A month had swept by, ushering in a new dawn. The gentle rays of sunrise painted the canvas of a simple room where a young kid sat cross-legged.
His body emitted a mesmerizing interplay of red and black light, like a tapestry woven with magic itself.
The luminous display grew steadily, each hue vying for dominance until a soft crescendo birthed a subdued explosion, and just like that, the radiance dissipated into the air.
The boy rose gracefully, drawn by the call of an invigorating cold shower. Droplets cascaded like liquid silver, coaxing relaxation into every fiber of his being. Emerging from the shower's embrace, he returned to his bed, the aura of anticipation still lingering around him.
Rael's mind whirled with accomplishment.
"the Intermediate Apprentice stage!" he thought triumphantly.
He let a confident smile curve his lips, his thoughts drifting toward Daniel's progress.
"If Daniel fails to make his breakthrough tonight, my stride will surpass his,"
Rael mused, an undercurrent of friendly competition fueling his determination.
Amidst his contemplation, Rael summoned the system to life, inquiring about his amassed points.
"System, how many points do I have?"
he projected his query into the unseen interface.
A swift response echoed in his mind.
"[Responding! The host has 2553 glory points.]"
In the past month, as days turned into lessons and weekends into missions, Rael and Daniel harvested around 1075 points each, a testament to their shared efforts.
Homework and attendance swelled his haul to 1375 points. Yet, beneath this tally lay a purpose
a Cultivation technique coveted that can cultivate to the Master Magus stage, beckoning at the cost of 2500 points, a goal barely a month away.
The past month unveiled Rael's acquisition of a new skill thanks to his professor Celina, a transformative ability. He could now transmute elemental particles into neutral mana,
It can replace elemental particles in the spells Which greatly reduces the exhaustion of the soul.
of course, the spell will be also much weaker but it was the perfect skill for training the magical ability.
And that's what were they doing in practical magic class since then.
Rael's camaraderie with Daniel had blossomed into a brotherhood etched in shared risks and mutual trust. Their alliance forged in the crucible of missions had birthed these coveted points, a testament to their unity and resilience.
also, The foresight to fortify regeneration capabilities proved providential on perilous expeditions. It was Rael's resilience that wove a lifeline in the face of danger, a quality that pivoted the balance between survival and surrender.
In Rael's reverie, he envisioned the forthcoming moments, the prospect of outpacing Daniel in the cultivation race. This imagined victory was like a beacon on the horizon, gleaming with the luster of pride yet untold.
Clad in his signature uniform, Rael ventured to Daniel's room, a sanctuary that had become an extension of their bond. The rhythmic knocks yielded no response, an unexpected silence that birthed intrigue. Was Daniel, too, embarking on a breakthrough?
With determined resolve, Rael decided to enter. The spare key gifted by Daniel proved its worth, unlocking the threshold to a scene of unexpected brilliance. There sat Daniel, a prism of verdant and golden auras intertwining around him.
"A breakthrough, you too ?" Rael's words, tinged with surprise found their way into the space. He claimed a chair, comfortably positioned to take in the spectacle.
The phenomenon of Rael's breakthrough was repeated, but this time with Daniel
after Daniel opened his eyes he was met with a smug smile as he said
" you know you are very slow I already breakthrough an hour ago "
"Good morning to you too. May the dawn grace you with patience," Daniel's voice, laced with amusement, cut through Rael's lingering triumph.
Rael, momentarily disarmed, returned the banter. "Annoyed of second place, are we? Fear not, my friend. I'll graciously yield the crown next time."
Daniel's response, a concoction of casual confidence, spoke volumes. "Bold claims for someone whose debut mission almost met a disastrous end."
Rael's jest dissolved, giving way to annoyance. "that is a dirty move to make. You, too, were with me "
" yeah saving you ass . and now stop I need to take a shower quickly or we will be late for Tom's class "
when Rael heard Daniel's words he stopped messing around as he didn't want to be late for Tom's class.
last week a kid came late and he had to spare with Tom for half an hour He made him an example of everything not to do in a fight. It was bullying from one side.
after 40 minutes two figures could be seen running
they were Rael and Daniel
" Why did you take soo long for a shower," said Rael
" don't dare to blame me you were the one who ate the food of three people " replied Daniel
" that's not my problem, I am in a growing phase and need to eat a lot of food," said Rael
" just run or we will be beaten up," said Daniel and he increased his speed
Rael felt a shiver down his back when he thought of himself being beaten in front of the entire class. and he increased his speed also.
.
Finally, as Rael and Daniel neared the training ground, Professor Tom's absence marked a reprieve. A collective sigh rippled through them, followed by a seamless merger into the ranks of their peers.
Then, like the rising sun, Professor Tom arrived. His gaze swept over his pupils, lingering momentarily on Rael and Daniel. The silence hung, thick with anticipation.
"Good morning, everyone," his voice resonated, commanding attention. "Today, we delve into the realm of movement arts a symphony of balance and poise. Those intrigued by this art may secure the complete version from the exchange hall for a mere 500 points. Now, let our journey begin."
The hours flowed like water, slipping through the sieve of time, leaving trails of exertion etched on weary bodies. Two hours elapsed, leaving all students, Rael and Daniel included, sprawled on the ground like scattered leaves in autumn's embrace. Professor Tom's rigorous regime had etched its mark, a testament to their dedication and resolve.
The respite was brief yet cherished. The collective rise began, each student finding their feet with a measure of effort that testified to the trials they had endured. The academy's halls reverberated with the rhythm of determined hearts and a renewed zeal, as they set out towards the next chapter of the day's pursuit.
As evening painted the canvas of the academy, Rael and Daniel found themselves retracing the path to their dormitories. The setting sun cast elongated shadows, a prelude to the impending darkness. Yet, just as dusk approached, a sudden wail pierced the air, a shrill siren that ignited urgency in their steps.
A message materialized on their rings, a beacon of electronic guidance. Its words were succinct and imperative:
"Return to the dormitory immediately."
Their conversation paused, and a shared glance held the weight of unspoken questions.
"What's happening?" Rael voiced the query that tugged at both of their minds.
Daniel's response carried a tone of readiness, a resolve to heed the call.
"I don't know but we must follow the academy's instructions. Let's move."
Amidst uncertainty, their unity remained unshaken. A nod from Rael sealed their pact, and together they ventured towards the dormitories, driven by the pulse of unknown events.
They both sprinted with unbridled speed, determination propelling their strides.
Upon nearing the dormitory, a sudden explosion reverberated near the entrance, arresting their progress. Instinctively, they paused, exchanging a glance pregnant with intent.
Daniel's voice cut through the moment, a steady directive,
"I will use the eye of nature. Secure the surroundings."
Acknowledging the command with a slight nod, Rael's lithe figure ascended the nearest classroom, daggers poised for action. Like a guardian sentinel, he cast his gaze around, senses heightened, hands ready.
In a symphony of seconds, a familiar glint of lightning danced across his vision. It was a signal, a prearranged cue conceived by both Daniel and him
a sign that the scouting was complete.
Rael descended the steps, the cadence of his movement a fluid dance. Drawing closer, he addressed Daniel, curiosity lighting his eyes,
"What did your gaze unravel?"
Daniel's expression held an enigmatic fusion of disbelief and gravitas.
"An orc barred the path," he revealed.
"An orc? Are you certain you weren't seeing things ?" Rael's words carried skepticism, an echo of surprise.
Daniel's voice was unwavering, resolute.
"Absolutely certain."
Rael's intrigue morphed into calculation.
"And its strength?"
A contemplative pause ensued, Daniel's response deliberate,
"High apprentice stage, I believe."
A knowing grin tugged at Rael's lips, mischief dancing in his eyes.
"Are you pondering what I'm pondering?"
Daniel's retort was swift, emphatic,
"Don't even think it."
A sly, mischievous glint lingered in Rael's eyes as he unfolded his scheme, every word threaded with audacity.
"Listen closely. I've concocted a flawless strategy: I'll initiate with shadow hands, you'll unleash a lightning bolt, and I'll follow through with an explosive fireball. If by chance our foe remains resilient, I'll invoke darkness body, engaging him in close combat. Your lightning steps and bolts will be the ultimate clincher. A victory that can be tasted."
Resistance bristled within Daniel, but reason found merit in Rael's proposal. It was a symphony of logic, a plan that defied improbability. In a world where power ruled, an adversary's supremacy was a rarity, a gem of an opportunity. The prospect of collecting valuable blood imbued their task with unspoken rewards.
A few moments of deliberation yielded Daniel's concession, cloaked in caution,
"We proceed, but if anything went south, the retreat is our course."
Rael's assent was swift and unreserved,
"Understood. let's go before he moves."
As one, the pair inched towards the orc, each step laden with cautious intent. Rael ascended the stairs while Daniel maintained a watchful vigil, ensconced in a shadowed alcove, anticipation thrumming through his veins.
Ten heartbeats passed, the orchestration of seconds marking the rhythm.
In harmony with the prearranged plan, shadow hands erupted from the ground, entwining the orc in their ethereal embrace.
The tableau painted by these ephemeral restraints was but a prelude to the tempest that would follow.
With precision rivaling nature's own, a bolt of thunder surged forth, a streak of power that arced towards the orc with relentless determination. Smoke swirled as seconds ebbed, gradually revealing the orc, wounds marring its form yet not dismantling its resolve.
In that instant, Rael unleashed his explosive fireball, before the orc could charge at Daniel .
A sphere of heat and intensity engulfed the orc in a searing inferno. Flames danced like untamed spirits, and in the aftermath of combustion, an injured, albeit resolute, adversary emerged.
Standing firm, Daniel's words crackled through the charged air, "Not quite there yet."
Rael's turn was imminent. His figure coalesced from the shadows, his aura darkening. A maelstrom of determination surged within him, propelling him towards the orc.
But the dance of fate took an unforeseen turn as a descending axe cleaved through the air with intent.
Rael's instincts flared, he put his daggers in a crossed manner in the way of the axe.
the result was Rael being sent through a classroom wall. life and death were unknown
As dust and echoes settled, the orc advanced with predatory intent, vengeance gleaming in its eyes. Yet destiny intervened, a bolt of lightning rending through the air, striking the orc with a potency that eclipsed its previous incarnation.
The orc faltered, its once-commanding stance succumbing to a weighty burden. Its fall was graceless, knees touching the ground with an unspoken defeat. Breath labored, it teetered on the precipice of endurance, resilience hanging by a thread.
Shadow hands emerged once again, pinning the fallen orc in a dance of darkness and submission. Rael's voice, a crescendo of resolve, resonated through the hall,
"End it!"
Daniel's thoughts mirrored the urgency, bemused by Rael's outcry.
"No need for theatrics."
Already positioned behind the orc, Daniel's sword crackled with contained lightning, a humming chorus of power. With a single arc, his blade cleaved through the air, the resolute slash ending in an eruption of energy.
The orc's head became airborne, a temporary spectacle against gravity's embrace. the victory was solidified.
In the classroom, a broken wall bore witness to the skirmish's aftermath. Rael sat, an embodiment of fatigue and resilience. His hands, once sure, now lay limp, fingers fractured in the crucible of battle. His ribs were broken, His body reclined against the wall, a testament to his endurance, each breath a reminder of his mettle.
Daniel entered, an anchor of support. Lifting Rael. Together, they navigated the path towards the fallen orc, lifeless and defeated.
"drink his blood " Daniel suggested,
Kneeling, Rael approached the orc's neck, fangs elongating like shadows cast by the moon. His fangs punctured the flesh, a communion with blood that whispered of rejuvenation. Through the flow of life, Rael's wounds absorbed vitality, strength reclaiming its dominion.
Moments passed, a dance between life and sustenance, until Rael withdrew, his fangs relinquishing their hold. The scene was marked by transformation, Rael's injuries now minor tributes to his restored vigor.
Observing the moment, Daniel's voice infused it with pragmatic resolve. "Time to depart. Let's head inside."