Auns' words were intended to be a gesture of comfort and support, but to Lucius, they felt like a double-edged sword. On the one hand, he appreciated the reassurance, but on the other, he couldn't shake off the pang of shame he felt for struggling to remember his own identity.
He felt like he should be able to handle this on his own, but at the same time, he was grateful for Auns' presence and his offer of support…
The journey was filled with obstacles and challenges that tested both Auns and Lucius. They encountered hostile creatures and perilous terrain that made their way forward difficult and arduous.
Along the way, Auns tried his best to offer guidance and support to Lucius as he tried to awaken the relic, but the process proved more difficult than they had anticipated...
As they journeyed on, Lucius continued to struggle with awakening the relic. He tried various methods and techniques, but nothing seemed to work
. Auns could see the frustration and determination in his friend's eyes, but he could also sense his growing doubt and uncertainty.
The journey was more challenging than they had anticipated, and Lucius was starting to question if he would ever be able to awaken the relic...
It seemed like an impossible task for Lucius. No matter what he tried, it was as if the relic was resisting him, refusing to awaken.
Auns wanted to offer words of comfort and encouragement, but he knew that Lucius needed to find the strength within himself to push through this challenge...
As they stood together, looking at the relic, Auns broke the silence.
"Lucius, I know it's difficult, and you feel frustrated and helpless. But remember, the relic holds the key to unlocking your true potential. You have to dig deep and find the strength within yourself to awaken it."
Auns, turning to the voice, asked, "Why is it so difficult for Lucius to awaken the relic? What is holding him back?"
The voice, in a calm, steady tone, replied, "Just like I told you before, the relic requires a deep connection to Lucius's essence, his memories and experiences."
"The difficulty he's facing in awakening it is because he's lost the connection to his identity. He needs to find his true identity before the relic can be awakened."
Auns, looking back at Lucius with a mix of shock and confusion, turned to the voice and asked,
"His true identity? You mean Lucius doesn't know who he really is? How is that possible?"
The voice responded, its tone gentle yet firm,
"Yes, Lucius is unaware of his true identity. His sense of self has been buried deep within him, clouded by confusion and turmoil."
"He must find a way to unravel the threads of memory and reclaim his true self in order to awaken the relic."
Auns, feeling a mix of helplessness and determination, asked the voice,
"What can I do to help Lucius uncover his true identity and awaken the relic?"
The voice responded, its voice laced with wisdom and hope
"Guide Lucius on his journey of self-discovery."
"Encourage him to confront his memories and doubts. Remind him of his strengths and the values that define him. Your support and belief in him are crucial in helping him reclaim his true identity."
Auns nodded solemnly, understanding the weight of his new mission.
Auns interrupted Lucius' attempts to awaken the relic and said,
"Lucius, let's take a break from your practice for a few days. Focusing solely on your journey and the challenges we face will help clear your mind and give you a fresh perspective. Maybe some rest and diversion will also ignite the spark you need to awaken the relic later on."
Lucius, though initially reluctant, realized the wisdom in Auns' words. He sighed and agreed,
"Alright, I'll focus on the journey for now. A break from the constant frustration of trying to awaken the relic might actually do me some good."
Auns smiled, glad Lucius had seen reason.
"Great, that's a good decision. We've got a long way ahead, and we'll need all our energy for the trials and obstacles waiting for us."
Lucius nodded, feeling a mixture of relief and determination.
"You're right, let's focus on the journey and trust that the answer to awakening the relic will reveal itself in due time."
With their course set, Auns and Lucius continued their journey, the relic temporarily set aside as they traversed through the rugged terrain. With each new challenge they faced, they grew closer, their bond strengthened by shared experiences and mutual support.
As they trekked through the thick jungle, Auns and Lucius suddenly heard a loud banging sound in the distance. The noise echoed through the jungle, jarring and out of placef amongst the natural sounds of the forest. The two friends exchanged puzzled glances.
As Auns, sensing danger, he swiftly focused his power. Shadows swirled around him, dancing and twisting until they solidified into a formidable dark blade. He gripped the hilt tightly, ready to face whatever danger might be lurking nearby.
Lucius, startled by the sudden transformation, watched in amazement as Auns formed the weapon from shadows. Lucius knew Auns had an affinity for shadows, but he had never seen him use his power in such a practical and effective way before.
Lucius couldn't help but be struck by the difference between the weapon Auns had made at the auction and the one he was now holding.
At the auction, the weapon Auns had crafted had boasted a wide range of destructive capabilities. Auns had flaunted his power, using the weapon to send shockwaves of dark energy rippling through the room with a flick of his wrist.
This shadow weapon, on the other hand, the shadow weapon seemed more much more utilitarian and lethal, more focused and contained.
It was a tool designed to protect and defend, to vanquish any threat they might encounter in the depths of the jungle. Auns was wielding this weapon with precision and control, not with careless abandon.
Armed with the shadow sword, Auns signaled to Lucius to stay close. The two cautiously advanced toward the source of the banging sound, senses on high alert. With each step, the booming seems to get louder and more rhythmic, as though something was pounding against the forest floor.
As they continue going deeper into the jungle, the banging sound grows louder and more insistent. A sense of unease hangs in the air, and Auns tightens his grip on his shadow sword. They finally reach a clearing in the thick foliage and are met with a perplexing sight.
In the clearing, they see a stunning black woman engaged in a brutal battle with a massive Umbrae. The Umbrae is a towering beast with shadowy tentacles that writhe and churn, its ominous aura filling the area with an oppressive darkness.
The woman, meanwhile, moves with extraordinary grace and dexterity, evading the Umbrae's relentless attacks with remarkable agility.
Auns and Lucius can only watch in awe and astonishment as the woman continues to flawlessly evade the Umbrae's attacks. It's clear that she possesses exceptional skills and extraordinary powers, effortlessly dodging the creature's flailing limbs and returning with a series of lightning-fast counters.
The woman is a blur of speed and agility as she darts around the field, her shadow sword dancing in fluid arcs, carving through the air. Every movement is calculated and precise, every attack aimed at a weak point in the Umbrae's defenses.
The Umbrae is colossal in size, its shadowy form stretching across the battlefield, but the woman seems unfazed, her confidence growing with each passing moment. She moves like a dancer, her movements both graceful and deadly, weaving through the Umbrae's tentacles with ease.
With each strike, she seems to grow more confident, her movements becoming more fluid and forceful.
But then, in a split second, she makes a mistake. The Umbrae lashes out with a powerful tentacle, catching her off guard and sending her flying through the air.
The force of the blow sends the woman crashing into a nearby tree.
The impact is brutal, and the tree shakes and groans in protest. Trunks and branches creak and crack, and leaves rain down from above. The woman staggers to her feet, rubbing her temples and wincing in pain.
The blow had sapped her strength, and she struggles to find her footing.
"ARGHHH!!!" She grumbling in pain
She tries to get up, but her legs feel like lead, and she can't seem to muster the energy to stand. She's wounded, exhausted, and vulnerable to another attack from the fearsome beast.
Auns, determined to help, takes a step forward, but he suddenly realizes that Lucius is trembling in fear. Auns turns, his gaze meeting Lucius' wide eyes. In an instant, Auns's determination falters as he realizes he is terrified.
Lucius' face is a mask of uncertainty. His eyes widen with fear as he watches the woman struggle to rise, her body betraying her.
Auns is visibly worried, torn between the need to help and the need to reassure Lucius. He looks back and forth between the woman and him.
After a moment's deliberation, Auns makes a decision. He turns to Lucius, putting a reassuring hand on his shoulder.
"Stay here," Auns says firmly, his eyes filled with determination. "I'll deal with this."
Lucius nods numbly, still trembling. He knows better than to protest, and Auns's firm conviction gives him a small sense of security. He watches as Auns squares his shoulders and turns back to the ongoing battle.
Auns steps forward, his shadow sword gripped tightly in his hand. He scans the battlefield, taking in the woman's struggle against the Umbrae. Despite her injuries, she still fights fiercely, her shadow sword striking at the creature's limbs and tentacles.
Auns approaches the battling duo with stealthy precision, careful not to attract the Umbrae's attention.
His shadow sword is held at the ready, its dark energy humming with potential. He weaves through the chaos of the battle, making his way toward the woman.
Once he is close enough, Auns spots a moment of opportunity.
The Umbrae has overextended itself, a tentacle extended out for a deadly strike. Auns sees his chance and takes it. Raising his shadow sword, he lunges forward and swings with expert precision, slicing the tentacle cleanly through.
The severed tentacle flails, and the Umbrae lets out a enraged bellow, whipping its body around to face its new adversary. It sees Auns standing there, his shadow sword raised defiantly, and its dark form tenses in fury.
The Umbrae roars, its massive form looming over Auns like a wave of darkness. Its remaining tentacles writhe and thrash, its menacing aura filling the air. Auns stands his ground, his shadow sword held firmly in his hand.
Auns grips his shadow sword more firmly, his eyes never leaving the Umbrae's angry form.
"You'll have to do better than that!" he mutters defiantly.
The Umbrae huffs, its monstrous form seemingly taking Auns's words as a challenge. It rears back, preparing to strike.
Auns stands firm, his eyes narrowing.
"You don't scare me!" he says, his voice steady.The Umbrae growls, its form bristling. It lunges forward, its tentacle striking out at Auns with uncanny speed.
Auns dodges the tentacle with a swift sidestep, his reflexes lightning-fast.
"Is that the best you've got?" he taunts, a hint of mockery in his voice.
The Umbrae roars in frustration at missing its target. It shifts its form, preparing for another attack.
Auns watches the Umbrae's movements closely, his mind working like a strategist's.
"You're predictable," he murmurs, gauging the creature's attacks.
The Umbrae lashes out again, its tentacles flailing in a flurry of strikes, each one more ferocious than the last.
Auns dances around the tentacular onslaught, dodging each strike with a combination of skill and intuition.
"You're all fury with no aim," he remarks, his voice cool and confident.
Auns continues to evade the Umbrae's attacks, never once faltering.
"You're tiring," he observes, noting the Umbrae's growing fatigue.
Auns grins, a spark of excitement in his eyes. "You're weakening!" he says, sensing the shift in the Umbrae's pace.
Auns capitalizes on the Umbrae's weakening state, moving more swiftly and landing more accurate blows against its shadowy tendrils.
"I've got you on the ropes now!" he exclaims, confidence surging through him.
Auns presses his advantage, slicing through tendrils with newfound zeal. The Umbrae growls in frustration, its strength clearly diminishing.
"You're losing," he sneers, taking pleasure in the creature's weakening form.
Auns's attacks grow more focused and more deliberate, targeting the Umbrae's vulnerable spots.
"You should surrender," he mocks, the odds clearly shifting in his favor.
The Umbrae, its form growing increasingly weary, roars defiantly, refusing to give in.
Auns smirks, his confidence unwavering.
"Cocky, aren't you?" he retorts, easily parrying the Umbrae's weakened attacks.
The Umbrae, now visibly exhausted, continues its onslaught, but its attacks lack the previous ferocity.
"ROARRR!" It growls, desperation seeping into its voice.
Auns, sensing the Umbrae's faltering resolve, presses his advantage.
"I guess you're not as tough as you look," he says, his shadow blade dancing in a flurry of skillful attacks.
Auns continues his barrage of attacks, each one more potent than the last. The Umbrae is visibly weakening, its shadowy form wavering. It's clear that it won't be able to withstand much more.
Auns, feeling the Umbrae's imminent defeat, raises his shadow sword high. With one final, mighty swing, he deals the killing blow, slicing through the creature's weakened form and effectively ending the battle.
The room falls silent, the only sound the heavy breathing of the victorious Auns. He lowers his shadow sword, his eyes fixed on the fallen Umbrae, ensuring it won't rise again.
Auns turns to the woman who had fought the Umbrae.
"Are you alright?" he asks, concern evident in his voice.
The woman, drained of energy and emotions, collapses to her knees, tears streaming down her face. She lets out a broken sob, her body shaking with silent cries.
Auns, caught off guard by the woman's sudden breakdown, steps closer to her.
"Hey, hey," he says gentle, "It's okay. It's over now."
Auns kneels down in front of the woman, his expression filled with sympathy. He reaches out a tentative hand, unsure whether to soothe her or give her space.
"I'm here," he says quietly.
The woman's sobs grow louder, and she instinctively seeks comfort. Without saying a word, she lunges forward, burying her face in Auns's chest.
Auns keeps his arms raised in surrender, his body tense as the woman clings to him. He's not one to initiate physical contact, and he's unsure of how to react to her sudden embrace.
The woman is petite, her small frame making her seem more vulnerable than she was seconds ago.
Her skin is a deep brown, and her face is round and cherubic in spite of her recent tears. Dark hair cascades down like a curtain, framing her face and spilling over her shoulders.
Auns stands there, motionless, the woman's head buried in his chest. He can feel the dampness of her tears seeping into his shirt, and guilt slowly starts to gnaw at him.
"Um," he begins awkwardly, "you can let go now."
The woman stiffens at his words, her hold on him loosening. She pulls away slightly, her eyes still full of tears, but a hint of embarrassment now visible.
"Sorry," she mutters, her voice raspy from crying.
Auns's expression softens, and he lowers his arms slowly, feeling a pang of remorse.
"It's okay," he says, his voice a little gentler than before. "Don't apologize."
The woman nods shakily, her eyes still averted.
"I...I thought I was going to die," she whispers, her voice quivering.
Lucius, who has been watching the exchange from a distance, finally musters the courage to approach.
"Are you alright?" he calls, his voice wavering slightly.
The woman looks up, her eyes falling on Lucius. A flicker of recognition passes over her face.
"I-I think so," she replies, sniffling slightly.
After the initial shock and trauma wear off, the woman's demeanor suddenly shifts.
Gone is the quiet, crying girl. In its place is a bubbly, energetic woman with a quick laugh and a never-ending stream of chatter.
The woman now goes on a tirade, complaining about her family and how they always make her do the hardest tasks, like hunting for food.
"And they always say I'm too spoiled," she says with an exaggerated eye roll,
"but they're just jealous because I'm the prettiest in the family!"
Caught up in her energetic rant, the woman suddenly stops, realizing she has yet to introduce herself. She sheepishly grins, looking up at Auns and Lucius.
"Oh, where are my manners!" she exclaims, "I'm Lila, by the way."
Auns hesitates for a moment, torn between introducing himself and letting the conversation move forward.
"I'm Auns," he says finally, "and this is Lucius." He gestures towards Lucius, who stands by his side.
"And this.... a kid I am taking care of currently, Lucius," Auns adds, resting a hand on Lucius's shoulder.
Lucius, who has been quietly listening to the exchange, jolts slightly when he's addressed.
"Yes?" he replies, his voice unsure.
Lila's eyes widen in surprise, taking in this unexpected revelation.
"Really?" she echoes, looking up at Lucius with newfound interest.
"Yep, this little troublemaker is mine need to take care of." Auns says with a half-smile, ruffling Lucius's hair affectionately.
Auns chuckles and messes Lucius's hair up further, mussing his neat hairstyle into a messy, chaotic mass.
Lucius protests, trying and failing to fix his hair, scowling in mock annoyance.
"Hey, stop it!" he grunts, swatting at Auns's hand.
Lila watches this exchanged with a smile, her eyes sparkling with amusement.
"You two are hilarious," she jokes, before adding with a cheeky grin, "Though personally, I think Lucius looks better with messy hair."
Auns and Lucius exchange a quick look, both feigning offense.
"Excuse you," Auns retorts, pretending to be hurt.
"My hair is perfectly respectable," Lucius adds indignantly.
Lila, noticing their mock hurt, laughs aloud.
"Oh, lighten up, you two," she teases. "I was just making an observation."
Auns feigns a wounded expression, placing a hand over his heart dramatically.
"You've wounded us DEEPLY! Lila," he mock groans.
Lucius follows suit, putting on a similar performance.
"Yes, wounded to the core!" he agrees, pretending to stagger.
Lila grins, evidently enjoying the show they're putting on.
"Oh, stop it, you two," she scoffs. "You're such drama queens."
Auns and Lucius exchange a sly look, silently agreeing to up the ante.
"Drama queens?" Auns echoes, arching an eyebrow. "More like... master thespians."
Lucius plays along, twirling a nonexistent mustache for effect.
"Mmm, yes, and quite talented ones, at that," he says, in his best impression of a theatrical tone.
Lila rolls her eyes but can't help but chuckle at their antics.
"You guys are ridiculous," she chides, though her eyes sparkle with amusement.
Auns grins, clearly enjoying himself.
"Ridiculous, schmiculous," he says, waving a dismissive hand.
"We prefer to think of ourselves as uniquely charming."
Lucius nods in agreement. "Indeed," he says, putting on an exaggerated posh accent.
"Our charm is of the highest class, my dear."
"Oh pleaseee! Its enough." She say.
Lila's tone becomes suddenly more serious as she mentions her intention to return to her tribe.
"I gotta head back to my tribe," she says, her expression turning thoughtful.
"You guys could come with me, if you want."
Auns and Lucius exchange a glance, silently communicating about the suggestion.
"Do you think it's a good idea?" Auns ask, his tone a subtle mix of caution and curiosity.
Auns turns to Lila, who looks back at him, waiting to see what decision he would make.
"Are we allowed to?" Auns finally asks with a touch of hesitance.
Lila smiles reassuringly. "Of course you are," she assures, her voice gentle.
"My tribe welcomes everyone, as long as their intentions are good."
Auns and Lucius both nod, accepting the invitation.
Lila grins, pleased with their decision.
"Alright, it's settled then," she says, already turning to begin her journey back.
"We should get going. It's going to be a long walk back to the tribe."
"Lead the way, Lila," Auns says, gesturing for her to take the lead.
Lucius adds, with a hint of anticipation, "We're right behind you."
"Right then," Lila replies, setting a brisk pace.
"Follow me. It's not too far from here, but it's still a good trek."
She begins to lead Auns and Lucius through the winding jungle path, her small frame surprisingly agile in the dense foliage.