Half a year had passed since Thonir's tutelage.
205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2JBx4YME4U
"Six... Seven...", Maxwell said as he gritted his teeth.
205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ10igAanM94
Under the big shade of the towering tree in the household's garden, the two brothers can be found training. Maxwell was there, lying down on a brass bench and under a rack, holding a barbell hosting two steel plates on each side close to his chest in a bench press.
205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9FS4HqkBS2
"Let's go, brother! Lightweight, lightweight!", Tobias shouted. With the encouragement from his brother, Maxwell glared at the leaves above him, driving his arm upward slowly as he struggled... until he was able to extend them fully, before racking the barbell back.
205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoeuxpxI32L
"There we go!", Tobias cheered once more. As Maxwell sat up on the bench, Tobias then made his way to one of the lower branches of the towering tree. He then hopped and grabbed onto wooden rings strapped onto a branch, letting himself hang.
205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKhp7Y4ChmI
"Do it.", Maxwell ordered, opposite to his brother's loud cheers. Tobias then took a deep inhale before straightening his posture and flexing his body, before dragging down with the elbows as he lifted himself up into a strict pull-up, before lowering down. In his repetitions, he was slow but had a great emphasis on his technique.
205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZxIal5R2Ee
"Two more, get after it, go!", Maxwell ordered once more. Tobias was already fatigued at the 10th rep, but with just a single glance at his brother, he dug deep within him, gritting his teeth pulling himself up with all his might for the last two reps before letting go of the rings and landing on his feet.
205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXbefCQM4UX
"Good one.", Maxwell said with a smile before approaching him, both teens giving a handshake of respect. As they stood in front of each other, the differences between them were much more visible now. Both of them grew a bit during the past three months, with Maxwell standing at 5'9 ft while Tobias stood at 5'4 ft. Maxwell had a bigger build, his arms, chest, and legs pumped from lifting steel. Tobias on the other hand, became slightly bigger, but his muscles were leaner and more toned than his brother. Maxwell focused on building strength while Tobias focused on building muscle endurance.
205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ80cwtSqGew
After their morning training, the brothers then made their way to a tap near the garden, drenching their calloused hands and rinsing their sweaty face with the cold waters.
205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7gafr2hkdL
"That reminds me, Thonir said we'll be meeting someone new today. Someone our age, he says. What do you think, brother?", Tobias asked, before rinsing his face once more.
205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAUt6il8nOY
"He better not make trouble.", Maxwell said before looking at the fairly bright skies, with steam blocking most of the sunlight. The two then headed back into the house, drying their face with their towels hanging from the clothes rack.
205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEEd4PqcwFd
"Breakfast is ready, youngins!", Thonir exclaimed. While the old dwarf seemed happy, the two boys grimaced at the thought. The two boys then walked up to the dining table, taking their respective seats. In front of them was a hot red broth with chunks of meat, potatoes, and cassava floating. It was painfully obvious that Thonir wasn't that much of a cook, but the two boys didn't see fit to complain. While Tobias stared at it for a while, Maxwell began to dig in, drinking the unsavory meal and chewing the tough meat chunks. Elle on the other hand, played with the broth, scooping up some before letting it flow back down into the bowl.
205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmXBfFMy6kb
"I hope ye three didn't exhaust yerselves... 'cause we got ourselves a mission.", Thonir announced, before happily eating the meal. The three wanna-be steam hunters then glanced at each other, feeling a sense of excitement and anxiety.
205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFjPBdotV6R
"..So that was what you said yesterday, that we'll be meeting someone new?", Tobias inquired.
205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeFkVHlGho0
"Ah, that? Ye, yer right, kid. An old pal has an apprentice o' his own now, and I figured ye all could use sum real experience an' stop bein' chumps.", Thonir stated. All this time, the three have been practicing on wooden dummies but a wise man once said that wooden dummies don't fight back.
205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGUyd6DMSgL
"Father, are we permitted to use our Steam Gear?", Elle asked before taking a light sip from the broth.
205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSXsyzSq3gg
"O'course ye are. You've been' buildin' some wit' Toby here, aren'tch'a?", Thonir said, before swallowing the rest of his meal.
205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaqi08evEOq
"Got it. Max, come and get your gear.", Ellie said before taking quite a sip and walking to the basement. Maxwell's head perked up before he ate the soup quickly, chanting a "Thanks for the meal" before walking down. Tobias followed soon after, leaving Thonir with a sigh as he looked at the two unfinished meals.
205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxDdY6RHHzF
Like Tobias' garage, the oil lamp lit basement had gears and tools all over, with brass armaments resting on the heavy workbench. On the left was a modified crossbow, augmented to mount well on Ellie's short arms and a scope to gauge the distance with. To the right was a heap of folded metal, its appearance obscure and hard to recognize from afar.
205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUAkbNxXXTV
"I designed it myself, hehe."
205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz6nFqH0Xzv
Tobias then walked swiftly up to the heap of metal before lifting it up, with it unfolding in front of Maxwell. It was an exoskeleton, with brass metals further reinforcing the upper body of the wearer. It had propellers behind the shoulder, connected to a "Mana Containment Ball" or MCB, similar to one Thonir uses in his hammer. Tobias then brought it up to Maxwell, assisting him in putting it on. The brass metals felt cold to the touch, and it weighed Maxwell a bit, but it was nothing he couldn't handle. In his hands, his fingers were plated, along with a trigger he could squeeze with his palm.
205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPQiZ8Jqhth
"Try punching with it and you'll see the difference.", Ellie advised. Maxwell glanced and nodded at her hesitantly, still thinking that she's still mad about what had happened three months prior. Following her advice, Maxwell took a few steps backward before getting into stance, left foot forward and right foot back. He then took a quick step forward with his left, and squeezed the trigger as his arm extended. The trigger then opened the MCB behind his back, producing steam which powered the shoulder propeller, increasing Maxwell's jab speed and power.
205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFIRke7V909
"...cool.", Maxwell said in a whisper, clearly in awe of the sight. He then glanced at the crossbow prototype made for Ellie, and back up at Tobias.
205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRt7I8TmYtE
"What about you, brother? Do you have Steam Gear as well?", Maxwell asked as he lowered his arms.
205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGquZyvGIkZ
"I don't need such a thing, heh.", Tobias stated with a smirk.
205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhlIdjMm9OY
"Idiot.", Ellie murmured before heading back up to the living room. Maxwell raised an eyebrow in curiosity- a Steam Hunter without a Steam Gear? That's basically another term for suicide... but, knowing his brother, he could probably do something unexpected. As they climbed back into the living room, Thonir can be seen eating the rest of his cooking, before ordering the three of them to prepare for the excursion.
205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOWqtVbNtxS
After a few moments, both Maxwell and Tobias were dressing up in their respective room. In their mannerisms for the upcoming mission, the difference between the two was very clear. While dressing up, Tobias was jittery, walking around idly as he looked forward to what's next. Maxwell on the other hand, remained suave and smooth, looking at himself in front of the mirror with a slight smile.
205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmdCjoGsJx2
"Relax, Tobi. It's just fighting alongside Thonir. Just let things happen as they should be.", Maxwell advised as he tilted his head, his fingers tracing his jawline.
205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQIiYznXQzQ
"I- I know, but still... it's a real freakin' mana demon, not just some wooden dummy!", Tobias said as he sat back down on the bed, picking up a pair of black slacks and inserting his legs.
205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvfCDecyPuI
"I know... but like our father said, you'll always be nervous before a match. During the match though, we fall back to what we're used to doing, so have faith in your training, brother.", Maxwell said once more. Tobias then sighed, knowing that his brother was right. After all, he dug his nose deep into reading literature, studying all about beasts as well as helping Ellie in tinkering on top of his physical training. Tobias then got a hold of himself, now putting on their attire. The city had deep Victorian influences, so the two brothers wore black shoes and black slacks, along with a white long sleeved polo with the sleeves folded onto the elbows underneath a black vest striped with yellow trims. They wanted to look presentable as well, so the two brothers combed their hair in front of the mirror with varying hairstyles. Maxwell combed his hair into a clean side part undercut while Tobias combed his hair to the back, some strands falling onto the side of his undercut. Afterward, Tobias then helped Maxwell put on his Steam Gear on top of his current clothing, and Tobias then put on all sorts of pockets in his bandolier and belt.
205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtJ2kbhtWsp
"Took ye two slowpokes long enough.", Thonir commented. Both Thonir and Ellie were already suited up, waiting under the steamy skies. Due to the weight of their Steam Gears, riding a horse-drawn carriage wasn't an option, so they walked on the smooth stone bricks. Despite all the machismo in the capital, the townsfolk still rely on horse-drawn carriages for travel, perhaps it's to preserve their culture?
205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCvbKnBBrH6
After minutes of traversing through the Victorian streets, the four of them then halted in front of a towering building, whose ivory walls held together three stories, further reinforced by big brass pipes and complemented with blue roof tiles. The four of them then entered. Inside was a counter with a bartender behind, multiple people clad in bronze, sitting onto the stools and raising mugs into the air and singing, and a bulletin board with papers of all sizes pinned. It was essentially a guild hall filled with mighty warriors having the time of their life. The three were distracted by the sight, but quickly followed as they heard Thorin's thumping steps across the smooth wooden floor.
205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhsKPuqgqP4
"Toshiro!", Thonir yelled as he approached a tall man with grey hair swept to the back, wearing a dark coat on top of a white polo shirt and goggles resting on his head.
205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ0fSxvxaJD
"Thonir, my friend!", Toshiro greeted back. The two of them then approached each other, giving a tight handshake as if they were two comrades who haven't met each other for a long time.
205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCC388gyc4M
"How have you been? And oh, is that Elgrudeth? Look at her, all grown up now! ", Toshiro said with a grin. Ellie waved slightly with a smile as a response.
205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm0obzRNd9p
"Yep, figured it's time she become one o' us. 'Nyways, ye got the kid wit' ye?", Thonir asked as he looked past Toshiro's body, glancing around for a certain someone.
205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzVdDREjXmE
"Yes I do. Takahiro, come here for a second.", Toshiro ordered as he looked behind him. Upon hearing the command amidst the cheers, a person then stood up. A boy, standing 5'10"ft in height then walked up to them. He had untamed black hair with goggles resting on it, bright cyan eyes and a fair skin tone resting in a gentle demeanor. Similar to Tobias, he had a lean build, though longer in length. He wore a long, unbuttoned black hooded coat with a red trim plated with crimson shoulder guards, as well as a belt hosting a sword and a firearm just above his crimson hip plates.
205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9UPgG2nK3B
"Yes, master?", Takahiro asked in a gentle tone.
205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxFufZrz5sn
"This is the individual I've been talking about. The mighty dwarven warrior, Thonir.", Toshiro said, introducing his long time friend. Thonir's lips curled into a smile as he puffed his chest up, looking very proud after the statement.
205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA7iTRe4YSo
"Ah, I'm pleased to meet you, sir Thonir.", Takahiro said before bowing, a gesture uncommon to them.
205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2YszR8us4I
"Ye should be, heh. Oi, ye runts, come n' meet yer new comrade.", Thonir ordered. With little hesitation, Tobias approached Takahiro, offering a handshake right off the bat.
205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIDYrCbrlNp
"Name's Tobias, or Tobi. Nice to meet ya- and oh, here's my brother Maxwell, and Thonir's daughter, Elgrudeth- or Ellie.", Tobias said in an excited tone. Takahiro was taken aback by the friendly interaction, but let out a gentle smile. Takahiro then glanced at Maxwell, and it only took a nod to acknowledge each other. Upon glancing at Ellie however, Ellie seemed to avert her gaze. Takahiro remained stoic, and decided not to think much about it.
205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpp2ThWPLWO
"I hope you four are done with your pleasantries, we're leaving soon.", Toshiro said before pulling up a piece of brown paper that had handwritten language native to the land, as well as a red stamp having a shape of a metallic lion head in the middle. Toshiro then explained that he had pulled it earlier from the bulletin board. It was a mission notice, belonging to the "Hunter". He further explained the mission system, where there were three main categories. Hunter involves tracking down a certain Mana Demon, and eliminating the threat by absorbing vile magic with Mana Containment Balls. Defender, on the other hand, involves moving into a location where a threat has emerged, evacuating as many civilians as they could, before eliminating the threat. If the threat is too much to handle however, Defenders may retreat and make a full report, so other Hunters could chase after the Mana Demon. Scavenger missions are mostly solo missions, as they involve scouting past the border or into recently destroyed villages, collecting scrap material and absorbing vile magic before another creature ingests them. This was a Rank E Hunter mission, perfect for beginners, but supervision is highly required to maintain safety. Toshiro then instructed them to wait outside before walking up to the counter, finalizing the mission acceptance.
205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe9bKP4tN8z
As they waited idly, Tobias can't help but glance at Takahiro, mainly at the belt holding his weapons. To Takahiro's left was a thin sword, its guard formed from multiple brass gears, as well as a trigger he could squeeze on. To the right however, seemed like a small firearm.
205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHmUw9UhLCY
"Cool.", Tobias mumbled. Just as Tobias was about to inquire, Toshiro stepped out of the guild, his stride hasty. Just from his composure alone, the young hunters were able to deduce that it was very urgent, so they too picked up the pace. Maxwell glanced around the city, seeing gentlemen and women greet each other in the streets, and having a great time. He began to ask himself, are they really aware of what's happening outside?
205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs8h6ZhCbOf
"They probably are aware, but who would want to think of possibly dying everyday?", a soft voice whispered in his head. Maxwell halted for a bit, confused as to what he had heard, but saw that the wolf pup was sitting on Thonir's shoulder as he breezed past through him.
205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqauHXEih21
"Oh, didn't know you were there.", Maxwell replied in his head, before picking back the pace.
205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3ZtEqGNyPq
"You think I could miss the sight of you proving your worth to me? Hah! No.", the wolf pup replied. It didn't take much of a walk for Maxwell and Ellie to notice some fatigue upon using the Steam Gear. It was something they should get used to, as tiring before even attending the mission could mean certain failure. The gang then stopped at a train station. Normally passengers would have to wait a bit, but being a Steam Hunter had their perks. There were steam locomotives on standby, and all Toshiro had to do was to show his brass medallion of gears to help identify him.
205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz2CJgKnSxg
"My apologies, sir. You all may come inside now.", the locomotive attendant instructed. The rest then followed Toshiro into a locomotive with the same cozy interior, similar to the one Maxwell, Tobias, and Thorin rode three months prior. The crew then picked their respective seats in the cab.
205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSJs6U4nVKP
"So, what do ye feel, Ellie?", Thonir asked his daughter. Ellie had her elbow resting on the table between their seats, her palm digging into his cheek as he stared outside the windows.
205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoM4wiUGp7O
"I want to get back home as soon as possible.", Ellie replied in an uncaring tone. She seemed unmoved by the current events, but her other hand underneath the table said otherwise, as she frantically fiddled with a miniature gear.
205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzTaaBl4ZLg
"Ye miss yer tools 'lready? Now that's a real dwarf!", Thonir commented before giving a hearty laugh.
205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvcUNPjp4Q8
"Takahiro.", Toshiro called as he sat in front of him.
205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ77nkNmvw2M
"Yes, Mister Toshiro?"
205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpV2XTYAG7D
"Hold back a little, will you? I know you have battle experience and talent... but you won't last very long in this field if you choose to be a lone wolf. I'll be assessing your performance today based on teamwork, got it?", Toshiro asked in a strict and commanding tone.
205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx3xqvlwwm9
"...Yes, master.", Takahiro replied gently.
205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYlsQAGyk7u
In another pair of seats, Tobias can be seen checking his bandolier, frequently peeking at his pockets to keep him occupied. Meanwhile, Maxwell had his arms spread out as he leaned back, appearing as comfortable as possible.
205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7ZrGyW41mD
"You're quite jumpy today. Forgot somethin' back at Thonir's home?", Maxwell asked, a bit intrigued in his tone.
205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRCo25mQisk
"No, no... just wanted to be prepared, that's all.", Tobias replied, before taking a deep breath and keeping his hands down after a thorough check of his arsenal.
205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡv5ppvMxGWL
"I guess I'd want to be prepared too if I didn't wear Steam Gear. What does that make you, "Gearless Tobias"?", Maxwell teased.
205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCKEuXx5vfG
"Hmph, I don't need Steam Gear... they're too heavy- well for me, at least. I'd rather move around and something.", Tobias muttered as he himself glanced at the window. Maxwell kept his gaze at him, examining his bandolier. What did he have in those pockets? He figured he'd find out sooner or later, so he kept quiet.
205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbA3pyyLni9
After an hour of loud whistling and chugging, the steam locomotive then halted into a stop. The gang stepped out to see a desolate town, devoid of people and working machinery. The train stop there had its upper half torn, but the brass and silver train tracks were somehow still intact. Toshiro then walked forth with his quick, purposeful stride as he scanned the area, and the rest followed soon after.
205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUZkn6biaw7
"Me and Thonir will be assessing you four. We demand to see teamwork and excellence. We won't provide assistance unless necessary, so I hope you four know what you're getting yourselves into.", Toshiro stated, his commanding words enough to send a light chill in your spine. What seemed to be a once great city was now just a hollow shell of itself, with wind howling throughout.
205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡROEUWhlWSa
As they entered the fallen city, eerie sounds appeared here and there. Toshiro then slowed his pace down, now becoming more vigilant as sensations of heavy thumps can be felt throughout. The five of them followed Toshiro's lead, taking cover behind the remnants of the once stout walls as they tip-toed through the battlefield. As they inched closer and closer, the thumping now felt like echoes from a faraway earthquake, and faint sounds of screams can then be heard.
205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6FZfRxO5LB
"This is it. We won't be providing further assistance beyond this point, but we'll respond if it's truly necessary. Now, go, and show this old man that you four has what it takes to be Steam Hunters.", Toshiro commanded. Tobias, Maxwell, and Ellie took glances at each other, while Takahiro gave a nod. Takahiro then led the charge and the three followed soon after.
205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4sYFEx38n1
"..what in the world?", Maxwell asked in both awe and shock. Beyond them was a creature taller than Takahiro, its fur pitch black, with streaks of purple scattered throughout like veins in its body. It had its back turned to the group, until it stomped around, sending mild shockwaves into the ground as it turned to them.
205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡefAcYWPBEY
"...Hell boar.", Tobias recalled from the beastiary he read not too long ago. The creature looked similar to a wild boar, but with red, bloody eyes and orange pupils, jet black tusks, and a haze of crimson oozing from out its nose. Feeling threatened by the would be hunters' presence, it then began to trash around, giving hard stomps to scare them off.
205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ75IW3MlI7X
In response, Takahiro pulled down the goggles that had been resting on his wild hair, before tweaking with a gear on the side. These specialized goggles helped him zoom in on the enemy, to look for small, vital points he could exploit. Afterward, he then bursted forward, staying up on his toes with his quick steps remaining light, keeping his hand tight on the scabbard of his blade. Upon seeing this, Ellie then ran to the side with a crossbow, cocking the metal backward to prepare for shooting.
205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUu5rHhNF8x
"Right, our positions- brother, follow Takahiro!", Tobias shouted, before running off to the side as well. Maxwell's head perked up and nodded, before he followed Takahiro. Takahiro then unsheathed his blade, a katana of brass sounding like a swift rod as he hacked around, but the boar was quick to hop backward, avoiding the slashes.
205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡT1oKIlMjN2
"Hold still...", Ellie whispered, with a bolt loaded onto her crossbow. She peeked at her scope, which zoomed the sights as she aimed her crosshair. She saw Maxwell throw wild, untrained swings which forced the boar to the side-
205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRUSSwZo8bL
"There!", Ellie thought, squeezing the trigger under the handle, sending the bolt flying forth. However, as the bolt flew, Takahiro dashed in as he too saw an opening. As the silver bolt was about to hit Takahiro, Takahiro thankfully noticed it on the edge of his visions, and reacted out of instinct, leaning back, the bolt barely grazing his skin as it smashed through his shoulder plate before falling down.
205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA1tRIDLnVj
"Sorry!", Ellie yelled. Takahiro glared at Ellie, but that mere second of distraction cost him. As he was looking back at the Mana Demon, it began to conjure what sounded like screams of the damned, a bloodcurdling scream from the deepest pits of agony. As the hell boar gave a damned squeal, the once purple colored streaks now turned crimson, before the beast pressed forth in an unstoppable stride, knocking back Takahiro several feet backward.
205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgPOKbly5ED
"Tch.", Takahiro said, seeming calm despite being thrown. The terrifying beast now turned to Maxwell, who seemed much different than he usually was. To him, the beast looked much bigger than him. He felt a primal fear, telling him that he should get the hell away from here, with his stomach tightening as anxiety radiated from throughout his body. With him distraught in fear, all he could do was stare as the beast from hell stomped, preparing for another stampede...
205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtZd8yMjj3G
"Brother, look out!", Tobias yelled, which helped Maxwell snap out of it. However, the hell boar was already in mid stride, squealing as it dashed in a blur. All Maxwell could do was cross his arms forward to block, with him being sent flying backwards as well.
205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUbih6PQ6sc
"...Look at you, what a pitiful worm.", a deep voice echoed in Maxwell's mind. After he was knocked down, everything around him seemed to turn into pitch black, leaving him alone, aware of his own body despite the lack of vision.
205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcdqvASkDTp
"Is this what you wanted to show me, that you would cower in front of adversity!?", the deep voice ranted once more. Maxwell then slowly noticed that reality had warped around him, and that he was back in that... dream, where he faced the mighty wolf three months prior. The wolf then walked up to Maxwell, who grit its teeth, its crimson eyes peering straight through Maxwell. The mighty wolf then circled around, disappearing from Maxwell's line of sight, and as soon as the wolf's black tail disappears, Maxwell was faced with another vision.
205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiDbvgFx1bY
"Somebody, help!"
205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1PDMyLj95g
"Save me!"
205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxrsNMaRpEb
Screams similar to the hell boar's squeal then played throughout, as Maxwell found himself in the body of a smaller child, frail and small. In front of him was a woman buried in debris, and a baby wrapped in purple cloth in front of her, crying on the ground. The sight then suddenly drove Maxwell into tears... but why?
205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqt7UjdCojJ
"Maxwell.", the woman called in a faint voice.
205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTWXNj09b5L
Maxwell then glanced at the woman, tears running down his face as he remained in a state of shock.
205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTiaqxMN52y
"Take your brother... and go.", the woman said in a gentle voice, interrupted by sobs.
205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡV0MkJkHtFa
"b- but mother-"
205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYNLPE6aMDj
"There's no time, Maxwell!", the woman shouted in desperation, her face breaking down as more tears rushed down her face. Maxwell knew he couldn't lift the heavy debris, and the only thing he could do was to lift the poor babe... and so he did. As Maxwell lifted his little brother, its cries slowly mellowed down as he held him. Meanwhile... something equally as terrifying showed up a few meters behind his mother. It was a large mana demon... yet seemed so much more. Its fur was gray, with blood tainting its mane. A huge pale lion, shrouded with a veil of darkness and painted with fresh blood.
205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCbL4jt0tpw
"Go now, there's no time!", his mother shouted, and he reacted instinctively, turning away and running for both of their lives. Afterwards, the vision slowly melted away, leaving Maxwell wanting to puke his guts out as his past traumas resurfaced upon the face of grave danger. Things weren't much better after the flashbacks, though.
205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnU9eNRZXnT
"Damn it!", Tobias shouted to himself. He had just watched his brother take a full hit- he had to do something. He quickly assessed the situation logically, putting his feelings on the sideline. Both Takahiro and Maxwell were getting up slowly, and he's on the side peeking behind a wall- but where's Ellie?
205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmtNSo6K5kY
Tobias glanced to the side to see Ellie running, trying to reposition so that she won't make a mistake again. Ellie circled around- but in doing so, left her very vulnerable... and the hell boar saw her indeed, with it turning its back to Maxwell and Takahiro. It then began to stomp around, but Tobias already saw through that pattern. Tobias' quick hands then pulled a somewhat heavy pouch from his leather utility belt, untying it as he ran forth.
205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZCSNBIkLpB
"Here goes nothing!", Tobias thought to himself as he threw the pouch a few meters in front of Ellie. The untied pouch then bounced, with shiny, silver caltrops spreading around. The hell boar was already in mid-stride as the caltrops spread- with it stepping harshly onto one, the silver spike piercing through its hooves, causing it to squeal out in agony. Ellie paused for a split second, confused as he thought she was about to die- but recollected herself, quickly aiming and squeezing the trigger, a silver bolt piercing through once of the boar's front legs, causing it to squeal and trash around, further damaging its hooves from the silver caltrops. Upon seeing this, Tobias then bolted forward towards Ellie.
205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcUCLtewqBm
Meanwhile, Maxwell watched it all unfold, his anxiety still flaring throughout. He had an internal conflict inside of him, constantly putting himself down for being saved by the one he promised to protect, that he wasn't good enough. He thought Tobias can live without him- but that all changed as the Hell Boar trashed around. The battle wasn't over yet, as the Boar began to move wildly toward Ellie, and was sure to hit the both of them if it continued. Time slowed for Maxwell, as if a switch was turned on inside him. Overwhelmed with his anxieties and doubts, Maxwell snapped, the flames of fury suddenly igniting within his chest, with the heat of anger revitalizing his body. Like a wolf chasing down its prey, Maxwell sprinted and came from the side, meeting the thrashing boar with a devastating punch augmented with his Steam Gear, sending it staggering to the side. Both Ellie and Tobias then let out a relieved sigh.
205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5XgkxF2ctL
"Thanks!", Tobias said before reaching through one of his pockets, taking a ball of paper and smashing it to the ground, with smoke flaring out from the smoke bomb. Tobias then tugged at Ellie as they were concealed, the both of them repositioning. Meanwhile... It's as if Maxwell was a different person.
205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMFWjjhU1Wu
"...How pitiful I was, to be scared of a mongrel like you.", Maxwell mumbled. He stood proud and tall as he saw the boar slowly take its footing. In seeing his brother act heroically, he himself realized something. He knew Tobias was always a scaredy cat, yet he was able to act accordingly. He followed after his little brother, accepting his traumas and fear, flipping his mindset like a switch in order to use those emotions to empower him instead, the fear now turning into anger, anger at himself and at the enemy in front of him. Maxwell then walked forward, stepping between the caltrops as he raised his augmented hands, his eyes narrowing like a falcon as he got ready. The boar stomped around- but Maxwell was having none of it, with him dashing forth, interrupting it with a hard, stiff jab before following up with a crushing right cross, sending it staggering again.
205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJlzh8GHbTM
As Maxwell kept it staggered with his heavy punch combinations, Takahiro can then be seen circling from the side, his steps as light as a leaf as he ran on his toes. Takahiro then squeezed through his blade's trigger, with steam erupting from the pommel as his blade started heating up, turning into orange. Takahiro then wielded his katana with two hands, slicing through flesh and tendons like a hot knife through butter in the smallest of openings. Takahiro thought he could do this mission solo, but decided to act accordingly now, keeping track of Ellie's direction and leaving openings for her. As Maxwell and Takahiro slowly annihilate the monster, Ellie then sniped the monster from afar with a silver bolt, sending it squealing as the bolt pierced through its dark fur.
205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFIZslWbII7
Taking hit after hit, orbs of dark mana then began floating up, as the brass properties were forcing the cursed magic out, while the silver bolts slowly purified its mana from the inside. The beast would then fall to the side after sustaining hits from the four, with it rapidly losing size as mana exited from its body, returning it into its miniature piglet state. Tobias and Ellie then walked up, with Tobias holding a bronze ball forward, opening its lid so the Mana Containment Ball could absorb the dark mana, marking it as a mission done.
205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEy6alQBgi2
Both Toshiro and Thonir were watching in the sidelines, with Thonir stroking his beard while Toshiro kept his arms folded.
205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhoqsexe2kN
"What do ye think, partner?", Thonir asked.
205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqBKKj2vy3I
"They won't make it. They need further training... at Cogsworth Academy."
205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZWHLtNQ0FA
205Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmRSyjZBqs9
