A few days had passed since Remy's failed assassination attempt and his escape from his master's estate, but his freedom was short-lived. As he crouched behind a tree in the dense forest, he heard a twig snap. His former master and two of the beastkin slaves who had assisted in the attack against Valentinus emerged from the underbrush.
The master, wielding his terrifying magical ability known as Beast Tamer, exuded an oppressive presence. This ability allowed him to exert control over monsters, animals, and beastkin, instilling fear and compelling obedience. The aura created by his power made escape nearly impossible for Remy. With the master's aura affecting those around him, even Remy's hopes seemed to dwindle.
"You can't hide forever, Remy," the master's voice rumbled, calm yet menacing. "Come back now, or face the consequences."
Panic surged through Remy as he sprinted deeper into the forest, the underbrush scratching at his skin and the dense foliage tangling his limbs. Every snap of a twig or rustle in the leaves seemed amplified, heightening his sense of dread. The forest, once a sanctuary, now felt like a trap closing in on him.
Elsewhere, at Mira and Keir's home, Keir was hard at work outside, pushing the limits of his Barrier skill. Determined to improve, he crafted a series of barriers, aiming to create a staircase of barriers, each one floating higher than the last, allowing him to ascend into the air.
Keir started by forming a low barrier directly beneath him, using it to propel himself into the air. He then created another barrier just in front of him, stepping onto it as it held firm. Moving swiftly, he formed the next barrier above, using it as a stepping stone. He continued this process, ascending higher and higher, with each barrier materializing just in time for him to step onto it.
As he neared the peak of his improvised staircase, a sudden notification startled him:
[A Skill has Leveled Up: Barrier skill now - Level 2]
The notification flashed brightly, causing Keir to momentarily lose focus. His foot slipped off the current barrier, and he fell toward the ground. Instinctively, he shouted in alarm and quickly conjured a new barrier beneath him, angling it downward to create a slide, hoping to break his fall.
Despite his quick thinking, the slide was only partially effective. He slammed into the side of the shack with a heavy thud, the impact rattling the building. Mira, alarmed by the noise, rushed outside.
"Damage taken: 25 HP lost."
"What the hell just happened?" Mira barked, her eyes flashing with concern as she saw Keir's rough landing against the wall.
Keir, still recovering from the crash, glanced at the system screen to see the new capabilities of Barrier Level 2:
Barrier - Level 2
• Enhanced Durability: Barriers become more resistant to attacks.
• New Barrier Types: Introduction of force fields and reflective shields.
• Complex Shapes: Ability to create more intricate and multi-layered barriers.
"Whoa! This is awesome!" Keir exclaimed, brushing himself off. He flashed a sheepish grin at Mira. "I'm fine, just had a bit of a tumble. I was experimenting with the Barrier, trying to make my barriers float in mid-air. Got a little carried away."
Mira's initial concern gave way to curiosity. "That's impressive. How does it work?"
Keir's eyes sparkled with enthusiasm. "I was using the barriers like steps to climb higher. It's a bit tricky, but I think I'm onto something cool. Just need to fine-tune it."
Just then, Valentinus arrived, assessing the situation. "Nice work pushing the limits of your skill. Looks like you had a close call though. Be more careful with these new techniques."
Keir jumped slightly, not realizing Valentinus was there. "Oh, hey Valentinus! Didn't see you there." He rubbed his head in slight embarrassment.
"I didn't mean to startle you. I actually just arrived. I was planning to continue our conversation from before. Although I must say, those barriers of yours are looking quite versatile," Valentinus remarked.
Keir's excitement returned. "Right! I'm finding all sorts of new uses for them. It's pretty amazing what you can do with a bit of creativity."
Before they could talk more, they heard a rustling through the trees behind them. Keir, Valentinus, and Mira all got into a defensive stance, unsure of what was approaching. Suddenly, the young beastkin Remy burst into view, breathless and frantic. "Please, help!"
Valentinus looked to Remy, his expression shifting to one of concern. "You're the boy from the other day. What's the matter?"
Remy, breathless and frantic, explained, "My master and some of the other slaves are after me."
Valentinus urged him, "Slow down. Why are they pursuing you?"
Remy took a deep breath to steady himself and replied, "After our mission failed, I chose not to return to him. I've been hiding in the woods, but he's managed to track me down."
Valentinus pondered the situation, his expression growing more serious.
Keir's mind raced with ideas from his past life, ways to bring about order and structure. But as he looked at Remy, he realized just how foreign these concepts were in this world. The very idea of helping someone in need, let alone challenging the status quo, seemed almost revolutionary.
"If it's Remy's master, then he's the one who ordered the assassination attempt against you, Valentinus," Keir said, his tone turning serious knowing that these words may motivate Valentinus to act.
Valentinus took a moment to think, his gaze drifting as he weighed the situation. "While I personally don't agree with slavery, it's common practice here," he mused internally. "Getting involved in another's affairs could stir up unnecessary trouble. There's no direct benefit for me in helping this boy, especially since he did just try to take my life."
He glanced at Remy, recognizing the gravity of the situation. "But ignoring his plea for help might have consequences. If this master is the one who ordered that assassination attempt on me, it's probably best to address this issue now. It could become a bigger problem if left unchecked."
Turning back to Remy, Valentinus's expression grew serious. "Does this master of yours have any specific abilities we should be aware of?"
Remy nodded vigorously. "The other beastkin told me that his power is called Beast Tamer. It creates a terrifying aura that makes it almost impossible to resist him."
Mira's eyes widened. This was an ability she was familiar with, though she had never experienced it herself. It was well known and feared among beastkin. Growing up she had always been warned by other beastkin to run as fast as she could in the other direction if someone with that ability were to come around.
Valentinus's expression grew serious. "I've heard of such abilities. It can control and dominate those with beastly traits. It's a formidable and intimidating force."
Recognizing the urgency of the situation Mira turned to Keir. "Keir, prepare a barrier around us. If this aura is as dangerous as it sounds, we need to be ready for anything."
Keir's eyes gleamed with determination. "Got it!" He said as he thought to himself "This is a perfect chance to test out the new barrier types and shapes." He nodded and quickly set to work, his mind racing with possibilities.
Activating his barrier ability, he began crafting a layered barrier around both Mira and Remy individually. Each barrier conformed to their body shapes almost like armor that didn't impede their movement. The inner layer was a reflective shield designed to deflect any psychological effects of the master's aura, while the outer layer was a force field meant to provide solid defense against any direct attacks.
As he completed the barriers, Mira, Valentinus, and even Remy were impressed by the intricate designs. The barriers shimmered with a blend of reflective and force-field energies, encasing Mira and Remy in protective layers that seemed both elegant and formidable.
"Wow, I didn't know you could create barriers like this," Mira said, examining the barrier around her.
Keir let off a soft giggle as he said, "I just came up with it on the spot just now." He didn't know how else to respond. In truth, it was part of the Level 2 skill he had just unlocked, but he couldn't tell her that.
Mira, seeing the urgency and effectiveness of the barriers, asked, "But if this barrier doesn't hold… What can we expect from this aura?"
"No offense, Keir," Mira said with a witty grin on her face.
"None taken. This is my first attempt at doing this after all," he responded with a return grin.
Valentinus replied, "It will likely control and intimidate those with beastly traits. Although, the barrier should help lessen some of the psychological effects, at the very least. But we should still be prepared for the worst. Sound about right, Remy?"
Remy nervously nodded in agreement. He wasn't exactly sure how his master's magic worked or if Keir's barriers could block it effectively.
With the barriers now in place and their preparations complete, the group was ready for the challenge ahead. Keir's new Barrier skill, Valentinus's tactical acumen, and Mira's sharp instincts would be essential in facing Remy's master and his dark power.
The forest fell into a tense silence as the sound of approaching footsteps grew louder. Each member of the group focused, their senses heightened. Valentinus's steady gaze remained fixed on the direction of the noise, his posture relaxed yet alert. Mira's eyes darted around, her mind already formulating strategies. Keir, brimming with confidence in his barriers, braced himself for the confrontation.
As the first shadowy figures emerged from the underbrush, the group stood firm, ready to confront whatever came their way with resolve and precision.