Chapter 10: Tier 2, Dark Transformation
Back at the venue…
Eira, and her master sat among the representatives from various colleges. A magical screen, floating in the air, displayed each contestant's progress in the examination.
A man, radiating vigorous energy, his aura like a giant beast, boomed, "It seems only those from Great Fire High possess the potential," his gaze fixed on the screen. This was Dav, a Tier 3 representative from Lion Roar Academy, one of the three academies dominating the Great South Empire.
"Patience, Dav," a woman with crimson lips replied with confidence. "There might be some dark horses among this batch – a hundred rare Mana Heart awakeners this time! I'm sure some will surprise us, besides those from Great Fire High."
A thoughtful hum escaped her lips. "One of Great Fire High's top contenders, a Tier 2, was eliminated. Things are about to get interesting!" she exclaimed excitedly.
…
The Great South Empire comprised five provinces, and Nasan Province, where the examination was held, was one of them. Fifteen schools from across the province competed in the capital city. Three academies – Lion Roar Academy, Blue Eagle Academy, and Black Dragon Academy – fiercely vied for resources.
"Eira, it seems Mike's group encountered a stroke of luck; that's a Blood Flower Root, isn't it?" Auline, beside Eira, observed.
"But that area is dangerous," Auline added, her voice laced with worry. "Their journey will be far from easy."
Eira's eyes flickered with concern, but a resolute set to her jaw quickly followed. "It's alright," she murmured, a small, satisfied nod accompanying her words. "I have faith in him."
…
Back inside the gate…
Deep within a damp cave, glowing moisture moss illuminated the cavern.
Whoosh!
The sharp sound of a scythe sliced through the air, cleaving an Elite monster in two. Dane, from Great Fire High, moved with the efficiency of a seasoned warrior, his aura tinged with the chill of death.
Grace's eyes widened in astonishment. "Dane, are you about to break through?" she asked, her voice barely a whisper.
Dane nodded, a grim determination etched on his face.
– Data Panel –
Name: Dane
Race: Human
Realm: Tier 1 [Level 10: 98/100]
Mana Heart: Lightning Heart [Hidden branch of Fire Mana Heart]
Strength: 105 | Physique: 100 | Agility: 102 | Mana: 105
Native Skills: Lightning Nature (passive)
Skills: Lightning Ball, Paralyze, Energy Charge
Lightning Nature: All attacks imbued with lightning effects.
Lightning Ball: Creates a destructive ball of lightning.
Paralyze: Uses electric current to paralyze enemies.
Energy Charge: Uses electric current to boost physical attacks.
"Yes," Dane said, his voice low and intense. "I just need to kill one more Elite monster and absorb its crystal energy. It seems we're on the right path." A small, almost imperceptible smile played on his lips.
Grrrr…
A deep roar echoed through the cave.
"It's here!" Grace's face hardened, her hand outstretched, ready to unleash her power.
A colossal figure emerged from the darkness—a massive bear, its fangs bared, roaring its challenge. Rawrrr!!!
– Monster Status –
Name: Abyssal Giant Bear
Realm: Elite Monster, Level 15
Strength: 159 | Physique: 148 | Agility: 160 | Mana: 150
Skills: Intimidation, Dark Roar, Dark Spike
Intimidation: Intimidates creatures within 3 meters with lower levels.
Dark Roar: A sonic attack.
Dark Spike: Summons shadowy spikes.
Dane's eyes gleamed with predatory excitement. "This guy is powerful—a perfect stepping stone to Tier 2, and maybe even a new skill will drop!"
Grace's voice trembled slightly. "But Dane, it's level 15! How can we possibly defeat it?"
Dane chuckled, a confident glint in his eyes. "You're a rare Mana Heart awakener, and you're worried about this? We're practically ready for Tier 2! Together, we can do this. And we will reach Tier 2."
His voice hardened. "Your element counters dark-type magic. What are you afraid of? Besides, we need to find out what happened to that big guy from Great Fire High. I saw him on the screen; he was level 10, just a few points away from the top 5. Even if I don't care about him, I want to know who defeated him."
Grace fell silent, her apprehension giving way to a newfound resolve.
…
Dane unleashed a barrage of Lightning Balls, each strike impacting the Giant Bear with explosive force.
Roar!!
The Giant Bear retaliated with its Dark Roar.
SCREECH!!!
A deafening explosion rocked the cave.
"Damn it!" Dane gritted his teeth, his body momentarily paralyzed by the bear's Intimidation skill. The level difference was significant.
The Abyssal Giant Bear lunged, summoning Dark Spikes. Dane had no time to dodge.
Just as the spikes were about to pierce him, Grace reacted instantly, launching a protective spell.
LIGHT PROTECTION!!!
A massive shield of light materialized before Dane, deflecting the deadly spikes.
Hoo! A collective sigh of relief escaped their lips. The battle was far from over. The fight continued, a brutal dance of lightning and shadow, earth and fire.
Dane, fueled by his determination and the nearness of his breakthrough, fought with a ferocity he hadn't known he possessed.
Grace, supporting him with her Light magic, proved to be an invaluable ally.
Grace, even though she's a support type she's more powerful than you see.
With a final, desperate surge of power, Dane landed the killing blow, his Lightning Heart pulsing with raw energy. The Abyssal Giant Bear collapsed, its body dissolving into a shimmering cloud of energy.
From the remains, a Gold-grade crystal materialized, radiating a potent energy. Dane absorbed the crystal, feeling a surge of power coursing through his veins. He had broken through to Tier 2. But that wasn't all. As the energy settled, a new skill manifested within him: Dark Transformation. He could now transform electric current into any form he willed, manipulating the very fabric of darkness and electricity.
Grace, witnessing Dane's incredible feat, felt a surge of her own power. She unleashed a torrent of spiritual energy, leveling up makes her awaken new skills.
– Dane's Data Panel –
Name: Dane
Race: Human
Realm: Tier 2 [Level 11: 0/101]
Mana Heart: Lightning Heart [Hidden branch of Fire Mana Heart]
Strength: 115 | Physique: 110 | Agility: 112 | Mana: 115
Native Skills: Lightning Nature (passive)
Skills: Lightning Ball, Paralyze, Energy Charge, Dark Transformation
– Grace's Data Panel –
Name: Grace
Race: Human
Realm: Tier 1 [Level 10: 10/100]
Mana Heart: Light Heart
Strength: 100 | Physique: 95 | Agility: 98 | Mana: 105
Native Skills: Light Protection (passive)
Skills: Light Healing, Light Barrier, Light spear
Light Spear- condensing an element of light to a spear