Rael, Eon, and Artaigne ventured into the grasslands, the terrain dotted with small patches of wildflowers and tall grasses. The air smelled fresh, but it was also thick with the presence of magical creatures. The Rank-1 Fire-spitting Rabbits and Rank-2 Lightning Hares were common in this area, each possessing unique abilities that made them formidable opponents despite their smaller sizes.
As the group advanced, they saw several rabbits hopping around, their fur flickering with orange embers. The hares, larger and quicker, had electric-blue streaks running through their bodies, signaling their lightning-based powers.
"We'll have to be careful," Eon said, eyes scanning the surroundings. "These creatures might be weak individually, but in packs, they're dangerous."
Rael nodded. "Let's clear the area. Stay close, Artaigne."
Despite the fact that they were some of the weakest creatures in Arcana's World, Rael still cautioned for vigilance. It's because of the barrier.
No matter the strength of an Arcana Master, the barrier surrounding the level-1 region suppressed their abilities to the 2-star realm, rendering all participants equal in power within the region.
Even the knights assigned to protect the trio were now restricted to the 2-star realm, a stark contrast to their usual 7-star strength. Of course, that doesn't mean they would be defeated by a bunch of weak hares and rabbits. They were after all veterans.
As Rael, Eon, and Artaigne approached their hunting grounds, the knights stationed themselves at a safe distance, watching over the group as they engaged in their hunt. Their priority was to protect the noble children, but they couldn't stand in the way of their training.
"Stay sharp," The leader of the Knights, Philip Nightingale muttered, keeping an eye on the surroundings. "We should be ready to help if something goes terribly wrong."
The other knights nodded in agreement.
Meanwhile, Rael and Eon took charge, working in tandem to handle the creatures that crossed their path.
Rael, Eon, and Artaigne began to split up to deal with the creatures in their immediate vicinity. Rael's eyes were sharp as ever, quickly locking onto the fire-spitting rabbits that darted through the grass. With a swift movement, he unsheathed his sword, using his Arcane Wrath soul skill to increase his striking power.
"Watch out, princess!" Eon called from behind him, but it was too late.
A lightning hare, its body crackling with blue arcs of electricity, leaped at Artaigne, who was a bit unfocused due to their sheer number. Its speed was blinding, and it slammed into her, sending a surge of electric shock coursing through her body.
"Artaigne!" Rael shouted, his heart skipping a beat. He dashed toward her, his sword flashing as he slashed through the rabbit pack around him. But his focus was entirely on Artaigne now.
Rael reached Artaigne just in time to shield her from another lightning strike. He wrapped his arms around her, absorbing the brunt of the electrical energy with his protective skills and body, though it still left him momentarily winded.
"Are you okay?" he asked urgently, looking down at Artaigne, who was trembling but otherwise conscious.
"I'm fine," she gasped, though the shock had left her slightly dazed. "I'm sorry." She looked down, apologizing to him while feeling like baggage to Rael.
Without wasting another moment, Rael quickly stood and surveyed the battle around them. Eon had already dispatched most of the smaller creatures, but there were still a few hares hopping around, preparing to launch their lightning attacks.
"I'll handle this," Rael said, determination flaring in his eyes. He unleashed Slice of Death, his first soul skill, cutting through the remaining hares with swift, decisive strikes.
With the last hare falling to the ground, Rael turned back to Artaigne, who had begun to regain her composure.
"Don't push yourself so hard," Rael said softly, his tone a little gentler now. He extended his hand to help Artaigne back to her feet.
Artaigne smiled faintly and took his hand, though a touch of guilt crossed her face. "I… I didn't want to be a burden…"
"You're never a burden," Rael said firmly, helping her steady herself. "We're a team. And I'm here to protect you. Always."
Eon, who had already finished her side of the battle, joined them. "Let's head back to the mansion for now. We've done enough for today."
Rael thought for a bit and raised his head to look in the sky. "Hmm… There is still time. Shall we go deeper?" He asked.
With the sun still high in the sky and plenty of time remaining before sunset, Rael wished to explore deeper into the wilderness. They had already faced the fire-spitting rabbits and lightning hares, but now, he sought something more challenging.
"Hmm…" Eon thought for a bit. "How about we go and look for the regional lord. It should pose a better challenge for us." She said, excitement pouring out of her gaze quite clearly.
"What do you think?" Rael turned his head to look at Artaigne. He asked her.
Artaigne forced out a smile. "As you wish. I'm ready to help whenever my skills are needed."
"Good. Let's go."
The trio made their way through the thick grasslands, where the air shimmered with the residual energy of magical creatures. Eventually, they found themselves in a clearing, the ground scorched in places and the faint smell of burnt earth and ozone lingering in the air.
"There," Eon pointed ahead, where a tall figure emerged from the trees.
At the center of the clearing stood Pyrahnox, the Stormfur Harelord. A hare but larger than those they found on the way in grasslands.
Instead of only tiny lightning sparks, the beast's fur flickered with a deadly mix of flame and lightning elements. Its eyes gleamed with a cold intelligence, and its massive, powerful legs were poised to spring into action at any moment.
As soon as it saw the trio, the hare's eyes turned scarlet, scanning the three of them, and then gazed far away at those five knights who didn't seem like they had any intentions to step in.
Rael's gaze hardened, sensing the overwhelming power emanating from the creature. "This is it," he muttered, stepping forward. "Stay close."
Before Rael could issue further instructions, Pyrahnox shifted, its claws scraping against the earth, and it dashed toward them with blinding speed. Its legs powered it forward like a streak of lightning. The creature was fast, faster than any of the lightning hares they had encountered earlier.
In an instant, Pyrahnox lunged, its fiery claws aimed directly at Artaigne, the weakest member of the group.
Artaigne had no time to react before the beast's claws raked across her side.
The force of the attack sent her crashing to the ground, and a surge of intense lightning coursed through her body, stunning her into immobility.
"Artaigne!" Rael shouted. He immediately rushed toward her, his scythe drawn and ready, but Pyrahnox's speed made it difficult to keep up. The beast's flame-tinged claws were aimed to strike again.
"Stay back, Remia!" Rael ordered as Remia, the knight, started rushing at them, ready to protect her princess. "You shall not approach us until any of us ask for help. This is an order." He spoke, as firmly as he could.