Knox listened intently as Ethos attempted to explain the intricacies of his newly acquired skill, Null Style. Despite the being's vague explanations, Knox persisted in his quest for understanding, determined to grasp the full extent of its capabilities.

“Negates any form of mana? What does that mean?” Knox questioned, his brow furrowing in confusion.

Ethos responded with characteristic ambiguity. “Exactly what it says.”

Frustration tugged at Knox's patience as he pressed for further clarification. “Please explain further.”

With a resigned sigh, Ethos relented. “Very well, the skill allows you to defend against any mana attack. It’s like trying to mix oil and water. They can’t mix.”

Knox's frustration mounted at the cryptic explanation. “You suck at this,” he remarked, his tone tinged with dejection.

Ethos persisted, offering an example to illustrate the skill's function. “For example, if I throw a Fireball at you that is infused with mana and you use the skill Null Style, it will completely negate the mana used in the fireball.”

“So, what you're saying is that it’s the perfect defense against any magic attack?” Knox sought to simplify the concept.

Ethos nodded in agreement. “I guess you can think of it like that because it doesn't defend against physical attacks. If someone punches you with no mana, the skill won't soften or deflect that blow.”

Knox absorbed Ethos's explanation, contemplating the implications of such a potent skill. "I see. But wouldn’t that be too strong? I don't see any negatives in a skill that powerful."

Ethos offered a crucial caveat. "You have to infuse mana equal to the attack you're trying to defend against."

"Infuse mana into the skill, I'm assuming you mean?" Knox sought clarification.

"Yes," Ethos confirmed.

Knox raised a valid concern. "But how am I supposed to know that? I can’t see the amount of mana they use to summon a skill."

Ethos reassured him. "Null Style will automatically use the equal amount of mana unless you don't have enough, in which case it won't do anything."

Understanding dawned on Knox. "So I should only use it when necessary?"

Ethos nodded in agreement. "Only use it against attacks you know you can’t dodge."

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"Alright, that makes sense," Knox acknowledged, feeling more confident in his understanding of the skill.

As the sun descended, casting a warm golden hue across the landscape, Knox decided it was time to head back to his temporary camp. The fading light signaled the end of another day in the wilderness, and he wanted to rest. With purposeful strides, he made his way through the rugged terrain, guided by the soft glow of the setting sun.

*** *** ***

As Knox approached his camp, the flickering flames of his dwindling fire illuminated the figures of three strangers standing amidst his makeshift shelter. His heart skipped a beat, and a cold sweat broke out on his brow as he instinctively ducked behind the cover of a nearby thicket. The evening air was thick with tension, and the encroaching darkness only added to the sense of foreboding that gripped him.

From his concealed vantage point, Knox observed the intruders with a mixture of apprehension and curiosity. Their silhouettes loomed large against the backdrop of the dimming sky, their movements deliberate and purposeful. Each whispered word carried on the gentle breeze, a chilling reminder of the danger that lurked just beyond his hiding place.

As he listened intently to their conversation, Knox's mind raced with a myriad of thoughts and emotions. These men were not here by chance; they had been sent by his own father. Yet, even as fear gnawed at his insides, he knew that he could not afford to reveal himself, not with his life hanging in the balance.

The minutes stretched into eternity as Knox remained crouched in the shadows, his senses attuned to every sound and movement. The crackle of the fire, the rustle of leaves in the breeze—each served as a stark reminder of his situation's precariousness. But amidst the fear and uncertainty, a flicker of determination burned within him. He would find a way to outwit his pursuers and turn the tables on those who sought to harm him.

With each passing moment, Knox's resolve hardened. He would not go down without a fight. As the night deepened and the stars began to twinkle overhead, he silently vowed to do whatever it took to survive, reclaim his freedom, and confront the shadows lurking in the darkness.

As the moonlight filtered through the thick canopy above, Knox moved with the silent grace of a predator, his senses alert to every rustle and whisper of the night. Drawing upon his newfound abilities, he called forth the power of his Eternal Flame, the white-hot flames dancing eagerly at his fingertips.

With a deep breath to steady himself, Knox unleashed a torrent of fiery energy, the flames swirling around his fists like a deadly aura. The sudden burst of light illuminated the clearing, casting long shadows that danced across the forest floor.

The first assailant stirred, roused from his slumber by the flickering light. Before he could fully comprehend the danger that lurked in the darkness, Knox was upon him, his fists wreathed in flames as he unleashed a barrage of fiery punches.

As Knox pressed his advantage, the flames licked at the man's skin, searing flesh and singeing clothing. With each strike, he felt the primal thrill of battle coursing through his veins, his movements fueled by a potent combination of adrenaline and determination.

But his opponent was not so easily defeated. With a defiant roar, the man fought back, his fists swinging wildly as he sought to repel Knox's relentless assault. Flames flew as their blows collided, flesh against flesh echoing through the stillness of the night.

As the skirmish ensued, Knox noticed the stirrings of his other two foes, awakened by the commotion. With grim determination, he turned his attention to the newcomers, his flames burning even brighter as he prepared to face their combined assault.

The air crackled with tension as Knox squared off against the trio, his eyes blazing with determination as he braced himself for the coming onslaught. With a swift motion, he lunged forward, meeting the first attacker head-on as he unleashed a flurry of devastating blows.

The battle raged on, each combatant locked in a deadly dance. Knox fought with all the skill and ferocity he could muster, his fists moving with blinding speed as he sought to overcome his adversaries.

Despite the odds stacked against him, Knox refused to yield, his resolve unshakable as he fought tooth and nail for survival. With each passing moment, his flames burned brighter, fueled by the sheer force of his will and determination to emerge victorious.

In the end, it was Knox who stood triumphant amidst the chaos, his foes lying defeated at his feet. With a weary sigh, he extinguished the flames that wreathed his fists, the adrenaline of battle slowly giving way to a sense of grim satisfaction.

Killed Human Level 45. Experience gained.

Killed Human Level 40. Experience gained.

Killed Human level 49. Experience gained.

As he surveyed the fight's aftermath, Knox knew this was only the beginning of his journey. With newfound resolve, he vowed to continue honing his skills, mastering the power that dwelled within him, and facing whatever challenges lay ahead with unwavering courage. And as he disappeared into the darkness of the night, the flames of his determination burned brighter than ever before.