🎵: Dash of the Daring, Feast of Life
As I continued my journey across the endless plain, I adopted a strategy to make the most of my magical ability while conserving mana. I'd invoke Dash of the Daring and run for one exhilarating minute, covering an impressive distance. Then, I'd walk to replenish my mana, ensuring I always had enough for a burst of speed if needed. This rhythm became almost meditative—run, walk, recover, repeat—a physical manifestation of the ebb and flow of my magical reserves.
The monotony of the landscape wore on me as the day progressed. The sun had dipped lower in the sky, casting long shadows across the waving grass. I had just stopped for another quick snack and was about to consider finding a place to make camp when a low growl froze me in my tracks. My hand clamped down on my sword, ready to unleash a burst of speed if necessary. In that moment, I was grateful for my cautious mana management. Whatever lurked in the grass ahead, I was prepared to face it—or outrun it.
I pivoted, my heart pounding in my chest. There, not twenty feet away, stood a wolf. Its yellow eyes gleamed with predatory intent, and I could see saliva dripping from its bared fangs.
I swallowed hard, my hand reaching for the unfamiliar sword at my hip. The wolf crouched low, preparing to spring. Time seemed to slow down as I weighed my options. Run? Fight?
Before I could decide, the wolf lunged. I stumbled backward, drawing my sword with clumsy hands. The blade felt awkward and heavy, nothing like the guitar I was used to wielding.
But as panic threatened to overtake me, I remembered the words of the spirited ballad I had just learned: Dash of the Daring. I hummed the tune under my breath, letting the melody fill my mind and push back the fear. A strange warmth surged through me, and my feet felt lighter. The song's rhythm propelled me forward, my heart pounding in time.
You sing Dash of the Daring!
Time crystallized as the wolf lunged—fangs gleaming, muscles rippling beneath matted fur. Rather than the clumsy dodge I intended, my body responded with unexpected grace, pivoting just enough for those snapping jaws to miss my arm by inches. My wild counter-swing should have gone wide, but my enhanced speed turned accident into opportunity. Steel kissed flesh, opening a thin line across the wolf's shoulder, crimson beading in the blade's wake.
The beast retreated, yellow eyes calculating as it circled. Blood matted its grey fur, each drop marking our makeshift arena. I adjusted my grip on the sword, the leather wrapping becoming more familiar in my sweaty palms. The wolf's movements became a readable pattern—the subtle bunch of muscles before a lunge, the shift of weight before it turned.
When it charged again, I was ready. The ballad's magic hummed through my limbs, lending my feet a dancer's precision. I sidestepped—not by instinct or guidance, but with a quickness that surprised even me. The wolf's momentum carried it past as I brought my blade down in a clean arc, opening a deep gash along its flank. Its howl of pain echoed across the plains.
Our deadly dance continued, each exchange faster than the last. The wolf's natural speed clashed with my enhanced agility. Its claws scored the earth where I stood heartbeats before, while my blade found only fur where flesh had been moments ago. We created a brutal choreography—lunge, dodge, strike, retreat—each movement precise and purposeful.
In the shadowed glens where whispers weave,
Heroes dance on twilight's eve,
With hearts of fire and feet so fleet,
They dash through danger, never know defeat.
The wolf's frustration grew with each failed attack, its movements becoming savage and predictable. Its over-committed lunge exposed its chest and balance, revealing my opening. With the speed born from the song's enhancement, I thrust forward. My blade found its mark, sliding between ribs with terrible precision.
The wolf's final whine faded into silence as it collapsed, its fierce spirit extinguished.
You killed a level 2 wolf!
I stood there panting, my body aching, but I knew—without Dash of the Daring, I wouldn't have survived. The magic of the song had given me the speed I needed, turning my clumsy stumbles into something almost graceful. For the first time, I understood what being a Virtuoso meant: not performing for crowds or telling tales in taverns, but channeling raw emotion into power when it mattered most. This wasn't entertainment, but a matter of survival, transforming need into magic. Maybe that's why I'd always felt uncomfortable with the traditional bard's path. I wasn't meant to be a performer; I was meant to be this.
Battle Summary
Experience gained: 25 XP
Loot: Wolf Pelt, Wolf Teeth x 3
This content has been unlawfully taken from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere.
Now, in the aftermath, I pressed my weight against my sword, my breath coming in ragged gasps. Dash of the Daring might have granted me supernatural speed, but it did nothing to ease the physical toll of wielding a weapon.
As the rush of battle subsided, a wave of exhaustion washed over me, leaving my limbs trembling and my stomach churning. The gravity of the situation hit me like a physical blow—I had just taken a life larger than the occasional rabbit I'd hunted back home. The reality of what I'd done, of what being an adventurer entailed, settled on my shoulders with an oppressive weight.
I'd always imagined a sense of triumph would follow my first real battle, maybe even a jaunty victory tune. Instead, I fought back nausea, the metallic scent of blood clashing with the sweet grass of the plains. This, I realized, was the unsung verse of every hero's ballad—the raw, unpolished moments that never make it into the songs.
I couldn't waste time feeling sorry for myself. I grabbed the loot just by thinking about it—the stuff materialized in my hand, and I shoved it into my bag. As I watched the wolf's body disappear, a chorus of howls pierced the quiet. My heart started racing all over again.
I looked up to see three more wolves emerging from the tall grass, their eyes fixed on me with murderous intent. My blood ran cold as I realized I was in no shape for another fight, let alone against multiple opponents.
I spun and bolted. The wolves gave chase, their paws thundering against the earth behind me. Panic threatened to overwhelm me, but I remembered my new ability.
You sing Dash of the Daring!
Tales of glory in every stride,
Chasing shadows, where the brave abide,
With laughter bright and spirits high,
We race like stars in the midnight sky.
As the last note left my lips, I felt a surge of energy course through my body. My legs pumped faster, eating up the ground with impossible speed. The howls of the wolves still echoed close behind as I kept ahead of them, my feet skimming the ground. But even as I revelled in my newfound speed, I knew it wouldn't last forever. I had less than two minutes of mana remaining—two precious minutes to put as much distance between myself and those wolves as possible. The terrain changed, the endless plain giving way to a more varied landscape. As the seconds ticked away, I spotted something ahead that made my heart leap—a deep cavern cutting across my path.
With the wolves' howls still echoing behind me, a reminder they hadn’t given up, I felt my magical speed slipping away. With my mana dwindling and the chasm looming before me, I knew I faced a pivotal moment. Summoning every ounce of energy—both magical and physical—I launched myself forward in a desperate leap.
For a heartbeat, I found myself suspended in mid-air, with the cavern gaping beneath me like the maw of some magnificent beast. Time seemed to stretch, and I felt like a hero from one of my own ballads, caught between certain doom and improbable triumph.
I crashed onto the opposite side, my momentum carrying me into a clumsy roll. As I tumbled, I felt the last whisper of magic leave me—my mana depleted. Scrambling to my feet, I drew my sword with trembling hands and turned around to face the oncoming wolves. If my leap wasn't enough, this narrow ledge would be my last stand.
About ten seconds later, I saw the wolves approaching me. Now was the time to tell if they would make the jump. But I was lucky—they came to a screeching stop at the cavern's edge, their snarls echoing across the gap. They paced back and forth, eyeing the distance with predatory calculation. But even their fierce hunger couldn't overcome the chasm's width. My desperate gambit had paid off—I had made a jump that even these fearsome hunters couldn't match. I distanced myself from the cavern, putting space between me and the wolves while letting my mana replenish. As their howls faded into the distance, a hysterical laugh slipped out. I had done it—survived my first genuine encounter in this strange world, pushed my abilities to their breaking point, and discovered strengths I never knew I possessed.
The realization that I wasn't alone struck me. In the distance, I noticed a set of animal tracks crossing my path, and I could hear the faint rustle of movement in the tall grass. This world, despite its dangers, was also teeming with life and opportunity. I wasn't just a helpless newcomer—I had skills, potential, and an adventure laid out before me. A hidden reason for being here hummed beneath the surface, ready to unfurl with each step I took.
I pushed on towards a forest I noticed in the distance. The area felt vulnerable; additional wolves, or something worse, would make me prey. The forest, at least, would provide cover and perhaps resources. As I walked, I wondered about what people or creatures might live there. Friends? Enemies? Teachers who could help me grow stronger? The excitement mixed with fear in my chest was intoxicating, a sense of anticipation that propelled me forward.
By the time I reached the edge of the forest, the sky was an inky black, with a crescent moon providing a faint silver glow. The trees rose tall and imposing, their branches intertwining to form a natural archway. I hesitated for a moment, feeling a twinge of uncertainty. The darkness beneath the canopy seemed almost impenetrable, full of unknown threats. The rustle of leaves in the breeze, the distant hoot of an owl—well, I think it was an owl. Small creatures scurried through the underbrush. I crept, keeping my senses alert. My destination remained a mystery, but I judged it more secure than remaining exposed.
But I couldn't afford to be scared. I'd made it this far, and the promise of adventure—of discovering what lay beyond—was too strong. I took a deep breath, tightened my grip on the sword, and stepped into the shadows.
I soon found a small clearing, surrounded by thick trees and shielded from the wind. The site was sparse, but adequate for a campsite. I gathered some dry wood, and after several frustrating attempts, got a small fire going. The flickering flames cast dancing shadows across the clearing, providing a small measure of comfort.
As I sat by the fire, I couldn't help but think about what I'd left behind—my old life, my family, my friends. Did they even know I was gone? Were they even alive? Did any of them make it through a portal? Was time passing differently here? The uncertainty gnawed at me, but I pushed the thoughts aside. I couldn't afford to dwell on what I couldn't change. I had to focus on surviving, on learning the rules of this new world.
I reached into my bag and pulled out the wolf pelt, surprised by its softness as I ran my fingers through the fur. An idea struck me—this could serve as a decent blanket for the night. Though imperfect, it offered a superior alternative to freezing. Draping it over my shoulders, I felt immediate warmth spreading through my body.
My hand brushed against the wolf's teeth I'd also kept. A thought occurred to me: I could craft these into a necklace or charm. It would be a reminder of this day, a tangible symbol of my first real fight. The idea felt primitive, yet I couldn't deny the spark of pride it ignited. I had faced a genuine threat and survived. That achievement, however small, held meaning for me.
The fire crackled, and I hummed again, a quiet tune that seemed to fit the moment. Though it lacked magic, the simple melody relaxed my tense shoulders. My voice whispered in the clearing, blending with the natural sounds of the forest. For a moment, I felt a sense of peace, of connection to this strange new world.
Tomorrow, I'd have to figure out my next steps. Find food, water, maybe even some allies if I was lucky. But for now, I allowed myself to rest, to take in the moment. The stars overhead, the warmth of the fire, the promise of adventure that awaited me beyond the darkness of the forest.
I lay down on the ground, using the wolf pelt as a makeshift blanket, and closed my eyes. The ground was hard and uncomfortable, but exhaustion soon pulled me under. My last thoughts before sleep took me were of the future—of the songs I would write, the battles I would fight, and the journey that lay ahead.