Lucius thought that he could take a brief moment to recover and figure out his next move, however, the Alpha Deer had no plans to let that happen.
All of the efforts made by Pavi, Rena, Nate, Maribel, and Michael were simply being shrugged off. It appeared none of them had any weapon compatibilities, so the Alpha Deer simply let the attacks hit it.
The children started to feel dread set in. Apparently, the monster could have simply shrugged off their attacks any time it wanted. Lucius noticed the monster seem to puff its chest up in pride.
This thing could crush them any time it wanted, but let them think they had a chance to work against it. Slowly, the monster walked towards Lucius who was still sitting on the ground.
He began to stand, but still had no weapons in his hand.
'Hey kid. Want a hand?' Grimm whispered into his head.
'What you going to help me now too. Just like Luz?' Lucius asked him. His heart started to beat faster.
"Run! Quickly! It wants me!" He found himself shouting. He didn't know why he did that. They were just a bunch of strangers...though two of them were marked like he was...was that why?
'Nah, you still aren't ready for me yet, kid. But...I know the other guy gave you a technique...I know how to make it stronger.' Grimm offered. His raspy tone took on deeper and deeper dark undertones.
'What's the price?' Lucius gulped.
'Free of charge this time. See it as...a thank you...for the name. I like it. Do you accept? It is only a hint, does not come with any power from me.'
He shuddered as he could almost feel that the being was smiling.
'Sure. I accept.'
Rena and the others couldn't help but subconsciously step back. Lucius looked the deer straight in the eyes before calling out the skill Luz gifted him. "[Celestia's Grace: Heavenly Blade]"
Rust that was marring the entire blade slowly began to evaporate. Starting at the tip, a dull, blue glow spread downward towards the hilt.
The entire area was filled with this blue light for several seconds and when it finally dissipated, Lucius stood there with a glowing, single-edged blade. Rena's jaw dropped.
Lucius had no idea what this meant for his mark, but Luz told him it had two meanings. One that Luz represented and one that Grimm represented. This ability was from Luz.
"Let's try again." He taunted, "[Forsaken Arts: Gouging Strike]!"
Faster than the first time, he swiped at the Alpha Deer's leg. It was able to jump out of the way, but Lucius did not let up. He continued to press the attack. Swiping once, twice, three times in rapid succession, he continued to push it back. None of the strikes connected, but he beat the deer back all the same, creating many openings that Nate, Pavi, Maribel, and Rena attempted to press.
Confidence started to build, when suddenly...
"[Flamma: Fire Bolt]"
"[Aqua: Water Shot]"
"[Ventus: Wind Blade]"
Three different spells smacked the deer in the neck simultaneously, knocking it to the side. When the smoke and steam disappeared, Lucius was met with the dying eyes of an angry monster.
It seemed the deer was insulted to be taken out by someone who was not its mortal enemy. To be honest...Lucius felt much the same.
"Hello, cousin." A voice called out.
He had not noticed their approach before, but a group of six children entered into the same clearing. Three of them were boys who had hair in different shades of red, and looked somewhat similar to Rena.