The dawn broke over the horizon, casting a golden hue over the rolling hills of Arvendale. Adrian, Lucas, and their team assembled at the gates, the anticipation of their first official mission under Captain Mohan palpable in the crisp morning air. Adrian felt a surge of excitement mixed with nervous anticipation as he gazed at the landscape ahead. This was no training exercise. This was real.
"You Ready, lads?" Mohan's deep, gravelly voice cut through the silence. The captain stood at the front, his large, weathered hands strapped into the heavy gauntlets he always wore in battle. Unlike many commanders who favored swords or spears, Mohan preferred the sheer force of his fists—infused with aura—delivered through those gauntlets. They were battered and worn, showing the scars of countless fights, much like their owner.
Adrian exchanged a glance with Lucas, who gave him a nod of encouragement. "Yeah, I'm ready," Adrian muttered to himself, gripping the hilt of his sword tightly. He may not have magic, but he had his innate ability—[Copy]—and his swordsmanship, which he had honed relentlessly since discovering it. The aura he could manifest in battle was the one thing keeping him on equal footing with the others.
The group wasn't alone. Three more comrades joined them on this mission, all veterans in their own right but with personalities as diverse as their skills. First was Kiera, a calm and calculating druid who wielded nature's magic with ease. Her dark hair and green cloak made her almost blend into the forests she called her domain. Beside her was Kael, a sharp-eyed archer who never missed his mark.
He wore a hood over his pale face, his eyes always scanning their surroundings for any sign of danger. Lastly, there was Seraphina, a healer from the Divine Kingdom of Sucaria. Her delicate frame and serene features hid the power of her divine magic, which could heal wounds or strike down enemies with holy light.
"All set?" Mohan called, inspecting his team. He was a man of few words when it came to battle, but his presence alone was enough to command respect. His aura shimmered faintly around him, a constant reminder of the strength that lay beneath his calm exterior.
The group nodded, each member mentally preparing for what lay ahead.
"Let's move out." Mohan's voice left no room for hesitation. They started down the path, their mission clear: investigate reports of demonic activity near the border of the Breles Empire. Small scouting parties had vanished, and sightings of larger demons suggested something far more dangerous was brewing.
As they walked, Adrian couldn't help but steal glances at his comrades. Lucas, as usual, was humming softly to himself, trying to mask his nerves. Kiera's eyes were sharp, her connection to nature evident as she reached out with her senses, feeling for any disturbances. Kael walked a few paces ahead, his bow always at the ready. Seraphina, walking quietly beside Adrian, exuded a sense of peace that made him feel at ease.
Hours passed as they traversed the rugged landscape, the forests gradually giving way to rocky outcrops and open plains. By midday, they had reached the outskirts of their target zone. Mohan raised a hand, signaling for them to halt.
"Keep your eyes peeled," he said quietly.
"We're close."
They fanned out, each taking up a position to survey the area. The once peaceful plains now felt ominous, the wind carrying a foul stench of something unnatural.
Adrian's heart began to race as his instincts told him they weren't alone.
Suddenly, Kiera's voice cut through the silence. "Something's coming."
A low growl rumbled through the ground, and out of the shadows of the nearby hills, a pack of demons emerged. Their twisted forms were grotesque, their eyes glowing with malevolent hunger. These weren't the small, weak creatures they had encountered in training. These demons were larger, faster, and far more dangerous.
Mohan cracked his knuckles, the sound like thunder in the still air. "Stay sharp. Stick together."
Without hesitation, the demons charged, their claws and teeth flashing in the sunlight.
"Kael, take the left!" Mohan barked.
"Kiera, keep them contained!"
Kael loosed a flurry of arrows, each one finding its mark with deadly precision. Kiera raised her staff, and the ground around them erupted with roots and vines, trapping some of the demons and slowing their advance.
"Adrian, Lucas—on me!" Mohan roared as he surged forward, his gauntlets glowing with aura. The first demon lunged at him, but Mohan met it head-on, his fists crashing into its chest with a sickening crunch. The force of the blow sent the creature flying, its body crumpling like paper.
Adrian and Lucas flanked him, their swords flashing as they cut down any demon that got too close. Adrian's ability to copy sword techniques was put to full use as he mimicked the movements of Kael and Mohan, adapting their styles to his own.
"Don't get cocky!" Mohan grunted as he slammed another demon into the ground with a bone-shattering punch. "We're just getting started!"
But even as they fought, Adrian noticed something strange. Despite their initial success, more demons kept pouring in. It was as if they were being drawn to this place.
Seraphina's voice rang out from the backline. "Something's not right! There's too many of them!"
Mohan's eyes narrowed. "We need to find the source. These aren't random attacks."
Kiera, still holding the demons at bay with her magic, looked strained. "I can sense something deeper in the hills. It's… powerful."
Mohan nodded. "We move now. Kael, cover our retreat."
With arrows flying and roots holding back the horde, the group pulled back, making their way towards the hills. The deeper they went, the darker and more oppressive the atmosphere became.
Finally, they reached a narrow cave entrance, hidden among the rocks. The air was thick with demonic energy, and the ground trembled as if something massive was stirring below.
"This is it," Mohan said grimly, his fists clenched in readiness. "Whatever's in there, we take it out."
Adrian's grip tightened on his sword. Their first mission had just gotten a lot more dangerous.