[A few moments ago]

Shelly watched Bronk tank hit after hit from the mana beast. To Shelly bronk's chubby appearance was a tall wall that protected her against certain death.

She watched Bronk scream as he tanked each hit while begging for Shelly to move. Shelly wanted to move,really she did. She felt like her body was possessed by a foreign entity. That entity was fear.

Her cloak had been torn and ripped showcasing her black skirt and her white vest was also evident. She was overwhelmed by an uncontrollable sweat and had scars across her legs. She was breathing heavily barely able to control herself.

"Stop it please" she thought to herself as she watched Bronk slowly lose his footing.

She could see Bronk mumbling his last words,words she didn't get to hear.

"Please you don't have to go that far from me,just let me die. I'm just being a burden I can't save anything" these were he last thoughts as she watched bronk collapse.

She grabbed her staff which was about 3m long. It had a sharp arc at its tip in the shape of a hook. She moved her arms to point it towards the beast before she dropped it a second later.

"I couldn't save any of them. What right do I have to fight..." her muscles loosened as she closed her eyes ready to accept her fate "forgive me Jay,Bronk. I'm sorry for being such a useless teammate."

That's when Ray appeared to smash the beast which forced Shelly to open her eyes,she heard Ray's words and something inside her started burning.

[Present moment]

She remembered Jay and Bronk's last words to her "they sacrificed themselves so I could live?"

She saw Ray prepare a fighting stance.

"Why have you saved me,you should've left me to die!! Jay and Bronk died protecting me but they chose the wrong person. Their sacrifices are worth far more than my useless life!!..." she shouted, pushing her vocal cords to the limit.

"I don't deserve it!! I don't deserve any of it!!" she cried out to Ray in desperation.

"I don't know why, you think dying will solve anything. They didn't sacrifice themselves so you can die. They did it because they cherished that life you call useless. Throwing those feelings away and choosing to die would mean rejecting their feelings for you!!" Ray shouted,before greeting his teeth.

"Choosing to die is the same as spitting on their lives!!!!!" Ray's voice echoed the entire cave.

Shelly's eyes widened her eyes flooded her cheeks with tears.

Ray didn't say anything after that . He watched the beast get back on its feet. Its roar shaking the foundation of the cave. Oddly enough its blood loss was decreasing with every second.

[Unique Skill Regeneration[lvl1]

[REGENERATION PROCESS HAS STARTED]

Ray simply sighed "Great, just my luck" he thought to himself.

His own blood was decreasing with each passing second and his right arm was starting to lose its feeling,his fingers were becoming numb.

[Your health Points are decreasing faster]

"I've lost too much blood, not good. That mana beast still hasn't fully regenerated so I still have a shot. My mana reinforcement skill only enhances my physical abilities it doesn't regenerate so I'll probably loose my arm if I keep fighting this thing,but even so.." Ray thought to himself before dashing forward towards the beast.

"I'd rather that than let anyone else die infront of me." His thoughts were clear and so was his determination.

[MANA REINFORCEMENT- Feet]

[The unique skill Mana Dash [lvl1 has been activated]

[Due to your experience with the skill Mana Dash has been upgraded by [+1 level]

His movement was difficult to track with the naked eye. When the beast saw his approach it made a dash of its own.

The beast vanished from its current position and it appeared from Ray's right side.

[The mana beast reinforcement- claws]

[The unique skill claw strike [lvl3] has been activated]

The beast's claws glinted for a moment before moving in to snatch Ray's head.

[Mana Reinforcement [lvl 1]

[Due to your experience your original skill Mana Reinforcement has been upgraded by [+1 one level]

[Due to the upgrade to your Original skill more Unique Skills will become available]

The beast missed its mark as it's claws snatched the air, Rey ducked under the assault. He then catapulted his body in an agile leap.

[Mana reinforcement-leg]

This content has been misappropriated from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere.

[The unique skill Flying Kick [lv1] has been activated]

Extending his right leg to the limit a kick connected against the mana beast's face sending it drifting backwards.

This time it was prepared though even with its noise bleeding hard, it refused to lose its balance. It's claws dug deep into the surface preventing further drifting. It then launched itself forward appearing In front of the mid air Ray.

[The Unique skill mana beast acidic touch [lvl3] has been activated]

The beast's claws were covered in a pitch black aura. They moved towards Ray's chest and to defend himself. He was forced to place his arms in an X cross formation to prevent catastrophe.

[MANA REINFORCEMENT- Body]

[The unique skill mana cloak [lvl1] has been activated]

The claws dug deep into his skin melting it including his very bones as he was sent flying backwards before smashing against the wall.

[Your experience with mana cloak [lvl1] has increased]

"Arghh" he screamed as his arms began to melt like cheese. The burning sensation was so intense he began losing consciousness. He screamed unable to contain his pain.

The beast didn't stop, it approached Rey at insane speeds.

The beast raised its paws before bringing them down with force.

"That's it? I can't die like this, what kind of great magician would die without completing a single quest or maybe this is just god's judgment for the atrocities I've committed maybe I..."

Ray's thoughts came to a sudden standstill when a green barrier appeared around his figure. The mana beast's paws were deflected with force.

[A BARRIER and Healing SKILL HAS BEEN ACTIVATED]

[The Unique skill green house lvl [2] has been activated]

[You experience with green house [lvl2 has increased[

"For this life they cherished... I'll fight!!!"

Shelly's words echoed the cave. She stood tall with he staff pointed towards the Mana beast. Her tears were dry and her gaze was intense. Her knees still shook slightly but she refused to kneel.

Ray looked at her and suddenly he felt very stupid "that's right" he thought to himself.

His wounds began to heal rapidly

[The effects of green house[lvl3] have taken effect]

[Your health Points are increasing rapidly]

The mana beast staggered back before turning its attention to Shelly.

[The mana beast reinforcement-feet]

[The unique skill mana beast dash [lvl3] has been activated.

The beast disappeared before towering infront of Shelly its claws already in motion.

[A sealing skill has been activated]

[The Unique skill forceful binding [lvl1] has been activated]

Pure white chains erupted from the ground and wrapped themselves around the mana beast in a tight squeeze. Its movement was halted.

Shelly leaped back creating distance between the two.

"For a healer class magician my sealing ability is a joke. Still though I know it can hold" she thought to herself.

Her thought process would be put in doubt seconds later. The beast resisted by moving wildly with shear brute force the chains were snapped. Shelly watched as the fear started to seep its way back.

The beast eye's had gone red.

[The Unique skill absolute rage mode[lvl3] has been activated]

The beast moved towards Shelly but before it could get close..

[Mana Reinforcement-Feet]

[The Unique skill Heel Strike [lvl 1] had been activated]

[Due to your experience with the Unique skill heel Strike [lvl1] the skill has been upgraded by [+1 level]]

Ray descended from above and his heel smashed against the beast's head forcing it face first to the surface. The impact shook the cave to its core.

Ray retreated back to Shelly breathing heavily clearly exhausted.

"Thanks for the assist back there" he looked at Shelly with the biggest smile on his face.

"No.. problem" Shelly responded her face a little shy.

A roar dashed all hopes that the fight was over. The beast rised up what's more but it was clear it was on its last legs.

[Mana beast Reinforcement- mouth]

[The unique skill mana beast bomb [lvl2] has been activated]

[Due to fatigue the skill's level has decreased]

The mana beast had its mana concretrated at the tip of its mouth. A red light became visible before it formed a tight orb. Within seconds a condensed orb of mana shot towards Shelly and Rey. It devasted everything in its path.

[The skill partial transformation [lvl1] has been activated]

[Partial transformation-limbs]

[Due to your experience the skill Partial transformation has been upgraded by[+1 level]]

A shadow appeared infront of the two in the shape of an animal.

[Partial transformation-Mouth]

[The Unique Sonic Meowth[lvl2] has been activated]

[Your experience with Sonic Meowth lvl [2] has been activated]

A powerful Shockwave shot from its mouth it collided with the mana beast bomb creating a big explosion.

"Man,why am I even doing this"

Rina's voice was immediately recognized by Ray. For the first time ever he was actually glad to see her.

"Rina!"he said with a smile on his face.

The dust settled and her appearance became visible. Rina's arms and legs all had fur and paws. She discarded her cloak and wore a black vest and black shorts. He tail was furry and visible to all. Her eyes were green and 4 whiskers has formed on her face. She stood in a crawling position much like a cat.

"Yea don't get all emotional on me, let's finish this!"

Ray and Shelly both looked at each other and smiled.

Ray walked forward.

[Mana reinforcement lvl [1]has been activated]

[Due to fatigue the skill's level has decreased]

[Your Mana pool is low so the skills duration has been limited]

Ray stood next to Rina with an ocean blue aura radiating like the sun.

"Think you can keep up" Rey asked gearing to go.

"You look half dead already I should be the one saying that" Rina responded before smiling.

"Don't fall behind Ray" she said before rocketing forward.

[The Unique skill Cat Charge [lvl 1]has been activated]

[Due to your experience the unique skill Cat Charge [lvl1] has increased by [+1 level]

Ray fell behind a few paces their movements were both a blur. The mana beast barely stood, it gathered all the power it had left into one final charge.

[The skill Mana beast bomb[lvl2]

has been activated]

The mana beast released its attack and the orb moved towards Rina and Ray threatening to devour them.

The two didn't stop for even a second. The orb closed in and moments before it devoured them a green barrier appeared around the two.

[A Barrier skill has been activated]

[The barrier skill solid veil [lvl 2] has been activated]

[Your experience with solid veil [lvl2] has increased]

"Don't stop!!" Shelly shouted, the barrier took the brunt of the attack only shattering after fully absorbing the impact. Rina and Rey moved simultaneously their arms and fists totally in synch.

[The unique skill furry impact [lvl2] has been activated]

[Your experience with furry Impact [lvl2] has increased]

[Mana Reinforcement-hands]

[Unique skill strong right [lvl2] has been activated]

Shelly, Ray and Rina shouted simultaneously

"It's over!!!!!"

Rina's fist landed first striking the beast's chest ripping its fur and chest open. Ray followed his attack didn't even make contact the Shockwave from the assault enough to blow away 80% of the mana beast's body.

[A new combined skill has been activated final impact [lvl 5]]

The beast collapsed and Ray followed soon after.

"We did I.." were his last words.

[NOTIFICATION]

[QUEST COMPLETED]

[REWARD:LOADING...]

[MAGICIAN RANKING:UNRANKED]

When he came to Rina was giving him a piggyback ride and they had escaped the cave.

"Don't get used to this" Rina said her voice very annoyed.

"I won't.... hey Rina..."

"What is it?" Rina asked,

"Since we both completed the quest that means you won't kill me right?"

Rina took a moment before she responded

"I won't I'm actually looking forward to seeing how you develop, for a human you're pretty reckless"

"Does this mean you're joining my party?" He asked with curious eyes.

"For now, yes if I'm gonna achieve my goals I'll need someone like you whose ready to fight until the end. So I'm only doing this because we both benefit. We aren't friends or anything"

"Oh yeah!!" Ray shouted as he tried to lift his arms a sharp pain reminded him of his injuries.

"Ouch!"

Shelly who had been quiet this entire time finally spoke.

"Thanks a lot back then,if not for you I would've given up and would've been unable to face my friends again on the other side. I'll continue to fight, for them"

Shelly said,her eyes laser focused on the road ahead.

"That's great" Ray responded with a cheeky smile.

The 3 made it back to the Magician's Heaven building. It was far more quiet the fact that it was nighttime probably played a role.

They entered the establishment and were greeted by Allice's warm smile.

"Welcome back" Allice said fixing some glasses and repositioning them on the shelf behind her.

The establishment only had one man who was sitted alone. He saw the 3 enter and he adjusted his glasses and approached.

"Hey there,my name's Jon the issuer of the quest. Thank you for risking your lives to complete the quest" the man wearing a black suit, with a red tie and white shirt bowed before the 3.

The three didn't feel like celebrating so they just nodded their heads.

"I'll approve your payment In just a moment"

[Transfer loading...]

The three had the same screen appear before them.

[Loading Complete]

[50 000 has been transferred into your accounts]

[It will be split among the 3 participants accordingly...]

[Your total reward has been updated]

The three smiled In the light of their achievement.

"I know this is a lot to ask but can I ask you to take yet another quest?"

Ray looked on with a concerned look

"What quest?" he asked.

"It's a quest about escorting me to the City of Lival. Help me transport the Demon King's Blade"