SHIKARI’S HUNTING GAME (11)

"Retaliate?" Arex questioned, curious about what Leomold might be planning at this point in time.

Should there have been something that the two of them had neglected to discuss prior to the game even beginning, it would have been their strategy for combat while they were actually playing the game. 

Leomold was only able to convey the fundamentals to Arex in order for him to comprehend how Shikari's hunting game was being played because there was such a limited amount of time left for them.

"Yes, you can't simply plan to avoid Lady Roxina all the time." Leomold quickly replied. 

"Of course, not." And Arex promptly asserted back.

He could not bear the thought of running away from Roxina, as if he were a helpless creature desperate to escape. It felt eerily familiar, reminiscent of their initial encounter, an experience that Arex had no desire to relive. 

After narrowly escaping from that relentless woman, he had stumbled upon a newfound power that might just be able to hold its own against her. Even though Roxina was more powerful than he was at the time, Arex continued to show signs that he did not want to continue running away any longer. This was despite the fact that Roxina was obviously more powerful than him now.

"Then retaliate. You have the blue flames that could give you temporary invincibility. Perhaps, you can try to utilize it for another purpose." Leomold eventually suggested.

This resulted in a crease appearing on Arex's forehead. He was perplexed because he did not know exactly what Leomold meant by that, which left him feeling confused. "What do you mean exactly about me utilizing it for another use?" Arex asked.

"If you are looking to harness the power of the blue flames in a more aggressive manner, consider standing up and experimenting with controlling the flames to create offensive attacks or even shaping them into weapon-like forms." 

Arex had an epiphany just as a result of the manner in which Leomold had explained it to him. 

"The rest of you have been looking very powerful with your strange-looking variations of scythes, and I have been observing them. Because of this, I am not entirely certain, but I might try to think about making one out of the blue flames." With a confident stance, Arex spoke, his palms open and ready. 

As he held out his hands, a mesmerizing burst of vibrant blue flames flickered to life between his palms. There was a gentle, ethereal glow that engulfed their surroundings, casting a faint blue hue that subtly colored the forest with hints of indigo.

"What comes next, Leomold?" After successfully releasing the blue flames, Arex wasted no time in asking his question.

Leomold, on the other hand, could not help but fix his gaze on Arex, as he perceived an unsettling aura surrounding the manner in which Arex conjured the flames. He could not resist the urge to cross his left arm over his right, while his right hand gently caressed his chin. 

"For some reason, I have the impression that there was something wrong with the situation. Typically, creating elemental scythes out of blue flames is currently considered to be quite impossible. They are typically bestowed upon individuals by the esteemed grand necromancer, exclusively reserved for authorized Shikaris. Unless you possess the unique ability, only then would it be conceivable for you to potentially create one." Leomold tried his best to explain, even though he could not be certain.

The ability of a human, an aberrant jinnx, to manipulate elemental scythes that were typically made available to shikaris, particularly high-ranking shikaris such as the seven lords of the Black Parade, has never been documented in the history of Necropolis. 

And if Arex were able to accomplish this, Leomold believed that this would be the first time that such a feat had ever been documented.

Nevertheless, Leomold found it intriguing to inquire about the possibility that an individual such as Arex might be able to wield an elemental scythe in a mysterious manner.

And yet, despite the fact that Arex had engaged in a great deal of effort to create one, he was unable to make it happen whatsoever. Arex would be able to observe how it would eventually disappear in an instant the moment that he would eventually complete the process of crafting one.

"This is so frustrating!" Arex wasted no time in voicing his complaint. His patience wore thin in an instant. He asked Leomold, "Why does it always disappear?" but Leomold is adamant in his belief that it was because Arex was not yet a Shikari. He insisted that this was the reason for the disappearance.

"With that being said, we have to take into consideration the possibility that the reason you are able to use the elemental scythe is because you are not yet an official shikari." Leomold Answered. 

"But without the ability to transform it into a scythe, how could I possibly stand a chance against Roxina? Dodging her relentless attacks on a consistent basis was not going to allow me to emerge victorious in this game." Arex retaliated with a prompt response at the same time. His annoyance was one of the things that was contributing to his frustration because it was so overwhelming.

"For the time being, why do not you make an effort to formulate an alternative plan of action?" After some time had passed, Leomold eventually proposed the idea.

"Like what kind?" Arex asked, feeling utterly perplexed about how to handle the situation, as he struggled to comprehend how to utilize his mysterious blue flames as an offensive skill.

Leomold contributed another idea by suggesting, "Why not try with basics like flame shots?"

"Flame shots?" Arex inquired, his voice tinged with uncertainty The words hung in the air, tinged with curiosity and a hint of disbelief. Uncertain of the usefulness of conjuring flame shots, he pondered the potential benefits should he encounter Roxina in the future.

"Yes, flame shots. If you could produce flame shots at least, it wouldn't even be bad once you come across Roxina later on."

"However, relying solely on flame shots does not provide a guarantee of victory against her. You said yourself that she had become even more formidable now that she has become the blind."

"What is important now, Arex, is that you possess both the means to attack and the means to defend. There is hardly any time to improve your skills, really. Having the ability to manifest at least one offensive skill will be enough for the time being." Leomold responded with a hint of reproach, as if scolding Arex for his stubbornness.

Arex let out a heavy sigh, attempting to process all the information that Leomold had just shared with him. After acknowledging Leomold's valid point, Arex reluctantly attempted to bring his palms together once again.

With unwavering focus, he honed his abilities, determined to master the art of conjuring flames that would not flicker out before serving their purpose. Arex poured his heart and soul into his endeavor, fully committed and unwavering in his dedication. As he attempted it once more, Arex's eyes widened in astonishment as a blazing blue fireball materialized in his hand and collided with the tree trunk, creating a sturdy hole and leaving a lingering wisp of smoke around it in the end.

Arex's voice trembled with disbelief as he asked himself, "Did I... actually manage to pull it off?"