Embrace of the void

The days that followed the encounter at the orc village were filled with grueling training for both Michael and Nyxar. They understood that the intelligence gained from the orc chief was a mere precursor to the real challenges that lay ahead. Their focus sharpened, they dedicated themselves to honing their skills and techniques.

Michael transformed a secluded area at the edge of the forest into their training ground. The canopy above filtered sunlight into dappled patches, creating an ethereal atmosphere. Here, surrounded by ancient trees and the sounds of nature, they would push their limits.

"Let's start with your {Voltblade Fury}," Nyxar instructed, his voice steady and authoritative. "You need to master the flow of energy through your blade."

Michael nodded, gripping his sword firmly. He concentrated, channeling his energy while envisioning the lightning-infused strikes that characterized the technique. With each swing, arcs of electricity crackled along the blade, illuminating the surrounding area.

Michael nodded, gripping his sword firmly. He concentrated, channeling his energy while envisioning the lightning-infused strikes that characterized the technique. With each swing, arcs of electricity crackled along the blade, illuminating the surrounding area.

Next, they turned their attention to the {Desolation Barrage}. "This technique requires not just power, but precision," Nyxar explained. "You must control the energy and direct it where you want it to go."

This technique allows the user to conjure elemental spears that explode upon hitting enemies, creating massive destruction.

As the user's skill increases, they can summon more spears, each with greater variety depending on their elemental affinities. Currently, Michael is only able to conjure two spears of the same element, but he is determined to master this technique and unlock its full potential.

Michael concentrated on conjuring two distinct elemental spears before him, feeling his mana ebb with each effort. Initially, the attempt faltered, the energy dissipating into the air like whispers lost to the wind. However, with Nyxar's guidance and his own relentless practice, he gradually honed his ability. After many attempts,he successfully formed two spears—one crackling with lightning and the other shrouded in darkness. Encouraged by his progress, he continued to refine his technique, striving to increase the number of spears he could summon.

"Now, let's work on your {Shadowscape Manipulation}," Nyxar said, transitioning to the more elusive techniques. "This will require patience and subtlety."

Michael closed his eyes, summoning the shadows around him. At first, they remained stubbornly still, but gradually, he began to sense their presence, feeling them shift and respond to his will. With practice, he learned to manipulate the darkness, creating small pockets of shade that could obscure him or provide cover.

Nyxar watched with pride as Michael's abilities flourished. "You're making impressive progress. Soon, you'll be ready to face those orcs," he remarked, his confidence in Michael growing.

While Michael honed his combat techniques, Nyxar practiced his own skills in stealth and agility. He darted through the trees, executing fluid movements that showcased his dagger mastery. "Remember, it's not just about speed; it's about finesse," he reminded himself, focusing on his breathing and the rhythm of his movements.

Nyxar worked on {Shadow's Embrace}, learning to blend seamlessly with the shadows. He practiced ambush techniques, appearing and disappearing like a wisp of smoke. With each successful maneuver, his confidence grew.

 "Your {Aetherial Grasp} will require a different approach," Michael suggested after observing Nyxar's training. "Think of it as extending your will into the void. You need to visualize the connection before you execute it."

With Michael's guidance, Nyxar began to understand the flow of energy in his own body, learning to channel it into his grasp. The two worked in tandem, each pushing the other to reach new heights.

Weeks passed, and the fruits of their labor became evident. Michael's ranks in his techniques began to rise. His {Voltblade Fury} reached {Intermediate}, and his { Desolation Barrage } climbed to {Beginner 75%}. His mastery of {Shadowscape Manipulation} also improved, now at {Beginner 30%}.

In his first week of training, Michael achieved a breakthrough, advancing to rank F+. With the aid of several treasures from his storage ring, as well as valuable items acquired during their raid on the thieves, he successfully progressed to rank E-.

Additionally, Michael unlocked a new class-specific skill: {Void Flame}. This skill enables him to summon and manipulate a unique flame infused with void energy. Unlike conventional fire, Void Flame possesses the ability to consume and nullify surrounding magical energies, making it particularly effective against opponents reliant on elemental powers or magical defenses. The flames are dark and ethereal, emitting an unsettling glow, and can be shaped and directed according to Michael's will, enhancing his versatility in combat.

Michael's {Undead Summoning} skill slots also expanded from 5 to 10, now allowing him greater capacity for his necromantic abilities.

{Summoning slots (1/10)}

He felt a surge of happiness and excitement at the prospect of filling these newly available slots, eager to enhance his capabilities further.

Nyxar, too, made significant strides. His Dagger Mastery advanced to Advanced, and his {Shadow's Embrace} reached {Intermediate 60%}. He began to feel the power of his {Void Dagger} and {Voidstep}, both growing stronger with each passing day.

One morning, as the sun pierced through the trees, casting golden rays across their training ground, Michael and Nyxar paused to catch their breath. The atmosphere was electric with potential.

 "We've come a long way," Michael said, wiping sweat from his brow. "But we still have much to learn."

"Indeed," replied Nyxar, his voice steady. "But that took too long. We need to assess the situation in the orc village."

"Let's go," Michael agreed, urgency in his tone.

The two set off toward the village, navigating through the surrounding wilderness. It took them an hour to carefully avoid the lurking monsters and minimize any potential threats.

Upon arriving at the orc village, Nyxar's eyes narrowed When he saw the orc village.

"There are humans inside," he announced, tension creeping into his voice.

Michael tensed. "How many?"

"I'm not sure. I'll need to sneak in and find out."

"Be careful," Michael urged, knowing his own limitations when it came to stealth.

As Nyxar slipped into the shadows, Michael remained outside, feeling the weight of his inadequacy.

"I need to practice sneaking, too," he muttered to himself. "I hate being left behind."

Inside the village, Nyxar arrived at the orc leader's hut.. Peering through a crack in the door, he counted four figures within.

He quickly relayed the information to Michael.

The first was the orc leader, seated in his chair, unchanged since Nyxar last saw him. Next to him stood a massive orc, clearly his guard, with muscles that rippled under his skin. In front of them were two humans.

The first was a knight, was clad in a full suit of black and blue armor, his hand resting on the hilt of a long sword at his side. The second was a woman shrouded in a black magic cloak, her face obscured except for the striking red of her lips. She wielded a staff made of black wood, topped with a pure white skull that cradled a purple stone in its mouth.

"This is the artifact I promised you," the woman declared, her voice resonant with authority. "It's called the Eclipse Wand—a rank A artifact that amplifies all fire and darkness spells."

She continued, "It possesses two formidable skills: Meteor Fall, which conjures a massive fireball capable of obliterating enemies from a distance, and Dark Age, which envelops the battlefield in an impenetrable darkness, obscuring the vision of foes." She presented the staff with pride.

"The rest of the weapons and armor are contained within this ring. Use it wisely." She extended a storage ring toward the orc leader.

Zargoth, the orc leader, beamed with excitement as he accepted the ring.

"Now you must fulfill your side of the deal," the woman stated coldly.

"Do not worry," Zargoth replied confidently. "In my name, I am Zargoth Skullcrusher of the Bloodstone tribe. I swear I will uphold my end of the bargain."

With a solemn oath, he made his promise before her.

"Wait for my instructions. I will contact you when the time is right," she commanded, turning to leave.

Moments later, a knight beside her let out a sharp whistle. Within minutes, a massive white bird descended from the sky. The knight and the woman mounted the creature, and it flapped its wings, soaring into the heavens.

Michael spotted the bird from his position outside.

 "Damn it! We need to get our hands on a flying magical beast as well," he grumbled quietly to himself.

Nyxar, using his Void Step skill, reappeared beside Michael. "Let's set that aside for now. We have a more pressing issue. We need to devise a plan."

"These individuals are dangerous, and it seems they're plotting something significant. We have to eliminate the orc leader and capture his body before they execute their scheme. We might also need to take out his guard," Nyxar strategized.

"Who are these people?" Michael pressed, concern etched on his face.

"I'm working on it," Nyxar replied, urgency in his tone.

"We don't have time to waste. We need to prepare," Michael insisted.

With determination, Michael and Nyxar returned home to ready themselves for the mission ahead.