Chereads / LUCID: Dream Light Fantasy / Chapter 7 - CH-6 The Raven-woods

Chapter 7 - CH-6 The Raven-woods

The sky, a vast canvas of wonders, invites us to gaze upon its ever-changing beauty. Yet, even in its expanse, turmoil brews among the clouds, and disagreements turn into thunderous roars that echo through the heavens.

The once serene blue sky, resembling a clear ocean-like expanse, loses its calm, and chaos prevails. The tranquillity shatters as lightning streaks across the darkened firmament, illuminating the gloomy clouds that now dominate the horizon.

The azure hues fade, replaced by an ominous and brooding atmosphere. The heavens weep, pouring down rain upon rain, as if mourning the loss of their initial bliss. The downpour becomes a symphony of nature's grief, a cascade of tears that mirror the sorrows of the heart.

Each drop a melancholic note, a lament for what once was, a reminder of how quickly tranquillity can turn to tempest.

Yet, amidst the rain's melancholy, there exists a certain beauty—a cathartic release that cleanses and nourishes the earth below. It transforms arid lands into lush gardens, breathing life into every living being.

As the raindrops caress the earth, the world reawakens, renewed and refreshed, carrying the promise of new beginnings.

Decimus and the two patrons leave the tavern in somber moods, only to be greeted by the somber reality of the rainy weather.

Gone were the chirps of birds and the cheerful chatter of passersby that usually filled the air. The bustling town had quieted, shrouded in a melancholic silence.

The somber reality of their situation seemed to seep into every corner of the town. As they walked through the rain-soaked streets, the heavy clouds seemed to mirror their own heavy hearts.

The normally vibrant and lively Reavenwood was now wrapped in a cloak of gloom, the raindrops serving as tears for a town in mourning. Decimus couldn't help but think that the gloomy weather was a bit of an overkill, as if nature itself were mourning the uncertainty that hung in the air. Perhaps the rain was a reflection of their emotions, a tangible manifestation of the weight they carried.

After rumours of the 'Lord's Labyrinth' spread through every street of Ravenwood, it was fortunate for them to find an early lead to the path that could have significant effects not only on Ravenwood but the entire world.

The legend of the 'Lord's Labyrinth' had been spoken for over centuries, but its complexity and challenging terrain made it seemingly impossible to authenticate.

However, someone like Decimus couldn't ignore such a matter, especially after the devastating 'MONSTERS STAMPEDE' that nearly claimed 20 percent of the Empire's population.

If not for Decimus's efforts, losing more than 50 percent would have been a grim reality.

After retiring from the Sword Martial regiment, Decimus found his abode in Ravenwood.

However, in the face of the beckoning 'Lord's Labyrinth,' he couldn't suppress the familiar call to action that had defined his life.

The labyrinth's legends, intertwined with potential perils, proved too compelling for him to remain an observer.

A new adventure was on the horizon, and his two newfound comrades were ready to stand by his side. With resolve etched on their faces, they set forth, fully aware that the destiny of not just Ravenwood but the entire world lay squarely on their shoulders.

Decimus strode confidently through the dense vegetation, his eyes reflecting a calm akin to that of a seasoned performer gracing the stage. There was no hesitation or nervousness in his demeanor; he seemed to have melded with the forest, as if he and nature were old acquaintances, comfortable in each other's presence.

Behind him, the two young patrons, Brian and Chrome, moved with a different kind of intensity. Their eyes were sharp, scanning every movement in the forest—no creature, no rustle of leaves, no chirp of a bird escaped their watchful gaze.

They had immersed themselves in the surroundings, becoming one with the wilderness, their senses attuned to the secrets that lay hidden within.

"Sir Decimus, please stay close to us. We can't afford to fall behind," Chrome, a young adventurer with some battle and combat experience, pleaded, aware of the dangers that lurked in the wilderness.

Brian, a childhood friend of Chrome's, chimed in, "Yes, sir. If we unknowingly stumble upon monsters, it could be disastrous."

Decimus smiled, his calm and easy-going demeanor reassuring them. "Come on, grow some backbone. With me here, nothin will get near us, except perhaps an 'A-level' beast. You know these parts are some of the most dangerous in the entire Empire."

"A-level," Brian mumbled, shuddering at the thought of encountering such awe-inspiring creatures.

As they continued their journey through the perilous terrain, Chrome's thoughts wandered, and he found himself uttering heartfelt prayers. "Oh, mother, forgive me for not being dutiful to you. Oh, my lost father, if you can find your way out of the milk store, please know that I have always loved you. Oh, God, I ask for your forgiveness for my sins."

Y'all folks are being funnier. Glad I took yer invite, hahahahahah," Decimus teased the young adventurers, laughing heartily as he enjoyed their innocent enthusiasm.

[We never invited you], Brian and Chrome thought to themselves in unison, but they couldn't help but be amused by Decimus's infectious laughter.

"Sir, have you ever fought a Unicorn?" Brian asked, curiosity evident in his voice.

"Yuh, I have," Decimus replied, recalling past encounters with those formidable creatures. "Them fellas are nasty ones, I tell ya. They only go down with physical fighting."

"I heard they have very high resistance to magic," Brian added, displaying his knowledge.

"If only I could witness something like that, but from afar," Chrome mused, feeling a mix of fear and fascination at the thought of facing such a formidable opponent.

"Don't worry, small flies don't swarm around yer Decimus much," Decimus replied, a mischievous glint in his eyes.

Suddenly, Decimus's senses were on high alert as he realized they were being watched. "Get there, 'bout a hundred meters ahead. Those folks are waiting for us. Two of them are one 'A Level,' and other is 'B Level.'"

"Where? I can't see," Brian said, straining his eyes in the direction Decimus mentioned.

"Yer seein nothin. Human folks can only seein about 25 meters or so. Now, with a skill like {SEETHROUGH}, I 'spect they could see up to 90 meters at the most," Decimus explained as he unsheathed the massive sword resting on his shoulder.

"Do you even have a skill like {SEETHROUGH}?" Brian asked, impressed and cautious about the approaching group.

"Nah, I feel 'em," Decimus replied confidently, a formidable aura surrounding him as he prepared for what lay ahead.

Decimus's grip on the long sword tightened, and in a seamless motion, he swung it with breathtaking speed and precision. The blade arced through the air, almost a blur, as it passed dangerously close to Chrome's astonished face. The young adventurer's heart skipped a beat, but he could barely register the danger as he was entranced by the sheer skill displayed by Decimus's movement.

Before Chrome could fully grasp the swing's implications, the blade connected with an unseen target. A resounding thud reverberated through the forest, an unseen force colliding with Decimus's sword. The recoil from the impact launched the enigmatic adversary, hurtling away at incredible velocity.

The enemy's silhouette, barely discernible due to its lightning-fast movements, soared like a dark specter through the air. The creature crashed into the nearby giant trees with an explosive force, shattering branches and leaving a trail of destruction in its wake. The earth trembled beneath the tremendous impact, and the very air seemed to reverberate with the power unleashed by Decimus's casual swing.

As the dust settled and debris scattered, the presence of the opponent lingered only as an ominous afterimage suspended in the air. The group stood in astonishment, bearing witness to the extraordinary combat prowess that Decimus effortlessly wielded. His swing, executed with a blend of elegance and indifference, delivered a staggering blow, incapacitating the adversary and propelling it meters away.

Decimus's expression remained composed, a reflection of a seasoned warrior who had stared down numerous foes. In encounters like these, every action was calculated and meticulous, and Decimus had relied on his instincts and expertise to nullify the threat with such ease.

As the forest regained its quietude, Decimus lowered his sword, its gleaming blade now a testament to the might it wielded. Chrome and Brian stared at their mentor, a newfound respect and admiration in their eyes. The legendary warrior they had heard tales of had just unveiled a fraction of his true power.

"Yer seein now"