First Mission! (Part 2)

After receiving their mission briefing, the Black Squad and Nizara made their way towards the gate. This was Nizara's first time leaving the kingdom, and he noted with some surprise that they would be traveling on horseback.

Approaching the gate, Captain Zane instructed the gatekeepers, "Open the gate!" With a swift motion, the gates parted, and the squad galloped out at full speed. During the ride, Nizara couldn't help but ponder his equipment and abilities, feeling somewhat under-equipped with just his sword and a single combat move.

*Flashback*

"So Nizara, are you good at wielding a sword?" Kaila asked him.

"I'm pretty skilled with a sword, but I haven't learned how to use magic yet," Nizara replied.

Captain Zane, concerned, interjected, "Wait, you still haven't learned magic?"

Nizara shook his head.

"That's a bit problematic. Have you discovered your magic elements?" Captain Zane inquired.

Nizara nodded. "Yes, it's the Storm and Zephyr Aether."

"Perfect! Selene also possesses the Zephyr Aether," Captain Zane noted. Turning to Selene, he asked, "Selene, would you be willing to teach him a move?"

Selene, shy but willing, nodded. "I'll do my best!"

Later, in a private training session:

"Is she actually strong?" Nizara wondered aloud.

Selene, while teaching him, explained, "So you want to learn magic."

"Um, Miss Selene, you don't need to stutter so much. Just relax and teach me a move," Nizara reassured her.

"Okay, so this move is called Hurricane Strike!" Selene announced. She and Nizara stood in an open field, the wind swirling around them. She raised her staff and took a deep breath. "Watch closely. Winds of fury, gather and unleash—HURRICANE STRIKE!" she commanded, her voice powerful.

A fierce windstorm erupted, swirling around a nearby tree with immense force, tearing at its branches and leaves. Selene turned to Nizara, her eyes filled with encouragement. "Now it's your turn. Focus on the air around you, feel its power. Raise your staff and say, 'Winds of fury, gather and unleash—HURRICANE STRIKE!'"

Nizara nodded, concentrating as he raised his staff. "Winds of fury, gather and unleash—HURRICANE STRIKE!" he shouted. A powerful windstorm formed, mimicking Selene's move, and the tree shook violently under its force. Selene smiled proudly as Nizara mastered the technique.

*End of Flashback*

"I don't know what happened, but learning magic moves is easy. Maybe one day I can make a move myself," Nizara mused, smirking to himself.

Captain Zane noticed Nizara's expression. "What are you smirking about, Nizara?"

"Nothing, Captain. Just admiring the outside world," Nizara replied.

"I see, you haven't experienced much of the outside world until now. Well, brace yourself, because Villanova Kingdom is much more beautiful than you can imagine," Captain Zane said.

"Good, I'd like to explore the world more," Nizara said with determination.

After a few hours of travel, it was midnight, and the Black Squad and Nizara stopped in a safe area to rest. Captain Zane announced, "Nizara and I will keep watch. The rest of you can get some sleep."

As they sat around the fire, Nizara asked Captain Zane, "Can you tell me about this Demon Lord Xanteria guy?"

Captain Zane regarded Nizara solemnly. "Why do you want to know about Demon Lord Xanteria?"

"Everyone seems to dislike him, so I'm curious about what he did," Nizara explained.

Captain Zane sighed deeply before speaking. "Listen closely, Nizara. Ten thousand years ago, Demon Lord Xanteria wielded unspeakable power and cruelty. He plunged our world into darkness, leaving a trail of devastation that still echoes through the ages. Entire cities were razed, their inhabitants slaughtered or enslaved. Xanteria's armies swept across kingdoms, leaving ruin in their wake. His atrocities are etched into history—his name synonymous with terror and despair. We fight not only to protect the present but to prevent such malevolence from ever returning. Our duty is to ensure that Xanteria's reign remains a distant memory."

"Sounds like he did horrible stuff. What about Xanteria's artifact?" Nizara pressed.

Captain Zane's voice carried a note of caution. "Legend has it that Xanteria's Artifact, a powerful relic imbued with dark magic, has the ability to transport those who were brought to this world back to their original realms. Despite countless efforts, no one has succeeded in locating it. Its discovery could unravel the very fabric of our existence."

"I know, but for no one to have found it in ten thousand years sounds pretty crazy to me," Nizara remarked.

Suddenly, Captain Zane's attention was drawn to rustling in the bushes. Instinctively, he gripped his sword hilt. "Quiet, Nizara. I hear something moving in the bushes. Draw your sword and protect the camp."

Nizara moved toward the tent where the others were sleeping, while Captain Zane faced the approaching threat. Emerging from the darkness were monstrous wolves, surrounding Nizara and Captain Zane.

"Stay back, Nizara," Captain Zane ordered firmly. "Protect the camp."

With fearless determination, Nizara faced the leader of the pack as it lunged at him. In a blur of motion, he redirected the attack, sending the wolf crashing into a tree. Swiftly, he dispatched the other wolves with precise strikes, demonstrating newfound confidence and skill.

As Captain Zane dealt with the remaining wolves, he observed Nizara's prowess with pride. "Well done, Nizara," he praised. "Your determination saved us. But remember, vigilance is our greatest defense. There may be more lurking in the shadows."

The commotion woke the rest of the squad, who emerged from the tent to find the scene of battle. Amazed by Nizara's combat abilities, they looked on as Captain Zane commended his bravery.

"You were amazing, Nizara," Captain Zane said, patting his head. "Have you fought in battles before? You moved like an A-Rank Hunter!"

"I think I used Zephyr Aether instinctively just now," Nizara reflected. "My body moved with such speed, and the sword felt light in my hands."

"Wow! You must've used Swiftstride," Captain Zane remarked.

Nizara looked puzzled. "Swiftstride? What's that?"

Captain Zane turned to him, his expression serious yet instructive. "Swiftstride is a technique of the Zephyr Aether, wielded only by those attuned to its essence. It enhances agility and speed to unparalleled levels, allowing swift movement and evasion in the blink of an eye. Mastering it requires focus and control over the Zephyr Aether's flow through your veins."

"No wonder I moved so flawlessly," Nizara said, realizing the implications.

Nizara thought to himself, "Seems like I'm learning how to use magic very quickly. Maybe that's one of the attributes of a person who has experienced a Second Awakening? Anyways, I should focus on the mission. Here I come, Villanova Kingdom!"

*To Be Continued…*