The forest opened into a valley bathed in soft silver light. Towering silver-leafed trees swayed gently, their leaves shimmering like starlight. A crystal-clear river wound through the valley, reflecting the dawn in glimmers of green and blue.
Kazuki led Lyria cautiously, Moon-Bone Blade in hand, eyes scanning every shadow. Though the valley seemed tranquil, the tension in the air told a different story.
"This… this is beautiful," Lyria whispered, her voice soft, almost reverent. "This is a hidden sanctuary—protected by ancient elven wards. Few outsiders have ever seen it."
Kazuki nodded. "Then we'll rest here. Recover fully. And prepare for whatever comes next."
THE ELVEN ALLIES
At the heart of the sanctuary stood a small village carved into massive silver trees. Bridges of woven vines connected platforms high above the ground.
As they approached, figures emerged from the shadows—elves clad in lightweight armor, carrying spears and bows. Their expressions were wary but curious.
A tall elf with short, silver hair stepped forward, bow in hand. His aura radiated discipline and experience.
"You are Kazuki… the human who defeated Sylrion's Moonfang Division," he said calmly. "And you've brought Lyria… alive."
Kazuki lowered his blade slightly. "I've done what I had to do. Who are you?"
"I am Eryndor, a sentinel of the Silver Leaves. We were dispatched to protect the sanctuary from Moonfang scouts. And now… to decide if we can trust you."
Eryndor's eyes lingered on Lyria. "Princess Moonveil… you survived. That is fortunate."
Lyria gave a faint nod, still weak. "Yes… thanks to him."
Kazuki felt a faint warmth spread through his chest. Lyria trusted him—not just with her life, but with the truth of her bloodline.
TRAINING AND PREPARATION
Over the next several days, Kazuki trained alongside Eryndor and the other sentinels.
Moonlight Blade techniques were honed against moving targets, enhancing precision and speed.
Lunar Step drills allowed him to move almost invisibly, dodging arrows and magical traps.
Lyria taught Kazuki to fuse mana with his Moonlight Aura, creating temporary shields and energy bursts.
Kazuki also experimented with monster materials to forge small enhancements:
Reinforced Moon-Bone Blade tip for armor penetration
Sharpened fang edges for critical strikes
During training, Kazuki felt the effects of his Double EXP passive—every kill simulation or training hit leveled him faster than normal, allowing skill mastery in days rather than months.
Eryndor watched quietly, nodding in approval. "You are improving faster than any human I have ever known."
THE FIRST AMBUSH
On the fourth night, the sanctuary's quiet was shattered. The air shimmered with faint mana—Moonfang scouts had infiltrated the outer perimeter.
Kazuki and Lyria rushed to the edge of the village, crouching behind silver trees.
"They're scouting us," Kazuki said, narrowing his eyes. "And they know we're here."
Lyria's hands glowed faintly. "We should draw them in… use the sanctuary's terrain to our advantage."
The first scout appeared—a humanoid elf clad in black armor, short sword drawn. Kazuki stepped forward, Moon-Bone Blade gleaming.
[Enemy Detected: Moonfang Scout — Level 16]
The scout lunged. Kazuki activated Lunar Step, dodging the strike and countering with Moonlight Blade, cutting the scout's weapon in half.
Another scout appeared, wielding a spear. Kazuki's Predator's Strike activated automatically, enhancing his next blow. He sidestepped and struck with a lightning-fast arc, sending the scout sprawling.
Lyria supported from behind, sending bursts of green magic to heal minor injuries and disrupt enemy attacks.
The battle escalated as more scouts emerged—five in total, all elite, all coordinated. Kazuki moved like a phantom, Moonlight Blade slicing, Lunar Step dodging, Predator's Intuition anticipating each attack.
The scouts fell one by one, either incapacitated or retreating into the shadows. Moonlight and green mana intertwined, creating dazzling displays of silver and emerald energy across the valley.
LEVEL UP & NEW SKILLS
As the last scout fled, the system chimed:
Ding![LEVEL UP! → Level 19]
Ding! New Skills Unlocked:
Moonlight Fusion Lv.2: Amplifies both Kazuki and Lyria's abilities when in proximity.
Mana Resonance (Passive): Synchronizes mana flow with allies, increasing spell potency.
Critical Instinct: Increases chance of landing critical hits when facing multiple enemies.
STATUS UPDATED:
Level: 19
HP: 410/410
Strength: 52
Agility: 60
Endurance: 46
Intelligence: 30
Skills: Lunar Step Lv.2, Moonlight Blade Lv.2, Moonlight Aura Lv.1, Predator's Intuition Lv.2, Adrenal Surge Lv.2, Silver Pulse, Double EXP, Moonlight Fusion Lv.2, Mana Resonance, Critical Instinct
Titles: The Undiscovered One / Moonblood Warrior
Equipment: Moon-Bone Blade (Enhanced)
Kazuki exhaled heavily, wiping sweat and mana residue from his arms.
Lyria approached, resting her hand on his shoulder. "You… are amazing. Faster than I ever imagined."
Kazuki smiled faintly. "We're stronger… together. But this is just the beginning. Moonfang will keep coming."
Eryndor appeared behind them, nodding gravely. "You've earned your place here, human. But the war is far from over. Sylphria's elite will not stop until the prophecy is fulfilled… or destroyed."
Kazuki tightened his grip on the Moon-Bone Blade. Moonlight pulsed along its surface, silver and lethal.
"Then we won't stop either," he said firmly. "We'll survive. We'll grow. And we'll fight for every step forward—together."
The sanctuary's silver leaves rustled gently, as if agreeing. Above, the moon shone brightly, watching the Moonblood Warrior and the princess who had trusted him with her life.
END OF CHAPTER 13