Delmo inhaled deeply, steadying his racing heart as he stepped into the center of the hall. The room seemed to shrink around him, the weight of expectation hanging thick in the air. He could feel Marcella's gaze burning into him.
He drew the Blade of Verdant Tempest from its sheath, its blade glinting with an otherworldly shimmer. Delmo was reminded of its power and how he first wielded it against the marauders. It could slice through flesh and bone like grass beneath a scythe. With a flick of his wrist, he summoned energy from within the Supreme Skill Synthesis System.
"Show us what you can do then," Marcella urged, her voice calm yet commanding.
Delmo tightened his grip on the sword's hilt and closed his eyes for a moment as he activated Verdant Tempest Blade. He could almost feel the pulse of the earth beneath him. When he opened them again, clarity surged through him. He had to demonstrate more than mere strength. He needed to be flashy.
With a swift motion, Delmo slashed downward. A wave of verdant energy rippled across the floor like an undulating tide. The air crackled as leaves materialized midair, swirling around him before dissipating into thin wisps. Gasps echoed in the chamber, as even some younger guards leaned in to watch.
Luckily for them, he wasn't finished yet. He took a step forward and focused on channeling his Skill more intensely. This time, he concentrated on forming a barrier around himself. A shimmering green dome that flickered like sunlight through leaves materialized before him.
"Impressive," Baroness Marcella remarked.
Delmo couldn't tell if she was truly impressed or merely intrigued. Either way, he had to finish showing off. He spun in place and released another burst of energy from his sword's tip. It was shaped like a spiral gust that flew toward wall before erupting into petals that scattered like confetti.
His breath quickened as excitement coursed through him. Had he done enough? Was it too flashy? Delmo turned back to face Baroness Marcella again, holding her gaze as adrenaline pulsed through his veins.
As Delmo's breathing slowed, he noticed a subtle shift in Baroness Marcella's demeanor. Her gaze, once piercing and analytical, now held a hint of curiosity. Perhaps there was even a hint of admiration?
"Well done, young man," Marcella said, her voice tinged with genuine appreciation.
Delmo felt a swell of pride at Marcella's words.
The weight of the past few days pressed on him, but in this moment, he basked in the glow of approval.
"Your skill is commendable," Marcella continued, stepping closer to inspect the sword. "But power without purpose can lead to ruin."
Delmo straightened his back. He recalled the faces of those he had lost, his parents, the other villagers of Eldham and nodded slowly.
"I seek to protect what's left of my home," he replied, voice steady despite the turmoil within. "The marauders won't stop until they take everything."
Marcella studied him for a heartbeat longer before her lips curled into a slight smile. "Then we shall see how you fare against more than mere bandits."
A flicker of excitement ignited within Delmo. This was not just an opportunity to showcase his abilities but also a chance to grow stronger under her guidance. He had barely begun to scratch the surface of what the Supreme Skill Synthesis System could do.
"Training begins at dawn," she said decisively. "I expect your full commitment and focus."
He swallowed hard, feeling an unyielding resolve building within him.
"I'll give it my all."
Later that evening, as twilight draped its shadows over Brighthaven, Delmo found a quiet spot outside the barracks. He leaned against the cool stone wall, lost in contemplation.
After some time Elara approached, her silhouette framed by the last remnants of sunlight.
"Delmo?" she called softly, her voice hesitant as she paused a few steps away.
He looked up, meeting her gaze. "Hey, Elara."
She stepped closer, concern etching lines across her forehead. "You've changed so much since… since Eldham fell."
Delmo shifted uncomfortably but didn't look away. He remembered thelaughter they shared while exploring hidden paths in the woods and the endless stories they told around crackling campfires.
"I had to," he replied quietly. "I couldn't let what happened to us happen again."
Elara nodded slowly, crossing her arms as if seeking comfort from herself. "It's just… sometimes I don't recognize you anymore."
A pang of nostalgia hit Delmo. He remembered the carefree days when they'd raced through fields of wildflowers or splashed in the river behind Lila's shop. Back then, their biggest worry was whether Jax would catch them stealing apples from his backyard. Those were the good times.
"What do you mean?" he asked.
"You've got this intensity now," Elara said, searching for the right words. "You're even more fierce and driven… it's impressive but also frightening."
He considered her words carefully. He had used that fierceness and harnessed it into strength,but was it costing him their bond?
"I'm still me," he insisted gently. "I'm just trying to protect everyone."
"Maybe," Elara said with a slight smile that didn't quite reach her eyes. "But remember when we used to sit beneath that old oak tree? You always talked about becoming someone who could change things for good."
Delmo's heart warmed at the memory.
"We were going to explore beyond Eldham," he murmured, nostalgia washing over him like a gentle tide.
Elara chuckled softly. "And we thought we could conquer any mountain."
"Yeah," he laughed lightly, though sadness lingered in his voice. The mountains now felt insurmountable in their own way.
"We can still do that though," she said, determination glinting in her eyes like steel against stone. "We can forge our own path."
Delmo shifted his weight against the cool stone, taking in Elara's earnest expression.
"What do you think lies ahead for us?" he asked.
The question rolled off his tongue with a mix of hope and uncertainty.
Elara stepped closer, her eyes glinting under the dim light. "You have this incredible power now, Delmo. It's not just about fighting bandits anymore. You could help people."
He nodded slowly, feeling the weight of her vision settle on his shoulders. "But what if I can't? What if I fail?"
A flicker of understanding crossed Elara's face. "You won't," she assured him firmly. "You're stronger than you realize."
"Do you really believe that?" Delmo asked, searching her gaze for reassurance.
"I do," Elara replied. "You've already done so much to protect us. This is only the beginning."
Delmo felt warmth bloom inside him at her faith. They had faced a tragedy and yet Elara still stood there, unshaken by doubt.
"I want to make things better," he admitted quietly, thoughts drifting back to Eldham's ruins and the faces of those lost forever. "But I need to know how to use this talent effectively."
Elara leaned closer, her presence grounding him.
"Then let's train together. Learn everything you can from Marcella and anyone else who will teach you."
A spark ignited in Delmo's chest at the prospect of sharing this journey with Elara by his side.
"You'll help me?" he asked, surprise lacing his words.
"Of course!" she said with a playful grin. "Who else would keep you from becoming a complete brute?"
Delmo chuckled at her teasing tone but felt sincerity laced within it. "With you around, I'd say I'm already halfway there."
"Just remember," Elara said as she met his gaze again. "This isn't just about power or revenge; it's about building something new."
Delmo held onto her words like a lifeline. They steadied him as he contemplated the path ahead. A path filled with training and challenges but also hope and potential for change.
"Together then?" he offered softly.
"Together," she affirmed.
The determined glimmer shining in her eyes filled him with renewed strength.
With Elara by his side, the weight of the world seemed a little lighter. The night air carried a chill, but the warmth of their shared resolve ignited something deep within him.
"Training begins at dawn," Marcella had said, and he intended to make the most of it. As he settled down for the night, he thought about what lay ahead. He had barely scratched the surface of the Supreme Skill Synthesis System.
As the moon hung high in the night sky, Delmo found a quiet corner near the barracks, a space where he could collect his thoughts. He closed his eyes, willing the Supreme Skill Synthesis System to display his current stats. The familiar interface flickered into view before him, glowing softly in the dim light.
Current Status:
Name: Delmo
Level: 2
Age: 17
Max HP: 120
Max Mana: 105
Experience Points: 820/1000
Attributes:
Strength: 12
Dexterity: 17
Intelligence: 13
Wisdom: 9
Skills:
Basic Healing (Lv. 1): Restores a small amount of HP.
Forest Affinity (Lv. 1+1) : Increased movement speed and awareness in forested areas. (Passive)
Verdant Tempest Blade (Lv. 2): Combines swordsmanship and wood elemental manipulation, along with swift footwork.
Delmo studied the screen intently. He noticed that he had gained an additional point in both Strength and Dexterity since reaching Brighthaven. His Forest Affinity skill had also leveled up from their trek in the forest.
Next, he navigated to the quest completion screen, eager to see what awaited him after their arduous journey.
Quest Completion: Survive and Grow Stronger
Objective: Reach the City of Brighthaven
Status: Completed
Rewards:
Experience Points: +500 XP
Synthesis Points Awarded: +1
New Unique Skill Unlocked: Guardian's Resolve (Passive) - Increases defense and resistance against intimidation effects.
Delmo's heart raced at the rewards displayed before him; it was a testament to their struggles and sacrifices during their escape from Eldham. The additional Synthesis Points sparked excitement within him. He could enhance his skills further or create something entirely new.
"Guardian's Resolve," he whispered under his breath, intrigued by its purpose for protection. It was a Unique Skill meant for those who stood firm against adversity.
Feeling the weight of responsibility settle on his shoulders, Delmo took a moment to gather himself as he prepared for whatever challenges lay ahead in Brighthaven.