It had been two years since I started training my shadow element, and in that time, I had made significant progress. I had mastered all the shadow powers Shadow had taught me and had become a formidable C-class awakener by battling monsters far above my level. These years had hardened me, turning me into a skilled and dangerous fighter, feared by many creatures in the forest.
My journey had taken me through dense woods and secluded villages where I helped locals with their monster troubles. This had allowed me to interact with humans and learn about the world beyond the forest.
They spoke of the royal capital of Elaria, a place of wealth, nobility, and the kingdom's most elite warriors. It was also where the academy was situated—the academy where I was destined to enroll. I looked forward to the final stretch of my journey, eager to see the city and return home to my family, who I missed dearly.
As I traveled towards Elaria, taking a route known for its challenges and restricted to humans, I suddenly heard voices.
"Shadow, did you hear that?" I asked, my senses on high alert.
"Yes, Aric," Shadow replied. "But why would humans be this deep in the forest where it's restricted?"
"I think they're in a group," I said, moving closer to investigate. "Something's wrong."
Carefully, I approached the source of the voices, crouching behind some bushes. Four men in armor were sitting around a fire, enjoying their meal. Then I noticed someone tied up nearby—a young girl.
"Shadow, I think they're kidnappers."
"Yes, Aric, and they've taken that girl. Let's listen to what they are saying."
I edged closer to hear their conversation. A bald man, seemingly the leader, started laughing.
"Haha, today is our lucky day. We hit the jackpot!"
"Yeah, who would've thought we'd find a child running towards us? And she looks like she's from a rich family," another man chimed in.
"Now we just need to find out her family's information. They'll pay a fortune to get her back."
"But she's not revealing anything," a third man grumbled. "How will we get her to talk?"
"Don't worry," the bald man sneered. "We'll threaten to sell her to a rich man if she doesn't cooperate. And if she still doesn't talk, we can always sell her. With her looks, she'll fetch a high price when she's older."
Their laughter echoed through the clearing, while the girl stared at them with tear-filled eyes.
"Shadow, I think I found my next target," I said, my anger rising seeing how they want to sell off the innocent girl just for some money I hated this type of people who does not even care about others
"Yes, Aric this type of people will always be there in your journey and you have to Finish them And these humans will be a good test for your skills. Be cautious—they can be cunning."
"I'm ready for them," I replied, stepping out from my hiding place
Before making my move, I conjured a shadow mask to cover my face, concealing my identity. I wanted to ensure my identity to the people.
"Who's there?" the bald man barked, looking around.
"No one but your death," I said, my voice cold and firm this were the people I always hated i won't even feel regret killing them to ensure the safety of innocent.
The men turned to see me standing confidently, my face obscured by the dark, ethereal mask. They burst into laughter.
"A small kid?" the bald man sneered. "Today is really a great day. First a girl, now a boy!"
"You've made a big mistake," I said, summoning my Shadow Blade.
The men stood, drawing their weapons. "Let's teach this kid a lesson," the bald man growled, advancing with his sword.
I activated Shadow Stealth, vanishing from their sight. "Where did he go?" one of them shouted, swinging his sword wildly.
Reappearing behind him, I disarmed the man with a swift strike, sending his weapon flying. "What the—" he started, but I knocked him out with a quick blow to the head.
The remaining three men hesitated. "What kind of monster are you?" another demanded after seeing me disapear and reapear out of nowhere they knew I was higher class than them which made them hesitant to make move after seeing there comrade die.
"The kind you should have never crossed," I replied, shadow-stepping behind another man. He turned too late, and I swept his legs out from under him, incapacitating him swiftly.
"Shadow Clones, now," Shadow advised.
I conjured several shadowy duplicates of myself, surrounding the last two men. They swung at the clones, their swords passing through harmless shadows. The real me slipped past their defenses, knocking them down with precise strikes.
With all four men subdued, I approached the girl. She looked at me with a mix of fear and hope. "Are you alright?" I asked gently, cutting her bonds with my Shadow Blade.
"Y-yes," she stammered, tears streaming down her face. "But who are you? Why are you helping me?"
"I'm just a traveler don't worry I won't harm you," I replied, my shadow mask still in place.
"But how do I know I can trust you?" she asked, her eyes wary.
I removed my shadow mask, revealing my face. "My name is Aric. You're safe now. These men won't hurt you anymore."
She looked at me, studying my face for a moment, then nodded slowly. "Thank you, Aric. I was so scared."
"You don't have to be scared anymore," I reassured her, turning to the kidnappers. "They'll face justice."
She was still cautious towards me. I could see the fear and suspicion in her eyes. To ease her mind, I softened my voice and extended my hand. "Don't worry, I'm also the same age as you."
"No, you're lying! How can a boy my age be this powerful? You're lying!" she said, her eyes wide with disbelief.
I wanted to laugh, but I knew she had a point. It was unusual for someone our age to defeat four grown men with such ease. I took a deep breath, trying to find the right words to convince her.
"Alright," I said, nodding. "You don't have to trust me completely, but you're alone out here. It's safer if we stick together. Just follow my lead, and I'll get us both out of this forest. After that, we can figure out how to get you home."
She hesitated, her eyes flicking between me and the unconscious kidnappers. I could see the gears turning in her head as she weighed her options. Finally, she gave a small nod.
"Okay," she agreed reluctantly. "I'll trust you, but I'll stay behind you. You go in front."
"Alright," I said, giving her a reassuring smile. "As you wish."
And just like that I got a company to my route towards royal capital where I don't know what I will encounter there.