Chapter 25
Seraphina couldn't believe her eyes when she saw Jacob limping into the guild hall a couple of days later. He looked worn and battered, his movements slow and pained. She was currently tending to another monster hunter, a black-haired man with a scar running down his cheek.
"Alright, Garret, everything seems in order. You're all set for your next mission. Just remember to keep an eye out for those Wind Wraiths this time, they're trickier than they look," she said, handing him back his documents.
Garret chuckled, "Thanks, Seraphina. I'll be more careful this time." He glanced over at Jacob and gave him a nod before heading out.
Seraphina got up from her seat behind her desk and quickly made her way to Jacob, her concern evident. "Jacob, what happened to you?" she asked, her eyes scanning his injuries.
Jacob gave her a weary smile. "Overestimated myself. Made a mistake and got hurt by the Seralisks I was trying to hunt."
She guided him to a chair near her desk. "No monster should be taken lightly. You should have been more careful."
"I thought I could handle it," Jacob admitted, rubbing the back of his neck. "But I was wrong. I need some training with using a sword properly."
Seraphina's eyebrows shot up in surprise. "I thought you were an experienced fighter based on the amount of faerium you have."
Jacob shook his head. "No, I'm a novice in this line of work."
Seraphina looked apologetic. "I'm sorry for the oversight. I should have asked more about your background."
"It's alright," Jacob said, wincing as he shifted in his seat. "Is there a place where I can train?"
"Yes," Seraphina replied, brightening up. "We have training halls in the back of the guild hall where you can train for free. There are also instructor schools throughout the city that provide lessons in different weapons and combat styles. They might be helpful for you."
Jacob nodded, grateful for the information. "Thank you, Miss Seraphina."
He then reached into his bag and pulled out the monster cores and claws he had retrieved from the Seralisks. "Here's what I managed to get." Jacob also gave Seraphina the mission parchment he had taken.
Seraphina took the items and after putting them away, handed Jacob five silver orins in return. "This is for the mission and for the materials."
Monster cores were highly sought after in Mirntha. They were essentially crystallized faerium, formed within the bodies of monsters. These cores were not only an energy source but also used in crafting powerful weapons, armor, and other magical items. The faerium within them could be harnessed for various purposes, making them incredibly valuable to artisans, mages, and even the common folk who used them for everyday energy needs.
"I'll be taking my leave then. I'll also make sure to be more careful next time," Jacob said, pocketing the coins.
"Good," Seraphina replied with a smile. As Jacob got up, Seraphina stepped closer, placing a hand on his arm and giving it a gentle squeeze. Her eyes lingered on his for a moment longer than necessary. "And remember, if you ever have any questions, I'll be here to answer them for you."
Jacob felt a bit uncomfortable with the sudden closeness. While he appreciated her concern, the touch and the way she looked at him felt a bit too intimate. He managed a polite smile and nodded. "Thank you, Miss Seraphina. I'll keep that in mind."
He gently removed her hand from his arm and made his way out of the guild hall, feeling her eyes on him as he walked away. Once outside, he took a deep breath, trying to shake off the uneasy feeling.
Jacob took out the five silver orins he had just received and examined them, the weight of the coins in his palm a stark reminder of his ordeal. "Risked my life, and what did I get? Five coins—enough for, what, two nights at the inn?" He sighed heavily, frustration creeping into his voice. "Guess this world isn't much different from Earth. Even here, money is hard to earn for men like me."
Jacob spent another day resting, allowing his body to recover from the battle with the Seralisks. He knew he couldn't afford to push himself too hard, but he also understood the importance of honing his skills. The next morning, feeling slightly rejuvenated, he ventured out of the city and headed to a nearby forest. He sought an open clearing, a secluded spot where he could train without interruptions.
In the clearing, Jacob took out his revolver. Today, he planned to focus on practicing his Gun-Gale ability. He understood that the ability drew on the faerium within him, and currently, he could only manage two or three shots before his energy was depleted. However, Jacob sensed he had more untapped faerium within him; he just needed to learn how to harness it more effectively.
He spent hours that day, practicing relentlessly. He aimed his revolver at various targets, focusing on the flow of faerium through his body. He could feel the energy coursing through specific channels, akin to blood flowing through veins. With each shot, he concentrated on channeling the faerium more efficiently, striving to increase his control and capacity. As the sun began to set, casting long shadows through the forest, Jacob's body was drenched in sweat and his muscles ached with fatigue.
Just as he was about to call it a day, the now-familiar green words materialized in his vision.
--
Ability: Gun-Gale, Enhanced
New Ability Activated: Thunder-Gale
--
Jacob felt a surge of energy coursing through him, a tingling sensation as if his very cells were being invigorated. His faerium channels seemed to widen, allowing a greater flow of energy. Despite his exhaustion, he felt a renewed sense of strength. Determined to test his newfound power, Jacob cocked the hammer of his revolver. The familiar blue faerium swirled around the barrel, but this time, it was different. The energy felt more potent, more concentrated.
He aimed at the sturdy tree trunk before him and squeezed the trigger. The shot that erupted from his revolver was no longer a mere burst of energy; it crackled with an electric intensity, a brilliant streak of blue lightning that tore through the air with blinding speed. This enhanced shot struck the tree with a thunderous roar, shattering the trunk and sending splinters of wood exploding in all directions. The impact was far more powerful than ever before, leaving a cascade of lightning sparks dancing around the splintered remains of the tree trunk.
Jacob stood there, breathless, as the remnants of his shot dissipated into the air. He marveled at the power he now wielded. This world had transformed his revolver into quite a formidable weapon. Despite his fatigue, a satisfied smile crept across Jacob's face. He holstered his revolver and began the trek back to Ironhelm, the forest growing darker with each passing minute.