Inside Chalu's mind, a quiet valley appeared—a place of pure spirit, far from the physical world. The air glowed softly with golden light, and a sun that wasn't real seemed to set behind sharp, dreamlike mountains. Roe, an ancient hero, stood proudly, his eyes filled with pride and respect as he looked at his student. In front of him stood Chalu, a young chimpanzee beastfolk, his eyes shining with the determination of a true warrior.
The air was thick with the energy of the moment. Roe had just watched as Chalu, with a single, concentrated strike, split a mountain rock in two. The crack of the stone echoed across the valley, shaking the earth beneath their feet. It wasn't a display of brute force; it was something deeper—something far beyond what one would expect from a disciple who had only been training under Roe's tutelage for a years.
.........
[Before this happened]
The secluded valley, with its towering peaks and serene skies, was not a place of the physical realm. It was a construct within the boundless depths of the mind—a space where the limits of the body held no sway, and the spirit could flourish without restraint. This was where Chalu, a young chimpanzee beastfolk, had spent what felt like years, though only weeks had passed in the world of Eldan.
Time moved differently in this place. For every day that passed in the real world, a whole year went by here. While Chalu's body remained in a deep sleep,his spirit was undergoing a transformation. He was honing the very essence of his being—his Aura.
Aura, the manifestation of one's inner energy, was a force both ancient and profound. It was the bridge between the tangible and intangible, the expression of a warrior's soul. Under the guidance of Roe, a legendary hero whose mastery over many techniques was unmatched, Chalu was learning to harness and manifest this power, pushing it to its very limits.
As Chalu sat cross-legged on a rocky outcrop, his body radiating a soft, pulsating glow of energy. The task his master, Roe, had given him was monumental—unlocking the 6th Gate of Aura, a feat that transcended even the highest expectations of seasoned warriors and magicians.
The 6th Gate wasn't just another step—it was a door to incredible power. Reaching it was as tough as becoming a 6th-class mage, something that usually took decades of hard work. But Chalu, a true prodigy, had managed to get this far in just 10 years in this special training realm. It was proof of his exceptional talent and unshakable determination.
Chalu closed his eyes, focusing inward. His Aura, a vibrant, living energy, thrummed around him, drawn to his core. Slowly, he began to channel it toward his heart, the nexus of his power. "I need to formulate the next gate—the 6th Gate of Aura!" Chalu muttered, his voice filled with resolve.
The process was grueling. Each gate represented a barrier within oneself, a test of will, focus, and understanding. Opening a gate wasn't simply about brute force or raw energy; it required balance, precision, and harmony.
Chalu visualized the gate within him — a huge and complex structure glowing softly in the vast space of his mind. The gate was large and intimidating, with detailed patterns on its surface that seemed alive, pulsing with energy. It was shut tight, but Chalu could sense it reacting to his presence, as if testing his determination. The challenge of opening it pushed him to dig deeper into his focus and willpower.
"Concentrate," Chalu thought, his breathing steady and controlled. "Unlock the gate within you."
As his focus deepened, the world around him faded away. His Aura, now fully concentrated, began to spiral inward, forming a brilliant vortex at his heart. The energy pushed against the gate, probing its defenses, searching for a weakness.
Sweat dripped down Chalu's brow as the pressure mounted. Every fiber of his being screamed for him to stop, to relent. Yet, he pressed on, his determination unyielding.
Suddenly, he felt it—a faint, almost imperceptible shift.
"Here… the connection," Chalu whispered, his voice trembling with excitement.
The gate responded, its glow intensifying. Slowly, it began to crack open, a blinding light spilling through the growing gap. The energy was overwhelming, a torrent of power that threatened to consume him. Yet, Chalu held firm, grounding himself in the teachings of his master.
From a distance, Roe watched with quiet pride. The young beastfolk had surpassed all expectations, his spirit blazing with the intensity of a rising star.
"He's almost there," Roe thought, his lips curling into a small smile. "The 6th Gate isn't just power; it's the test of one's essence. If anyone can overcome it, it's Chalu."
As the light from the gate grew brighter, Chalu clenched his fists, his voice cutting through the silence.
"Open!"
With a deafening roar, the 6th Gate of Aura burst open, a surge of radiant energy enveloping Chalu. His Aura flared, transforming into a brilliant cascade of colors that illuminated the entire valley.
Chalu's eyes snapped open, his body shaking from the overwhelming power now flowing through him. He had done it—he had unlocked the 6th Gate, bridging the gap between potential and mastery.
Breathing heavily, Chalu looked toward the horizon, his heart swelling with pride and determination.
"I'm ready," he thought. "Time to use that technique I honed"
...........
[Back to the present]
Chalu, a young chimpanzee beastfolk, his youthful frame trembling—not from exhaustion, but from the adrenaline coursing through his veins. His hands, calloused from relentless training, hung at his sides, and his chest rose and fell steadily as he recovered from the strike that had split the rock.
Chalu had harnessed not only his muscles but the very essence of his aura, channeling it into a single, decisive blow.
Roe smiled, his expression softening as he spoke, his voice carrying the weight of wisdom and a teacher's quiet joy. "You've come so far, Chalu. We're almost there."
Chalu's sharp, determined eyes met his master's gaze. He nodded, the corner of his mouth twitching upward in a brief smile. "By the way, Master," Chalu began, his tone curious but steady, "how much time has passed in the real world?"
Roe's expression turned thoughtful, his gaze drifting to the horizon. "Weeks," he said simply. "But don't let that concern you. It's not yet your time to return. When the moment comes, you'll know.... For now, focus on the journey, not the destination. You're almost ready."
Chalu clenched his fist and raised it toward the sky, his knuckles brushing against the fading light. His lips pressed into a firm line as he looked up, determination blazing in his eyes. "Just you wait, everyone," he thought, the words echoing in his mind like a promise. "I'm almost done with my training. Just wait a little longer."
Roe watched him silently, his heart swelling with both pride and anticipation. His sharp instincts as a warrior told him that Chalu was nearing the pinnacle of his training.
Roe's thoughts lingered on the bright future he could see in his pupil. (Chalu, I know what you're thinking,)
Roe mused inwardly, his lips curling into a faint smile. (Don't worry. Your aura tells me it's only a matter of time now. Once the fire within you is fully ignited, the world will see what you're truly capable of. Just wait until then.)
As the fake sun dipped lower, casting long shadows across the valley, the two stood in a moment of quiet understanding—teacher and student, mentor and disciple—on the brink of a journey that was about to reach its crescendo.
.............
Meanwhile, Athos Confronts Rowena and Colerio
Athos stood at the center of the battlefield, his posture relaxed but his eyes gleaming with mischief. He grinned, his confidence radiating as he addressed the two before him.
"Time for another round, Rowena," Athos taunted, his tone dripping with mockery. Then, turning his gaze toward the other figure, he added with a smirk, "Colerio Sapher."
Colerio's expression hardened, his usually calm demeanor replaced with steely resolve.
"Athos…" Colerio said, his voice low and measured, his fists tightening at his sides.
Rowena, however, had no patience for banter. Her piercing gaze locked onto Athos, and with a sharp gesture, a circle of icy wind began forming around her hands.
"You won't get away this time!" she shouted, her voice cutting through the chaos. With a swift motion, she unleashed her spell. "Blizzard Haze!"
Blizzard Haze
Type: Dual-Purpose Spell (Offensive and Buff)
Element: Ice/Wind
Casting Time: Instantaneous
Description:
Rowena's hands glowed with frosty energy as a howling storm of snow and ice erupted around Athos, trapping him in its vortex. At the same time, a shimmering frost enveloped her and Colerio, amplifying their speed and agility.
Effect:
Blizzard (Offense):
A storm of snow and ice swirled around Athos, reducing his movement speed by 50%.Sharp ice shards battered him, inflicting minor piercing damage.The storm's intensity increased, creating a risk of freezing Athos in place for a brief moment.
Haste (Buff):
Rowena and Colerio were imbued with the spell's icy energy:+30% Movement Speed+20% Attack Speed+15% EvasionFrosty trails formed beneath their feet, further slowing Athos when he moved toward them.
Rowena's form blurred as her speed doubled, leaving behind shimmering trails of frost as she repositioned herself for an attack.
Athos staggered slightly, his grin faltering as he felt the storm's effects.
"Whoa... A new spell? Ice, huh?" he muttered, a flicker of surprise crossing his face.
Rowena smirked, her voice brimming with defiance."Not just ice!"
Taking full advantage of the buff, Colerio surged forward, moving with astonishing speed. His figure became a blur as he closed the distance between himself and Athos.
Colerio's thoughts raced as he prepared to strike. "I didn't think Rowena would use her power to buff me... Me who protect the beastfolk..."
As Colerio advanced, Rowena remained focused, her mind calculating the next move.
"If I want to win against this monster, I need Colerio to defeat him," she thought, her resolve steeling with every second.
Athos, now on the defensive, gritted his teeth as the icy storm continued to swirl around him. His eyes darted between the two opponents, realizing that he was facing a well-coordinated team, their synergy amplified by Rowena's newfound power.
"So, they're serious," Athos murmured, his grin returning but tinged with determination. "Good. Let's see what you've got!"
The air grew heavy with tension as Athos grinned, his confidence unwavering.
"But sadly, it's not enough!" Athos declared, his voice resonating across the battlefield.
Dark energy erupted from his body, swirling in chaotic waves that filled the area with an oppressive aura. The energy lashed out like tendrils, wrapping the battlefield in suffocating darkness. Both Rowena and Colerio stumbled back, struggling to breathe as the malevolent force constricted their movements.
"Abyss Grip," Athos intoned, his voice carrying an ominous weight. The spell's suffocating force bore down on them, threatening to overwhelm.
Colerio clenched his fists, his expression steely as he began casting a spell. His voice cut through the oppressive darkness with clarity and power:
"Fractum abyssum dissolvere!"
The words of the Voidbreaker Chant rang out, and a brilliant surge of light and energy radiated from Colerio.
[Voidbreaker Chant]
Effect: A spell designed to counteract dark magic and suffocating auras.
Dismantles spells of darkness, disintegrating their harmful effects.Returns the oppressive energy to harmless shadows, dissipating its power entirely.
As the Voidbreaker Chant completed, the dark energy surrounding them dissolved into harmless wisps of shadow. The air lightened, and Rowena felt the suffocating pressure lift.
She took a deep breath, regaining her composure. Turning to Colerio, she muttered, "Hmm… thanks."
Her tone was begrudging, her tsundere nature peeking through even in the heat of battle.
Colerio gave her a sidelong glance but said nothing, his focus remaining on Athos.
Athos observed the exchange with mild amusement, though his eyes gleamed with something darker.
"As expected of you, Colerio Sapher," he said, his tone laced with mock admiration.
With a sly grin, he continued,
"Not only do you possess mastery over four elements, but you also wield dark magic. Such talent is rare… Why not join me? You could be a commander in my kingdom, ruling alongside me."
Athos's offer lingered in the tense air, but Colerio didn't flinch. His steady, calm eyes locked onto Athos, showing no sign of hesitation.
"I refuse," Colerio said simply, his voice cold and resolute. "I would rather kill you than submit to your rule."
Athos's grin widened, a chilling laugh escaping him.
"Hahahaha! Bold statement," he said, his tone tinged with amusement and danger.
His expression darkened, his eyes narrowing as he stepped forward.
"But that's only if you can kill me," Athos challenged, his voice low and venomous.
The battlefield seemed to pause for a moment, the tension thick and electrifying. The storm of conflict between these powerful forces was about to escalate further.
To be continue