The dense forest was eerily silent as we moved deeper into its shadowy depths. The fresh scent of earth and leaves mixed with something fouler—the unmistakable stench of goblins and ogres. Our group pressed forward, swords drawn, eyes scanning for movement among the trees.
Peter halted, raising a clenched fist. "We're close," he whispered. "They should be up ahead."
I could hear them before I saw them—low, guttural chattering, the sound of rustling foliage, and the occasional stomp of something much heavier. Goblins were annoying pests, but ogres? They required actual skill to bring down.
Solution stepped closer to me, her golden eyes gleaming. "Alex-sama, allow me to take care of them," she whispered.
I shook my head. "No. I need to refine my Elemental Breathing Techniques. This is good practice."
She looked displeased but obeyed, stepping back with an almost pout-like expression.
Peter nodded toward the clearing ahead. "Alright. We'll take the left side. You two handle the right."
"Fine by me," I said, tightening my grip on my sword.
The goblins spotted us almost immediately. A shrill screech rang out, and the clearing erupted into chaos.
Sword of Darkness rushed forward, engaging their half of the enemies with practiced ease. Peter led the charge, his sword cleaving into the nearest goblin. Lukrut's arrows found their marks, piercing skulls with deadly accuracy. Dyne called upon his druidic magic, roots and vines lashing out at their enemies, while Ninya chanted incantations, sending magical bursts of energy into the fray.
I turned my attention to the right side—my half. A dozen goblins, armed with crude weapons, snarled as they rushed me. Behind them, two ogres lumbered forward, their massive clubs raised.
I exhaled, steadying my breath.
"Elemental Breathing… First Form: Flaming Torrent!"
With a powerful thrust, flames erupted from my blade, engulfing the leading goblins in a blazing inferno. Their agonized screams were short-lived as they were reduced to charred husks. The fire spread, catching others in its wake.
The remaining goblins hesitated, fear flickering in their beady eyes. But the ogres? They weren't so easily intimidated.
The first ogre roared and charged, its club swinging toward me like a falling tree. I sidestepped the attack, feeling the rush of wind as the club smashed into the ground, leaving a crater.
"Elemental Breathing… Second Form: Waterfall Slash!"
I brought my blade down in a smooth arc. A glowing blue energy, like a cascading waterfall, crashed onto the ogre's thick hide. A deep wound opened across its chest, and it staggered back, roaring in pain.
The second ogre swung its weapon wildly, forcing me to jump back. The goblins, seeing an opportunity, lunged at me from multiple angles.
I smirked.
"Elemental Breathing… Third Form: Gale Force!"
I spun in place, my sword carving through the air. A swirling vortex of wind energy erupted around me, turning my attack into a deadly whirlwind. Goblins were sent flying, their bodies torn apart by the razor-sharp wind. Leaves and debris scattered, adding to the storm's chaotic beauty.
The first ogre tried to recover, lifting its club once more.
I wouldn't give it the chance.
"Elemental Breathing… Fourth Form: Thunderclap Flash!"
A burst of yellow lightning crackled around me as I shot forward, my speed leaving an afterimage behind. In an instant, I was upon the ogre, my sword slicing clean through its thick neck. Its head tumbled to the ground, followed by the rest of its massive body.
The last ogre bellowed in rage and swung wildly in its desperation. It was slow. Predictable.
I stepped forward, planting my feet firmly.
"Elemental Breathing… Fifth Form: Stone Shatter!"
I raised my sword high and brought it down with immense force. A massive, glowing rock formation appeared for an instant before crashing into the ogre. The sheer impact shattered the club in its hand, sending shards flying in all directions. The force crushed the beast's chest, leaving it gasping for air before collapsing.
Silence.
I exhaled, relaxing my stance.
On the other side of the battlefield, Sword of Darkness had just finished their own fight. They were breathing heavily, bruised but victorious.
Peter turned toward me, his expression a mixture of awe and disbelief. "That… that was insane."
Lukrut whistled, clearly impressed. "You just wiped them out like they were nothing. What the hell was that technique?"
I sheathed my sword. "Just something I've been working on."
Ninya pushed up his glasses, still processing what he had just witnessed. "That kind of swordsmanship… I've never seen anything like it before."
Dyne rubbed his chin. "The way you used fire, water, wind, and even lightning… it's almost like magic, but it felt different."
Solution, who had been watching the entire time, smiled proudly. "Alex-sama is far beyond ordinary adventurers."
Peter laughed, shaking his head. "No kidding. You could probably take on a platinum-ranked quest by yourself."
I smirked but said nothing.
As we gathered proof of our kills—goblin ears, ogre fangs—I could feel the way Sword of Darkness was looking at me. Admiration. Curiosity. Maybe even fear.
~~~
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