41 Danger, Again? (I)
I blink at Darius, uncomprehending.
"You know, Elsa? Let it go?"
I shake my head.
Darius sighs. "What, do you live under a rock? Just patch it up with some ice and let's go."
"Ice. You want the horse," I jab my finger at our mare, "to walk on ice?"
Darius thinks it over for a second. "Okay, that might not be the best idea."
"It's a ludicrous idea. Why would it even occur to you?"
"Um… like I said. Elsa. Never mind."
I snort. "Any other brilliant suggestions?"
He scratches his head, surveying the area. "Maybe we could find a narrower section to cross downstream?"
Our planning is interrupted by a thunderous crash. I whirl around, startled by the sound.
A massive, hulking creature barrels down the slope towards us. Instinct takes over and I dive to the side, rolling with little grace to push back onto my feet and take a better look.
My breath catches. It's a bear, but not like any I've ever seen. Patches of fur are missing, revealing pulsing red flesh beneath. Its eyes glow an eerie crimson, fixed on us with feral intensity.
"Darius, what the hell is that thing?" I hiss.
"Not sure, but it's going to be tough." His voice is calm and steady, giving me a little courage.
The bear lunges, impossibly fast for its size. I dive out of the way again, this time rolling smoothly to my feet.
I summon my mana, feeling the chill of frost magic gathering in my palms. The bear charges, a roar ripping from its throat.
[Furious Bear casts Fear!]
[Mental fortitude has activated.]
[You are immune to fear.]
Thank God.
I thrust my hands forward, releasing the spell at its feet.
"[Frost Nova]!"
It's been a while since I've missed, and this time, I do it spectacularly, freezing the ground in front of the beast.
Thankfully, it still renders my spell useful as the bear slips. I hastily cast again and ice crystals encase the bear's legs. For a moment, it's trapped, straining against the frozen prison. I allow myself a small smile of triumph.
Then the ice shatters, and the bear is free.
"What?" I stare in disbelief as it shakes off the remnants of my spell like they're nothing.
Darius shoves me. "Stop staring and keep moving! It's too high level for your ice to hold it."
The bear lunges again, claws outstretched. I barely manage to dodge, feeling the wind of its passing. My heart pounds in my chest. This thing is going to kill us.
I cast Frost Nova again, but it's just as ineffective as before. The bear barely slows, red eyes blazing with hunger. I grit my teeth as another deafening roar rings in my ears.
[Furious Bear casts Fear!]
[Mental fortitude has activated.]
[You are immune to fear.]
Channeling my mana, I thrust my hands forward, aiming for its head.
"[Firebolt]!"
Searing flames erupt from my palms, slamming into the bear's face. It rears back, howling in pain as the fire scorches its eyes. Seizing the opportunity, I concentrate, feeling the familiar rush of power as I summon several flaming arrows.
[You have gained expertise. You have created a new skill.]
[You have acquired a new skill: Flame Barrage Lv.3]
[Achievement unlocked: Prodigy of Magic II (LEGENDARY)]
"[Flame Barrage]!" The words come out of my mouth unconsciously, thanks to the new skill creation.
A multitude of arrows streak forward, embedding themselves in the bear's hide. It thrashes wildly, still blinded, the arrows' flames licking at its flesh. I watch, heart pounding, as it stumbles in my direction.
"Darius, run!" I yell, turning on my heel and sprinting away.
The bear's thunderous footsteps follow close behind. I dart in different directions, my lungs burning, desperate to put distance between us. But the bear seems to sense my movements. It's faster than me, and catching up; running is a death sentence.
I slow my pace, listening intently for the bear's approach. As it barrels towards me, I dive to the side, rolling across the ground. I can smell its singed fur as I evade it just in time. The bear, unable to change course, rushes past me.
I don't waste a second. Channeling my mana, I unleash another Firebolt at its head, the flames searing the bear's sensitive nose and eyes. It rears back, roaring in pain and confusion again.
"[Flame Barrage]!" After all, it worked the first time.
And it does again, the bear shrieking in pain.
"How much more HP does it have?" I yell at Darius, who follows closely behind me. I pant heavily, sweat dripping down my face as I watch the bear thrash in agony from my Flame Barrage. "Darius! What's its health at?"
He eyes the beast warily. "I'd estimate around 50% HP remaining."
Half? After all that? I groan. I'm not used to drawn-out battles.
An idea sparks in my mind—a risky move, but one that could end this if I pull it off.
My gaze darts around, locking onto several massive boulders scattered nearby. Perfect. I take a steadying breath, centering myself as I reach deep within, gathering every ounce of my mana. I can feel it swirling inside me, a raging torrent begging for release.
[MP: 265/345]
The bear shakes its head, those eerie red eyes starting to regain focus. It's now or never. I grit my teeth and thrust my hands forward, channeling all my power.
The air grows thick and heavy as an immense force ripples outward. The boulders shudder, then slowly rise into the air, defying gravity itself. The bear pauses, seeming to sense the sudden shift in its environment.
I can feel the strain, my arms trembling as I manipulate the gravitational forces. Sweat pours down my face as I concentrate with every ounce of control I can muster.
[You have gone beyond your limitations. You have achieved a new magic affinity. You have created a new skill.]
[Achievement unlocked: Mage of All Trades (UNIQUE)]
[You have acquired a new skill: Gravity Well Lv.1]
With a primal shout, I release the spell, and the boulders come crashing down like meteors from the heavens.
"[Gravity Well]!"
The first one slams onto the bear's back with a sickening crunch, driving it to its knees. Another strikes its flank, and then another across its hindquarters. I don't relent, raining boulder after boulder down in a brutal onslaught.
The bear howls in anguish, those cries swiftly choked off as I bring the full weight of the avalanche down upon it. Within moments, the once mighty beast lies motionless, entombed beneath tons of unforgiving stone.
[MP: 230/440]
Darius groans. "Uh-oh."
"What?"
"There's another one."
* * *
[Achievement: Prodigy of Magic II (LEGENDARY)
Description: Congratulations, Player! You have achieved a second legendary feat of magic within the tutorial. Are you even human? Are you… a God?
Rewards:
Title Augment: Your existing title of "Prodigy of Magic" has been augmented.
+30 INT
+75 MP
+2% Efficiency
+200 Fame]
[Achievement: Mage of All Trades (UNIQUE)
Description: Your innovative creation of a new elemental affinity has sparked wonder and admiration among fellow practitioners of magic. You stand as a trailblazer in the realm of mystical exploration.
Rewards:
+10 INT
+20 MP
+5% Critical]
* * *
˻˻˻ARIA LUCARIS˼˼˼
HP: 430/430
MP: 440/440
Level 9 (LOCKED)
Race: Human
Sex: Female
Class: Mage
Title: Prodigy of Magic, Bride of Fate
˻˻˻STATS˼˼˼
STR: 13
STA: 13 (+10)
AGI: 13 (+4)
INT: 136 (+15)
PER: 13
CHA: 15
Bonus Points: 3
Total Points: 203
˻˻˻COMBAT AFFINITY˼˼˼
ATK: 13 (+20)
DEF: 23 (+35)
˻˻˻BOOSTS˼˼˼
Critical: 5.00%
Accuracy: 0.00%
Efficiency: 27.00%
˻˻˻UNIQUE STATS˼˼˼
Fame: 750
˻˻˻SKILLS˼˼˼
Active: Firebolt Lv. 2, Frost Nova Lv. 2, Flame Barrage Lv. 3, Gravity Well Lv. 1
Passive: Free Cast Lv. 2, Mental Fortitude Lv. 2, Bonded Lv. MAX
