Chereads / 7th Weapon / Chapter 5 - Chapter 5: Master of Forest

Chapter 5 - Chapter 5: Master of Forest

In the forest's depths, a figure in the shadows, his form shrouded in mystery and intrigue. Tall and lean, he moves with an ethereal grace, his footsteps silent against the forest floor. Cloaked in darkness, his features are obscured by the dappled light filtering through the dense canopy above. A hood conceals his face, casting deep shadows across his piercing eyes, which seem to gleam with an otherworldly intensity.His attire is simple yet enigmatic, a dark cloak billowing around him like the wings of a nocturnal creature. Beneath the cloak, glimpses of weathered leather armor and a belt adorned with mysterious trinkets hint at a life spent traversing the hidden pathways of the forest. An aura of ancient wisdom and power surrounds him as if he is one with the very essence of the forest itself.As the life force of Floresa waned, a subtle shift in the forest's energy caught the mysterious man's attention. His eyes, hidden beneath the shadow of his hood, suddenly snapped open, twin orbs of piercing intensity gleaming in the dim light.A surge of awareness surged through him as he sensed the final moments of Floresa's defeat, the earth itself bearing witness to her demise. Though his expression remained hidden, a flicker of recognition crossed his features, a silent acknowledgment of the events unfolding around him."That idiot. You set traps to kill, not to be killed," he muttered to himself and walked away.As Elzid left Aria, he retraced his steps back to where the other wielders rest, his movements purposeful and resolute. With each stride, he left behind the noisy scene of Aria and Floresa's clash. As he rejoined the group of wielders, Elzid told them they'll continue their search. "We need to move ahead." he gestured to the depths of the forest.With Elzid leading the way, the group of wielders swiftly gathered their belongings, their movements efficient and purposeful. Each member of the party retrieved their weapons and supplies, preparing themselves for the journey ahead. As they set off through the forest, the others fell into step behind him, their footsteps echoing softly against the forest floor.As the group delved deeper into the forest, a sudden gust of wind stirred the air, heralding the arrival of a mysterious figure. With

a speed like a wind, a man wielding a spear descended from above, his form shrouded in the swirling currents of wind.

Before anyone could react, he unleashed a mighty sweep of his spear, sending a torrent of swirling winds cascading towards the group. Caught off guard, the wielders were struck by the force of the gust, struggling to maintain their balance amidst the storm.Elzid, ever vigilant, sprang into action, his instincts guiding him as he countered the enemy's assault with swift and precise movements. With a series of calculated maneuvers, he managed to deflect the brunt of the attack, shielding his companions from the worst of the onslaught, even though Elzid's best effort to counter some wielder didn't stand a chance."Aah! I can't... hold on!" they exclaimed, struggling against the powerful winds that threatened to overwhelm them.Elzid watched others as they fell on the ground and locked a steely gaze with the newly appeared opponent.The enemy's name was Jetar, a spear wielder originally from Lanza who chose to side with the evil one. His laughter echoed through the forest, a cruel and mocking sound that cut through the howling winds. With a wicked grin, he surveyed the fallen wielders, reveling in their moment of weakness."Pathetic!" he taunted. His voice carried on the gusts of wind. "Is this the best Daeka has to offer? A pitiful display indeed!"Jetar's words stung like a whip, fueling the wounded wielders. Elzid's gaze hardened as he met Jetar's mocking stare, just like Floresa earlier. Jetar met Elzid's unwavering gaze with a smirk, his eyes gleaming with malice as he reveled in the challenge before him."You are from Viralinn," Jetar jeered, his voice dripping with scorn. "I heard Viralinn always sends the best wielder they have. You don't look like a serious threat to me."Elzid remained silent, gaze fixed on Jetar as his taunts failed to elicit a response. Unfazed by Jetar's attempts to provoke him, Elzid stood firm, his expression stoic and composed.With a sudden lunge, Jetar surged forward, his spear aimed directly at Elzid. But Elzid was prepared. With a swift sidestep, he evaded the attack, the enemy's spear whistling harmlessly past him.In the blink of an eye, Elzid countered, his weapon flashing in the dim light as he delivered a swift and precise strike. The blow landed with pinpoint accuracy, catching the enemy off guard and sending him staggering backward.As Jetar's spear whistled through the air, Elzid's lightning-quick reflexes allowed him to evade each strike with graceful precision. Impressed by Elzid's agility, Jetar couldn't help but commend his opponent's skill."Your movements are as swift as the lightning," Jetar remarked, his voice carrying over the din of battle. "I underestimated you, but it seems you are more than worthy of as my opponent.""I've only countered your attacks thus far," he declared, his eyes ablaze with lightning's fervor.The revelation hung in the air, a challenge daring Jetar to bring forth his full strength to test Elzid's mettle in a battle.As the murmurs spread among the other wielders witnessing the battle, whispers of astonishment and intrigue filled the air. They observed the relentless assault of Jetar's spear and the seemingly defensive stance of Elzid.But amidst the murmurs, Jetar's pride is being trampled. With a mighty shout, Jetar unleashed a torrent of wind spear projectiles, sending them hurtling toward the other wielders who stood witness to the confrontation."Damn," Elzid muttered and tried to save the other wielders.Caught off guard by the unexpected attack, the other wielders found themselves in a desperate struggle for survival, their powers put to the test against Jetar's relentless assault. Some managed to deflect the wind projectiles with hastily conjured shields. In contrast, others relied on swift, evasive maneuvers to avoid being impaled.As the chaos of battle raged around them, Elzid's voice cut through the turmoil like a beacon of clarity." Leave this place," he commanded, his tone unwavering yet filled with urgency. "I will face him alone.."His words carried the weight of authority, compelling the other wielders to heed his command despite their reluctance to leave the place. With a sense of resignation, they began to retreat from the battlefield.As the other wielders footsteps fading into the distance, Jetar stood firm, his eyes fixed on the departing figure. He made no move to pursue them, knowing that his true challenge lay not with the fleeing bystanders; he could kill them quickly. What he wanted was to fight Elzid because he sensed the massive power he possessed. Jetar watched as the last of the other wielders disappeared, leaving him and Elzid alone to fight. There was a palpable tension in the air as they faced each other.At that moment, Jetar's gaze hardened unto Elzid. As the winds continued to howl around him, Jetar took a step forward, his spear poised for battle. The time for words had passed. Now, only the clash of their weapon would determine the outcome of their epic duel.With a swift and decisive motion, Jetar lunged forward, his spear cutting through the air like a deadly gust. Elzid met his advance head-on, his sword crackling with electricity as he moved to parry Jetar's strike.The clash of their weapons echoed across the battlefield. Jetar's spear dancing with the grace of the wind itself. But Elzid was a formidable opponent, his lightning-infused strikes striking with relentless force.As they fought, their surroundings seemed to blur into a whirlwind of motion and sound. Lightning streaked across the sky, illuminating the fierce intensity of their duel, while the wind howled with the fury of their clash.Elzid's lightning-infused strikes grew more precise and devastating with each passing moment. Jetar fought bravely, his spear dancing with the wind in a desperate attempt to counter Elzid's relentless assault. However, despite his best efforts, Elzid's mastery of both swordplay and lightning power began to tip the scales in his favor.With a thunderous roar, Elzid unleashed a barrage of lightning-charged blows as he swung his sword, each strike landing with the force of a thunderbolt. Jetar struggled to keep pace, his movements growing sluggish under the relentless onslaught. With a swift maneuver, Elzid disarmed Jetar, sending his spear flying from his grasp."The best of Viralinn, right?" Elzid reminded him.As Jetar staggered backward, his eyes widened. Elzid pressed his advantage, his blade crackling with raw energy as he closed in on his opponent. With a final, decisive strike, Elzid delivered a mighty blow that sent Jetar crashing to the ground.As Elzid raised his blade, poised to deliver the final blow, a sudden tremor shook the ground beneath them. To his astonishment, Jetar began to sink into the earth as if being absorbed by some unseen force."What the?" Elzid said, scanning his surroundings for an enemy, but he found himself alone in that place.As the ground absorbed Jetar's body, a deep rumbling shook the earth beneath Elzid's feet. The tremors grew stronger with each passing moment, sending shockwaves rippling through the battlefield.Despite the relentless rumbling of the ground, Elzid pressed on, his determination unwavering as he ventured deeper into the forest. Not far ahead, he caught sight of another figure moving forward. It was Aria.Elzid observed Aria moving forward in the depths of the forest, his expression remained stoic, betraying no hint of surprise or emotion.Keeping pace with Aria as they ventured deeper into the forest, Elzid's mind turned to the subject of Floresa, a formidable adversary they had encountered before."Aria," Elzid spoke, his voice steady despite the rumbling of the earth around them, "What happened?"With a sigh, Aria responded as he understood Elzid's question, "The ground absorbed her body."So, as my enemy," Elzid replied.As they ventured deeper into the forest, suddenly, a distant shout pierced the air, causing them both to halt."Elzid!" The wielders who retreated earlier shouted as they ran to Elzid and Aria. As Elzid and Aria approached the group of wielders, the clamor of voices grew louder, each one vying for attention amidst the chaos of the forest."What's happening?" Elzid called out, his voice cutting through the din as he surveyed the group.One of the wielders stepped forward, her expression wrought with concern. "We've been observing the forest as it rumbles," she explained hastily. "And we've noticed something... unusual."A murmur of agreement rippled through the group as they exchanged worried glances."What did you see?" Aria inquired, her brow furrowed with apprehension."It's hard to explain," another wielder interjected, his voice tinged with uncertainty. "But it looks like the forest is... shifting. Changing the shape, almost as if it's alive.As it rumbles, some changes are happening.""We need to proceed with caution," Elzid declared, his voice firm and resolved. "Find a safer place to hide," he ordered the wielders."But what about the missing girls?" one wielder asked.Elzid glances at the forest and Aria. "Find a safe place. Other Trace any possible clue that might help us find the girls. Aria and I will proceed to the depth of the forest."To Aria's surprise, he glances at Elzid. "What?" she asked, as she could continue without Elzid.Staring at Aria, Elzid didn't utter a word but pulled her hand and pressed on to the depths of the forest. Other wielders scatter to find both a safe place and a hint of the missing girls.But before they could go far, the ground trembled once more. A deep rumbling reverberated through the forest, cracking to make a chasm, causing Elzid, Aria, and the other wielders to tense in anticipation. Suddenly, from the depths of the trembling earth, a hooded figure emerged, stepping forward with an ominous power.The newcomer's presence was imposing, their features obscured by the shadows of the deep. Yet, despite the uncertainty that surrounded them, there was an undeniable aura of authority that emanated from their form. Elzid's grip tightened on his sword, his instincts on high alert. The appearance of this mysterious figure only added another layer of complexity to their already dangerous situation."Who are you?" Elzid called out, his voice steady despite the tension that hung in the air. The figure remained silent for a moment, their gaze piercing through the darkness with an intensity that sent a shiver down the wielder's spine. Then, with a voice that echoed like thunder in the chasm, they spoke."I am the Master of the Forest, Usdavi," the figure declared, their tone resolute.As Usdavi spoke, a palpable tension filled the air, and the very earth seemed to respond to his presence. Elzid and Aria watched in astonishment as the ground beneath them cracked and split. At the same time, dark vines began to slither forth from the depths of the chasm, encircling the Master like serpents poised to strike.The dark vines writhed and twisted, their sinister presence weaving an intricate web around Usdavi, swirling around him like a storm. It was as if the vines responded to Usdavi's presence. Elzid narrowed his eyes, studying Usdavi closely as they stood. There was no mistaking the authority with which he commanded the forest, and Elzid knew that they would need to tread carefully in their presence.As Usdavi turned his attention back to Elzid and Aria, his gaze bore into the two wielders with penetrating intensity. With a voice that echoed through the chasm and forest, they posed a direct question."Who among you was responsible for the defeat of Jetar and Floresa?"Elzid and Aria exchanged a glance, a silent communication passing between them."I killed the female one," Aria said coldly, referring to Floresa.As the weight of Aria's admission hung heavy in the air, "Well," Usdavi began, his voice carrying a somber tone. "Floresa is admirable but underestimated you, and it cost her dearly.""While Jetar," and he looked at Elzid, Silence settled over the surrounding landscape, "I must admit that his defeat was a result of his arrogance." assessing Elzid, Usdavi added, "He wouldn't stand a chance anyway."Elzid, his mind swirling with questions and emotions, stepped forward and addressed the Usdavi directly."What do you need?" he asked, his voice tinged with a mixture of curiosity and determination. For a moment, silence hung in the air, heavy with anticipation.Finally, Usdavi spoke, his voice carrying the weight of ages past. "What do I need," he began, "Let's see. Ah! Aside from power, Yes! Your life!" he declared.Silence filled the air at Usdavi's declaration. The wielders of Daeka feel terror at his words as they feel the tremendous power Usdavi has. At the same time, Aria and Elzid remain calm and stoic."You seek to rescue the girls, aren't you? I won't allow you." Without warning, the cavern shook with the resonance of Usdavi's power, and dark vines began to slither forth from the depths of the chasm.At the mention of the missing girls, Elzid's eyes widened upon the realization that it was Usdavi who captured them.Elzid's instincts kicked in, and he moved swiftly to protect himself and other wielders from the encroaching threat. With a swift motion of his sword, he deflected the oncoming vines, his movements fueled by a mixture of adrenaline and anger.Aria, too, sprang into action, swinging her sword to repel the dark tendrils as they lashed out with deadly intent."So, it was you." Elzid lunged forward. Every fiber of his being surged with righteous fury as he unleashed a flurry of strikes, each one aimed at the heart of the treacherous foe before him.But Usdavi was no ordinary adversary. With a wave of his hand, they summoned dark energies to repel Elzid's assault, their powers rivaling the strength of the very earth itself. As Elzid pressed forward, he could feel the weight of their power bearing down upon him, threatening to overwhelm him at every turn.As Elzid surged forward to confront the treacherous Usdavi, Aria's gaze followed his movements with uncertainty. She watched as he unleashed a relentless barrage of strikes, his determination and fury driving him ever onward.For a moment, doubt crept into Aria's mind. Should she join the battle so she can finish her job, or should she hold back and let Elzid finish it?With each passing moment, the urgency of the situation weighed heavily upon her. She knew that every second counted, and yet she could not shake the uncertainty that gnawed at her. Aria wished Elzid wasn't there so she could fight freely. Lili almost caught her from her last job, and she can regenerate fast. She bit her lip. If that happens it will raise suspicion to Elzid and others."Damn, this is why I want to work alone." Aria lunged forward, joining the fray alongside Elzid in the heat of battle. As she closed the distance between herself and the enemy, Aria unleashed a flurry of strikes, her sword dancing through the air with deadly precision.She fought with grace and agility. Each blow was delivered with a calculated intent to incapacitate their adversary.As Usdavi recoiled from Aria's relentless assault, she seized the opportunity to press her advantage. Drawing upon her inner strength, she channeled her energy into a powerful strike, aiming to deliver a decisive blow that would turn the tide of battle in their favor. With a resounding clash of steel, Aria's blade met its mark, sending shockwaves rippling through the cavern as the enemy stumbled back, momentarily stunned by the force of her attack.As Aria's blade met its mark, aiming for a decisive blow, Usdavi proved to be a formidable adversary. With lightning reflexes, he deflected Aria's attack, his dark vines swirling around them in a protective barrier.Before Aria could react, the enemy launched a counterattack at them, striking out with a powerful blow that caught Elzid and Aria off guard. With a cry of pain, Elzid staggered backward, momentarily vulnerable to the enemy's relentless assault.Aria leaped into action, intercepting the enemy's next strike with a well-timed parry. Though the force of the blow threatened to overwhelm her, she held her ground.Despite their valiant efforts, with each passing moment, it became increasingly clear that victory would not come quickly, and the enemy's power seemed to grow stronger with every strike.