Gripping the sword, Leo leaned forward, his legs coiling like springs. He then launched himself forward, disappearing from sight like a bolt of lightning. The force of his departure created a soft boom, and a cloud of dust rose, scattering around the area.
Ai, who had been standing beside the old lady, bowed deeply. Almost simultaneously, she and the cats vanished into thin air, leaving the villagers in awe of the extraordinary display they had just witnessed.
The villagers stood frozen, mouths agape as they watched the dust settle. Whispers spread like wildfire among them, their awe palpable. "Did you see that? No one’s moved like that since the King," one murmured, eyes wide with disbelief. Another nodded, fear and hope mingling in their gaze. "Maybe... maybe he can succeed where others have failed."
Leo sprinted through the forest with incredible speed, the scenery around him blurring into a mix of green and brown. Trees whipped past him, their leaves rustling wildly in the wake of his passage. The forest floor, dotted with fallen leaves and underbrush, seemed to fly beneath his feet. His movements were fluid, almost a dance, as he navigated through the dense foliage with precision and grace.
As he dashed through the forest, his mind raced alongside his body. The dungeon ahead held unknown dangers, and despite his newfound power, the uncertainty gnawed at him. Could he face whatever lurked inside? His grip on the sword tightened. He had to. Not just for himself, but for Amanda, for Roxanne, and for the guild.
Animals in the forest, startled by his sudden presence, scattered in all directions. Deer leaped away with wide eyes, birds took flight in a flurry of feathers, and smaller creatures darted into their burrows. Even the monsters lurking in the shadows reacted with a mix of fear and confusion, sensing the overwhelming power and speed of the intruder.
Every few moments, Ai and the cats would reappear beside Leo, only to vanish again as they struggled to keep up with his breakneck pace. This mechanic was reminiscent of certain game mechanics, where pets or NPCs following the main character would teleport to catch up if they lagged too far behind. In some games, these followers would match the main character's speed, but here, they flickered in and out of sight, always a step behind yet never truly left behind.
The forest was a living entity around Leo, its sounds a symphony of nature's chaos. The rustling of leaves, the distant calls of birds, and the occasional growls of hidden predators blended into a background melody to his swift journey. His senses were heightened, the adrenaline of his run sharpening his awareness of every movement and sound around him.
As he ran, the sunlight filtering through the canopy above created a strobe-like effect, casting dancing shadows on the ground. The sword in his hand glimmered, reflecting the light in bright flashes as he moved. Leo's focus was unwavering, his mind set on reaching the dungeon ahead.
"Are we on the right path to the dungeon?" Leo asked, his voice steady despite the wind rushing past.
Unauthorized duplication: this narrative has been taken without consent. Report sightings.
Roxanne's voice echoed in his mind, calm and reassuring. "Yes, we're on the correct route. At this speed, we should arrive in a few minutes."
Leo pressed on, his pace unwavering. He expertly dodged and leaped over trees, roots, and the occasional animal or monster that crossed his path. His agility and precision were unmatched, each movement fluid and calculated.
As they neared their destination, the forest began to thin, and the atmosphere grew heavier. The once vibrant sounds of the forest faded, replaced by an eerie silence. The front of the dungeon loomed ahead, its presence ominous and foreboding. Dark energy seeped from the entrance like dry ice, spilling across the ground and creating an unnatural fog that clung to the air.
Leo slowed his pace, taking in the sight before him. The dungeon's entrance was a gaping maw of darkness, exuding a malevolent aura that sent shivers down his spine. He couldn't sense any animals or monsters within a 2-kilometer radius, as if the dark energy repelled all life.
"This place is intense," Leo muttered, gripping the hilt of his sword tighter. The glimmering blade seemed to pulse with anticipation, ready for the challenges that lay ahead.
He stood at the threshold, the oppressive silence weighing down on him. With a deep breath, he steeled himself for what was to come. The journey so far had been swift and relentless, but the true test was just beginning.
Leo took a cautious step forward, the air growing colder with each passing moment. Suddenly, a strong gust of wind blew through the entrance, lifting leaves into a swirling dance that ascended towards the sky. He instinctively looked up, following their upward flight.
As he did, Ai and the cats appeared beside him, their forms flickering into existence. Her presence was steady and reassuring, and the cats' eyes glinted with a mix of curiosity and readiness.
----------------------------------------
Back in the capital, the guild hall was a hive of activity. Adventurers and clients bustled in and out, the air filled with the sound of animated conversations and clinking armor. The line for receiving rewards stretched long, a testament to the guild's thriving success.
In a secluded corner of the hall, Amanda was busy assisting Suga and Elois in forming their elite roster, the force that would lead the guild's efforts in conquering the World Tower. Elois began their conversation by listing their top ten elite members.
Suga handed a stack of papers to Elois, who laid them out one by one on the table. The papers, however, numbered only eight. The names of the adventurers displayed were: Talia, Shel, Elois, Kidd, Eldric, Boris, Luth, and Leo.
Suga, noticing the discrepancy, frowned. "Why isn't Amanda on the guild's elite list?"
Before Elois could respond, Amanda spoke up, her voice calm and steady. "Given their level and power, I don't deserve to be among them. For the World Tower raid, the elites will be deployed in pairs with their teams. Right now, I'm not convinced I can contribute effectively."
She paused, determination and humility shining in her eyes. "And if I were to be deployed, I'd join Leo's team."
Elois looked at Amanda, nodding with understanding. "Your honesty is appreciated, Amanda. We need everyone at their best for these kind of raids."
She then remembered something she wanted to ask Amanda about Leo. She tilted her head slightly, her eyes narrowing thoughtfully, fingers tapping lightly on the table as she leaned in.
"Amanda," Elois began, her tone curious but gentle, "how do you feel about being a mother figure to Leo?"
Amanda's eyes widened, her usual animated self shining through. She shifted slightly, her hands moving expressively as she spoke. "Claire? Are you talking about Claire?" she asked, a hint of confusion in her voice, her brow furrowing as she tried to understand her question.