The sound of horses' hooves echoed on the dirt road. The carriage, pulled by two old horses, rocked lightly as it passed over the rocks.
I sat by the window, gazing out at the dense forest that was drawing nearer. Natsu as usual got carsick, while Lucy was intently reviewing the mission papers.
"The monster is called a Grall Hound ," Lucy explained. "It's a ferocious dog with hard scales on its back. Villages complain about it attacking their livestock."
Natsu beamed. "Heh, that sounds fun! I'm going to burn that monster to the ground!"
I didn't say anything. I just stared at the dark forest ahead.
"Partner, I can sense wild magical energy around here. That monster seems unusual."
I nodded slightly. If Ddraig said that, then this battle wouldn't be simple.
—
We arrived at the small village in the late afternoon. The villagers greeted us with weary faces. An old man approached us.
"Thank you for coming… these past few nights, our livestock have been torn apart by that monster." Her voice trembled, her eyes filled with worry.
I bowed briefly. "We'll handle it."
Natsu patted his chest. "Leave it to us!"
Night is approaching.
We hid behind a wooden fence, watching the cattle pens. The cold air was piercing, and the tension made time pass slowly.
Suddenly, a long howling sound echoed.
ARROOOO!!!
A large creature jumped out of the forest.
Its body was two meters tall, with jaws filled with sharp teeth. Gleaming black scales covered its back, and its eyes glowed red.
"He's coming!" Lucy prepared with the Celestial Spirit key in her hand.
Natsu immediately leaped forward. "Fire Dragon's Iron Fist!!!" His flaming fist slammed into the side of the monster's face, an explosion of flames lighting up the night.
However, the Grall Hound only staggered slightly. Its black scales glistened, as if Natsu's flames hadn't penetrated it.
GRAAAWRR!!! The monster retaliated by swinging its sharp claws at Natsu.
I moved. The Boosted Gear on my left hand glowed red.
"Boost!"
Power surged through my body. I ducked, blocking the monster's attack with my left arm. The claw struck the Boosted Gear, sending up sparks.
"He's so hard…" I muttered softly.
"Boost!"
Energy surged again, my body getting heavier but full of strength.
I spun around, delivering a powerful kick to the monster's stomach. BOOM! The Grall Hound's body flew backward, shattering the wooden fence.
Natsu's eyes widened. "Oi! You're strong, aren't you!"
I didn't answer. My eyes focused on the monster that was rising again.
Lucy immediately called out the key. "Open, Gate of the Lion! Leo!"
A golden light appeared, and Loke stood there with a calm smile. "Leave the rest to me, Lucy."
Loke punched quickly, golden light hitting the monster's side. But once again, the black scales blocked most of the attack.
—
I felt something. Dark energy seeped from the ground into the Grall Hound's body. Its scales pulsed, as if absorbing the wild magic of the forest.
"He's no ordinary monster…" I whispered.
"Partner, that's right. This monster is contaminated by dark energy. If left unchecked, it could evolve into something far more dangerous."
I clenched my fists. Boosted Gear glowed again.
"Boost! Boost! Boost!"
Energy surged repeatedly. My chest felt tight, my muscles trembled, but I didn't stop.
I ran forward, jumping high. Red light enveloped my feet.
"Scarlet Impact!!!"
The kick struck the side of the Grall Hound's head with double the force. BOOM! A burst of red energy ripped through the air. The monster staggered violently, its scales cracking.
Natsu refused to be outdone. Fire enveloped his entire body.
"Fire Dragon's Roar!!!"
A huge blast of fire shot out, hitting the already faltering monster.
GRAAAAHHH!!! The last howl echoed before Grall Hound'sbody burned, then fell motionless.
A moment of silence.
I stood there, breathing heavily, my left hand trembling. The Boosted Gear's energy was still burning, but it was slowly subsiding.
Lucy leaned in closer, her eyes wide. "You… are amazing…"
I just lowered my head, not saying anything.
Natsu patted my shoulder with a big smile. "You're strong, even though you're quiet. I like your fighting style!"
I glanced at him, then turned my gaze back to the forest. In my heart, I knew:
This is just the beginning.