SNAP!
WHOOSH!!!
Kai appeared atop a hill overlooking a city completely different from Ather. Before him stretched a view that reminded him of ancient Japan—but with a strong magical touch.
Kazora City.
Wooden buildings with red and gold tile roofs were neatly arranged along the mountain slopes. Large temples with curved roofs stood majestically at several strategic points, decorated with giant torii gates that glowed with magical light. Most striking was the thin smoke flowing from various workshops, where famous blacksmiths created their masterpieces.
"This city has also developed rapidly..." Kai muttered while walking down the hill toward the city. His bluish-gray eyes observed the architectural changes that blended tradition with modern magical innovation. "Still making magical swords... that resemble... katanas."
tap... tap... tap...
Kai entered the city gate guarded by two giant stone dragon statues. His eyes were immediately drawn to the city's residents—mostly elves with unique characteristics.
The elves in Kazora were different from typical elves. Their long hair was tied in various traditional styles—some in high buns with golden hairpins, others in intricate braids with silk ribbons, and some left flowing with magical sakura flowers that never wilted. Their clothing consisted of yukata and kimono modified with magic-resistant materials.
What made them special was their unique ability—summoning spirits.
TING! TING!
Kai stopped in front of a sword workshop. Inside, he could see a male elf with long silver hair tied high, forging a katana. Beside him, a small blue fire spirit helped regulate the furnace temperature, while wind spirits swirled to cool the newly forged metal.
"Amazing..." Kai murmured softly, his gray-blue eyes observing the harmony between the blacksmith and his spirit helpers.
A female elf with long black hair tied with a golden ribbon looked toward Kai. "Are you interested in magical swords, young man?"
"Just observing," Kai replied in his usual flat tone.
"Hmm..." the female elf smiled. "You have a strange aura. You're not from around here, are you?"
Before Kai could answer, he had already snapped his fingers.
SNAP!
WHOOSH!!!
And disappeared, leaving the female elf stunned.
---
[SCENE BREAK - WHISPERING SHADOWS FOREST]
In a place far different, the atmosphere was completely opposite to Kazora City's tranquility.
GRROOOAAARRRR!
A thunderous roar echoed among the dense, tall trees. Whispering Shadows Forest was famous for its giant trees with dark purple leaves, creating strange shadows that seemed to whisper with unclear voices.
CRASH!
A small girl was thrown out from behind some bushes, rolling several times on the ground before rising with agile acrobatic movements.
Ren Yue.
Her black hat with red ribbon was slightly askew, her wizard robes dirty with soil and leaves, but her bright orange eyes still sparkled with enthusiasm. Before her, a large bear-like monster with black fur and glowing red eyes stepped out from the darkness.
Shadow Bear - Level 35
"Hehe, you're pretty big," Ren grinned while taking a fighting stance. "But I'm not scared!"
WHOOSH!
The monster attacked with giant claws, but Ren was no longer there.
TAP!
Ren landed nimbly on a tree branch, both hands already casting spells.
"Yuelin Technique - Qi Breath, Fire Spiral!"
Ren took a deep breath, qi energy flowing through her body's meridians, then she exhaled while spinning her body like a tornado.
FWOOOOSHHHH!!!
A glowing orange fire spiral shot from her mouth, spinning at high speed toward the Shadow Bear.
BOOOMMM!!!
A tremendous explosion shook the forest! The surrounding trees caught fire, and the Shadow Bear was thrown back, crashing into several trees before collapsing with a body full of burn wounds.
THUD.
Ren landed elegantly, wiping her mouth with the back of her hand while smiling satisfied.
"Told you so," she muttered proudly while looking at the motionless monster. "Quests like this are easy!"
But her pride didn't last long.
RUSTLE... RUSTLE...
The sound of rustling leaves came from all directions. Ren's orange eyes widened when she realized that the Shadow Bear from earlier was just... a cub.
GRROOOAAARRR! GRROOOAAARRR! GRROOOAAARRR!
Three adult Shadow Bears, much larger, emerged from the darkness, their red eyes blazing with fury because their young had been attacked.
"Eh... ehehe..." Ren laughed nervously while slowly backing away. "Looks like... I picked the wrong dungeon..."
CRASH! CRASH! CRASH!
All three monsters attacked simultaneously!
WHOOSH!
Ren leaped high while activating her martial arts technique.
"Yuelin Technique - Thousand Shadow Steps!"
FLASH! FLASH! FLASH!
Ren's body became blurred, leaving afterimages as she moved at high speed between the attacks of the three Shadow Bears.
PUNCH! KICK! PUNCH!
A combination of qi-enhanced physical attacks hit the monsters' vital points, but their large size made Ren's attacks less effective.
SWIPE!
One of the Shadow Bear's claws managed to slash Ren's arm.
"Agh!" Ren was thrown back and landed hard on the ground.
Blood trickled from her arm, but her eyes still blazed with determination.
"Alright... looks like I need to get serious," she muttered while standing up and taking a different stance.
WHOOOOSH!
Much larger qi energy began gathering around Ren's body. Her hair fluttered despite the absence of wind, and her orange eyes began glowing like burning flames.
"Secret Yuelin Technique..."
The three Shadow Bears sensed the threat and attacked simultaneously.
"DRAGON BREATH - PHOENIX EXPLOSION!!!"
FWOOOOOOSSSHHHHH!!!
A giant phoenix-shaped fire burst from Ren's mouth, spinning with incredible power!
BOOOOOOOOMMMMMM!!!
A tremendous explosion shook the entire forest area! Trees toppled, the ground cracked, and when the smoke cleared...
THUD. THUD. THUD.
All three Shadow Bears lay helpless, their bodies charred.
Ren stood in the middle of the destruction while panting, her robes tattered but a proud smile plastered on her face.
"Hehe... told you so," she wiped sweat from her forehead while laughing cheerfully. "I don't need a partner!"
DING!
[Quest Complete: Investigation of Whispering Shadows Forest]
[Bonus: Eliminated Shadow Bear Family - Threat Level Reduced]
[EXP Gained: 2,500]
[Reward: 50 Gold Coins + Shadow Bear Fur]
"Yes! Rank B, here I come!" Ren cheered while jumping with joy.
[TO BE CONTINUED...]