「Skill 'Instinct' is warning you」
The dagger flies off the barrier, deflected. The warrior had 「Reinforcement」 a level weaker from me, and yet it's blow was easily deflected. This fact reassured me a bit.
So that notice was…
Arrows hail from below, aiming for me. I re-summon the barrier, only to fail.
What the…
The barrier that I currently had active shivered, then shattered after a brief moment, the sound of glass being broken resounding from my side.
It would seem, that, I could not use two barriers at the same time.
I re-activate 「Reinforcement」 with my will, my body filling with strength and power almost at the same time. The more I used the spell, the more I could feel the way the mana inside me moved and maneuvered itself within me.
Using 「Instinct」 to direct my actions, I aim for a more efficient and practical application of 「Reinforcement」.
The missing pieces started falling, shaping, appearing. The parts that I did not have and failed to obtain before were now before me, waiting for their rightful place.
Quickly so as not to waste any time, I form the image. It was like a puzzle of sorts; you cannot complete it without the right tools, knowledge, and technique.
The image nears completion, the picture almost complete. The arrows were the same too, almost upon me.
I put my arms up in defense, hoping to – at the very least – protect my vitals.
Just one more piece…
Within my racing mind, I reach out for that last piece. Then the piece appears in my hand; I could feel the eagerness to be complete within the final piece.
I heed the piece's wish, placing it in the only open spot left. The lines outlining the pieces shine, the light blinding me. When I look again, the lines were gone, revealing an intricate arrangement of lines, symbols, and runes.
I touch the newly-formed spell.
「You have learned the spell 'Hardening'」
Then, I was back.
At the same second that I did, the arrows hit me, the resulting force piercing my skin and flesh… or so I thought.
Instead of lodging itself into my bola, the arrows' tip stops at the outer layer of my skin.
It hurt, more of a prick, really. Mana flowed inside of me, increasing my endurance, hardening my skin.
"…?!"
The archers' eyes went wide, no doubt surprised by my surprise feat. They were very clearly dumbfounded.
I dislodge the arrows from my arm and pull my arms back. Then, I try to reactivate 「Reinforcement」, only to be met with resistance. I could not activate my spell.
Hmmm…
Then, I deactivated 「Hardening」, and I could feel an empty space within me being made. It would seem that I could only use one spell on my own body at all times. Furthermore, my new spell 「Hardening」 took too much mana. Even though I only had it active for less than five seconds, I could visibly feel the drain of my mana pool.
I should stick on using the barrier
Though it was flimsy and weak, it was the most realistic option I had.
I re-activate 「Reinforcement」, my body filling with more power than usual. It would seem that unlocking a new spell increased my understanding and insight of the spell.
Wasting not another moment, I throw the bundle of arrows. They rained towards the archers, injuring and even killing some of them.
「You have leveled up」
「You have leveled up」
「You have leveled up」
I was falling again; this time, I was prepared.
I deactivate 「Reinforcement」, activate 「Hardening」 on my legs, and cushion the blow. Then, I de-activate 「Hardening」 reactivate 「Reinforcement」 and focus it only on my legs and activate 「Quick Step」.
With a burst of speed, the world passed by like a blur. The next second, I was met with the covered face of the armored knight.
Using my momentum, I bring my blade down on it's arm.
Sparks flew as steel met steel, the knight being too slow to react.
I focus mana on my arms, but even then I did not have enough power to slice through the beast's armor.
The knight finally reacted.
「Skill 'Instinct' is warning you」
The knight swung his longsword, and I reciprocated with my own.
Sparks flew once more as our blades me each other. I resisted, forcing more mana into my arms. Between the knight's raw strength and my higher level of 「Reinforcement」, our strengths were about the same. That meant we had only one thing left:
Technique
The beast receded and took a step back, fixing his stance.
He put one foot over the other, squared his shoulders and relaxed them. The knight gripped the hilt of his longsword with both hands, pointing the blade towards me. He exuded practiced tension, his aura changing into a swordsman instead of a beast.
I reciprocated.
Following his example, I put one foot over the other, fix my posture, and readjust my balance. Though my sword was shorter than his, I decide to copy his style and hold the hilt with both hands.
Through the slit on the knight's eyes, I could feel determination and courage welling. His eyes were like the sun, just beyond the darkness and invisible to those who refused to stare at it. He could not be anymore serious than this.
I'll have to go all out
Reaching deep inside of me, I reach for that spell.
With a heart full of fear…
With nerves full of fright…
I stand at the peak, gazing at the far-off horizon…「Horizon Oath」.
I cast the spell, and immediately, my mind raced with the overload of information from my enhanced senses. I tried to use 「Assimilation」 adjust the spell like last time, but to no avail.
My attribute was still preoccupied; I still cannot use it.
That meant that I would not be able to focus the spell on sight mostly–which was a problem.
Was this a mistake?
Then, the knight made his move.
「Skill 'Instinct' is warning you」