"The other group managed to map out an area. Our job is to confirm what they found."
The group members did not question David and just nodded. They approached a small gate that connected to the tall wall. It cupped the wall in a "U" shape to act as a second barrier attracting monsters. The large metal gates slowly opened.
Nova walked forward confidently. She took her first step outside the Empire with confidence.
***
(Hours later)
SNAP
The branches beneath Nova's feet cracked lightly. 'These damn branches,' she cursed quietly.
As soon as the group left the wall, they encountered a large forest. The ground was rough and uneven, but it seemed like only Nova struggled. Even Macy, who was a non-combat member, traversed swiftly.
The group traveled in formation on constant alert. Nova felt their seriousness and quickly followed. David led the group in the front. He constantly looked at a map in his hands.
They moved fairly slowly compared to what Nova imagined. Her body itched from the tension of walking slowly through the silent forest.
BOOM
Suddenly, David whipped out his shield and collided with a monster. A massive flying wolf tried to take a bite out of him. Jack pulled out his wooden bow immediately. He poured green Est and created arrows.
WHOOSH
His arrows loudly tore through the air and pierced the wolf's wings. The wolf fell to the ground immediately. However, it looked just as vicious. David released his red Est and drew the attention of the wolf. Lance jumped past David and stabbed the large leg of the wolf.
Blood gushed out of the wound as the wolf screamed in agony. David jumped up and shoved his shield into the wolf's mouth, so it couldn't yell.
BOOM
A ball of fire shot down the wolf's neck and exploded inside of him. Macy quickly set up a thin barrier and blocked the blood and fluids that splashed out.
Nova couldn't blink her eyes. She was fascinated by the teamwork and skills of the members.
'I want to fight too,' her body ached to join in, but she restrained herself. 'I'll have to join in only when I know I won't be scolded for it,' she shook her head in defeat.
***
They continued to move through the forest without much difficulty. Nova grew mentally and physically exhausted as they continued for the entire day without breaks.
'Ugh, and we have to spend a week out here,' her initial excitement quickly turned into boredom and exhaustion.
When the night finally neared, David decided to call it a day. They found a large empty cave, perfect to camp out in. They settled down for the night. Nova volunteered to be the first watch.
She sat on a log with her back straight and closed her eyes. She began to spread her Est out. 'My Est would pick up any danger and it won't attract attention because it's weak.' She closed her eyes and did her daily meditation.
After 3/2 hours, Nova slowly opened her eyes to change her shift. She retracted her Est and slowly got up.
BOOOOM
The floor shook violently, threatening to topple Nova over. She turned around and saw an enormous creature. Immediately, everyone woke up from the sound. They scrambled to get ready, but the monster was already attacking.
'How did it evade my senses?' At first, Nova was befuddled, but she quickly stepped forward grinning. 'They won't get mad if I interfere now right?'
She grabbed her sword and pointed toward the creature. It was over 3 meters (~9ft 10in) but extremely skinny. Its long arms nearly danged on the floor.
Est covered Nova's feet. She burst with speed.
CRASH
The creature missed its attack. A crater formed where its fist landed. 'It's that strong and still fast?' Nova subtly felt this creature was no joke, so she instantly became serious.
She desperately slashed at the creature, but it only made a shallow cut. The creature quickly turned around and swung its arm.
PUK
The arm collided with Nova's side. She coughed up blood and flew into a tree trunk. By then, the rest of the group was wide awake and ready. They assumed formation and began to assault the creatures.
David screamed orders at the group. Lance and Jack relentlessly cut into the monster. Macy provided non-stop buffs.
However, nothing worked. Although they were slowly accumulating damage on the creature, they were growing rapidly tired.
BOOOM
Lance was the first to take a major hit. He fell unconscious and laid on the floor motionless. From there, the rest were quick to fall as well. David lost all his energy and was too weak to even stand. Jack tried to defend Macy, but they both faced critical damage.
The creature lingered with blood dripping down it. It whipped its head around to an explosive burst of Est.
***
'Damn, that hurt.' Nova checked her body and noticed several fractured bones. However, her superhuman body quickly worked to heal it.
'I can't attack it normally.' The creature was too strong for her to defeat by normal means. She smiled manically. She felt the strength and power lying dormant in her.
'I'll overcome my limits.' Yellow est exploded out. Her body ached in pain, but she wouldn't stop. She couldn't.
'Sword Coat'
A wave of Est engulfed her. Her yellow eyes lit up the dark forest. Each step let out a pulse of Est. A burning desire squeezed her power out.
She dashed toward the battlefield. After a quick scan, she realized the gravity of the situation. She grited her teeth and approached the creature.
"Miss me?" Nova chuckled out loud. She twirled her sword covered in Est down.
BOOM
An explosion rang out. The creature fell to its knee for the first time. "Don't give up now. I'm just getting started," Nova quickly dived back.