Tuesday, April 14th.
For a full week, Fyar focused on training with his squad. Their training ground was a high plateau in the mountains a vast grassy field flanked by two majestic mountain peaks. A clear river flowed along one of its sides, originating from a waterfall visible in the distance. The air there was cool and fresh, and the landscape was dominated by strange trees with light-blue leaves that rustled softly whenever the wind blew.
Sometimes in his spare time, Fyar would spend it enjoying the scenery, or stop by Cyhas’s shop in the city.
Clang!
Rasie launched a vertical slash, his fire-enveloped sword clashing with Fyar’s katana. The heat from the fire could be felt on Fyar’s face, but he managed to block the attack with a solid stance.
"Oi, purple hair! Is this all you’ve got huhhh come on!!!" Rasie barked with a grin. He leaped backward, swinging his sword to the side to show off its flames.
Fyar gave a cynical smile. "well," he replied. He then muttered softly, "Neutralize."
Instantly, his katana blade was enveloped in a dense purple aura that pulsed slowly. He lowered his stance slightly, ready to attack.
He charged forward. The moment Fyar’s katana made contact with Rasie’s sword, the fire on Rasie’s blade went out instantly, like a candle being blown out. The force behind Rasie’s swing also felt drastically weaker.
Seeing Rasie’s surprise, Fyar didn’t waste the opportunity. He took a step forward and launched a quick kick into Rasie’s stomach.
"Ugh!" Rasie staggered back several steps. He saw Fyar already preparing his next slash. However, just as they were close enough, Rasie quickly swung his now-flameless sword. Fyar reflexively blocked it. Because Rasie’s magic was neutralized, Fyar easily parried the sword, knocking it out of his grip.
Fyar continued his attack, trying to sweep Rasie’s legs to make him fall. However, the effect of Neutralize had worn off. Rasie, feeling his strength return, reflexively supported his body with his left hand and thrust his right palm forward. Instantly, a burst of flames shot out from his hand. Fyar was forced to jump back to evade.
Fyar’s breath was slightly ragged as he landed. He saw Rasie now grinning widely at him.
"Again you!!" Rasie shouted.
Fyar didn’t answer. He gripped his katana tighter. The fight resumed. Rasie was more cautious now, not just relying on his fire power. He moved nimbly, his sword slashing and thrusting from unpredictable angles, forcing Fyar to remain on the defensive. The air around them grew hot every time Rasie swung his sword.
Fyar remained calm, his eyes focused on his opponent’s every move. His katana moved with precision, parrying each attack with minimal movement. He was waiting, looking for the right opening.
Tsk, I can only use one Neutralize skill. And its effect only lasts for five seconds. I need to level up faster!
"Purple hair?! Giving up already?!" Rasie shouted.
Fyar gave a thin smile. He saw Rasie preparing a wide, horizontal slash. This was his chance. Just as the flaming sword approached, Fyar activated Neutralize again.
"Fyar has improved rapidly since getting his powers back. I wonder what type it is? Void? Void absorbs, but his neutralizes," Zaefal said while chewing on some bread. He was sitting under a blue leafed tree, observing the fight from a distance.
Illya, sitting beside him, gave a slight nod. "He’s amazing."
Zaefal swallowed his bite. "He wouldn’t answer when I asked what type his power was." He leaned his back against the tree trunk.
Illya was silent for a moment, her eyes still focused on Fyar and Rasie, who were now still fighting. She then sighed. "Everyone has their secrets, Zaefal. We can’t force him. If he wants to, he’ll tell us one day."
Zaefal gave a light laugh. "Well, you have a point."
After the afternoon sky began to turn orange, they ended their training. They packed up their belongings and prepared to head back to the city.
"When are we going to take a quest?!" Rasie asked, slinging his bag over his shoulder.
"A quest, huh..." Zaefal murmured, stroking his chin as his eyes gazed at the horizon. He then looked at his comrades. "Do you guys want to take another quest already?"
Fyar turned to Illya. "Illya."
"Yes, Fyar?" Illya replied.
"What kind of quests do you usually take?" Fyar asked.
Illya placed her index finger on her cheek, her eyes looking upward. "Hmm, what was it... it depends. In the fifth to sixth months, because it’s the monster season, we usually take quests to kill monsters in various areas."
Monster season... what does that mean? No, don’t ask. Fyar shook his head slightly. "Other than that?"
"Other than that... hmmm...oh yeah! Usually, there are quests like investigating something, or jobs from nobles and merchants. Well, jobs from them are usually escorting or delivering an item. That’s about it, Fyar, we usually take quests that don’t have too high of a risk," Illya explained.
Fyar nodded. "I see." He then turned to Zaefal.
"When are we taking a quest?"
"Ooh, look! Even the purple-haired guy is thirsty for blood and quests!" Rasie exclaimed in a high-pitched voice, pointing at Fyar.
"I’m not thirsty for blood!!" Fyar retorted.
"You want a quest now too?" Zaefal shook his head slowly. But yeah... taking a quest isn’t a bad idea... it would even be better if the quest could raise their levels. I also need to get to level 50 soon, Zaefal thought to himself.
He then clapped his hands once, drawing everyone’s attention to him. "Alright. I’ll go to the hall to pick up a quest tomorrow. You all just wait at the inn."
"We want to come choose too!" Rasie protested, raising his hand.
"No no! The last time you chose, we ended up taking an A-rank quest!" Zaefal replied without hesitation.
"Tch," Rasie hissed.
"Any objections?" Zaefal asked, looking at Illya and Fyar.
Fyar and Illya shook their heads in unison.