Lucian didn't waste a moment. He dashed at Layla again, his speed a blur. Layla determined not to be outdone, raised her frost blade to block his incoming attack. But this time, Lucian's fist, glowing with intense mana, connected with the blade with a resounding crack. The frost blade shattered into countless icy shards, sparkling in the air like a burst of frozen fireworks.
Without hesitation, Lucian followed up with a powerful sidekick. His foot struck Layla with precision, sending her sprawling through the air. Her body flew through the training ground, the wind whistling past her as she soared. She crashed onto the ground with a heavy thud, She lay still, unconscious, the remnants of her frost blade scattered around her.
Immediately after she landed on the ground, Galen and Selene jumped straight into the training ground. Galen and Selene rushed to Layla's side, their faces etched with concern. As they knelt beside her, Galen's eyes widened in alarm. "Her ribs are broken," he muttered, his voice tight with worry.
Two other demon hunters who had also been observing the duel rushed over, their expressions grave. One of them, a tall and broad-shouldered man with a stern face, carefully lifted Layla, while his companion, a lithe woman with a determined gaze, checked for further injuries.
"You have to get her to Nereia," Commander Draven said, and then two demon hunters carried her and left the training ground carrying Layla to Nereia. "Watching the duel, I am sure you didn't even go all out," Draven said with a smile on his face showing he was impressed. "Galen, Selene. Go and get the aircraft ready we head for Briar" Commander Draven said leaving the training ground.
As the two demon hunters carrying Layla disappeared from view, Lucian stood tall, his chest heaving with exertion. He hadn't expected the duel to end with such severity, but he knew he had to push himself to his limits. Commander Draven's words echoed in his mind, "You didn't even go all out." Lucian wondered what he meant by that. Had he truly held back without realizing it?
Galen and Selene rushed to prepare the aircraft, their faces still etched with concern for Layla's well-being. Lucian, however, felt a sense of determination wash over him. He knew that this was just the beginning of his journey, and he was ready to face whatever challenges lay ahead.
As they boarded the aircraft, Commander Draven turned to Lucian with a serious expression. "Lucian, we will first head to your father's house and get his research and equipment and after that, we will search the area"
Lucian nodded, his gaze steely with determination. The aircraft's engines roared to life, and the wind vessels began their ascent, cutting through the crisp air as they flew towards the outskirts of Briar. As Lucian sat down, he thought about the screen that appeared before him after he won the duel. Just thinking about it, the screen appeared before him again. "So by just thinking about it would appear," Lucian said to himself as he noticed
[[Quest completed: Defeat Layla Frostveil in a duel.]
[Reward: 50 Exp, unlock two new fire abilities]
[Fire ball Lvl1 ]
[Fire fist Lvl1 ]
Lucian stared at the screen, his mind racing with the possibilities of his new abilities. The system's voice echoed in his head, explaining the skills he had unlocked.
[Fireball Lvl1]: This ability allows you to conjure a ball of fire in your hand and hurl it at your enemies. The fireball explodes on impact, dealing damage to all enemies within a small radius. As you level up this skill, the fireball's size and damage will increase. (Requires 100 MP per use)
[Fire Fist Lvl1]: This ability engulfs your fist in flames, enhancing your melee attacks with fire damage. Each punch you land will burn your enemies, causing additional damage over time. Higher levels will increase the intensity and duration of the burn effect. (MP reduces by five every two minutes of use)
"Did I acquire these skills because of this system? Lucian said to himself surprised by what he had just seen. Lucian's curiosity got the better of him. He glanced around the aircraft, ensuring no one was watching him too closely. With a deep breath, he focused on his right hand, imagining the fireball forming in his palm.
"Let's see if this works," he muttered.
Slowly, a small flicker of flame appeared, dancing at his fingertips. Lucian's eyes widened in amazement as the flame grew larger, forming a perfectly round fireball. The warmth radiated from it, and he could feel the energy pulsing through his hand.
"Unbelievable," he whispered, marveling at the fireball. Canceling his mana, the fireball dissipated into the air. Lucian's heart raced with excitement as he realized the potential of his newfound abilities. "If this system can make me unlock more fire abilities and skills and make me even stronger then" clenching his fist, "I will be able to avenge you father," Lucian said remembering that night.
As the aircraft soared through the skies, Lucian's thoughts were interrupted by Commander Draven's voice over the intercom. "Prepare for landing. We're approaching the outskirts of Briar."
The wind vessels landed smoothly on the outskirts of Briar, the landscape unfolding beneath them as they touched down. The once-crisp air of the ascent had turned into a faint chill, hinting at the approaching dusk. Then Commander Draven, Galen, and Selene got down from the vessel.
Lucian led the way, his pace steady but his heart heavy with memories. The small house where his father had lived stood not far from where they had landed. It was a modest structure, its wooden walls showing signs of weathering from the harsh elements. Lucian's gaze softened as he approached, his mind awash with recollections of time spent with Orion.
As Lucian approached the small house, Commander Draven, Galen, and Selene followed close behind, their expressions a mix of respect and curiosity. The sun dipped lower in the sky, casting long shadows that danced on the weathered wood of the house.
Lucian pushed open the creaky door, which groaned in protest. Inside, the modest home was filled with remnants of a life dedicated to the fight against demons. Shelves lined with books on demonology and combat strategies, tools of all shapes and sizes, and an array of research notes scattered across a desk greeted them. Lucian's heart ached as he took in the familiar surroundings, each object a reminder of his father's dedication.
Commander Draven glanced around and said, "We must be thorough. Gather anything that looks important. We might find valuable equipment."
Galen and Selene started carefully examining the various items. While Selene scrutinized the tools and weapons, Galen focused on the books and research notes. Lucian moved to the desk, where he found a series of neatly organized files. Each folder contained detailed notes about demonic beast types and their weaknesses. Just as he went through it, he could see a new system notification.
Lucian's eyes widened as a new system notification appeared before him.
[New Skill Obtained: Demonic Beast Insight]
[Demonic Beast Insight allows you to analyze demon beasts, revealing their type, abilities, and characteristics. You can discern their magical properties, strengths, weaknesses, and whether they rely on speed, strength, or other attributes.]
"This system granted me another ability just by going through this. Father, you have made something impressive" Lucian said as he noticed a hidden compartment in the desk. Inside, he found a set of carefully wrapped items: a few worn but still functional weapons, a small vial of a glowing substance, and a device with intricate engravings that seemed to hum faintly with dormant mana. "I have never seen this before," Lucian said and Just then, the screen appeared before him again.
[Item compatible with the system]
[New skill obtained]
[New Skill Obtained: Demon Tracker]
[Description: When the item is summoned, it activates a tracking mechanism that searches for nearby demons within a certain radius. Once a demon is detected, the item emits a series of fire lasers that target the demon, marking its location for the user. This skill not only reveals the demon's position but also weakens it with the initial laser strikes. (when the tracker is destroyed it respawns after 48 hours) ]
Just then, the item disappeared from his hands. "Another new skill and this skill looks amazing," Lucian said. "Impressive as always Father"
The wind vessels awaited their cargo outside. With the gathered items in hand, the group made their way back. Galen carried the training dolls and Commander Draven and Selene carried anything they found important.
As the group entered Briar, the town's bustling evening activities greeted them. The streets were lined with vendors selling their wares, and the air was filled with the aroma of freshly cooked food. Lucian led the way to a modest inn, its wooden sign swaying gently in the evening breeze.
Inside, the inn was warm and inviting. The innkeeper, a stout woman with a friendly smile, welcomed them and showed them to a table. They ordered a hearty meal, and as they ate, they discussed their plans for the night.
"We'll head out as soon as night falls," Commander Draven said, his voice firm but calm. "The forest outside Briar holds the path to several other towns, and it will be a likely location for demons to stay and kill travelers.
Selene, her attention focused on her meal, nodded in agreement. "So let's rest enough while we can, so we will be at full strength.
The night sky was out and the group came out of the inn after resting in the inn. The night air was cool and crisp. The moon cast a silver glow over the cobblestone streets, and the sounds of the town had quieted, replaced by the occasional hoot of an owl and the rustling of leaves in the breeze.
As they came out of the inn, they could see Galen was with horses which Commander Draven had asked him to get earlier. The horses, sturdy and well-groomed, stood patiently as the group approached.
"Good work, Galen," Commander Draven said, patting one of the horses on its neck. "These will get us to the forest quickly."
Selene adjusted her cloak and mounted her horse with ease. "Can you ride a horse, Lucian?" Commander Draven asked "Yes I can, I learned from my father" Lucian replied.
"Alright. Then ride by my side. Let's move" Draven said.
The group mounted their horses, and the rhythmic clopping of hooves on cobblestone echoed through the quiet night. Lucian took his place beside Commander Draven, his senses heightened as they moved out of Briar and onto the forest path. The trees loomed tall and dense, their branches swaying gently in the moonlight, casting dancing shadows on the ground.
Galen led the way, his horse expertly navigating the path that wound deeper into the forest. Selene rode close behind, her gaze scanning the darkness for any signs of movement. The night air was filled with the scent of pine and earth, mixed with the faint hint of something more ominous.
"Why don't I try the new skill I just got," Lucian said activating Demon Tracker. The tracker appeared like a burning flame in the air before setting off on its search. After a moment, It started firing lasers in a particular location and just after, a system notification appeared.
[Tracker destroyed, respawns after 48 hours]