--- Plains of Death, six months later ---
Dozens of rat men were lying on the ground, lifeless. Four beginner acolytes from the Arcane Faction had chosen this easy mission in order to accumulate some contribution points and more importantly, earn [Rat Men Crystals], which could be found on those beasts.
Although it wasn't very valuable, it was quite rare. It was also a core ingredient for brewing the [Hairy Man Elixir], which could be sold for hundreds of gold coins in the Porfield Kingdom. Not only was it a good elixir to train on, it was also very lucrative. It helped men grow beards, and it also increased their virility. Many would pay such an astronomical amount of gold coins on such things, and it was a decent way for amateur alchemist to train and make money at the same time.
Little did they know, for these four young people encountered another group of acolytes.
They were attacked. Their leader had been shot in the abdomen. It was a sudden attack from the infamous [Arthur Landragon].
The man was a legend in the Ivory Tower, a source of inspiration for all, while being a thorn in the Arcane Faction's side. Big factions like the Arcane faction was trying to make it known that it was necessary to have backing in order to become stronger.
Arthur proved that even in a small faction like the Law Enforcement Faction, you could make it through. His success and popularity was no secret. Every week, he would lead a team from the Law Enforcement Faction and complete a random mission from the board. Sometimes, these missions were failed by intermediate acolytes!
Worse still, it was well known Arthur didn't have much talent in elemental magic, having only mastered the spell [Frozen Hands]. At least, this was what rumours said about him. His prowess only came from his ridiculously well-trained body and his knight family ancestry.
Paul only graduated from the status of probationary acolyte a year ago. By now, he had only learned the spell [Minor Fireball]. However, his leader, much more experienced, received an arrow on the belly, a hundred meters away. The group had not even noticed Arthur Landragon's team before the arrow hit its target.
ARGHHH
"I...The arrow has magic!", Paul exclaimed as he looked at the injury, trying to stop the bleeding, with little success, "The ice elemental particles are killing him! Emma, do something!"
Emma was the healer of the group as she possessed the spell [Wood Healing]. However, this spell could only cure small cuts. It could not negate the effect of the high-grade spell [Ice Poison Aura]. The leader's veins turned blue, and it slowly spread throughout his body. In a matter of seconds, the ice elemental particles reached the man's heart, and claimed his life.
Ten seconds at most. It is what it took for an arrow to claim the life of an elite beginner acolyte with five years of experience in the Ivory Tower. A second arrow came soon enough, but it only hit Paul's leg.
"Do you know who we are? If you kill us, the Arcane Faction will definitely avenge us!", Paul shouted, in an attempt to save himself and his comrades: Emma and Olaf.
"Look at him, Arthur!", William exclaimed, "Doesn't he look like me, three years ago?"
Paul instantly recognized Arthur Landragon's companions.
The one who spoke, [William Steel], was famous as well. They called him the [Fire Archer], since his signature was a mighty spell called [Fire Arrow]. Although he was a fire-type elemental acolyte, his firepower was very strong, especially after getting ahold of an enchanted [Fire Scepter], which increased his fire affinity. He also happened to be Arthur's right arm, as well as his first companion.
[Name - William
Class - Level 6 Acolyte
HP - 20/20 | MP - 45 / 60
Attributes:
Strength – 2 | Agility – 1 | Vitality – 2 | Magic Power - 6
Status - Healthy
Skills - Magical Knowledge (28), Fire Elemental Knowledge (26), Alchemy (25), Dagger Mastery (14), Litteracy (5)...]
Spell - Fire Arrow (38), Fire Shield (20), Fire Fist (10)
Enchanted Item - Fire Scepter [+20% Fire Damage], Wolf Teeth Pendant (+1 Fortitude)]
Paul signaled his comrade Olaf to prepare for battle. Olaf walked the path of body refinement as well. He came from the North of the Porfield Kingdom, and came from a lineage of mountain barbarians. His body was especially huge for a human, to the point that some would doubt his human nature. He was 2m60, and he was not skinny by any means.
Still, he wasn't really an acolyte from the Ivory Tower, but rather, a weapon purchased by the Arcane Faction and turned into a [War Slave]. After discovering magical talent, Olaf was granted freedom, but he continued to obey the Arcane Faction, since it had become his home.
[Olaf - Level 6 Acolyte]