Bandits Strike. Almost Eaten?
I spent a few days in Lumina, resting and gathering supplies for the journey ahead. I also took the opportunity to study more of the Kitsura clan book that Aunt Morrigan had given me.
The spells came to me naturally, as if they were a part of me all along. I learned to manipulate the elements, to heal wounds, and to create illusions that could deceive even the sharpest eyes.
But, some spells, particularly the offensive ones, I learned much quicker than others. Each spell was meticulously detailed, with instructions on how to harness the elements and channel our ancestral magic.
They were powerful and required precision, focus, and a deep connection to the magic within me. Here are some of the spells I learned, written in the ancient script of our clan, automatically translated for my understanding:
Inferno Strike, Tempest Slash, Earthquake Stomp, Aqua Lance, Thunderbolt Fury, Shadow Bind, Blazing Barrier, Ice Shard Volley, Spectral Flames, Gale Force Blast.
These spells I hope would allow for more versatility and power during any unforeseen confrontations.
One afternoon, while exploring the market in Lumina, I met a woman named Anara who sold enchanted trinkets and potions. Her stall was filled with shimmering crystals and vials of glowing liquids.
"Good day to you," Anara greeted me with a warm smile. "What can I help you with today?"
"I'm looking for some supplies for my journey," I replied, returning her smile.
"Of course," she said, her eyes twinkling with curiosity. "Where are you headed, if you don't mind me asking?"
"South, towards the Kingdom of Nyx," I said, trying to sound confident.
Anara's expression turned serious. "That's a long and dangerous journey. You'll need all the help you can get."
She showed me various items, explaining their uses and enchantments. I bought a few potions for healing and protection, as well as a small charm that was said to ward off evil spirits. Anara also gave me a piece of advice.
"Beware," she said. "I heard rumors of Demonic Fae clashing at the borders. Always stick to the road and always look into the distance to spot their traps."
I nodded, noting my quickened heart rate. I've never encountered a creature of the magical races. Well, I am a magical being myself but still, I've read something about the fae being really cute and adorable.
"Thank you, Anara. I will most definitely heed your warning. Take care," I thank Anara and take my things.
As I left her stall, I couldn't help but feel an appreciation to the people of Lumina. They were kind and wise.
During my stay in Lumina, I also visited the Great Library, a massive structure filled with countless tomes and scrolls. There, I spent hours poring over ancient texts, learning more about the history of Zorene and the magic of the Kitsura clan.
I discovered that our ancestors had once been revered as powerful guardians of the land, their magic feared and respected by all.
One evening, as I sat in a quiet corner of the library, I came across a passage about the Kitsura clan's most powerful spells. These spells were said to be able to control the very elements of nature, to heal even the most grievous wounds, and to create illusions so real that they could deceive even the gods. I knew then that mastering these spells would be crucial to my journey and my survival.
After a few days of rest and preparation, I left Lumina and continued my journey south. The path led me through dense forests and over rolling hills.
One evening, as I made camp in a small forest clearing, I heard rustling in the about 10m away.
My senses on high alert, I reached for the dagger Morrigan had given me. A minute later, a group of bandits emerged from the underbrush, their eyes filled with malice and greed.
"Look what we have here," one of them sneered, his gaze raking over me. "A pretty little thing all alone in the woods."
I stood my ground, gripping the dagger tightly. "Leave. Don't force me to kill," I said, my voice steady.
The bandits laughed, advancing on me. "Feisty, aren't you?" another said. "I like that."
Rage surged within me, and I felt the magic of my ancestors awaken. The pendant around my neck glowed softly, and I knew I was ready. Instincts I didn't know I had kicked in, and I prepared to defend myself.
The first bandit lunged at me, but I sidestepped, slashing the dagger across his arm. He cried out in pain, clutching the wound. The others hesitated, taken aback by my speed and precision.
"She's got some fight in her," one of them said, pulling out a rusty knife. "Let's see how she handles this."
They attacked in unison, but I was ready. The magic within me surged, and I moved with a speed and grace I hadn't known I possessed. I immediately cast the Earthquake Stomp skill, quickly knocking those advancing off their feet. I also used Spectral Flames which singed another's arm off.
One by one, the bandits fell, either wounded or too frightened to continue.
I may be a princess, and never fought any real battles, I am an Elementalist Mage who trained daily with Sir Reginald. My combat instincts and knowledge are quite sharpened.
Our minds are much faster than a normal person's. Not to mention my heritage as a Kitsune. My power, even in this state, is still stronger than the average Elementalist.
In the world of Terra, only Nobles can harness the mana that permeates the air. According to history, Nobles are somehow connected to the magical beings of the ancient past.
From the earliest records, anyone with a mana affinity has been deemed a Noble, possessing at least a trace of magical blood from an existing, long-extinct or near-extinct magical creature.
Every kingdom must have a Noble family, specifically a Royal Family, whose Bearer possesses the highest purity of magical blood.
In Noble society, the ranks of power, achieved through rigorous study and practice, range from low to high: Initiate, Elementalist, Arcane Master, Grand Magus, and Celestial Sage.
As an Elementalist, the second rank, I command more elements than an Initiate. Typically, Initiates are children, as most individuals progress to the Elementalist stage by the age of 16.
The last man standing, presumably the leader, looked at me with wide eyes, fear written on his face. "Y-you are a Noble?" he whispered, backing away.
"No, I am a survivor," I said coldly, watching as he turned and fled into the forest.
Breathing heavily, I looked around at the fallen men. They were still alive, but they wouldn't be troubling anyone for a while. I sheathed the dagger, feeling a sense of relief and exhaustion wash over me.
I searched the bandits for anything useful, finding a small amount of Terra gold and some basic supplies. It wasn't much, but it would help me on my journey.
Continuing south, I encountered various people and places, each adding to the rich tapestry of Zorene.
In a small village, I helped a farmer repair his broken pipes, and in return, he offered me a place to rest for the night and a hearty meal.
In another town, I met a traveling merchant who shared tales of distant lands and gave me a map to help guide my way.
One particularly memorable encounter was after I traveled for a month, I had stumbled upon an elderly herbalist named Miri. Her old cottage nestled deep in a forest, its garden bursting with vibrant herbs and flowers. Miri welcomed me warmly, offering me tea and a chance to rest.
"You have the look of someone on a great journey," she said, her eyes twinkling with wisdom and something else I couldn't put my mind to.
"I am," I replied, sipping the fragrant tea. "I'm traveling south to the Kingdom of Nyx."
Miri nodded thoughtfully. "A dangerous path, but one you seem destined to walk. Trust in your abilities, and don't be afraid to seek help when you need it."
As the words left her mouth, I felt an odd sensation from the pendant around my neck. The pink stone pulsed gently, sending a wave of urgency through my body. I glanced down, my hand instinctively grasping the pendant, and a thought entered my head, 'Leave now.'
I set the teacup down, the liquid inside now appearing more ominous than comforting. Miri's gaze lingered on me, her smile never faltering, but the twinkle in her eyes had shifted to something more predatory.
"Thank you for the tea, Miri, but I must continue my journey," I said, standing up abruptly.
"Already? But you've only just arrived," she replied, her tone still sweet, but her eyes betraying her disappointment.
"Yes, I'm afraid I have to. There's still a long way to go," I said, trying to keep my voice steady.
Miri's smile faded slightly, replaced by a look of frustration. "Very well, but take care, dear. The forest can be treacherous."
As I hurried out of the cottage, the pendant's glow dimmed, and I felt a profound sense of relief wash over me. The whispers in my mind subsided, leaving me to ponder the narrow escape.
Once I was a safe distance away, I realized the pendant had saved me from a grim fate. I could hear the old lady thrashing and throwing things around in her cottage.
She kept saying incomprehensible things, but one thing i made out though were these words: "My dinner slipped right through my hands!" That made me shudder as I knew she was speaking of me.
'What a stupendous pendant this truly is. My ancestors are still so powerful!'
As I continued south, the landscape began to change. The forests grew denser, the air cooler. I passed through small hamlets and villages, each with its own unique charm and stories.
The people I met were kind and curious, often offering me food and shelter in exchange for tales of my travels.
Finally, after two months of travel, I arrived at a small town near the border of the Kingdom. The town was quaint and peaceful, a welcome respite after the long and arduous journey.
It was a bustling hub of activity, with vendors selling their wares, children playing in the streets, and the scent of fresh bread wafting through the air.
It was a stark contrast to the solitude of the road, and I welcomed the opportunity to rest and relax for a bit knowing I had about a week's journey before I am out of the clutches of Malvina's hands and in a place unknown but safer than home.