The silver-leafed sanctuary was quiet, but the air hummed with residual tension. Kazuki and Lyria moved through the elevated walkways, observing elves preparing for training, repairs, and potion-making. For the first time since arriving in this world, Kazuki felt something approaching normalcy—a haven where he could recover and grow.
"This place… it's incredible," Kazuki murmured. "I never imagined a world like this could exist. Safe, alive, and… ours, at least for now."
Lyria's pale green eyes softened. "It's a refuge, but even here… danger lurks. Moonfang will not stop hunting you—or me. We must be prepared."
CRAFTING AND TRAINING
Eryndor guided Kazuki to the elven forge and alchemy hall, nestled among the silver trees. Tools and magical implements glimmered faintly with elven enchantments.
"Here," Eryndor said, "you can refine your weapon and craft potions. Your skill with monster materials is rare among humans."
Kazuki knelt beside a stone workstation, Moon-Bone Blade laid out. He combined reinforced fang tips with obsidian shards and embedded a faint mana conduit along its spine. Silver light pulsed along the blade as he finished.
Moon-Bone Blade → Moon-Bone Edge (Upgraded)
Increased Mana Compatibility
Critical Strike Bonus +10%
Slightly enhances Moonlight Aura output
Next, he moved to potion crafting. Using herbs harvested from the sanctuary and residual monster materials, Kazuki followed the medicine/potion crafting skill he had unlocked earlier.
Healing Potion Lv.2: Restores 150 HP
Mana Elixir: Restores 50 MP
Fortitude Draught: Temporarily boosts Strength and Endurance by 20% for 30 minutes
Lyria observed quietly, finally able to rest in her seat. "Your skills are… extraordinary. You learn so fast."
Kazuki smiled faintly. "I have to. For you. For me. For everyone who counts on me."
A MOONFANG ELITE INFILTRATES
Night fell, and a tense silence gripped the sanctuary. Kazuki patrolled the perimeter, Moon-Bone Edge in hand. Moonlight reflected off the silver leaves, illuminating every shadow.
Suddenly, a ripple of dark mana pierced the calm—a faint shimmer that only Predator's Intuition could detect. Kazuki froze.
A figure materialized from the shadows: a Moonfang Elite Captain, cloaked in black with crimson eyes, carrying dual blades that hummed with dark mana.
[Enemy Detected: Moonfang Elite — Level 22]
Kazuki's heart raced. Level 22. This was beyond anything he had fought yet. He clenched Moon-Bone Edge. "You came all the way here… huh?"
The elite smirked beneath his hood. "I heard your little victories, Moonblood Warrior. Sylphria's sanctuary is mine tonight. Prepare to die."
Lyria's hand glowed faintly, but she was weak. "Kazuki… be careful."
THE BATTLE BEGINS
The elite lunged, dual blades slicing through the air with lethal precision. Kazuki activated Lunar Step, dodging the first strike, then countered with Moonlight Blade Lv.2, striking the elite's shoulder.
The enemy staggered but was far from defeated. Crimson energy flared, buffing his next attacks.
Kazuki's mind raced. Double EXP, Moonlight Fusion, Mana Resonance… he had to use everything.
He activated Moonlight Aura, creating a protective dome
Lyria's mana flowed through the dome, amplifying the aura's effect
Kazuki dashed forward with Predator's Intuition, landing a precise series of strikes along the elite's torso and arms
The elite growled, stepping back, momentarily stunned by the combined force of Moonlight and Lyria's mana.
"Not bad," the elite hissed, "but I'm just getting started!"
The battle escalated—silver light against crimson blades, mana flares scattering sparks across the sanctuary floor.
UNLOCKING A NEW EVOLUTION PATH
During the fight, Kazuki felt an unprecedented surge of energy, a new potential awakening within him. His system flashed:
[EVOLUTION OPTION UNLOCKED: MOONLIGHT ASCENDANT PATH]
Boosts Moonlight-based abilities
Unlocks higher-level fusion skills with Lyria
Passive: Moonlight Resonance – increases attack speed and mana recovery during combat
Kazuki's heart pounded. "Moonlight Ascendant… this is it. The next step."
The elite pressed the attack, but Kazuki combined Moonlight Blade Lv.2 with Moonlight Fusion Lv.2, creating a dazzling crescent of silver light that struck the enemy with incredible force.
Green and silver mana intertwined as Lyria added a Healing Pulse, restoring Kazuki's stamina mid-combo.
With a final, decisive strike, the Moon-Bone Edge connected with the elite's chest, sending him flying into the tree line. The enemy coughed, blood flowing, and finally slumped unconscious.
◆ YOU HAVE KILLED MOONFANG ELITE ◆[EXP GAINED: MASSIVE][LEVEL UP! → Level 20][SKILL UNLOCKED: Moonlight Ascendant Lv.1]
KAZUKI'S NEW STATS (Level 20)
◈ STATUS ◈
Name: Kazuki Arai
Race: Human (Moonblood Warrior)
Level: 20
HP: 450/450
Strength: 60
Agility: 65
Endurance: 50
Intelligence: 32
Luck: ???
Skills: Lunar Step Lv.2, Moonlight Blade Lv.2, Moonlight Aura Lv.2, Predator's Intuition Lv.3, Adrenal Surge Lv.2, Silver Pulse, Double EXP, Moonlight Fusion Lv.2, Mana Resonance, Critical Instinct, Moonlight Ascendant Lv.1
Titles: The Undiscovered One / Moonblood Warrior
Equipment: Moon-Bone Edge (Upgraded, Mana-Conductive, Enhanced Critical)
Kazuki sheathed his blade and turned to Lyria. She smiled faintly, exhausted but proud.
"You did it," she whispered. "You protected the sanctuary… and me."
Kazuki exhaled, relief flooding through him. "We did it… together. But this is only the beginning. Moonfang will send stronger ones next time."
The silver leaves shimmered in the moonlight. The sanctuary had survived, but the shadow of war still loomed.
And the Moonblood Warrior had taken his first true step toward legend.
END OF CHAPTER 14