The sun was beginning to set as Rui, Fenrir, and the rest of the group moved steadily through the untamed landscape, the dense foliage of the Beast's Domain surrounding them. Despite the intimidating reputation of this area, the journey had been relatively uneventful. Rui could feel the weight of the atmosphere shifting, though—he could sense the air thick with the potential for danger, the unseen threat of powerful beasts lurking nearby.
Fenrir, leading the way with his usual composed demeanor, glanced over at Rui as they walked. The other emissaries and guards flanked them, their presence a silent but constant reminder of the formidable force that surrounded him. Rui, despite the respect he had for Fenrir and his group, couldn't help but feel the tension in his body grow with each step. This journey felt like a test in and of itself, and he wasn't sure what to expect next.
Fenrir, sensing Rui's unease, broke the silence. "Have you ever used a weapon?" he asked casually, his voice low enough to avoid disturbing the others. The question seemed odd at first, but Rui understood the significance of the inquiry. Fenrir wasn't just making small talk.
Rui considered the question carefully before replying. "No," he said after a moment, his voice thoughtful. "I've always felt more comfortable relying on my body. My strength... my instincts. But I've never been formally taught to use a weapon."
Fenrir's gaze was unreadable, but his tone was calm and respectful. "Your instincts are sharp. But weapons can complement that—if you're ever interested. The best teachers from all across the continents have trained with us." He didn't push further, leaving the statement hanging in the air.
Rui nodded slowly, appreciating the sentiment but not sure what to make of the offer. Weapons, he thought, weren't his natural inclination. He preferred relying on his own power, the strength in his body and his ability to channel his mana. But Fenrir's words lingered in his mind. Perhaps, one day, there would be a time when learning to use a weapon would be necessary.
Before Rui could delve further into the thought, a low rumble shook the ground beneath them. The trees around them creaked as the atmosphere shifted, and Rui's instincts immediately kicked in. His silver eyes flicked toward Fenrir, and he could see the tension in the older man's stance.
"Prepare yourselves," Fenrir said sharply, his voice cutting through the murmurs of the guards. "There's something ahead."
The group immediately fell into formation. Rui, though not formally trained in combat tactics like Fenrir's team, couldn't help but feel a sense of anticipation rising within him. He had faced many battles before, but this was different. These were professionals—cultivators and warriors who had seen countless dangers, and Rui knew this fight wouldn't be like the ones he had faced in his homeland.
The growling sound grew louder, the earth vibrating beneath their feet as the creature drew closer. The trees in the distance began to shake violently, and suddenly, a massive, shadowy figure burst forth from the foliage.
It was a beast like nothing Rui had ever seen—a towering, hulking creature with dark scales and enormous claws, its eyes glowing with an eerie red light. The beast's roar sent birds scattering from the trees, and its weight shook the ground like an earthquake.
Fenrir didn't hesitate. "Take it down!" he barked, and the team immediately leaped into action.
Rui watched, captivated, as the guards and emissaries swiftly coordinated their assault. One of the emissaries, a woman with long, flowing silver hair, summoned a blast of energy from her hands, sending a wave of force directly at the beast's side. The creature howled in pain but retaliated with a massive swipe of its claws. Another emissary, a man with a heavy-set frame, rushed forward, his sword glowing with mana as he slashed at the beast's thick hide.
The battle was a well-oiled machine, each member of the group using their unique abilities with flawless precision. Rui could see the synergy between them—the way they moved as one, anticipating each other's actions with near-perfect coordination.
Despite their efforts, the creature wasn't easily defeated. It howled in fury, swiping again with its claws, knocking one of the guards to the ground. But before it could react, Fenrir was upon it, moving with the precision of a master. His sword was a blur, cutting through the air as he sliced at the beast's limbs.
Rui, despite the show of prowess, could feel his own power stir within him. His body thrummed with energy, his fists itching to join the battle. He could have taken the beast down with a single blow, but he understood why Fenrir had asked him to stand down. This was their fight, not his. These were the elite, the best of the best, and they were proving it in front of him.
Rui took a deep breath, keeping his hands at his sides. He could feel the heat of the battle surge through him, but he knew that rushing in would undermine what they were doing. They were working as a unit, their abilities complementing each other in a way that was almost seamless. It was a sight to behold, and Rui couldn't help but feel a sense of respect for the way they fought.
The battle raged for several more moments, the beast growing weaker with each strike. Fenrir and the others were relentless, their movements sharp and decisive. Finally, with a clean strike from Fenrir's sword, the creature fell to the ground, dead. The forest around them seemed to exhale as the tension lifted.
The guards began to move forward, securing the area and preparing to continue their journey. Rui stepped forward, feeling a quiet sense of admiration for what he had witnessed. It had been a controlled and efficient battle, every action taken with purpose. Fenrir turned toward him, his expression unreadable.
"You're still learning what this world is like," Fenrir said, his voice low. "But I trust you understand that our enemies won't wait. You'll have to fight just like this, with precision, strength, and unity. We may not always be able to take things on ourselves. Sometimes, it's about the team."
Rui nodded slowly, absorbing the lesson. He had witnessed something extraordinary, and while he could have easily taken down the beast on his own, he understood the value of working with others, of trusting in the strength of the team. It was something he would have to remember as they continued their journey.
The group gathered their things and moved forward, the horizon growing darker as they ventured deeper into the Beast's Domain. The road ahead was still long, but Rui felt a new understanding settling within him. He wasn't just here to prove his strength; he was here to grow, to learn, and to find his place among these powerful individuals.
As they moved on, Rui's thoughts turned to the future. Whatever challenges lay ahead, he knew he was ready to face them. With every step, he was becoming stronger—physically, mentally, and as part of something much larger than he had ever imagined.