The chimeras started to dissolve and then faded away entirely. Alex marched up the hill letting himself rest next to the now empty flagpole. Then the ground shook.
An aethereal voice spoke. “Protect the flag, defenders.”
The hill shifted and rose slightly higher as the holes that some of the chimeras had come from were sealed up. Soon after it started the process stopped. The hill now had a flat area at the top for them to fight around and a clear wrapping stairway looped the hill. New doors opened on all four sides of the dungeon and more chimeras came running out.
“Do you want to hold the flag or should I?” asked Finn.
Alex looked to the flag and then to the chimeras. “You should keep it on you. You are sturdy than me. Are you ready for this wave of enemies?”
“Are you?” asked Finn.
“Good point.” Alex scanned the chimeras approaching them and climbing the newly created staircase. “This next part seems like it may be a wave type challenge. We need to keep them away but don’t have to fight every enemy. I’ll do what I can to slow them down as usual. Try and stay up here for as long as possible but don’t be afraid to head off. Just keep them away from the flag.”
“Don’t worry,” said Finn. “I’ve got it. I’m higher level and stronger than you.” Finn tucked the flag into his belt for safekeeping.
“Not for much longer. This wave will help me skyrocket to level 25.”
The first to arrive were chimeric birds. They bypassed the winding staircase and flew straight for Alex and Finn. Alex stepped forward to meet them. With his battery drained he left it behind for when this fight was over. He drew a single dagger and waited to launch his attack. As soon as the talons of the bird tried to ensnare his arm, he channelled his magic and stabbed. The beast fluttered its wings and dropped to the ground. Alex got the upper hand and opened the bird up with his dagger. Quickly jumping back, Alex turned his attention to another chimera. There was still a half dozen in the air alone.
A few rushed past Alex their focus was on the flag. Finn was ready for the group. He channelled energy into his feet and kicked off from the ground. Finn launched toward the neared bird with his fists ready. Talons slid past his skin as he kept moving upward. His fists hit the bird causing the bird to suddenly stop. He and the bird stopped midair and started to fall. The bird was already dead before they hit the ground. As Finn’s feet touched the ground, he was already launching himself toward the next chimeric bird.
After taking down another chimera, Alex turned his head to the stairway. The land chimeras had arrived.
Finn left Alex to deal with the remaining bird chimeras. He continued to battle the incoming threats with his incredible strength and energy manipulation. He moved swiftly, his fists and feet becoming blurs as he engaged the land chimeras. These creatures were a mix of various animals – lions, bears, wolves, and more – all fused together in a grotesque yet formidable form. As they charged up the stairway. His every strike seemed to resonate with the earth itself. Shockwaves radiated outward, knocking back the charging chimeras and creating a protective barrier around him. His energy-infused fists struck with immense force, breaking through the chimeras' defenses, and leaving them in a crumbled heap.
The aerial attackers around Alex could not get more than one hit on him. As soon as they touched him, he used his disruption spell. His spell caused chaos within the chimera’s bodies. His daggers cut into the downed creatures ending their lives. Looking over his armor Alex saw the growing number of scratches in his armor. His daggers were starting to get similarly chipped. He knew he needed to upgrade his gear soon to the standard of floor 3.
Taking down the final bird Alex turned to the other chimeras. They had started to encircle Finn. He ran to join the fight. Some of the enemies turned to fight him instead. Alex adjusted his stance as the chimeras approached. He expertly swung his dagger at the throats of the creatures. He kept his focus on his echolocation to warn him of all possible dangers. As soon as they got close enough to him Alex used his magic and dagger in tandem to their greatest possible effect. The creatures resisted to his magics affect but not long after they slipped, and Alex took advantage.
Nearby, Finn kept the surrounding chimeras at bay. When he swept his leg out in a kick half a dozen of the creatures were knocked into each other. He used their numbers against each other. Using his senses Finn kept himself near as few of the chimeras as possible. Despite his smaller size and therefore reach he was a powerful force to contend with. Even as his exhaustion grew the chimeras could not break his skin. Energy surged through his fists shattering bone with every punch. They blurred in the air causing wind to crack around him. With another burst of energy Finn jumped over another enemy and landed next to Alex.
“How goes the slowing down of enemies?” asked Finn.
“Not as great as I would have liked. We need to push them off the peak of the hill, but I am out of electricity. It is also hard to know how much energy to use and how much stamina to conserve. There is no indication of the wave ending.”
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“Keep doing what you have been. I’m going to get out of here. They are more likely to chase after me.”
Finn soared into the air, deftly landing atop a chimera. Without pausing, he darted forward, nimbly evading snapping fangs and gnashing teeth as he leaped from one beast to another in a fluid, almost dance-like sequence. His feet barely grazed each creature before he propelled himself towards the hill's edge with graceful agility. As expected, some of the chimeras broke off from attacking Alex to chase after the flag instead.
The creatures were drawn to the flag like it was bait. They had one goal, and they were going to reach it. Finn drew heavy breaths as he ran. He was fast but chimeras were everywhere. As Finn stepped on another creature’s back his foot slipped and a chimera with the body of a lion grabbed him. It was fast pouncing at him at the right moment.
Finn hit the dirt with a thud. He tried to roll over, but the lion’s claws dug into his back. He let out a grunt that almost turned into a yell of pain. The claws hadn’t been able to penetrate far but the lion had the upper hand and was continuing to push into his back.
Before another chimera could go for his head or working arms and legs, Finn took a deep breath and let energy suffuse his body. He put his hands to the ground and pushed. The lion provided some resistance and the claws dug deeper.
The surge of energy within him intensified, coursing through his veins and muscles. With a primal roar that echoed across the hill, he summoned all his might and pushed against the lion chimera's strength. Slowly, inch by inch, he managed to rise from the ground, the lion's claws gradually releasing their grip.
Finn's eyes blazed with an intense fire as he stared into the lion chimera's fierce eyes. He could sense the primal instincts of the beast, its determination to subdue him, but he refused to yield. With a swift and fluid motion, he twisted his body, using his newfound momentum to break free from the lion's grasp. He landed on his feet, a few feet away from the chimera, his fists clenched and ready for the next round.
The lion chimera growled menacingly, its body tense and ready to pounce once more. Finn didn't give it a chance to strike first. He lunged forward with astonishing speed, his movements calculated and precise. He ducked under the chimera's lunging attack, his fists striking out like lightning. The impact of his blows was devastating, bones shattering under his powerful force.
As the lion chimera staggered back, Finn didn't relent. He pressed his advantage, his strikes a relentless barrage against the creature's vulnerable points. With every punch, he channeled his energy, his connection to the earth beneath him, and the fierce determination to protect himself.
Finally, with a final, thunderous punch, Finn struck the lion chimera's head, sending it crashing to the ground with a tremendous thud. The creature let out a final, weakened growl before falling still.
Finn stood there for a moment, chest heaving, sweat and dirt covering his body. He looked around realizing that the space was quieter. The remaining chimeras had dissolved. The hill remained leaving few marks of their battle. He closed his eyes and adjusted his breathing meditatively. Finn knew it wouldn’t be long before the blood, bruises, and wounds would be washed away.
His focus was broken by a yell. Alex had dropped to his hands and knees.
“Don’t fight against it,” Finn shouted while realizing what was happening. “Let the breakthrough happen. You’ve made it to level 25.”
Alex shook. His breath hastened and sweat poured down his face. He gritted his teeth as the transformations within his body started to take place. Sparks started to appear around him. They appeared sporadically and only for a few moments at a time.
“Sorry I should have warned you about this. With the monsters gone the Tower has deemed it safe for you to breakthrough the first barrier.” He looked at Alex’s hunched over form. “Again, I wish I could be of more help, but this is something for you to endure alone.”
Finn’s voice was a blur for Alex as his senses turned inward. Mana burned under his skin reshaping it. His heart felt like it was beating a million times a second. The air was drawn into him as mana entered his body fuelling the transformation. Every breath he took drew in more mana. With each passing second, he was growing and reinforcing the pathways his mana channelled through.
The lightning coursing through his veins was both exhilarating and agonizing. It surged through him, causing rapid bursts of damage and then healing in a never-ending cycle. His body adapted, repairing itself as quickly as it was ravaged, and he could almost feel his flesh knitting itself back together.
As the mana flowed through him, reshaping him, Alex became acutely aware of every nuance of his body. He felt the raw power swelling within him, as if he were a vessel about to overflow. His muscles twitched and rippled beneath his skin, and a profound sense of strength suffused him. He felt as though he could lift mountains and conquer worlds.
As the process continued, Alex's consciousness seemed to expand beyond his physical form. He felt connected to something greater, something ancient and profound. It was as if he was tapping into a wellspring of knowledge and power that had been hidden within him, waiting for this very moment to be unlocked.
Time lost all meaning as Alex's journey through this breakthrough continued. The world around him faded into obscurity, leaving only the symphony of energy and transformation echoing in his consciousness. He surrendered to the process, embracing the waves of change that surged through him, propelling him towards a new level of power and understanding.
And as the last vestiges of resistance melted away, Alex felt himself transcending, becoming something more than he had ever imagined. In a final push he exhaled and then his shaking and movements had stopped. The ravaging of the lightning and mana had stopped.
“What… happened?” Alex asked his voice cracking.
“It is ok. You are fine now. The process is over. It will have improved your abilities to process and wield your mana and related skills. Take a few minutes to look over your status and rest. We will face the next challenge when you are ready.”
Alex took Finn’s advice and kept himself seated as he went over his status.
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Name: Alex
Path: Magic (Sub-Path: Lightning)
Rating: F-
Level: 25 (1%)
Abilities (1/1):
Manipulate Electricity [F+]
Tower Points: 9420
Percent Soul Captured: 4%
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