I'm still processing what the heck happened. When I realized that I didn't complete the incantation for [Wind Sickle], I thought it would fail immediately. But instead, it went through like I didn't mess up my spell at all.
It seems like I'm not the only one who’s freaked out by this. Everyone stops what they are doing as Razul and Arthur look at me and Wind and Soma also do the same. Even Rudra stops attacking and stares at me with the same shocked expression as everyone else.
"Dude, did you just do an OP move?" Arthur asks.
"More like a bugged move. There is no way for Kazu to use a spell without completing his incantation," Razul answers. "I double-checked the forums and wikis and there's no such thing as a chantless spell."
He's right. Sure, it saved Wind and Soma. But I doubt the developers will like this and will remove it once we report it...
[Oh? What do you know? It seems like I was wrong about you.]
Huh? All of a sudden, Rudra turns away from my brother and glares at me with his yellow reptile eyes. Was that attack enough to... What did Arthur call it? Aggro him?
"Y-Yeah! I agreed that my friends would join the fight, but I never asked you to kill us when you d-"
[I didn't mean your meager spells gained my attention!] Rudra suddenly interrupts as he raises his clawed finger at me. [That [Wind Sickle] you cast... You managed to cast it without an incantation. Only [Insignis] master wizards and sages are able to use chantless spells without any effort. Yet, this is the first time I witnessed a mere fledgling cast a spell while forgetting to finish an incantation.]
My eyes widen. He knows about that so-called bug Razul mentioned?! If so, does this mean casting a spell without incantations is a thing both in the game and lore?!
"Huh? Casting spells without using incantations is a thing here?"
[Of course! It's either because you're destined for greater things or a reckless prodigy who doesn't know their own place!]
I have so many questions about this revelation. But then, a new notice pops up in front of me.
[NOTICE]
[You have discovered your [Ancestry's] secret ability.]
A secret ability? And it has to do with what Rudra mentioned? I can't believe that kind of thing even exists in this VRMMO!
[Because you only recently discovered it, there is a low chance you can cast a spell without incantation again.
Discover the secret to unlock the power and train yourself to earn the right to this [Ancestry Skill]!]
So I can't replicate it without taking a chance, huh? Looks like I still have a lot to learn about the [Insignis]. Either way, this might be a good chance to turn things around. If only I had noticed Rudra's breath attack a bit sooner...
"[Water Shield]!"
"[Quick Protection]!"
Razul and Arthur suddenly appear right in front of me with their respective shields right before his fire breath gets to me.
"What are dilly-dally for, Kaz?! This is your chance to save Wind!" Arthur shouts.
"He's right! We can't hold this one for much longer!" Razul adds. "Hurry!"
Guys... I don't know what to say to them, but I'm relieved they risked their lives for me.
But they're right. They’ve given me this opening and I won't waste it!
"Come on, little guy! It's time to save my big brother from this airhead dragon!"
[Rawr!]
Both of us run out from behind the shields so we can start our real counterattack.
[Airhead?!] Rudra suddenly repeated. [I don't mind some taunts, but I do not condone such an insult on me!]
Huh?! I didn't know this big guy was sensitive to suc names! I’m relieved that it worked. But now, I feel sorry for him. But that doesn't mean I’ll forgive him for trapping my big brother!
“Spirit of Sylph, I ask for your aid. Grant me the power of the wind to outrun and defeat my opponents!” I shout as I raise my staff. "[Bluster Speed]!"
As soon as the aura from the spell envelops my body again, I run even faster than before as I rush to Rudra and where Wind and Soma are. I can tell after the fire breath there’s a cooldown period. But just in case...
“Spirits of Earth, I call your strength! Help me summon the earth to overcome my enemies! [Rock Slide]!"
I toss the rocks created by my spell over Rudra's head and after they’ve barely buried him, I continue running behind him to where he trapped Wind and Soma.
The only reason why he’s managed to use it now was the shock of my sudden new ability that the game notified me of. It’s not the distraction I needed, but it has given us time to reach my brother and his [Familiar]. The problem now is how am I able to reach them? I only have a few seconds and I don't have time to cast another spell. Maybe if I can use that ability again... But I only have a low chance to succeed though...
To heck with
...
So that's a failure... I can try again!
"[Tempest Blow]! [Tempest Blow]! [Tempest Blow]!" I keep repeating in my desperate attempt to reach them. "Come on! Rudra said I can use chantless spells! So please, let me cast it for once!"
But despite everything, I can't cast the spell in the end. I promised Wind that he wouldn't die and bad luck has had to ruin this moment!
[RAWR!!!]
"Little guy?!" My eyes widen as I am caught off-guard by his sudden roar. "What are y-"
[The allied [Baby Sapphire Dragon] used [Tempest Blow]!]
I can't believe it! I found myself flying thanks to a tornado that was cast not by me, but by the little dragon! And what's more amazing is how big enough for me to almost reach Wind and Soma. Looks like flying isn't the only thing he learned from me.
"Thanks a bunch!" I say to the dragon. "You'll get a [Roasted Rabbit Steak] after this!"
That aside, I turn my attention back to the two and raise my staff one more time. “Spirits of thunder, heed my call. Use your mana of lightning to cut down..."
[ENOUGH!!!]
Uh oh... I didn't expect him to recover so soon! I guess I have no other choice... But please, make it work this time, mystery ability...
"[Thunder Blade]!"
As if the
[NOTICE]
[You have successfully released your party members from their crystal prisons.]
I smile as I watch both crystals cut in half while the two of them get out as quick as they can. Of course, there is still an issue of us falling to our deaths. But I'm already prepared for that and I'm going to risk time over chance next.
"Spirit of Sylph, hear our call. Trap our enemies into the gale of storms and imbue our weaponry with your blessings! [Tempest Blow]!"
This time, I cast my own spell with the full incantation as we land into my tornado and slowly fall through it. Once we’re on the ground, we run as far away from Rudra as I take out my [Mana Potion] to regain my [MP].
A case of literary theft: this tale is not rightfully on Amazon; if you see it, report the violation.
[You sneaky little mage! NO MORE GAMES!]
"We were thinking the same thing," Wind taunts with a grin as he and Soma rush to Razul and Arthur, who seems okay after enduring that attack. "Sorry about that, guys. We messed up." Wind then turns to me next. "Kazu, end this fight right here and now!"
Right. As Rudra said, he's done playing and I'm done running, and so am I. It's time to bring out my full potential. I could still recall the words from my [Book of Presence].
[Unlike other [Magical Affinity] spells, unleashing the [Sign's] true power requires no incantation. By picturing an image based on the meanings behind its creation, you can conjure it into reality and release it depending on whether it supports or defends you. Do not hesitate to use it as a tool or a weapon depending on your situation. Just remember that the [Sign] is an extension of yourself. A record of your being.
Let your imagination take flight and create a path to your future.]
Create a path to my future...
I take a deep breath and I glare at the great dragon about to burn me with his fire breath. I would normally have been scared to see him in rage. But I close my eyes and clear my head. Then, I begin to imagine a small puff of wind and a ball of electricity inside it.
My [Sign] represents myself. My desire to grow stronger is to discover the fantasy world around me.
I want the spark of that ball to grow bigger and bigger and the wind around it to become strong enough to blow away our enemies!
Bigger... Stronger...
That's my real dream both in the game world and the real world!
I can feel it. A large gust of wind emerges around me and electricity crackles in my ears. I can't seem to control it, but I think I can if I force myself. Just like my desire to travel around the world, the storm and the wind around me cannot be contained within one spot!
[IT'S. OVER!!!]
Yeah, For you, Rudra.
"[Sign Unleash]..."
I open my eyes and to my surprise, he's preparing his next (and probably the last) fire breath. This time, he's aiming it at me!
Too bad for him that it's already too late.
"[RISING TEMPEST]!!!"
The wind around me slowly gathers around my right palm to form a large tornado and as I release everything into it, I see large sparks and bolts of blue electricity fly out from the spout and towards the great dragon.
[WHAT?!?!]
I can feel a few burns and hear cackles of electricity as I continue my final assault against Rudra. The longer I keep this spell up, the more I lose my strength in my arms. But I'm not gonna give up. We're so close now! I'm not gonna stop until he surrenders!
With a scream of determination at the top of my lungs, I push the tornado further in and I let the electricity scatter around Rudra and let them deal him the finishing blow.
[GRAAAAAAGGGGGHHHHHHHH!!!]
It only takes a few seconds for my [Sign] to finish him off, but the [Great Ruby Dragon] finally collapses to his knees and all we hear is low growls from his throat.
> [HP: 497/1450]
Whoa... That’s my first time using my [Sign], but I hadn’t expected it to deal so much damage along with my other spells beforehand. Either way, I think that should be enough to put him in his place.
"Kaz!"
As I collapse after casting that spell, everyone rushes to my side as Wind catches me before I hit the ground.
"Kaz, you are one crazy kid! Do you know how worried I was for you when you made that risky plan?!" He yells at me. "God, if this was real life, you would have died now!"
"I... Uh..." I flinch despite that I'm prepared to take his nagging again. "B-But..."
Before I can say anything, Wind sighs and says, "Then again, it was our fault for letting you risk yourself out there. So I appreciate the rescue, little bro."
Wind...
I happily hug him in response to his worries. To be honest, if it wasn't for him, we wouldn’t havee been able to finish the fight like this.
[Thank you for saving us, Nii-chan!] Soma says with a smile.
[Rawr! Rawr!] The dragon adds before he hugs me in glee.
"Thanks, guys. And you're welcome, Soma," I reply. "But you can call me "Kaz". Wind isn't the only one who is embarrassed by that nickname."
"Really?" Arthur says. "I thought "Nii-chan" is a good... ARGH!"
Razul elbows him before he could finish. "Please don't make it more awkward for them, Arthur."
All of us laugh at this scene. After everything we endured, a laugh from Arthur's antics is what we need after a victory in another tough battle.
[...not accept...]
That growl... Don't tell me...
I try to grab my staff again. I can cast another spell. But then, I look at my stats.
> [Kazu]
>
> [HP: 298/520]
>
> [MP: 38/430]
>
> [SP: 172/215]
Looks like I overdid it with my first [Sign Unleash]. Either way, if I can bluff our way out, then maybe...
"Don't overdo it, bro." Wind stops me and draws his sword with Soma by his side. "You already did so much for us. Now it's our turn to finish this fight."
[Yeah! What Windy said!]
I watch in shock as they step forward between me and Rudra, as do Razul and Arthur, with all of their weapons aimed at the great dragon.
"You really let yourself loose with that new OP spell!" Arthur comments. "Might be a good reason to leave the rest to the older kids, Kaz."
"I have a lot of questions about that spell, Kaz. But let's save that until we're out of the heat," Razul says.
Wind... Soma... Razul... Arthur...
Yeah... I did a lot to protect them. I should leave the rest to them.
[B-Back away, weaklings...] Rudra growled. [M-My...business is with that...[Insignis] child...]
"Give it up, Rudra," Wind calmly declares. "You're lucky my brother's spell wasn't enough to kill you. So why don't you give up and call Uncle?"
[FOOLS!!! The only reason he won was he used a [Sign]! So using a personalized spell doesn't count!]
That's the reason why he doesn't accept my win? Looks like he's more of a sore loser than a great and scary dragon.
"Dude, he used other spells before his OP one," Arthur mentions after translating his complaints. "So I think he played the rules fair and square."
[THERE'S NOTHING FAIR ABOUT THAT FIGHT!!! I WON'T ACCEPT A VICTORY CREATED BY DECEPTION!!!]
[Speak for yourself, Rudra.]
That voice... I smile as I turn to see someone I'd been waiting for for a while. And it seemed like I was not the only one.
"Bai-Hu! You're back!"
[Rawr! Rawr!]
It's not only Bai Hu who was back. Behind him was a large blue dragon with its scales covered in blue sapphire-like scales.
[I apologize for the tardiness, young Kazu. We rushed here as soon as we saw the [Great Ruby Dragon's] breath from afar,] Bai Hu explains. [But it seems like you and your allies resolved this issue without my help. I also see that the baby dragon is unscathed under your guardianship.]
[Rawr!]
I chuckle sheepishly as I watch the baby dragon agreeing on my behalf. I then notice a new window popping up, and I smile at what it said.
> [QUEST COMPLETE!]
>
> [You have completed a [Hidden Quest], [Guard the Young Sapphire Dragon]!]
I sigh in relief. As soon as I see the large blue dragon, I get the feeling the [Hidden Quest] is over. But wait, I haven’t gotten any notification that I’ve completed the other one. Wasn't the objective being teaching him how to fly? So why...
[MY BABY!]
My heart almost skips a beat when I hear a booming deep voice. The baby dragon quickly flies to the large one and starts snuggling its neck.
[Oh, my little fang. I'm so sorry I left you behind!] The blue dragon apologized through the same [Symbol Speech] as Bai Hu and Rudra used. [I'm relieved that you're okay.]
[Rawr!] The baby dragon then points at Rudra with his eyes narrow. [Rawr! Rawr!]
[What?! You're telling me that dumb Rudra almost hurt you because of him mistaking those friendly adventurers as enemies.]
Uh oh... That's one way to tell on someone. I push everyone away as the blue dragon slowly walks to Rudra with her eyes glowing blue.
[W-Wait, Ma'am! You don't understand!] He yells. [It's a misunderstanding! I'm only fighting them because your kind might be in the area and they won't allow me to see them!]
[MISUNDERSTANDING?! The only one who misunderstood here is you! How dare you harm my baby's new friends and the tiger's [Mana Landmark] over your bloodlust?!] The blue dragon roared. [I would lose my head if something happened to my little fang!!!]
[N-No, no! Please! Don't do something re- ARGH!]
At that point, I wince as I heard Rudra’s wail in pain and watch the blue dragon deal out some "punishment". I don't need to wait for Wind to yell out to cover my eyes because that's what I'm doing right now.
"Uh... Yeah..." Wind speaks up. "They..."
"No need, Wind," Razul interrupts. "I think we have an idea of what that dragon's gonna do to the red one."
Yeah, it might take a while before we get to explain our side of the story...
----------------------------------------
> Current Quest: [Guard the Young Sapphire Dragon!] ***
>
> Type: Urgent
>
> Status: Complete
>
> Party Member(s):
>
> [Kazu]
----------------------------------------
> Current Quest: [A Dragon Who Dreams of Flight] **
>
> Type: Hidden
>
> Status: In Progress
>
> Progress: 99%
>
> Party Member(s):
>
> [Kazu]
----------------------------------------
> Kazu's Masteries
>
> [Arcana] Level 22
>
> [Thunder] Level 20
>
> [Wind] Level 19
>
> [Alchemy] Level 18
>
> [Magecrafting] Level 18
>
> [Magical Affinity] Level 20
>
> [Scribe] Level 23
>
> [Earth] Level 11
>
> [Sign Creation] Level 2