The Soul Keeper

Chapter 21: Newfound Power

Leaving behind a trail of dark flames, I swung my sword at the first creature and promptly overshot, completely missing the creature, and loosing my balance in the process.

It took me a moment to find my footing. Both creatures stared at me in what seemed like confusion. Equally confused at my speed and strength – and the fact that I missed a stationary target at point blank range – I stared back at them.

The awkward and admittedly funny situation ended with one of the creatures leaping at me. I easily sidestepped it, but at the expense of a mild dizziness. I was moving faster than I expected and I couldn't adjust to it as easily as I had hoped.

The battle once again came to a screeching halt as the creatures growled at me once more. I hesitated, I was much more powerful than I expected to be, but I couldn't use that power in any meaningful way. I glanced at the woods; the other creatures had surely heard the commotion by now. I didn't have much time left. With a shout, I lunged and the nearest creature. Without skipping a beat, it extended its claws towards me. I barely dodged the razor-sharp claws and finally struck the creature. As my sword easily pierced its skin, I felt movement behind me.

My heart raced as a roll to the side saved me from what seemed like certain and very painful death. I summoned my status panel and used Dark Bolt. Feeling a tingling sensation in my palm, I quickly pointed to the creature. A dark, silent both leapt from the tip of my fingers towards the creature. With a pained wail, it tried to retreat only to be met with the sharp end of my sword.

Now back on my feet and slightly more used to my newfound power, I stood firm as three creatures leapt out of the trees. The first, I hit with a Dark Bolt and immediately struck with my sword. Then, the deadly dance began once more. The dark flames on my sword – a product of Death's Scythe – slowly wore off, prompting the creatures to strike once more.

I didn't need an enhancement on my weapon, my years of training were enough to take these creatures on. With a few decisive strikes, they too lay dead by my feet. Just like before, I put the corpses in my inventory and headed towards that cave we had previously cleared.

Soon, I had arrived to see a nest full of small horned lions. Well, small only compared to the huge one that nearly killed me. These were the size of a horse, just like the ones I had just killed. With a sigh, I used Fallen Grace and lunged at them

After what felt like hours of fighting, I left the cave. My clothes were bloody once again, and I reeked of death. I considered going back to the alcove, but it wasn't even noon yet, I didn't want to waste the entire day inside the alcove. Instead, I headed to the peak where I met Vixia and Delthur.

As I drew closer to the rocky peak, I slowed my steps. I didn't want to get caught off guard again. There was no way I'd survive another encounter with those two.

When I finally stepped out of the forest and looked up, my mouth was agape. The peak and cliff were different than what I remembered. A beautiful tree grew at the peak. Its branches were filled with large, dark green leaves and bright blue flowers were blooming. It was much larger and taller than the last time I saw it. Its roots had covered the entire cliff, along with some beautiful flowers of every colour of the rainbow that were growing from the patches of earth among the rocks.

The scent of the flowers supressed the smell of blood and death that was clinging onto me. I found myself climbing up the rocky cliff as a soft breeze blew in my hair. The entire forest lay before me as I finally stood atop the peak. It was beautiful, like a green ocean that moved ever so slightly with the wind. I leaned my back on the tree and took in the view. Even if it was just for a short moment, I let go of my fears and worries and just felt the cool breeze on my skin.

I left the peak at dusk and headed back to the alcove. I would have loved to see the sunset, but I didn't want to risk bumping into Delthur or Vixia.

When I reached the alcove, I washed myself and my clothes after skinning today's game. Later in the evening, I sat by the small fire and opened my status window again.

'Kai Friseal – Level 12 Soul Keeper | Exp: 100/2000 - - Souls 66/100 - - Mana: 300'

My eyes widened. The creatures had given me much more experience than I expected. After a moment's hesitation, I opened my skills panel and levelled up Dark Bolt. It had proven it's worth today.

I checked on the fur of the small horned lions. I could probably use them to make myself some new clothes. Though, the thought of wearing the fur of something I killed made me feel a little sick. But looking at my current clothes, I really had no choice. If I didn't do something, I'd soon be running around naked.

With a sigh, I got to work. I knew very little about making clothes, only about as much as my grandfather taught me when I was little. I ruined several pelts in my attempts. After several hours, I finally had something that looked kind of decent.

It wasn't anything fancy. I had used the cloth of my torn robes to make a pair of trousers and reinforced it with the pelts. The same could be said for a shirt. They wouldn't provide me with much protection from any attacks but at least I wouldn't feel the cold as much.

Tired, I fell asleep in my makeshift tent. Sleep was a lot less relaxing this time, as I dreamt of Mother and my sister. Their disapproving looks weighed on me even after I woke up.

Still feeling tired, I yawned and washed myself before wearing my newly made clothes, taking my sword, and heading outside. I couldn't shake off this feeling. The thought of my sister and Mother finding out about how I got myself trapped here weighed heavily on me.

Nearly two weeks had passed since I had stepped foot in this world. Just thinking about how much time I had lost was frustrating. Every time I thought about it, it became a little harder to breathe. With such thoughts spinning in my head and a coldness in my chest, I walked around searching for something to kill.