Mysterious shadowy creatures

Alex wasn't worried about Ruby's safety. As a King level powerhouse, she was practically invincible in this backwater town. Who could possibly threaten her?

Alex, meanwhile, would use this time to master the earth magic book. It was a welcome break from their hectic schedule.

...

Time flew by, and soon evening arrived, the sky darkening as the sun dipped below the horizon. Alex closed the earth magic book, rubbing her tired eyes.

Her understanding of the book's contents had deepened, her control over earth magic becoming more fluid, more instinctive.

It would take an ordinary mage at least a year to master a mid-level magic book, but Alex's affinity for magic was exceptional. She had learned it in a matter of days.

"Maybe I'm a magical prodigy," she mused, gazing out the window.

The setting sun bathed the small town in a golden light, creating a picturesque scene.