After the intense conversation Theos and Roseville had, he trained tirelessly day and night; his once weak body had transformed into one that was lean and vascular.
Roseville stepped into the room, finding Theos mid-workout, his muscles taut and glistening with effort. "Hello, Rose," Theos said, a confident smile spreading across his face. "Today, I'll teach you the art of martial combat and the techniques needed to conquer beasts."
As the two of them ventured deeper into the forest, Theos's gaze sharpened, the memory of his past failure haunting him with every step. The cool, earthy air seemed to thicken around them, a reminder of the challenges ahead. He couldn't afford another mistake—not this time.
"You must master the art of gathering primal energy," she said, her voice calm yet commanding, "and channel it into a force both powerful and controlled."
Theos nodded, determination flickering in his eyes as he adopted an accepting stance. "Show me," he said, his tone a mix of curiosity and readiness.
Without hesitation, her arm began to glow, a vibrant green energy swirling around it like a living aura. The light pulsed with an almost hypnotic rhythm, illuminating their surroundings. "Watch closely," she instructed, her expression unwavering. "This is how you focus raw energy into precision and strength." Roseville stepped closer, her gaze fixed on a massive boulder, its jagged surface weathered and ancient. The rock was enormous, easily the size of a dragon's head, and it loomed like a silent challenge. Without hesitation, she extended her hand and pinched its edge. A loud crack echoed through the air as the stone splintered, fractures racing across its surface as if it were nothing more than fragile glass.
Theos froze, his jaw dropping and his eyes widening so much they seemed ready to pop out of his skull. "W-What in the world?!" he stammered, barely able to comprehend the sheer strength she had just displayed.
Roseville turned her head toward him, a sly smile playing on her lips. "Strength isn't everything, Theos," she said, her voice calm yet laced with amusement. "It's about precision and control. If you focus your energy right, even the toughest obstacle becomes breakable."
Theos shook his head in disbelief, his heart pounding. "That was... unreal. How did you do that?" he asked, leaning closer, his curiosity overpowering his shock.
"It's the same principle I've been telling you," she explained, brushing a bit of dust from her fingers. "You need to gather your primal energy, direct it with intent, and then release it in one fluid, controlled motion. Power alone won't get you far. Now, are you ready to try?
Theos pondered the technique, his mind racing to unravel its secret. How could he replicate such precision and force? The answer slowly crystallized: the energy would need to bypass the rock's natural defenses, driving directly into its core without resistance. Only then would such a feat be possible.
Theos inhaled deeply, his focus tightening as he began to channel the energy within him. Gradually, his body flickered to life with a soft, shimmering glow, each cell buzzing with vitality, as if his very being were awakening. He mirrored the technique almost perfectly, though his movements were a touch slower, more measured. With a sharp exhale, he drove his fist into the rock, the impact leaving a massive indent, cracks spiderwebbing outward from where his hand had struck.
"Oh my god, it actually worked! For a second there, I thought I didn't stand a chance," Theos exclaimed, a cocky smile spreading across his face as he glanced at the indent left in the rock. His chest swelled with pride, but there was a hint of disbelief in his eyes, as though he couldn't quite believe the power he had just unleashed.
Roseville raised an eyebrow, her expression unreadable. "Now, you must kill ten monsters," she said, her tone steady. "You may increase the number depending on how your skills progress. This will be your challenge for the next three years. Only then will you discover your affinities—what truly lies at the core of your power."
Theos's smile faltered for a moment. Three years? The thought seemed daunting, but his confidence quickly returned. "Three years, huh? Sounds like just enough time to master it," he said, brushing off any trace of doubt. He clenched his fists, feeling the energy still pulsing beneath his skin. "I'm ready for whatever comes next."
"But first, let me explain the beast grading system," Roseville said, her voice calm and authoritative. Theos, keen to understand, leaned forward, listening intently.
"There are six types of beasts, each categorized by their strength and behavior. The first type is the weakest, and we call them Docile. These creatures are typically peaceful and non-aggressive. They won't attack unless they feel threatened or provoked. These beasts are the easiest to handle and don't pose much danger to a skilled hunter or warrior. You might encounter them regularly, but they rarely present any real challenge."
Roseville paused for a moment, allowing Theos to process the information before continuing.
"The second grade of beasts is called Crystallized. These creatures are more dangerous—they're not as aggressive as the most dangerous monsters, but they can pose a serious threat to a skilled hunter or even a group of adventurers. Crystallized beasts often have hardened exteriors or abilities that make them harder to kill, and their attacks are much stronger than those of Docile beasts. They require careful planning and coordination to defeat."
Roseville let the gravity of the explanation sink in. "In short, Crystallized beasts are tougher opponents, but with the right approach, they can be dealt with."
"The third grade is called Vigilant. These creatures are not only physically strong but also highly intelligent, giving them an edge over simpler, more instinct-driven beasts. Their ability to think critically and plan their attacks makes them dangerous adversaries. Unlike lower-ranked creatures, Vigilant monsters carefully observe their surroundings, studying their opponents' weaknesses. They may wait for the perfect moment to strike, often in a swift, unpredictable motion—like a predator sizing up its prey.
These creatures can take down a whole party of skilled adventurers if caught off guard. Their speed, precision, and cunning are formidable, making them a serious threat to anyone unprepared. Whether they fight alone or in small groups, Vigilant beasts demand careful strategy and the utmost caution. A direct confrontation with one could easily end in defeat if you don't fully understand its patterns and behavior."
"The fourth grade is called Colossal. These creatures are massive, both in size and power, and they tower over most other beasts. Their strength is nearly unmatched, capable of causing destruction on an enormous scale. Colossal monsters are often slow-moving due to their immense size, but their sheer force makes up for it. They can crush entire buildings or tear through armies with little effort.
Unlike the more agile and intelligent Vigilant beasts, *Colossals are Rarely intelligent so they are mostly easier to understand"
"The fifth grade is called Quons. These beasts are incredibly powerful, with abilities that rival entire nations. Their strength and destructive potential are so immense that they can lay waste to entire cities or armies, often with ease. Quons are near the top of the grading system, standing just below the most dangerous and legendary creatures. Their abilities are nearly unmatched by conventional weapons or tactics, and they are almost undefeatable by normal means.
These creatures possess extraordinary durability, strength, and sometimes even magical or elemental powers that make them seem unstoppable. Facing a Quon requires more than just skill—it demands powerful artifacts, specialized techniques, or even alliances with other powerful beings. Few have the courage to challenge these beasts head-on, and even fewer have succeeded in defeating them.
In essence, Quons are a force of nature, and their presence can shift the balance of power in entire regions or even countries."
"The sixth and final grade is called Transcendents. These creatures are unlike anything the world has ever seen. They have transcended the limits of the world they were born in, making them almost god-like in their power. Transcendents possess abilities far beyond those of any normal beast, and their strength, intelligence, and influence can reshape reality itself.
Only a few have ever laid eyes on these creatures, and most of those who have come into contact with them did not survive. Transcendents are so powerful that encountering one is often a death sentence for anyone who is unprepared or foolish enough to challenge them. They exist on a level beyond normal comprehension, and they are among the rarest—and most terrifying—beasts in existence."
Theos couldn't help but wonder if he would ever be strong enough to defeat such powerful monsters. He pondered the possibility, imagining himself reaching the same level of strength as Klen, someone he admired for their unmatched power. Could he, too, unlock the potential to overcome creatures like Transcendents and Quons? The thought both excited and terrified him, knowing that it would take everything he had—and more—to ever reach that point.
As he walked, the weight of these thoughts settled heavily on him. The path ahead was uncertain, but one thing was clear: to match Klen's strength, he would have to push beyond his limits in ways he hadn't even begun to imagine.