Re: Turning
Meiolania Nest
Seven people set foot in a dark cave. Passing through the narrow entrance, the inner interior instantly expanded. The ground inside slid downwards, towards the dark world below the surface. Shinnichi felt a familiar atmosphere.
“It's dungeon..?” Shinnichi wondered.
“There is such a theory, sir.” A Beastkin cat girl replied. Ramley was in front of Shinnichi, holding his glowing wand. Light up the road ahead. “But, the monsters created inside the dungeon can't get out. So, the theory was crossed out.”
“Oh, true also.” Shinnichi nodded. A little relieved he did not re-enter the dungeon. After all this time there, he did not want to rush back into a dungeon.
“Do you often descend into the Dungeon, Shinnichi-san?” Jane asked. The cleric was wearing a nun-like outfit.
“Only once.” Shinnichi shrugged his shoulders.
Their conversation stopped there. Gruzzex raised her hand. Signify them to stop. Up ahead, a 7-meter-wide ravine gaped up. Under the darkness, one can fall if they are not careful.
Gruzzex glanced towards the hooded figure beside her. “Sam, please check.”
The assassin nodded wordlessly. With a single swift movement, he jumped over the abyss without a constraint. Check the other side like Gruzzex said. “Aman.” His mysterious voice reached the rest of the party.
“Good, we'll jump it. Higg, get Jane. Ramley, please help Shinnichi-dono through this ravine.” Gruzzex gives the command before jumping. Despite wearing armor, he easily passed that 7-meter distance.
“Siap.”
“Good!”
“Uhuk, pe-excuse.”
“Thank you, Higg-san.
Embarrassedly, the Beastkin Bear man raised Jane with both hands. Bringing the woman like a bride. Fortunately, their red faces were covered in darkness. Shinnichi, on the other hand, could see them clearly. His eyes were used to this kind of darkness. He just kept watching the interaction. Love does not look at race, he thought.
Higg jumps while carrying Jane smoothly. Meanwhile, Ramley reads incantations for his magic.
“Oh Sylph, lend us your wind. [Wind Magic: Zephyr Boots].”
Wearing an intermediate level wind magic, Romley and Shinnichi floated in midair. A gust of wind was created under their feet. Lift them up easily.
“Well, lean the master's body forward to move. Like this.” Ramley pointed out how to get through the abyss. Shinnichi followed him easily.
Actually he can easily jump over the ravine, but Shinnichi does not want to look disrespectful. Gruzzex is the leader of the party, at least he needs to show a little manners. He'll be following Gruzzex for a while.
The journey back continues. Shinnichi followed behind Ramley in the middle. Jane and Higg are in the back and Gruzzex is in the front. This time, Sam walked first. Check for traps, traps or monsters that may be ahead.
“Lord a witch ‘right? If I may know, what magic do you master?” Ramley asked suddenly. A little surprising to Shinnichi.
“Ramley, it is impolite to ask such a thing.” Higg reprimanded the attitude of the white cat Beastkin. Asking one's strength is certainly inappropriate behavior. Especially to strangers like Shinnichi. Isn't that the same as asking for weakness?
“A-ah, I'm sorry..” Ramley's cat's ears descended in lethargy.
“Ah, I don't mind.” Shinnichi shrugged his shoulders.
Everyone in the party turned towards Shinnichi. Actually it's not just Ramley who is curious about the strength of this one young man. But, no one dared to ask but Ramley.
Shinnichi raised his hand. He created a faint blue-colored Mana sphere in an instant. Beautifully swirling on top of her hand.
“Hmm? White Magic?” Ramley's a little confused. “Specialty master in the field of white magic?”
Shinnichi nodded.
White magic is the basic level in magic. This magic focused on controlling pure Mana. There are no elements like other magic. This magic is very easy to learn by anyone. Magic schools do not want to bother teaching their students white magic because it is considered a waste of time. Ramley is no different. To him, white magic was just magic that was useful for powering magic equipment.
Different for Shinnichi. White Magic was the first magic he mastered. He defeated a Hero using this simple magic. For someone as untalented as him, creating a ball of any kind became a pride.
Ramley looked at Shinnichi strangely. How can white magic defeat an army of Meiolania who have scales resembling steel? He knows Shinnichi has magic or other abilities. Like a strange cocoon that enveloped him this afternoon or a strange weapon that blew the head of a Meiolania to pieces.
“You do not use sharp weapons?” Gruzzex asked. He saw some of Meiolania's bodies cut off.
“Or a hammer?” Higg asked. Remember a Meiolania with its head smashed like a watermelon and a small crater. Like a heavy object.
Shinnichi clasped his hand. Eliminate the Mana ball.
“I also have some hidden cards.” Shinnichi smiled faintly. It is almost invisible behind the dark cave. He walked back. “You'll see it later.”
Shinnichi pulled out an apple. He started eating it. The party did not understand Shinnichi's words. They went back down to that vast cave.
An hour and a half passed. They found some roads. However, with Sam leading the way, they always find the right path. The Assassin class seemed to have the ability to detect traps and surprise attacks. Shinnichi will remember this, even though he does not have an Assassin class.
“Enemies in front.” Sam whispered. Enough to be heard by Gruzzex and the others. “Two Meiolania.”
Gruzzex nodded. “We must kill them with silence.“ He drew his sword and looked back. “Higg.”
The beastkin bear nodded. He also unsheathed his Longsword. He's moving forward with the Gruzzex. Sam disappeared without a trace, according to his class. In the back, Shinnichi looked at them with his glowing left eye. Using [Soul Eye], he could see the souls of living beings around.
‘There are three Meiolania. Didn't Sam see it?’ Shinnichi saw three yellow lights. Shinnichi uses his dark magic.
“Kra?” a Meiolania turned towards the dark passageway. Meiolania in front of him also turned his head.
“”-!?””
Suddenly, something tied their mouths. Prevent them from making sounds. A snake? A tail? They don't know. Behind them, a Meiolania seeekor appeared. Her once transparent skin is now clearly visible. A black object shut its mouth still.
A moment later, Gruzzex and Higg ran with light strides. Their eyes were rounded, aware that there were three Meiolanians. However, their experience as adventurers taught them not to panic. They were after the nearest Meiolania, while Sam appeared above the second Meiolania.
Under the darkness, they were unaware of the black matter covering the mouths of those monsters. Their blade plunged into one of Meiolania's weaknesses; its lifeless cavity. Kill them instantly. Sam churned with agility, ending the life of the third Meiolania
“Danger...” Higg Mumbles. “If we are one second late, we can die surrounded.”
“...” Gruzzex pulled out his sword. He looked towards Sam who lowered his head. “Sam, did you see the third Meiolania?”
“…. I didn't see it...” Sam doesn't understand. He clearly saw only two Meiolanians. Where did this Meiolania come from? He regretted that he had almost put his party's life at risk.
“Meiolania is camouflaged,” Shinnichi said. He, Ramley and Jane walked up to them.
“Camouflage? He hid himself?” Gruzzex doesn't trust his ears. In history, there is no mention that Meiolania can change their skin.
“””-!?”””
Shinnichi raised his hand, or rather the Abyssal Mist. This time, its shape was similar to a rope that branched into three. Of course to shut the mouth of the three Meiolania. Quickly, Shinnichi turns it back into his hand. Gruzzex and his party were dumbfounded.
“Dark magic?!” Ramley did not believe his eyes. “T-master can use dark magic?”
“Demonkin?” Jane asked.
Dark Magic or dark magic. Magic that focuses on curses and, as the name suggests, darkness. The Demonkin were a race that had extensive knowledge of that field of magic. However, since the race had sealed themselves off from the outside world for hundreds of years, that knowledge was not widely known to people.
“No, I'm not Demonkin.” Shinnichi answered Jane's question. He remembered Schwarz in his head. The price needed for strength is humanity. “I'm half a Demon Dragon.”
“Half Demonic Dragon...!?”
Gruzzex and the others could hardly believe his words. However, in front of them was Shinnichi. A man who could crush Meiolania's army by himself. His words had evidence behind them.
Shinnichi paid them no attention anymore. I was tired of being underground. He walked forward. Leaving the Gruzzex party behind. It took them a while to realize that they were still in enemy territory, Gruzzex and his party gulped their saliva. They follow Shinnichi. His back looks far away now.
❂❂❂❂❂❂
“In general, there are two types of swords; Shortsword and Longsword. Shortswords or short swords can be held with only one hand and can be used alongside other short swords for additional attacks or shields for defense. While the Longsword or long sword can only be held with two hands, useful for someone who focuses on attacks.”
A Tiger Beastkin man folded his hands and began to explain. In front of him, a brown haired rabbit beastkin girl, Genia. Not in keeping with her cute appearance, listening to the explanation about the weapon.
The tiger beastkin, Hans, looked at Genia. “For little miss, the most appropriate weapon is the short sword. Not too heavy and easy to use by someone inexperienced.”
Hans sighed. He did not know why Genia had suddenly asked him to teach her to fight. No, he can guess why. Not wanting to trouble Shinnichi, he was amazed by this girl's intentions.
Hans turned his head towards an adventurer, giving a sign. The adventurer gave a short sword to Genia. A tree root-like pattern made of silver enveloped the sword sheath. Genia stared at the sword then pulled it out of its sheath.
A 20 cm long two-bladed sword made of black iron. Plain black handle made of wood that is comfortable in hand. He tried to swing it a few times.
“Light!” Eyes sparkling. He fit that gun.
“Name Khinzal. Hows it? Good isn't it?” Hans seemed proud of his choice. The other adventurers also agreed with Hans' choice.
Genia has a slender body, a little thin even. So, heavy weapons such as spears, large swords or hammers were impossible to use. Moreover, Genia also did not possess any dazzling magical talent, just a slight affinity with the wind. Not fit to make her a witch.
“Remember,” Hans gives advice. “After you receive this weapon, you must continue to practice every day. Little miss wants to stand next to Mr Shinnichi right?”
Genia held onto Khinzal tightly. He was given a chance. Wasting is not an option. Genia nodded steadily. “I will keep practicing!”
The adventurer who saw that smiled happily. Their little sister looks so grown up. Although in that World, Genia was already an adult. However, they were too fascinated by the priesthood of Genia. Long brown hair, a pair of rabbit ears, a round face and a large green iris make it look adorable. To the middle-aged Hans, he looked like his grandson.
“Good, let's practice the basics first.” Hans lifted up his ladder. Giving orders to other adventurers to prepare for the first training of Genia.
Behind the dense forest, a pair of men stared at the campground. Their Greatsword blades reflected the moonlight that infiltrated the trees. A killing intent filled their eyes.
❂❂❂❂❂❂
“Can you curse someone?”
“No.”
“Can master control the shadow?”
“Can.”
“Can master create weapons from shadows?”
“Can.”
“Can master be a shadow?”
“No.”
“Can master create a clone of the shadow?”
“Good idea.”
“Can master turn into a dragon?”
“No. (Taste)”
“Can master fly?’
“No. (Taste)”
“Are the parents of the master a demon and a dragon?”
“No.”
“Does master inherit the power of a dragon?”
“Iya.”
The barrage of questions came from Ramley tirelessly. Shinnichi initially tries to ignore it, but the persistence of the cat beastkin deserves a thumbs up. Shinnichi had no choice but to answer. Although brief.
At first, Gruzzex's party becomes a little disinclined with Shinnichi. Isn't he half a demon dragon? Dragons are creatures that exist beyond the natural limits even in Zelfria. Being above all creatures, few have ever met a dragon and lived to tell about it. For Ramley who was always hungry for knowledge, this was the ultimate opportunity to know the dark magic and dragons at the same time.
The atmosphere around them became more relaxed because of Ramley. Shinnichi admires extroverts like him. While the other party members just keep quiet and listen to Ramley and Shinnichi's conversation.
“Who is the name of the dragon who bequeathed his power to the lord?”
“Schwarz.”
“Dragon emperor of darkness and death!?” Ramley could barely hold his voice. “The manifestation of death and calamity! He is the one who fears Zelfria! That schwarz?!”
“What is that degree...” Shinnichi shudder. The taste of the name in this world is so strange.
“Heh, I remember the past.” Meanwhile, Schwarz snorted proudly inside his head. Enjoying by Ramley.
‘Nostalgic please! Cheap dragons are more appropriate. You happy with that kind of compliment?’
Shinnichi doesn't understand Schwarz. Praised by someone is fun. But, who would be happy to be called 'He whom Zelfria fears'?
Shinnnichi could only nod. Ramley's eyes sparkled again. He met someone who inherited the power of legends!
“Hmm, ‘heir Schwarz?’ ‘He who the emperor chose?’ Which one fits huh?” Ramley held his chin.
Shinnichi, on the other hand, shuddered in horror. He didn't want the title attached to him. Just hearing it made him ticklish. He wants to stop Ramley seriously thinking about titles for him.
“There are enemies in front.” Sam interrupted them. “It looks like we've reached their nest.”
The atmosphere turned tense. Gruzzex and Higg drew their swords. Jane and Ramley clasped their sticks tightly. They advance carefully. In front of them, a turn.
They arrived at an uncluttered room in the cave. Some kind of giant hole on earth. They're on the top edge. Shinnichi and the others could see stars in space. A beautiful view is always in a dangerous place.
They're staring down. At the base, hundreds of Meiolania eggs and hundreds of Meiolanians. Made of leaves, twigs, bones and weapons. Jagger was right, if they were left alone, an army would be formed and Iedrich would be destroyed.
“We have to stop them.” Gruzzex tightened his grip.
Six men destroyed an army of Meiolania? Impossible. Even heroes can't face them all. Party Gruzzex was silent. Even Ramley's strongest magic was unable to defeat the two Meiolanians. They're starting to get desperate. But they forgot one person.
Shinnichi advanced forward. The Abyssal Mist began to form a black tube. The best magic projectile thrower, Dominator is formed literally in his hands.
Shinnichi held his right hand. He planted his back legs firmly. He expanded the Dominator's shell to 60 cm. He began to gather Mana within the Dominator's casing. Slowly ignite. Gruzzex, Higg, and Sam have no idea what Shinnichi will do. However, classes that are sensitive to Mana such as Cleric Jane and Mage Ramley can feel.
“I-this...”.
“Dark magic and white magic! Together!?”
In Zelfria, the concept of combining magic was not a rare thing. Fire magic and wind magic. If one were to combine them, a firestorm could become a magic capable of burning a battlefield in a single strike. Of course, to combine magic, one must have Int, ability, and talent. A rare combination. The magic combined must also match. Fire magic cannot be combined with water magic for obvious reasons.
Shinnichi took a deep breath. Then, he released it.
ZRU! A huge explosion came out of his hand. Coming from Dominator, the white light was shot, like a laser. Stripped right into the cave wall.
DUM! The whole cave is shaking. Rocks, sand, earth and all sorts of things began to fall into the middle of that deep hole. Almost filled it up to Shinnichi's feet.
“”“KRYAA!!”””
“”“GRYAA!”””
Hundreds of Meiolania squealed as their bodies were buried and crushed by rocks. Hundreds of eggs break and disintegrate, effectively halting their growth. In an instant, the Meiolanians near Iedrich died. The 80-meter-deep hole is now only 15 meters deep from where Shinnichi stands.
Shinnichi sighed. Smoke billowed from the Dominator. He did not feel the heat in his right hand, but his shoulders felt heavy. Shinnichi turns Dominator into his hand again. He moved it several times to make sure it was okay.
Party Gruzzex now knows. The power of a half dragon.Half dragon alone is able to tear down a cave. What about the real dragon? They don't even want to imagine it.
Someone who can change the face of the earth. A person capable of killing hundreds of living creatures with a single strike. Someone who inherits the manifestation of death. Magic and white light accompanied him. Death and misfortune will surround him. In front of him, Shinnichi looks like….
“White Angel of Death.
“….”
Shinnichi wants to bury himself with the Meiolanians.