[Year 22]

[Foreline Village]

The Battle hasn't begun yet, the giant monster similar to an Ikkin is gigantic, its scales blue with toughness rarely seen in any other beasts that Hunters and Warriors alike have ever seen.

The monster roared and a shockwave passed the air, shaking every Hunter and Warrior that was close. They were stunned and when they realised how powerful the monster was, dread washed over them.

“I wonder how long till we have to wait for Arkum, Kavo please step back! You're one of our gods chosen, please go back.”

Kavo didn't argue, the Warriors and Hunters could handle it themselves, he had no business being in there anyway.

The Monster stared at them, its slit eyes looking at them like prey. It bellowed and the presence it radiated felt so monstrous that they doubted they could even stall that thing. Without warning it pounced, the distance it gapped was wide. It was running way too fast for its size!

Accompanying its dash was a roar deep from its maw, what soon followed was a massive condensed clump of fire unleashed towards the hunters and warriors who didn't know how to react but to feel fear. But to their anguish, a transparent wall protected them, as the clump of fire hit the transparent wall, they felt their fear justified as fire spread with an explosion replacing the brightness of the sun.

“It's Auntie Zoe!”

The monster glared at what seemed to be empty air, scrutinising whatever it saw, at the same time relief washed through the Villagers as its attention was no longer on them.

[Omniarc Valovasoar]

Zoe looked down at the monster before her, it had the same appearance as a T-rex an animal long extinct in her father’s memories. The monster was ready to fire off another attack, it's through threatened another menacing glow and with no hesitation, fired it at Zoe.

Since Zoe is in the sky, she merely moves out of the way to dodge it. The compressed ball of fire rushed with zeal and exploded in the sky, Zoe could feel that she was alone in this endeavour and sighed, her eyes were sleepy.

Zoe reached her arm forward, the Valovasoar stopped in place, it felt the threat to its life and decided to roar, releasing its aura. Zoe scratched her head.

“What a pain…”

There are three types of energy in this world that are converted from Soul energy. Mana, Aura and Vim. Mana is fuel to magic, Vim is the will of the mind and Aura is the force of the soul.

If the Valovasoar had an aura it meant it was projecting its soul, its entire being rendering anything that tried to influence it useless. After all, to gain force one would need weight.

Zoe squints at the Valovasoar, if it could use aura trying to use her power, the one Hadro had given would be useless. After all, one way to end the monster was to use its own body against it.

Aura does a few things, including strengthening the link between Reality and Abyss. By doing this, instead of a few minutes of feedback or even hours, the feedback between the two dimensions became instant the moment the User used Aura, this means that the weight of their soul also increased, making their presence much heavier.

Thanks to this, the Aura user will naturally influence their surroundings to some degree. Aura naturally spreads around making its presence known, this presence is not just for show, any intent that passes through Aura will be shredded, Zoe’s intent to use the Valovasoar’s body against it didn't work because moving the particles within, Zoe had to intend it.

Now the only way to combat an Aura user is by another Aura user, and to combat Aura, one must have a stronger Aura. because Aura naturally makes the user tougher as a side effect of the Link Strengthening it has.

'How tiring’

Zoe wants to return to being an overseer for the Foreline village, rather than dealing with something tiresome.

The Valovasoar dashed forward, planning to ram itself against the shield that Zoe erected, Zoe didn't allow it, using the pebbles in the ground to suddenly launch towards the monster violently, the moment of impact turned the pebbles into smaller pieces.

The Valovasoar halted, it was stunned by the sudden attack. The moment it regained clarity it roared, sending waves of air that pushed the ground away. However, it did seem to accomplish its plan as it was close enough to shred Zoe’s transparent shield.

Zoe tried to find another way to stall the monster, but her eyes soon landed on the spare spears lying around near the village, she used her power to lift a dozen and shoot some towards the monster wanting to end it there.

Unfortunately, the monster was tougher, despite the incomprehensible speed at which she launched the spears, they just bounced off or destroyed themselves upon contact with the monster’s scales.

The monster was now fully focusing on Zoe, it huffed, and despite its tough exterior, it was not exempt from feeling pain. Noticing the increasing annoyance of the creature some steam started to come out of its mouth.

Zoe clicked her tongue ‘How resilient’ she thought. While she was fighting the monster the residents were struck with confusion.

But that didn't last long, the villagers led by the village chief led them out of the area. Mari’s three kids watched as Zoe fought with the monster.

“Rei,” Mari inquired. “Auntie Zoe? Who?”

“It's the one I told you about! The one dad says who likes to laze around!”

“Zoe…?”

Mari was confused for a moment, she had been working hard lately due to her husband’s disappearance and didn't know if she missed something important.

“Auntie Zoe doesn't like moving; she just lays around.”

“...”

Once she hears the explanation from Rei, Mari doesn't know what to say or think anymore, but she's grateful that thanks to Zoe they are safe.

However, they are lost after seeing that one of their God's summons is somehow struggling to fight a monster.

With no warning, a lot of the villagers buckled, and the monster roared, blasting the air around at the speed of supersonics. The hunters only got rattled, but to those untrained in combat, it felt like someone shook them to the core, making their insides tremble mercilessly causing some to puke.

“We can't stay here for long.” someone reasoned.

“We need Arkum.”

That was a reasonable response to the situation. However, there is a problem. They cannot communicate whatsoever but others have plans, like Mari.

She immediately opened her system and went to the [Shop] panel. She scoured every single bit of it and sure enough, she found a solution.

“There is this [Hummingbird messenger] in the shop, it's expensive…”

Everyone who had the SE scoured the shop and one soul decided to use it immediately, it was Ivy.

“What should I say?”

A case of theft: this story is not rightfully on Amazon; if you spot it, report the violation.

“Just say that the village is in danger, that would be enough for them to come back running.”

Ivy spoke the same words to the hummingbird that was flying in front of her, soon it flew away after the message was conveyed.

The hummingbird flew so fast that the others only saw it as a blur, Ivy was thankful that it was the case. If it is fast, hopefully, it will reach the recipient quickly.

On the other side, once Arkum's group made contact with the elves they said their goodbyes and promised continued visits they went their way, However, an elf went to the group.

“Please let me join you.”

“What for?” Arkum was genuinely curious. It's not like they won't see each other again.

“An elder of ours told me to follow you, apparently he said that I would become of use to you.”

Arkum blinked in confusion and started thinking, it's not like they didn't need help, monsters of strength roamed and they needed every single bit of power they could.

“Okay, what's your name?”

“My name is Relle, Relle Gracefall.”

“Alright, Relle. What can you do so we can integrate you into our group dynamic.”

“I am an Auror.”

The group was a bit confused for a bit what Relle meant but that didn't matter for the next second. A hummingbird went up to Arkum, they sensed it but since they felt no threat coming from it they didn't do anything.

[The village is in danger! Arkum! Shavik! Any of you come back immediately!]

Arkum and Shavik glanced or faced each other, Arkum looked at Relle.

“Can you run fast?”

“Yes, you can count on me for that.”

Arkum and Shavik started running, as superhumans they were running so fast that even Relle was surprised by their speed.

However, Relle still managed to catch up albeit lagging. Though Relle was catching his breath hard because the two superhumans were unbelievably swift.

Though he wished they took a break, they crossed a mountain and it still isn't stopping.

“Shavik, I'll be first.”

“Ugh, go on.”

“Wait what—”

Relle didn't have a chance to inquire, with no warning Arkum jumped high as a kite and vanished from their sight, Relle's jaw was left hanging from what he saw.

‘How could someone jump that high?! While not using magic no less!’

However, he didn't daze for long since Shavik was still running with no rest. Once they got to the edge of the forest they finally saw what was happening.

“What…”

Relle knew that monster, it was in the written records of the archives. A Valovasoar, a monster that is unique only to the Omniarc dungeon.

It was said that the last time this monster surfaced, half of the forest became ashes. That's why Relle, despite only seeing it for the first time, felt fear. But when the monster roared he fully fell on the ground.

“Get up Relle, this is not a place we should linger.”

Shavik helped Relle up despite his shaky legs. Putting Relle’s hand over his shoulder, Shavik started moving around the monster. Being caught would spell certain death.

—Boom

The sudden loud explosive noise was familiar to Shavik, Relle however is not, so when he saw that Arkum fought the monster, it was amazing that he could go toe to toe with it.

Arkum’s every thrust of his spear created deafening shockwaves. But those strikes were not effective against the monster. It took it like a tank, it was unmoving like a mountain. One of the toughest opponents Arkum ever had.

The Valovasoar roared, now its enemies doubling, it stared at Arkum judging his every move. Arkum did the same, after striking the monster away and some space was given, he took his time to study the monster as well.

They started circling each other, not trying to give space. Arkum noticed that the monster had a strong presence, he could feel the bloodlust all over.

He couldn't understand what was happening, but whatever the monster had was affecting his psyche. It made him mad but he took control of his thoughts before it got out of control.

With no warning the monster roared, Arkum handled the effects well, but he had to prepare to intercept the breath of fire that the Valovasoar would release.

Arkum cocked his arm back with the spear, power soon filling his body directed to the spear itself. But somehow, something is interrupting his charge.

The monster soon released its breath of fire and Arkum intercepted it with an [Explosive Thrust] which made the breath of fire spread outward.

Everything happened so fast that everyone watching was confused about what was happening, only a few were able to comprehend what happened.

Relle is one of the few spectators who understand what's happening.

“This is not good.”

“What is?” Shavik chimed.

“The monster is releasing its power, it's affecting Arkum.”

Shavik's face pointed towards Arkum. He certainly felt something from the monster but he couldn't understand it though it was familiar.

“hmm… is it because of Aura?” Shavik asked

“H-huh? Yes! Yes! It is, if you knew, how do you intend to deal with it?”

“I have no idea… Do you?” Shavik asked.

“The only thing I know is how to project Aura, it helps counter the elusive.”

“Can you teach that to Arkum?”

“No… Aura is something inherent. If the person does not have the will then they could not project aura.”

“Well, do you?”

Relle understood the question Shavik gave and its underlying meaning. He does not possess the strongest aura, but he does have it and having it is enough.

“I do have the will.” Relle nodded.

“How far?”

“huh?”

“How far are you willing? Don't tell me you came here just because your elder told you to?”

Yes, at first it was that. Their elders told them that the key to a better future was to connect with the humans that were sighted nearby.

There was no reason to connect, in truth, Archwood in itself is self-sufficient. A connection outside would just be someone they knew, but is that it? Considering the history of his kin’s history would that be the right choice?

Relle looked at Arkum, the moment he heard something from that Hummingbird he immediately ran back and decided to put himself against the monster to protect them.

Relle also glanced at Shavik, he might be staying on the sidelines but he could tell that the man was ready to take action once his friend needed it.

But could he do the same? If his home were to be ravaged by a monster and an elder were to take it on, would he be able to fight in his stead once the elder fell? Relle realised how cowardly he was, he sought himself better but he couldn't help but not step out of his comfort zone, if he needed to change stepping out of his comfort zone would be for the better.

“Listen, Shavik. Have you ever felt a change in you and cannot express it in words?”

“Yes, multiple times.” Shavik caressed his blindfold.

“Then remember the feeling, Aura represents oneself and your will. Every will has a source and you are one of them.

Relle explained Aura just like his elders did. The knowledge that is better off is given to those who will benefit from it.

“The feeling of change within you is the same as starting to cycle energy. If you have the familiarity of cycling energy then that's the first step to soon releasing it outwards.”

“That sounds so complicated.” Shavik couldn't help but furrow his brow.

“In explaining yes, but doing it is easy. Have you cycled mana before?”

“No, I have not.”

“Then, let me help you with that.”

Relle placed a hand behind Shavik, he willed his mana to move and although it was very transparent he felt his mana move.

“What are you…?”

“I'm going to jumpstart your cycle. This is not a good idea but since you have already reached more than the base level of mortality then this action wouldn't have many consequences… I think.”

“... Do it.” despite reluctance, Shavik agreed to it.

Relle was about to ask if he was sure but he heard an explosion, the monster was relentless against Arkum and Arkum seemed fine but it was obvious that he was making mistakes then and there. They don't have that much time.

Relle pushed his mana off to Shavik who flinched but didn't overreact. It felt like a defibrillator trying to place proper rhythm to someone's heart.

Shavik's mana pathways seem to be open and clear, it has evidence of usage since Relle’s mana passed through it effortlessly.

“I understand now. This is what you meant with cycling energy.”

“W-wha? Yes?”

Relle was in awe when Shavik started cycling his mana, it felt so natural for him.

“This is what I feel repeatedly when I use my senses. The power I felt a surge within me is this energy… I need to cycle this for what reason?”

“I-It's to balance power to your entire body.”

“That makes sense.”

Shavik grabbed his daggers in both hands and stood, watching the battle between his friend and the monster, his mind unnaturally clear.

Relle was questioning what he was planning to do but stayed quiet and watched. Shavik remembered Relle's words trying to achieve Aura.

Shavik knew Arkum had the [Hunter Aura]; he felt how it affected their teamwork when hunting. But that was it, [Hunter's Aura] helped the hunters with teamwork.

But that's not the TRUE Aura. Aura is the transcendence of oneself, you are projecting will─ yourself outwards. The best way to project aura is to…

“Just be yourself.”

Relle was at a loss for words, he was beyond shocked and in disbelief. Shavik’s presence suddenly became heavier, aura coated Shavik like a layer of cloth floating like steam that would singe whoever touched it.

Relle was shocked, he was beyond shocked and in disbelief. Shavik was coated with his aura, like steam emanating from its source, Aura coated Shavik in a brief layer.

“I understand now.”

Shavik removed his blindfold. It was like a moment of self-understanding and reflection, doubting oneself will not gain you Aura.

“Oh, how I felt free.”

To have Aura is to know thyself. Shavik finally understood himself, he did not doubt it. The reason why he relied more on instinct was not because he had more potential to hunt the unseen but rather, he wanted to admit that patience was not his best suit, it was a lie to himself.

He wasn't like his fellow hunters, deep down he was more of a disciplined animal, he’d rather wait for minutes before pouncing on unsuspecting prey. An Ambush predator if you will, he was not weak, he was merely hiding his true capability.

Relle wanted to ask what Shavik was doing when he noticed that Shavik’s presence was no longer there, he looked around but was shocked to find that he disappeared out of nowhere.

At the head of the battle between the monster and Arkum, where Arkum defended attacks that would cost a life felt himself struggling. The monster was taking its time like its attacks were released with calculation. All of a sudden, when Arkum felt vulnerable. The Monster opened its maw, Arkum prepared but noticed that its neck wasn't glowing, it wasn't going to release a breath of flame!

Though, as if a fly passed by the monster noticed a presence but it was too late to react, the predator already released its fangs and gouged a wound on the Monster’s most vulnerable part, his joints where flesh is more exposed. The monster did not continue with its roar but it bellowed in pain.

Appearing out of nowhere, Shavik appeared a few feet away from the monster with obsidian daggers dripping with minuscule blood. Arkum saw him and surmised what he did when the monster suddenly fell as if its legs betrayed it. Though, in Shavik’s mind he was glad he slashed at the right part, he just assumed that the monster would be more vulnerable at that part.

“Shavik?!”

“Hi, Arkum!”

Then both hunters looked forward, Shavik vanished from his place and Arkum dashed away, soon flames started erupting everywhere in an explosion where they used to stand. The monster flailed its throat filled with more condensed clumps of fire.

A stray landed where the villagers were taking shelter and thankfully a barrier appeared to intercept the breath of flame which exploded in impact.

Arkum took this to advantage and ran forward the monster, the monster noticed Arkum's intent and aimed its firepower towards him. But it felt a presence that was previously not there.

Victory seemed so close to the hunters, Shavik was waiting for his time to strike and Arkum was persistent, going for a powerful strike of his spear planning to end it once and for all, but the monster was not done yet.

It showed what it was capable of, showing great resistance. While it is injured, its legs wounded it raised its maw towards the sky and within an instant, empowered by Aura it released a deafening roar.