Chapter 9 : Specter rank

Silence followed.

The wolves were dead, but tension lingered in the air.

Hoping to ease the situation the dagger wielder stepped forward, exchanging a subtle nod with the hammer welder to lower his weapon. Sheathing her blades into the leather holsters on her hip her face lit up with a smile as she spoke "Thanks for the save, that was perfect timing."

She approached slowly keeping her hands visible, Her friendly smile was contrasted by her short blond hair marred with sweat and her sleeve soaked with blood. She was attempting to hide it, but her cold eyes gleamed with sharpness.

"Thought we were done for, If the young master had died we'd be toast. I'm Liz, he's Gerald and thi-"

"I'm Rudy Greyhound, grade III Specter and heir of the Greyhound family", Interrupting Liz the young blond royal shouted instead.

Seemingly displeased by his outburst Liz glared at Rudy to silence him. Looking back at Damon curiously she regained her smile and continued. "You're an explorer too right? Didn't expect to see another person out here already. What should we call you?"

Deep in thought Damon didn't answer immediately.

'So there explorers, that makes sense, Rudy's looks around my age, Liz and Gerald are probably his family bodyguards, but something feels off, I was sure her right arm had been broken, yet it's clearly already healed without her resetting the bone.
Also, sure this place can be accessed by trail simulation but would master Tomoe allow people to explore her domain unsupervised? I've never heard of a Greyhound family, but I doubt they would have that authority.'

Though he only recently met his master he didn't think she was so kind or welcoming to allow anyone to trespass into her domain without a price. Although its possible she would for amusement.

Unfazed by his silence, Liz continued "We got word a gate opened, so we decided to check it out for a quick buck. Been fighting off beast since last night so thanks again."

Stepping off the wolf's corpse, Damon nodded slightly in a greeting. After a moment he spoke quietly," No need to thank me I was just passing by. I'm Damon"

"Ha!"

Hearing him finally speak Liz let out a short laugh, though it was unclear at what she was laughing.

"Great!.... How about joining our team? , you're pretty strong, We'd be glad to have the extra hands to watch Rudy's back, We'll share twenty percent of the haul"

Taken aback by her excited expression, Damon took a couple seconds to recollect himself before finally speaking "I'll help you, but in exchange could you tell me what Specter grade means?"

"Eh?" taken aback by his question Liz exchanged glances with her companions before speaking again, "that's surprising, based on the amount of spiritual energy you released in that attack, I figured you'd be an experienced Specter."

'What kind of training did this kid do to reach that level?! He's look about fifteen years old. Is he just a natural prodigy!?'

It was quite shocking indeed, unbelievable the energy exuded from this boy was greater than that of both hers and Gerald. Liz knew fully how difficult was to increase someone's spiritual energy. Although developing your spiritual energy at an early age is much easier compared to when you're older, it should be impossible for a novice to exceed the energy level of a grade II Specter much less two of them!

"Are you really a novice kid"? Gerald asked braking the silence. He couldn't help but doubt what he had just learnt.

Nodding his head in agreement, Rudy hide behind Gerald and peered at Damon with astonishment. He had never heard of someone his age having this level of force either.

Damon was stunned after hearing Gerald's question. " You don't believe me?" he asked curiously.

"I-it's not that we don't believe you. We just want to confirm your rank to renegotiate the division of any loot we find." Gerald replied with a slight stutter in his voice.

Even more confused Damon decided to ask his master about his Specter rank later. Chuckling to lighten the mood he spoke. "It's fine.... yes I'm really a novice, In fact, I just started my Specter training yesterday."

"What!" Unanimously the trio shouted in shock.

"How is that possible? A normal fifteen-year-old wouldn't have that this much energy!" Liz was seriously questioning Damon's identity right now.

Despite their wealth not even Greyhound family had anything in their name that could allow one of their members to achieve such results. The family considered calling upon a mysterious existence to help increase their spiritual energy levels but such as ritual was too risky leading to possession.

"I'm thirteen" said Damon neutrally. His words dealt the final blow to their confidence.

Staring into his clear blue eyes, Liz took a deep breath as she calmed her thoughts.
She could only accept they would need to be careful with their latest temporary companion. Flashing her signature smile she spoke softly, "how about we continue this discussion at our base ? Were set up in a nearby cave."

sure let's get moving.

Taking the lead Liz walked ahead of the group. Quietly observing the area Damon followed along with Rudy walking next to him and Gerald watching the rear.

"What are you doing?"

"....Checking the area for beast"

"Using mystic sense ?"

Letting out a sigh, Damon turned towards Rudy whose face was brightened with excitement and curiosity

"Do you usually ask stupid questions ? Of course, I'm using mystic sense."

started by Damon's words Rudy lowered his head as his cheeks became bright red in shame. Clutching the edge of his white shirt sleeves, his eyes drifted left and right as he struggled to find the words to say.

Seeing this Damon couldn't help but chuckle. "What is it ?"

"Ehm..... ehm..."

"How can I help you?, spit it out"

Flinching the Rudy looked up into Damon's eyes and said.

"Ehm... Since were in same team… ehm could you teach me how to wield a sword?"

"Eh?"

Freezing for a split second. Damon's smile momentarily faltered as he tried to think of way to decline Rudy's request.

'Just my luck! I just started my training now this rich kid wants me to train him?? I haven't even fully learned the technique yet!. Wait a minute, I could just teach him the basics about reinforcement.'

shaking his head, he responded.

"You said you're a Grade III Specter right? How different is that from being a novice if you can't wield a weapon?"

"I am a grade III, but that only means I was able to pass my affinity trial and learn the four basic Specter skills, Spiritual manipulation, Mystic Sense, Mystic Eye and Mystic Shroud."

"Oh?, I'm guessing Mystic Shroud is externally covering the body or items with spiritual energy then?" Asked Damon.

"Yep, overtime your suppose to master Mystic Shroud through repeatedly practice, increasing your energy level till you rank up."

Staring at Rudy, Damon was lightly moved." I'm sorry for calling you stupid, I'd be happy to teach you but I only now the basics myself."

luckily Damon had some experience in swordplay due to his up bringing, though he wasn't sure if this young royal would fancy such techniques as they weren't as flashy or eye pleasing.