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Fortress Cassidy
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Smoke pillared high into the sky as the barbarians set fire to the wooden building after pillaging them. The innermost compound of the fortress hadn't been overtaken as the Knight General slaughtered anyone who dared to approach.
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The barbarian's battering ram backed away allowing Josh to see into the inner compound through the damaged gate. The unknown leading figure at the compound would punch barbarians into fragments as their bodies exploded under the enormous force.
Josh checked his mana pool as he noted it was half full. Taking his helmet off and bringing his hand out, Josh cast Healing Light as blueish and bright light sparkled from it. The light didn't blind his eyes but gave a warm sensation, bringing it to the bruises and scrapes that he had sustained from the battle. Josh felt his stamina return to himself as turned it off.
(-15 mana)
Sneaking by the burning buildings and approaching the harbour Josh could see boats lining the dock. Blocking his path the first and outer wall towered above him as barbarians moved through the main gate transferring loot.
Touching the wall Josh noticed the walls had been made from stones and cement. Picking up two short swords from the ground, Josh sheathed his long sword and readied himself. When Josh checked his mana pool he noticed it would slowly regenerate on its own.
Stabbing the short swords into the cement holding the stones together, Josh used his shockwave ability. Invisible waves shot out through the sword in Joshua's left hand as the section of the wall shook violently but withstood it.
(-100 mana)
"I'm all in!" Using the second short sword Joshua activated the skill again as the shockwaves met and twined together. Synchronising the waves became more violent and damaging as their power tripled.
With nothing else to take the brunt of the shockwaves that continued to flow outward from Joshua's hands, the walls started to crumble apart as the huge stone blocks that made up the walls collapsed.
Sweat formed on Joshua's face as his hand became numb from the resonating shockwaves. Hurling himself over the collapsed wall, Josh hurried himself as he finally reached the docks.
Looking at his mana pool, Josh knew he was reaching his limits. The healing light only gave momentary relief and his body ached while a deep emptiness filled him as he noted his mana had run dry.
(0/200)
Patrolling the docks, groups of barbarians kept watch to stop soldiers or knights from escaping.
Crouched, Josh edged towards the dock. The docks were made up of individual platforms that rose and went down with a complex mechanism. Sitting half a meter above the water's surface the wooden dock platforms sat. Seeing the patrolling barbarians Josh got an idea.
Stripping off his heavy metal armor while keeping the shin and forearm protectors and chain mail underneath. Josh entered the cold winter water as he swam underneath the dock, careful to not make too much noise Josh slowly swam.
Docked to the floating platform a small empty merchant ship sat as its sails were retracted. hanging from the back of the ship, its anchor sat against the outside of the hull. Climbing up the docking platform Josh hurled himself up and jumped onto the merchant ship.
Yelling loudly the group of four barbarians ran towards the ship as the sail dropped to full mast. Luck was in Joshua's favour as the sails were already in position. Smashing against the metal reinforced frame of the platform a loud scrapping sound brought more attention.
Jumping down from the top deck Josh unsheathed his blade as he slashed the mooring lines. Picking up speed the boat started to pick up speed as two lean barbarians had barely jumped on the stern of the ship.
Running towards the helm, Josh quickly changed the direction to go left. Spinning the wheel. The rutters changed the flow of water and turned the boat. The ship moved alongside the coast.
The sound of heaving gained Joshua's attention as he looked behind him. Climbing over the railing a young lean barbarian held a dagger that they used to climb with. Heaving heavily, the teen barbarian was exhausted.
Putting his hand on his hilt, Joshua threatened the barbarian. "You don't have to die," Josh said as he moved towards the steering wheel. "We are family, at least our death can be honorable" Replied the barbarian as he brought his dagger up.
Jumping towards him the barbarian missed as Josh moved out of the way. Lightly jabbing with his blade Josh stabbed the barbarian in the arm as they blocked with their arms. Grabbing the long sword, the barbarian tried to leverage his way towards Josh while holding the blade in place.
Spinning around Josh slid the blade out of the barbarian's hands as he brought the blade into a heavy strike. Panic riddled the barbarian as they realized their mistake. Moving away while in shock the barbarian still had his arms raised as the blade tore through his wrists.
Dropping the dagger, the barbarian became pale as he looked at his handless arms. Josh already readied himself for the kill as he heavily slashed from the left. Slashing the barbarian in the head brain matter shot over the deck as the body fell over.
(+1 soul)
"Tapper?!" Jumping on the deck the last barbarian held a short sword in his hand as he was sent into a rage. Coming towards Josh, he notices Josh swing out a heavy strike. Parrying the strike, the barbarian perfectly clashed with the long sword. Moving forward down the blade's length the barbarian didn't notice Josh turn and punch him in the face.
Feeling the punch land squarely on the barbarian's jaw, multiple teeth were knocked out as blood leaked from the barbarian's busted lip. Bringing his blade up the barbarian fought against the pain and entered Joshua's guard as Josh dropped the long sword.
Moving forwards towards the barbarian Josh elbowed the Barbarian in the face as he dropped his short sword. Stumbling backward the barbarian became even more enraged as he started shaking. But seeing the long sword in Joshua's hands the barbarian started to back away. "You ended Tapper!" The barbarian yelled as he moved towards the side of the boat.
"I will end on my own terms!" Jumping backward on the boat's railing, the barbarian failed to notice the long swords flying towards his head but blocked with his hands. Cutting through the barbarian's hands the blade didn't have enough force to break through the barbarian's skull but a massive gash formed on his head.
Screaming loudly the barbarian fell off the side of the boat as they hit the water. No notifications came for half a minute as the ship left the half-dead barbarian behind.
(+1 soul)
(+1 soul level, +1 stat point)
'Soul levels? I guess indirect kills are alright. Status' Bringing out the blue screen, Josh stripped his wet clothes as the chilly ocean wind dried his clothes but he knew they would still be salty.
(Name: Percival Seraphina(Joshua Lion)
(Soul Level: 2 (0/4))
(Mana: 200) (MAGx10)
(Class: Paladin (evolution S.L. 15)
(Stats)(avarage stats for humans are 10 excluding magic)
(Available stat points(2))
(STR: 10)
(DEX: 10)
(AGI: 10)
(VIT: 10)
(MAG: 20)
(Innate talent: Percival's mark - user has a sixth sense with the ability to predict enemies moves)
(Skills: 2)
(Shockwave blow - 100 mana - when chaining attacks the ability will have its power doubled on the third strike)
(Healing light - 5 mana per second - when activated light will appear in the users hands. The light only heals surface areas. Damaging to undead and cursed being)
Placing the two available stat points in dexterity, Josh felt a huge change as his reaction speed grew by twenty percent and his moving the great sword became easier. Looking at the scenery along the coast which was mostly pine forests, Josh couldn't deny its beauty but night was coming and fast as the sun threatened to go over the horizon, bathing the lands in warm crimson pink.
{1422 words}
{Author: this was strange to write, I know nothing about boats and the like. But if you reading this thanks. I don't like to drag out combat too much when they're just normal humans or don't have magic, because all it takes is one wound that could make someone bleed out. And remember the barbarians don't really have training. The knight general at the inner compound is a bloodline knight called Alaric The Dread, he was protecting the compound as it's his duty and there were magic users with the barbarians but right now the MC can't combat them. I would love for some feedback and that's all folks}
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