Chapter 7: The Path to Power
Nathan's footsteps were steady, the crunch of leaves beneath his boots echoing through the quiet forest. The wilderness stretched endlessly around him, a world of green and quiet beauty, yet it was marred by the weight of his past. With Scarlet by his side, they moved silently through the dense woods, heading west toward a city where new opportunities awaited—opportunities to grow stronger and find a way to face the Demon King.
The events of the past weeks lingered in Nathan's mind—the brutal tournament, his uncontrollable power during the fight with Rovan, and the haunting image of Scarlet's injuries. The guilt still gnawed at him, but the serene beauty of the forest was a balm to his troubled thoughts. Nature had always been his ally, even if he didn't fully understand it.
His Blessings of Nature were growing, expanding, and with each passing day, Nathan could feel his connection to the land deepen. The land itself responded to his presence, a silent bond that became stronger with every breath he took. In times of uncertainty, the guiding light flickered to life, its presence a quiet but constant reassurance, guiding him when the world seemed too overwhelming.
***
A Silent Journey
That evening, they camped beside a small river. The air was crisp, infused with the earthy scent of pine and damp soil. Scarlet sat by the fire, carefully preparing their meal, while Nathan sat by the river, lost in thought. His fingers brushed lightly against the cool earth, and in that moment, something stirred deep within him—a pulse of energy, faint but undeniable.
It was a sensation he had experienced before, but tonight, it felt stronger, more vibrant. His thoughts were interrupted when the guiding light flickered in his mind, like a distant star against the vast darkness of the night. He closed his eyes, focusing on the warmth that seemed to radiate from it, filling him with peace and understanding.
System Notification: Ability: Nature's Blessing Enhanced
- Effect: Increased sensitivity to the natural world. Ability to sense nearby sources of water, plant life, and earth vibrations.
Nathan didn't need the system to confirm what he already knew. His connection to nature was no longer something he could ignore; it was a part of him, deep and unshakable. The world around him—the trees, the ground, the very air—whispered to him. He could feel the subtle tremor of life, the quiet thrum of movement beneath the earth.
A soft, knowing smile spread across his lips.
Scarlet glanced over at him, her expression curious. "Something's different about you."
Nathan stretched, shrugging nonchalantly. "I guess I'm just getting a bit more in tune with the world around us."
Her eyes narrowed playfully. "I hope that means you won't lose control like you did in the tournament."
Nathan hesitated before turning his gaze to the crackling fire. The memories of his rage—the vines, the flowers, the water—felt distant now, almost like they belonged to someone else. He had been terrified of losing control, but now, it seemed as though his power was less a threat and more an ally.
"I'll learn to control it," Nathan replied, his voice steady.
***
An Unexpected Encounter
The following morning, they broke camp and continued on their journey. The forest path was quiet, the only sounds the chirp of birds and the rustle of leaves in the breeze. But as they neared the edge of the forest, a distant howl echoed through the trees. It was unnatural, a spine-chilling sound that made the hairs on the back of Nathan's neck stand on end.
Scarlet tensed, instinctively reaching for the dagger at her waist. "That doesn't sound like any creature I've heard before."
Nathan's senses flared, his connection to the earth sharpening. The howl was filled with malice, an ominous warning that something far more dangerous lurked ahead.
System Notification: Demon King's Creature Detected: Alpha Beast
- Level: 38
- Weakness: Fire, Energy-based attacks
- Status: Hostile
Before Nathan could react, the underbrush ahead rustled violently, and a massive shape emerged from the shadows. A hulking creature with the twisted body of a man and the head of a snarling wolf. Its fur was matted with dirt and blood, its eyes glowing with an eerie, unnatural light. It bared its fangs and howled again, louder this time, shaking the very ground beneath them.
The Alpha Beast charged toward them with terrifying speed. Scarlet reacted instantly, launching a blast of crackling magic toward the creature. The blast struck the Beast square in the chest, sending it veering off course, but it quickly recovered, its eyes burning with fury.
Nathan's heart raced, but his mind sharpened. The guiding light flickered in his mind, urging him to act. He stretched his hand toward the earth beneath him, feeling the vibrations ripple through the ground.
***
Battle of Will
Nature's Blessing Activated
The ground trembled as Nathan called upon the earth's power. Roots and vines surged from the soil, wrapping around the Alpha Beast's legs, pulling it down toward the earth. The creature thrashed violently, trying to free itself, but Nathan felt his connection to the land grow stronger. The Beast's struggles grew weaker, its power ebbing in the face of the earth's embrace.
For a moment, it seemed like the fight might end. But then the Alpha Beast roared, its monstrous strength snapping the vines like twigs. It surged forward again, relentless and furious. Nathan's breath caught in his throat as the creature closed the distance between them, but Scarlet was faster. She dashed forward, a shimmering bolt of energy crackling in her hand, striking the Beast in the side. It staggered, but it did not fall.
Nathan knew they needed more. He couldn't rely on just the earth; the Beast was too powerful.
In that instant, something inside him snapped. Without fully thinking, he called upon the full extent of his power. The river nearby surged to life, its current responding to his command.
Ability: Nature's Wrath
The river erupted from its banks, crashing into the Alpha Beast with a force that sent it stumbling back. The water flowed around it, a surging torrent that pinned the Beast momentarily in place. But even then, it wasn't enough. The creature clawed its way out of the current, bloodied but still filled with rage.
***
The Final Strike
Nathan stepped forward, his hands outstretched, drawing all of his energy into one final, devastating strike. The ground trembled beneath him as he summoned every ounce of power he could muster. The air grew thick with raw energy.
The vines tightened around the Beast again, and this time, they didn't break. Nathan summoned the full force of the river, turning it into a tidal wave of overwhelming power. The Beast fought and roared, but it was no match for the combined fury of nature's wrath.
With a final surge, the Beast was overwhelmed, crashing to the earth, defeated. Nathan staggered back, exhausted, as the water receded and the vines returned to the earth.
System Notification: Alpha Beast Defeated
- XP Gained: 900
- Loot: Demon Fang (Rare Item), Beast Hide (Common Item).
Nathan sank to one knee, breathing heavily, his body shaking with the aftereffects of the battle. He looked up to see Scarlet already at the Beast's carcass, retrieving the Demon Fang with the practiced ease of someone used to combat.
"That was… intense," Scarlet said, her voice a mixture of awe and concern.
Nathan nodded, wiping the sweat from his brow. "We're stronger now. But we're just getting started."
As they continued on their journey, Nathan felt the weight of his growing power. His bond with nature was more than just a skill—it was a part of him now, an integral force he would learn to control and wield. There was much more to discover, more power to unlock. The path ahead felt clearer than ever before.
The Demon King's forces were closing in, but Nathan would be ready. He had to be.