Ignatius activates the Shield of the Ancients by standing firm. Securing the stance that he had gained in his old life. From his martial arts training with his oldest sister. Holding the Mystic Orb of Fate aloft in one hand.
He concentrates his hand stretched out above him. The orb starts to glow with power, and the air around it is distorted.
As Ignatius concentrated his will, the orb started to glow with a brilliant, emerald green light. The light pulsed, syncing with his heart's beat, intensifying the light from the orb.
Tendrils of energy extend from it. Weaving into an intricate, geometric pattern that encircles Ignatius and Luna. This pattern expanded, forming a protective dome around them.
The dome comprises interlocking, translucent hexagons, each glowing with a vibrant green hue. The hexagons fit together. Creating an impenetrable barrier that shimmers with ancient runes.
Writing appears before Ignatius. The Shield of the Ancients is designed to withstand physical and magical attacks. When struck, the hexagons absorb and redistribute the force of the impact—causing the shield to ripple like a calm pond disturbed by a pebble.
A volley of arrows flies in their direction. Striking the barrier without affecting it. The ripples flowed through it. The runes inscribed on the hexagons glow brighter with each impact. Reinforcing the shield and preventing any damage from penetrating.
The shield is suffused with a soft ambient glow that casts a light on everything within its protective embrace. This light is soothing, a stark contrast to the tumult outside.
When the shield is active, its air fills with a low, harmonious hum reminiscent of a distant, ancient song. This sound resonates with a deep sense of protection and reverence, creating an atmosphere of unwavering security.
Ignatius must maintain his concentration to keep the shield active. As long as he holds the orb and focuses his mind, the Shield of the Ancients remains strong. If his concentration wavers, the light dims, and the hexagons begin to flicker. Signalling the weakening of the barrier.
As the shimmering barrier formed around them, it deflected the goblins' arrows. Luna stares at Ignatius, her emotions in turmoil. How could she never have known he was this powerful? Luna held her sword, her eyes gleaming with determination. She had no time to reminisce about her regret.
Luna activates the Swift Parry ability with a subtle, focused gesture. The spell came unbidden to her mind as part of her being, as if she had it her whole life.
She takes a deep breath, centring herself, and firmly holds the hilt of her sword. The feel in her hands is familiar and comforting. As she does this, her eyes glow with soft, ethereal light, indicating her connection to the magical energy coursing through her.
She lunged forward towards the goblins that had entered the barrier. An almost imperceptible hum filled the air, resonating with the blade. The runes, now visible, were etched by the magic along the blade's surface. They began to shimmer, reflecting a faint blue light.
A thin, translucent aura envelops Luna, enhancing her reflexes and agility. This aura flickers like a gentle flame, shifting between blue and silver, giving her movements an almost supernatural fluidity.
When an enemy attacks, Luna's Swift Parry kicks into action. Her blade moves with lightning speed as she parries the blow. As the sword contacts the enemy's weapon, the runes flare. Absorbing and redirecting the force of the attack.
The Swift Parry ability leaves behind a brief afterimage of Luna's movements. Creating the illusion of many blades in motion. This disorienting visual effect makes it harder for them to land a successful strike.
Each successful parry produced a melodic chime, like the ringing of a small bell. Accompanied by a flash of blue light that illuminated the surroundings. This light blinded the opponent and highlighted Luna's graceful, almost dance-like defensive manoeuvres.
Her movements blurred as she dodged and deflected the goblins' attacks. Her sword cut through their armour like butter. The barrier held long enough for Luna to dispatch the goblins.
Ignatius had reached his limit. His concentration faltered, and the barrier disappeared. Luna laughed out loud, the power coursing through her veins. She turned to Ignatius, her eyes ablaze with excitement.
Sweat beaded his face as he crumpled to the ground, exhausted. "You're incredible, Luna!"
Breathing heavily, Luna took down the last goblin that rushed out of his hiding spot. Trying to catch her off guard.
She rushes to Ignatius's side in a panic as the goblin splits in two. She knelt by him, holding his head on her bare thighs, modesty thrown out of the window. "How can I help?"
"Tell me, please do not leave me, do not die."
She kissed his lips, whispering. "Know that I want to be with you."
Luna checked the corpses. Ignatius to weak to move.
Ignatius weakly looked at her, his face unreadable. Luna thought she saw something black flash in his eyes. He pressed himself up, standing unsteadily as he did. The use of his power had drained him completely.
She had never seen such a strong shield before. It dwarfed the magus of the capital by a hundred-fold.
She searched, finding a pouch in the split goblin pocket. She thought back to the incident, and pain flared in her heart. She was a fool. He would do anything for her, no questions or wavering.
Ignatius had loved her unconditionally, and she had to ruin it back then. She put up a fake smile as she turned to him. The painful memory of the day she told him of Bradley flashed in her mind.
She handed him the pouch, and the writing looked almost identical to the script, which she could not read. He opened the bag inside a small map. "We need to revisit the library."
"This will lead us to the next clue."
The orb floated before Ignatius and Luna, glowing. The air shimmered as the orb wrote their levels in the air. Ignatius read aloud for Luna's benefit. "You have levelled up to level three. Your next quest awaits."
Golden light enveloped them, and they moaned simultaneously. A warm, stimulating vibration coursed through their bodies. It lasted two seconds, and then the light faded.
"That felt amazing," Luna said, holding his hand.
"Wow, I could get used to that feeling," Ignatius said
Luna lifted her dress, noticing Ignatius's stare and sheathed her sword. "I can't believe how powerful we've become." Luna hugged him, kissing him repeatedly.
Are you okay? Luna held him, feeling his body trembling. For some reason, she could not move. What if something happened to him? She thought. I need to make things right between us. I need him.
Ignatius, his legs shaky, said. "Nothing a meat pie and rest could not fix." He stumbled as he tried to walk, catching himself holding his trembling knees. "This is the beginning."
Luna slipped her arm around his waist. "I truly regret my past. I see a bright future with you."
Luna supported him. Ignatius placed his arm over her shoulder. "Let us leave the past where it belongs in the past. I need a meat pie and milk."
*******
Luna drove them home as Ignatius lay in the back seat. He had no strength left. Please be okay, she prayed. She glanced back in the mirror, remembering the times they had as children. She never stopped smiling and laughing.
They joked with each other back to the coffee shop. Luna knew this was but a small victory for her. She had a long road ahead, building friendships and mending bridges. Should her secret reveal itself? She would have to show him that she was a changed woman. She no longer wanted to be a woman of the world but his woman.
Luna sipped the coffee he had bought, laughter bubbling up from deep within her. She hadn't laughed this much in years. The sun had set, and old streetlamps lighted the brick road ahead.
To Luna, it looked like a fairy tale town, the lights from the windows warm and inviting. Compared with the capital and Queens Town, this little town was a haven for her. Her heart soared with the feeling of well-being and happiness.
But as she glanced at Ignatius, she noticed a change. He had become withdrawn, a haunted look in his eyes. As they walked home, he fell silent. His shoulders hunched forward, his stride slow as if suffering from unseen pain.
Zarkon watched his Master like a hawk; even Christie's behaviour had changed. Luna followed the two upstairs as Ignatius retired, claiming he had work to complete.
She wondered what he worked on, as he had never confided in her. She had a bad feeling something had happened. What could it be? She asked herself.