Let There Be Light
The ground trembled beneath Janus's feet as he took in the chaotic sight before him. Delvers battled all around, flashes of light and cries of alarm echoing through the ruined guild. Janus scanned the scene, unmoving. His companions were equally stunned by the unfolding mayhem. The only exception was Harry, who was nowhere to be found.
He used his illusion magic and ran away! He’s stranded us here!
Janus was about to ask Fao what they should do when he caught a familiar figure below. It was Devon, fighting off several monsters. Just as he started moving to help Devon, he heard Fao behind him.
“Wait, Janus, come with us. We need to get outta here!”
Janus turned towards Fao. Every fiber of his body told him to leave with them—that there was strength in numbers. But he couldn’t just leave Devon behind. The redheaded swordsman had never really been a friend, but he had stood between Janus and death more than once.
“I need to help my classmate!” Janus shouted over the sounds of battle.
Fao looked uncertain. The others had already started making their way out towards the rest of the Backwash.
“Shit. You better catch up to us after!” Fao said and turned, sprinting to the others.
The delvers had been scattered all over the place, and Devon was left facing three of the monsters on his own. Janus began rushing towards him, dodging past monsters and delvers alike. Something latched onto Janus's leg, its sharp teeth biting down with ferocity. He cried out in pain, attempting to shake the creature off, but its grip only tightened, sinking its teeth even deeper.
Turning around, his eyes widened in alarm as he spotted a wolf-like creature. Reacting swiftly, he summoned a replica arrow point array above the wolf, mana arrows raining down upon it. The arrows pierced through the monster’s flesh, causing it to release its hold on Janus's leg at last.
[You have defeated an enemy: Winter Wolf]
[Your Spell Weaving skill has gained 1 level]
Despite the searing pain coursing through his leg, Janus gritted his teeth and pressed on. He dodged by monsters that were preoccupied with their own battles and finally reached Devon's side. His fellow student had already fended off two of the beasts attacking him, but it seemed that his victories only attracted more of the creatures' attention.
Janus, still recovering mana from his previous encounter with the monster nest, summoned from the dwindling reserves of his energy. He focused, casting [Power Enhancement] on Devon, who turned as the spell took hold. The sensation momentarily distracted the swordsman, allowing the lion he was fighting to claw at his chest. Thankfully, his armor absorbed the blow.
Janus, his leg unable to support his weight any longer, collapsed to his knees, the pain overwhelming him. Seeing Janus’ struggle, Devon moved closer, and deflected the attack of the wolf that had been pursuing him.
“What is going on?” Said Janus through clenched teeth.
“I don’t know.” Replied Devon as his sword cleaved the lion he was fighting in two. “Dario left a few minutes ago. These monsters are all over the station. He said to meet him at Bear Station if he doesn’t find us here.”
The revelation shook Janus.
Is my dad safe?
They didn't have much time to exchange words before they found themselves under attack once more. Janus quickly identified their assailants.
[Winter Wolf - Level 30]
[Lowland Lion - Level 28]
[Talon Sparrow - Level 25]
The lion and wolf set themselves upon Devon. Meanwhile, the sparrow, circling ahead, suddenly dove towards Janus with alarming speed. Reacting swiftly, Janus threw his head back, narrowly avoiding the wicked talons that slashed through the air just inches from his face.
In response to the sparrow's relentless attack, Janus attempted to channel as much mana as he could into the oversized bird, hoping to bring it down with the pain. However, to his dismay, the creature showed no reaction to his efforts. Instead, it continued to circle around, its movements indicating readiness for another dive bomb attack.
Janus reacted, reaching behind him to unclasp the loops on the back of his robe. With determination, he brandished his quarterstaff and attempted to swat at the bird as it dove towards him.
To his surprise, the strike connected solidly with the bird, the force of his blow knocking it out of the air and sending it tumbling to the ground.
[New skill obtained: Staff Fighter]
Cost: None
Cooldown: Always Active
Description: You are more comfortable with staves. Fighting with a staff feels natural.
Bonus Stats: 1 Dex per level
He heard a grunt from Devon as the swordsman continued to repel the lion and wolf. Janus cast [Power Enhancement] once more and Devon made good use of it, dispatching the lion with his next slash.
Ignoring the notification of the lion's death, Janus turned his attention to the injured sparrow. He conjured a replica arrow point above the struggling creature, which was attempting to set itself upright after hitting the ground. Mana arrows materialized above it, raining down violently and impaling the bird before it could regain its bearings.
[You have gained a level]
Another one down.
Support the author by searching for the original publication of this novel.
“What about Pella, have you seen her?” Janus asked. He hadn’t seen Pella since she had stormed off.
“I have not seen her since the dungeon.” Devon replied, stabbing his sword through the wolf’s chest.
The realization that Pella hadn't shown up at the Delver's Guild since the dungeon incident weighed heavily on Janus. Devon was a regular presence there—even when they weren’t scheduled for class—often seen sparring with other delvers or honing his skills through experimentation. Pella usually joined him, she had been obsessed with improving.
“We should move,” Janus said, “Further into the Backwash.”
The tangled construction would offer them more cover, but Janus was mostly concerned with moving closer to the residential district. He wanted to make sure that his dad hadn’t been hurt.
Devon nodded in agreement and surveyed their surroundings. After carefully assessing their options, he began walking away from the guild, his movements purposeful and determined. Janus, struggled to keep up with his mangled foot, doing his best to push through the pain.
The massive rend in the ground cut them off, and they were forced to take a circuitous route. They had been completely separated from the main thoroughfare. Thankfully, apart from Janus’ leg, they escaped from the melee at the guild unharmed. A few beasts had tried their luck, but Devon fended them off with the help of [Power Enhancement] and a few choice slams of Janus’ staff.
Navigating through an unfamiliar part of the Backwash, Janus found himself surrounded by buildings that, while worn and weathered, still stood tall after the earthquake.
“Did Dario say anything before leaving?” Janus asked.
“He told me to begin alerting the guild about an immediate threat. After that, and with little explanation, he left. I didn’t have much time to warn anyone before the violence began.”
“What should we do from here?”
Devon pointed up at a small tower of stone nearby. “We should get to the top of that tower. It will serve as a vantage point.”
Janus didn’t see any reason to argue. His only worry was that he wouldn’t be able to make it to the top with his injured leg. A groan escaped him as the pair moved forward.
A moment later, Devon held his hand up.
“Stop. I didn’t realize your wound was this serious. One moment,” he said.
He reached into a flap on his waist and pulled out a small metal flask.
“Dario left this with me after the fight with the [Uktena].” He said, uncapping the flask. “The wound is on your upper leg?”
“Yeah.” Janus said and lifted the hem of his robe. Below, his left pant leg was soaked in blood.
It hadn’t seemed that bad until now…
“Sit down.” Said Devon.
Janus complied, slowly sliding down a nearby wall until he was seated. Devon carefully unfurled the pant leg. The pain was searing, and Janus let out a hiss of air. In response, Devon pulled out a knife and cut the bloody pant leg open. Moments later the searing pain in Janus’ leg receded into a dull ache. He could feel his flesh knitting together.
Janus struggled to stand. The pain persisted, refusing to be dulled by the temporary remedy, and he found himself struggling to remain on his feet, each movement sending waves of agony through his leg.
“The pain and stiffness will fade over time.” Devon stated. “We must keep moving. The tower isn’t far.”
As they approached the towering structure ahead of them, Janus couldn't help but ponder its purpose. The construction seemed out of place, its design suggesting the work of an overzealous earth manipulator rather than serving any practical function. He was pleased, however, to see a set of stairs carefully carved into the side of the tower; they spiraled upwards toward the top. He still had a difficult time climbing up the steps on his injured leg, but without the potion, he wouldn’t have made it to the top at all.
The sight from the summit was not reassuring. They had a vantage over a large part of the Backwash and could even see where Crow Station officially started in the distance. There were beasts running around throughout the Backwash, attacking anyone they could find.
In the distance, a red flare of light flashed, followed by the emergence of an enormous pillar of fire. Blinking away the afterimage, Janus strained to make out two figures standing on the distant rooftops, their presence both startling and ominous against the backdrop of flames.
“That must be where Dario is. We should back him up,” said Devon.
“Are you insane? Whatever Dario is dealing with, it’s out of our league,” Janus replied incredulously.
Devon didn’t have a chance to argue before the earth shook again. Janus could see another jagged ravine tearing itself through the station. He realized at the last moment that it was heading straight for them.
There was barely any time for him process what was happening before the tower came apart. He felt himself falling, his hands scrabbling for any hand holds, but finding nothing. A quick shout escaped him before everything went black.
-
Everything hurt.
Janus shifted his weight around, feeling the rubble around him move in response. Jagged rocks dug into his sides and each movement brought fresh agony.
He opened his eyes momentarily and the dust nearly blinded him again. Coughing, he tried to shove the stones above him. With a herculean effort, he managed to break an arm free from the rubble. The extra leverage allowed him to raise his torso and slowly shove the debris away from himself.
His eyes stung from the dust as he desperately searched for Devon, but there was no sign of his fellow student.
How long was I laying there?
The station was eerily quiet. The prior sounds of battle and pandemonium had completely halted. Janus strained his ears.
After a few moments, he did hear something. It was an unsettling rustling—like rats scurrying behind a wooden wall. He tried to stand, but couldn’t balance on the shifting stones. He fell to his back with a thud, groaning in pain. That was when he saw it. The ceiling of the massive cavern housing Crow Station was alive with movement, countless beasts crawling across the rocky surface. Most of them appeared to be converging towards the center of the cavern, where a massive hole had been burrowed through the stone, drawing the monsters like a magnet.
The shaft was easily 30 meters across. He could see where the beasts were clawing their way upwards, presumably to the surface.
For the first time in Janus’ life, he witnessed sunlight.
It was so bright, unlike any lighting rune he had ever seen. The spectacle would have left him paralyzed if it weren’t for the figure standing upon a pile of rubble, jutting up from somewhere deeper in Crow Station. They were looking towards the shaft and, thankfully, hadn’t noticed Janus.
Janus identified the figure.
[Beast Master - Level 220]
The sheer magnitude of the level would have floored Janus if he weren’t already on his back. He hadn’t heard of anyone reaching such a high level, even in the Bear Guard. The stations kept that information as secret as possible, using powerful identity obscuring enchantments to prevent idle snooping from citizens.
The destruction this individual caused was only now starting to render in Janus’ mind.
Dad wouldn’t have been in the station, he was working on the sub-train line!
The realization hit Janus like a bag of bricks and shocked him into movement. He forced his body to crawl as quietly as he could. He needed to hide until the [Beast Master] left. Shuffling slowly out of the rubble of the tower, he nearly nose dived straight into the ravine that had pulled the structure down.
He stifled a shout of alarm, and pushed backwards from the ledge. Spotting the rubble of a nearby house, Janus realized it provided enough cover to conceal himself. He crawled towards the building, his movements slow and labored, the pain in his leg had returned with a vengeance.
Finally, within the shade of the destroyed building, Janus let out a small sigh of relief. He began patting himself down, hoping that he was only banged up and bruised from the fall. Nothing appeared to be broken.
I need to get to the rail station.
Slowing his breathing, Janus leaned back against the wall of the ruined building, seeking a moment of respite. He closed his eyes and allowed himself a brief reprieve from the chaos all around. As the adrenaline slowly ebbed away, exhaustion washed over him, its weight pressing heavily upon his weary frame.
I need to get to the rail station…
He hadn’t even realized when he started to doze off.