Tobe & Miri

The dust settled, revealing Tobe rising from a pile of debris. His clothes were torn, his body battered, but his resolve unshaken. He clutched his aching head, calling out, "Miri? Yuka? Max? Oculis? Anyone! Flake?" His voice echoed faintly in the cavern, and his heart sank as no immediate reply came. As his vision cleared, he spotted Oculis nearby, hovering weakly.

"Hang in there, buddy," Tobe said, helping the healing demon eye regain its balance. He looked around and saw Miri, crumpled against a jagged crystal wall. Sprinting over, Tobe knelt beside her, his breath catching as he noticed a sharp crystal lodged in her midsection. Blood seeped through her armor.

"Miri! Stay with me!" he urged. Reaching into his Space Space spell, Tobe pulled out his last recovery potion, a pang of anxiety hitting him as he realized he had no mana potions left. Carefully, he supported Miri's head and brought the potion to her lips.

"Drink this," he whispered. As Miri weakly sipped, he gripped the crystal embedded in her side. "This is gonna hurt. Bear with me."

With a steady hand, he pulled the shard out as Miri gritted her teeth. Oculis hovered close, emitting a soft healing glow to stabilize her. Slowly, the wound closed, though Miri remained pale.

"Rest here. I'll handle the rest," Tobe said, determination blazing in his eyes. As he turned, a pressure filled the air—a suffocating presence that sent familiar chills down his spine. The Wind King descended, his tattered cloak billowing, his gaze cold and unrelenting.

"Oh, you're still here," Tobe muttered, sarcasm masking the dread and annoyance creeping into his chest. The Wind King landed with an air of dominance, wind swirling ominously around him.

"I'm getting tired of you" Tobe uttered to himself, clenching his fists. The air crackled with tension as the fight reignited once more.

The Wind King flicked his wrist, sending razor-sharp wind blades toward Tobe. Cat-like Instinct kicked in, and Tobe narrowly dodged, flipping backward. As he landed, he thrust his palm to the ground, activating Reconstruct. The earth beneath him shifted, forming a jagged barricade that absorbed the wind blades with explosive impacts.

"Let's see how you handle this!" Tobe yelled, jumping, then summoning Rock Spire Shotgun. Sharp rock shards erupted from his palm, pelting the Wind King with a rapid burst of projectiles. The Wind King raised a shield of swirling wind, deflecting most of the rocks but grunted as a few pierced through.

Tobe followed up, slamming his hand to the ground again to conjure a spiraling stone platform beneath him with Reconstruct. Launching himself skyward with High Jump after, he called upon Fall Lightning. The sky darkened as bolts of lightning descended, forcing the Wind King to dodge by floating backwards.

"Not so invincible, are you?" Tobe taunted, his confidence growing.

The Wind King flew up and retaliated, summoning a whirlwind that coiled like a serpent, snapping toward Tobe. Thinking quickly, Tobe activated Aqua Control, conjuring a pressurized stream of water to counter the attack. The water and wind collided, creating a misty explosion that filled the cavern.

Tobe used the cover of the mist to cast Mana String, targeting the Wind King (specifically his ankle). A glowing string of mana latched onto the Wind King's ankle, tethering him. Tobe yanked hard, pulling his opponent off balance and slamming him into the cavern floor.

"Gotcha!" Tobe exclaimed. As he dashed a bit forward and charged up Firas Bolto almost point-blank, the firebolt growing in size and turning blue as he fully charged it. "Take this!" he shouted, launching the blazing projectile. The firebolt collided with the Wind King in a massive explosion, shaking the cavern.

But the Wind King rose, his cloak scorched but his eyes blazing with fury. He unleashed a powerful gale that knocked Tobe off his feet. Tobe scrambled to his feet, summoning Vine Whip to latch onto a crystal on the wall. Using the whip, he swung across the cavern, avoiding a devastating wind blast that shattered the ground where he had stood.

"Not bad," Tobe muttered, sweat dripping down his face. "But I'm just getting started."

He dropped to the ground, activating Explosion Impact by slamming his palm against the floor. The resulting blast sent a shockwave toward the Wind King, who staggered but quickly regained his footing.

Oculis hovered close, casting Soft Glowing Heal to mend Tobe's minor injuries. "Thanks, Oculis! Keep it coming!" Tobe said, feeling rejuvenated.

The Wind King roared, summoning a tornado that spiraled around him. Tobe gritted his teeth. "Alright, big guy. Let's see how you handle a bit of teamwork." He ordered Oculis to distract the Wind King with Health Drain Tendril, tendrils of energy sapping small amounts of the Wind King's vitality, successfully annoying the Wind King and stopping the swirling tornado. "Annoying ain't it?!" Tobe remarked as he used Vine Whip to grab a large crystal shard, flinging it toward the Wind King.

The shard shattered against the impact of the Wind King, providing an opening. Tobe dashed forward, activating Aqua Control to form a water spear. He hurled it with precision aiming at the Wind King's heart, piercing through the Wind King's defenses, although the Wind King dodged, only managing to graze his arm.

"You're not untouchable!" Tobe shouted. "And... You have a weakness" he remarked with a sly smug confident grin, the Wind King glared, his composure slipping. With a wave of his hand, he summoned countless wind blades that rushed like a storm while simultaneously walking towards Tobe.

Tobe jumped back and weaved, his Cat-like Instinct allowing him to narrowly evade the deadly barrage. He used Reconstruct again, creating a dome of cavern rock to shield himself momentarily. The Wind King's relentless assault cracked the dome, but Tobe had already begun charging another Firas Bolto behind it.

When the dome shattered, Tobe unleashed the charged firebolt point-blank. The explosion sent both combatants flying backward. Tobe landed hard, coughing but alive. The Wind King stumbled, visibly weakened but far from defeated.

"This guy just doesn't quit," Tobe muttered, pulling himself up. He glanced at Oculis, who hovered close, ready to heal him again. "Thanks for the backup, let's end this."

The Wind King's aura flared, and the cavern trembled as he prepared another devastating attack. Tobe clenched his fists, determination igniting in his eyes. "Gotta stop holding back," he said, readying himself for the final clash.

At great speeds, Tobe rushed forward with all his confidence, using his Cat-like Instinct race ability to dodge the Wind King's relentless assault of wind slashes, sharp streams, and powerful blasts. His focus sharpened, Tobe pressed on, closing the gap between himself and his opponent. As he reached the Wind King, Tobe activated Explosion Impact. His right palm connected with the Wind King's chest, where his heart would be, and the impact exploded with a deafening roar, engulfing the Wind King in a fiery blast.

As the smoke began to clear, Tobe's heart sank. From within the haze, the Wind King's arm surged out, touching Tobe by the chest. "What?... was my Explosion Impact negated? no, weakened? Ah… damn…" Tobe muttered before being hurled backward with immense force, crashing into the jagged remains of the cavern's walls. His necklace of mana-recovery snapped and shattered upon the impact, pain coursed through his body as he felt his life slipping away. But just as the darkness began to creep in, a spark flickered within him—an orange light igniting and flickering deep in his heart.

It was a spark of Bravery.1

Memories flooded his mind: Miri's determined smile, Yuka, Jun, and the bonds he had forged with the Cheery Black, the Vast Star, and countless others. The spark burned brighter, driving away despair.

As the Wind King prepared to leave, intending to hunt down the rest of Tobe's allies, a voice cut through the silence. "Yo! We… we ain't done yet!" Tobe's voice, though hoarse, was filled with defiance. Slowly, he pushed himself off the ground to his feet, stumbling but steady. "Not now.. not yet... If I die here… Miri'd never forgive me. She'd… she'd be alone, I could.... would never... ever!... forgive myself... I… can't… I WON'T!... DIE HERE!" his spark flickering to the point of near ignition.

Out of nowhere, Flake appeared, darting toward Tobe. Tobe took notice of her presence The Snow Fairy emitted a soft glow as it fused with Tobe in a burst of light. "Well… welcome back, Flake," Tobe muttered, his voice tired but tinged with gratitude. "Took ya long enough. Now… let's wreck Mr. God Complex over here."

With Flake's power coursing through him, Tobe conjured an Ice Sphere, shaping it into a gleaming sword using Reconstruct. Oculis hovered closer, casting Soft Healing Glow to mend Tobe's wounds. Tobe nodded in thanks, gripping his icy weapon tightly. "Alright… round two." he declared as he glared and his eyes glowed with an orange hue.

The Wind King unleashed a barrage of wind attacks, but Tobe, bolstered by Flake's wings and Oculis's healing, danced through the onslaught. Each dodge was a testament to his resolve, each counterstrike a display of newfound strength. The ice wings carried him with agility, allowing him to evade even the deadliest of attacks. But Tobe knew time was slowly running out—the Familiar Fusion would not last forever.

In a final, desperate move, Tobe channeled all his remaining mana into his Ice Sword, imbuing it until it glowed with an icy radiance. With a mighty swing, he unleashed a wave of freezing energy, the impact sending a blizzard-like surge that engulfed the Wind King. The cavern trembled as ice and snow cascaded over the tyrant, leaving him encased in frost.

Tobe staggered, his weapon shattering into fragments, his familiar-fusion ending. "Finally…" he breathed, but his relief was short-lived. The Wind King, though frostbitten and slowed, began to move. "You've gotta be kiddin' me," Tobe groaned, exhaustion seeping into his voice.

The Wind King's movements were sluggish, his attacks weak and erratic, but Tobe was running on fumes. Each step toward the now frozen monarch was a battle in itself. Taking several wind slashes head-on, he pressed forward, while Oculis's healing trying to keep him alive.

When he finally stood before the Wind King, Tobe smirked, his tone dripping with defiance. "Go ahead… let's see whose heart is stronger." The Wind King raised a trembling arm, summoning a final assault of wind slashes that tore into Tobe's chest. Blood splattered, and Tobe coughed out blood violently, his vision blurring. The Wind King condescendingly smirked at the though of victory. As silence draws out... But through the pain, blood splatter and silence, Tobe laughed weakly and somewhat... maniacally. That moment... even made the Wind King's high and mighty heart... drop and sink. 

"Guess… my heart… is stronger," Tobe muttered, flashing a near maniacal grin. With the last flicker of the orange spark, he clenched his fist, his eyes sparking with the same orange hue, channeling all his remaining strength and that spark, thrusted into a single punch. His fist, blazing with the energy of his Bravery, his fist struck the Wind King's chest, blasting the Wind King to the cavern wall behind him, while also shattering his heart into fragments and pieces. Ending the elegant gale, that is the Wind King.

"I… win… asshole," Tobe muttered under his breath with a smirk before collapsing to the ground.

As darkness consumed his vision, he heard faintly, "Tobe!" It was Miri and Yuka's voice calling out to him. A small smile tugged at his lips as everything faded to black.

...

Tobe found himself lost in a black, empty void. He wandered through the darkness, shards of memories floating around him. He saw flashes of his childhood, his mother and family, moments spent with Miri to lift her spirits, and scenes of his recent adventures with his friends in this strange world.

Amid the void, Tobe noticed a glowing light, its colors shifting with every second. A voice called out, urging him to follow. Intrigued and compelled, he moved toward the voice, his footsteps echoing in the nothingness. Eventually, he found a tiny flame, flickering weakly but steady. From the flame came a soft, soothing female voice:

"Believe in your own passion and ambitions, and I will grow larger, shine brighter, and burn stronger. Your ambitions will guide you through any situation. That is your Spark1—Ambition Ignition2. Though it is small and weak now, trust in it as it grows."

The words reverberated through him, filling the void with purpose. With newfound determination, Tobe awoke from his long but well-deserved slumber.

He opened his eyes to find himself out of the dungeon, lying on a bedroll under the open sky. The dungeon had been cleared, its threats vanquished through sheer grit and resolve. Slowly, Tobe sat up, groaning as his body protested. Yuka, who had been watching over him, perked up and called out to the others.

"Tobe's awake!" she exclaimed.

In an instant, Miri, Flake, and Oculis rushed over, their faces lighting up with relief. Miri's eyes glistened with unshed tears as she threw her arms around him, her voice trembling.

"Tobe-senpai... sniffle Don't be so reckless. sniffle Please, don't leave us again, sniffle Please, don't leave me..."

Tobe held her tightly, his hand gently rubbing her back to comfort her. "Don't worry, Miri. I'm still here," he murmured. Under his breath, he added, "It's way too soon... to see you sad..."

When Miri finally pulled away, Tobe stood up, stretching his sore muscles. He noticed the faint scars on his chest where the Wind King had struck him and asked who had healed him.

"It was Max," Yuka explained. "With a little help from Oculis. Max remembered he had a small recovery potion and a mana-restoration potion stashed away. He used both to bring you back."

"Where is he now?" Tobe asked.

"He went to a nearby village to stock up on supplies," Miri replied. "Healing potions, mana-restoration potions, rations—you name it. He'll probably bring back snacks too."

Tobe smiled faintly but winced as he caught sight of his torn clothing. Miri also handed his favorite cream-white sweater (which was in tatters) to him with an unsure grin.

"You really did a number on this. What happened?" Yuka asked.

"That damn Wind King," Tobe replied. "Shredded it like paper."

"Good thing I packed a spare," Miri said, pulling out a black turtleneck sweater. "It's not as like your favorite, but it'll do."

Tobe groaned but accepted it. "You know I don't like these tight sweaters, right?"

"It's this or nothing," Miri shot back, sticking out her tongue playfully.

Reluctantly, Tobe took off his tattered shirt, packed both it and his cream-white sweater into a bag Miri handed him, and wore on the black turtleneck. He tugged at the collar. "A bit snug, but I'll survive."

He flashed a bright smile at the group, but his thoughts drifted back to his dream. "Stick to my ambitions... spark... growing larger... burning... stronger?" he thought seriously to himself. Miri's voice broke his reverie.

"Hey, Tobe, can I have the bag back?"

Snapping out of his thoughts, Tobe smiled and handed it over. They waited for Max to return, sharing lighthearted banter that lightened the mood. Soon, Max arrived, his arms laden with supplies.

"Aha! Good morning, Tobe," Max said cheerfully.

"Morning," Tobe replied. "And uhh... thanks for saving me."

Max waved it off. "Nah, just doing my part, man. Here, take these will you?" He handed over the potions, snacks, and other provisions. Tobe activated Space Space, storing everything neatly away.

With their supplies replenished, the group readied themselves for the journey to Varfelt Kingdom. They boarded a carriage, the steady rhythm of hooves filling the air. As they traveled, Miri glanced at Tobe, her heart swelling as she recalled his fierce declaration in the dungeon.

"Not now… not yet... If I die here… Miri'd never forgive me. She'd… she'd be alone, I could…. would never... ever!... forgive myself... I… can't… I WON'T!... DIE HERE!" his voice had echoed, resolute and unyielding. The memory brought a warm smile to her face, solidifying her resolve.

"I need to get stronger," Miri thought, clenching her fists. "I need to hone my skills to perfection. So I'll never burden Tobe-senpai again."

The carriage rolled on, the group united and determined, ready for whatever challenges may lay ahead.

End of Chapter Stats of our Young Adventurers:

Tobe Lvl 83 - (Race Abilities: High Jump, Cat-like Instinct) (Spells: Mana String, Explosion Impact, Fall Lighting, Space Space, Aqua Control, Reconstruct, Firas Bolto, Rock Spire Shotgun, Vine Whip) (Spark - Ambition Ignition 15% Current)

Flake Lvl 41 - (Skills: Ice Creation, Icicle Rush, Frost Breath, Ice Ball Shot, Familiar Fusion)

Miri Lvl 73 - (Race Abilities: Halo Flash, False Judgement, Weightless Embodiment) (Skills: Strength Up, Defense Up, Agility Up, Slash, Pierce, Shield Block, Shield Bash, Shield Rush, Bastion Wall Shield, Bastion Weapon Integration)

Oculis Lvl 39 - (Skills: Health Drain Tendril, Soft Healing Glow, Wide Party Heal)

Yuka Lvl 62 - (Skills: Contract, Summon, Half-Summon, Encouragement. Summons: Blubby Lvl 47, Scale Lvl 52, Balboa Lvl 55, Spryt Lvl 48, Gyutei Lvl 46)