Chapter 26 - Divided Progression

Under Shaykard's leadership, the Crimson Blades Mercenary quickly explored the depths of Hoarfrost Hollow. The speed of clearance is impressive even among the most experienced veterans. Within half a day, the fearsome scout party blasted through several kobold encampment. Carrying on the momentum of their achievements, they push forward in recovering the Fomorian order. However, not all members are feeling the same level of motivation.

Evie: "Why is it so cold!?"

Shaykard silently sighs at the front of the formation. This marks the 7th time Evie has asked that question.

Shaykard: "Well they didn't call it the ice caves for no reason."

And that marks the 7th time Shaykard replied with this answer. The party leader slowly moves his twitching hands towards his face and palms his poker expression.

Evie: "No they called it Hoarfrost Hollow. Nowhere near did it say that it'd be cold!"

Noticing the leader's frustration through his actions, the other mercenaries quickly interjects in their conversation.

"Well to be fair, the name does have a frost in it."

"Yeah Evie, anyone with a brain would've figured it out."

Evie: "Nobody told me!"

Shaykard: "You're not a child Evie. Stop acting so spoilt."

"You're a magician aren't you? Can't you just cast a protective barrier that stop the cold?"

"Can magicians even do something so convenient?"

Evie: "Oh yeah, I can."

"Seriously? Man... Having all that magic must be easy."

Evie: "Tee hee!"

Fiona: "..."

Shaykard: "..."

"Why didn't you do that earlier?"

-is what some wanted to ask but were interrupted by kobold reinforcements that entered from the cavern tunnels.

Shaykard: "Ready your blades! The next batch is here!"

With a loud battle cry, Shaykard leads the charge towards the oncoming mobs.

I discovered an isolated area in between several icicles and decided to rest there awhile back. I used this time to familiarize myself with Berserker.

'Alright Lethita, let the pulsing waves flow through you.'

My body begins to heat up from the accumulating energy.

'Good... Good... Hahaha!'

Berserker crackles maniacly in my head. It sounds like an evil lord laughing at its diabolical plot to take over the world.

"You sound really evil, you know that?"

'Now now, evil is just one perspective from one to another.'

"What do you mean?"

'You'll understand it later. It's not important right now. You need to focus on releasing the power stored up in your body.'

I sense Berserker's throbbing energy gathered up in my limbs. Unleashing it is the next problem. I have been train under its guidance ever since we came to an agreement. Though I distrust its character, I have been growing more accustomed to utilizing its powers under its as much as I hate to admit it, having Berserker around isn't that bad.

'I've watched your own training to master the Gliding Fury but it didn't seem to be going well. You have only started to infuse my powers in your attacks. It's natural for you to feel tremendous physical stress afterwards. But, with each use, your body will grow more and more familiar with the burst of energy and eventually you'll be able to pull off more advanced techniques.'

"How long will that take?"

'Oh I don't know. That depends entirely on how dedicated you are. I recommend for you to master Gliding Fury first before you think about any other fancy moves.'

Now, take your stance and try destroying that pillar of ice over there.

'On my mark, you will dash toward it and whatever you do, do not turn away. Face it head on. Otherwise you'll only injure yourself in the process.'

'Conjure up your power and hold it.'

I do as it say while feeling amused at its choice of words.

'Good. Do you feel it pulsating throughout your limbs?'

I nod in response. My arms and legs are empowered with a blue hue that flickers around like a lightning storm. A brief silence passes before Berserker speaks once again.

'Charge it up a bit more.'

The flickering blue light is slowly swirling around my body. It feels as if they can explode at any time.

'Unleash your Fury.'

I execute my Gliding Fury in a flash. The built up power soars though the distance and closes the gap between the icicles and myself within split seconds. My surge leaves behind a trail of dissipating blue flames. My movements rob me of my breath and leaves me in a state of constant gasp.

"I...did...it...?"

I turn around to appreciate the fruits of my efforts. What used to be a tower of icicles has now been reduced to a pile of shattered ice.

'Don't be too pleased of yourself. You still have a long way to go. Most of the energy were lost on the way towards your target. You should still keep grasping that until you finally come in contact with the icicles. Now try again. There are icicles everywhere.'

Taking a deep breath in, I take my stance and crouch down in preparation for another Gliding Fury. I focus on gathering Berserker's powers once again.

'Hmm, I'm surprised you can still manage to conjure up my energy. Most have already collapsed after the first attempt.'

"Hah... Hah... This is nothing..."

'Alright. Continue.'

With this, I spent the rest of the day honing with Berserker. What was supposed to be a brief rest turned out to be a full on training session.