Chapter 17: Spearmaster

Chapter 17: Spearmaster

The spear moved on its own in his arms as his legs started to move. His movements were surreal, ethereal, yet swift, dancing with the spear as if it were his beloved woman. Each of his movements felt choreographed to be the finest. There was no flaw, no unwanted movement, only the spear and Warden against the world. Warden didn't know how long it lasted, but by the time he finished, he was already breathless. The familiar depravity clawed at his heart, yet his lips curved in a delighted smile.

"Wow," Xiv said, wordless, completely amazed. Even Liam, who had a broader prospect of the world, wore a stunned expression as well. "I was about to join," he said, sighing. "But I'm afraid I won't last more than a couple of your moves." He gestured towards Xiv, "Both of us will look like amateurs in front of a Master such as you."

Warden himself was surprised to the core. The spear certainly gave him a far more intense familiarity than a sword, making him question why he possessed a sword instead of a spear. Perhaps he wanted to become familiar with the sword as well before his memory failed him.

"Anyway, the reason I came to seek you out," Liam said. "Warden, we planned on departing tomorrow. Whether my message reached the academy or not, I believe we stand a higher chance of helping against the beast tide after reaching the nearest town."

Warden nodded, even though he would have liked them to stay until the reinforcements arrived.

"Did you do anything suspicious on your scouting?" Liam asked, curious.

"Nothing out of the ordinary." He shrugged. "Only a bunch of dire wolves."

"Hmm, perhaps the source is in some obscure place hidden from our eyes," Liam said, causing Warden to raise an eyebrow. "The source, isn't that what you went looking for?"

Warden nodded after a little consideration, having a little idea of what he was talking about.

"Lower-ranked dungeons aren't usually this hard to find," Liam complained. "Following the dire wolves won't help either, as dungeon-born creatures don't tend to return to the dungeon once they are out."

Dungeon. Warden immediately knew what they were. An enclosed private realm that fostered monsters and demonic creatures.

Warden was about to leave, but Kiara called after him.

"Ahh!" Well, it was more like an ecstatic squeak than a call, but it managed to make him turn back to them.

Warden looked at her wide eyes, unsure what she was trying to say. Kiara had pursed his lips immediately, looking down.

Warden's eyes turned to the bunny in his arm, "Right, Cupcake." he downed the bunny on the ground and pushed her towards the owner. "Come on."

The bunny was more intelligent than any of the creatures Warden met in this place. She leapt with the same enthusiasm into the arms of her owner and nestled in her lap.

"Umm!" Warden was ready to leave, but Kiara called him again. "Can you help her?"

She pointed towards the lass—a year younger than Xiv—and the youngest member of the village who awakened a class.

"She needs some advice in her casting," Kiara continued, getting his attention, "which I'm unable to provide."

Warden raised his eyebrows, unsure how he could help them. "I have seen you manipulating water brilliantly to put off the fire."

"But they aren't helpful in a fight," Onia said, clasping her palm into a fist.

"Water isn't the best element for combat, is it?" Warden's words seemed to darken her expression even more. In the end, he could only oblige, even though he didn't know if he could help. "Cast your most powerful spell for me to see first."