Chapter 7: New Powers

Confusion and disbelief overwhelmed the guards as they witnessed the inexplicable events unfolding before their eyes. An indescribable sensation enveloped them, leaving their hearts pounding and their breaths dry. Fear, a foreign emotion to these hardened soldiers, gripped their souls.

One of the guards, his voice trembling, muttered,

"What the hell happened? How can this be?"

None of them had encountered anything like this in their entire lives, rendering them speechless and unable to find the right words to describe their feelings. Little did they know that what they experienced was a long-forgotten emotion that Allen had grown numb to over the years—fear.

Their instinct for self-preservation kicked in, and the guards swiftly turned their backs, fleeing from the scene. Allen remained steadfast, kneeling beside the unconscious Lilith, channeling healing magic to mend her injuries. The sapphire glow of his spell worked swiftly, restoring her to full health within seconds.

"Arcan's knowledge proves to be quite useful,"

Allen thought, acknowledging the benefits of the pain he had to go through.

With Lilith now fully healed, Allen gently laid her on the ground, covering her with a towel he found in one of the guards' bags. Knowing that she needed rest, he decided to let her sleep for a while, her safety assured.

Meanwhile, the guards, having put a considerable distance between themselves and Allen, engaged in a fervent argument, trying to comprehend the inexplicable events they had just witnessed.

"What the hell was that? I've never seen anything like it in my life!" one guard exclaimed in disbelief.

"How am I supposed to know? I've never experienced anything like this before either!"

another guard retorted, his voice filled with panic and confusion.

Little did they know that Allen, having moved with astonishing speed, was now standing right in front of them. As they attempted to retreat, their panic intensified when they realized they were trapped by the shadowy figure that resembled Allen.

"You're too slow," Allen declared calmly, his words piercing through the air, leaving the guards frozen with shock.

The guards, paralyzed by fear, watched as one among them desperately launched a magical attack—Cutting Wind, he shouted. The resulting explosion seemed promising, but their hopes were shattered when the dust settled, revealing Allen standing unharmed and resolute.

"This body is remarkable!"

Allen exclaimed, his voice filled with awe.

Panic and tension gripped the guards, their confusion deepening as they grappled with the reality before them. They had never experienced such fear and uncertainty in all their years of service.

"It's time for you to witness its power as well!" Allen proclaimed. He chanted words that were foreign and ancient, his body enveloped in a brilliant white light—a sight that belonged more to legend than reality.

"White mana?! How is this possible?" one guard exclaimed in disbelief.

"Virya!" Allen softly uttered, and a pure white beam erupted from his palm, disintegrating everything in its path. Most of the guards were reduced to nothingness, while one lone survivor, paralyzed with fear, remained rooted in place.

"I need to learn to control this power. I miscalculated the strength of that attack," Allen pondered, acknowledging the need for better mastery over his newfound abilities.

Stepping toward the petrified guard, Allen's resolve remained unyielding. The guard pleaded for mercy, begging for his life, but Allen paid no heed, swiftly severing his head from his body.

Meanwhile, Lilith had awakened, her body nestled under the comfort of a clean towel. Her injuries were healed, save for her severed horn, a reminder of the ordeal she had endured.

"What happened? Was it Allen who saved me?"

Lilith wondered, her gaze searching the surroundings for any sign of Allen's presence. As if in response to her thoughts, she spotted Allen approaching her, a changed man. His muscles appeared more defined, and his injuries had miraculously vanished, leaving behind only faint scars.

Allen's eyes met Lilith's, filled with relief and a hint of vulnerability. Without hesitation, he closed the distance between them and embraced her tightly.

"Thank the heavens you're safe,"

Allen murmured, his voice filled with genuine gratitude.

Blushing slightly, Lilith gently pushed him away, a mix of embarrassment and gratitude shining in her eyes.

"What are you doing?"

she asked playfully, trying to mask her own relief at his presence.

Allen, a sincere smile on his face, met her gaze.

"We still have to clear this dungeon in order to leave,"

he reminded her, determination evident in his voice. "Let's face the challenges together, Lilith."

As they stood in the dimly lit dungeon, Lilith couldn't help but feel a surge of gratitude for having Allen by her side. She nodded, her trust in him unwavering.

"Yes! We'll conquer this dungeon together."

With renewed determination, Allen and Lilith ventured deeper into the labyrinthine halls, ready to face whatever trials awaited them. Their bond strengthened with each step they took, their resolve unyielding as they marched forward, the echoes of their footsteps filling the dungeon.

To Be Continued...