he's mind was just confused. His emotions were mixed with worry about his family and what to do with the star beast inside the cave."
His grandfather comforted him, he also felt Mizu cling into his right arm, looking worried about her big brother.
Feng realized that his condition right now wasn't like the normal him and slapped himself with both hands.
'Snap out of it, Feng!', he said to himself.
That made the two beside Feng get surprised by his actions. Who would slap their own face so suddenly, anyway.
"Are you okay, big brother? Why did you slapped yourself?"
Mizu's hands touched Feng's red cheeks as she became more worried.
"Don't push yourself too hard, Feng. Everyone has their own mistakes and imperfections."
The First Elder opened Feng's right hand and gave put the red iron fan on it. It was folded so Feng can't see the design inside but, the carvings on the fan's handle and the gold embroidery on its body was astonishing.
"This war fan is one of the weapons of my grandfather and his grandfather before him. This was given to me because your grand uncle said that it matched my uniqueness and my beast soul."
Feng looked at the fan in all directions as he felt more better by the gift of his grandfather. He then lifted his head to meet his grandfather's dark blue eyes.
"But, this war fan was never been used by me. It didn't matched me at all. So I'm giving it to you, hoping that you're it's fated wielder."
His grandfather's voice was sincere and warm. It comforted Feng as it motivated him.
'This is a weapon? I can't see why it is a weapon, though.'
Feng inspected it's body and how the war fan works but, he didn't get it.
He opened the war fan and then saw a golden dragon, looking fiercely with its huge fangs and mouth agape engraved on it. The dragon's body is long, four arms with three fingers that have sharp claws, the scales also looked strong, like it will never break.
"Wow...", Feng said quietly, with awe.
"Amazing, right. Keep it. It suits you well."
Beside Feng, his grandfather patted his left shoulder and then walked towards the others.
"That's a nice fan, big brother. But, how can you use it?"
Mizu pointed her finger at the fan, it's iron handle glistening by the sunlight.
"I don't know, too. I'll figure something out eventually... I hope."
Feng folded the war fan and tied it at his waist. The two siblings then joined the others who were having a meeting.
"You should disregard the idea of Mir coming here on time. It's difficult to fight while still adjusting your new star core with your body. There's a small chance that Mir will get here on time."
Feng and Mizu joined them the group as they talked with the First Elder. They were all sitting on the bubbles that their grandfather made.
"Having a companion is better than losing one. All bonds can grow when you're fighting. It's a way of speaking out your mind with emotions."
Jed flicked his head away from the First Elder as he was getting lectured upon.
Feng met Jed's eyes then stopped walking, waiting for a response from Jed.
'Even though he was mean, I will let bygones be bygones. I still think of him as my brother.', Feng thought, firmly standing and staring at Jed.
As he stared at Jed's eyes, Feng watched his friend be embarrassed and scratched his head in frustration.
"Look Feng... You see, I was mean when I said that you're a coward. The truth is... I'm just anxious at that time and spouted nonsense that clearly hurt your feelings. They are like my family just like you guys... I'm sorry, Feng. I shouldn't have said something like that.", Jed said, while blushing in embarassment.
Jed stood up from his bubble and lightly bowed his head in front of Feng and Mizu. He's sincerely apologizing, his emotions just overwhelmed him.
"I will also be anxious if my family was in a situation like that, too. I will accept your apology as a brother, and forget about what happened. Just remember that mind comes first, emotions next. We won't make a wise decision if we let our emotions take over us."
Feng patted Jed in the shoulders with both hands and lifted his head with a smile. He then gestured to Mizu to sit at the remaining bubble together with Jed.
Now that all of them except Mir were there, they started talking about strategies to defeat the hidden star beast inside the cave.
Feng looked at his grandfather walking away from their circle to let them plan for themselves. The First Elder was the one who knows what's inside the cave anyway.
"We will go for the same formation again but, this time, I'll replace Mir's place."
The others were surprised by what Feng said but, when they saw the determined look in his eyes, they knew he had a plan.
"Okay, what do you think about the star beast living in there?"
Earl asked Feng as he knew that Feng is an exceptional observer and a lucky guy. Feng never made a wrong guess using his analysis.
"Is it a difficult one to fight, Feng?", Mimi added in, curious about the star beast inside. It may be a star beast that was suitable for her so she became interested.
"Is it strong? Yes. Probably stronger than the [Sabertooth Tiger] based on the way it's breathing. I noticed from outside the cave that it's body is large and has fur, based on the smell coming from the inside."
Feng pondered, but spoke normally as he answered their questions. His fingers under chin, Feng's pondering was interrupted by Mizu when she raised her right hand.
"Yes, Mizu. Do you have something to say?", Mimi asked with a sad voice, because of the fact that the star beast was probably not suitable for her.
"What if we light up the cave with gracia?", Mizu answered with a question.
"That's brilliant, Mizu! We should also irritate it as we do that."
Jed's voice rang out with a sarcastic tone. He was stretching his legs for the upcoming battle, never minding what plans the others come up with. He can just fight with or without a plan anyway.
"Ah... I'm sorry.", Mizu felt dejected as she mumbled an apology, with tears forming up in her eyes. She understood Jed's words and let out a tear.
"Ah, don't cry, don't cry, it was a great idea, right, Feng?"
Mimi glared at Feng and made him nod to calm his sister down.
"Don't listen to the words of a monkey, Mizu. He doesn't deserve your tears.", Mimi comforted Mizu.
"Your idea is nice, Mizu. But, we will anger the star beast if it was suddenly flashed by a light then we will have a hard time defeating it. Don't worry, your big brother is here to protect you from the front."
Feng patted Mizu's head with a calming smile. He felt relieved as she stopped crying under her veil then head towards the entrance of the cave, then Jed and Earl were seen, stretching, in Feng's sight.
"So, same old?", Jed asked Earl as Feng joined them.
Earl tried to reach his toes with effort and gave Jed a nod.
"Y-yeah, but Feng is the one replacing Mir's place."
Feng sat down and reached his toes effortlessly, his fighting in the front so, he had to stretch his joints for faster and smaller movements.
"Well, good luck, Feng. Good to have you at my side. Are you sure about fighting in front, though? You don't even have a weapon and your beast soul is a release type."
Jed looked at Feng with weary eyes. Feng never fought with a weapon so, Jed thought it's dangerous for him to go in front.
"Don't worry, I have a fan.", Feng stared to reassure Jed.
"You have a plan?", Jed didn't clearly here what Feng said and asked with a confused look.
"I said, I have a-", Feng tried to clear what he said but, a loud clap caught their attention.
"Okay, children. It's time for you to hunt!"
The two girls at their back and the three boys, stretching up front stood up and huddled in front of the Sixth Elder.
"The cave is dark so be careful about the terrain and the star beast inside. Protect your ranged attackers as they're defensive capabilities are not as strong as the most of you have."
The Sixth Elder looked at them in the eyes and patted their heads one at a time before stepping backwards to make way for them to enter the cave.
They are now looking at the dark hole in front of them. They were all excited and nervous at the same time.
Feng took a gulp and glanced at his new weapon, strapped in his waist, then stepped forward to lead the group.
"Let's go!", Feng raised his voice like an officer to order his team.
"Beware of the mist, Feng.", Feng heard his grandfather's in his mind.
'He send it using gracia! Is it a clue or what?!', Feng thought without looking surprised and continued to traverse the rocky floor of the cave.
It was hard to walk on the rocks but, this is nothing compared to their training back at the village.
They were trained to run on high speed without losing balance on the canyons that protected the entrance of the village.
Feng can still remember the Fifth Elder's voice as he talked to them while running backwards.
"Footwork is an essential part of gaining advantage in a battle, even on a new terrain, you must remember that."
That footwork training was a month of hell for them as they thoroughly trained by the Fifth Elder.
Though, Luke, Hestia and Aidan were not with them, their teachers said that they were also being trained, to make the others not worry.
"How is it? Are we there yet?", Jed asked while grunting.
"Shh! What if the beast hears you?", Mimi slapped Jed's back to make him shut his mouth.
Jed grunted, holding his back as he leaned on Earl for support.
"Mimi's right, Jed. Keep quiet for a while. We don't have enough vanguards and Feng's abilities are limited in here."
Earl stretched out his left hand to feel the rough walls of the cave, then turned his head towards Feng and Mizu behind him.
Feng clearly saw the wary in Earl's face despite the darkness that was looming around them.
Mizu and Feng are the most talented in gracia perception so their job is to feel the change of gracia around them.
It's the siblings forte, especially Feng. He sensed that they were surrounded by a thick layer of gracia with complicated patterns.
'This is strange, considering that we are on a dark, rocky cave, there should be no patterns of gracia like this unless someone is manipulating it.'
Feng continued to walk with his head looking everywhere, feeling the gracia around him when he was blocked by Earl's arm.
The girls and Jed also noticed that there were changes in front of them. The floor was covered with bones of other beasts and the putrid smell of death brushed their noses.
Jed released his weapon soul and crushed the skull on the floor, with a bone structure of a reptile. Feng watched Jed with wary eyes and touched patted his right shoulder to not charge.
Feng then looked at the back to see Mizu and Mimi also getting ready to fight but, Feng wasn't sure about this creature up ahead.
"Don't charge ahead, Jed. It's dark in here and we don't know what beast is resting in there. I have an idea what it is but, we have to make sure first."
Feng pulled Jed slightly close and whispered at his ear, the warm breeze of air touching Feng's skin as he talked.
They looked at each other and quickly realized that it was the breath of the star beast that they were going to kill.
The breath was loud enough and stinky enough for Feng make his speculations right.
'The breath is warm and strong, meaning that it's lungs are big. The smell and the bones in here tells me that it's diet are only reptiles. This is definitely a [Cave Badger]!'
Feng quickly patted Earl and gestured for a huddle. The children then locked their arms around each other with their head down.
"This star beast is a [Cave Badger], they are eight feet in length and has venomous claws and fangs. But, it's most dangerous ability is that it can turn the ground into spikes."
Feng told them what he knew about this beast their about to kill.
"So, what can we do against this thing?", Jed asked Feng.
"It has a tough fur, so don't target it. Aim for the eyes, and be careful about the claws, Earl, it's venomous.", Feng answered then looked at Earl in the eyes, even though he has a narrow eyes.
Earl nodded and then they broke the huddle.
Feng released his star cores so as the rest of them and turned around to look at Mimi and Mizu.
'Im sure they will be okay at a distance.'
Mimi knew that she has disadvantage against the star beast so she will look for an opportunity to attack on it's blind spots.
"Alright, Earl will be a [Heroic Rank] after he gets this one. I wish you good luck, brother."
Jed punched Earl's scaly arms as they both charged ahead to face the beast.
[SECOND STAR CORE - BLACK TORTOISE PRESENCE]
Earl activated his ability to taunt the star beast to create an opportunity for Jed and Mimi.
The [Cave Badger] noticed the red barrier surrounding Earl and let an ominous growl, showing its fangs.
"I got it's attention! Mimi, Jed, Feng, attack if you can find a blind spot!", Earl shouted, crouching his legs to absorb the attack.
Feng concentrated his gracia on his second star core to produce a pillar of flames that will burn it's fur while Jed rushed in, holding his golden staff sideways.
"Don't mind if I do!", Jed shouted with excitement as he jumped upwards, almost reaching the ceiling, holding his golden staff.
[FIRST STAR CORE - MULTI PENANCE]
With the momentum of the jump, Jed slammed his weapon onto the [Cave Badger]'s head, hoping it will stun it just like the [Sabertooth Tiger].
However, even with Jed's ability, the head didn't even budged and continued to chew the red barrier of Earl.
"Nuts! This guy's body is tough!", Jed exclaimed in frustration.
"Get away, Jed, if don't want to be shocked!.", Mimi shouted behind.
Feng is ready to release his ability but, he thought that Mimi should go first and pierce its one eye. Mizu is also in the back so, there should be no problem even if he released a big pillar of flame in front.
Mimi's feet were surrounded by purple streaks of lightning as she aimed her weapon towards the eight-foot beast.
Earl's ability was showing cracks now and will not hold for another minute.
"Any minute now! It's tearing up Earl's barrier, Mimi!"
Jed reminded her while stepping away from the beast. Earl is still taunting it and was ready to push pull away when Mimi is ready to attack.
"Okay, it's ready!", Mimi said to Earl and he gave her a nod.
[TRIBULATION'S PATH - THUNDER NEEDLE]
As soon as he saw the glow of Mimi's cores, Earl broke away from the [Cave Badger], giving it a strong elbow upper cut under it's snout.
That created a moment for Earl to get down and supported Mimi's attack using his barrier.
Mimi stepped on the red barrier to make a footing, then leaped to stab the star beast on its left eye.
The [Cave Badger] let a ear piercing shriek, its right eye is now gone as one of the girls that it didn't focus on happened to be the one that injured it.
The beast's claws tried to swipe away Mimi, that was still trying to pull her weapon soul out of its eye, but was block by a golden staff.
It made the beast more angry as it repeatedly claw Mimi away from its snout but always blocked by Jed.
"Mimi, don't try to pull it out! Just retract your weapon soul!"
Feng shouted at the back, he can feel the gracia in the air, entering the ground.
Mimi did what Feng told to her and got away from it together with Jed.
The two dashed behind Earl to reenact an attack again.
"Ready for another round?"
Earl asked the two, his skin turned black again.
"Wait, Earl! It's dangerous to get back in! It is readying for a large scale attack."
Feng ran towards the [Cave Badger], passing through the three in front and released his second ability.
[SECOND STAR CORE - PILLAR OF FLAMES]
'I hope it will work!', Feng thought as five pillars of flame rose up from the ground, surrounding the star beast.
Feng stepped back quickly towards the three, waving his hands to tell them to get farther away.
"Move away! The spikes are coming!"
Earl and the others realized the blunder they did. They should've stepped back farther but, it was too late.
They felt the ground beneath them rumbling then all of a sudden, sharp spikes bursted out from all directions.
Even the walls have grown rock spikes that was aimed towards them.
"Nuts!"
Jed exclaimed in frustration, trying to crush the spikes that pierced towards him.
"Jed! Go back! Check if Mizu is unharmed!"
Mimi shouted, she's being protected by Earl from the spikes, there are more rocks that came towards then but, Earl's ability seems to outplay these spikes.
"Okay! Tell Feng to don't die for me!"
Jed then head back towards where Mizu is. The whole cave will seemingly be filled with spikes in another thirty seconds.
Mizu is always on the rear because she has little on her gracia and will be catastrophic if her first ability were to be released in a narrow spaces like this cave.
'Please be safe, Mizu! Your brother won't forgive me if you get hurt!'
Jed hurriedly smashed his way back towards where Mizu is. He evaded all the spikes that irrelevant to smash and dodged the others that was bursting out.
Mizu is fifteen metres away from their last position. The distance between them is not far but, due to the darkness and the spikes, it took thirty seconds for Jed to get to where she is.
And when Jed got there, he was shocked to see what's happening with Mizu.
"What the hell?"
Back in the deeper part of the cave, Feng struggled to dodge all the spikes that were able to burst out of the ground. As he looked back, Feng saw Earl and Mimi also dealing with the annoying spikes.
'How long will this last?! Naturally, an ability like this will last for only ten seconds but, it lasted for over a minute now!', Feng thought.
He is now getting irritated by the beast. His second star core ability was gone for about a minute now.
As soon as the spikes came out, the flames subsided and only left ashes around a wall made of spikes that was protecting the [Cave Badger].
'Wait! Why are there ashes on the ground? Is it from the bones? No, it will turn to nothing if it touched my flames.'
Feng observed his surroundings while he dodged all the spikes and think for a plan to finish this.
'I can't go down like this! Mizu is still behind, forcing to get away from this!'
Feng then stopped moving, like he was taunting the beast to come out from its rock wall but, it never.
'If your not coming out, then stay there! I'll roast you inside that protection of yours!'
The spikes stopped bombarding Earl and Mimi, and started growing close to the rock wall that the [Cave Badger] made.
Feng let out smile as he watched the spikes form to an even thicker wall. The star beast seemed to realized his intentions and protected itself even more securely.
'I still have enough gracia to burn this thing. I'm not giving up so easily! I'm not a coward!'
Feng sat on the floor, cross legged. And released both of his star cores and concentrated intensely.
"A lot of gracia and concentration are needed when a release type star warrior releases his or her path. Your grandpa is also a release type just like you two."
Feng reminisced his grandfather's lecture when the two of them asked him at home on what to do to release their star paths.
"What is a star path anyway? ~ It is the embodiment of the star warriors themselves. Their star soul's path are engraved in their bodies and minds, telling that they are giving their best or a large part of their whole might when they release their paths."
A drop of sweat trickled down Feng's chin as he gathered more of his gracia towards his star cores, making the glow more.
"Release type beast souls are discriminated due to their long release time and their star path release. But, that's just the Empire's way of hiding the fact that the most dangerous star warriors, when given time to concentrate in battle, are the release type star warriors."
Feng was still concentrating when the [Cave Badger] started to attack once again. This time, the spikes are all focused on Feng.
Earl and Mimi responded quickly, dashing towards Feng.
"No need to worry Feng, just concentrate!", Earl said, crushing the tip of a spike with his hands.
"Mizu's okay too. Jed is with her right now."
Mimi patted Feng in the head, her hand bounced on his red hair.
"The star path of release types have no limits as long as you have the mind to concentrate and strong body to provide gracia. It will be a powerful asset when you're with your team."
The last sentence his grandfather said made Feng feel proud. Proud that his team is strong and has the capability to provide support for him and Mizu.
"Thanks guys, I'm ready now.", Feng said, remaining seated.
Feng clasped his hands and opened his eyes, glowing gold.
[PHOENIX PATH - FLAME OCTAGRAM]