Ashes of the Fallen

"Simple, we'll be finding creatures and all of you will simultaneously cast your spells. I will correct your stance and teach you of Chanted Verses. And, when you've progressed enough, I will teach you a new spell," I said to the group, spreading my arms out and turning my palms up in a welcoming gesture. "Let's get started then, shall we?"

"Please, lead the way Sir Sigurd," said Astrid with confidence in her eyes.

Yeah, she was promising.

"Heh, as you wish hun."

Chapter 70: Infested Zones

(Wednesday, November 1st Game Day / Monday, April 12th Real Day)

"Keep the line tight," I said sternly to the casters as I watched them from behind. They were going to engage a bear only three in-game weeks after arriving. Their development thus far, had been spectacular. Astrid and the others were already nearing level thirty as their high potential conferred a boost to experience equal to their rating.

Some were at a seventy-percent increase, others near or over ninety-percent.

It was needless to say really, but they were growing, rapidly.

"We're ready Sir Sigurd," called out Astrid as she finished checking the other nine casters on her flanks. "Shall I give the order?"

"You're in charge Astrid," I stated reassuringly.

"Commence Chanted Verses," she commanded without hesitation.

In an instant, ten pairs of hands started to glow two distinctly different colors.

Four pairs of hands had started to glow a dark purplish-black as tiny balls of flame began to take shape. Simultaneously, six pairs of hands on the other side of the color spectrum began to glow with an off-white color, electricity buzzing and cracking as little streaks of lightning started to accumulate and form into balls of their own.

Three seconds of chanting, followed by two seconds of casting.

And then a chorus of voices, all calling out.

"Lightning Bolt!"

"Shadow Flare!"

The dark magic shot forth with a strange sound, not too different from the sound of a roman candle shooting off. A pop, a whizz almost, as the small dark energy projectiles flew through the air with  slight shadowy tails. The projectiles were quick, extremely quick as I struggled to track their trajectories with my eyes.

Yet despite such speed, lightning was faster.

The counterbalance to the quiet sounds of the shadow magic, the deafening crack of thunder and blinding flash of lightning filled the air. The flares struggled to keep up as sparks exploded from the impact of six lightning bolts. Electricity surged through the chest and ribcage of the poor bear while one or more spells had trigged the stun.

Paralyzed, the bear struggled in place as four shadow flares impacted soon after with an odd soundless explosion. The roar of the white bear was heard loud and clear, while completely engulfed in dark flame. It rose up on its hind legs for only a second, then fell back to the ground below.

The barrage of spells was powerful, quick, and most importantly, deadly.

"I think they might be able to split into two groups now," I said to Katherine, who was attached to my arm. "What do you think?"

"I believe they're capable," she replied. "But who would lead the second unit?"

"You," I answered with a nudge.

She looked at me with confusion clearly displayed on her troubled face. Katherine had yet to leave my side in weeks… she was beginning to lose her independence. What little of it she had, that is.

"You'll be fine, we'll stay close together," I reassured her.

She simply grabbed my arm tighter, squeezing my arm between her chest.

Ah, her flirtation wouldn't work here.

This was necessary for her.

"Alright, we're going to split into two groups, Astrid sort them out," I explained to the casters who were celebrating their new kill. "Katherine will lead your group Astrid."

Kate shot an angry look at me but I ignored it.

She could pout all she wanted.

As I walked through the forest, I was reminded that our selection of creatures had dwindled to our surprise. The rabbits, foxes, and wolves had all but disappeared due to our overhunting. At first, I was scared that we would be without beasts to kill… but my fears were soon allayed.

The game had already accounted for such scenarios, much to my delight.

Bears had flooded the forest, far more than usual.

And as we continued to hunt those bears, their population started to thin as well. Replaced in turn, with random Rattanorvs, Goblins, and Dire Wolves. The Dire Wolves frightened me… as my experience the first time had left an impression.

Out on a walk with Katherine in the middle of the night a few days back, it was a regular evening stroll. Only to be interrupted by a howl far more distinct than any I had heard before. I was curious as to the noise. We investigated, following the sounds far off in the distance until we finally came upon our quarry.

At first, I thought my eyes deceived me.

I mistook the wolf, for a bear.

And by the time I realized what I was looking at, it had already noticed us.