Nico squared his shoulders, gripping his staff tightly as he faced off against Orion and his two companions. The air crackled with tension, and a crowd began to gather, curious onlookers whispering among themselves.
"Let's see what you've got, level 1," Orion sneered, confidence radiating from him. "You might have taken down Magnus, but I doubt you can take us all on."
Nico felt a surge of anger at Orion's taunts. Why did everyone underestimate him? He was done playing nice. It was time to show them the truth.
"Fine. You want a fight? I'll give you one," Nico declared, his voice steady and fierce. He raised his staff high, feeling the magic pulsating through him. "Prepare yourselves!"
With a swift motion, he summoned a Fireball, its flames roaring to life at the tip of his staff. Instead of a single shot, he unleashed a rapid barrage, sending fireballs hurtling toward Orion and his crew.
"Scatter!" Orion shouted, but it was too late.
The first fireball exploded, engulfing the nearest adventurer in flames. He screamed as he was knocked back, the force of the blast sending him crashing into a training dummy, splintering it into pieces.
Nico felt a thrill course through him as he followed up with another spell, this time summoning Ice Shards that shot forth like missiles. They pierced through the air, striking Orion's second companion in the shoulder.
"Ugh!" the adventurer grunted, clutching the wound as he staggered back, panic dawning in his eyes.
Nico stepped forward, his expression a mix of determination and fury. "You wanted a fight? You're going to regret underestimating me!"
Orion's bravado faltered as he witnessed the carnage unfold. "Get him!" he shouted, trying to rally his remaining companion. They charged at Nico, swords drawn, but he was ready.
"Earthquake!" Nico roared, slamming his staff into the ground. The earth trembled beneath them, and a shockwave rippled outward, sending both attackers sprawling to the ground.
Lila watched, her eyes wide with admiration as Nico unleashed his magic with ruthless efficiency. "Go, Nico! Show them what you're made of!" she called, her voice a mixture of excitement and encouragement.
With the two attackers down, Nico turned his attention back to Orion, who was scrambling to his feet, eyes wide with fear. "You… you can't be serious!" he stammered, backing away slowly.
Nico took a step forward, feeling invincible. "Oh, I'm just getting started." He raised his staff once more, ready to end this.
"Wait!" Orion pleaded, desperation creeping into his voice. "Let's talk about this! You don't have to—"
Nico cut him off with a flick of his wrist, conjuring a swirling Tornado of fire that roared to life around him. "You wanted to fight? Here's your chance to see what real magic looks like!"
The fiery tornado surged forward, and Orion barely managed to dodge to the side as it tore through the training grounds, obliterating everything in its path.
"Nico! You're going too far!" Lila shouted, her voice rising above the chaos. But her eyes shone with a mix of fear and excitement.
"Too far?" Nico repeated, turning to her. "They wanted a show; I'm just giving them one."
Just as Orion regained his footing, he turned and ran, shouting to his companions, "Let's get out of here! This guy is a monster!"
Nico's lips curled into a smirk as he watched them retreat, adrenaline coursing through him. This was power—real power.
The crowd that had gathered began to cheer, their applause echoing in the air. Lila rushed to Nico's side, her cheeks flushed with excitement. "That was incredible! You just took them down like they were nothing!"
"Thanks," Nico replied, still feeling the rush of victory. "I guess I'm not the level 1 noob everyone thinks I am after all."
As they celebrated his triumph, Lila looked up at him, her eyes sparkling with admiration. "You know, if you keep this up, you'll become a legend in no time. Just don't let it go to your head!"
"Too late for that," Nico joked, puffing out his chest dramatically.
Lila laughed, stepping closer, her playful demeanor making Nico's heart race. "Seriously, though. I'm glad we're on the same side. I can't wait to see what else you can do."
"Just don't expect me to go easy on anyone from now on," Nico said, a hint of mischief in his voice. "I'm done being underestimated."
As they made their way back through the training grounds, Lila occasionally bumped into him, her warmth radiating against him. He couldn't help but notice how her form moved beneath her tunic, drawing his attention in a way that made his pulse quicken.
"Hey, Nico?" Lila said, her voice dropping to a more serious tone. "Can we talk about your magic? It's incredible, but it's also… intense. I mean, the way you handled those guys, it was brutal."
"I know," Nico admitted, running a hand through his hair. "But they were asking for it. If they want to challenge me, they need to understand the consequences."
"I get that," Lila said, her expression thoughtful. "Just remember that there's a fine line between showing strength and losing yourself to it. You have so much potential, and I'd hate to see you become someone you're not."
Nico paused, taken aback by her insight. "You really think so?"
"Absolutely," she replied earnestly, her eyes locking onto his. "You've got the talent and the drive. Just make sure to keep your heart in check."
A warm sensation spread through Nico at her words, and he felt a connection form between them. "Thanks, Lila. I'll keep that in mind."
As they walked together, Lila playfully nudged him with her elbow. "But don't let me stop you from having some fun! You have to admit that was pretty exhilarating!"
Nico chuckled, feeling lighter than he had in days. "Yeah, I guess it was pretty thrilling."
"Come on, let's grab something to eat to celebrate your victory!" she suggested, her excitement palpable. "I know a great place nearby."
"Lead the way!" Nico said, unable to shake the feeling of anticipation that filled the air around them.
As they entered a nearby tavern, the smell of delicious food enveloped them, and they found a cozy table by the window. Lila ordered a feast of roasted meats and fresh bread, and they shared stories of their adventures, laughter echoing off the walls.
Nico felt a newfound sense of camaraderie building between them, and as Lila leaned closer during their conversation, her playful spirit only added to the warmth of the moment.
"Next time we train, I'll show you some moves too," Lila teased, her eyes twinkling mischievously. "But maybe I'll teach you how to take it easy on your opponents."
"Maybe," Nico replied, smirking. "But I have to admit, I like the thrill of being brutal every now and then."
"Just don't let it become a habit," she warned, but there was a playful glint in her eye. "Because I can't let you steal all the glory!"
Nico laughed, enjoying the light-hearted banter. The tavern buzzed with life around them, but in that moment, it felt like it was just the two of them in their own little world.
As the sun began to set, casting a golden hue through the window, Nico felt a sense of belonging for the first time since his arrival in this strange world. With Lila by his side, perhaps this new life held even more adventures than he could imagine.