Black Sword and Fragments [Vol. 1: Unforeseen Conspiracy]

Chapter 6

 Chapter 6: Allastor and the Forest of Kurnell

In this world, the monstrous creatures that live here are what they called Magicule beasts. And just like humans, these monsters are also ranked just like them. Their strength can also be classified according to their levels and ranks. All of them start at the Bronze rank up to the other higher ranks.

According to the famous story around the whole Kreo Kingdom and also according to the rumors of the elders, Magicule Beast and Humans were used to living together before. There are no blood-shedding war and chaos in that timeline, and both sides were full of love and teamwork. There has even no discrimination from each side. yet, one day, when a powerful god descended from the sky, he manipulates the minds of the Humans and Magicule Beasts. He planted hatred and Hostility inside their heart, causing them to slaughter their opposite species. No one knows the reason for the doing of that god, still, they believe that he only did those for his own interest...

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“Ha... ha...” Allastor was a bit gasping for air as he continue his run. “Wew. That Magicule Beast is consistent!”

From the tall grass, green plants, and trees, Allastor was finally able to arrive at his destination, the Kurnell Forest. He was running fast inside the Forest, and he is also doing his best to make the Magicule Energies emitting from his body appear to be weak. As long as possible, he won't want to be noticed by the strong Magicule Beasts.

On the other hand, just like the sounds of the name of this forest, It's not just a flower that can be seen growing here along the tall grass. There are also hordes of Corn Plants growing in the area, be that as it may, even though these plants are fascinating to see, it can also be noticed that there are no insects and small Magicule Beast that are trying to eat those corn. Allastor wasn't even surprised about this. When he was gathering information about this forest, he have known that the growing corn inside the Kurnell Forest is poisonous.

Currently, the young man Allastor is still running continuously. And as he dives deeper into the forest, the trees are also getting taller and the surroundings are getting darker.

When he found a rather wide space, Allastor finally stopped his run. He turns around just to see the creatures that are still chasing him. His expression became violent as his sweat dripped down from his forehead. What he saw is only a pair of glowing red eyes on the dimmer side of the forest. 

Honestly, he was already running for about thirty minutes when he felt a presence following him. He wasn't sure what creature are chasing him, nontheless, he can feel its heavy presence. He intended to face the creature before, but he was finding the right location to face it. And now that he finally found the right location, he is currently facing his chaser. His body is getting colder, and more sweat dripped down from his forehead.

He can feel the concentrated Magicules from the location of the creature, and that energy is making his body heavier. While earnestly gazing at the moving and rustling grass, Alastor took out his new sword from his Space Bag. Even though this sword is cursed based on his knowledge, howbeit, he has no choice but to use it. His money isn't enough either to buy him a decent sword. Even though he got a warning from the Old Merchant about this Cursed Sword, he still needs to resort to it for now.

His senses were so focused and heightened at this time. The rustling of the grass continues to echo inside his ear as if it is the only thing he could be able to hear.

Every second that passes by, the nervousness he's feeling is getting stronger. Compared to what he's expecting to see before he came into this place, the nervousness he can feel now that he was already here inside the Kurnell Forest is greatly heavier. He was aware of how dangerous the forest of Kurnell was to the like of him in the first place, in spite of that, he still chose to enter here. 

 Honestly, Allastor was prepared for this kind of scenario ever since he was a child—dreaming to be like his grandfather Allan Frauzz—He knows that a day when he will encounter a dangerous situation will come. That is why a Green Cougar's invasion in this forest will never be a hurdle for his goal to become strong.

Alastor intently gazes at the rustling leaves. He became alert as he violently gripped the Sword's handle. 

Not long after...

"Eek!"

A black silhouette aggressively jumped across to where the young man is settled, causing his cheek to bleed out. Feeling the pain in his left cheek, his reflex to touch his cheek made him realize that he was wounded. Allastor didn't see what happened, it was too fast for his eyes to see.

Alastor's eyebrows almost jump at the sudden scenario. He immediately turns to see the creatures that are already on his back.

Just like one of the images drawn from the quest paper, the figure of the familiar Black rat appeared before his eyes. 

It looks as if just a normal rat if you will disregard its abnormal size and its abnormal sharp claws. Aside from that abnormalities, the other one that is different from it, is its very red pair of eyes.

“A Devil Rat!” Allastor can't help but scream at his encounter. He backed out for a bit and looked straight into the eyes of the Giant Rat—he is measuring the exact strength of its magicules. When he became satisfied, he continued earnestly. “The magicules it is emitting are strong compared to mine. It could be... is it a Level two?”

It was just a guess of Allastor Frauzz. It is possible that this Magicule Beast is already at Level two or it should be at the peak of Level one Bronze rank. Alas, anything from that is both bad news for the young man. 

Based on his knowledge and some books he has read before, Allastor found out that a ranker that is on a Bronze Rank has the basic ability to see, feel and manipulate the Magicules, while the silver ranker can read the rank of the other rankers—only if they have the same rank or they are reading are on the lower rank than them. On the other hand, the rankers who reached the rank of Gold can read the rank and level of the other rankers, in addition, they can also hide their presence, magicules, ranks, and levels. But, just like the silver rankers, Gold rankers can only hide their presence from the weaker rank Rankers.

While still being alert to the surroundings, Allastor held the cursed sword tighter as he let the magicule energies flow down into his feet, causing it to glow. “If I will messed this up, the situation may become even worse. still and all...”

Alastor's grip on the sword became even tighter. “I s-should not retreat to this fight even if it can put my life in a much more dangerous situation. If the only way to travel this world is to become strong, I will get stronger!”

The concentrated magicules from Allstor's feet became even brighter. As if his body was charged by the energy of confidence, he kicked the ground, causing him to leap towards the magicule beast.

!!! 

“Eeek!”

He slashed at the creature, however, with its nimble body, it was too easy for the Devil Rat to dodge his attack.

Allastor's face became pale as he felt a warm liquid dripping down his left forearm. All his confidence was dropped down to zero with that failed attack of him. He takes a look at his aching forearm only to see a scratch wound.

“T-that thing sure is fast. What could be its real level?...” Earnestly said the young man. He isn't feeling well this time. His heart is palpitating and he can feel his hands shaking. It was his first time fighting a real magicule beast. “I-if only I am used to fighting in a real battle before, I might be able to execute my techniques in Sword Mastery properly... What should I do?”

[Ting!]

[This user has a profound knowledge about the Grade E Sword Mastery Technique, all the requirements have been met!]

[The “Auto Pilot Mode” is now available for the user to execute all his knowledge about the Grade E Sword Mastery without even thinking!] 

Allastor felt a little shocked by the mechanical voice inside his head. It was his second time hearing this voice. He heard it for the first time on the night where he unlocks his ability to feel the magicules, nonetheless, until now he is still wondering to whom this voice belongs and why only rankers can hear this voice.

[Ting!] 

[Do you want to use the “Auto-Pilot mode”? Yes or No?]

[Warning: If you are proud that you can execute your swordsmanship better, I suggest you choose “No”, for the system will prevent your natural rhythms and moves when using a sword]

“Yes!”

He didn't hesitate to scream the word yes. He was so nervous right now. Even if he wanted to display all his knowledge from the Grade E Sword Mastery book, he couldn't if he is feeling this nervous. It was his first time fighting a real enemy, so he was a bit lost on what to do next. But now that a chance like this has come, he won't let it slide.

[Ting!]

[The Grade E Sword Mastery was forcefully merged into your body. The effect of the AutoPilot mode will only end if the user commands.]

After that echoing mechanical voice inside his head finally stopped, Allastor's eyebrows almost jumped when he realized that his body is moving on its own. Just like what the system has said, he has no control over his body. having said that, he was so familiar with each of his movements right now. How could he not be familiar with these movements? These movements are the thing he has trained for many years, the Grade E Sword mastery technique! His confidence surge up again as a violent expression started to form on his face.

[Ting!]

[A strong intent to kill has been detected by the system.]

[One of the hidden conditions have met by the user!]

[The [Sword bash skill] will be added to your skills list!]

When He reached a closer distance from the giant rat, he used his feet as if it was a break.

Just right after he stopped, he immediately slashed his sword. And just like what he was expecting, the rat with a nimble reflex easily dodged his attack. Even though the sharp edge of the sword almost touched the magicule beast's skin, it was still able to leap much faster and parried the sword with its sharp claws. 

Allastor didn't stop there, he again leaped closer to the giant rat as he continued his attack. 

A metal clashing each other can be heard from the area. A parried, dodge, and counterattack was exchanged by the two. Just like Allastor Frauzz to the Magicule beast, the Devil rat couldn't even touch the young man. They are almost equal in strength.

[The AutoPilot commanded a Sword bash!] 

anyhow, as they continue exchanging their blows, the devil rat wasn't expecting that there would be a change in the young man's movement. His sword suddenly glows and outspeed the Devil rat. With a booming sound, his sword slashed downwards—causing the magicule beast's skull to sink into the ground.

“Eek!”

A violent splash of blood coated the tip of his sword as a bone crackling sound spread to the sorounding.

It wasn't long until the devil rat movements finally came to stop. 

Allastor, noticing that the Magicule beast was already dead, commanded. “Stop the AutoPilot.”

[Ting!]

[The AutoPilot has ended. The control of the user to his body has returned.]

Feeling a bit of tiredness from his body, he let his back fall upon the dry leaves. A deep sigh of relief was released from his mouth as he drew a happy smile on his lips.

“I did it! I won against a Magicule beast!”

To be continued...

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