Big Bear and a Bigger Loser

Not long before the first rays of sunshine fell on the valley, Five figures ran through the jungle. Luka was at the front followed by the rest, all of them wearing black military suits with golden embroidery, covered in a jet black cloak. The common uniform was worn by the Dawnless Master Clan. It was made of super polyethylene carbide. Besides the fact that the suit was bulletproof and temperature regulated. It also had many pre-inscribed runes. To give the suit magical properties. While in the Master realm they were nothing more than squiggly lines once they had access to the mana in the air their real properties shone. Some of the basic ones were Mana Gathering and Magical Defense among others.

The five moved through the Jungle like fish through water. Enhancing their physical capabilities with Mana Reinforcement. One of the many simple Applications of Mana along with things like Telekinesis and Mana Shields. They didn't fall under any particular essence but were just as useful. However, they required twice as much control over their mana than simple spells. The capability of the youths to control mana so efficiently after only a few weeks of practice would shock the world. However, for them, it was nothing but the bare minimum they required of themselves.

On the way, they ran into several low-tier magical beasts. Coming to a stop Luka stood atop a tree looking down on a large beast several hundred feet in front of him. Around him stood the others atop different tree branches.

Emily spoke

" It seems to be some sort of oversized bear. Other than its red eyes it doesn't seem to be any different than a regular bear from the Old Universe. I estimate it has a power output around a Master Stage Spirit Realm. I can't be sure of the veracity since this is a new universe and all but I don't think it's wrong."

Alice standing next to Luka said while looking at the Giant Bear who was feasting on a carcass.

"We should try out fighting it. We don't know our strength in comparison to this new Universe. Now is as good a time as any."

While their heads were covered with the cloak you could still see an excited face under their hoods. All of them had been raised to fight, since young they had been fighting one another. Training for this day. Now they could finally use magic. Now they could finally participate in magical combat rather than just theorize over it.

Luka spoke as a tinge of excitement could be heard in his voice. As the others waited for his orders they too were boiling with excitement.

"Emily, find a vantage point" Soon as Luka had given her the order Emily was already gone to find a place with a clear vantage over the surroundings.

Emily's disappearance didn't even get a turn of heads as the rest were not surprised.

Luka gave another order.

"Disperse"

The remaining three flashed and disappeared the same way Emily had seconds before. Luka now alone, shook his right hand as two swords appeared in his hands. They were of an Ancient Design one was what was called a Katana, and the other a Wakizashi. Luka sporting a Daisho was staring deeply at the Giant Bear who was now walking away from the Carcass.

At that point, a black streak soared through the air smashing into the left side of the bear, right between the ribs. The bear released a hoarse roar in pain. However, before it could even finish its cry of pain a dark figure shot out of the woods heading straight for the now wounded bear. Now on alert, the bear did a quick swipe of its claws towards the incoming figure approaching from its right. The small agile figure slid under the large bear's paws, coming to a stop underneath the large bear's torso she rolled unto her back and kicked the bear's head up with a powerful kick of both legs.

While the bear had been distracted another small figure approached quickly and stealthily, directly in front of the bear, with two short blades in each of its hands. Taking advantage of the stunned bear whose head had swung back. The figure that was under the bear rolled out from under the bear. While the figure who had been approaching made a quick slash at the bear's neck with both her blades leaving bloody cuts in the shape of an x at the base of the bear's neck.

The bear gave another thundering roar of pain. However, it wasn't dead. The bloody wounds at the base of its neck were not deep enough to cause instant death. However, before the bear's roar had even reached its peak a figure landed on top of the bear sinking its long blade straight through the bear's left shoulder blade.

Riding the bear like a bull the figure stuck to the bear, gripping the blade sticking out of the bear.

The bear stood on its two hind legs and swung its body as best it could to try to knock the thing off its back. The swinging figure clinging to the sword caused even more pain to the bear as the sword wriggled in its bloody back.

It was at this point that an arrow came out of nowhere slamming right into the bear's right hind leg. Causing the bear to roar in agony.

The figure at the top of the bear kicked at the bear jumping off the bear along with his sword. Which as it pulled out made the cut even wider.

The force of the kicking figure jumping off its back caused the bear to stumble forward. Where the first figure who had remained near the bear's legs pulled out a bladed staff. Positioning itself underneath the falling bear anchoring one point of the staff into the ground and aiming the other at the bear's chest.

As the bear fell on the staff the figure jumped out of the way leaving the staff to pierce through the bear's chest. The bear still roaring in pain, anger, and agony. Was still alive and kicking. It was then, that a fourth figure appeared out of nowhere wielding a massive spear aiming at the snout of the bear, whose mouth was wide open due to its constant roaring. Piercing through its throat the spear continued through, ripping through its neck and internal organs as the bear finally turned silent as it was finally dead. Its hindquarters slumped on the ground as its upper body was still being held up by the staff stuck between its ribcage.

The four figures came to a stop surrounding the bear meanwhile behind them another figure slowly made its way out from the woods holding a bow.

The first to make a move had been Emily wielding her trusty bow, the Ashwood Stormbreaker. Typically always staying away from the battle Emily was more than capable of fighting close quarters, wielding her bow which had two small blades on each tip. After her, it had been Alice while she typically wielded a double-bladed scimitar formally known as Desolation Ripper. She was perfectly capable of going without it. After her it had been Lily, she typically preferred not fighting head to head, but she could give Alice a run for her money. Maybe not a lot of money, given that she would usually end up losing. Nonetheless, they always had roaring fights. At Lily's fingertips, you could find a pair of Tang Blades, called Arctic Duality. After them was Luka, who was an expert in hand-to-hand combat as well as swordsmanship techniques. Wielding the Daisho of a Katana and a Wakizashi, which are formally known as the Firemist Origins. The only one of the five who had ever been able to put up a fight against him had been Alexander. However, Lukas's superiority could only be showcased in human combat. Against the bear, Luka didn't have enough raw strength to deal the killing blow. That was where Alexander's raw strength outclassed them all dealing the last blow. Thrusting his Kamayari, Continental Dawn piercing through the bear. Each weapon had been created by the elders to match their affinities to perfection and they wielded them close to perfection.

When Emily arrived she stopped next to her sister and looking at her said

"Well, that was easy."

Emily responded

"Indeed it was easy but it would have been easier if we weren't using these Replicas. If we were using the Originals it would have been a piece of cake. I bet Emily's first shot would have skewered the thing. "

Alex while retrieving his spear from the boy of the bear and helping Alice with her scimitar responded.

"While that may indeed be true, if we had wielded them we wouldn't be standing here. We don't have the strength to wield the Divine Armaments. Back in the Master Realm with the help of the Divine Elders and after multiple layers of seals. Luka was barely able to last 8 seconds before collapsing let alone the rest of us. Right now we would be lucky to last half of that on our own."

Luka sheathing his sword to his back continued with the conversation after Alex was done

"These Replicas were designed to grow along with us by drawing strength from the Original Armaments. Right now they could be said to be Evolutionary Demi-Divine Armaments. Once we reach the Deity Realm we should be able to wield them even if for just a short battle. More than that be sure to never reveal your Divine Armaments, doing so will only be asking for a calamity to befall us. Not even Deities should be able to detect them within our soul but once in the real world even mortals will come for our heads."

Understanding Luka's words the rest of them knew how dangerous it would be if they did. The Elders had warned them to never reveal them. While the elders would come to their aid were they to encounter a power beyond them. They would only protect not attack. They wished to avoid combat at the higher levels as much as possible. While deities might run tail and hide when the elders appeared. If they knew that they had possession of Divine Armaments. They would risk their lives to get their hands on them. This would only bring trouble to the Clan. Even more so seeing as how the elders would take a long time to recover from the backlash of connecting with the Master Realm.

Alice more guided by her tummy than her brain asked with a sparkle in her eyes

"Emily is it Edible! We've been eating nothing but nutrient supplies. I want some real food."

Emily approaching the bear and slicing at the bear with the bladed tip of her bow responded.

"While it might be edible. It's incredibly tough meat. Your mandible would go sore before you can finish taking a bite. While cooking it might make it softer, even with Lukas cooking skills it would require a much higher realm Chef to make this beer tasty."

While Alice moped in the sadness of not being able to have a tasty meal she said

"I can also cook you know, why don't you mention me."

Emily responded with a serene and gleeful expression on her face

"Because I was simply making a point and Luka is of the higher realm than you."

Alice now with an offended look on her face

"He is also of the higher realm than you. You know"

At this point, Luka Interjected and spoke with an annoyed tone

"Stop squabbling you two. I'm stronger than all of you. Now let's get a move on before a Sage beast comes knocking and has you two for a tasty meal."

Luka's swords which were sheathed and strapped to his back vaporized into red and blue mist and sunk into his body. At the same time, the other's weapons vaporized into different colors and sunk in as well. Before they disappeared from their spot once more.

A little way after they left their spot Lily started talking as they soared through the jungle floor.

"Hey, Luka I have a question."

Luka in front of the group responded.

"Yes, what is it?"

Lily with a confused look on her face continued

"Well, we attacked the bear to test out our abilities, right. So I thought we were supposed to have used spells but since nobody used them I didn't either."

It was at this point that a face of astoundment emerged on Luka's face.

"We forgot to use magic."

Alexander realizing this too cracked a smile

"I suppose we have gotten used to physical combat. Nevertheless, our strength is evident it took us less time than Luka collapsing. To finish off the bear. Individually I presume we could have finished it off given an extra 30 seconds, maybe 35 for Lily."

"Hey, Why do I take longer? I'm strong, you know."

Luka offended asked as well

"and why is my collapse time now used as a unit of time?"

Alex responded

"Well, why not?"

Luka after glaring at Alex spoke up to comfort poor Lily

"We know you're strong Lily, however, that bear was the archnemesis of your fighting style. While your style is fast and sharp. The bear's would be strong or tough. We all have our weaknesses. I for example am speed and technique. While none of the intelligent races would be my match. I would be weak against anything tanky or barbaric. Alice's agility and precision would be in a tight spot against anything small or fast. Emily's obvious one being anything closer than 3 meters. Alex's strength and heavy spear make him pure power. However trying to fight anything fast, small or flying, it would be better for him to abandon his spear. In other words, with his spear, Alex will never be able to defeat me"

Listening to Luka's explanation Alex explained in understanding

"Huh, and you're barely telling me this now. If I knew that I would have defeated you countless times over. Hahaha."

Laughing Luka replied as he jumped over a tree trunk that had fallen in his path.

"You're forgetting I'm also an expert in hand-to-hand combat."

Dawning on him Alex realized the truth of his words.

"Damn, I didn't know any of this. I will defeat you one day Luka you'll see."

Lily now laughing at Alex asked

"Wait if you didn't know this, how did you know I was weak against the bear?"

"Huh, I just assumed you are weak against anything that moves."

Lily now filled with rage told him off

"Hmm, while I don't need to make assumptions to know you will never defeat Luka."

From the front of the group Luka spoke

"Stop bickering you too. And Alex you would know this if you had paid more attention to the Elders."

"Bah I don't need to learn unnecessary stuff to beat you."

Lily asked Luka once more

"But if Alex is weak against speed, how come I've never beaten him?"

Alex who was still babbling to himself yelled

"Cause you're too weak."

Lily immediately retorted

"No, I'm not."

Luka sighed and said

"Lily, I'm sorry to agree with Alex but he's right. The fact that you're is base speed only decreases Alex's advantage by a small percentage. Let's say it decreases his Probability of victory from 100 percent to 95 percent. Which he then more than makes up with experience."

Lily looking dejected and sad said with a soft tone

"So I am weak."

Alice and Emily were now glaring at Luka for making Lily sad.

Luka, understanding his mistake, continued.

"Lily, if I remember correctly you were ranked 8th in the Clan Rankings this year, am I right?"

Looking up at Luka who was now looking back at her rather than forward which he had been doing till now, she nodded.

Luka the continued

"Alice, how many people are there in the Rankings?"

Alice understood what Luka was aiming for, she said with a bright smile.

"There were 100,000 Ranked members of our age and 3 million unranked members."

Luka speaking in a gentle tone said

"You see Lily you're not the weakest, rather you're the 8th strongest. Out of 3 million people and not just regular people. You're the 8th strongest from the Dawnless Master Clan. A clan that once ruled the universe, a clan filled with geniuses."

Lily still a little dejected

"But I'm 8th, I don't know how I even managed to get assigned to your group. Even after 5 years of training with you guys I still haven't moved up. The top 5 should have been together."

At this point Emily exclaimed

" Hey, I'm ranked 7th, you know. What are you saying about me."

Lily was about to apologize when she immediately stopped in her tracks almost crashing into Luka who had suddenly stopped in front of her. The other stopped as well curious as to why he had stopped.

"Hahaha" Luka's laughter could be heard resounding in the jungle.

"Haha While the rest of the expedition force might have been assigned by ranking, do you think I would be paired with random people? Lily, I hand-picked every single one of you to be my accompaniment. Alex here might be second but he's here because he's my best friend. Alice here is 5th, she is here because she is my fiance. While I might not be as close with you two. You're here because I like you. However most importantly because I see much potential in you too. More than I saw in the other top rankers. You're here to help me bring back the glory of the Dawnless Master Clan. Not to be worrying about your ranking. Besides if anyone should be ashamed of their ranking it's Alex. Now let's go."

Continuing on his way they all continued blazing through the jungle.

However, Alex was left in confusion

"Why me, I'm second?"

Luke replied

"Exactly you are second and you know what they say about second. They're the biggest losers."

Listening to Lukas joke the girls started laughing and Alex was left with a stunned look on his face until he finally started laughing too.

"Just you wait Luka I'm gonna be first one day and then you'll be the biggest loser."

After Alice finally stopped laughing she said

"The sun is about to set soon. This 18 hour day is really short."

Luka spoke

"That is true we should find somewhere to rest before the sun sets."

Lily behind Luka spoke

"I'll check the map and see if the drone picked up anything"

Lily tapped her wristwatch when a stable holographic screen appeared in front of her. Tapping on the holographic screen for a few seconds she told the group.

"There seems to be a cave in a large hill 3000 meters northwest. There doesn't seem to be any residual aura. So I don't think it's a beast lair."

Without speaking Luka switched directions and the rest followed.