Chapter 2: Kill the Beast

"Eeeek!" 

The shrieking sound of a wild boar was heard as it got slashed by the sharp blade of Arth. There was already blood bursting out from its wounded belly. Arth raised his blade pointing down towards the boar and thrust its neck without hesitation. The boar died and a white small sphere appeared from its mouth.

Arth took the small sphere and placed it on his jar. He sighed and shook his head as he looked at his jar with almost half-filled with white cores.

It's so hard to find B-class beasts! He thought. It's been almost two hours and all I have collected here are white cores from C-class. Damn it.

"We have to work harder, Blackwinter," Arth told his sword as he placed it back on its scabbard and ran fast ahead to the depths of the Dark Woods.

The forest was indeed dark. The light was completely covered by the big branches of the tall trees above. As Arth went deeper to the woods, the darker it gets. Only the sound of his shoes running on the snowy ground was heard.

"Please give me a B-class beast," Arth whispered. 

He was already panting but he kept on running. He held the hilt of his sword when he heard a loud growl from his right. He immediately went into the direction.

Arth stopped running and breathed shortly when he saw a huge brown lion. It roared loudly and sharply looked at him.

"There you are," Arth said while pulling the sword from its sheath.

The lion charged furiously and opened its large mouth, it was about to crunch him with its sharp teeth. Arth bent his knees and took a deep breath. He waited for it to go near him and then he evaded towards the right at full speed to dodge it. The lion's head slammed at the big trunk of the tree instead. Arth rolled to the ground and quickly recovered.

The lion shook its head and then charged towards him again. It jumped and attacked Arth using its strong and sharp claws. Arth stomped his foot against the ground and then immediately dashed towards the lion. He swung his sword and managed to cut the lion's right arm. The lion roared in pain as blood squirted on its sliced arm.

"Wound the prey to slow it down," Arth said as he walked closer to the lion. Blood was already filling the snowy ground.

The lion tried to charge and bite Arth again but he dodged it easily and cut another of its leg. The lion roared loudly as it fell out of balance. Its body slammed to the ground and tried to crawl away from Arth.

Arth raised his sword with its point above the head of the lion. Then he pierced his sword through its head. The satisfying sound of the blade sliding through the flesh was heard. The lion stopped moving and a few seconds later, it died. A small red core appeared from its mouth.

The side of Arth's lips rose as he picked it up and stored it on his jar. Gotta' make it out of this forest and head to the arena now. Time is running out.

He placed his sword back to its scabbard and continued running. Good thing I never used my magic, I don't want to drain all of my energy before I get out of this dark woods.

His breath shortened as he ran further to the forest. He jumped on the small cliff ahead but suddenly, he accidentally stepped on a blue circular mark on the ground when he landed.

His eyes widened, "Shit!"

The blue mark glowed quickly and it froze Arth's left shoes to stop him from running. 

How did I not see this trap?! He thought as he tried to remove his shoes but the ice was too strong. He tried to break the ice using his sword but he couldn't. 

"It's been so long, Arth," he suddenly heard a familiar voice from behind. When he turned around, both of his eyebrows rose in shock.

"Bran?!" Arth said.

A young warrior with brown hair stood from a distance. His young face and skin seemed to be that he's in the same age as Arth. 

Wait... he's in the competition too?

Bran raised his sword and pointed it towards Arth's bag. "You seemed to have a B-class core on your jar," he smirked.

Arth's brows furrowed as he cut the strings of his black shoes on his leg using his sword and then pulled his foot out. He stepped on the snowy ground with one barefoot.

"You have to follow the rules, Arth. Encountering another warrior is a battle. I challenge you to a duel," Bran said. "If I win, I'll get those cores you collected."

Arth was about to reply but Bran swiftly dashed towards him and swung his sword from the left. Arth blocked it using his own sword and the two blades clanged together. Bran grunted as he gave more force that made Arth jump backward. Bran went to him again and made a thrust with his sword. Arth rotated his body to dodge it and reflex kicked Bran on his waist.

Bran was pushed to the side with much force and his shoes sled on the ground away from Arth. Suddenly, they heard a loud hiss around them. Arth stopped and looked around. They could hear something sliding or crawling on the icy surface of the ground. Arth sensed a powerful presence not far.

"Oh no, it's that beast," Bran's eyes looked terrified.

"What beast?!" Arth asked but he refused to answer. Bran stepped backward and his eyes widened when he saw something behind Arth. He pointed at the direction using his shaky hand.

"Behind you!"

Arth was about to turn but a powerful strike hit him on his shoulder which slammed him against the tree trunk. He fell to the ground and hit his head hard on the big stone. He muttered a curse as he tried to recover.

He grunted in pain as he slowly held his left shoulder where he was just hit earlier.

Fuck, it hurts! Arth closed his eyes and breathed heavily. He slowly felt a warm liquid flowing from his head. He realized that his head was injured but his adrenaline took effect.

Arth's eyes widened in shock when he saw a huge black snake leering him with its red eyes. He just realized he was hit by its strong tail earlier. Its long body was about five times the size of a human. Arth's glance turned to Bran who was already running away and carrying his bag!

"Damn it!" he looked at his body but then noticed that it was his bag Bran was already carrying away. That cheater! What am I gonna do with the cores for the competition?! But that didn't matter now.

He exhaled heavily trying to calm himself down as he saw the snake crawling towards him.

He coughed blood and wiped his mouth. He slowly stood up. His knees became shaky but he managed to stand up. His left arm was already hurt so he only has his right arm now to use his sword.

If I will use too much magic, I might not have enough energy to get out of this forest. Think, Arth, think!

The huge snake hissed more aggressively and raised its head while looking down at Arth. His chest was pounding so hard. The snake suddenly swung its huge tail to strike Arth once again. Arth immediately ducked and slammed his body down on the ground to dodge it. The tail of the snake hit the large tree instead and it made a bang sound. The tree shook hard and some of its small branches fell off to the ground.

Arth quickly crawled and tried to stand up. I can't fight this beast head on in my current state. He walked through the forest immediately away from the snake while it was still recovering from hitting the large tree. 

Arth suddenly saw the blue circular mark on the ground earlier. His eyes widened with enlightenment.

"That's it!" he said and he walked with more speed now even if his left shoulder already hurts. He just grunted and placed his sword back to its sheath so that he could run faster.

"Ice King's Footprint," he casted as he stomped his feet on the ground. The surface under his feet glowed and a blue circle was marked. Arth noticed that the huge snake was already following him with much more aggression.

It's a simple ice elemental spell so I might be able to cast it multiple times. Arth thought. He ran straight for about a few feet and he cast another one on the ground. He turned around and saw the furious snake rushing towards him.

"Come on!" he shouted at the snake. Arth ran faster making the snake follow his path while casting the same magic every distance. He began breathing hard and he held his chest while running.

Fuck, I'm almost out of energy. He thought. One more!

He stomped on the ground for his last spell and then he turned around to face the beast. He stepped backward while the snake was slowing down towards him. Arth saw that the snake's long and huge body really followed his path and was now set for his trap.

Arth stood up straight and clasped both of his hands. The ground under the snake's long body glowed much brighter.

This spell trap is specially made for hunting wild beasts. Luckily, the chief taught me this simple magic.

When the bright light faded, the snake's entire body was now completely frozen with strong ice. The snake hissed loudly as it tried to move its body but it can't.

This spell is unbreakable, but it only lasts for a short time. Arth thought as his breath deepened. He pulled out his sword using his right hand. He couldn't hold it with both because of the pain in his left arm. He has to kill it now while its body can't move yet.

"Die you beast!" Arth shouted as he raised his sword and pierced it through the snake's big head. It hissed out in pain and forcefully swung its head that struck Arth, pushing him away again with much force. Arth rolled to the ground and grunted.

He tried to raise his head and saw the snake slowly dying with the sword thrust on its head. Blood flowed and mixed with the ice surface on the ground. At the snake's last breath, it opened its mouth and there Arth saw a purple core appearing.

His legs were already shaking when he stood up and walked towards the dead beast. The ice that froze its body now broke and disappeared. Arth slowly pulled his sword on top of its head and he could hear the sound of the blade sliding through its flesh. Arth smelled the stinky odor of its mouth as he picked up the purple core.

"I hope one A-class beast is enough," Arth whispered as he looked at the rare core. "That Bran, I'm gonna get him for sure."

Even though there was no light on the forest, Arth knew that the sun is almost setting. He managed to get out of the forest and there he saw the mountain ahead.

"We have another competitor coming through!" Arth heard the announcer shouted from the arena.

Arth went towards the center where he saw only four warriors left, including Bran. He was walking slower because of his tired body and his painful arm. There were full of people sitting around the circular arena. Their loud cheers echoed around the place.

At the center of the arena, there were three grand knights and one grand mage standing in front of the warriors. One of them was grand knight Tera. Arth's eyes were caught by the grand mage who was wearing a white cloak with a ruby badge on his left chest. He already looked old because of his white hair and wrinkled face.

Bran's eyes widened in surprise as he saw Arth joining them. When their eyes met, Arth just gave him a fierce look with furrowed eyebrows. Bran just rolled his eyes and smirked.

The sun was already gone and the skies were dark. The sound of a loud drum was heard and there they saw huge torches lit up around the circular arena. The people cheered louder.

"Bran, it's your turn now to show the cores you collected," the grand mage said.

Bran smirked and took a glance at Arth before bringing out the jar from his bag.

Arth clenched his fist in anger. If only I had proof that he stole my cores! He closed his eyes and breathed heavily to calm his nerves down.

The crowd shouted an 'ooo' as Bran brought out the jars filled with white cores. There were also two red cores on top. The grand mage nodded as he took the jar. The grand knights murmured something to each other while nodding too.

"This is a big lead," the mage complimented Bran.

Arth was looking down when he noticed the grand mage walking now towards him.

"Where's your bag and jar?" the grand mage asked with one brow raised.

Arth suddenly looked sharply at Bran but he was avoiding his gaze with a smirk plastered on his face. Arth sighed heavily before answering.

"Lost," Arth replied with a small voice.

The grand mage furrowed his brows, "Did you collect any cores?"

Arth nodded and slowly showed the rare core on his hand. He saw the grand mage and the grand knights' eyes widened in shock. A loud gasp was heard from the people around them. Even Bran couldn't prevent his surprised expression.

"This is..." the grand mage slowly took the purple sphere from his hand. "The first time for a warrior to collect this core in the competition ever."

Arth's eyebrows furrowed in confusion. What? He was still holding his left shoulder while turning his head to the mage and to the grand knights.

"Grand mage Jade, what is your decision?" Grand knight Tera stepped closer and glanced at the purple core. "This kid, Bran, has full of white cores and two red ones-"

"A single core of an A-class beast is equivalent to ten cores of a B-class beast," Jade explained. Tera just kept silent and nodded. He went back to his fellow knights and discussed something in a whisper. 

Silence filled the air in the arena waiting for their decision. Grand knight Tera then walked towards Arth.

"We have a winner!" Tera announced as he held Arth's right hand and raised it. The people began to cheer for Arth. 

"Arth from Frostwood, is the champion of this year's competition!"

"What?!" Bran whispered in frustration.

The drums began to roll loudly and so were the people with their hands clapping. The other two warriors smiled and also clapped their hands for Arth.

Arth looked around and a smile was now plastered on his face. I did it. I did it, chief! 

"This is a remarkable win," the grand mage told Arth. "You have surpassed what every winner has achieved in years. You have the gift and talent, young warrior. I know you'll get far."

Arth bit his lower lip and nodded. He let out a big exhale while holding his chest. He still couldn't believe that he already accomplished his first step to his dreams. 

"Take these four young warriors for treatment," Jade told the knights walking towards them. Then he turned to Arth. "Take your rest tonight, young warrior. You will see the lord of Casterfall tomorrow."

The knights now led the warriors back to the city. The two warriors congratulated Arth and asked more questions about him. Bran was still frustrated and just kept his mouth shut.

"Man, how did you do it?" the warrior beside Arth asked him. "Please tell me how you killed an A-class beast!"

"It was a close call, actually. I could've died if I haven't used my head," Arth found it hard to explain while rubbing the back of his neck. 

When they arrived at the Standard Knight Academy, the knights took the young men to the medical ward. The doctor checked their condition and gave Arth some herbal medicine to speed up the recovery rate of his arm. 

"This herbal medicine will fully heal your wound in two days," the doctor said. "Just rest if you wanna have best results."

"Two days?! What kind of medicine is this anyway?" Arth's eyebrows rose while looking at the herbs. 

"These are actually more common in the southern kingdoms than here because we can't grow these with our cold climate," the doctor explained while dressing up Arth's wound on his head and his left arm. 

When Arth went out of the room carrying his bag and wearing his blue cloak, the knights led him to the Keep. They said that Arth will be staying there for the meantime. 

As they walked on the huge staircases towards the upper ring, Arth looked around and he could almost see all of the buildings and houses in the city.

The upper ring has a wide square-shaped landmass with one watchtower on each corner. The Keep was tall and circular in structure. It stood at the center of the four watchtowers and Arth could see that it was heavily guarded by knights. They went inside the huge doors and entered the great hall.

The sound of their shoes on the marbled floor was heard as they walked through the hall. Arth looked up at the high ceiling. There were silver chandeliers and a big art painted on the ceiling but he couldn't see it clearly. At the end of the great hall was the seat of the lord of Casterfall. It was also made of dark marble and there was a huge brown carpet that was laid on the path from the entrance towards it.

The knights led Arth towards the upper floor of the Keep and they stopped at one door. Arth thanked the knights and then he went inside. The room was comfy and there was a small fireplace to keep the place warm. He placed his bag and his sword on the wooden desk and sat on the soft bed. He immediately went to sleep because of his exhausted body.

The sound of someone knocking on the wooden door woke Arth up. Damn, it's already morning?! It felt like I've only had a few minutes of sleep! He thought. When he heard the knock again, he quickly jumped out of his bed and opened the door.

A knight wearing a white cape was standing outside the room. "Lord Nicholas requests for your presence at the great hall."

"Uh... right now?" Arth rubbed his black hair.

"You can take your time to prepare. Just not too long, the lord is not that patient with guests," the knight replied and then walked away.

Arth sighed and closed the doors. He tried to touch his injured head and was surprised that it was already recovering fast because of the herbal medicine the doctor gave him. But his arm was still a little painful for him to move.

He went towards the wooden desk. His eyebrows suddenly furrowed when he saw a very small scroll on the table. He picked it up and unrolled it.

'Congratulations on your win, Arth! We will leave tonight. Meet me at the west bailey of the city at sunset.'

-Robert 

Arth's eyes widened in shook. "Am I finally joining their guild?!"

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Note: There will be 2 POV's in this story and the next chapter will narrate the 2nd character's POV. Thank you for reading!