While Ryu and Kato reveled in their success, Akio and Sara felt the weight of exhaustion pressing down on them. Despite not having fought directly, the accumulation and utilization of yin energy had drained them significantly. They pulled out potions filled with a vibrant red liquid, their only means of recovery, and drank deeply.
"You have recovered part of your energy," the system alert chimed, affirming their efforts.
As they assessed their stats, they noticed that both had similar mana points, though Akio held a slight edge with just two more than Sara. She had 5/20 yin energy, and as she drank the potion, her energy surged to 12/20, gaining a much-needed boost. But the cost of a Mana Missile attack weighed heavily on her mind—5 points per use.
Sara sighed, frustrated by her limitations. Purchasing a weapon with their accumulated resources was out of the question, especially since mage weapons were pricier. Her best option was to keep buying potions and learning to manage her energy more effectively.
As they pressed onward, they encountered more goblins, but this time, something felt different. The creatures were trembling, fear evident in their wide eyes.
"Our presence is making them scared," Akio remarked, a hint of pride in his voice.
Ryu, however, was more focused. He dispatched a trembling goblin before him, but he couldn't shake the feeling that these were not the same goblins they had faced. As he thought deeply about the situation, a nagging curiosity grew. What could have instilled such fear in these creatures?
With caution, Ryu and the others continued, staying alert and watching their backs for potential threats. They soon approached another corner, and as they stepped outside, they saw a shocking sight.
Carnage greeted them. Decapitated goblins, black blood-splattered walls, and a head impaled on the ceiling. Punch holes riddled some bodies; others lay dismembered. Viscera and brain matter littered the floor.
"What monstrosity did this?" they wondered.
Sara gagged, but Kato steadied her. Ryu examined the corpses, noting blade wounds alongside fang marks. A blood trail led away, opposite their path.
Ryu paused, contemplating their next move.
"let's split," Ryu suggested.
"Are you crazy?" Remi exclaimed; his voice filled with disbelief.
"We have to know what this did," Ryu insisted, his gaze unwavering.
"He's right," Kato added, stepping forward to reinforce Ryu's point. "We need to know what we're dealing with."
Sara, still shaken by the gruesome sight, took a deep breath. "But we should be careful. Whatever did this could still be nearby."
Akio nodded in agreement, his expression serious. Ryu glanced at the blood trail once more, feeling the weight of their decision.
Remi crossed his arms, still unsure but slowly approaching the idea. "Fine, but we need a solid plan. We can't let our guard down."
Kato placed a hand on Remi's shoulder, his voice calm. "We'll go together and watch each other's backs."
"No," Ryu said firmly.
"I, Remi, and Akio will follow the trail of blood. You, Sara, and Jin will search for food supplies," he instructed, turning to Kato.
No one disagreed. Their faces showed determination. Each person nodded in silent agreement with the plan. They took a moment to steel themselves, knowing the dangers ahead.
Ryu led the way through the hallways of Rose High School, morning light streaming through the windows, starkly illuminating the trail of blood on the floor. Akio and Remi followed closely, their senses sharp and prepared for anything that might emerge from the classrooms. Tension filled the air as they ventured deeper into the school, knowing something monstrous could be waiting just out of sight.
Meanwhile, Kato, Sara, and Jin turned their heads in the opposite direction, focused on finding food supplies. They exchanged glances with the other group, silently acknowledging their shared fears. This was a whole new world, filled with uncertainties. Each party understood the risk: they might never see each other again.
With a final nod, both groups vanished. They were driven by their goals but united by a desperate need to survive.
Amaya crept along the hallway, alert and tense. The path split: right or straight ahead. Her destination lay forward. She steeled herself for combat, expecting an ambush. But as she emerged, a gruesome sight awaited. Goblin corpses littered the ground, left in a state of violent death.
Shocked, Amaya examined the carnage. Each cut was precise, targeting vital areas with uncanny accuracy. The deadly blade work told a chilling tale of ruthless efficiency.
A figure flashed in Amaya's mind, someone she believed was the only one capable of such ruthless efficiency. The thought sent a chill down her spine. She shook off the feeling and pressed on, her determination renewed.
She hurried down the hall and hoped the thing she sought was still in the classroom ahead. Knowing that time was running out, she felt a mix of urgency and dread with each step.
As Amaya approached the door to her destination, a wave of happiness washed over her, momentarily lifting her spirits. But as she drew closer, a strange scent filled the air—something akin to decay, lingering ominously nearby.
Her expression fell, and a heavy feeling settled in her chest. Memories of what she might encounter flashed through her mind, but she quickly pushed them away, filling herself with hope instead. She couldn't let despair take hold.
She hesitated, hand trembling, before the door. Then, she reached for the handle. She took a deep breath, steeling herself for whatever lay beyond, determined to face it head-on.
Upon entering the classroom, Amaya saw her sword teacher dead on the ground. A rush of emotions crashed over her. Shock gripped her, freezing her in place for a moment. The sight of him, someone she had always looked up to, filled her with a deep sense of disbelief.
As the reality sank in, sorrow twisted in her chest, mingling with anger and fear. Her mind raced with memories of their training. She recalled his encouragement and lessons about strength and strategy.
Yet, beneath the sorrow, a cold calculation began to take shape. Amaya assessed the scene. She noted the details: his body's position, the wounds, and the nearby weapons. Every aspect became a piece of a puzzle she needed to solve. The loss was devastating. But Amaya began to analyze it. She had to know what happened. It was for herself, to honour his memory and to continue his legacy.
Amaya had a skill called "Strategic Insight".
"Strategic Insight
analyze scenarios, revealing patterns and outcomes for better decision-making."
Amaya surveyed the scene, her trained eye absorbing details. The Kitana-style training room's soft wooden floor bore witness to the fierce battle. Goblin corpses littered the ground, their wounds a testament to her teacher's precision. Arrows pierced his body while two lay deflected nearby. His dented blade spoke of desperate defense. She recalled his boasts about arrow-blocking, once dismissed with laughter. Now, amidst the carnage, Amaya saw the truth in his words and the price of his final stand.
Amaya admired her teacher's spirited fighting. A deep respect washed over her. She bowed her head in tribute with a heavy heart, honoring his bravery and dedication.
Amaya laid her teacher's body to rest, placing his blade across his chest with care. She found a long white cloth to cover him, honouring his memory with every movement. After arranging the makeshift shroud, she bowed again, paying her respects in silence.
Feeling the weight of the moment, she turned her attention to the classroom's hidden space. She opened a door that led into another room, her curiosity guiding her further inside.
Once there, Amaya spotted an old wooden wardrobe, its surface worn and dusty. Determined, she raised her fist and broke through the wooden door with a solid strike. Inside, she found an ancient black katana. Its blade glimmered in the dim light.
The hilt was intricate. Upon closer inspection, she saw the name Murasaki inscribed on it. A thrill of recognition coursed through her. Her teacher had whispered of this blade, a weapon with a legacy.
Amaya lifted the katana, feeling its weight and balance. She knew that this blade would connect her to her teacher and empower her on her journey ahead.
A warrior embodies values like honors, loyalty, and discipline. She thought they followed a code of conduct in life and battle, remembering her teacher's words.
Murasaki Blade
Attributes: C Rank
Attack Power: 25
A sharp and lethal edge that delivers powerful strikes, perfect for skilled combatants.
Durability: 50
Forged from high-quality steel, the Murasaki Blade withstands intense battles without compromising its integrity.
Range: Moderate
Weight: Balanced
Special Effect: Precision Strike
With each successful hit, the Murasaki Blade increases its attack power by 3 points, up to a maximum of 20. This effect encourages mastery of technique, rewarding skilled fighters with enhanced damage as they land their blows.
Skill Requirement: swordsmanship (Level 4)
Amaya was at level 4 in swordsmanship. But wielding the Murasaki Blade felt like destiny. As she grasped the katana, a surge of energy flowed through her. She felt a deep connection as if the blade was meant for her, ready to guide her on the path of a true warrior. With it, she sensed her potential awakening, igniting a fire to master its power.