"Oh, I can now let loose," Oasis thought, a determined smile forming on his lips.
He left the training yard and went inside to retrieve his cloak, which was hanging in the living area.
The cloak was predominantly black, with white stripes along the edges, adding a touch of elegance to the otherwise utilitarian garment.
With his cloak draped over his shoulders, Oasis made his way into the city, his first stop being the Adric Pavilion to prepare for the mission ahead.
Oasis made his way to the Adric Pavilion with a clear goal in mind.
He wanted his uniform modified to suit his needs, particularly to prevent it from being damaged by his own flames during intense training or combat.
Given his status as the Sect Leader's disciple and with a recommendation from Kara, he received immediate attention from the skilled masters at the pavilion.
The masters, understanding his concerns, proposed a unique solution.
Instead of making the uniform fire-resistant, which would have taken more time and resources, they modified it to allow a flow of Oasis's mana through the fabric.
This way, he could protect it the same way he protects his hair from burning, using his own mana.
With this approach, the uniform would be as durable as his control over his mana.
Additionally, Kara designed a new pair of gloves for Oasis, and the masters linked them to his mana as well, ensuring they would withstand the heat of his flames.
Satisfied with the modifications, Oasis left the pavilion with a reinforced uniform and gloves that were now extensions of his own power.
Oasis then proceeded to a nearby shop, where he purchased extra clothing for his journey.
Time passed quickly as he completed his preparations, and before he knew it, two days had flown by.
On the morning of his departure, Oasis arrived at the gates of Lunalith with a hired carriage.
The carriage was sleek and imposing, a high-grade artifact mounted to two powerful equinores—beastly creatures far more formidable than ordinary horses.
The driver, a cultivator in the beginner stage of the Tabula-Rasa Realm, was skilled in navigating the roads, ensuring a smooth and safe journey.
"Halt!"
As they approached the city gate, a guard signaled them to stop. In Lunalith, all who entered or left the city were subject to inspection.
Oasis leaned out of the carriage window and presented his core disciple token, along with a document proving he was on an official mission.
The guard, recognizing the importance of the task, quickly opened the gate, offering Oasis good luck on his mission.
This mission was not only a test of his skills but also a way for him to demonstrate the power of the Lunaris Sect and to begin spreading his own name as a formidable cultivator.
As the carriage moved through the pathways of Lunaris, Oasis sat alone inside, contemplating the mission ahead.
The roads in Lunaris were meticulously developed, paved with smooth stones and marked with signs at every turn.
The landscape outside the carriage window was a blend of nature and civilization.
They passed through dense forests, where the trees whispered ancient secrets, and then through open fields where towns, villages, and farmlands dotted the horizon.
The rhythmic clatter of the carriage wheels on stone was accompanied by the occasional chirping of birds and the rustling of leaves in the wind.
The equinores moved with an almost unnatural grace, their powerful muscles rippling under their glossy coats as they pulled the carriage effortlessly along the well-maintained roads.
The journey through Lunaris was a reminder of the vastness of the sect's territory, with its varied landscapes and thriving communities.
Each village they passed had its own unique charm, with people going about their daily lives, unaware of the potential dangers lurking in the darker corners of their world.
As they traveled further, Oasis felt a sense of anticipation building within him.
This mission was not just another task—it was a chance to make a real difference, to protect the innocent, and to prove his worth as a core disciple of the Lunaris Sect.
The road stretched out before them, winding through the ever-changing scenery, as the carriage carried Oasis toward the unknown challenges that awaited him.
The journey took two full days and nights. When they finally reached the end of Lunaris territory, the driver pulled the carriage to a stop.
After a brief exchange of farewells, Oasis stepped out, waved goodbye, and watched as the driver turned the carriage around and began the journey back to Lunalith.
With his mission in mind, Oasis set off on foot, heading toward the coordinates provided in his mission briefing.
The landscape quickly changed as he ventured further from the familiar territory of Lunaris.
The lush greenery gave way to a more barren, rocky terrain.
The area was a valley with jagged cliffs on either side, and sparse vegetation clung to the rugged surfaces.
The air was dry, and the ground beneath his boots crunched with each step.
Oasis had changed out of his uniform, opting instead for a simple tunic, pants, and sturdy boots.
The path through the valley was narrow, with the towering cliffs casting long shadows that added to the sense of isolation.
The occasional gust of wind echoed through the canyon, carrying with it the faint scent of dust and earth.
Suddenly, the tranquility of the valley was shattered by the sounds of clashing weapons and agonized screams echoing from up ahead.
Cling! Cling!
"Aaaaahh!!!"
Oasis's instincts kicked in as he quickly pressed himself against the valley wall, moving stealthily from one rock to another.
He crept closer to the source of the noise, his senses heightened as he peered around a large boulder.
What Oasis saw made his heart race. In the middle of the valley, a fierce battle was unfolding.
A group of ragged-looking mercenaries, their faces twisted in fear and desperation, were locked in combat with a massive serpent a mystic beast of terrifying size and power.
The serpent's scales glistened like polished armor, reflecting the faint light in the valley.
Its body was coiled around the bodies of fallen warriors, crushing them with horrifying strength.
Blood splattered across the rocky ground, staining it a deep crimson.
The air was thick with the metallic scent of blood and the acrid smell of burning flesh—likely from one of the mercenaries who had tried to use fire against the beast.
The serpent's eyes gleamed with a malevolent intelligence, and its forked tongue flicked out, tasting the fear in the air.