After recovering in Heilen Village, Loren, Howard, and Anne had no time to rest. A rumbling sound from the ground shook the village, and the large shadows of ogres began to loom in the distance. They came quickly, their red eyes burning with anger as they searched for the newly detected crystal.
Loren, who had just begun to understand his powers, felt a surge of adrenaline coursing through him. The legendary sword in his hand felt lighter now, as if he had become one with the magical power within it, yet a knot of anxiety tightened in his stomach. This was his first real battle, and he could sense the weight of their lives resting on his shoulders.
Howard, on full alert, began to cast a spell to create a protective barrier around the village. The air crackled with energy, heightening the tension. Meanwhile, Anne took out her prized harp. Her slender fingers strummed the strings nimbly, producing a soft melody that enveloped them in healing power, but Loren could feel the impending doom looming.
"The ogres are stronger than I thought," Howard murmured, his gaze fixed on the approaching enemy.
"Loren, you must be careful. They are unlike any enemies we have faced before."
“I know,” Loren replied, his voice barely above a whisper, the nervousness palpable on his face.
The battle broke out with a deafening roar as the ogres charged forward, smashing through trees and sending debris flying. The ground trembled beneath their feet, and Loren felt the earth quake in rhythm with the thunderous footsteps of the approaching horde. A primal instinct kicked in, and Loren jumped into the fray, heart racing.
With a cry, Loren swung his sword.
“Blade Fury!”
Each slash felt like a weighty decision, every movement a gamble with fate. He aimed for the thick skin of the nearest ogre, but the creature retaliated with a brutal swing of its massive club. Loren barely dodged, the air whooshing past him as the weapon struck the ground with a bone shaking thud.
“Stay focused, Loren! We can’t let them overwhelm us!” Howard’s voice cut through the chaos, urging him on.
As Loren danced between the ogres, the legendary sword felt more alive with every blow he struck. He felt the rush of power and the fear of failing his friends intertwining, urging him to fight harder.
“You won’t take our home!” he shouted, channeling his fear into determination.
Each ogre he faced seemed fiercer than the last, their red eyes glinting with malice as they barreled toward him. Loren's heart pounded in his chest, and he could feel the pressure building around him. With every swing of his sword, he risked everything, the threat of defeat hanging over him like a dark cloud.
Howard was not far behind, casting protective spells as he shouted encouragement.
“Loren! I’m covering you! Just keep moving!” His magic shimmered in the air, forming a barrier that shielded them from the ogres' relentless assaults.
With a strong synergy between them, they fought back with everything they had. But just as Loren began to find his rhythm, an ogre loomed before him, towering and unfazed. Its massive fist swung down toward him, and Loren's instincts kicked in. He rolled to the side just in time, feeling the rush of air as the ogre's blow smashed into the ground, sending shards of earth flying.
Gritting his teeth, Loren countered, slicing through the ogre’s arm with a determined shout. The creature howled in pain, its red eyes wide with shock, but Loren's heart raced. Each victory felt hard-earned, yet he could see more ogres advancing, unfazed by their fallen comrades.
“The ogres have been defeated; five races remain!” The system announced.
Finally, the battle subsided, and the ground of Heilen Village was littered with the bodies of the ogres, who were no longer moving. Loren stood among the chaos, panting heavily, sweat dripping down his brow. The taste of victory was bittersweet; he was beginning to understand his power more deeply, but the fear of what was to come loomed larger.
“We made it this time, but I feel like this isn’t over yet.” Anne placed her harp on her lap, her expression a mix of relief and concern.
“Yes, the ogres were just the beginning. The location of the crystal has been discovered by the other races, and they certainly won’t remain silent.” Howard nodded, his voice heavy with foreboding.
“This battle isn’t over yet. I sense a greater enemy is coming.” Loren gazed out at the horizon, the tension still palpable in the air.
In the midst of their victory, someone was watching them from afar. Vy, an assassin from the Elf race, stood in the shadows of the trees, her sharp eyes tracking Loren’s every move. She had observed the entire battle with a calm demeanor, yet her heart raced with anticipation.
Vy was one of the most feared assassins of the Elf race, and she hadn’t come just to watch. She had a mission: to finish off anyone who tried to claim the first crystal. However, after witnessing Loren’s strength, Vy knew she had to be cautious. He was not an opponent to be underestimated.
“That kid is interesting,” Vy said to herself, revealing a small smile.
“I want to see how strong he really is.”
However, Vy was not reckless. She decided to wait for the right moment. With her skills as an assassin, she could move undetected, biding her time for a perfect opportunity to launch a deadly attack. Loren, Howard, and Anne were completely unaware that they were being watched by an enemy far more dangerous than the ogres.
After confirming that the ogres were completely defeated, Howard looked toward the center of the village.
“The first crystal should be here somewhere,” he said.
Loren walked among the ruins of the village, trying to sense something unusual. Suddenly, he felt a strange vibration in the ground, and from beneath the surface, a soft light began to emerge. A bright blue crystal slowly rose to the surface, emanating a strong and mysterious power.
“This is it,” Loren said as he approached the crystal. He felt an incredible power within it, but there was also something that frightened him.
"Be careful, Loren. The power of this crystal is not something to be taken lightly." Howard warned,
"Not that easily, young man." Before Loren could touch the crystal, a cold voice emerged from the shadows.
The three of them turned, and there, stepping out of the darkness, was Vy, moving with calm, proud steps. Her thin sword glinted in the moonlight.
"This crystal belongs to the Elven race. And I will not let you take it."
"That's... a famous assassin of the Elven race!" Anne gasped in surprise.
"Be careful, Loren. She is very dangerous." Howard raised his wand, ready to protect Loren and Anne.
Loren stood his ground, gripping his sword tighter. Although he sensed Vy's power was different from that of his previous enemies, he knew this was an unavoidable fight.
"If you want this crystal, you must fight me first" Loren said firmly,
"That is what I expect." Vy smiled coldly, swinging her dagger quickly.
The fight began. Vy moved with incredible speed, disappearing and reappearing around Loren, Howard, and Anne in barely perceptible movements. Loren struggled to predict her movements, but Vy was too fast.
Anne quickly played her harp, producing notes that infused Loren with courage and strength. Meanwhile, Howard utilized his best defensive magic, trying to protect them from Vy's deadly attacks.
The fight against Vy would not be easy, but Loren understood one thing: if they could not defeat this assassin, the first crystal would fall into the hands of the elves, and their future in this holy war would become even bleaker.
Suddenly, heavy footsteps echoed from the direction of the forest. From the shadows of the trees, two figures emerged: Nelaeryn and Anfalen, the two elves who had previously avoided fighting Loren. They now stood by Vy's side, ready to assist the assassin.
"We cannot let you face them alone," said Nelaeryn, the elven archer who had attacked Loren.
"This fight is too important." Anfalen, the elf summoner, had already begun casting a spell.
“This time, we won’t let you escape.”
“Loren, they’re coming to fight alongside Vy. This is going to be tough.” Howard watched their approach warily.
Instantly, Nelaeryn released an arrow aimed at Loren. However, this time, Loren was better prepared. With a swift movement, he blocked the arrow with his sword, but the attacks continued. Vy seized the opportunity, launching a surprise attack from behind, but Howard quickly protected Loren with his magical shield.
CHAPTER 5: THE FIRST CRYSTAL BATTLE PART 2"Anne, we need more power!" Howard shouted.Anne played the harp more intensely; the notes she played were not only healing but also providing Loren and Howard with additional strength. It was Crescendo. The soft light from the harp began to envelop them, making Loren's every move faster and stronger.Anfalen cast Blinding Light once more, summoning three small, dazzling fairies to confuse the enemy. But this time, Loren was ready. With flashes of memories becoming clearer in his mind, he closed his eyes for a moment, sensing the direction of the attack with his intuition. As Anfalen tried to attack with his summons, Loren nimbly leaped toward the fairies, slashing them before they could cripple his team.Nelaeryn fired another Ensnare Arrow, trying to trap them in a net. However, Loren, with his enhanced reflexes, dodged the attack with a quick jump, turning the tables to confront Nelaeryn.Vy, seeing her partner in danger, immediately cast
CHAPTER 6: THE SECRET OF THE LEGENDARY SWORDIn the corner of the dark room where Zharok stood, heavy footsteps were heard. Another figure, a Death Knight, emerged from the shadows, wearing thick, rusty armor and a helmet cracked at the forehead. The same green light shone from the eyes of the helmet. The greatsword he held gave off a cold aura, as if it were sucking the life out of the air around it.“They may have won that fight” the Death Knight said in a low, deep voice.“But the power of the crystal has not been fully utilized. They do not even know its true potential.”Zharok laughed, a sound that resembled a combination of the last gasps of the dead and the roar of gloomy thunder.“That’s right. That is their weakness. They have the crystal, but they do not know how to use it. I can smell their ignorance from here. They are merely pawns in this game.”The crystal ball in front of Zharok shimmered for a moment, emitting a light that depicted Loren and his group as they began to
CHAPTER 7: HISTORY OF THE HOLY WAR"Long ago, before the current holy war, there were only three races fighting: Humans, Undead, and Elves," Eleanor began. "That battle was very different. There were no seven crystal shards like today there was only one great crystal that was the center of power and desire for all races."Loren listened intently, while Howard and Anne, who were standing nearby, also focused on the story."Back then, the great crystal had the power to change reality. Whoever touched it would become the ruler of this world. But as you know, such power attracts hatred and greed. War broke out, and the Undead, led by King Tharoth, attacked brutally, slaughtering entire armies of Elves and Humans.""As I stood before Tharoth, I could feel the darkness seeping into my bones. The temperature suddenly dropped drastically, and Tharoth's every step shattered the ground beneath him, making it feel like the end of everything."Tharoth swung his giant black staff, a weapon made f
CHAPTER 8: NEW ENEMY“The location of the second crystal has been determined.” The system that controlled the holy battle announced that the crystal had been detected in the southern mountains, right in the territory of the Dragonians. The Dragonians, a race with incredible physical strength and magic, would not be easily defeated.“We need to move now, if the Dragonians already know the location of the crystal, we might be too late.” Howard said. As Loren, Howard, and Anne prepared to head to the second crystal, a thick cloud of smoke suddenly enveloped them. Two robots emerged from the fog, one with a whirring gun and the other firing small explosions that made the ground tremble. The two robots appeared to be highly trained and coordinated. Without warning, they opened fire on Loren’s team, who were immediately caught off guard and cornered. The gunfire continued to pour down on them from all directions, forcing them to act quickly.“Howard, give me a shield!” Loren shouted, tryi
CHAPTER 9: THE BATTLE OF THE UNDEAD AND THE CHIMERAThe southern mountain region, known as the "Heavenly Mountains," was a breathtaking sight. Towering peaks seemed to float above the clouds, their snow-covered summits glistening in the sunlight. Thick white mist hung over deep valleys, while a cool breeze rustled through the boulders and steep cliffs. Hidden behind mossy stone walls, ancient shelters lay undisturbed, and swift rivers flowed gracefully through the valleys, adding to the area’s beauty. The Dragonians, who inhabited this serene landscape, lived in harmony with their surroundings, uninterested in holy combat only in maintaining the balance of their land. However, this tranquility was shattered by the looming presence of an undead army led by the Death Knights and Zharok, a cruel and merciless necromancer. Countless corpses, moving with stiff motions, filled the steep slopes of the mountains, creating a bleak and terrifying sight. They were relentless, advancing with a
CHAPTER 10: LOREN AND ZHAROK'S ENCOUNTERThe Death Knight moved with incredible power. Every time Vy attempted to strike, the Death Knight effortlessly blocked her blows, his sword spinning to counter each slash and thrust. Nelaeryn's arrows slammed into his armor, but they bounced off harmlessly, causing no significant damage.Seeing their attacks ineffective, Anfalen once again invoked his Blinding Light, concentrating his small fairies into a single, large ball of radiant energy. He raised his hand and released the brilliant sphere, which shot toward the Death Knight and exploded in a dazzling flash of light.However, the Death Knight was no ordinary foe. With a single swipe of his sword, he sliced the light in two, dispersing it like smoke. With a ferocious roar, he charged toward Nelaeryn. Vy and Anfalen shouted warnings, but Nelaeryn, who was preparing her bow, was too slow to dodge.In a powerful swing, the Death Knight slashed at Nelaeryn. His dark blade cut through the air wi
CHAPTER 11 : LOREN AND ZHAROK'S ENCOUNTERZharok raised his staff slowly, then slammed it on the ground with a force that shattered the silence. A magical vibration was felt in the air, and from the cracked ground, dozens of skeletons emerged. The skeletons raised their worn weapons, ready to attack at Zharok's command."Let us begin" Zharok smiled sinisterly.Loren took a deep breath, focusing his mind on the battle ahead. He had faced many enemies, but there was something about Zharok that was different, a power that was evil, dark, and boundless. With a loud shout, Zharok gave the command, and the skeletons moved forward in unison. They came like a great wave, charging toward Loren with the intention of destroying him.Without waiting, Loren blink forward with incredible speed. His sword swung quickly, cutting through the skeletons one by one. He zigzagged through the crowd, dodging their attacks and crushing their bones with the power of his sword. However, the more he destroyed,
CHAPTER 12 : SWORD PRISM PART 1Without hesitation, Howard summoned a shield of magic in front of him, a translucent barrier of shimmering light. The spider slammed into the shield with the force of a battering ram, its fangs scraping against the magical surface as it tried to break through. The force of the impact nearly knocked Howard off his feet, but he held on, gritting his teeth as he poured more energy into the shield.“Do you really think you can hold out forever, mage? My creation will tear you apart!” Zharok’s mocking laughter echoed across the battlefield. The spider lashed out again, its legs stabbing at the shield like spears. Cracks began to form in the barrier, and Howard could feel his strength waning. His breathing was ragged, sweat trickling down his brow as he struggled to maintain the spell. The spider was relentless, and Howard knew he couldn’t hold it back much longer."Come on, think!" he muttered to himself, his mind racing. He needed a plan, something that wo
CHAPTER 69 : THE TWISTING FOREST: TRIAL OF DECEPTION“Okay, so where do we go now?” Loren muttered, unfolding the map as he leaned against a weathered boulder. The desert's heat still clung to his skin, but his thoughts were already focused on the next challenge.He traced his finger along the map’s path, stopping at a thick patch of green labeled ominously.“Next is The Twisting Forest.” he said, his brow furrowed.“The name’s not promising, but sitting around won’t get me anywhere.” he muttered, rolling the map back up. The lush expanse loomed ahead, a stark contrast to the barren desert behind him. It was time to move.The forest stood as a monolithic wall of green, its ancient trees twisted and gnarled as if shaped by centuries of storms. A shroud of mist clung to the air, giving the entire biome an otherworldly quality. Loren stepped cautiously into the dense thicket, his hand instinctively resting on the hilt of his greatsword. Each step felt heavier, as though the forest itse
CHAPTER 68 : THE SCORCHED EXPANSE"Okay, so where do we go now?" Loren muttered to himself as he unfolded the map Mayor Edran had given him. His eyes scanned the hand-drawn details, tracing the path from Aria Town toward his next destination.“It looks like there’s a desert ahead.” he continued, his finger resting on the wide expanse marked by jagged lines and faded ink. The map labeled it simply as The Scorched Expanse.Loren sighed and tucked the map into his satchel. “Great, Of course, it had to be a desert.” he murmured, tightening the strap of his cloak. With the sun just beginning to crest the horizon, Loren departed from Aria Town, his resolve stronger than ever. The cheers and gratitude of the villagers still echoed faintly in his ears, but his thoughts were fixed on the path ahead. Mayor Edran’s guidance had pointed him toward Dragonspire Mountain, but the journey would be anything but straightforward.Hours of walking turned into days. The grassy plains gave way to barren
CHAPTER 67 : THE THIRD CRYSTAL CLAIMED The next day, Loren decided to walk through the town once more, perhaps for the last time. His heart was heavy with the knowledge that he needed to move on soon, but he wanted to see the people and the streets he had helped protect one final time. The air buzzed with the sound of hammers and saws as villagers worked tirelessly to rebuild their homes and livelihoods. His footsteps crunched softly against the gravel paths, blending into the lively atmosphere of Aria Town.Though the celebration from the previous night had ended, its spirit lingered in the bright smiles of the townsfolk. Children laughed as they played near the fountain, and merchants called out cheerfully to passersby as they set up their wares. It was a scene of recovery and hope, and Loren found himself quietly cherishing it.As he passed, villagers paused to bow or wave, their faces alight with gratitude. A young girl, no older than seven, ran up to him, clutching a small woode
CHAPTER 66 : THE HERO OF ARIA The morning sun bathed Aria in warm golden light, a stark contrast to the gloom that had plagued the town during Vy’s reign of terror. As Loren approached the gates, he noticed the walls adorned with colorful banners, and the faint sound of laughter and music carried through the air.“Loren’s back! The hero returns!” The moment the townsfolk spotted him, a shout erupted. A wave of people poured out from the streets, their faces alight with joy and relief. Children darted ahead, pointing and cheering, their voices filled with excitement.“It’s true! He defeated the shadow!”Loren paused, momentarily overwhelmed by the attention. He had expected a town still reeling from its wounds, but instead, he was met with warmth and celebration.“Loren! You’ve returned victorious!” From the crowd emerged a middle-aged man dressed in formal attire, a broad-shouldered figure with a trimmed beard and a mayoral sash across his chest. His voice boomed as he stepped forwa
CHAPTER 65 : THE DANCE OF SHADOWS PART 2The forest seemed to hold its breath as the battle raged on. Loren’s fiery aura burned bright against the oppressive darkness of the clearing, his greatsword swinging in controlled arcs to keep Vy at bay. She moved like a wraith, her speed relentless, but the wounds she had sustained began to slow her movements. Blood dripped from her shoulder, leaving dark stains on the ground as she darted back into the shadows.Vy’s grin faltered, replaced by a grimace of frustration. Her dagger trembled in her hand, pulsing as if alive, its crimson light dimming momentarily. Loren saw the flicker of hesitation in her eyes and pressed forward.“Give it up, Vy. You can’t win this.” Loren said, his voice steady. Vy let out a low, guttural laugh, one that sent a chill through Loren’s spine. “Win? Loren, you misunderstand me. This is far from over.” Her voice was venomous, yet laced with something else, desperation. She took a step back, clutching her dagger
CHAPTER 64 : THE DANCE OF SHADOWS: LOREN VS. VYThe Whispering Woods was no longer the tranquil haven it had once been. The moonlight struggled to pierce through the canopy of gnarled branches, casting ghostly shadows that shifted with the wind. Loren tightened his grip on the hilt of his greatsword, his senses heightened. The once-familiar whispers of the forest now carried a sinister tone, an unnatural melody that seemed to taunt him with every step he took deeper into the woods.The people of Aria had spoken in hushed, fearful voices of a shadowy figure lurking within the forest, wielding a dagger that seemed alive with hunger. Loren knew the truth. This was no mere thief or rogue terrorizing the townsfolk; this was Vy. Her cursed dagger, once stained with his blood, had returned to claim more lives.Loren tread carefully, his boots crunching against the damp underbrush. The deeper he ventured, the heavier the air became, as though the forest itself recoiled from the malevolent for
CHAPTER 63 : THE FUNDAMENTALS OF COMBATAs Anne sat beneath the grove’s ancient trees that evening, the Elder Bard approached her with a gentle yet commanding presence. She carried a lyre in her hands, its golden strings shimmering in the fading sunlight.“You’ve done well with the Lullaby of Tranquility.” the Elder Bard said, her voice melodic yet firm.“But soothing melodies alone won’t protect you in battle. There will be moments when you must defend yourself and strike.”“Strike? You mean... offensive magic?” Anne looked up, curiosity lighting her eyes. “Exactly.” the Elder Bard replied. She strummed her lyre lightly, and a series of glowing notes floated into the air before dissolving into nothingness. “Your harp is more than an instrument of harmony. It is a weapon, and I will teach you how to wield it.”“Start small. Play a single note and let it resonate—not just in your ears, but in the air around you. Feel the energy it creates.” The Elder Bard knelt beside Anne, her grac
CHAPTER 62 : ANNE'S DISCOVERY: THE SYMPHONY OF SHADOWSThe Whispering Grove was alive with music. The rustling leaves, the soft hum of the wind, and the occasional chirping of distant birds, all blended into an eternal harmony. Anne had spent countless hours in the grove, her harp strings mimicking its melodies, her heart resonating with the grove's peaceful rhythm. Yet, despite her efforts, she sensed that the grove held something more, a deeper secret hidden within its symphony.The Elder Bard had been cryptic, as always. "The grove will reveal its truths to you when you’re ready." She said with a knowing smile. Anne hadn’t fully understood, but she trusted his wisdom.It was during one quiet evening, as twilight painted the skies in fiery orange and deep violet, that Anne ventured farther into the grove than ever before. The air was cooler here, the light softer, and the grove’s music more complex. Her fingers moved instinctively over her harp, her notes blending seamlessly with t
CHAPTER 61 : RESONANT GUARDThe Elder led Anne to a clearing within the Grove, where the air was charged with a different energy. The wind seemed to whisper in a language Anne couldn’t understand, and the trees loomed overhead, their boughs swaying in a rhythmic dance. The Elder gestured for Anne to stand in the center of the clearing.“Play.” the Elder instructed.Anne hesitated, her fingers trembling as she lifted her harp. She began to play, soft and tentative, the familiar notes flowing from her fingers. The sound was sweet and gentle, the melody a balm to her weary heart. But as she played, the music around her began to warp, twisting and bending into something darker, more forceful. The trees seemed to shudder in response, and the wind picked up, swirling around her in a violent frenzy. The ground beneath her feet trembled, and Anne’s heart pounded as she tried to steady her hands.Her music, once a gentle caress, now felt like a storm. It was chaotic, wild, and uncontrollable.