Changing Tide

Lucius thought that he could take a brief moment to recover and figure out his next move, however, the Alpha Deer had no plans to let that happen.

All of the efforts made by Pavi, Rena, Nate, Maribel, and Michael were simply being shrugged off. It appeared none of them had any weapon compatibilities, so the Alpha Deer simply let the attacks hit it.

The children started to feel dread set in. Apparently, the monster could have simply shrugged off their attacks any time it wanted. Lucius noticed the monster seem to puff its chest up in pride.

This thing could crush them any time it wanted, but let them think they had a chance to work against it. Slowly, the monster walked towards Lucius who was still sitting on the ground.

He began to stand, but still had no weapons in his hand.

'Hey kid. Want a hand?' Grimm whispered into his head.

'What you going to help me now too. Just like Luz?' Lucius asked him. His heart started to beat faster.

"Run! Quickly! It wants me!" He found himself shouting. He didn't know why he did that. They were just a bunch of strangers…though two of them were marked like he was…was that why?

'Nah, you still aren't ready for me yet, kid. But…I know the other guy gave you a technique…I know how to make it stronger.' Grimm offered. His raspy tone took on deeper and deeper dark undertones.

'What's the price?' Lucius gulped.

'Free of charge this time. See it as…a thank you…for the name. I like it. Do you accept? It is only a hint, does not come with any power from me.'

He shuddered as he could almost feel that the being was smiling.

'Sure. I accept.'

'Good. No take backsies! Look at the ground behind you, just to the right of the tree you're slumped against. Use that to fight. Trust me…just this once at least.' Grimm's voice faded away, followed by an echoing chuckle that sent shivers down his spine.

Lucius of course did what he was told. Even though its prey was moving around, the deer simply let him move. Just to the right of the tree was a weapon…of sorts…sticking out of the dirt.

The blade was heavily rusted and the cutting edge was beyond dulled by time. It was a machete. Likely one used by a farmer kid that had taken the trial a long time ago.

He looked at the rusted weapon incredulously, but at this moment he had nothing to lose. Even the dagger strapped to his thigh was rather pointless given how everyone else had done nothing to really hurt the monster on their own.

At least the machete was bigger and had further reach…

Lucius cleared his head and grabbed the handle of the weapon. He was prepared to use the trick from Luz, so why not listen to Grimm as well. Grimm was creepy as hell, but he seemed to want to keep Lucius alive for some reason.

The moment that Lucius wrapped his hand around the handle of the junk blade, he felt a rush of knowledge enter his brain. It was similar to when he was granted the knowledge of Beast Arts, though much, much less intense.

"[Forsaken Arts: Gouging Strike]!" he shouted while spinning around and swinging towards he beast that had finally reached him.

The monster yowled in pain and leapt back. It wouldn't put it's front, right leg on the ground and blood dripped from a massive tear just above the knee.

Lucius eyed the monster. "Tough luck, huh?"

He was only feigning confidence. This still was not anywhere near enough to defeat this monster. Despite the fact he found himself with increased strength, speed, and reaction times thanks to suddenly being granted the Novice Rank thanks to his Forsaken Arts, he had struggled to survive when he had access to Intermediate Rank temporarily.

Lucius also did not fail to notice the confused and concerned looks he was being given by the noble girl, Rena. There was a complicated expression on her face after he used his skill.

A few seconds after having backed off from its opponent, the deer's leg stopped bleeding and it rested it's hoof on the ground again. Lucius had forgotten that magical beasts and monsters could often heal quickly from smaller injuries.

"Alright then…One last trick…" Lucius hissed. He took a deep breath and slowly released it. A pale glow began to erupt from the mark on his hand. His breath completely visible as if they were in the dead of winter.

Rena and the others couldn't help but subconsciously step back. Lucius looked the deer straight in the eyes before calling out the skill Luz gifted him. "[Celestia's Grace: Heavenly Blade]"

Rust that was marring the entire blade slowly began to evaporate. Starting at the tip, a dull, blue glow spread downward towards the hilt.

The entire area was filled with this blue light for several seconds and when it finally dissipated, Lucius stood there with a glowing, single-edged blade. Rena's jaw dropped.

Lucius had no idea what this meant for his mark, but Luz told him it had two meanings. One that Luz represented and one that Grimm represented. This ability was from Luz.

"Let's try again." He taunted, "[Forsaken Arts: Gouging Strike]!"

Faster than the first time, he swiped at the Alpha Deer's leg. It was able to jump out of the way, but Lucius did not let up. He continued to press the attack. Swiping once, twice, three times in rapid succession, he continued to push it back. None of the strikes connected, but he beat the deer back all the same, creating many openings that Nate, Pavi, Maribel, and Rena attempted to press.

Confidence started to build, when suddenly…

"[Flamma: Fire Bolt]"

"[Aqua: Water Shot]"

"[Ventus: Wind Blade]"

Three different spells smacked the deer in the neck simultaneously, knocking it to the side. When the smoke and steam disappeared, Lucius was met with the dying eyes of an angry monster.

It seemed the deer was insulted to be taken out by someone who was not its mortal enemy. To be honest…Lucius felt much the same.

"Hello, cousin." A voice called out.

He had not noticed their approach before, but a group of six children entered into the same clearing. Three of them were boys who had hair in different shades of red, and looked somewhat similar to Rena.