"An Infernal Demon is a 5th-class monster and a vicious one at that. From what Kya said, this one has been bothering the village for a while and is hiding out in a cave system near the village. This will be a tough one for your first mission, but I think that you will do fine. Considering the job, it should be very straightforward, but the demon will have minions protecting its cave," Fiona explained. Something about monster classes sounded familiar.
"Do you think that you could explain the monster classes a bit? Like what class do I fall under?" I asked, and Fiona nodded.
"You are a 7th-class monster currently, but you are one of the few types that can advance more than just a few classes. There are eight standard monster classes, running from 8th to 1st. After that, there is A, S, SS, SSS, and God class. You are the only one that starts in the 8th class but also has the potential to reach God class. During your training, you were able to improve your class, but only because you have only killed one monster. While your training is good to keep you physically fit visually, it has no effect on your real raw power and magic. Those are only improved by killing other monsters and absorbing their Supernatural Essence," Fiona explained, her voice firm but filled with understanding about the importance of knowing one's own capabilities.
"Thank you for explaining that," I said, feeling more determined than ever to grow stronger and protect those around me. "Now, let's focus on this mission."
Fiona smiled at my resolve and handed Kya and me each a small bag containing supplies we might need during our journey – things like water, extra clothing, and some food. With everything packed and ready, Fiona walked with us from the castle, and out to the northern edge of town.
Before Leaving the castle, I had to give Galor some attention, but even then, he didn't seem to want to let me go. Finally, after some convincing, he seemed to understand that it was better for him to stay behind this time. I didn't want to drink him along with me on my first hunt when I was still unsure about myself.
Once we reached the edge of town, Fiona turned to face the two of us. "Plates take less than a day if you run, but I think that you should be able to get there much faster. As long as you don't die, I will expect you home around supper time," Fiona said, but I gave her an incredulous look.
"You just said it was a day away if I ran? How am I supposed to go faster than that and maintain it?!" I asked, but Fiona just pulled me down to kiss my cheek.
"You are not alone, my King, Azriel. Never forget that. Kya is always with you, and you should be asking her this, not me. When you are strong enough, I will also join your side. Until that time, I need you to trust in your weapons and keep an eye out for other potentials," Fiona said as she adjusted my tunic.
Feeling bolstered by Fiona's encouragement, I turned to Kya and asked her what she thought about our travel situation. She smiled, her eyes gleaming with excitement as she took my hand.
"Our connection runs deeper than you realize, Azriel," she said, her voice filled with confidence. "Remember how we've trained to use our shared bond when fighting? We can also harness that connection in other ways."
As she spoke, I felt the familiar surge of energy between us begin to grow, a gentle but powerful force guiding me forward. Suddenly, the idea of traversing vast distances in such a short amount of time didn't seem so far-fetched.
Kya led me to an open space near the edge of town, where she demonstrated her newfound abilities. Focusing on our bond, Kya transformed herself into a sleek, powerful-looking wolf-like creature with brilliant blue fur that shimmered with each movement. She beckoned for me to climb onto her back, and I hesitated only for a moment before doing so.
"I trust you," I told her as I settled onto her strong back, gripping her fur for support. She nodded in response, and without further delay, we took off at a speed I had never experienced before.
The wind whipped through my hair as we sped across the landscape, Kya's powerful strides carrying us effortlessly over hills and through valleys. The connection between us was stronger than ever, allowing us to communicate wordlessly and anticipate each other's needs as we raced toward our destination.
As we neared the village where the demon was said to be hiding, we slowed our pace, becoming more cautious and alert. The villagers had reported numerous attacks from the creature and its minions, leaving them fearful and desperate for help.
Upon reaching the outskirts of the village, we dismounted and approached carefully, keeping to the shadows. As Kya warned, the area seemed eerily quiet – it was clear that the demon's presence had struck terror into the hearts of the villagers.
Navigating the deserted streets, we eventually stumbled upon a cave system not far from the village. It bore all the markings of a monster's lair, and a sense of foreboding hung heavy in the air.
"We must be prepared for anything," Kya murmured as she shifted back into her human form. "This demon is known for its cunning and ruthlessness. We cannot afford to make any mistakes."
Nodding in agreement, I took a deep breath before stepping into the cavernous entrance, Kya close behind me. Our senses were on high alert as we ventured deeper into the winding tunnels, wary of potential ambushes or traps laid by the demonic foe.
Before long, we encountered our first challenge: a group of monstrous minions guarding a narrow passageway lined with jagged stalactites and stalagmites. Despite their fearsome appearance, they were no match for our combined strength and skill, and we dispatched them quickly.
It wasn't until we reached a large chamber deep within the cave system that we finally came face-to-face with the Infernal Demon itself. A towering creature wreathed in flame, it regarded us with malevolent glee as it towered above us, seemingly anticipating our defeat.
"I've been expecting you," it hissed, its voice echoing throughout the cavern like the crackle of a raging inferno. "You may have defeated my minions, but you will find that I am not so easily bested."
Determined to prove it wrong, we wasted no time launching into battle. Kya became my scimitar once again, and together, we unleashed a flurry of attacks against the creature, dodging and weaving around its fiery blasts and razor-sharp claws.
As the battle raged on, it became apparent that this was unlike any fight we'd faced before. The Infernal Demon was relentless in its pursuit of our destruction, continuously adapting to counter our every move.
But as our bodies began to tire and our foes' onslaught continued unabated, I thought back to Fiona's words of wisdom and encouragement. Remembering the love and loyalty, I shared with not just Kya but everyone who stood by my side, I felt a surge of renewed strength coursing through me.
With a roar of determination, I redoubled my efforts, focusing on the powerful bond between Kya and myself. Each time I dug deep into my connections with the girls, the stronger I seemed to become. Kya's blue blade lit up with pink fire, and I began striking at its weak points with unerring precision.
Finally, after what felt like an eternity of grueling combat, our perseverance paid off. With one last searing strike, the Infernal Demon let out a deafening scream of pain and rage before crumbling into ash, leaving nothing behind but the smoldering remnants of its power and a few strange crystals.
Then the black supernatural smoke rose up from the ashes, absorbing directly into my body. As it did, a wave of exhilaration flooded over my body. The smaller demons had given me some of this as well, but nothing like this.