บท 20: The Path to Evolution
But despite the warning, she couldn't help the grin that spread across her face. The promise of something bigger, something better, was too tempting to resist. She was already planning how she would approach the next few days. If an evolution was coming, she wanted to be ready for it.
As she finally peeled herself away from her thoughts and made her way to bed, Liria glanced at Daena, who was still quietly tidying up around the small cabin. "Goodnight, Grandma," she called, grinning widely.
Daena raised an eyebrow. "What's got you so cheerful, hmm?"
"Oh, nothing," Liria said with a laugh. "Just, you know, the anticipation of finally showing a certain someone who's boss around here."
Daena chuckled, her eyes twinkling. "Don't underestimate that certain someone, Liria. Enara's parents are powerful, and if she's got even half their strength… well, just don't let pride cloud your judgment. Power's useful, but you'll need more than that."
"I know," Liria replied, giving her a quick salute before finally flopping into her bed. She lay there, staring at the ceiling, still buzzing with excitement. Tomorrow, she thought, tomorrow, I'll fight until I'm stronger than ever.
The next morning, Liria sprang out of bed before the first rays of sunlight broke through the window. She threw on her boots, pulled her hair back, and practically sprinted out the door, her mind locked on one goal: leveling up.
Daena was already awake, watching her with a smirk as she sipped her tea. "And where do you think you're going so early?"
"Uh... training?" Liria offered, her face as innocent as possible.
Daena chuckled. "Training, hm? Sounds more like hunting for trouble."
Liria grinned and shrugged. "Isn't that part of the training?"
"Just don't break anything too valuable," Daena replied, her smile fading slightly. "And if you see anything particularly nasty, think before you act."
"I promise!" Liria called over her shoulder, already halfway to the woods.
The forest around Daena's cabin was dense with trees, thick vines, and a low mist that made everything feel just a bit more mystical than usual. As she pushed through the underbrush, she focused on her surroundings, hoping to catch sight of her first "training partner" for the day.
[Scanning area… Potential enemy detected.]
Liria squinted as a large, spiny creature lumbered out of a nearby thicket. It was covered in sharp quills and had dark red eyes that glowed menacingly. She grinned, her fingers itching to test her new abilities.
[Wild Thornbeast]
Level: 8
Health: 300/300
Strength: 15
Agility: 10
Magic: 5
"Well, look who's going to be my warm-up!" Liria said, cracking her knuckles. "Come on, then!"
The Thornbeast roared, lowering its head to charge. Liria leaped to the side, her feet skimming the ground as she darted out of the way, the beast missing her by inches.
She pivoted, raising her hand. "Time to see how you like a little fire!" With a quick flick of her wrist, she summoned her magic, feeling a surge of energy pool in her palm as she conjured a fireball.
[Ability: Fireball (Level 3) activated]
She hurled the fireball at the Thornbeast, watching as it exploded against its rough hide with a loud crackling sound. The creature yelped, but it wasn't down yet. With a snarl, it lunged again, snapping its jaws dangerously close to her ankle.
Liria laughed, adrenaline rushing through her veins. "Missed me!" She jumped back, summoning another fireball, this one more powerful, fueled by her growing confidence.
[Experience gained: 50]
The Thornbeast slumped to the ground, defeated. Liria grinned, catching her breath as she looked over her status.
[Status Update for Liria Silverthorn
Experience: 70/800]
She let out a triumphant sigh. "Alright, that's a start. Now… let's see if there are any bigger challenges around here."
As she ventured deeper into the forest, Liria's senses stayed alert for movement or sounds that might signal a monster nearby. After a few more minutes, she stumbled across a narrow path and paused when she heard a familiar voice muttering from behind her.
"Honestly, why are you out here alone, Liria?" It was Enara, who somehow managed to appear out of the shadows with her usual smug expression.
Liria groaned, rolling her eyes. "Ugh, great, you're here."
Enara crossed her arms, her crimson eyes glinting. "Didn't expect to see you out here in the wilderness. Are you trying to find some new way to humiliate yourself?"
"Actually, no," Liria replied, smirking. "I'm just trying to become stronger . You should try it sometime. Maybe it'd help with your little attitude problem."
Enara scoffed. "Oh, please. I don't need any help , especially not from some forest mouse like you."
[Enara Valthorne detected. Status: Observing. Threat Level: Moderate.]
Liria chuckled under her breath. "Thanks, System. Noted."
Enara's eyes narrowed. "Talking to yourself now? How adorable."
Liria opened her mouth to shoot back, but a sudden, low growl rumbled from the trees nearby. Both girls stiffened, turning toward the sound as a hulking creature lumbered into view.
[Wild Fangmaw]
Level: 10
Health: 600/600
Strength: 20
Agility: 12
Magic: 10
The Fangmaw's claws glistened with a sticky, dark substance that looked anything but friendly, and its fangs were long enough to send a chill down Liria's spine. This wasn't just any warm-up monster.
"Well, looks like we've got a real challenge," Liria said, cracking her knuckles.
Enara rolled her eyes. "Please. I could handle that thing in my sleep."
"Really?" Liria grinned, stepping forward. "Then let's make this interesting, shall we? First one to defeat it gets bragging rights for the day."
Enara raised an eyebrow, clearly intrigued. "Fine. But don't cry when you lose."
Without another word, they both charged at the creature, though they each took different angles. Liria summoned her new ability, Inferno Burst, letting the flames dance along her hands. With a smirk, she leapt toward the beast, striking it with a fiery punch that sent embers scattering in every direction.
[Ability: Inferno Burst (Level 1) activated]
The Fangmaw roared, swiping its claws at her. She ducked just in time, gritting her teeth as she felt the air whip past her face.
Enara was quick to follow, summoning her own dark energy. Shadows wrapped around her fists as she aimed a powerful blow at the Fangmaw's side, causing it to stumble. "See? This is how a real fighter does it."
"Oh, please," Liria shot back, launching another fireball. "Your shadows barely tickle."
The Fangmaw turned on Enara, distracted by her attack, giving Liria an opening. She grinned, darting forward with Ember Swipe, the flames flaring around her hand as she struck the creature in its weak spot.
[Experience gained: 150]
The Fangmaw slumped to the ground, defeated. Liria beamed with pride as she felt her experience bar climb a little closer to her goal.
[Status Update for Liria Silverthorn
Experience: 220/800]
"Well, well, looks like I got the last hit," she said smugly, brushing her hands off.
Enara glared. "You just got lucky. Next time, you won't stand a chance."
Liria gave a satisfied stretch, smirking. "Keep telling yourself that, princess."
Enara crossed her arms, sneering. "You're just lucky I didn't use my real abilities, forest mouse."
"Oh, please," Liria shot back, rolling her eyes. "If you had any real abilities, you wouldn't be here losing to someone who's 'just lucky.' Face it, you're all talk and no bite."
Enara's eyes narrowed. "I could flatten you with a thought if I wanted to."
"Then why don't you? Oh, wait because you can't," Liria taunted, her grin widening as she noticed the slight twitch in Enara's eye. "Guess the demon princess isn't as scary as she thinks."
Enara opened her mouth to deliver what was probably a scathing retort, but a sudden shiver ran up Liria's spine. A low, earth-rumbling growl echoed through the trees, and both girls froze.
[Warning: Extremely high-level threat detected.]
Liria's eyes widened as the bushes to her left rustled, the ground beneath them trembling. Her stomach dropped as a massive creature stalked forward. It was unlike anything she'd ever seen, with scales as dark as midnight, sharp spines running down its back, and eyes that glowed with an eerie, molten gold. Its fangs gleamed, dripping a thick, black venom that sizzled as it hit the ground.
[Behemoth Direhound]
Level: ???
Health: ???
Strength: ???
Magic: ???
[Warning: This enemy exceeds user's current level. Proceed with extreme caution.]
Liria glanced at Enara, her face pale despite her usual smug confidence. For once, the demon princess didn't have a single word to say.
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