Ambush

Alden sat in the cave, happily feasting on roast meat.

"You are quite in-genius when it comes to some aspects, human..." Aerith said, as he watched him from where he sat.

"Yep," Alden said in between bites. "Also, my name is Alden. Why don't you try calling me that?"

Aerith stayed silent for a moment before speaking.

"Alden. So you have already mastered an element?"

"Yep, my fire element. I guess the next will be my water element." That water-based skill was acquired after that difficult ocean mission; he couldn't lose it.

"Oh, Aerith.. I have a question..."

"Speak."

"So... my half-dragon transformation or my ability to raise and summon moon soldiers... these fall under traits... right?"

"Yes." Aerith nodded.

Made sense. The half-dragon transformation he got from rebuilding his body with that of a dragon. His moon-soldier appeared to be a trait of the vampire clan. "Then healing abilities, or invisibility abilities... these are traits too... right?"

"It depends. " Aerith said. "Sometimes healing abilities come with the ability to manipulate anatomy, which is considered an Element. In this case, it is possible to learn the element. Other times, it is specific to a person or race, making it a trait.

"Confusing!" Alden felt himself get a headache listening. Then, his self-heal was what? Was it a trait or an element? Probably a trait. The ability to manipulate one's anatomy meant one could both heal and destroy, contrary to the self-healing ability. Alden had also copied Lily's healing ability and her taming ability. These were probably traits. Thinking about that, was his replicating ability a trait, probably...

Alden sighed. He'd rather leave the whole thing for now. He'd better focus on the most important aspect.

"Will I be able to use my traits?" Alden asked Aerith.

"Well, you could probably try, but your mastery of energy must be too low at the moment. Your transformation and your moon-soldier ability most probably take a great level of mastery in your energy."

"Well, that makes sense." Alden decided that he would try to transform later in battle. He didn't want to release too much unnecessary energy. It could attract something.

The two rested for a few hours, each taking watch. Then, they got up to leave.

Alden and Aerith walked, and as they did, the hall-like tunnels grew even wider, until it's ceiling was too far to see clearly. The walls also grew far apart, until they seemed to be far apart in distance. Notably, they began to find many plants growing around, and they soon found something surprising—a stream.

"Oh my!" Alden immediately knelt over it and drank water until he had grown full.

"Ahh..." Alden felt refreshed, and he was full of energy.

"We have company." Said Aerith, who had just finished filling a leather waterbag.

"Time to test out my firepower.." Alden said, standing to see what was coming. It was a group of humanoid mantis creatures. The creatures hissed before flying towards them.

Alden pulled out his katana and readied himself. Aerith was already ready with his sword.

The mantis closed in, speeding at the two.

Alden raced forward, swinging his katana at an incoming mantis. The sword whistled as it cut through the air, before it struck the tough carapace of the insect. The insect was thrown back, but it was still alive.

"Aim for the gaps!" Aerith said, racing forward. Aerith cut down two of the monsters before advancing.

Alden poured flames into the katana before racing at a mantis. He spun, his katana aimed at the gaps between the tough armour. The blade tore through its body, and the mantis gave a single hiss before dying.

Alden continued on his path, and with a flurry of metal and flames, he tore through the insects. In less than a few moments, all of the insects had fallen.

The two stood, panting. Then they sheathed their swords and rested for a few moments. After they caught their breath, they continued on their way. As they continued, they found a few more groups, consisting of the humanoid mantis; however, they finished them off easily.

It was after that that something strange happened.

Alden and Aerith came to an area that resembled a forest. Trees and moss surrounded the two, and the stream they had found connected into a river. It was a beautiful scene of green and blue. It was hard to believe they were underground.

It was then that, suddenly, Alden felt danger.

Woosh! THUK!

Alden looked to the ground near his feet and found an arrow. He raised his head, and then he saw it.

They were surrounded by archers.