FVN Chapter 10 The Final Strike
Chapter 10 The Final Strike
With a quick flick of her wrist, Liria gathered the last bit of energy she had, casting Ember Swipe in a slicing arc of black flames across the clearing. The flames surged toward Gruzh, who was already charging at her.
But, in one shocking leap, the goblin dodged, tumbling to the side just in time to avoid the searing flames. Liria's heart sank. The blast left her panting, her magic reserves completely drained.
[Warning: Magic energy depleted. Mana: 0/200]
"Perfect," she muttered. "Now what?"
Gruz's beady yellow eyes gleamed, clearly realizing she was out of tricks. The goblin snarled, baring its sharp teeth in a smug grin as it advanced. Liria tightened her grip on the sword, bracing herself. This was it—she'd have to rely on nothing but raw grit and clumsy sword swings.
From the edge of the clearing, Daena's voice rang out, calm but firm. "Liria!" she called, folding her arms with a sly smile. "If you manage to take that thing down, I'll show you my real self."
Liria's head shot up, her eyes narrowing. "Wait... are you serious?"
"Oh, quite," Daena replied, a glint of mischief in her eye. "You want to see what a true demon looks like, don't you?"
Liria grinned, feeling a surge of adrenaline. "Alright, Gruzh. Time for round two. Let's go!"
Gruz hissed, launching itself toward her, claws outstretched. Liria steadied herself, her mind racing. The goblin was fast, but she knew now to watch its feet, just like Daena had taught her. She took a breath and sidestepped, swinging her sword up in a quick arc. Gruzh stumbled back, barely dodging her blade.
The System chimed in with a glimmer of encouragement.
[Skill Swordsmanship has leveled up to Level 2. Precision and control have improved.]
Perfect timing, Liria thought, taking a stronger stance. Gruzh, realizing she wasn't backing down, let out a guttural snarl and darted forward again, this time feinting left before trying to swipe at her side. But with her improved sword skills, Liria was ready. She ducked and struck, her blade grazing the goblin's side.
Gruz's Health: 2/60
[Warning: Enemy is critically low on health. Approach with caution; desperate strikes expected.]
But Gruzh was determined not to go down quietly. With a fierce yell, it sprang forward again, its claws slashing wildly. Liria's heart raced as she blocked one swipe after another, her arms starting to ache from the effort. The goblin was weaker, but its attacks were erratic, forcing her to keep her guard up.
Just as her grip started to slip, she felt a strange rush of strength flow through her.
Endurance: 12
Intelligence: 10
Magic: 18
Abilities:
Swordsmanship (Level 2)Endurance Training (Level 2)Fireball (Level 2)Ember Swipe (Level 1)
Liria's jaw dropped as she took it all in.
"Level six, huh? I'm practically a mini-warrior now." She flexed her arms, feeling a tiny hint of muscle beneath the soreness.
[Notice: New skill acquired Blade Mastery (Level 1). Increased accuracy and control with bladed weapons.]
A new sword skill? She grinned, her head already spinning with thoughts of her next training session. "Well, Gruz, at least you were good for something," she muttered, rubbing her tired shoulder.
Just then, the door creaked open, and Daena's voice filled the room. "I see you're awake," she said, carrying a tray with a warm bowl of stew.
Liria's stomach growled, loud enough to make Daena chuckle. "Worked up an appetite, I see."
"More like starving to death." Liria grinned, diving into the bowl of stew. "That goblin wasn't exactly what I'd call easy."
Daena nodded, her face softening as she watched Liria eat. "You did well, Liria. I didn't think you'd have the strength to finish it off."
Liria glanced up, swallowing her mouthful of stew. "Well, I didn't think I would either, but... you promised to show me your 'real self,' so I couldn't just pass out before winning, could I?"
Daena chuckled, her expression shifting ever so slightly, as if she were weighing something in her mind.
"Oh, yes. That," she said, setting the tray down and stepping back. "I suppose a promise is a promise. When you're ready, come outside. I think it's time I show you a bit more of who I really am."
Before Liria could respond, Daena turned and walked out, leaving her in silence. A thrill ran down her spine. She had sensed there was something unusual about Daena, but could she really be what Liria had begun to suspect?