DeadRealm75 – T.U.S: Life Will Continue Without You – Chapter 3: A change in the wind.

~-=| Awakening of the hero. |=-~

Alex's life is on the edge. He decided to give up... Taking the easy way out. He is starving, has no place to call home, lost his companion, or it seemed that way, and there is no drive. Yet he still moves on, carrying his own messed up mind, and keeps moving forward. Giving up does not always mean giving up in life, in this case, he gave up on trying to get better.

Though, his life can't be uneventful forever. Not in this world.

(Computer: Tarot card number seventeen has been deactivated. The Star, Upright: When the Star arrives in the upright position, it usually follows a difficult change or traumatic event.)

(Computer: Changing timeline...)

Mana is a mysterious power that flows and commands this mysterious world. It can attract problems to anyone, this time no different. An event like a video game was started. Called raids.

(Computer: Pulling information on Raids.
Computer: Raids: Natural and unnatural phenomenon caused by fluctuations in Mana that create or change the behavior of many living beings. More the creatures who are associated with monsters or have ill will. Example: Slimes are docile creatures, yet possess the ability to become “evil” when the raid phenomenon appears.)

Recommended song for the following part, “Eternal Fire” By Beast In Black. Also, I recommend “No Surrender” By Beast In Black and “On My Way” By Alan Walker. Heavily inspired part by all three songs.

While Alex was unconscious because he had fallen asleep due to his lack of sleep. The sky moved rather quickly, almost like a time-lapse of the sky. The color of the vastly blue-colored void with clouds changed to a tinge of red and purple. A moon with colors similar to blood rising and changing the surroundings.

A mysterious power surrounds Alex, both he and Nayoko are being transported. Nayoko, although a spirit animal, could understand his purpose. Still, he had feelings and could feel Alex's sorrow. When he appears beside Alex, he is in the middle of Ripple Turwen, and people are running away from multiple kinds of monsters.

Slimes, hornets, giant rats, and even skeletons and goblins appeared attacking this village. Their eyes changed into a bloody crimson color, shining in the new light of the bloody moon. Nayoko, worried about his companion, tried to wake him up by licking his face. It worked, but in a way not expected.

Alex's body started floating, almost like someone trying to make him stand. A blue flame surrounded Alex's body, slowly joining together with him. Never been so wide awake by the sudden surge of power, fire burning inside his body, at the same time in his eyes. New determination was forced into him.

Alex was pulled out from that blissful place of emptiness, where his emotions no longer affected him. He breathed in and out, getting the smells of burned wood, blood, and dirt. His body was burning with new-found energy. It had a warm feeling of familiarity, making him feel comfortable and at peace.

Slowly healing and recovering the strength he had lost, due to his lack of eating and loss of body mass. Then a voice made his eyes open wide.

???????: Alex, what are you doing?!

Alex tried to look around, he noticed Nayoko, his figure being bigger than what he remembered reaching his size. Also, he was standing, making him confused about how this happened.

???????: Alex, are you about to throw away the request father gave you?

His eyes widened, recognizing the voice calling him.

Alex: Maxwell?! Where are you?

He feels his eyes roll, and that alone makes him feel nervous. Also confused for not understanding completely what is going on.

Alex: What the-?

Maxwell: Is it that surprising that I can still control something from my body?

Alex: I wasn't... expecting you at all...

Maxwell: Really? Even after telling yourself that it was time to give up?

Alex: I...

Maxwell: I think... I can understand.

Maxwell's voice became strained after getting a bit of the feeling Alex had.

Maxwell: W-wow... Alex... is... this how m-much pain you feel every day?

Alex: Wait, you can feel it?

Maxwell: Of c-course, let me remind you... It is still my body, yet... I can't control it. Not anymore... Can you control your feelings a bit?

Alex: Sorry, I can try... Just... follow... What I'm doing.

Alex closes his eyes, Maxwell following the same steps. Though, he interrupts him by saying what he needed to hear.

Maxwell: Everything is going to be alright.

A warm feeling surrounds him, making his skin crawl with goosebumps. Feeling a blanket and a hug that surrounds his body.

Maxwell: You have a companion that has yet to leave you alone. He has been working to take some load off your shoulders.

Maxwell: Be glad to have someone. You are no longer alone, and you won't be, remember that.

Alex felt as if a weight was lifted, making him weak, and almost falling, but he managed to stay on his feet thanks to Maxwell.

Maxwell: Soon you will find that life is not always unfair. Enjoy it... and don't make me come back to get you up.

Alex: Heh...

A small chuckle escaped him, glad to feel and see Maxwell that he is the same as before. Throughout the time he was talking, Nayoko wondered what was going on in Alex's head, since he seemed to be talking alone. Not only that but, due to their connection the feeling was intense, like both found solace in their problems.

When Maxwell was present in his body before he gave goodbye to his friends and family, he felt at peace. But his worries and insecurities clouded that feeling, his mind guided him in a way that the damage he felt would come back.

Alex: Thank you... Maxwell.

When they are together, it is like a way you fight heat while sleeping, a limb out to cool down, but your body is mostly covered. Until you find that comfortable way that cold and heat join together and lull you to sleep. Two opposite souls, find a common ground of peace when they are together.

Maxwell: Alright, it is time we get to work. We have to protect the villagers!

Alex shakes his head, getting ready for the battle approaching. Clearing his mind from the previous problems. Making him force them aside for later. After all, their focus should be the duty of protectors to the villagers. All of them can use Mana, but not all can or will risk their lives to fight.

Alex: Alright! Nayoko, help me with the villagers.

Nayoko nods and starts running around the village, sometimes using his hidden dagger to kill and cut the goblins taking away people. With the occasional slime and skeleton attacking or destroying the houses of the villagers.

Determination pulls Alex into a state of hyper-concentration in the same way when he plays a video game. His body tenses, his senses become sharper, and his eyes are more focused on the battle ahead. Today a bloody moon appeared and so, Alex and Maxwell had a mission. To save the villages from the incoming wave of enemies.

Alex, rushes into battle, while Maxwell makes the wings on his body appear, calling the attention of the enemy with the flutter of them, picking up Alex into the air. Alex makes Eliot's gifted staff appear in front of him, a mysterious aura surrounds his staff that soon shatters like glass.

The staff increases his control and efficiency of Mana's use, enabling him to cast spells and better control Mana around him. It also increases his Mana capacity. Making a battle cry, Alex uses his Mana control as a way to make the enemy pay attention to him.

Meanwhile, Nayoko, having a larger body slim yet the size of Maxwell's body, runs around the village picking up villagers left. Clearing the area from any victims. He takes multiple trips around the village, slowly but securely, leaving the villagers away from the place where Alex and Maxwell would be fighting.

Nayoko provides support once he manages to get everyone in safety, he starts making the enemies move towards where Alex and Maxwell were.

(Computer: Second Primal Element Awakening, Control of Fire element has been fully unlocked...)

The fire of the houses starts to be moved upwards from where Alex is flying, Maxwell, focused only on helping Alex, can't help but make a smirk that Alex feels. Finally seeing the fruits of the training with Lucas had been working. Using his staff, Alex makes the fire surround the enemies, and makes them burn in the flames.

Normally Alex would be affected by this, but thanks to Maxwell, his focus is on saving the lives in this village. Alex continues and moves lower into the ground using his staff as a barrier, Maxwell understands what Alex is trying to do, and follows with extra power behind his wings.

The force of impact increments, making multiple cracks in their bones, others have to be under multiple enemies. Slimes already impacted by the fire use the ability of Cascade, a spell, to pull out the fire from their companions.

I recommend "No Surrender" By Beast In Black in this part, if you are listening to the recommended music.

Some slimes mutate and become fire slimes, Alex uses his Mana control changing the cascade spell to become blades of water in midair hitting the slimes and separating them into smaller slimes. This greatly reduces their mass making them faster, yet their spell capability reduces making them unable to use spells.

This time, Maxwell suggests Alex use Water and Fire spells jointly.

On Nayoko's side, he starts to use his own Mana to move the enemies like he was herding sheep, making them join in a small circle. Using Water Mana to move them together, and changing to Fire Mana, to create projectiles once they are inside. The few stragglers are pulled into a stabbing fest.

Nayoko takes his blade out and starts using it. It proves useful as his number of enemies slowly starts to decrease. Slimes are often cut with the blade, making small slimes.

Turning back to Alex, he tries and casts a double spell of fire and water, water shooting out and then fires after it. Using Mana control he makes both elements dance creating a vortex of water and fire, hitting the enemies with great strength. The water boils, and the fire changes in color, becoming blue.

The amount of fire/water changes, the amount of water increases, and the amount of fire decrease, yet the flame becomes hotter when the change of color happens. The boiling water creates a suffocating vapor that surrounds the inside of the vortex, increasing the damage more, and making the slimes evaporate from the sheer amount of heat.

Slimes, hornets, giant rats, even skeletons and goblins, all of them get affected by this new-found power. All getting third-degree burns. Bones from the skeletons become ash, washed away by the boiling water. Goblins have burns that destroy their epidermis and dermis. Bones also get altered but less than ideal, muscles, and tendons get most of the damage.

The rats are somewhat more protected, their fur burns away, but the heat boils their bodies nearly making them pop, and their eyes bulge out with a red unnatural color. A gore scene indeed. Some details are better left out.

When checking around for enemies, a mysterious force pulls them inside a spelling circle on the floor. Maxwell, Alex, and Nayoko get pulled away from the scene to a new location. Their surroundings become black in an instant.

Location: Ivudor, Ashborne Erast, Capital, Origin point/middle of the citadel.

Current date: Day 02, Month 05, Year 989. Spring.

Instincts kick in when they arrive, there is immediate light. Monsters are already destroying some houses, and Goblins, dragging away people by hair or carrying them by multiple people. Alex kicks into action before the others that arrive start moving. Their wings extend, increasing his running speed into flying speed.

His staff makes a wall, and multiple of them are dragged away, while the person they were carrying gets grabbed by Nayoko, put gently on his back, and taken to safety. The people who arrived first are four, already known to Maxwell and Alex.

Alex bites his tongue when he notices his friends at the point of origin. He stills his mind to do what Eliot asked, instead of turning back into his pit. With a glance, he notices Levy calling, yet he ignores her. Not wanting to talk at the moment.

Alex's Mind: Fuck, they are here.

Maxwell stirs up after noticing Alex's colorful vocabulary.

Maxwell: Did something happen between you and them? And be careful with the tongue, it hurts!

Alex's Mind: You can hear what I think?

Maxwell: I can... Sorry for not asking.

Alex's Mind: No problem, I just... hope, you don't hate me for this...

Alex's Mind: I have a problem with Samuel, and things have been rocky, please just... don't ask. That's why you found me... giving up. I think we will continue like this for a long time.

Maxwell makes clear his disappointment, yet he decides not to ask.

Maxwell: Fine... I won't ask... Let's get this over with.

When Samuel, Aiden, Lucas, and Levy arrived. Lucas is the first to notice Alex flying, his wings having a rare shine, not normal like the ones they know.

Lucas: Isn't that Alex?

Samuel looks up after adjusting his case where his spell blade was stored. He whimpers when he notices that Levy got ignored. She seems taken aback by the lack of acknowledgment from Alex.

Samuel: Yes... it is him.

Samuel says breathy. Aiden joins in the conversation between Samuel and Lucas and asks.

Aiden: Samuel, Why did you whimper?

All of them are looking back at Samuel, he seems taken back and curls back a bit.

Samuel: I'd rather not talk about it.

Samuel's Mind: Glad he survived the winter at least.

Lucas: Haah... You better not have done what I think you did.

They all turn to notice new people joining the battle scene. An Archer and a Fighter. The archer is female, she has brown skin color, long lustrous red hair, sharp red fire eyes, long ears, and lips with a cherry-like color. Her armor is red-plated with increased spare space to move around.

The fighter is female, with medium skin color, short yet cute black hair tied on her back, emerald green eyes, and a friendly face. Her armor is white plated with brown leather of some kind, seemingly more durable than it looks, and white-colored wrist metal guards that seem to absorb impacts by her fists.

????: New people to join the fun!

The fighter says giddy, almost excited to be fighting with new people.

??????: Wow, new faces. It has been a while since we got summoned to a raid.

The Archer utters while looking at their new companions. She seems to have a different impression of them.

????: Are these our new companions, Catori?

The Fighter asks Catori, The archer.

Catori: Oh, we forgot our manners. The name is Catori, and my traveler companion here is Hana.

Hana: Nice to meet you all!

Alex sighs and turns towards the new arrival of people in this citadel. His face changes to the mask he would always use, a smile strained yet difficult to see through.

Alex: Hello! Nice to meet the two of you, name is Alex.

He says, while trying to sound positive, he extends a hand and shakes it firmly with both new arrivals.

Alex: Sorry to interrupt, bu-.

Around fifteen goblins come running, towards them in the back. Alex raises a hand and uses his Mana control, he makes multiple streams of Water that push away the incoming enemy. Passing around them, not hitting one of his companions.

The new arrival is impressed by his use of Mana, thinking that it was probably a spell. Alex was mouthing something, though it meant nothing. It gave the illusion he was casting a spell. Once the enemy is far away, he stops and corrects his stance.

Alex: But there is work to be done. People are suffering, unless you want to take all the credit if I finish this before all of you.

Alex says teasingly with a smirk. Trying to make them move, he is unable to give space to Nayoko to pull people into safety.

Hana: Oh. This sounds fun!

At least he managed to make one excited to start fighting. Though, that giddiness doesn't last long when Lucas asks out of nowhere.

Lucas: Hey, did Samuel do something to you?

Samuel shifts uncomfortably when Lucas asks. Alex, being uncomfortable talking about it, decides to take things more professionally.

Alex: No time to deal with the small talk, either help or don't.

Feeling the sense of duty, and protection for the villagers, that Maxwell is giving. He turns to leave, his phrase coming a bit too strong. There seems to give a hint of anger, and sadness. Aiden runs, and grabs Alex by the wrist of his left hand, stopping him.

Aiden: Wait! Why are you acting this way, Alex?

Aiden asks while the others look at him expecting some kind of answer. Alex's feelings start to surge, he grits his teeth. He doesn't want to talk, not after noticing a few kids running away from some skeletons.

Alex: Leave my hand, lives are at risk! If we do not do something they-

Alex pulls his hand away from Aiden's grasp, and at the same time a tidal wave of water floods away ten skeletons from some children running away. Nayoko runs and pulls them up on his back. The children laugh after noticing the fox giving them a ride to safety. A small smile appears when he hears the joy of the children. But snaps back to his duty.

Alex: Hurry up! I don't want the children to suffer because of a parent's death. Nor for a brother or sister lost or killed.

This time Alex dashes, his wings fluttering, increasing his speed and pushing away the enemy from another villager escaping the claws of some big rats. Meanwhile, he uses his casting ability to call back again the force he used into a more controlled version, it is narrower and equally powerful, but the damage to the area that is lefts is minuscule compared to before.

All of them understand that this situation is not supposed to be used to get acquainted. They all spring into action, taking down a group of skeletons marching toward the castle.

I recommend "The Hero" By Nathan Wagner or "All Eyes On You" By Smash Into Pieces for this part.

After a while, Alex enters into a mode known as berserker. Blinded by his rage, he started to use his Mana and Mana control more sporadically. This in turn makes his companions, especially Lucas, turn to see him. Worried, Lucas calls for Levy's attention.

Maxwell: Alex, calm down. Keep your head on the right track, or we will be harming someone.

In the distance.

Lucas: Levy! Something seems off from Alex.

Levy: I know he seems angrier. Whatever Samuel told him, has made him hold it up for a while.

Back to Alex.

Alex: No worries, I need to get some steam off, and what better way than using these monsters?

A wicked smile forms in Alex, and Maxwell, understanding what is happening, starts to slowly stop the support he was giving. Slowly Alex starts to descend, before hitting the ground he turns around to make the damage hit his back.

Maxwell: I can't help you in this state, Alex, I'm sorry.

Alex answers back angrily, yet somehow controlled.

Alex: It is fine, it is not like I wasn't expecting it.

He says while sitting up on the ground.

Maxwell: Sorry, Alex, but-

Alex: No need to worry, I know when I'm being a burden. I know I'm being an asshole, so if you want to leave, go ahead.

Alex tries to keep his mind blank, not letting Maxwell read his reason for answering like that.

Maxwell: Don-

Alex: I said I get it! I already know what I'm dealing with, it is not different from my previous life. I already came to terms with it. So either help me or don't.

Maxwell, noticing his refusal to answer, stays, but he keeps quiet. Alex sighs when he notices the quietness of Maxwell.

Alex: I see... Fine, I will calm down.

Maxwell: Than-

Alex: No, shush, leave, you decided to not help me. Let me take care of what I know I can do best.

Alex searches for Nayoko until he spots him, and he calls him.

Alex: Nayoko!

Nayoko turns to Alex after he returns from dropping the last people in a safe location.

Alex: Can you take me to where the other people are staying?

Nayoko nods and lowers himself to the ground. Alex climbs on top and grabs Nayoko's neck fur. Also, he makes his staff return to his previous stored space.

Alex: Atta boy! Let's go!

Nayoko leaves the area while the others wonder why Alex is leaving.

A bit before.

Lucas: Oh god... that smile.

Aiden and Lucas shiver when looking at Alex. Remembering the weird atmosphere he managed to create with just a single gaze. This smile was not like the others they saw him, this one called mischievous evil. Almost like he was enjoying doing damage to others.

Levy: Why are you both in fear?

Aiden: That smile is when something... wrong or off-putting is happening inside Alex's mind.

Lucas: I still remember that smile, and no matter what, I still shiver at it.

Samuel: Are all of you stopping to talk?

Levy: It is just that Alex seems to be holding onto something. Also, he-

They all hear Alex talking to himself, when they all look at Alex, he is descending and hitting the floor. Levy is visibly confused, while Lucas and Aiden feel fear increasing in them. Samuel is just troubled by how Alex is acting.

Alex: It is fine, it is not like I wasn't expecting it.

Levy: Told you, he is troubled by something and speaking to himself? Samuel, what did you do?

Samuel: I rather not say...

Samuel visibly hides his tail between his legs. Guilt eating at him.

Aiden: Why?

Samuel: It is just... something... I said.

Lucas: What did you tell him?

Levy: I think I know what you did.

Levy said, disappointed in Samuel.

Levy: I told you to be careful with what you say to him.

Samuel: I didn't think he would take it the wrong way... Besides, he said he would leave me alone...

Levy: Even with nearly two years. You didn't learn about his issues...

Samuel: His... issues?

Levy: Seriously?! I thought you would be able to understand him better than me, god. I just did the wrong thing and trusted the one that had no idea.

Samuel steps back, feeling the anger emanating from Levy.

Lucas: He has issues? He seemed fine, not everything that he told us seemed to affect him at all.

Levy: Ok with you, I expected you to not see them.

Alex: Nayoko!

They all turn to look and notice the big three-tailed fox approaching Alex.

Levy: Wow... Nayoko has gotten bigger.

Lucas: What do you expect from a spirit fox?

Levy: Really? I thought Nayoko was a normal fox, with a weird fur pattern.

Aiden and Samuel: Hey!

Both yell, feeling offended by the comment.

Levy: Sorry!

Levy says with an accompanied laugh.

Alex: Atta boy! Let's go!

They all turn to look again at Alex, his wings disappearing.

Levy: Well, he seems way calmer now that Nayoko is by his side.

Samuel sighs, finally avoiding the topic, or so he thought.

Levy: You are going to have to tell me what you said to him. And If he doesn't talk to me... you will get it, mister.

Samuel stiffens. Remembering that, Levy is part of the royal guards and the trainer of her army. The punishment will equal to an exhausting routine of exercises. Even Samuel could not survive her training. Her training got harsher after noticing how Alex easily evaded the first time they met.

Returning to Alex, arriving at the secured location or safety zone.

Alex: Thank you, Nayoko.

Alex said, scratching between Nayoko's ears before hopping off his back.

Old Lady: Why are you back here? What about the others?

Alex: Ma'am, we are doing what we can, I came back to heal the injured and put something to protect the area.

Alex: Nayoko, keep moving people to safety, and bring any injured here.

Nayoko again nods in agreement and leaves.

Distressed father: Can you check one of my kids? He isn't faring well. It seems he had a bad cut on his back, and it has been bleeding badly.

Maxwell: You know healing spells?

Alex's Mind: Of course I do. If I need to help people, I need to know healing spells.

While responding, he raised a brow. The father was a bit confused.

Alex: First things first.

Alex calls back his staff.

Maxwell: What about protecting the area?

Alex's Mind: Already have it covered.

Alex remembers a goddess of Egyptian origin that protects people known as Bastet the goddess of protection. It was also named Ailuros in Greek religion. Her job was to protect the home from evil spirits and disease, especially diseases associated with women and children. She is seen as a mother to children due to her cat-like features, mostly the protective nature of cats with their kittens.

Alex starts to cast the spell based on the goddess's name.

Alex: Coniuro te deus salutis et salutis protector. Adjuva me, tuearis quos opto tuearis, anima mea et cor tuum sit dux virtutis tue. Locum constitue, qui nostros hostes sine laesione arcet. Per petitionem tuam poscimus auxilium tuum et nos omnes defende.

While casting the spell, a line appears on the ground that is slowly being drawn around the area of safety. The area is quite open, lacking monsters but vulnerable. The spell circle under Alex slowly increases in size and covers the drawn field completely.

Alex: Magica carmina! Tutela deo Bastet.

With a big thump on the floor using his staff, the spell begins to activate. His staff creates sparks from the impact, the circle on the outside starts to create bubbles, and sparks fly out making a transparent wall that is closing in until a dome is formed. It looks like a soap bubble, with colors flowing and moving in waves. Multiple children marble at the sight, being inside a bubble is still something new to them.

Distressed father: What did you do?

The father of the injured child asks, slightly worried at the weird spell.

Alex: It is a safety spell... or a shield spell? It creates what you see, it makes a wall that can ward off the monsters. It mostly protects us from incoming attacks-

Before Alex could finish his explanation, some arrows begin to descend toward them, but start to bounce away from the dome. Like if it was made of rubber but strong like steel.

Alex: And that's why it covers us completely like that.

Alex says, trying to calm down the father.

Alex: Now, where are your children?

Alex goes around helping the injured, a few offer some herbs that they had carried around. With the occasional person with a cauldron, somehow still carrying it. A few villagers search through the rubble and start creating a small feeding station, and it seems that most want to help Alex.

Others find things and create small places to put the injured to lie down on and rest. While a few spells work, he can only manage to close the wounds to stop bleeding. Using his Mana control, he pulls the Mana to absorb it, thanks to Maxwell.

(Maxwell's hidden skill: Mana absorption. Alex's hidden skill: Mana control. Though, Alex's skill is hidden by the simulation of a spell cast. Same with the Mana absorption, to avoid suspicion.)

Alex uses basic medical procedures to stop bleeding, wrapping cuts, sterilizing cuts as much as he can, and healing with spells when the cuts are bad enough. When he thinks he is done, more people arrive, with injuries. Others start helping around or giving items they were carrying, clothes are used to make strips of clothing.

He asked one of the villagers to help disinfect the makeshift bandages. Changing them and providing water with his Mana spells. His body takes a toll, but he still puts on and asks for Maxwell's help to continue with the Mana absorption. This continues until most of the people around wonder what the others are doing.

Alex lets a sigh escape him, once he is done. He clears the sweat that his stress created. Though, his duty was not over. An explosion reaches Alex's ears, this time in the direction of the castle. Nayoko lowers himself in front of Alex, to try to let him get up and help his companions. Defeated, and exhausted, he joins back the battle.

Many villagers start cheering for him and thanking him for the help he provided. Soon he arrives at the scene of the explosion.

Location: Ivudor, Ashborne Erast, Capital, Gates of the castle entrance.

I recommend "Out of Control" By Battle Beast for this part.

Close to the gated entrance, Alex arrives with Nayoko. Lucas seems to be holding back at something, his spells are active on Levy, Samuel, Aiden, Catori, and Hana. Seemingly giving them a protective aura, a glow-colored green. A crystal globe-like shine appears consecutively, creating something like a shield.

Alex decides to eat his grudge and starts to help them, though he did feel the need to ignore Samuel, after all, he still had his resentment for what he told him.

Alex: So... what are you doing?

Lucas turns to Alex, surprised to see him talking to him.

Lucas: Now you decide to talk to us?

Alex: Sorry, I... Well... I know I was out of it... You see... I was... affected by something Samuel said. And... It is not fair to all of you, to fall into my problem with him.

Alex: I'm really sorry... Besides... it seems you guys need help here...

Alex points at the place burning, there is still rubble and dust moving in there. He can't see what is happening but understands that it is something bad, due to the explosion.

Alex: So what are they fighting against?

Lucas: A demon dog.

Levy yells from the battle scene. All of them are in a row covering Lucas. Aiden and Samuel seem to be the only ones fighting the monsters that are inside the dusted cloud.

Levy: Those are Bloodhounds! Be careful!

(Computer: Pulling information on Bloodhounds...
Computer: Bloodhounds: A monster that seems to resemble the common dog, normally covered with flames, it is an undead monster. Bloodhounds act like dogs and can be trained like so. But are often trained to hunt and kill. These monsters fall in the Medium-Class monsters. Due to the frequent fall into corruption during raids. The species is considered docile and can be good companions when trained.
Well-trained and contract-sealed Bloodhounds can coexist with humans, and are typically kept as companions, resembling the common house pet dog, and sometimes are used as guard dogs too. During corruption, they are known to cause explosions when they are in groups. In this state, they can become a High-Class Enemy.
Computer: End of public information.)

The rubble and dust clear, showing the figures of black dogs, their flesh seemingly burned almost like a carcass. Their claws are full of a fire red like ruby colors. White furred paws to their wrists. Their ears are pointy and their tails are similar to the Pharaoh Hound. Crimson eyes shining in the night, almost full of rage.

Their flames are long like snakes. Fire exits from their mouths, and their noses huff a dark cloud. They look like they are tired. Their fur and skin are so close to their bones that you can see their caged chest from their prosternum to their rib cage. Fire exits from their wrist, creating a decorating fur like fire.

Alex: Bloodhounds? Huh... They are not... Bloodhounds.

Lucas just turns in disbelief, for them those dogs are called bloodhounds. For Alex, he was thinking of the St. Hubert Hound or Chien de St. Hubert.

Lucas: They are Bloodhounds...

Alex: Right, I forgot! Sorry, to me, they seem more like... Hellhounds? From what I know, they are dogs that guard the underworld.

Alex answers, scratching his head. Lucas blinks, forgetting something or, better said, remembering that Alex is not from this world.

Alex: Nothing, forget I said something about that. What are the weaknesses of this kind of... Monster?

Lucas: Uh... weaknesses? They... Don't have one...

Alex: Hmm... Strange... slimes have weaknesses depending on their property of Mana... Earth Mana can help with Water Slimes.

Alex: These seem to be immune to Water Mana, have you tried to join Holy Mana with Water Mana?

Lucas: Huh... Are you saying that you can fuse Mana?

Alex moves a finger and moves Water Mana on top of his finger until it becomes actual water.

Alex: Look at this...

He then unites Fire Mana in the center, Until a flame starts to form. The color of the fire changes to blue, making the water boil.

Alex: This is not fusing Mana... It is more like... changing its properties of it... If you notice, the fire is smaller, but it has a stronger force.

Lucas: True... but, spells can't actually fuse Alex, not like this.

Alex smiles.

Alex: But I can make them do this.

Alex throws the ball over his companions, it arrives under the paws of the Bloodhounds. One of them gets close. The fire slowly starts to become brighter. Until it implodes, and the water sprays on the Bloodhounds. The flame sprays with the water until it lands on all of them.

I recommend "Push It to the Limit" By Battle Beast for this part.

Alex: Lucas, increase the shield protection. Double it or triple it.

Lucas doesn't question, and the shields start to become stronger, the shine seems like the blades of a helicopter. Air flows around stronger. The shields are lower than the ones protecting the ground, Alex pulls Lucas inside one of the shields. Alex continues to control the Mana around this time, using and changing the properties of the Mana around.

Alex manages to change the properties of Water to Snow. Though, it comes to a cost. His body becomes weaker, Maxwell even if he is giving help, mostly helping Lucas, consciousness starts to falter. The Bloodhounds are receiving a lot of damage, the heat of the area starts to rise, and they start to fall, to the extreme changes in temperature surrounding them.

Alex makes sure to only affect the area of the bloodhounds and around his companions. Creating a snow globe like a storm. Lucas, Samuel, Levy, Aiden, Catori, and Hana are appalled. The power of controlling the elements like this was still something unseen.

Though it was not controlling actual elements, Mana can manifest as an element, slowly changing into something similar to an element. One stayed behind, seemingly to be a lot stronger. Levy tries to attack at a distance with prayers, it does work, but barely.

Alex: Try again...

Maxwell: You need to stop this, Alex, or you might end up with a lot of damage to your body. I'm worried about you.

Alex: Just give me your support, Maxwell!

All of them turn to him, his wings appearing again with the same shine they saw him before. Alex already seemed to be focused on something. That is, until he started to cast a spell when he called his staff.

Alex: Coniuro te deus salutis et salutis protector. Adjuva me, tuearis quos opto tuearis, anima mea et cor tuum sit dux virtutis tue. Locum constitue, qui nostros hostes sine laesione arcet. Per petitionem tuam poscimus auxilium tuum et nos omnes defende.

Alex: Magica carmina! Tutela deo Bastet.

Alex's body starts to glow, absorbing the remains of the unused Mana around the place. A shield appears surrounding the Bloodhound. This time, Alex moves the whole snow climate surrounding them, compressing and moving it inside the shield. His hold on his body falters more, this time starts to lose balance.

Alex: K-keep your prayers, Levy. Catori, c-can you shoot arrows of ice?

Catori: I...

She shakes her head, recovering from the shock of the amount of Mana surrounding the area.

Catori: I can try.

Alex: S-Samuel, use your wind spell blade to j-join the arrow.

Samuel nods, even after feeling guilty, this was not the time to hide.

Lucas: Alright, What do you want me to do?

Alex smiles.

Alex: K-Keep the shields up for as long as you can, when you see the s-spell blade and arrow move to the shield, e-everything will move outwards, use y-your shield spell to keep it contained.

Lucas: Alright!

Lucas starts to chant the spell, this time preparing a shield surrounding the one that Alex created.

Aiden: What can I do?

Alex: Sorry, A-Aiden. Just help me s-stay stable.

He comes around and grabs Alex under his arms, Aiden notices the amount of strain his body is receiving. The spell blade and arrows, shooting at the captured bloodhound, stay floating.

Alex: Keep shooting!

Catori and Samuel continue shooting arrows, and Mana blades.

Alex: Lucas now!

When Alex yells, all the arrows and Mana blades join inside the ball, like containment of the Bloodhound. Lucas starts to force the shield to become stronger, meanwhile, Alex's/Maxwell's body starts to become so weak that he shoots backward. Like a force that had pushed him away from the shield, he was staying.

The previous shield cast by Alex disappears. Aiden also gets dragged, not prepared for the sudden strong push of his body being thrown backward. But manages to stop Alex before they hit the wall. Lucas' body starts to strain, noticing the amount of power contained.

I recommend "Angel Cry" By Battle Beast for this part.

Samuel notices the small flame left where Alex was standing, the last connection that was still left of Maxwell, disappearing like dust. The atmosphere surrounding Lucas, Aiden, Samuel, and Levy. Falls into a bittersweet feeling, losing the last connection to Maxwell.

This was the last feeling connecting them to Alex and Maxwell. Severing the possibility to see or hear Maxwell one more time. A voice echoes on Maxwell's friends.

Maxwell: Goodbye friends...

Alex slowly faints. Losing consciousness. The last things he hears are Aiden, Lucas, Samuel, and Levy. Having a discussion about something.

Lucas: How is Alex able to control so much Mana! This is absurd!

Levy: What do you mean?!

Lucas: I'm still holding this together, so it doesn't destroy our surroundings and us! This is a great amount of Mana I can't keep containing this!

Samuel: Did all of you felt that?

Aiden: Yes...

Catori: What feeling?

Hana: I didn't feel anything, besides the impressive amount of Mana.

Lucas: Not the time! I need all of you to move out of the way or stay in one shield!

Lucas moves the ball shield containing the great amount of Mana and the Bloodhound, which is slowly but surely dying. All of them move inside where Lucas is, a bit cramped but letting Lucas start to relax a bit more.

Lucas: Samuel, help me get rid of this, throw it as high as you can with your wind spell! I will make the Shield more solid.

Aiden drags Alex inside the shield with him. Lucas increases the size of his shield, so they can have more space. Meanwhile, Samuel starts to cast a hurricane-like spell, creating a tornado under the shield, slowly being dragged upwards. It takes a while until the shield is now hovering off the ground.

Samuel starts to cast two more, depleting his Mana pool. Making him dizzy, but now the chaotic ball is moving faster. Lucas holds as much as he can. Until the spell breaks, Lucas can't hold on longer until his Mana pool nearly depletes. An explosion effect starts, like fireworks in the sky.

At the same time, all that snow starts to fall on the capital. Expanding and covering nearly everywhere. All of them are shocked and terrified, this amount of Mana would literally destroy the capital if they didn't move outwards. The event starts to disappear.

Clouds move at an unnatural speed, clearing the bloody clouds, and moving away from the Blood Moon. Time returns to normal, and many damaged things start to turn back in time. An ancestral spell begins to activate in the capital. Light particles float upwards, moving items, and rebuilding the capital.

Though, the rebuild can't be completed due to the missing Mana in the air. The ancient spell can't complete its purpose and leaves a few builds back to normal, while others stay completely barren. Some villagers marble in the snow, glowing with a clear shine thanks to the sun.

Maxwell's friends turn to see if Alex is fine. Seeing him still breathing yet unable to be awakened from his slumber. They know since Aiden frantically, seeming in a panic, shakes him. Levy holds Aiden by his shoulders.

Levy: Stop it, Aiden... he is fine. He is still breathing.

Levy says, calling to attention the slow rise and descent of Alex's chest.

Samuel: ...

Lucas: You have a lot to explain, Samuel... I don't think you can't escape Levy.

Lucas calls Levy's attention to Samuel, who is trying to escape.

Levy: Trying to escape?

Levy moves with an unnatural speed behind Samuel, shivers run down his spine. Making his fur stand up.

Samuel: P-Please Levy... Have mercy...

Levy: No~ This time, you have to tell me what did you tell Alex to make him angry at us...

Levy holds Samuel's shoulders firmly, he begins to shake in fear. He won't be able to escape the mischievous kemono fox.

...

Time passes while Alex is unconscious, repairs start to happen around the citadel, and many injured people are being moved around. There aren't a lot of people with healing abilities. And many injuries can't be healed by potions. Not many have an understanding of the human body, like Alex.

By the time Alex wakes up, he is in a new and unfamiliar place.

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