Nox took a deep breath, his hands trembling uncontrollably. The cool night air did nothing to calm the storm of adrenaline coursing through him.
As he launched himself into the air once again, one thought consumed him: "Two can be one."
The goblin king narrowed his eyes and gritted his teeth, as if mocking Nox's foolish attempt.
"You will see, you bastard."
He called forth all the water soaked into the ground. With his remaining mana, he conjured wind into his other hand.
"Why wouldn't it work?" Nox muttered, gulping heavily as his eyes darted between the monster and his own attacks.
Time seemed to stop. Nox didn't move, only focused, moving his hands together in a combination that could obliterate anyone who stood before him. He could feel the raw power thrumming in his veins, a tension unlike anything he had experienced before.
His eyes widened as a strange blue light emanated from within him, glowing stronger with every heartbeat. The goblin even seemed surprised. Sparks of frost danced along his fingertips as the two forces inside him began merging seamlessly.
A tingling ran through Nox's arms as water and wind intertwined, cold-hot energy burning against his skin. He had never felt magic behave like this before; it was as if two separate powers had fused into one.
"Just as a thought," he said, fixating on the boss.
"Launch!"
The goblin king's eyes widened in terror as icy wind wrapped around his limbs, freezing them solid.
"That's why you should never underestimate your opponent!" Nox shouted, the thrill of his power overtaking fear.
The monster could only stare as a giant ice crystal slammed into its neck with a deafening crack, shards scattering across the grass.
Nox landed safely beneath the fallen beast, pain shooting through his core. Moonlight reflected off his silver hair and torn clothes, casting him in a heroic silhouette. [added] His chest heaved, each breath tasting of frost and triumph.
The old woman and carriage driver ran out, faces pale with fear. Both gasped at the scene, taking in the fallen goblin king. [added] Even the wind seemed to hesitate, whispering softly over the wreckage.
Silence fell across the garden.
"Are you okay, young man?" they asked in unison.
"Don't worry about me. Just go back inside. I'll stand guard," he said, dragging the corpse with a strength born of both fear and exhilaration.
Night had deepened, thousands of stars glimmering across the sky.
"I wish I hadn't said that," Nox muttered, sitting in the wet grass. [added] His hands ached, but a fire of accomplishment burned hotter than any pain.
Messages streamed into his mind, dozens at once, but he focused on the most important:
-You have unlocked the Stigma of Combination
-You have learned the skill Freezing Wind
-You have learned the skill Ice Crystal
"So, the creature's message… was 'combine'," he realized, confusion giving way to awe. [added] His pulse raced as he recalled flashes of the dream, the cryptic words finally clicking into place.
More messages appeared.
-You have defeated a Goblin King
-You have obtained Level 1 Boss Crystal
-You have obtained Goblin King's Bat
"What even are these things?" he whispered.
Two messages appeared as if reading his thoughts:
Level 1 Boss Crystal: Lowest grade crystal which drops from a boss. Can be used to produce stat rings
Name: Goblin King's Bat
Grade: Rare
Type: Equipment
Description: A wooden bat, which can change its size based on the user. +200% damage against goblins when equipped
Nox carefully read the descriptions, imagining how he could use them in the trials ahead.
"Wow, that's not so bad. With these two new skills, I should pass the entrance exam for the academy."
Excitement mingled with a sense of purpose he had never felt before.
The sun rose, filling the warm air of early summer. Nox entered the carriage, waving at the old woman.
"I can finally sleep a little," he said, letting his eyelids droop as the carriage rattled over bridges and winding mountain paths. The cool air brushed his face, carrying the faint scent of pine and river water.
When he awoke, the city walls rose like stone giants. Crowds bustled below, soldiers and merchants mingling in the streets. Before them stood a massive gate.
A tanned soldier approached.
"May I see your identification, please?"
Nox handed over the paper.
"Oh, heading to Yom Academy's entrance exam, huh? Good luck," the soldier said. His laugh was almost too loud, as if he was mocking him.
"It seems they expect one to fail," Nox muttered.
"Only five percent pass," the driver added, glancing back.
Nox's jaw tightened, determination settling over his fear like armour.
Passing the city gates, they entered a nearby building. The carriage disappeared.
"No carriages allowed here," the driver said. "You'll need to use teleportation gates."
"Okay, thanks. I'll find my way," Nox replied, handing the man a gold coin before stepping out.
"I heard there are tons of items and crafting stores here. I want to check them all out."
The streets were crammed with people who rushed in and out of countless stores. Nox's gaze, however, was drawn to a big marble building where bearded dwarfs worked, crafting items with precision.
"Do you take orders?" he asked.
"If you have the materials," one dwarf replied without looking up.
"How about this?" Nox pulled out the boss crystal. The dwarf's eyes gleamed as he inspected it.
"Not bad for a young one. I can make you a stat ring."
Ten minutes passed and the crystal formed into a soft-glowing ring. With excitement, Nox slid the item onto his finger.
"That'll be five silver coins."
He handed over a gold coin. The dwarf frowned briefly, then handed him ninety-five silver coins in change.
Nox smiled, examining his new item:
Please select one of the following stats to increase: Strength, Stamina, Agility, Mana
Without having to think much, he selected the fourth option.
Name: Mana Ring
Grade: Rare
Type: Ring
Description: You can only wear two rings at once, +5 Mana.
A warmth spread through him, mana pulsing stronger, making his new skills feel lighter, easier to control. He flexed his fingers, testing the flow, and a grin crept across his face.
Continuing down the street, Nox approached the academy.
"How would you even call that… more like a small village," he thought, unable to close his mouth in awe.
Before him, streets and restaurants were nestled within a large wall, ending at the massive castle of Yom Academy. From the main street, he could see towering walls, fluttering flags, and students practicing bursts of magic on sparring grounds.
"Well, now I see why it's called the most prestigious magic academy in Britannica," he thought, stepping toward the castle that would shape his future—or confirm his dreams as foolish. The weight of anticipation pressed against his chest, but it fuelled his steps forward.