"Okay, it's now or never!" Noah's voice echoed with determination as he braced himself for his first real conflict. Across the clearing, the soldier clad in sleek black leather armor rushed towards him, sword held high and face concealed beneath a shadowed hood. Noah's heart pounded with a mix of excitement and nerves as he studied the enemy's approach.
"He's fast," Noah thought, noting the soldier's swift movements. With each step closer, Noah felt a surge of adrenaline, his senses heightened to a keen awareness. The world seemed to slow down as he focused on the approaching foe.
As Noah closed the distance, details flickered into view above the soldier—a HUD overlay revealing some information.
-[ Unknown Soldier ]- Level: 15 Gender: Male Race: Human Class: Warrior Location: Emberfall forest.
“A Level 15 Warrior class, huh? Perfect!” Noah shouted. The soldier, only a few feet away, suddenly activated a skill.
-[ Physical Skill: Swift Slash ]-
Description: A quick and precise attack. When executed, the user’s blade moves in a blur, slicing through the air with a swift, fluid motion. The attack targets a single enemy.
“Swift slash!” The man shouted. “Blade Strike!” Noah yelled as they clashed, sending sparks flying past each other's faces. The soldier gave a worried expression as his sword began to crack. In a sudden surge, Noah’s skill overpowered his enemy's as it slashed through the soldier, causing a glimmering wound leading from his shoulder to his midsection.
“Gah! So powerful!” the soldier murmured as he fell to his knees blacking out. "Your sacrifice will not be in vain!” the mage exclaimed as he pointed his staff toward Noah, activating a magic skill.
-[ Water Magic skill: Ice shard ]-
Description: When cast, the user conjures a sharp shard of ice. The shard is launched towards the target with impressive speed and precision, capable of piercing armor and chilling the enemy.
De-buff affect: [Chill]. Reduces the target’s movement speed by 25% for 30 seconds due to the intense cold.
“Ice shard!” The mage chanted as water particles appeared from the moister in the air, forming a large, pointed shard of ice at the tip of his staff. Suddenly, it shot toward Noah, gaining speed quickly. “I must dodge it or block it somehow! That’s right! the new defensive skill!"
-[ Defensive Magic skill: Aegis Ward ]- Description: A powerful defensive magic skill that envelops the user in a shimmering protective blue orb, shielding them from harm. It absorbs a significant amount of incoming damage from both physical and magical sources. Cost: -30 MP. Duration: 30 seconds.
“Aegis Ward!” Noah shouted as a magic barrier with a slight blue hue quickly surrounded him. The mage's attack made contact as it exploded into smaller shards being blocked by the ward.
“What? A ward!” The mage questioned in frustration. “How are you using a ward if you just used a physical skill? Wards are for magic users. No matter. My next attack will blow you away!” He declared, readying his staff. “I hope this barrier holds,” Noah muttered, gripping his sword in anticipation.
-[ Dark Magic skill: Shadow Bolt ]- Description: When cast, the user conjures a swirling ball of dark purple energy, crackling with blackened surges of electricity. This menacing orb is then hurled towards the target, delivering a potent blast of dark magic upon impact. The black electricity causes a de-buff.
De-buff Effect: [Shock]. Causes the target to become paralyzed.
Duration: 5 seconds.
“Shadow Bolt!” The mage chanted as a massive ball of dark purple energy began to form. Black surges of electricity jolted around the sphere as it grew.
Without warning, the sphere bolted toward Noah in a flash of dark energy. Noah braced himself for impact. The sphere collided with the ward as it exploded, causing a violent tremor beneath his feet. The ward began to crack just as the attack dissipated. Then suddenly, the ward faded away. “It only lasts for thirty seconds right now. Better play my cards right,” Noah said as he took off charging for the mage.
“I must stop him. He poses a good threat. I still can't see his HUD to know his Level yet,” he said as the large man that had been barking orders stepped before him. “I don’t think so, boy!” He shouted. Noah could finally see his HUD above.
-[ Unknown Warrior ]- Level: 25 Gender: Male Race: Human Class: Warrior Location: Emberfall Forest.
"A Level 25 Warrior class, using a two-handed sword. Hmm, this could be tough,” Noah said as he dashed back, creating distance between them.
Noah faced down the shrouded man, determination etched in every line of his face. The air crackled with tension as the enemy's taunts echoed in the clearing. "This is where your story ends. Any last words, boy?" The man's voice dripped with cruel certainty.
Noah met his gaze, eyes burning with defiance. "Yeah, let's make it a memorable ending!" His voice rang out, infused with raw determination as he channeled his magic. "Flame Burst!" he commanded, unleashing a torrent of fire that engulfed his foe in a blazing inferno.
The shrouded figure staggered, caught off guard by the sudden onslaught. "Impossible!" he bellowed, grappling with the searing flames that threatened to consume him. He was thrown back, the explosion sending shockwaves through the air.
As the dust settled, Noah's eyes narrowed, scanning through the haze for any sign of his adversary. The shrouded man lay sprawled on the ground, his hood burned away to reveal a weathered face, marked by scars and a penetrating gaze. He struggled to rise, leaning heavily on a sword that spoke of battles long fought.
"We retreat," the man commanded hoarsely, his voice carrying the weight of experience. His mage nodded grimly, helping him to his feet as they began to fade into the smoke-filled distance.
"No!" Noah's voice cracked with frustration, hands balling into fists as he moved to pursue them. But they vanished swiftly, leaving only the lingering scent of smoke and defeat in their wake.
Turning back to the battlefield, Noah's gaze fell upon Emberfang, the legendary wolf trapped within a mystical barrier.
“Easy there, boy,” he said gently as he approached the barrier holding the creature down.
“Stay away, human! Your kind only brings destruction and pain!” The creature cried out. “I swear I will not try to harm you, Emberfang. That is your name, right?” The wolf looked at Noah with a curious expression. “You humans are all the same. Why should I trust you?” He questioned.
“It’s just the kind of person I am. I will not let someone suffer who needs help,” Noah said.
“Say what you will, but I still do not trust you, human,” Emberfang said, trying to make sense of the human trying to help him.
“I understand why you would think as you do. But I am not like the others. I want to help you,” Noah said as he met Emberfang’s gaze with a sincere expression.
Suddenly, Emberfang felt a sense of calm and good intent from Noah. “Prove it human. Free me without fear and face me afterward. I will be the judge of your sincerity,” Emberfang said.
“How do I go about doing that exactly? I’m new at this and have never seen a magic barrier like this,” Noah explained.
“Put your hands on the center of the rune on the barrier and let your magic flow inside. You should feel a slight resistance to the flow of magic that was used to create the barrier. We will overpower it together and shatter the barrier,” Emberfang explained.
“Okay, here it goes,” Noah said, placing his hand on the rune on the barrier. Focusing on his magic, he pushes through the barrier as he starts to feel a resistant force. “I’ll take it from here,” Emberfang said as he broke the barrier. Dissipating in shimmering particles, the barrier's remnants faded away. Standing tall, his red hair with slight flames flowing in the wind from the small explosion, Emberfang looked into Noah's eyes. The wolf's eyes seemed like deep embers of red.
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Noah could finally make out Emberfang's HUD.
-[ Legendary Creature: Emberfang ]- Level: 40 Gender: Male Race: Wolf Hybrid Class: Fire Element Dire wolf Location: Emberfall Forest.
“I believe you, human. Indeed, you are nothing like the others. What brings you to the forest?” Emberfang asked.
“I was hunting monsters in the fields by Emberfall City when I heard a loud commotion in the forest. My gut told me something was wrong. So, I came to check it out. I am glad I did,” Noah said, smiling.
“Your help is much appreciated. May I ask your name?”
“My name is Noah.”
“Thank you, Noah, for helping me. But if you could answer another question. How did you use Physical and Magical skills in your fight with those bandits?” Emberfang asked.
“Well, from the sounds of it, that apparently isn’t a common thing with people, huh?” Noah asked.
“No, it is irregular in a human. Only Legendary creatures like me can use both Physical and magical skills. The typical humanoids in this world are born with only one affinity for physical or magical powers. They cannot use both,” Emberfang explained.
“I chose the hybrid class battle mage when I came to this world. It lets me wield both types of skills,” Noah said.
“Battle-Mage? You came to this world? From where?” Emberfang questioned as his eyes widened with curiosity.
“Well, the world I originally came from was named Earth. It was destroyed, and when I died, I found myself reborn here. A voice told me it was an event called Cataclysmia Protocol,” Noah explained.
“I have never heard of a Cataclysmia Protocol. But I have heard of a few special heroes being reborn here with special abilities like yours,” Emberfang said.
“There are others like me, huh?” Noah asked, rubbing his chin in curiosity. “I bet they came from earth like me. I wonder if I will run into another person like me?” Noah thought to himself.
Suddenly Emberfang sensed an un-welcome presence nearby. “Someone powerful is approaching from the east,” Emberfang said as he braced himself in an offensive stance, bearing his fangs.
“Someone powerful?” Noah questioned, turning to look. As he waited, Noah checked his player information and saw his Blade Strike skill had reached tier 2. “Nice, and I have reached Level 25!” Noah exclaimed, setting his stat points in DEX and INT.
Suddenly, the two men from before came out of the bushes. But behind them was an older man with a long white beard; he wore a hood but did not bother to hide his face like the others. His robe was black with purple lining, and a large purple sigil in the shape of a flame was embroidered into the shoulder of it. He did not carry a staff that Noah could see.
“Who is this man?” Noah asked.
“I do not know, but we will have to work together to get through this situation Noah. I sense he is a powerful sorcerer.”
“A Sorcerer huh? Interesting,” Noah said, readying himself for anything.
The man stepped forward between the other two. “You there, boy. Are you the one who stopped my soldiers from taking my samples?” He questioned.
“Yeah, I am. They were hurting Emberfang. So, I stepped in to save him,” Noah explained.
“I see. Then you must be punished and made an example of. My lord will not tolerate any foolish rebels interfering with his plans!” He shouted.
“Brace yourself, Noah!” Emberfang Yelled.
-[ Dark Magic Skill: Abyssal Flare ]- Description: When cast, the user hurls a sphere of seething black flames towards their target. The infernal fire clings tenaciously to anything it touches, causing relentless damage over time and proving exceptionally difficult to extinguish. It causes a de-buff.
De-buff Effect: [Abyssal Blaze]. Causes persistent dark burn damage over time.
Duration: Unknown.
“Abyssal Flare!” The Sorcerer chanted as he brought out a blacked grimoire in his left hand. A ball of dark fire appeared as it shot forth toward Noah.
“Noah, don’t let it touch you!” Emberfang shouted as he dashed to intercept the blast.
-[ Defensive Fire Magic Skill: Blazing Wall ]-
Description: When cast, the user summons a large wall of flames to stop or incinerate incoming attacks.
Duration: 30 Seconds.
“Blazing Wall!” Emberfang yelled out as a wall of fire collided with the attack. Some of the black fire passed and landed on Emberfang’s shoulder. Roaring in pain, Ember Fang braced himself, trying to shake it off.
“These flames cannot be extinguished easily, Noah. Do not let them touch your body!” he shouted, flinching in pain from the flames.
“I have an idea of how I can get close to him. I need to be closer to doing what I have in mind. Can you help me get closer?” Noah asked.
“Yes, but let’s proceed with caution,” Emberfang said. Noah took off sprinting as fast as possible to gain closer proximity to the Sorcerer. “HA-HA, you fool!” The Sorcerer yelled, activating another skill.
-[ Dark Magic Skill: Desolation Wave ]-
Description: When cast, the user releases a surge of dark energy that ripples outward in all directions, distorting the air and unsettling the senses of those caught within its radius.
“Desolation Wave!” he chanted as a shock wave of dark energy blasted toward Noah and Emberfang to disorient them. Emberfang faltered, losing his footing as he staggered to stabilize himself.
“Aegis Ward!” Noah shouted, activating his defensive skill.
The shock wave bounced off the ward as Noah advanced, closing in on the Sorcerer.
“I see what you mean,” the sorcerer said, looking at the mage beside him.
“Finally, I can see it!” Noah said as the Sorcerer's HUD appeared, showing his details.
-[ Unknown Sorcerer ]- Level: 30 Gender: Male Race: Human Class: Sorcerer
Location: Emberfall Forest.
“He’s a Level 30 Sorcerer. But I have an idea of how to level the playing field.”
“Be careful, Noah!” Emberfang yelled as he came up to join him.
“I need you to help me catch him off guard. Launch a magical skill that can cut off their view. When I am closer to him, and when he is distracted with no visibility, I will launch my attack. I want to try to burn his grimoire,” Noah said.
“I can try. I hope this reckless plan of yours works,” Emberfang said, dashing off to the left.
“Oh, it’ll work,” Noah said, smiling.
As Noah’s Ward faded, the Sorcerer noticed and began to cast another attack when Emberfang cut him off.
-[ Fire Magic Skill: Hellfire Tempest ]-
Description: When cast, the user releases a twirling vortex of fire that surrounds the target, trapping them in place.
“Hellfire Tempest!” Emberfang chanted as a twister of fire surrounded their enemies.
“This blasted wolf is a nuisance! We need to deal with him now!” The sorcerer ordered. The mage and the warrior prepared to face Emberfang as Noah cast his magic skill. “Flame Burst!” He shouted, launching the attack into the fire vortex surrounding the three enemies.
The Sorcerer cast his own defensive spell.
-[ Defensive Dark Magic Skill: Shadow Barrier ]-
Description: When cast, the user summons a barrier of dark energy that surrounds them as it protects them from magical and physical incoming attacks.
“Shadow Barrier!” he shouted as a barrier of darkness surrounded them. Noah’s magic attack collided with the barrier, causing a small tremor that weakened it. Noah leaped up to them, activating his physical skill as the blast faded. “Blade Strike!” He yelled as he clashed with the barrier shattering it on contact.
“What, no!” the sorcerer shouted as Noah sliced through his grimoire, cutting it into two pieces as he saw it burn away in black flames.
“Curse you, boy! I do not need the Grimoire to cast magic!” The Sorcerer exclaimed as he ran behind the others to ready himself.
The warrior that he had fought before stepped forward and readied his blade. “This won’t end the same kid,” the man said, activating a skill.
-[ Physical Skill: Cleaving Strike ]-
Description: When activated, the user performs an overpowering downward vertical slash that produces tremendous physical damage.
“Cleaving Strike!” He shouted.
“Get out of my way!” Noah yelled, activating his physical skill again. “Blade Strike!”
As he madly clashed with the man in a struggle for power. Noah's blade shattered the man's sword and sliced through his armor, a spray of blood drenching the ground in crimson. The man collapsed as he fell to the ground in defeat.
Noah caught his breath, his eyes scanning the area until they settled on the sorcerer. His gaze flickered to where Emberfang lay on the ground, concern etched across his face. “Emberfang!” He shouted, trying to run towards him.
The mage Stood in his way, grinning. “You will not pass. This is it for your pet,” the mage said.
“As if mage. You're going down quickly. I don’t have time for you!” Noah yelled as a notification popped up on the screen.
“Uncommon item drop acquired."
“A drop from defeating that man? Interesting, let’s see what it is,” he said as he scrolled down to his drop menu.
“A [Haste potion]: Grants the following buffs: +50% Increase in movement Speed, +25% boost to agility and reflexes, reduced cool downs for special skills, and 30% faster recovery in STA and MP. Duration five minutes."
"Damn, that’s exactly what I need right now!” He shouted as he selected the potion for use.
A round bottom potion with a short neck appeared in his hand. It was filled with a light blue liquid with a shimmering afterglow. Uncorking the potion mouth, he drank it immediately as he tasted a faint, invigorating hint of fresh mint mixed with an electrifying tingling sensation, as if tiny sparks of energy were dancing across his taste buds. A sudden surge of vigor and adrenaline overcame him, his muscles tightened, and he could tell his senses were heightened.
Looking back to the mage, Noah smirked as he gripped his sword. “Now, Get out of my way. I have a friend to save!” He yelled…