The gentle sound of the Silverwater River echoed through the tranquil hamlet of Riverbend as the morning sun cast its golden rays upon the sleepy village.
The river's surface shimmered with the soft light, its gentle currents weaving a mesmerizing dance as they flowed towards the distant horizon.
Nestled on the banks of the Silverwater River, Riverbend Hamlet was a quaint and picturesque village, its rustic charm accentuated by the natural beauty that surrounded it.
Wooden cottages with thatched roofs lined the cobblestone streets, their colorful flower gardens blooming with vibrant hues.
The scent of freshly baked bread wafted through the air, mingling with the earthy aroma of the nearby forest. Birds chirped merrily in the trees, their cheerful melodies adding to the peaceful ambiance of the hamlet.
Sir Elias Hawthorne stirred from his slumber in his cozy abode on the outskirts of the village, the morning sunlight streaming through the windows and casting a warm glow upon the wooden beams of his home.
Beside him, Oasis lay sleeping soundly, his breathing steady and peaceful.
With a soft sigh, Sir Elias rose from his bed and made his way to the window, gazing out at the tranquil scene unfolding before him.
The village was beginning to stir to life, villagers going about their daily routines with a sense of quiet contentment.
As Sir Elias watched the hustle and bustle of the hamlet below, a sense of anticipation stirred within him.
Today marked the beginning of a new chapter in Oasis's journey, and Sir Elias was determined to make it count.
With a sense of purpose, Sir Elias set about preparing for the day ahead. He gathered his belongings and roused Oasis from his slumber, gently shaking him awake.
"Rise and shine, young Oasis," Sir Elias called out with a warm smile. "We have a journey ahead of us, and it's time to get moving."
As Oasis blinked away the remnants of sleep and stretched his limbs, Sir Elias continued, "By the time you're fully awake, I've already packed our supplies. We're setting out on a new adventure today."
Confusion flickered in Oasis's eyes as he rubbed the sleep from his eyes. "But I thought we were supposed to start training today," he said, his voice tinged with uncertainty.
"Don't worry, my boy," Sir Elias reassured him, clapping a hand on his shoulder. "Our training is about to get much more serious. In fact, it's about to become a journey of its own."
As Oasis processed Sir Elias's words, a sense of excitement began to bubble within him. "Where are we going?" he asked eagerly, anticipation shining in his eyes.
Sir Elias chuckled softly, a twinkle of mischief dancing in his gaze.
"Ah, now that's a surprise," he replied cryptically.
"But first, we have a stop to make before we begin our training in earnest."
As Sir Elias and Oasis stepped out onto the bustling streets of Riverbend Hamlet, they were greeted by the warm morning sun and the cheerful hustle and bustle of the villagers going about their daily routines.
Passing by the wooden cottages and colorful flower gardens, they exchanged greetings with familiar faces along the way.
The baker waved from his shop doorway, the aroma of freshly baked bread wafting through the air, while the blacksmith nodded in acknowledgment as he hammered away at his latest creation.
Near the edge of the village, they encountered the fisherman who had found Oasis unconscious by the riverbank not long ago.
He approached with a broad smile, gratitude shining in his eyes as he clasped Oasis's hand in a firm handshake.
"I'm glad to see you up and about, lad," the fisherman said warmly. "You had us worried there for a moment. But it looks like you're back to your old self again."
Oasis returned the fisherman's smile, gratitude flooding his heart for the kindness and concern shown by the villagers.
"Thank you," he replied earnestly. "I'm feeling much better now, thanks to your timely help."
As they continued on their way, they passed through the bustling market square, where vendors hawked their wares and villagers gathered to socialize and barter for goods.
One of the villagers, a kind-hearted woman with a basket of fresh produce, approached Oasis with a warm smile.
"Good morning, young lad," she greeted him cheerfully.
"I heard you're setting off on a journey today. Here, take some fruits and bread for the road. It's not much, but it'll keep you fueled and nourished on your travels."
Oasis accepted her offering with gratitude, touched by her generosity. "Thank you so much," he said sincerely. "This means a lot to me."
As they bid farewell to the villagers and made their way out of Riverbend Hamlet, Sir Elias couldn't help but reflect on the sense of community and camaraderie that permeated the small village.
It was a place where neighbors looked out for one another, where kindness and compassion were woven into the fabric of everyday life.
The memory of receiving the news about the upcoming Whispering Exam flooded Sir Elias's mind. It had been just the night before, as they entered their abode and prepared for rest after his moment with Oasis by the river bank.
As they settled in, one of the villagers had approached them with urgency, delivering the news about the exam that would take place in nine months' time.
Sir Elias had listened intently, his mind already racing with thoughts of how this would impact Oasis's training.
Now, as they walked along the familiar paths leading out of the hamlet, Sir Elias couldn't shake the weight of responsibility that settled upon his shoulders.
The upcoming exam meant that Oasis's training would need to be intensified, his skills honed to perfection in preparation for the challenges that lay ahead.
"I must take Oasis's training more seriously," Sir Elias muttered to himself, his voice barely audible above the gentle rustle of the trees.
"If he is to participate in the Whispering Exam, he needs to be prepared for anything. By the time the exam starts, Oasis would already be 8."
Oasis glanced up at Sir Elias, sensing the gravity of his words. "Is everything alright, Sir Elias?" he asked, concern etched into his features.
Sir Elias nodded, a determined expression crossing his face.
"Yes, everything is fine, Oasis," he replied, his tone firm.
"But from now on, your training will become more focused and rigorous. We have a goal to work towards, and I intend to see you reach it."
After walking for minutes along the Forestsong Road, a scenic route winding through the verdant forest, they reached a vantage point where a sight to behold lay below them: Oakheart.The village nestled amidst the trees, with quaint cottages and winding pathways creating a picturesque scene.Sir Elias gestured towards the village, indicating it to Oasis. "That, Oasis, is Oakheart ," he explained, a hint of fondness in his voice. "A charming settlement where many of the forest folk reside."As Oasis and Sir Elias continued along the Forestsong Road, they reached a clearing where Mossy Hollow lay nestled in the embrace of the forest, its quaint buildings and winding streets visible from afar.From this vantage point, Mossy Hollow appeared like a painting come to life, with its rooftops adorned with flowers and the gentle hum of activity emanating from Mossy.Mossy Hollow was known for its natural beauty and vibrant community spirit. Lush greenery surrounded the town, and the air filled
The forest was alive with the whisper of leaves and the rustle of underbrush as Sir Elias and Oasis ventured deeper into its depths.The air was thick with anticipation, a sense of unease settling over them like a shroud as they treaded carefully through the shadowy undergrowth.Suddenly, the tranquil silence was shattered by the ominous thud of footsteps echoing through the forest.Thud... thud... thud...In the heart of the Great Forest, amidst the towering trees and dense foliage, Sir Elias and Oasis found themselves ambushed by a pack of monstrous creatures.These creatures, known as Bloodthorn Goblins, were infamous for their bloodlust and ferocity. With their crude weapons and snarling visages, they advanced upon Sir Elias and Oasis with malice in their eyes.Oasis stood frozen in fear, his heart pounding in his chest as he beheld the grotesque creatures before him. The Bloodthorn Goblins emanated a palpable aura of bloodlust, their red eyes glinting with savage intent.Sir Elias
As they continued through the dense foliage of the Great Forest, Sir Elias handed Oasis a small pill, its surface shimmering with an iridescent glow."Swallow this pill, Oasis," Sir Elias instructed, his voice low and urgent."It will mask your presence and eliminate even your scent. We must be cautious until we reach the lake, and we need to get there before nightfall."Without hesitation, Oasis accepted the pill and swallowed it, trusting in Sir Elias without question.As they walked deeper in the forest, Sir Elias began to speak, his voice carrying the weight of wisdom accumulated over years of experience."Oasis, in this world, there are countless mystical creatures, each with its own rank and level of danger," he explained, his tone grave."These creatures range from harmless to incredibly perilous, and it's crucial to understand their nature to survive.""Mystic beasts are ranked from F to S, with each rank signifying their strength and ferocity," Sir Elias continued, his gaze sc
As the first light of dawn kissed the tranquil waters of the Crystal Lake, Oasis emerged from the small cave that had become their home.His eyes blinked sleepily as he took in the serene beauty of the morning scene, the soft hues of pink and orange painting the sky above.Nearby, Sir Elias was already awake, tending to a crackling campfire and preparing breakfast. The aroma of sizzling food filled the air, mingling with the fresh scent of the surrounding forest."Good morning, Sir Elias," Oasis mumbled sleepily, his voice still heavy with drowsiness as he shuffled towards the campfire.Without a word, Sir Elias unleashed a swift motion, conjuring a water prison that surrounded Oasis in a circle.Caught off guard, Oasis yelped in surprise as he found himself encased in a sphere of water. With a flick of Sir Elias's wrist, the water prison launched Oasis into the cool embrace of the Crystal Lake.Splashing into the water, Oasis flailed in panic as he struggled to find his bearings. His
Sir Elias led Oasis to the edge of the lake, where the morning sun cast a golden glow upon the water.As they began their training, the sound of the footsteps and the swish of the sword cutting through the air echoed across, a testament to the beginning of Oasis's training.Sir Elias incorporated meditation into Oasis's daily routine. Each morning, before the sun rose above the horizon, Oasis would sit in quiet meditation, focusing his mind and centering his thoughts before the day's training."Close your eyes, Oasis," Sir Elias instructed, his voice carrying a calming presence. "Clear your mind of all distractions and let your thoughts flow like the currents of the lake."Oasis obeyed, closing his eyes and taking a deep breath as he followed Sir Elias's guidance.The soft lapping of the lake against the shore and the gentle rustle of the trees provided a soothing backdrop to his meditation."Feel the energy around you," Sir Elias continued, his voice barely above a whisper. "Let it fl
The morning sun bathed the shores of Crystal Lake in a golden hue as Oasis awoke, feeling rejuvenated after his meditation.Stretching his limbs, he took a deep breath of the crisp morning air, the gentle rustle of leaves and the distant chirping of birds serving as a serene backdrop to the tranquil scene.As Oasis emerged from his meditation spot, Sir Elias greeted him with a warm smile. "Good morning, Oasis," he said, his voice carrying a note of cheerfulness. "I hope you slept well."Oasis nodded, returning Sir Elias's smile. "Yes, I feel refreshed," he replied, his eyes bright with energy.Sir Elias nodded in satisfaction, gesturing towards the campfire where breakfast awaited. "Well then, let's eat," he said, his tone inviting.As Oasis settled down to enjoy his meal, Sir Elias launched into an explanation about the next steps of his training. He spoke with a sense of purpose, his words laced with wisdom and guidance."Oasis, my boy," Sir Elias began, his voice carrying an air of
Sir Elias watched in awe as Oasis seamlessly executed each spell, his movements fluid and confident.The raw power and control displayed by Oasis were nothing short of extraordinary, a testament to his natural talent and relentless dedication.As Sir Elias observed Oasis's remarkable progress, a mixture of emotions washed over him.Pride swelled within him as he witnessed Oasis's mastery over the elemental magic, but alongside it, a sense of awe and apprehension took hold."He's surpassed the Zygote Stage; he's already at Embryo 4th layer," Sir Elias muttered to himself, his voice tinged with disbelief. "This boy is a monster.The intensity of Oasis's abilities left Sir Elias trembling with a potent blend of excitement and trepidation.As he felt the tremors coursing through his body, Sir Elias couldn't help but question the source of his agitation."Wow, I'm shaking. Am I scared or excited?" Sir Elias wondered silently, his thoughts racing as he struggled to comprehend the magnitude o
In his heart, Sir Elias felt a mix of pride and apprehension."This kid is a monster," he thought, still grappling with the reality of Oasis's unprecedented growth."Not only did he break through fast, but he can feel his mana heart even before reaching the Newborn stage. I've never heard of such a thing."Sir Elias knew that he was witnessing the emergence of a prodigy, someone who could potentially reshape the world of magic.The thought filled him with excitement and a touch of fear, as he realized the immense responsibility he had in guiding this extraordinary young man."Oasis, let me further explain the world of magic and cultivation," Sir Elias began."In this world, there are ordinary people who lack the capability or potential to harness magic and cultivate.""And then there are those who can do magic and cultivate. Among these people, there are mages, martial artists, and refiners."He continued, "First, mages like myself. I'm a mage, and we harness the mana within ourselves
Pervard’s mind raced as he recalled everything he knew about the Phoenix Clan."Most people might be ignorant about it, but I’ve read on hidden archives about the Volacris family in the Phoenix Clan.""Our Crimson Hand is in deep trouble. I should’ve been allowed to kill myself. My master would’ve known the moment I died."He grit his teeth in frustration, realizing that even biting his tongue wouldn’t end his life due to his advanced cultivation."We’re doomed..." Sweat dripped down Pervard’s face, and fear crept into his heart—a fear that had not been evident earlier.As the speech ended and the mood among the servants lightened with relief, Oasis instructed his guards.“You two, come with me.”The city lord went to reunite with his children, but Oasis made his way to the basement, where Rex and Pervard were held.Both men were suspended, their hands chained to the ceiling and their feet hanging limply.Oasis’s eyes narrowed as he looked at Rex, who was still feigning unconsciousnes
He advanced on Pervard, his aura flaring with renewed intensity, prepared to deliver the final blow.Pervard, blinded by rage and fear, roared as he threw everything he had into one last desperate attack, but his movements were wild and unfocused.Riftain easily dodged, stepping inside Pervard’s guard and delivering a devastating strike to his chest.The impact sent Pervard crashing into the ground, his body convulsing from the blow.Thud. Thud. Thud.Pervard's chest heaved as he coughed blood, his body barely able to keep itself upright.Riftain advanced toward him, his eyes cold with the intent to end it all, prepared to deliver the final blow.Pervard, blinded by pain and rage, could barely comprehend what had just happened."How did he get this strong?" Pervard thought, blood seeping from his mouth."We were almost of equal strength. I’ve been active while he was sick..." He grimaced, spitting out more blood, his thoughts racing with confusion and despair.Oasis stood back, watchi
The remaining lackeys began to panic, their techniques growing more desperate. One after another, they attacked, but Oasis was always one step ahead.A man with a curved blade aimed for Oasis’s head, but Oasis dodged with ease, delivering a spinning backfist that caved in the man’s skull.Another, a martial artist using fist techniques, charged forward, unleashing a flurry of punches.Oasis weaved through the blows with fluidity, stepping inside the man’s guard and breaking his arm before snapping his neck with a single, swift motion.Each of the lackeys fought with everything they had—one using fiery martial techniques, another enhancing his body with earth aura—but Oasis was untouchable.He moved like a ghost, anticipating every attack, countering with lethal precision.He dodged a fiery fist, and in the same breath, drove his elbow into the attacker’s spine, paralyzing him instantly.A man with twin daggers tried to slash at him, but Oasis caught his wrists, disarming him effortles
The atmosphere in the manor shifted from tense anticipation to outright horror as Oasis stood over the five mangled bodies, his expression calm, almost indifferent.His hands and legs, not even stained with blood, were all it took to dispatch them.The shock of the scene silenced the onlookers—guards, servants, and even Pervard’s lackeys—all frozen in disbelief.“Is he really a mage?” a servant thought, trembling, her knees buckling under the weight of the spectacle.“How… how can a mage move like that?” one of the manor guards thought, sweat running down his face. “No mana, no spells… just raw strength and precision.”“I’ve never seen anyone fight like this, not even our strongest warriors,”another guard, drenched in sweat, trembled as he struggled to comprehend the sight.“It’s impossible. A mage should be relying on spells, not... this,” Alto thought, his eyes wide with fear. “How can he kill with just his bare hands?”Oasis’s own guards, who had been standing beside Raven, could h
Pervard laughed loudly, looking up toward the ceiling as he shrugged off the upper part of his clothing, revealing a tattoo on his chest—a hand drenched in blood.One of the men behind him quickly stepped forward, draping a jacket over his shoulders.“Yes, I am Pervard, the executive of the Crimson Hand—the Cruel Hand,” Pervard declared, grinning as he soaked in the shocked reactions of the crowd.His tattoo glistened under the light as he spoke, “You may know my name, boy, but it won’t matter. You’ll die today, along with Riftain.”Riftain clenched his fists, fury coursing through him.“The Crimson Hand… these bastards. So, I’ve been harboring one in my own town this whole time.”“Pervard the Cruel Hand, huh? Thanks for making it easier to find you,” Oasis said coldly.In a swift motion, he unleashed an even stronger wind magic barrier, this time enveloping the entire manor.The gust of wind swept through the hall as the barrier sealed them inside.Gasps and whispers spread through t
Back in the chamber, Oasis stood calmly in the wake of the city lord’s unleashed aura, completely unfazed.His azure eyes remained steady as he watched the older man with quiet respect.“Not bad,” Oasis thought, his expression unchanged, though inwardly he acknowledged the power being displayed.“Follow me, young man,” the city lord said, his voice now firm and commanding as he walked toward the door. “Let me show you how to deal with traitors.”As the city lord strode out of the room, Oasis followed at a measured pace.The two of them barely made it past the threshold when a group of guards came rushing down the corridor, their faces pale with fear.They skidded to a stop the moment they saw the city lord standing before them, fully revitalized.“My lord!” the guards gasped, immediately dropping to their knees, their bodies trembling from the pressure of his aura.Sweat dripped from their brows as they struggled to maintain their composure in his overwhelming presence.The city lord’
Instantly, they melted into the shadows, ready to evade or strike if necessary.A guard descended the stairs, his form slowly becoming visible in the dim light.He was dressed like the others, but his demeanor was different.He wore the same uniform as the others in the manor, but something was different about him.As he approached the cell, the guards prepared to knock him out—until they saw him pull food from his pockets“It’s been a while, young lord Raven,” the man said quietly, his voice filled with respect.“How is father’s condition?” the boy, Raven, asked, his voice clear and strong despite the abuse he had endured."Still the same, young lord. His condition is declining," the guard replied, his voice laced with sorrow.As they spoke, Raven’s eyes flickered toward the shadows where Oasis’s guards were hidden.“What are you looking at, young lord?” the guard asked, sensing something amiss.“Nothing,” Raven replied calmly. “You should leave before the lackeys of that pig catch y
Oasis moved silently through the shadows of the city lord’s residence, his steps light and precise, avoiding detection with ease.The mansion, though worn by neglect, had a complex layout.Guards patrolled in predictable patterns, moving along predetermined routes that Oasis had already observed using his spiritual senses.“Their movements are methodical, but uninspired,” Oasis thought as he studied the guards' routines.“The guards stationed near the entrance rotate every twenty minutes. The inner patrols are less frequent, giving me small windows to slip through.”As he moved, his azure eyes scanned the manor’s halls, catching subtle details—scuff marks on the floor indicating where guards commonly stood, and faint energy traces revealing where magical wards were placed.“The layout matches what I sensed earlier,” Oasis thought, gliding between two patrols with practiced ease.“Once I pass through this wing, the room where the city lord is bedridden should be up ahead.”Passing thr
As Oasis sat in the inn with his guards, whispers began to ripple through the dimly lit room.Word of men distributing food and money had already reached the ears of the patrons, sparking quiet gossip."Did you hear? Some noble’s been handing out food and coins," one patron whispered to his companion, his voice low but full of curiosity."Yeah, I heard! Who’d do something like that in Riffridge? Must be someone from another town," another person murmured."Who are these people?" a woman muttered. "Could they be connected to the city lord?""Maybe they’re from Belvan. I heard rumors about nobles from that region," someone else suggested, cautiously glancing around.As the quiet chatter continued, Oasis stood up with his two guards, the candlelight flickering off their well-tailored clothing.They made their way toward the inn's counter. The room had grown darker, with the lamps now fully lit to mark the arrival of night."Can we have a room for the night?" Oasis asked calmly, his gaze