New Skill

Blessing

Solar Aegis

Level: S

Solar Aegis – The user summons a radiant shield made of pure sunlight that deflects incoming attacks. When struck, the shield releases a burst of concentrated light energy that blasts back at the attacker, dealing radiant damage. The stronger the hit absorbed, the more powerful the counterattack, making it both a defensive and offensive move. The user can also channel the energy to protect allies or use it to intensify their next attack.

The Fox gave her a powerful skill, and Nyx couldn’t help but feel a little confused. His intentions seemed… harmless, but why was he so determined to trade food for skills? There was nothing overtly sinister about it, but something about it nagged at the back of her mind. Drac’s warnings echoed, but she decided not to dwell on it too much. For now, the Fox just wanted food. That was it, right?

After that day, they regularly met up so the Fox could teach her how to use Solar Aegis while he, of course, enjoyed more food during their sessions.

“Focus on Defense,” the Fox said through a mouthful of roasted vegetables one afternoon. “You’ve got to maintain the shield’s strength without letting it break. Visualize gathering light from your surroundings to form the shield. Once it’s there, let it absorb the energy.”

Nyx nodded, concentrating as she formed the glowing shield of light in front of her, her brows furrowing in focus. The glow began to flicker around her, and she could feel the warmth pooling between her palms. “Like this?” she asked.

The fox nodded, tearing into roasted meat while casually glancing her way. “Yes, exactly. Now, you need to concentrate on holding the energy there. Don’t let it break.”

The shield shimmered, and she braced herself as Len threw a rock at it, watching as the shield absorbed the impact and pulsed with stored energy. The light intensified.

“Now, counter it,” the Fox continued, swallowing the rest of his meal. “Channel that stores energy and releases it as an attack.”

Nyx concentrated and pushed her hand forward, sending out a radiant blast of light that knocked back the target in front of her. She grinned, feeling the warmth of the power humming through her veins.

She focused harder, feeling the pressure build in her hands. The shield was taking shape. “It’s… hard.”

“It gets easier. But remember, it’s not just defense. When someone strikes the shield, you can release all that energy back at them.” The fox grinned. “Now, who wouldn’t love that?”

Nyx laughed, feeling a rush of excitement as she imagined using the skill in a real fight. “I think I’m going to love this.”

Her training continued for weeks and months. Just so that she can perfect her new skill.

They often practiced in different dungeons, where she absorbed attacks from creatures and countered with the blazing power of the Solar Aegis. She was gradually mastering it.

Drac, however, was less than thrilled when Nyx finally told him about her new skill. His fiery eyes narrowed at the mention of the Fox. “The Fox gave you this?” he growled, his massive form towering over her, wings half-spread.

Nyx nodded, trying to placate him. “It’s a good skill, Drac! I’m learning how to use it.”

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“That trickster is up to something,” Drac rumbled, his voice low and dangerous. “I should go confront him.”

“Drac, no!” Nyx exclaimed, grabbing hold of his arm with her small hands, her face determined. “He’s not doing anything bad! He just wants food. That’s it!”

Drac looked down at her, visibly restraining himself. Though he could’ve easily brushed her aside, he didn’t. Her tiny hands clutched his arm with determination, and for a moment, he softened, his wings folding back.

“Fine,” he grumbled, “but if he steps out of line…”

“I’ll handle it,” Nyx said firmly, her eyes gleaming with resolve.

Len and the Aetherlings stood nearby, awkwardly watching the whole scene. Suli tried not to laugh, while Nabi gave a small, impressed nod. Guerim, meanwhile, muttered to Ryu, “She’s really holding back the Dragon of Wrath, huh?”

“I think Drac’s holding himself back for her sake,” Ryu whispered back, eyes wide in amazement.

After months of training and more dungeon raids, Nyx was now eight years old. Her height hadn’t changed much—something that constantly frustrated her—but her magic and skills were becoming more and more refined. She even managed to organize a cute picnic, gathering Len, the Aetherlings, and all the constellations together.

Drac, Tiger, Snake, Peacock, Griff… even the fox attended.

They gathered in a meadow near Drac’s territory. The sun was high, casting a golden glow over the lush grass and scattering light through the trees. Nyx laid out a large blanket, arranging fruits, vegetables, and sweet snacks. The Aetherlings were busy helping her set up, while the constellations watched from their respective corners.

During the picnic, Len offered Nyx some tea. “You’ve really brought everyone together. It’s kind of amazing.”

Nyx smiled as she sipped her tea. “Yeah, it feels like we’re a real family now.”

Peacock preened his feathers and looked at the spread of food. “It’s delightful. You’ve outdone yourself, Nyx. The presentation is exquisite.”

The Fox, true to his nature, was already munching on an apple before Nyx had even laid out half the food. “You know,” he said between bites, “this is why I keep coming back. You always have the best meals.”

Nyx rolled her eyes, but she couldn’t help but smile. “Just don’t eat everything this time.”

“I make no promises,” the Fox replied with a mischievous grin, already eyeing the next snack.

Tiger grunted in disapproval. “You’ve invited a bottomless pit,” he muttered to Drac.

Drac shot a glare in the Fox’s direction. “He knows better than to push his luck today.”

Despite the warnings, the atmosphere was light. Ryu, Nabi, Guerim, and Suli were running around, playing near the edge of the meadow, while Len sat beside Nyx, helping her cut some fruit.

“So,” Tiger said, glancing over at the Fox, “you’ve actually managed to teach him restraint. Impressive.”

Nyx chuckled. “Barely. I think he’s just waiting for me to turn my back so he can steal the last of the pastries.”

“Not if I get there first,” Tiger said with a wink, grabbing one of the sweet cakes before the Fox could reach it.

The constellations mingled in their own ways, but all of them, even the often grumpy Snake and aloof Griff, seemed to be enjoying the rare camaraderie. That was until the Fox, predictably, devoured almost all the food.

“Really?” Nyx sighed, hands on her hips, staring at the empty plates.

“What?” The Fox grinned, unashamed. “I left you some berries.”

The constellations were not impressed. Griff shot him a withering look, while Snake rolled his eyes. Drac, ever the protective figure, muttered under his breath, “This was your idea, Nyx.”

Despite the food theft, everyone laughed. The day had been fun, filled with light and warmth, a moment of peace before whatever challenges awaited Nyx and her makeshift family.

**************************************************

The voices whispered in the shadows, their tones low and tense.

“So, what did you hear?” They urged.

“They’re planning to strike soon, but they still need more time to get everything in place,” one voice responded, urgency creeping into their words.

“Why is he doing this?” another asked, a worried edge to their voice.

“Because he’s a lunatic, that’s why,” came the frustrated reply.

“What about the others? Did they agree to help?” a third voice chimed in.

“No!” the first voice said bitterly. “They said they can’t interfere with anything that happens here. They’re bound by rules they can’t break.”

A voice scoffed at that idea.

There was a heavy silence before another voice spoke, softer now. “We need to figure out how to protect her. We can’t let her get mixed up in this.”

“Then what are we going to do?” a voice asked, the weight of the question settling over them all.

After a pause, one voice spoke up, hesitant yet resolute. “I have an idea… but you might not like it.”

The others remained silent, waiting for the speaker to continue.

“When the time comes…we…..