Noah looked up, examining the mage’s HUD.

-[ Unknown Mage ]- Level: 20 Gender: Male Race: Human Class: Mage Location: Emberfall Forest.

“He’s a level 20 mage class. As I expected,” Noah said, dashing forward.

“You won’t defeat me that easily!” The mage shouted.

Noah grinned, dashing past the mage in a vigorous flash. He turned, activating his magic skill as he pointing his arm towards him.

The mage gasped in surprise as he saw Noah dash by with overwhelming quickness.

“Flame Burst!” Noah chanted as he turned to continue advancing toward the sorcerer, listening as the mage yelled out in anguish. He fainted behind him in a fiery explosion, being set a-blaze.

“Uncommon drop item acquired,” The screen said, popping up.

“I thought as much. Let’s check it out,” he said, scrolling to the drop menu as he ran. “Oh yeah, I forgot my healing hand's tome. I need to activate that. What type of item is this drop, I wonder?” he questioned, clicking on the new item a small window appeared.

“[Sword of Scorching],” he read as his eyes widened. “No way! My first enchanted weapon!” he exclaimed, selecting to equip it.

The sword appeared in his hand as he began to examine it. It had a slightly curved blade that gleamed with a faint reddish hue. The hilt was wrapped in dark leather, providing a firm grip, and was adorned with intricate engravings of flames and embers. A small, crimson gem was embedded at the base of the blade, pulsating with a gentle, fiery light.

“Nice!” he muttered, looking at the description.

“Enchantments: Flame Edge: The blade is imbued with the power of fire, causing it to heat up and emit a searing glow when wielded in battle. Strikes from the sword can ignite flammable materials and leave painful burns on enemies.”

“Basically, it’s capable of fire damage,” he said, gazing at Emberfang as he struggled to reach his feet. Suddenly he heard the sorcerer cast another skill.

-[ Dark Magic skill: Void Blast ]- Description: When cast, the user summons a giant orb of dark energy that creates a massive amount of explosion damage upon impact.

“Void Blast!” the sorcerer chanted as a huge ball of dark energy formed. He held his hands out and pointed at Emberfang.

“I have to hurry almost there!” Noah exclaimed, rushing as quickly as his feet would take him.

Suddenly, the ball of dark energy launched toward Emberfang.

“Aegis Ward!” Noah chanted as he ran to stop the attack from landing on Emberfang.

As the ball of dark energy collided just in time with Noah’s Ward, it immediately shattered, deflecting half of the blast; the other half hit Noah directly as he yelled in pain, taking it all head-on.

“Noah! Why?” Emberfang questioned with concern.

Looking at Emberfang with a face heavy of pain and sincerity, Noah explained something he’d wanted to say back when they first introduced themselves. Noah's voice trembled as he spoke, his eyes locked with Emberfang's.

“Because I know what it’s like to be alone,” he stated, the words carrying the weight of his painful memories. “I know what it’s like to live a life where everyone treats you like a plague, where they use you and treat you like trash to be thrown away.”

Emberfang's gaze softened, a glimmer of understanding flickering in his eyes as Noah continued, his voice gaining strength.

“But I won't stand by and watch it happen to anyone else!” Noah declared his resolve firm. “I won't let anyone who's suffering go without help. I want to be your friend, Emberfang. Someone you can count on. Someone who does what is right. I will protect you! Even if it kills me!” He shouted as he stood taller, clenching his fist and gripping his sword as he looked back at the sorcerer.

“You’re going down, Sorcerer! No matter what!” Noah declared. Taking a step forward. But suddenly, feeling the pain from the attack, he collapsed, dropping to his knees as he propped himself up with the hilt of his sword.

“HA-HA-HA! You make empty threats, boy! You’ve taken most of that blast head-on, and from the looks of it, you used too much magic!” he chuckled.

“The haste potion wore off! Dammit! I wasn’t prepared for a fight like this,” Noah said, gripping a handful of soil from the ground in frustration as he took in the scent of fresh dirt and the smell of wildflowers whizzing past him in the faint breeze.

Emberfang, still staring at Noah and taking in what he had said moments ago, mentioned a solution.

“Noah, there is a way out of this. You can make me your familiar and create a sealed contract binding our souls together in a union. If you accept me as your familiar, my magic power could also become available to you,” he suggested, eyes falling on Noah with anticipation of an answer.

“Turning to Emberfang, Noah smiled. “Let’s do it! Having you as my familiar would be awesome!” he exclaimed.

Emberfang let out a faint smile as he began to fight the pain from the black flames still burning away his energy. “Noah, as a legendary being and protector of the Emberfall Forest, I offer you this contract of unity. Do you accept this contract?” Emberfang asked as he stood up, a red aura emanating from around him. “I do!” Noah said, fighting to his feet.

“Then put your seal in blood upon this contract to create our new unity!” Emberfang said as he cut his leg, dripping blood onto a magical contract lying on the ground before him.

Noah staggered over as he cut his thumb and pressed his blood into the contract. Suddenly, the interface reappeared before him with a new message, signaling the beginning of their bound journey together.

“Familiar acquired! Emberfang, the legendary dire wolf of fire. Unity skill, [Inferno Resonance], was added to the skills menu. Initiating unity bonding passive ability, [Mana Convergence]. Familiar Unity Complete,” The screen said as it disappeared.

A strange marking burned into the top dorsal side of Noah’s hand as another appeared on Emberfang’s shoulder. “These are the markings of our unity,” Emberfang said.

“I don’t know what you two are going on about over there, but I think it's time you accepted your fates and die!” The sorcerer shouted as he cast another spell. “This time, I’ll finish you off!” he declared.

“Void blast!” he chanted as the sorcerer relaunched the powerful attack.

The narrative has been taken without permission. Report any sightings.

-[ Fire Magic Skill: Blazing Comet ]- Description: When cast, the user summons a large sphere of magma and flames that causes a massive amount of explosion damage upon impact.

“Blazing Comet!” Emberfang chanted as he stepped forward, materializing a giant ball of molten magma and flames above himself. “This is my most powerful attack, Noah. I hope it’s enough,” he said.

As their attacks hurtled towards each other, the forest seemed to hold its breath, the atmosphere charged with anticipation. When the attacks collided, intense, blinding brilliance occurred. The Void Blast's dark energy clashed with the Blazing Comet's fiery might, creating a shock wave that rippled through the forest. Trees bent and snapped under the force, and leaves and debris were hurled in every direction.

The ground beneath the clash trembled, splitting and cracking under the tremendous energy. Flames licked the forest floor, setting leaves and branches ablaze while shadows danced wildly as if trying to consume the fire. The air was filled with the roar of the flames, the hiss of dark energy as both attacks came to an end fading away. The air was thick with the smell of smoke and the lingering essence of dark magic.

“That was intense. Let's keep up the assault and end this guy Emberfang. We should finish him with our Unity skill, Inferno Resonance,” Noah said.

“Let’s go, Noah, and win this fight together,” Emberfang said as they nodded and darted off quickly, trying to gain ground on the sorcerer.

“It’s futile, you lowly fools! Even if you defeat me, my lord will crush you! HA-HA-HA!” The sorcerer cackled as he cast another magic skill. “Shadow Barrier!”

“That Barrier again, huh? Emberfang, attack him using a physical skill, and I’ll follow up with mine. It’ll break for sure,” Noah said, smiling in confidence.

“You got it! Emberfang yelled, activating a physical skill as they approached the barrier.

-[ Fire Element Physical Skill: Scorching Fangs ]-

Description: When activated, the user charges forth with its fangs bared, biting into their target with physical and fire damage, also causing a de-buff.

De-buff Effect: [Burn]: Causes fire damage over time.

Duration: 5 minutes.

“Scorching Fangs!” Emberfang shouted, clashing with the barrier as it started to crumble.

“Now! Let’s do this!” Noah shouted, activating his physical skill. “Blade Strike!”

Colliding with the already weakened barrier, Noah broke through. Locking on to the sorcerer’s silhouette, he aimed to finish him.

With a loud “Schwick!” Noah's blade slashed across the sorcerer’s chest, a spray of blood arcing through the air as the enemy crumpled to the ground in defeat. The echo of the strike lingered in the eerie silence that followed, broken only by the ragged breaths of the combatants.

The interface apeared once more. "Level up! Drop item acquired!"

The forest around them seemed to hold its breath, the leaves and branches still as if nature was paying respects to the fallen. The scent of burnt magic hung heavily in the air, mixing with the earthy aroma of the forest floor. Wisps of smoke from the recent battle drifted lazily upwards, catching the last rays of the setting sun that filtered through the canopy, casting a soft amber glow over the scene.

Noah stood still for a moment, his chest heaving, his blade dripping with the sorcerer’s blood. The distant cawing of crows began to fill the silence. Shadows lengthened around them, the forest slowly reclaiming its tranquility after the brutal clash. The only testament to the struggle was the fallen bodies and the silent witnesses of the trees.

“Well done, Noah,” Emberfang said.

Noah scrolled through his menu to the healing hands tome he purchased. Activating it as the screen popped up with a notification.

"Restoration light magic skill: Healing Hand's added to the skills menu."

Turning to face Emberfang, he replied with a heavy expression.

“Thanks, it feels wrong to kill other people even though they were bad. I took someone else's life,” Noah said, looking at the blood on his sword.

Emberfang approached Noah, his presence calming in the battle's aftermath. His wise and understanding eyes met Noah’s troubled gaze.

"You did what had to be done," Emberfang rumbled softly, his voice resonant and reassuring. "In this world, there are those who choose darkness so deeply that reason cannot reach them. You safeguarded yourself and others who might have suffered from their cruelty. It is a heavy burden, but one carried with honor."

Emberfang’s words offered solace, reminding Noah that sometimes, despite the weight of taking a life, it was a necessary act in the face of irredeemable evil.

“I suppose you’re right, Emberfang. Now let me heal your wounds for you," Noah said, casting his new healing skill.

-[ Restoration Light Magic Skill: Healing Hands ]- Description: When cast, the user summons forth the healing aura of the heavens, enveloping allies in a warm, celestial light. This divine radiance heals smaller to medium types of wounds or effects, restoring vitality and alleviating pain. Cost: -30 MP.

"Healing Hands!" Noah chanted as a bright golden light emanated from his hands. In a brilliant aura, it wrapped around Emberfang with its soft, glowing embrace, healing his wounds.

"Thank you ,Noah," Emberfang said feeling more comfortable.

"Anytime," Noah said, smiling. Now, let’s go find a place to set up camp for the night,” Noah said.

“I know the perfect spot, Noah. Follow me,” Emberfang suggested as he led Noah to a nearby natural hot spring.

“Wow,” Noah said, reacting to the beautiful view before him.

Looking at the hot springs, there was a smaller waterfall and a large body of water where the natural hot spring resonated with steam. It was surrounded by a sandy bank on one side and a tall canopy of trees on the other, providing natural shade on one side.

“This is such a beautiful place!” Noah exclaimed.

“Indeed, it is. I like to relax here when I can,” Emberfang said.

“I could definitely rest here for the night,” Noah said, smiling.

Noah set his gear down near the middle of the open area with the most level ground. Walking around the nearby forest, he gathered twigs and sticks to burn.

Returning to the springs, Noah set the materials down, making a wood pile to fuel their fire for the night. Emberfang leaned in and let out a small breath with slight embers blowing into the small patch of dried plants Noah used as kindling.

As they nurtured their fire for the night, Noah decided to bathe in the hot springs and relax his body for a bit. Upon entering the springs, a small creature popped out of the water and startled him. It was a small creature with a shimmering, translucent body and small wings. Listening to its little wings flutter, Noah made out a small bell-like sound.

“That’s a water sprite. They’re playful and mischievous little things. But completely harmless,” Emberfang said.

Noah held his hands out as the sprite landed on them, soaking his hands in a slimy-like substance. “A water sprite, huh?” Noah questioned as he poked the little sprite to examine it.

Suddenly, the sprite made an agitated noise and sprayed water into Noah’s face, catching him off guard.

Emberfang laughed hysterically as he watched the shocked reaction on Noah’s face.

The Sprite's tiny, webbed fingers flailed about as it tried to contain its laughter, creating miniature splashes and waves that added to the chaos. With each giggle, bubbles of iridescent colors bubbled up from its form, creating a mesmerizing display of light and sound from the low light of dusk playing through the canopies.

“You’re lucky you’re freaking adorable, you little rascal,” Noah said as the sprite took off, flying into the treetops. Watching in awe, Noah saw more sprites rise from the water, making their way to the canopies as if they were watching the sunset.

“Every night they come out to see the sunset and play together. The forest becomes very lively at night,” Emberfang said.

“That’s very interesting,” Noah said as he drifted on his back, looking up at the sprites and taking in the warmth of the hot springs as his sore muscles relaxed.

“Are you hungry, Noah?” Emberfang asked.

“Maybe a little, actually,” Noah said.

“Here, try this!” Emberfang exclaimed, tossing Noah a small fruit.

Noah caught the fruit and examined it. It was a small, round fruit with velvety skin that blended rosy pink and soft orange shades, reminiscent of a peach's blush. Its surface was dotted with tiny, edible seeds that would add a delightful crunch to its juicy, sweet flesh. Its aroma carried hints of strawberries and peaches.

Biting into it, Noah's taste buds ran rampant with excitement as the familiar taste of strawberries and peaches flooded his senses.

“It’s so good!” he exclaimed.

“It’s called a Sunset Berry. They’re very common around this spring in the middle of the warmer seasons,” Emberfang explained.

“This place is full of wonderful things,” Noah said.

“Indeed, it is, Noah. I’m glad I can share a glimpse of the beauty of the forest with you. Many people do not live to experience these things. Most take it for granted,” Emberfang said.

“Yeah, I get that. It’s a terrible shame,” Noah said, yawning. “I’m getting tired, Emberfang. I think I’m going to hit the hay,” Noah said, climbing out of the water and dressing back into his pants and shirt for the night.

Curling up next to the fire, he set more fuel on it. "Goodnight," Noah said softly, his voice conveying warmth and gratitude as he and Emberfang exchanged a glance of understanding and companionship. “Goodnight, Noah,” Emberfang said softly as he curled up on the other side of the fire. The sounds of the fire crackling and the water sprite's wings chiming fell over the forest as they drifted into a deep sleep...