New skills
Authority: Mystic Sentry
Type: Authority Skill
Level: ??
Description:
Summons a magical guardian to protect a designated area or ally. The Mystic Sentry remains vigilant, intercepting attacks and providing defensive support.
Blessing: Spirit Link
Type: Blessing Skill
Level: S
Description:
Connects the health or magical energy of allies through a mystical link, allowing the user to balance resources in battle. If one ally takes damage or depletes their magic, Spirit
Blessing: Arcane Dispel
Type: Blessing Skill
Level: S
Description:
A purification ability that removes harmful effects from allies or disables enemy buffs.
Blessing: Blade Dance
Type: Blessing Skill
Level: S
Description:
A high-speed melee attack that targets multiple enemies simultaneously.
Blessing: Mana Infusion
Type: Blessing Skill
Level: S
Description:
A support skill that replenishes or amplifies the magical energy of teammates.
Blessing: Beast Bond
Type: Blessing Skill
Level: S
Description:
Summons a loyal beast companion to fight alongside the team.
Two Weeks Later
Two weeks had passed since Drac implemented his rule: Nyx was never to be alone. Whether it was Len, one of the Aetherlings, or a Constellation, someone always accompanied her. Though she initially resisted, Nyx found herself enjoying the extra time with her companions. They explored together, taught her new skills, and watched her raid dungeon after dungeon.
Even Griff, as lazy as ever, managed to provide some guidance from the comfort of his den. “Why move when the forest moves for me?” he’d quipped with a lazy grin.
With Peacock
Peacock led Nyx through the overgrown ruins in his territory. The ancient stone structures were covered in moss, and vines snaked along crumbling pillars. Sunlight filtered through cracks, casting patterns on the ground, as if the ruins themselves were whispering secrets of the past.
Peacock gestured toward a partially collapsed wall, its surface etched with intricate symbols. “Every stone here tells a story,” he said, his voice smooth and wistful. “Once, this was a kingdom of art, music, and beauty. Now, it’s a forgotten echo.”
Nyx traced her fingers along the carvings. “Do you think their magic is still here?”
Peacock’s feathers shimmered as he nodded. “Magic never truly disappears. It lingers, waiting for someone perceptive enough to see it. Like you.” He smiled, an approving glint in his eyes. “Now, let’s see if you can feel it.”
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Nyx closed her eyes, breathing deeply as she focused on the faint energy surrounding her. Slowly, a soft glow began to emanate from the stones. Her eyes lit up when she saw it, a proud grin spreading across her face.
“Excellent,” Peacock said, his tone light yet proud. “The ruins seem to like you.”
With Snake
The air grew cooler as Snake and Nyx descended into a dark, damp dungeon. The sound of dripping water echoed off the cavern walls, and the faint rustle of unseen creatures stirred in the distance. Nyx drew her weapon, her eyes gleaming with anticipation.
“Show me what you’ve learned,” Snake said, his voice low and commanding. “Let’s see if your new skills are as sharp as your confidence.”
Nyx didn’t hesitate. She activated Thunderclaw Slash, her strikes crackling with electric energy as she tore through the dungeon’s guardians. Her movements were fluid but fierce, each blow landing with precision.
Snake observed her carefully, his coils shifting slightly as he followed her progress. “You’re improving,” he murmured, his tone cool. “But you’re wasting energy. Focus. Strike only when it matters.”
Adjusting her approach, Nyx began timing her attacks, each one more deliberate. By the time the dungeon was cleared, she felt more in control.
Snake offered a rare compliment, his voice smooth. “Well done. Perhaps one day, you’ll even impress me.”
With Fox
Fox walked beside Nyx along the forest’s edge, a piece of roasted meat in his mouth. He tore off small bites, chewing absently, his sharp eyes scanning the horizon. The playful wind rustled the leaves, but there was an odd stillness beneath it, one Nyx couldn’t quite place.
“Why do you always follow me like this?” she asked, breaking the silence. “You could be anywhere, but you’re always here.”
Fox paused mid-bite, his sharp teeth hovering over the meat. After a moment, he tore off another piece, chewing thoughtfully. “You ever think about why the wind circles the same tree?” he asked, his tone light but layered with something darker.
Fox chuckled, tossing the last piece of meat aside. “Maybe the wind’s drawn to it. Or maybe it’s keeping the tree upright.”
She narrowed her eyes. “You’re being cryptic.”
He shrugged, licking his fingers. “Some things are better left unexplained. Let’s just say I have my reasons. And someone needs to keep an eye on you.” His grin widened, but his gaze darkened. “You’ve felt it, haven’t you?”
Nyx stiffened. The memory of that creeping presence flickered in her mind. “Yeah,” she admitted quietly. “But it keeps its distance.”
Fox’s eyes gleamed, his playful demeanor masking something more serious. “For now,” he said. “But the forest has secrets, kid. And not all of them are friendly.”
A chill ran down her spine. She followed Fox in silence, his words lingering like a shadow.
With Tiger
Tiger stood at the entrance of a dungeon, his imposing form exuding quiet authority. Nyx, along with Len and the other Aetherlings, gathered nearby, ready for another challenge.
“Inside,” Tiger said, his deep voice steady, “you’ll face creatures that will test your endurance. Use your skills wisely. Don’t rely on brute strength alone.”
Nyx nodded, determination flashing in her eyes. She activated Chrono Collapse and Thunderclaw Slash, weaving through the dungeon’s guardians with speed and precision. Her attacks were relentless, lightning arcs illuminating the dark cavern.
Tiger watched her closely, occasionally offering guidance. “Good. Use Chrono Collapse to disrupt their rhythm. Create openings for your strikes.”
After a grueling battle, Nyx emerged victorious, her breaths heavy but steady. Tiger gave her a rare nod of approval. “You’ve improved,” he said. “But don’t get cocky. There’s always more to learn.”
Len and the others often took Nyx to explore new terrains, teaching her practical survival skills. One morning, they stood by a crystal-clear stream teeming with trout.
“Patience,” Len said, demonstrating how to set a snare. “Let the fish come to you.”
Nyx mimicked his movements, her brows furrowed in concentration. After several attempts, she caught her first trout, holding it up triumphantly. “I got one!”
The Aetherlings cheered, Ryu fluttering closer. “Now let’s see if you can catch something bigger.”
Later, Guerim showed her how to track small creatures. He pointed to faint tracks in the dirt. “These lead to a furrow rabbit burrow. Follow them quietly.”
Nyx crouched low, moving carefully through the underbrush. When she successfully caught a furrow rabbit, Suli clapped her tiny hands. “You’re a natural!”
Despite her successes, Nyx couldn’t shake the feeling of being watched. It was a subtle, oppressive sensation that crept up on her when she least expected it. She first felt it during a solo patrol near the northern edge of the forest, in front of Dracs cave. He could feel her presence close so he wasn’t too worried.
Practicing Mystic Sentry, she summoned a small guardian to guard a small part of the clearing. As she focused, a cold prickle ran down her spine.
She spun around, activating Echo Vision. The forest appeared as usual, teeming with faint auras, but the heavy sensation lingered.
The second time, she felt it while sitting with Tiger in his cave. His deep voice rumbled as he shared tales of his celestial past. Although some of them were lies, he wouldn’t tell her that, not when her eyes sparkled with excitement to his stories.
But Nyx’s attention drifted, her gaze drawn to the opening of the cave. The presence was there again, watching.
Tiger noticed her unease. “What’s the matter?” he asked.
Nyx hesitated. “I ….I thought I felt something,” she muttered.
Tiger’s gaze followed hers, his expression thoughtful. “The forest has many eyes,” he said.
He knew it was there watching her and that it wouldn’t do anything to her but he was being a stubborn bull about it.
“If it hasn’t revealed itself, it means it’s not ready.”
The cryptic words did little to comfort her, but she nodded nonetheless.
The presence never drew near, but it was always there, lurking at the edges of her perception. Each time she felt it, a quiet voice whispered in her mind: It’s waiting.
And so, she waited too, unsure of when—or if—it would finally step into the light.